<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
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    <title>Mad Geek&apos;s Workbench</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/" />
    <link rel="self" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/atom.xml" />
    <id>tag:blog.explodinglemur.org,2009-09-18://9</id>
    <updated>2010-01-19T01:52:14Z</updated>
    <subtitle>To keep track of my various projects, plots, and schemes.</subtitle>
    <generator uri="http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/">Movable Type 4.3-en</generator>

<entry>
    <title>Shed construction continues, slowly</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/2010/01/shed-construction-continues-slowly.html" />
    <id>tag:blog.explodinglemur.org,2010://9.1047</id>

    <published>2010-01-19T01:49:41Z</published>
    <updated>2010-01-19T01:52:14Z</updated>

    <summary><![CDATA[Haven't made any updates in a while, but the shed is still being worked on.&nbsp; We got the roof built and sheathed, put tar paper up on the roof and walls, installed the window, and have installed wall sheathing on...]]></summary>
    <author>
        <name>Nick</name>
        <uri>http://blog.explodinglemur.org/</uri>
    </author>
    
        <category term="Construction" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="shed" label="shed" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en-us" xml:base="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/">
        <![CDATA[Haven't made any updates in a while, but the shed is still being worked on.&nbsp; We got the roof built and sheathed, put tar paper up on the roof and walls, installed the window, and have installed wall sheathing on two walls.&nbsp; There are some rain storms coming through this week, and this weekend is full of other things, so hopefully we'll finish the walls and door the following weekend.&nbsp; After that, shingles and paint, then we can start storing things!<br /><br />(Sorry, no pictures this time around)<br /> ]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Walled in</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/2009/11/walled-in.html" />
    <id>tag:blog.explodinglemur.org,2009://9.996</id>

    <published>2009-11-18T01:31:46Z</published>
    <updated>2009-11-18T01:44:14Z</updated>

    <summary><![CDATA[This weekend, my dad came down and we framed out the walls of the shed.&nbsp; It went surprisingly quickly, actually, despite a small snag...the 2x4s that I thought were a full 8' long were actually 92.25" long, cut for wall...]]></summary>
    <author>
        <name>Nick</name>
        <uri>http://blog.explodinglemur.org/</uri>
    </author>
    
        <category term="Construction" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="shed" label="shed" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en-us" xml:base="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/">
        <![CDATA[This weekend, my dad came down and we framed out the walls of the shed.&nbsp; It went surprisingly quickly, actually, despite a small snag...the 2x4s that I thought were a full 8' long were actually 92.25" long, cut for wall stud members (to make for an 8' interior wall when top and bottom plates and drywall for the ceiling are taken into account).&nbsp; I had planned to cut the wall studs down to make for about a 7.5' high wall, so that wasn't too much of a problem, but we did need 8' lumber for top and bottom wall plates.&nbsp; My dad ran off and picked up enough 8' lumber, while I started preparing measurements.&nbsp; We decided to just leave the 92.25" studs at that length to save time, and after triple-checking measurements, cutting the framing members for the door and window, and judicious application of the pneumatic nail gun, we had four walls raised.&nbsp; Even putting just a few hours here and there into it, this sort of project does not take very long...I can't imagine spending several thousand dollars on a prefabricated shed at this point, especially since the ones I've seen don't seem to be of particularly good build quality.&nbsp; We've spent an order of magnitude less, will have a nice very sturdy shed, with a real weatherproof door and window.&nbsp; I'm looking forward to the next build day!<br /><br />Pictures follow...<br /> ]]>
        <![CDATA[<img alt="" src="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/2009/11/17/DSC_0002.jpg" class="mt-image-none" style="" height="640" width="428" /><br /><br /><img alt="" src="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/2009/11/17/DSC_0001.jpg" class="mt-image-none" style="" height="428" width="640" /><br /><div><br /></div><div><img alt="" src="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/2009/11/17/DSC_0003.jpg" class="mt-image-none" style="" height="428" width="640" /></div><div><br /><img alt="" src="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/2009/11/17/DSC_0004.jpg" class="mt-image-none" style="" height="428" width="640" /><br /></div><div><br /><img alt="" src="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/2009/11/17/DSC_0005.jpg" class="mt-image-none" style="" height="428" width="640" /><br /></div><div><br /></div>]]>
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Shed foundation</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/2009/11/shed-foundation.html" />
    <id>tag:blog.explodinglemur.org,2009://9.992</id>

