Friday, December 13, 2013
1&1.com Fail
A domain of mine expired on 11/30/2013. Okay, my bad.
HOLY COW! Within 5 business days, it was cancelled and sent to auction, my 1&1.com account was deleted, and the issue was sent to their collections agency - all without a single attempt to notify me via phone, e-mail, or letter. Called and paid the collections agency plus an extra $12 fee. Collections agency said they would notify 1&1 immediately. Days later, no status update from 1&1. Called billing department, the person who answered had no idea what was going on and said I just have to keep waiting. My site has been down for 13 days now and I have no estimate as to when this is going to get fixed. The first thing I will do if I ever get my domain back is transfer it to Godaddy. Thanks 1&1!
And I used to complain because Godaddy sends out a half-dozen e-mails reminding me about products that are expiring.
Saturday, November 02, 2013
Perl script for comparing files: List missing lines, regardless of order
The other day, I was comparing two different sitemap files of the same site. One had more links than the other, and I was trying to get a list of what was missing from the shorter one. However, since they were from different sitemap generators, the order of the links were completely different in each file.
Surprisingly, this turned out to be a much bigger challenge than I thought. I figured I could use some variation of a grep command line, or diff, but I wasn't able to find a simple combination of command line options for either that would do what I was looking for. It seems like everything I found was more geared toward comparing files that were in the same order. Diff simply dumped a large list of all the lines in file2; since the order was different than file1, every line was considered a mismatch.
Knowing this was a fairly trivial operation to do in Perl, I decide to write a quick script to do it. I'm sharing it here in case it can benefit anyone else:
#!/usr/bin/perl # The purpose of this script is to print the lines in file2 that are not present in file1, regardless of order. unless ($#ARGV>=1) {die "Usage: different-lines.pl [file1.txt] [file2.txt]";} open (FILE1,$ARGV[0]) || die "Unable to open $ARGV[0]: $!\n"; open (FILE2,$ARGV[1]) || die "Unable to open $ARGV[1]: $!\n"; # Store the contents of file1 in array while (<FILE1>) {push (@lines_one,$_);} close FILE1; # Iterate through each line of file2, checking for presence in file1, and setting a flag if it's found. while (<FILE2>) { $flag=0; foreach $line (@lines_one) { $line=~s/\s+$//g; s/\s+$//g; if ($line =~ /$_/) {$flag=1; last;} } unless ($flag) {push (@missing_from_1, $_);} } close FILE2; # Dump the results (missing lines) foreach $line (@missing_from_1) { print $line."\n"; }
Sunday, October 27, 2013
200K Rehab: Steering Wheel Cover
The process of stitching on was arduous and, IMO not for the faint-of-heart. Since I have a little guy, I found myself doing a little during each free chunk of time I had available - about 45 minutes at a time. I probably spent a total of 2 hours doing, which included pulling about 1/4 of it and redoing it, since I wasn't happy with my work.
Finally when I was done, I ended up using a hot glue gun to touch up the area around the spokes, as the skin bent up to form pockets around them and wasn't laying down around them sufficiently for my liking.
The finished product looks good, and most importantly, feels great. Since I drive a lot, my hands spend a lot of time on that steering wheel, so having a nice cover on there makes a big difference. An item on my rehab list checked off!
Saturday, October 26, 2013
200K mile rehab saga: Good news from Volkswagen of America
Just a quick update, after about 6 months of waiting (and some back and forth), I
finally heard back from VW body shop- my fenders have been approved for replacement under the corrosion warranty! I am so psyched :) They will follow up next week to make an appointment, etc. I had pretty much lost hope!
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
People of the world beware: An assault on our privacy is coming, of unimaginable proportions.
- A GPS track of everywhere you have been in the last year, from your phone or your car
- A list of the radio stations or music you listen to every day
- Pictures/video of you taken as you sit in front of your computer
The big question is this:
What stands in the way of someone you don't know getting access to these things?
In today's world, 9-times-out-of-10, even in the best case scenario, it's a single password. Yes, a single password is all it takes for someone who wanted to completely ruin your life. Even if you are conscientious and maintain a separate password for each website (which most people don't), most systems utilize your e-mail address to reset your password, making the point of vulnerability for almost of your data a single password - the one on your e-mail account.
Ask yourself another question: What is my attitude toward passwords? How about my family's? And my friends'? I'm willing to guess that the answer for at least one of these contingents is something along the lines of this:
"Passwords are a pain in the neck, I invest the minimum amount of effort I can get away with."Unfortunately, it gets worse.
As your data footprint gets wider, the chances that someone will make a human error that exposes your data rises. That means your data could be compromised even if you are diligent about security.
So if we look at all this in perspective over time, we have the following factors:
- More sensitive data being created,
- More of that sensitive data being put on online,
- With basically the same type of security we have had to protect our data since the invention of e-mail - at best, a single password, and
- At worst, diminishing security, as any of the increasing number of online services housing our data are vulnerable to compromise.
