Category Archives: Hobbies

Nokia Lumia 920 Proximity Sensor Problem

Like some other early 920 adopters, I have hit the proximity sensor problem. I’m referring to the issue where proximity sensor area takes dust and the phone refuses to bring the screen on while in a call, preventing to touch … Continue reading

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Portable and adjustable Lego kickstand for Nokia Lumia and other smartphones

  There are many uses for smartphones and some would benefit from a kickstand. The two scenarios that I’m targeting with this are: Dinner table toddler entertainment In-flight video/podcast viewing I have been wanting to do this every time I … Continue reading

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Lego Dock for Samsung Focus

Couple of you asked about the dock I had made back in late 2010 for Samsung Focus Windows Phone. I dug up some old pictures and putting it out here. This was my first phone dock creation, and was the … Continue reading

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Lego dock for Nokia Lumia 900

April 13, 2012 Update: Thanks to Ron Buckton, parts list is now available in Lego Digital Designer LXF format here. Note that Ron made it all-black but I randomized colors of bricks in the LXF for you as all-black rendition … Continue reading

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Energy Efficient Living — Excellent source of information

I came across http://www.yourhome.gov.au web site. Excellent source of info on various ways to save energy. Even though it’s authored for AU region, practices and tips apply globally. Highly recommended.    

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Hacking the Linksys router

After frustration with Linksys WRT54GS’s built-in ROM, I decided to try http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Main_Page. As soon as I can risk a few hours of Internet service outage for the whole house, I’ll update the firmware.

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Solar Panels arrived and installed :)

After careful review of various proposals, we decided to work with mcsolar.com. They offered the lowest price and quickest installation. Here’s the timeline of events. Day 1: Signed the contract Day 3: MCSolar got the permit from Sunnyvale, CA Day … Continue reading

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Photovoltaic system installation

I’ve been planning for the addition of a photovoltaic array to our house and been doing some research on this. I got couple of quotes; plus minus few percent, following is what some of the local companies near 94086 proposed: … Continue reading

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Plenoptic Camera

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0511/05112206refocuscamera.asp   At minimum, check out the refocusable photo gallery link.

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Carputer

I’ve been thinking about installing a computer in the car and finally took on the challenge. Project is some 70% complete. Planned to have following features:   – Sync media library at home to car when in garage over Wi-Fi (done) … Continue reading

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