pharos Drive 200

 So, this summer's trip to Oregon has given me the first real chance to rasses the performance of the GPS software and hardware. 

GPS lock
as a whole, the GPS lock was mediocre but generally adequate.  When going through tunnels, it lost GPS lock but regained it after 5 seconds after leaving the tunnel if it had a good lock going in.  On the other hand, from a cold start, it took up to a few minutes to gain a lock and it seems it needs at least 9 sats. to gain a lock.  Even worse, the GPS looses lock in open skys and needs to be cycled before being able to determine location again.  This always seems to happen when you need the GPS most, right before exits or turns.  Sometimes it has trouble with the lock and places the unit 50 to 100 feet from where it actually is.  This is not too bad on highways when there are no other streets for it to "best-fit" to, but in a city, it renders the GPS useless and a liability.  Apart from that, it holds a lock through forests, cities, under bridges, etc.  It only looses lock due to obstructions if it is inside a house or a tunnel.

Mapping software
It lacks some POIs and sometimes crashes, but once you figure out to always use "by city" first, it works pretty well.  It handles recalculations pretty well and is fast enough for city driving if it has a good lock.  

Bugs/Problems
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Custom Computer Case Worklog

http://abowman.com/google-modules/fish/

http://abowman.com/google-modules/fish/

Samsung SyncMaster 204B Fail

So, I found this awesome blog that shows you how to fix the fubar'd caps on the power inverter board.  I have two of these monitors, so a way to fix them is greatly appreciated. (1 is already dead)  I ordered the parts form Mouser Electronics and they should be getting here sometime next week.  I'll post on how it goes.

Laser cutters?

So, I've decided to experiment and make a laser cutter out of an old $25 laser printer and a $35 150mw 405?nm laser diode.   I'm guessing it won't actually work as well as I want, but it's a fun experiment.  More posts later, and possibly an instructable...

Manga Fox

So, I just saw this add on Sinfest for mangafox's "free online Manga reader"  Can someone explain to me how they can put up adds?  I mean I understand they just have to pay a fee, but seriously, no one believes that they are a legitimate entity do they?  Is it alright for a blatantly illegal/copyright circumventing website like m-fox to advertise like that?

SilverStone FP34 Front Panel Reader

Silverstone FP34
The FP34 looked like a great deal, various USB, ieee 1394, CF/SD/MS/SM readers and ports.  It lookslooks great in my Centurion 5, and the powdered black metal finish gives it a svelte feel.  Out of the box, it was promising.  It fit into my case with a little struggle, but that's okay.  The connectors were easy to plug in and were labeled clearly.

However, this is one of the more disappointing computer products I have ever purchased.  First off, it lacks any type of read/write indicator; that means you're left guessing if this thing is performing I/O operations.  It isn't too bad with USB and ieee 1394 drives, but with flash cards, that is a glaring omission.  I'm guessing that it was an aesthetic choice to minimize any distracting flashing LEDs, but seriously, it is a serious problem.  Next, the ports themselves leave me scratching my head.  You get 2 standard-female USB ports, 1 6-pin ieee 1394, and audio in/out ('phones and mic); now here is where it gets weird.  You also get 1 mini-female USB port, and 1 4-pin ieee 1394 port.  The latter I can understand, but the mini-USB?  I really cannot think of any devices that would terminate computer side in a mini-USB port.  Even bay-LCD panels terminate in full USB.  And finally, you get the clincher in this horrible design; the Intel HD Audio connector isn't up to the HD Audio spec.  I said before that everything was labeled clearly, but that means jack and shit when things are labeled wrong.  That mean unless you're willing to physically rewire your connector, you're gonna have audio problems.  For me, my rear audio ports don't work regardless of driver reinstalls and the like.  Apparently the AC'97 connector is fine, but the fact that they cannot even get the pin-puts correct is worrisome.
It seems easy enough to make the switch, but it's an unnecessary step and a problem only because of a poor design.  Minor annoyances include the fact that it eats up every single USB and ieee1394 headder on my MoBo.  I know the H3N-HT is gimped by the ASUS Express Gate USB add-on, but still, is it necessary to eat up every single header?  Also, the sheer number of cables commin' out of this thing makes cable routing them a nightmare.

Although Silverstone designs are highly praised, I personally would hesitate before buying another Silverstone product.