- As people are becoming increasingly aware, government agencies like the NSA are becoming more powerful (by necessity?), and can requisition your data from those services whenever they want
So as crazy new gadgets that find new and novel ways to computerize your life emerge, think carefully about what you choose to adopt. Consider the gains against the risks to your privacy. If you do decide to adopt something, think about what you can do to prevent your data from falling into the wrong hands, and take the opportunity to do it.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Turbo Boost Zero: Conclusion
So in the end, a 50 cent retaining clip was all that was needed, but because of what it took to get to it, along with other issues I noticed while I was in there, I probably spent close 8 hours working on it. However, it's worth mentioning that I also got around to doing some important things on my list. Most importantly, I finally replaced the glow plugs and harness, which (probably the harness) has/have been throwing an engine code for literally years now. Unless I've forgotten, I'm pretty sure the glow plugs were the original ones the car came with. After I changed them, I cleared the MIL code, and the light has stayed off for weeks now. Easily the first time in 3-4 years.
Hopefully the car will have an easier time starting this winter. Can't wait to find out...
Okay, I take that back.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Turbo Boost: Zero pt. 3
The assembly seems to move quite easily and there is no rust or dirt, so I think there is no point in going any further. I tested the actuator with a vacuum pump and it seemed to be fine. I did notice some loss but I'm hoping that doesn't matter. I tried to make a better seal around the actuator vacuum port by using a larger piece of rubber hose and a hose clamp.
I am almost done putting the car back together, but I did notice that I seem to have lost two bolts out of the intake manifold. I called the dealership and, of course, they don't stock intake manifold bolts (which is pretty much confirmation of my suspicions that they don't stock anything for outside customers). So I ordered the bolts and they should be here Saturday.
About 1-2 hours of work and it should be back on the road.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Turbo Boost Zero: pt. 2
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The turbo actuator with the hose off |
Turbo Boost Zero
Wanted to give a play by play of this one. Yesterday I was driving up the big hill in Randolph in my 2002 VW Golf TDI, and my turbo boost went out. I tried stopping/restarting the car (which has worked in the few times in the past) but... nothing at all. So whatever is is pretty shot. As far as I can tell, the car has absolutely no turbo boost at all (I can hear no whistling and feel very little power). The car is technically drive-able but has a hard time keeping up with traffic. Reminds me of my old '81 diesel rabbit (NA).
I pulled the codes when I got home, and (among the massive list of other known issues) I saw a new one:
17964 - Charge Pressure Control
P1556 - 35-00 - Negative Deviation
- Boost leak (unlikely, since I probably would have heard it)
- Problem with the VNT actuator (misadjusted or stuck)
- Vacuum leak (due to a worn out hose)
- Bad N75 solenoid (this is the interface between the computer and the vacuum)
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Baby Motion Pager
Sunday, July 07, 2013
Big ride to the causeway
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Review of the Gallien Krueger MB212
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Suggestion: Just turn off your Facebook privacy settings
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Windows 7 & 8 Install New Updates: anytime it wants to?!
My question is, how is this acceptable? This is the default behavior of Windows. I have not modified it in anyway, I simply chose "install Windows updates automatically for me (recommended)" during the initial setup of Windows. Last I knew, that should not sign me up to have my computer randomly shut down while I am using it for something, possibly in the middle of typing a very LONG post on a forum or website.
And what of the only configurable setting I have access to (without making registry tweaks) in control panel, the one that says "Install New Updates: Every Day at: 3:00 AM". Should this actually read "Install New Updates: anytime Windows wants to?" My only other option is to disable automatic updates, and I highly doubt Microsoft wants to encourage that.
So essentially the Windows user world is supposed to put up with the possibility that their machine could shut down at any time while they're using it? How is that acceptable?!
Thursday, June 06, 2013
New regulator for alternator, e-bike riding after battery drama
I have been working on the appearance update for the car. I received my new front grill, which I painted:
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New Kamei front grill which I painted silver, before clear coat |
It looks great, I think it will be a nice improvement for the car. I also got my new headlights, they are projector style with halo DRLs. I haven't looked at them a lot, but I think they will look nice. Lingering concerns involve difficult (running of all the extra) wiring, and more difficult bulb change access.
Still waiting to hear back if my fenders are covered by VW, so I haven't been rushing head-long into disassembling the front end. However, we are supposed to get a lot of rain over the next week or two, so I may pull the car in for an indoor project.
I've been riding my e-bike again! After all the battery manager drama, I was anxious to get some numbers so I could find out how much damage the battery took. Throughout several trips over the last week. I started a log book so I can keep track of battery performance. So far I've had one trip where the battery was looking pretty strong - sitting at 52.5v after a good 20 mile trip that used ~10 AH:
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Looking good after a 20 mile round trip. |
Been making a few trips out to the beach to drop off these critters:
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This little dude just qualified for a free e-bike ride! |
Monday, May 20, 2013
What broke today
Yesterday I cleaned up the car a lot. Finally got a chance to go to the car wash, and I pressure washed the engine bay. I know, I know, always a little risky for electrical problems, but I've done it before and never had any problems.
