/ Recent content on medwa.io Hugo -- gohugo.io en-us Sun, 18 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000 /post/against-data-hoarding/ Sun, 18 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000 /post/against-data-hoarding/ Last year I was planning on building a multi-drive NAS with nearly twenty terabytes. I had recently started using my GoPro more and had the idea that I should back up all of my footage. Well, seeing as my current NAS is only two-thirds of the way to a terabyte, I’m glad I didn’t go overboard on a storage server which would still not be utilized more than the one I planned on replacing it with. /post/a-single-monitor-setup/ Mon, 22 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000 /post/a-single-monitor-setup/ For as long as I have been using computers, I have almost always relied upon just a single display. Earlier this month I placed my “secondary” monitor (LG DualUp) to the right of my primary (LG Ultrafine 4K 32"), but yesterday I took it down as almost no productivity was gained by adding it. I figured I’d take the opportunity to share my rationale behind only using one screen while the topic is still fresh in my mind. /notes/.ds_store-auto-removal/ Sat, 30 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000 /notes/.ds_store-auto-removal/ Frustratingly, macOS creates .DS_Store files in directories accessed by Finder, plaguing my home NAS. The easiest solution I found was to create a cron job which auto-removes these cache files. crontab -e and append the following: 59 23 * * * find . -type f -name '._*' -delete 59 23 * * * find . -type f -name '.DS_Store' -delete /gear/ Sun, 26 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000 /gear/ Preface: I have chosen gear which works best for me - if it’s on the list, I probably recommend it - but none of this stuff really matters. Use what’s best for you, or work with what’s available. This is just my page to catalog and nerd out about my gear. Computers ThinkPad X1 Nano Gen 1 CPU: i5-1140G7 Memory: 16GB Storage: 512GB OS: Arch Linux DE: KDE Mac Studio /goals/ Sun, 26 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000 /goals/ In-progress Properly learn Davinci Resolve - (12/31) Completed 2023 Assemble and configure my home server - (12/01) pfSense pihole Samba share Successfully create and run CAT6 cables - (12/01) /notes/thinkpad-x1-nano-gen-1/ Sun, 10 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000 /notes/thinkpad-x1-nano-gen-1/ System notes Storage Supports NVMe M.2 (2242) - using stock one Linux configuration Arch Linux, KDE Power management (not necessary as of at least 6.5.2) /etc/systemd/system/wakeup.service ~~~ [Unit] Description=Fixes WAN modem wake-up bug [Service] ExecStart=/bin/bash -c "echo 'RP01 S4 *disabled pci:0000:00:1c.0' >> /proc/acpi/wakeup" [Install] WantedBy=multi-user.target Audio (have not implemented) /etc/systemd/system/hdaverb.service ~~~ [Unit] Description=Thinkpad X1 Nano: Fix crackly audio with headphones After=sys-devices-pci0000:00-0000:00:1f.3-skl_hda_dsp_generic-sound-card0-controlC0.device Requires=sys-devices-pci0000:00-0000:00:1f.3-skl_hda_dsp_generic-sound-card0-controlC0.device [Service] Type=oneshot ExecStart=/usr/bin/hda-verb /dev/snd/hwC0D0 0x1d SET_PIN_WIDGET_CONTROL 0x0 [Install] WantedBy=multi-user. /notes/nas-notes/ Wed, 16 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0000 /notes/nas-notes/ The time has come. My offline SSD storage method is no longer sufficient. Parameters Criteria NAS for multi-device data sync (access via macOS and Linux) File share, file backup Media Pictures Documents Unsure about how to deliver these best Samba share -> file browser? Frontends, like PhotoPrism, VLC/Peertube? Constraints Size - must be small enough to pick up and go with in emergency Noise - I’m extremely sensitive to fan/hard drive noise; quiet as possible, but also stowed away Cost - ~$550 starting budget, but we’ll see. /post/screen-time-pt-i/ Wed, 16 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0000 /post/screen-time-pt-i/ My screen time has drastically increased this year. Ten months ago, the thought of retrieving my glasses from their storage bin and wearing them at the computer was asinine. I would have scoffed at the idea of scaling a display or sitting closer to a screen, yet these are my best options when computing without glasses. It started with the headaches. A promotion at work saw me staring at a monitor for the entire workday, a 3x increase in screen time from my previous responsibilities. /notes/asus-e210/ Sun, 30 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000 /notes/asus-e210/ System notes Storage Supports NVMe M.2 (2280) drive - installed Hynix P31 Gold 500GB eMMC is not removable, but dear God is it slow. SSD recommended/required IO Annoying barrel jack charger; need to find a Type-C converter ~30W charger cablecc USB-C to DC 4.0x1.3mm (18-20V) - it works, but the connector is bit too large. Type-C connector is for device only; no charging/display out Misc Trackpad buttons Numpad function doesn’t work in Linux (by default; I haven’t tried) “0” - left click “Enter” - middle click “=” - right click Working/fixed system clock - install and configure ntpd sound drivers - install alsa-firmware, sof-firmware, alsa-ucm-conf Still intermittent at times battery drain (was severe, even at power-off) BIOS update Disable fastboot To-do PrintScreen button not working /notes/lan-party-game-hosting/ Thu, 06 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000 /notes/lan-party-game-hosting/ Counter-Strike: Source System Info: OS: Arch Linux Proton version: N/A Configuration Open the following ports: 27015 (TCP/UDP) 27020 (UDP) 27005 (UDP) 26900 (UDP) iptables -A INPUT -p <tcp/udp> --dport <port> -j ACCEPT Starting the server On the host: “Create Server” Host joins spectators Console: sv_lan 1 Joining the server On the client: Open console connect <ip> Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009) System Info: OS: Arch Linux Proton version: Latest (8. /post/sms-based-2fa/ Mon, 29 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000 /post/sms-based-2fa/ I’ll put it bluntly - I do not want to use my phone to authenticate logins. I take a minimalist approach to smartphones, using mine only for communication with others. I do not watch videos or browse the web, and I certainly do not access accounts (outside of email) on my device. However, as more services offer or require two-factor, my phone has been turned into an authentication device. Authentication methods There are four common two-factor methods - phone (via call or text), email, authenticator app (TOTP), and physical key (U2F). /notes/usb-toolkit/ Wed, 17 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000 /notes/usb-toolkit/ This, like many notes, is a work in progress. This is incomplete, there may be overlapping, etc. Just jotting down ideas. Multiboot with ventoy ISOs to load will categorize/link later Gparted Clonezilla Memtest Ubuntu live ISO Hirens bootCD Tails ISO Qubes OS Kali Linux ISO iPXE Netboot Installers to load (if relevant) Windows 10 Windows 11 Latest macOS (maybe?) Arch Linux Flash drives Target storage size: 64GB Drive types Stick SanDisk Ultra Flair - $9 Kingston DataTraveler Kyson - $7 Lexar E31 - $8 Lexar E21 - $6 Lexar V40 - $6 Lexar V400 - $7 Slide SanDisk Ultra - $8 SanDisk Cruzer - $7 PNY Turbo Attache 3 - $5 PNY Turbo Attache 4 - $8 Lexar JumpDrive S80 - $11 Lexar JumpDrive S60 - $11 Cap Kingston DataTraveler Exodia - $6 Compact SanDisk Ultra Fit - $8 Kingston DataTraveler Micro - $10 Lexar JumpDrive S47 - $15 Storage/backup SSDs/NVMe enclosures Enclosures Sabrent M. /projects/keyboards/con-corne/ Mon, 15 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000 /projects/keyboards/con-corne/ Revision 2 (Early 2023) Built a second one to keep at work (instead of using Corne LP split). Revision 2 changes consist of: Full plate to cover microcontrollers Inverted microcontrollers on Corne Classic PCB The