I updated the hardware base for my buzzer module. Using a dedicated PCB, the board now has a USB-C connector for charging, a status-LED and a push-button for switching the module on and off. The processor module supports Bluetooth BLE as well as WIFI. This allowed me to add configuration through a browser.
The module is significantly smaller than the predecessor. Therefore, it is more flexible in its appplication. It is ideal for integration in DIY buzzer projects. there are nearly no limits to phantasy when creating fancy buzzers.
The Austrian Alpine Societies call to action! A petition was set up to raise signatures for an increase of government money spent on alpine infrastructure, like mountain huts and trails. It takes an amazing amount of money to maintain huts and trails high up in the mountains.
If you like mountain hiking or mounteneering, it’s time to act now! Sign the petition at:
During several years of maintaining alpine paths and trails up to an altitude of 3000m, I learned how much effort it takes to keep alpine infrastructure in a safe and working condition.
When i used the Galileo Sol first time for test diving, I was simply faszinated. New algorithms, the huge display and the possibillity to get firmware updates you could upload yourself. What more could you want? Since tehn, I used the Galileo during all my dives. First as a test object, later as a reference while testing other dive computers. In July 2021 I finally sent my Galileo back to Uwatec.
Friends of mine still use their Galileo for daily diving. Nowadays, it tends to get tricky to buy new CR12600SE batteries. If you get one it may be already close to expiration or already drain capacity quite fast. That’s a pitty, since the Galileo still is a sturdy and reliable working horse. For those, who already have troubles reading small numbers on wrist-watch computers, the large display is a real treat.
I got a hint, that the CR12600SE lithium cell with 3V nominal voltage may be replaced by two alcaline LR1 cells with 1.5V nominal voltage each. The two cells have together the same diameter and length and also voltage as the original battery.
Ich habe nun einen Tipp bekommen und prompt umgesetzt. Anstatt der einen Lithium-Batterie mit 3V Nennspannung habe ich zwei Alkaline-Batterien vom Typ LR1 mit einer Nennspannung von 1,5V in Serie eingesetzt. Die Kombination hat mechanisch die gleichen Abmessungen und elektrisch vergleichbare Werte.
First dive with a Galileo Sol in 2007
Good News: I was able to turn on the Galileo after inserting two LR1 cells. The battery gauge showed full battery. I also did a dive at 18°C in fresh water. In total, the Galileo seems to work with the replacement cells.
Warning: I don’t know, how long the batteries will last. I don’t know if the end of live will be detected reliably and timely to prevent a failure during a dive. I don’t know how the LR1 alcaline batteries will behave in cold water. Uwatec can’t recommend the use of LR1 batteries without long and expensive tests (so this won’t happen). I will present my experience here but I can’t recommend the replacement batteries either. I just canreport what I experienced in specific cases. If you try this too, you do it at your own risk. Please keep in mind, that I dive at least one computer that contains certified serial production hardware and software. Most of the time, I am diving 6 or more computers in parallel, so I won’t get into much troubles if one of them fails.
There are still things to research and find out. Even if it’s just to do a retro-dive anno 2007.
I recently received a request to build a BLX-1 battery dummy. After designing and building a prototype, I successfully tested the prototype on an OM-1 at Fotozentrum in Krems (Austria).
As a result of theis test, I am now building BLX-1 battery adapters on request.
I don’t know of a source for spare part OM-1 battery compartment lids. Therefore I can’t provide modified battery compatment lids yet. The dummy is secured by the red notch that also keeps the battery from falling out of the camera. The dummy will stay in place, even when the lid is open or removed.
I am right now working on a new project. I turn an old mechanical dial phone into an accoustic guest book.
Users may lift the receiver, dial a number and thus trigger an anouncement. They are invited to leave a message after the tone.
The telephone is designed for autonomous operation. Connected to a computer, it can set to act as a USB drive. Messages aer recorded as OGG audio files to save storage space.
I built a first prototype inside a white model 1962 phone. The phone is already working with basic functionality. It contains a set of configurable functions. I will test, optimise and extend functionality during the next few weeks.
I will publish project details on a dedicated page in the near future.
I am presenting the results of a recent photo project in an exhibition named “simply dying”. It consists of 12 pictures showing synonyms for dying or death. Since these synonyms are rather culture specific, they can’t be transpalted properly. They are phrases like “kicking the bucket”, “meeting your maker “and similar (maybe I will add an english version in the future).
The new version has an improved support for larger rings. It also improves the installerby optimizing automated detection of controllers. Firmware 2.06 or later is required for the Ring Controller Micro to use improved functionality.
Detection of controllers in the LED Ring Configurator is also improved.
The new setup image is available in the LED Ring Service download area.
Reinhard Wagner is currently busy preparing his next book about the OM-5. During his research, he found out, that the angle-finder adapter suitable for the OM-D E-M5ii also fits the OM-5. Therefore, all angle finders supported by my adaptors may be also used with the OM-5.
This also applies to the eye-piece adaptors I offer.
Thanks to Reinhard for providing me a picture of the OM-5 with mounted VA-1 angle finder.
In 2016, I had an idea for a concept to this series of pictures. The theme itself goes through my head for much longer. I had a few pictures in my mind but didn’t find a connecting line between them until then. Clinging to this idea, I started sketching pictures and collecting further ideas. The sketches were fine-tuned until I was satisfied with the concept.
Death is a widely neglected and avoided topic. The pictures show (German) words and phrases, used to avoid the simple word Death. Some of the pictures are pretty straight forward addressing the topic, others do it more subtle, but all of them with a smile. They are mostly following a memento mori motif. All pictures are in black and white, have a square aspect ratio andare created out of camera, without any post-processing on the computer.
The picture above was taken in a break between two of the planned pictures.
All 13 pictures were taken between November 13th to 14th 2022 at Reinhard Wagner’s Studio at Rocksdorf. With the help of a great team I was able to take the pictures at a record breaking speed. Thanks to my models Moni and Rowdy, Sebastian and Reinhard for their support and especially Reinhard for the infrastructure. It’s great fun to work in a team like this!
The concept includes presentations as a calendar and in exhibitions.