Anyway, we get in the car to go home from a friend's house. I start the car, glance down and notice the alternator light is on. I hook up my radar detector (a Beltronics Vector V995, an awesome machine with a bonus voltage readout, totally brilliant!), and sure enough, it's about 12.1v. No alternator output. Since child is now screaming, I shut off the headlights (still a little before dusk, so okay) and make for home. On the way, the alternator output flicked on and was okay for the ride home. This morning it seems to be down for the count. I wiggled all the wires, and it doesn't seem to be a loose connection, so it must be the alternator. It's a Bosch alternator with a separate regulator, with most of the wear items built into this replaceable part. I found one on eBay for $22. Next project will be to get the alternator out, change the regulator, and reinstall.
Some good news. Yesterday I also visited the dealership and showed them my rusted fenders in the hopes that it might be covered under the 12 year, unlimited mileage, corrosion protection warranty. There was a TSB release specifically addressing the rust areas I have. The guy at the body shop took some photos and said it was "up to Volkswagen", but he thought it should be covered. I'll find out in 2-4 weeks. If I can get those fenders replaced, it will be a major step in the 200k rehab program crossed off the list.
Kind of looking forward to posting something other than car repair, but that's what I'm dealing with right now.
Drive fast and stay close to the break down lane.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
The Golf's 200K Rehab
So starting today, here's the partial list of rehab items as they came spewing forth. I will be adding to this list as I think of things.
- Headlight lenses
- Kamei mesh front grill
- Rear spoiler
- Rust repair - Fenders, hood, trunk, above windshield
- Clean out glove box (remove tapes)
- Fix rear defroster
- Tint windows
- Steering wheel
- Design custom console around shifter/e-brake handle to house:
- Triple 12V outlets & Remote for radar detector
- OBD port
- Inverter
- Bluetooth receiver
- Aux jack
- Phone?
- Permanent install/wire routing:
- Driver side blown speaker
- Driver side door switch
- Trunk courtesy light
- Install 12V cooler and 120v inverter
- Pressure wash engine bay
- Fix veg fuel line
- Replace veg filter
- Skid plate/Belly pan repair
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Obligatory 200k shot
Saturday, May 04, 2013
On the road again
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The Veggie Golf rides again! |
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Baby auto rocker
I thought it would be great for him to be able to rock automatically, but all of the rocking devices I have seen are swings that require the baby to be upright, which is not ideal for putting him to sleep. I decided to make a basic rocking machine out of parts I had lying around.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Another day, another transmission job
Thursday, March 28, 2013
48V LiFePO4 Battery Repair, AKA: Something goes right for once this month
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
48v Bike battery pack investigations
Sunday, March 24, 2013
The Probe awakens early from its winter nap
Friday, March 15, 2013
Windows 8 audio clicks and glitches narrowed down to Malwarebytes
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Seal replaced, back on the road!
Last night things moved ahead considerably. I was very happy to see that the replacement seal arrived priority mail (from idparts.com - they've never done me wrong) on Monday, after I ordered it on Friday night. I also went out and found a seal puller (similar to the one pictured) at Sears, of all places. None of the regular auto parts stores carry this thing for some reason.
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The elusive seal puller I finally obtained. |
Friday, March 08, 2013
Gears replaced, leak found!
Thursday, March 07, 2013
Stop using Dropbox to send a file
Friday, March 01, 2013
Torn up gears, and a dead end for now
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Leaky Transmission
Bye Bye, 5th Gear
It had to have been within 10 minutes of my staring at the odometer, marveling at the nearly 199,000 miles I had wracked up on my VW Golf and thinking how trouble-free the car had lately been, when my cruise control disengaged, and the car started to do the all-too-familiar "death coast". Without thinking or trying anything else, I immediately turned on my four-way flashers and started moving into the breakdown lane -scoping the distance to the next rest area.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Monday, January 14, 2013
Sunny but windy test ride
Accidentally reset my power stats when I was changing the watt meter over, but enough said/noticed to satisfy me on this. Round trip was about 8.5 miles.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Crock Pot modification
To complicate matters, I also invested in a simple outlet timer that would shut off power to the cooker in case no one was home to do so. The timer I got also lacks any sort of on/off indicator, so it's even more difficult to tell whether the crock pot is functioning or not.
A number of possible solutions came to mind, but I finally decided that the slow cooker/crock pot should really just have a power light.
Muddy ride to co-op
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Photo by: Steve over at ADV Garage |
Amp Hours Used: 8.431 AH
So tomorrow I'll take it for another run and see if I can figure out why my performance is being hit.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
January ride on the Spear Street loop