microcontrollers are soldered upside-down (chip-side up) to the “bottom” holes in order to fit the full plate design. Revised top layer which blocks the bottom screw Reset buttons facing the bottom of the board Revised bottom layer with holes to access button Not pictured is the foam wrist rests (x2) which I cut from hand. /post/ergoboards-retrospective/ Mon, 10 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0000 /post/ergoboards-retrospective/ It has been over half a year since I assembled and delivered my last ergonomic keyboard for ergoboards, my ergonomic keyboard store on Etsy. I have recently sold the remainder of my supply as well as my soldering equipment, and I feel this post will offer a last bit of closure for my store. Time There are a few reasons why I closed my store, but time was the primary factor. /notes/gopro-settings/ Sat, 25 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000 /notes/gopro-settings/ Helmet/hat cam POV Capture general view Capture others Not great for capturing first-person action sports (ski/cycling) Lenses 16:9, 5.3K, 24FPS (30 may have been a better choice) Linear - a little too cropped for my liking Wide - Slight distortion, but doesn’t look unnatural SuperView - Too much distortion (ex. passing skiiers) HyperView - Not going to even bother trying 16:9 vs 8:7 - undecided for this angle. Will test more. /docs/kailh-choc-silencing/ Mon, 19 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000 /docs/kailh-choc-silencing/ This is a work in progess. It is missing photos, descriptions and methods. I have a busy month ahead of me, sorry! Table of Contents Switches Lube Tape mod Keycaps TPU Silencers O-rings Case Case foam Case tape Resources Switches Lube Adding lubricant to the side rails of the housing or sides of the stem remedies the scratchy noise and feel. Lubricant should also be placed on the bottom of the stem and spring. /notes/soldering-and-repair-tools/ Mon, 19 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000 /notes/soldering-and-repair-tools/ Soldering stations Hakko FX-951 + microsoldering iron (730-KN) Expensive but great. Purchased used from cool controller/console repair guy on eBay ages ago. Using knockoff tips but they work fine. Microsoldering iron works well with whatever stock tip it came with. Hakko FX-888D Briefly used. Good from what I remember. TS100 Nice and portable. Built many keyboards with mine when I had it. Good replacement tip compatibility. Downside is that the grip sits farther away and the iron is longer versus Hakko tips. /notes/hidpi-scaling-stuff/ Mon, 12 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000 /notes/hidpi-scaling-stuff/ Just got HiDPI/4K screen. Current adjustments: Scaling: 100% (native) Browser page zoom: 110% Terminal font: 14px Small UI doesn’t bother me; I’m familiar anyways. 125% scaling (BetterDisplay for macOS) seems too large. Note that 13" MacBook Air internal display is set to “more space”, and this seems to line up almost identically with unscaled. Not sure I’d ever run 125%, but it isn’t the worst. Quick math: 3840 x 2160 32" = 137. /notes/ps2-fmcb-homebrew/ Sat, 19 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0000 /notes/ps2-fmcb-homebrew/ Helpful link Installing FMCB FreeMCBoot Extract files to USB INSTALL/ lang/ FMCBInstaller.elf wLaunchELF File Browser -> mass -> FMCBInstaller.elf Memory Card Menu -> Format MC L1 button -> Main Menu -> Install (Normal) Formatting the drive Storage media - Internal HDD (SATA via upgrade board) Launch wLaunchELF Map a shortcut to “MISC/HddManager” Press shortcut HDDManager (shortcut) –> “FORMAT” Loading games I followed this helpful video hdl-dump-gui chmod +x launcher-linux.sh chmod +x files/hdl_dump_086 chmod +x files/hdl_dump_090 launch . /notes/kobo-clara-koreader/ Sat, 15 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0000 /notes/kobo-clara-koreader/ Official guide Script did not work for me. I have both installed just in case NickelMenu failsafe is tripped. Manual Install Kobo configuration file Connect Kobo to computer /Volumes/.kobo/Kobo/Kobo \eReader.conf [FeatureSettings] ExcludeSyncFolders=(\\.