Monday, July 1, 2024

While we understand that prices on Amazon can be very competitive, there are several reasons why our prices might be slightly higher...


1. Quality Assurance: 

We source our parts from reputable suppliers who meet our strict quality standards. This helps us ensure that you receive reliable, durable, and high-quality parts. Amazon sellers can sometimes be not very well established 3rd sellers. There is also the risk of receiving "counterfeit" products from online sellers such as Amazon as well: https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/policy-news-views/amazon-counterfeit-crimes-unit-latest-updates-2024

2. Expertise and Support: 

Our team offers personalized service and expert advice that you won't get from an online marketplace. We can help you choose the right parts for your specific needs.

3. Warranty and Returns: 

We stand behind the products we sell. If you encounter any issues with a product or part, we make the process of replacement or return smooth and hassle-free by taking care of it for you.

4. Supporting Local Business: 

By purchasing from us, you are supporting a local business that contributes to the community. Your support helps us continue providing high-quality service in our area.

5. Value-Added Services: 

In addition to selling parts, we offer a range of value-added services such as maintenance, repair, and installation, which can save you time and ensure the job is done right.

We believe that these benefits provide significant value that justifies the price difference. We are committed to offering you the best possible service and ensuring your satisfaction with every purchase.

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Easily Zero Fill a Hard Drive for FREE through Windows!




How To Zero-Fill A Hard Drive
via the Windows Command Prompt

Windows 7,8,10 and 11 actually can zero-fill a hard drive through the built-in Command Prompt utility. The Command Prompt adopts a special 'format' command to achieve writing zeros to the hard disk/partitions.

Friday, May 17, 2024

LoRA / Meshtastic & Unlicensed ISM

What is LoRA?

LoRA (which stands for Long Range) is a wireless communication technology designed for long-range, low-power communication in the Internet of Things (IoT) applications. It operates on unlicensed radio bands and is known for its ability to transmit data over long distances while consuming minimal power. LoRA technology is often used for connecting devices that need to communicate over long distances, such as in smart city applications, industrial automation, agricultural monitoring, and much, much more.

Monday, April 29, 2024

Microsoft Battery & AC Adapter Driver Issue(s)

Laptop Battery/Charging Issue(s):
Microsoft AC Adapter & Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery Drivers

I have run into a few laptops lately that have been exhibiting some issues with charging their batteries and the issues have actually been related to Microsoft's Battery and AC adapter drivers! 

It's an easy to fix, and you just have to do the following:

  • You can open the "Device Manager" by searching for it through Windows search or by right-clicking the "Start" menu button and selecting "Device Manager."
  • Click on "Batteries" in the device list to expand it, and you will see two items: 
    • Microsoft AC Adapter
    • Microsoft ACPI-Compliant Control Method Battery.
  • Right-click ON EACH ITEM (BOTH) and choose "Uninstall Device". 
    • Yes, you are uninstalling your laptop's battery drivers. But don't worry, they will automatically be reinstalled when you restart your laptop.
  • Shut down your laptop.
  • Unplug the power cable from your laptop.
  • If your laptop has a removable battery, remove it. If it does not, you will need to remove the bottom panel and then disconnect the battery from the motherboard.
  • If you removed the battery, put it back in, or reconnect it if you had to physically disconnect it.
  • Plug your laptop back into power.
  • Power on your laptop.
  • Once you have booted back up and logged in, click the battery icon in the system tray, and you should see that your laptop is plugged in and charging!

Source:

Monday, April 22, 2024

SDR Radios - Hardware & Software Links

A Software-Defined Radio (SDR) is a wireless radio system that uses software to process radio signals instead of using hardware components. SDRs use software-based algorithms to configure radio parameters like frequency, modulation, and operating modes. This eliminates the need for hardware components like mixers, modulators, and demodulators. 

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Cyberdeck: "System In A Box" Build

Cyberdeck v1 Build

The goal of building this "system in a box" was to put something together that was a full-fledged portable network, had a mini-server, SDR/radio capabilities, GPS, and Bluetooth, all on the go! But it needed to be powered by a portable battery (such as a Jackery) or via a power inverter from a car. 
This is what I came up with and is my first attempt at this "system in a box" Cyberdeck! This build has been working MUCH better than I expected and has come together very well, but I am still tweaking and modifying stuff over time and am open to suggestions :)

Flipper Zero: Tips & Tricks To Help Get You Started!

Flipper Zero: Tips & Tricks

So what is a Flipper Zero anyway?
The Flipper Zero website describes the device as "a portable multi-tool for pen-testers and geeks in a toy-like body. It loves hacking digital stuff, such as radio protocols, access control systems, hardware, and more. It's fully open-source and customizable, so you can extend it in whatever way you like."

Monday, April 1, 2024

What Specs Do You Need In A New Computer!?

CPUs:

Both Intel and AMD employ a numbering system to classify their CPU models based on their respective performance.

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Upgrade To Windows 11 ~ With Your Apps and Data Intact!

 Can You Install Windows 11,
Without Losing Apps or Data In The Process? 

Why yes you can! 

Thanks to the Windows Installation Assistant!



I found an article (linked below) while looking into a "surefire" way to upgrade a Windows 10 system to Windows 11, without having to run the risk of needing to reinstall software and applications, or even potentially loose data. Currently, the only guaranteed method to install Windows 11 on your computer without performing a fresh install is by using the Installation Assistant. This tool from Microsoft acts as an update, transforming your existing Windows installation to the newer version without affecting any of the files or applications:

 https://helpdeskgeek.com/windows-11/how-to-upgrade-to-windows-11-without-losing-any-data/


Pacific NW Computers

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

What 3D Printer to Get?!


Want to get into 3D printing?!


If money isn't a limiter:

The Bambu Lab x1 Carbon is hands down the best thing on the market for consumer-level printers as well as multi-material printers, IMO:
https://us.store.bambulab.com/products/x1-carbon-combo...

If you're on a budget:

Just want to get rocking as easily as possible? 
Elegoo all day long... 
Test the waters and see if you enjoy 3D printing; without a huge investment.
ELEGOO Neptune 4 Pro 3D Printer: https://a.co/d/eTdGxML

Most reliable:

Want an open source, heavily modifiable, as well as a production reliable machine?
Prusa all day long! 
My Prusa MK3S has been by far, my most reliable printer:
https://www.prusa3d.com/product/original-prusa-mk4-2/...