Blog Posts
MacBook Pro Stand 3d printed to hold the device vertically between two monitors
3D Printing

MacBook Pro Stand

Scratching an itch (but not the MacBook Pro) I love my MacBook Pro, and with the M2 Max chip using multiple monitors is a godsend. The problem is that with two huge monitors on my desk, having space for the laptop is a challenge. Luckily I have a couple Bambu Labs X1C 3D printers, some CAD (computer aided design) software and a bit of time to mock up a stand.  I drafted up a quick stand, bulky enough to hold the laptop securely and clearances tight enough to firmly hold the device – yet loose enough to not scratch the MacBook’s metal shell. After a few iterations in my CAD software, I got things where I pretty much wanted them and added logos and embossed

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Drone video screen capture of Steel Stacks, Bethlehem, PA
Drone

Drone Video: More from the Sky

Get that drone out and FLY! Its been so long since I flew my drones I need to relearn all the muscle memory at the controls, and here’s a quick video at Steel Stacks

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DJI Mavic 3 Pro in flight
Drone

Mavic 3 Pro Unboxing

I recently ordered and received a new DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone replacing my ancient Phantom 3 Pro. Follow me as I unbox it and prepare for its first flight.

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photo of white eggs on tray
Random

Breaking a few Eggs

Hopefully will have an omelet and not a mess. I am reworking the entire site over the next few days – please be patient and Contact Me if there are any major issues … Update 14-August-2023: So … The update completely corrupted my gallery sections. While that may seem like an “ungood” outcome, in the end it was for the best. Moving to Elementor Pro, it has a fine gallery component built into the solution. I’ve removed all Envira plugins and am rebuilding the galleries in the native tools. I may end up also rearranging everything but don’t worry – links wont break! I’ll be using a TON of 301 Redirects, but it will be fine in the long run.

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A lithophane print of the Moon globe lit from inside
3D Printing

Lithophane of the Moon

I’ve had the Bambu Lab X1C for about a week now. Since even before I purchased it, one of the things I really wanted to print was this Lithophane of the Moon by Frank Deschner over on Printables.Com. It is a damn huge print, taking up most of the print area of the device. Maybe its huge but hell, it was worth it! I’ve posted previously about my astrophotography and photos of the Moon, and this is a continuation of the theme. In case you don’t know, from Wikipedia: a lithophane is a thin plaque of translucent material, normally porcelain, which has been moulded to varying thickness, such that when lit from behind the different thicknesses show as different shades, forming an image. Only when lit from behind

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BambuLab 3D Printer internal image
3D Printing

BambuLab X1C – First Video

Last week I purchased a BambuLab X1C 3D Printer, something I have been wanting to do for a long time. A good friend of mine has been 3D printing for years, and strongly recommended the BambuLab X1 Carbon, so it was an easy decision. I got the “combo package” which included the AMS unit (holds up to four different spools of filament materials). I really should have done an entire unboxing video, but I was so excited when it was delivered, I totally forgot 🤦🏼‍♂️. First of all, this printer is fast. I’ve printed a few tools, including a filament spool, and the speed really amazed me. I thought I was going to trade off quality for speed, but with the stock 0.4mm hot end,

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Mossy figure
Photography

New Zealand: Through the Lens

Through the Lens: “Through the Lens” is a series of posts I am writing about my favorite locations around the world to visit and photograph. Intermixing location information with my photos and links for more information on the locations for a travel photographer. New Zealand, a land of unparalleled natural beauty, is a dream destination for photographers and travelers alike. Its diverse landscapes, from breathtaking mountains to serene beaches, offer endless photo opportunities. You’ll find that New Zealand’s friendly locals and safe environment make for a seamless and enjoyable journey. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore some of the most photogenic locations in New Zealand, including Auckland, Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, Glenorchy, and Christchurch. For additional ideas, don’t forget to check out my New Zealand gallery. Now that

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