(?!kobo|adobe).+|([^.][^/]*/)+\\..+) KFMon Harder to uninstall Includes Plato reader KFMon, KOReader, Plato appear as books No direct bottom menu option Connect Kobo to computer Download KFMon latest release mv KFMon.zip /Volumes/KOBOEREADER/ and unzip Eject, wait for reboot/“update” NickelMenu Convenient menu option General customization capability Failsafe, but I didn’t manage to trigger it Walmart logo now on ereader Connect Kobo to computer /post/etsy-and-plaid/ Tue, 04 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0000 /post/etsy-and-plaid/ Although I have taken a break from selling on my store, I still check Etsy occasionally for customer messages and inquiries. Last week I received a message from the Etsy Support bot informing me of the following: “Hi there, We recently reached out to let you know that you need to verify your bank account to continue receiving funds from Etsy. It looks like you haven’t done this yet. We’ve extended the deadline to give you more time to verify your information. /docs/kobo-clara-hd-setup/ Thu, 30 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0000 /docs/kobo-clara-hd-setup/ Table of Contents SD swap Registration Developer mode More SD swap The SD card is accessible by partially disassembling the device. Remove the back cover of the Kobo Clara HD with a pry tool as shown below. The pry tab is located near the “Kobo Clara HD” text The bottom will pop out Continue prying along the sides Remove the back cover Remove the SD card from the device and connect it to a computer. /post/3-2-1-backup/ Thu, 02 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0000 /post/3-2-1-backup/ I recently made the switch from local network storage back to external drive storage. To me, plugging in an external drive is much simpler than having to dedicate and maintain a network-connected device, though this is likely due to my minimal storage requirements - I’m not even close to filling up the terabyte. I am a huge fan of redundancy when it comes to backing up my important photos and files, and as such, I follow the 3-2-1 backup principle. /docs/wii-u-disc-backup/ Wed, 18 May 2022 00:00:00 +0000 /docs/wii-u-disc-backup/ Table of Contents Prep Software Backup device SD card External drive Backup disc2app WUP Installer GX2 Computer Prep Software Download WUP Installer GX2 and disc2app Copy disc2app/wiiu/apps/disc2app to <SD CARD>/wiiu/apps/disc2app Copy wup_installer_gx2/wiiu/apps/wup_installer_gx2 to <SD CARD>/wiiu/apps/wup_installer_gx2 Backup device SD Card Discs will be saved to the SD card containing the homebrew payload and applications. The card must: be FAT32 format (already formatted for homebrew; DO NOT REFORMAT SD CARD) have 23.2G free space Due to formatting, the SD card is unable to store more than 32GB regardless of the physical capacity. /post/dotfiles-and-diminishing-returns/ Sun, 27 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0000 /post/dotfiles-and-diminishing-returns/ My interest in configuring my dotfiles and desktop has decreased tenfold after I started using macOS again last year. Though it’s not without its faults and flaws, macOS generally “just works” - a stark contrast to my Linux laptop. Setting up my window manager and terminal programs took enough time, but fixing hibernation issues, lid close functionality, networking and general program errors made my Artix-based ThinkPad one of the most counterproductive tools I have ever used to date. /notes/netplan-static-ip/ Thu, 24 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000 /notes/netplan-static-ip/ Ubuntu Server (Raspberry Pi) /etc/netplan/01-netcfg.yaml network: ethernets: eth0: dhcp4: no dhcp6: no addresses: [<device IP>/24] routes: - to: default via: <router IP> nameservers: addresses: [1.1.1.1] version: 2 renderer: networkd Remove 50-cloud-init.yaml. sudo netplan apply Regular Ubuntu