    <published>2009-11-08T23:39:03Z</published>
    <updated>2009-11-08T23:46:00Z</updated>

    <summary><![CDATA[With the help of my dad, the concrete piers for the shed were placed and leveled, and the floor frame was laid on the piers and nailed to the straps.&nbsp; The plywood floor is shown sitting on top, but has...]]></summary>
    <author>
        <name>Nick</name>
        <uri>http://blog.explodinglemur.org/</uri>
    </author>
    
        <category term="Construction" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="shed" label="shed" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en-us" xml:base="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/">
        <![CDATA[With the help of my dad, the concrete piers for the shed were placed and leveled, and the floor frame was laid on the piers and nailed to the straps.&nbsp; The plywood floor is shown sitting on top, but has not yet been attached, as I bought the wrong kind of caulk.&nbsp; I'll hit up the hardware store and get the plywood glued and nailed down, then I'll start on the wall framing.<br /><br />Pictures follow...<br /> ]]>
        <![CDATA[<a href="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/2009/11/08/DSC_0001.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/assets_c/2009/11/DSC_0001-thumb-640x428-8.jpg" class="mt-image-none" style="" height="428" width="640" /></a><div><br /><br /><a href="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/2009/11/08/DSC_0002.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/assets_c/2009/11/DSC_0002-thumb-640x428-9.jpg" class="mt-image-none" style="" height="428" width="640" /></a><br /></div><div><br /><br /><a href="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/2009/11/08/DSC_0003.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/assets_c/2009/11/DSC_0003-thumb-640x955-10.jpg" class="mt-image-none" style="" height="955" width="640" /></a><br /></div><div><br /><br /><a href="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/2009/11/08/DSC_0004.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/assets_c/2009/11/DSC_0004-thumb-640x428-11.jpg" class="mt-image-none" style="" height="428" width="640" /></a><br /></div><div><br /><br /><a href="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/2009/11/08/DSC_0005.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/assets_c/2009/11/DSC_0005-thumb-640x428-12.jpg" class="mt-image-none" style="" height="428" width="640" /></a><br /></div><div><br /><br /><a href="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/2009/11/08/DSC_0006.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/assets_c/2009/11/DSC_0006-thumb-640x428-13.jpg" class="mt-image-none" style="" height="428" width="640" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div>]]>
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Musings on DIY amplifiers</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/2009/10/musings-on-diy-amplifiers.html" />
    <id>tag:blog.explodinglemur.org,2009://9.983</id>

    <published>2009-10-25T17:40:13Z</published>
    <updated>2009-10-25T18:03:35Z</updated>

    <summary>I&apos;ve been looking at some projects based on the LM3875 and LM3886 single-chip amplifiers (aka Gainclone amps, based on the Gaincard amplifier design)....</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Nick</name>
        <uri>http://blog.explodinglemur.org/</uri>
    </author>
    
