Category Archives: Digital Vision
Surfans F28 – a Digital Audio Player
I got an MP3 player from AGPTEK as a free gift on top of my Soundcraft UI24R.The only thing I needed to do, was to fill in a questionnaire.What a piece of rubish !!! I did send it back, and … Continue reading
Soundcraft UI24R – digital mixer
I own 2 Behringer XR2442USB analog mixing desks.They take up some space, and are analog … Time for some changes !I bought a Soundcraft 24 channel digital mixer, a UI24R.They offer good value for a nice price. You can control … Continue reading
The end AND start of a chapter :-)
Today is the end op a chapter, namely the chapter to save money to buy equipment for my electronics hobby 🙂It did take me a few years to buy soldering stations/digital power supplies, oscilloscopes, logic analysers, function generators, CNC millers/routers, … Continue reading
A whole bunch of new electronic equipment *UPDATED, July 15, 2023*
I’m currently in the preparation-phase of a makeover of my hobby-room.A 40m² space, that I need to share between 3 different hobbies:– My model railroad– My “maker space” (3D printing /lathe / CNC mills and routers / electronic projects)– My … Continue reading
RPI Zero W – DMX/OLA
The RPI Zero W is the little brother of the RPI(4). This does have a less powerful processor and only 512KB Rams. Due to its very low power-consumption, it’s ideal to do some smaller (sub)automations.You can also attach a screen … Continue reading
RPI 400
The RPI400 is a Raspberry Pi 4 with 4 GB memory, build into a keyboard. (actually the same idea as the Commodore 64, some decades ago, but more compact and more powerful)The RPI400 is ideal to do some development with … Continue reading
HA – switching from RPI4 to Odroid N2+
In December 2022, I switched my HA-machine from RPI4 to Odroid N2+.All went well (backup from RPI4 and restore to Odroid N2+ did take less then 15 minutes in total), and since then, my HA is running more snappy, smoother, … Continue reading
Okdo Rock 5B – better then a RPI4 ?
I recently bought an Okdo Rock 5B 8GB.If you look at the specs, it’s a “better” alternative then a RPI4:– Faster CPU– 2x HDMI output, supports 8K60p– HDMI input that supports 4K60p– SD/EMMC and M.2 2280 SSD support– M.2 2230 … Continue reading
Ultra-wide/regular touchscreens
Recently I discovered Ultra-wide and a regular touchscreen from WaveShare.They come in 2 flavours:– 11.9 inch (320 x 1480 resolution – 287.3mm x 69.1mm)– 7.9 inch (400 x 1280 resolution – 207.78mm x 69.8mm)– 10.1 inch (1920×1200 resolution – 217.91 … Continue reading
Dyson V15 Detect Absolute – Vacuum cleaner
Our “old” Dyson “dust-sucker” FINALLY broke, after more then 15 years of usage 🙂So, it was time for something new. This V15 Detect Absolute, does also have some special functions and brushes for pet-hair. (with a green laser-light, so you … Continue reading
Bosch WTH83001FG – Dryer
After more then 15 years, our dryer died …So, we both a Bosch dryer 🙂 Name Value Manufacturer code WTH83001FG Brand Bosch Warranty 5 years Type of dryer Heat pump dryer Condensation drain Collection in reservoir, Via drain Maximum load … Continue reading
Bosch SMS8YCI03E – Dishwasher
After more then 15 years of loyal service, our “old” dishwasher died 🙁After some investigation, I came to the conclusion that a Bosch dishwasher with a “B” energy-label,is more economical, then a Siemens or Miele dishwasher with an “A” energy-label … Continue reading
Asus Vivobook 17 X1702ZA-AU045W-BE AZERTY
My HP Pavilion laptop screen broke (don’t ask !), so I was in urgent need of a new laptop.For the first time in my life, I bought an ASUS laptop 17″ !No AMD Ryzen this time, but an Intel I7 … Continue reading
Time for a new year and a lot of new postings !
2022 has been a very busy year at work. 2023 may be even more busy !But this will not prevent me from posting lots of new topics 🙂2023 will be the year of my new hobby-room / music-room / modelrailroad-room … Continue reading
STM32 !!!