Server may be /etc/netplan/00-installer-config.yaml, unsure. /notes/ssh-login/ Tue, 11 Jan 2022 00:00:00 +0000 /notes/ssh-login/ SSH (Secure SHell) allows local access to a remote machine. Keys SSH keys are essential when securing a public-facing server. generate with ssh-keygen $ ssh-keygen Enter file: ~/.ssh/<key name> Enter passprhase: (skip) copy to remote server with ssh-copy-id $ ssh-copy-id -i ~/.ssh/<key name> root@host Password-less login edit /etc/ssh/sshd_config PasswordAuthentication no ChallengeResponseAuthentication no UsePAM no Reload SSH daemon with systemctl reload sshd Aliases Stored at ~/.ssh/config Notable fields: Hostname - IP address/domain Port - SSH port (if changed from default 22) User - specify user (root, user account) IdentityFile - points to private SSH key Example configuration: /notes/firefox-configuration/ Sat, 25 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000 /notes/firefox-configuration/ Installation macOS: brew install --cask firefox Arch/Artix: yay -S firefox Settings General Language and Appearance Check spelling as you type –> Disabled Browsing Recommend extensions as you browse –> Disabled Recommend features as you browse –> Disabled Home Homepage and new windows –> Blank Page New tabs –> Blank Page Uncheck all Firefox Home Content Search Default Search Engine –> DuckDuckGo Browser Privacy Enhanced Tracking Protection Tracking Prtection –> Custom Cookies –> Cross-site cookies Tracking content –> In all windows Cryptominers –> Enabled Fingerprinters –> Enabled “Do Not Track” –> Always Cookies and Site Data Delete cookies and site data when Firefox is closed –> Enabled Logins and Passwords Ask to save logins and passwords for websites –> Disabled Show alerts about passwords for breached websites –> Disabled Forms and Autofill Autofill addresses –> Disabled Autofill credit cards –> Disabled History Use custom settings for history Alwaays use private browsing mode –> Enabled Address Bar Uncheck all Security Deceptive Content and Dangerous Software Protection –> Uncheck all HTTPS-Only –> Enable (Optional) Advanced configuration Notes from PTIO/Chris Xiao /docs/osprette-build-guide/ Sat, 11 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000 /docs/osprette-build-guide/ The Osprette is a 34-key low profile keyboard designed by Sam Mohr. Table of Contents Parts Bill of Materials Assembly PCB Overview Diodes Sockets Switches Microcontroller Buttons Case Firmware Customization Flashing Parts Bill of Materials Part Qty Vendor MCU (Pro Micro compatible) 1 AliExpress SMD diodes 34 AliExpress Reset switch 1 Digi-Key Power switch (optional, wireless only) 1 Digi-Key Choc v1 switches 34 MKUltra Choc v1 keycaps 34 MKUltra Choc hotswap sockets (optional) 34 Adafruit Low-profile controller sockets/pins 2 LittleKeyboards M2 9mm screws (for case) 8 AliExpress M2 nuts (for case) 8 AliExpress Assembly PCB Overview 34 diodes are located on the back of the PCB below each switch hole. /notes/linux-laptop-sleep-states/ Tue, 07 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000 /notes/linux-laptop-sleep-states/ Still work in progress. Not tested with dm-crypt. Using GRUB, not rEFInd, but same concept theoretically applies. Goal is for lid close = suspend, keybinding = hibernate. Ran out of time tonight. GRUB config /etc/default/grub kenel parameter: resume=/dev/<swap partition> sudo grub-mkconfig - /boot/grub/grub.cfg mkinitcpio add “resume” hook sudo mkinitcpio -p linux elogind /etc/elogind/logind.conf HandleLidSwitch=hibernate HandleLidSwitchExternalPower=ignore HandleLidSwitchDocked=ignore /notes/chromium-configuration/ Sun, 07 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000 /notes/chromium-configuration/ Installation Use ungoogled-chromium instead of stock Chromium macOS: brew install --cask eloston-chromium Arch/Artix: yay -S ungoogled-chromium (source) Settings Autofill Disable everything Privacy and security Cookies and other site data Block third-party cookies Clear cookies and site data when you