        <category term="Electronics" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="chipamp" label="chipamp" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en-us" xml:base="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/">
        <![CDATA[I've been looking at some projects based on the <a href="http://www.national.com/mpf/LM/LM3875.html">LM3875</a> and <a href="http://www.national.com/mpf/LM/LM3886.html">LM3886</a> single-chip amplifiers (aka <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gainclone">Gainclone</a> amps, based on the <a href="http://www.sakurasystems.com/products/47amp.html">Gaincard</a> amplifier design). ]]>
        <![CDATA[The amplifiers are fairly simple in design.&nbsp; Mains power comes in, is stepped down with a transformer to a reasonable voltage (18-22VAC), goes through a diode rectifier bridge, and is stabilized with some hefty capacitors.&nbsp; Yay, you now have DC.&nbsp; This is fed to the chip, along with audio input.&nbsp; A few resistors and capacitors make up the rest of the circuit, and you have amplified audio out, on the order of 30-70W depending on the chip selected and impedance of your speakers.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chipamp.com/lm3886.shtml">Several</a> <a href="http://www.audiosector.com/lm3875.shtml">kits</a> are <a href="http://41hz.com/shop/">available</a> that include most of the necessary components (probably of better quality and tighter tolerances than what you'd find at Radio Shack), all you have to do is get a <a href="http://www.parts-express.com//pe/showdetl.cfm?&amp;Partnumber=122-620">transformer</a> and an enclosure, and do some soldering.<br /><br />There are <a href="http://diyaudioprojects.com/Chip/chip.htm">many</a> <a href="http://sound.westhost.com/project115.htm">variations</a> <a href="http://c.webring.com/hub?ring=gaincloneamplifi">out</a> <a href="http://www.vikash.info/audio/gainclone/">there</a>, and a <a href="http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/nuukspot/decdun/gaincloneFAQ.html">FAQ</a> for builders.<br /><br />I suppose I should also mention <a href="http://headwize.com/projects/index.htm">headphone amplifiers</a> such as the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CMoy">CMoy</a> <a href="http://tangentsoft.net/audio/cmoy-tutorial/">pocket amp</a> (covered by the video podcast <a href="http://revision3.com/systm/headphoneamp/">Systm</a>), a small amp powered by a 9V battery that fits inside an Altoids tin.<br />]]>
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>The shed has begun!</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/2009/10/the-shed-has-begun.html" />
    <id>tag:blog.explodinglemur.org,2009://9.974</id>

    <published>2009-10-12T06:12:00Z</published>
    <updated>2009-10-12T06:19:44Z</updated>

    <summary><![CDATA[We finally started work on the shed today!&nbsp; Cut all the floor framing parts to the right length and started nailing them together.&nbsp; My nailing technique needs work, I'm not used to hammering sideways, and my wrist got thrashed pretty...]]></summary>
    <author>
        <name>Nick</name>
        <uri>http://blog.explodinglemur.org/</uri>
    </author>
    
        <category term="Construction" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="shed" label="shed" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en-us" xml:base="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/">
        <![CDATA[We finally started work on the shed today!&nbsp; Cut all the floor framing parts to the right length and started nailing them together.&nbsp; My nailing technique needs work, I'm not used to hammering sideways, and my wrist got thrashed pretty quickly.&nbsp; Will have to finish nailing tomorrow, or at the end of the week as rain is forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday. ]]>
        <![CDATA[Here we see the future site of the shed, staked out with flags:<br /><img alt="DSC_0006.jpg" src="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/2009/10/11/DSC_0006.jpg" class="mt-image-none" style="" height="428" width="640" /><div><br />The floor frame:<br /><img alt="DSC_0009.jpg" src="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/2009/10/11/DSC_0009.jpg" class="mt-image-none" style="" height="428" width="640" /><br /></div><div><br />Another view of the frame, with plywood and 2x4 wall and roof lumber in the background:<br /><img alt="DSC_0010.jpg" src="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/2009/10/11/DSC_0010.jpg" class="mt-image-none" style="" height="428" width="640" /><br /><br />The awesome miter saw (unfortunately its laser is not visible in daylight):<br /><img alt="DSC_0013.jpg" src="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/2009/10/11/DSC_0013.jpg" class="mt-image-none" style="" height="428" width="640" /><br /></div><div><br /></div>]]>
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Construction plan summary</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/2009/10/construction-plan-summary.html" />
    <id>tag:blog.explodinglemur.org,2009://9.969</id>

    <published>2009-10-04T20:03:14Z</published>
    <updated>2009-10-04T20:27:41Z</updated>