close all windows –> on “Do Not Track” –> on Preload pages –> off Security Always use secure connections –> on Use secure DNS –> on Search engine DuckDuckGo On startup Open the New Tab page Extensions Chromium Webstore Install chromium-web-store extension /notes/artix-installation-guide/ Sat, 16 Oct 2021 00:00:00 +0000 /notes/artix-installation-guide/ installation artix linux base with openrc drive configuration fdisk /dev/nvme0n1 - nvme0n1p1 512m vfat - nvme0n1p2 953g /dev/sda - sda1 3.6t /dev/sdb - sdb1 5.5t mkfs.fat -f32 boot partition, mkfs.ext4 others dm-crypt cryptsetup luksformat /dev/<partition> cryptsetup open /dev/<partition> <mapper> lvm pvcreate /dev/mapper/<mapper> vgcreate <volume> /dev/mapper/<mapper> lvcreate -l 32g <volume> -n swap lvcreate -l 50g <volume> -n root lvcreate -l 100%free <volume> -n home filesystem mkfs.ext4 /dev/<volume>/root, home, etc mkswap /dev/<volume>/swap /docs/pimoroni-trackball-integration/ Wed, 29 Sep 2021 00:00:00 +0000 /docs/pimoroni-trackball-integration/ Table of Contents Pro Micro Trackball Firmware config.h rules.mk keymap.c Flashing Resources Pro Micro Two SparkFun Qwiic Pro Micro C will be used. The trackball will connect to the master half of the board. The 5V and VCC pads must be bridged. The slave half must have the 5V pad broken which can be carefully cut with an Xacto knife or similar. In order to flash the left half, the RAW and 5V pins must be bridged. /docs/corne-lp-build-guide/ Thu, 02 Sep 2021 00:00:00 +0000 /docs/corne-lp-build-guide/ The Corne keyboard is a split keyboard with 3x6 column staggered keys and 3 thumb keys, based on Helix. Crkbd stands for Corne Keyboard. Table of Contents Parts Bill of Materials Kits Assembly PCB Overview Diodes LEDs Sockets Microcontroller OLEDs TRRS/Reset Case Switches Firmware Customization Flashing Parts Bill of Materials Part Qty Corne Chocolate PCB 2 Corne Chocolate Case/Plate Kit 1 Pro Micro (or equivalent) 2 Pro Micro Millmax Sockets (1x12) 4 Pro Micro Millmax Pins 48 TRRS Jack 2 TRS/TRRS Cable 1 Reset Button 2 Kailh Choc Hotswap Socket 42 SMD Diode (1N4148) 42 Per-key SMD LED (SK6812Mini-E) 42 Underglow SMD LED (WS2812B) 12 128x32 OLED Display 2 OLED Millmax Sockets (1x4) 2 OLED Millmax Pins (1x4) 2 Choc-Compatible Switch 42 1U Choc-Compatible Keycap 40 1. /docs/reviung41-build-guide/ Wed, 04 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000 /docs/reviung41-build-guide/ The Reviung41 is a 41-key column staggered keyboard designed by gtips. Table of Contents Parts Bill of Materials Kits Assembly PCB Overview Diodes LEDs Sockets Microcontroller Stabilizer Plates Switches Firmware Customization Flashing Parts Bill of Materials Part Qty Reviung41 PCB 1 Reviung41 Plate Kit 1 SMD Diode (1N4148) 41 Kailh MX Hotswap Socket 41 SMD LED (WS2812B) 11 Pro Micro (or equivalent) 1 Pro Micro Hotswap Sockets 2 Reset Button 1 2U Stabilizer (Optional) 1 MX-Compatible Switch 41 1U MX-Compatible Keycap 38 1. /post/i-want-to-disconnect/ Thu, 13 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000 /post/i-want-to-disconnect/ I want to disconnect from the detrimental side of technology once and for all. In the past couple of months, my life has changed drastically and I find myself with a limited amount of free time. So how is the free time spent? Actually, not terribly. A quick peek at my Gitlab shows me actually committing my work for a change. This site (in it’s current state) had not existed prior, and my Linux dotfiles were a hot mess. /post/welcome/ Tue, 27 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000 /post/welcome/ Welcome to my platform on the Internet. I appreciate you stopping by! My name is medwa, but that’s essentially all you know about me at the time of me authoring this post. I’m slow to divulge all of my personal information to the entirety of the web - exhibited by my ambiguous landing page and lacking web footprint - but I’m curious to see how my perspectives and values will shape as I integrate my platform with my daily life.