    <summary>Lately I&apos;ve been thinking about how little I use my (hideously expensive) gym membership, and how nice it would be to have some gym equipment at home to use while watching TV or when I&apos;ve got a half hour or...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>Nick</name>
        <uri>http://blog.explodinglemur.org/</uri>
    </author>
    
        <category term="Construction" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#category" />
    
    <category term="outbuilding" label="outbuilding" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    <category term="shed" label="shed" scheme="http://www.sixapart.com/ns/types#tag" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en-us" xml:base="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/">
        <![CDATA[Lately I've been thinking about how little I use my (hideously expensive) gym membership, and how nice it would be to have some gym equipment at home to use while watching TV or when I've got a half hour or so of downtime.&nbsp; I rarely hit the gym after work as I usually want to get home and get some dinner, and once I'm home it feels like a big outing to get all my stuff together and head out to the gym.&nbsp; Having an elliptical trainer or stationary bike and some weights at home would be much more convenient.&nbsp; Unfortunately, there's no room for such gear in our not-that-big house (3 bedrooms, my wife and I occupy one bedroom as a bedroom, one as an office, and we have a roommate that has the third).&nbsp; So...<br />]]>
        <![CDATA[We do have a fairly large backyard, and a few months ago I
found a <a href="http://dehamerspace.com/2008/04/08/working-at-home-the-office/">few</a> <a href="http://www.aboutdean.com/office/osp/index.asp">articles</a> about turning a prefabricated shed into an
office.&nbsp; "Hey, great idea!" I thought, "I can just get a 10x12 shed and
throw some insulation and drywall in it, and since it's 120 square
feet, I don't need a permit!"&nbsp; Well, not quite.&nbsp; I contacted my local
building department and found that a permit is not required for
structures 120 square feet or less, <i>as long as they are not to be occupied</i>.&nbsp;
Okay...since we'd be using it as more than just an
occasionally-occupied workshop or storage unit, we'd need a permit.&nbsp;
Well, if we have to get a permit anyway, why stick to 120 square feet?&nbsp;
After taking some measurements of existing rooms in our house, we've
decided on a 14x18 structure on a concrete slab-on-grade foundation
(just like the existing house).&nbsp; We're currently working on the
building layout and placement on the property, and once that's done
we're going to apply for the permit (which is apparently a fairly easy
process, our next-door neighbor built a workshop and his permit was
granted with no problems).<br />As this is our first construction project,
we wanted to get a bit of practice in.&nbsp; We have a dilapidated 8x8 shed
that's full of bugs and grunge that we'd like to replace.&nbsp; Yesterday we
went to Home Depot and bought a truckload of lumber (really, we filled
up the bed of a U-Haul pickup) and we will be building our new shed using the same framing techniques that we will use for the outbuilding.&nbsp; I've got several books from the library and have found that framing is not nearly as complicated as I was thinking it would be, we just have to make sure everything is cut to the right length, level, and square.&nbsp; Not only will we get some great practice (as I'm sure we will make mistakes), but when we finish we'll have a new shed with a real door, a window, caulk-sealed wall sheathing and roofing, and hopefully minimal insect and arachnid intrusion for all our gardening supplies.<br /><br />To follow will be photos and updates of our progress as we move along.<br />]]>
    </content>
</entry>

<entry>
    <title>Welcome!</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/2009/09/welcome.html" />
    <id>tag:blog.explodinglemur.org,2009://9.951</id>

    <published>2009-09-19T03:32:15Z</published>
    <updated>2009-09-19T04:44:46Z</updated>

    <summary><![CDATA[A friend convinced me to set this up in order to track progress on a project he's interested in.&nbsp; I may as well track my other random projects here, too....]]></summary>
    <author>
        <name>Nick</name>
        <uri>http://blog.explodinglemur.org/</uri>
    </author>
    
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en-us" xml:base="http://blog.explodinglemur.org/">
        <![CDATA[A friend convinced me to set this up in order to track progress on a project he's interested in.&nbsp; I may as well track my other random projects here, too.<br /> ]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>

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