I recently (re-)discovered STM32 modules 🙂Some years ago, I bought a mini STM32 V3 board (with a screen) for using it with Robert Evers MRDCC II(to control my modelrailroad).In the meanwhile, those STM32 modules became more and more powerful, and … Continue reading
ESP32-Cam (and AZ-Touch as display)
While in my search for a cheap video monitoring system, I came across the ESP32-CAM.This is a very tiny and cheap camera (OV2640) with a max resolution of 1600×1200, with an ESP32 as the main “controller” of this “system”. (for … Continue reading
HA – Sonoff NSPanel+ESPHome+Home Assistant+Nextion
While in my constant search for “better” home automation, I stumbled upon the Sonoff NSPanel.I already use several Sonoff devices, and with a Tasmota firmware ( https://tasmota.github.io/ )flashed on it, they do exactly what I want. (and are of course … Continue reading
Xojo – a multi-platform development environment
While designing my Loconet modules, I had a need to develop a configuration tool (that runs on the PC).Because I don’t want to be “stuck” with windows applications, I did have a look around on the internet.I stumbled upon “Xojo”. … Continue reading
Our new garden
Well, in september we had 3 weeks of holidays. Due to Covid, it was best to stay home, and since our garden was not “maintained” during several years (Due to my health issues), and since I feel better, we decided … Continue reading
Happy Birthday Christel :-)
Every year on the 4th of November, we celebrate Christel’s birthday 🙂Besides some nice food and champagne, I gave Christel an Apple Watch Series 7 – 45mm RED Aluminium RED. Christel was still using a Series 1 Apple Watch, so … Continue reading
A new AV-receiver – Denon AVR-S650H
Our old Sony AV-receiver, was getting some hick-ups, so we decided it was time for something new.We bought a Denon AVR-S650H.This new receiver does not only have 5x 4K HDMI inputs, but also supports all (new) sound formats. Also this … Continue reading
Some 3D printed projects in resin
As you already may know, I got a second resin 3D printer, an Anycubic Mono X. (as a second birthday present from Christel) Because this machines prints more then 5 times faster, and also has a bigger “printing plate”, I … Continue reading
Spending money :-)
The last few months, have been some “expensive” months … 1. I got a fully automated coffee machine ! I really like my latte macchiatos 🙂2. Christel got a new BMW Gran Tourer, “the two”, with lots and lots of … Continue reading
Another birthday present / LocoMotion delay
I already got a Märklin CS3 as an early birthday present, somewhere in February. As if this wasn’t enough, I also got a second birthday present ! I got another resin 3D printer. This time is was way bigger and … Continue reading
LocoMotion – the secret revealed :-)
Today I want to announce a major modelrailroad project ! Last Christmas, I got an Esu Ecos II as a present. Because I do own a lot of MFX locomotives, I needed a central command station that could handle MFX,MM-I,MM-II,MM-FX, … Continue reading
Happy holidays :-)
As tradition goes, we celebrate Christmas every year on September, 25th, and New Year on January, 1th.As another tradition goes, me and Christel always buy a present for each other 🙂This year we decided to order our presents together … … Continue reading
iPad Prod 12.9″ – Happy (early) Christmas, Kris !
Also Kris his iPad needed to be renewed. So, as an early Christmas present, Kris got a new iPad Pro, and a Magic Keyboard 🙂 IPAD Description Value Manufacturer code MXAU2NF/A Brand Apple Tablet size Very large Depth 0,59 cm … Continue reading
Ipad Air 10.9″ – Happy Birthday Christel !
Christel needed a new iPad, so I bought here an iPad air, with backlit magic keyboard 🙂 IPAD Description Value Manufacturer code MYFP2NF/A Brand Apple Tablet size Large Depth 0,61 cm Width 17,85 cm Height 24,76 cm Weight category Average … Continue reading
Use Elgato Stream Deck with QLC+
This is my “proof-of-concept”, that it’s possible to use an Elgato Stream Deck, together with QLC+, no need for the official Elgato software.This POC is written in Python, and communicates with QLC+ via a websocket.If your OS does support Python … Continue reading
A new iPhone (XR) for Christel
Description Value Manufacturer code MRYQ2ZD/A Brand Apple Mobile phone type Smartphone Recommended for use Gaming, Internet, social media, and light games, Making photos and videos Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) category C Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) category 0,99 W/kg Year introduced … Continue reading
New Mac Mini – DIY memory-upgrade + 3x 4K screens
After year of reliable service, it was time for a new Mac Mini. The 2020 edition is the same as the 2018 edition, except that it comes with double the storage space. Because RAM memory is expensive in those Apple … Continue reading
Our new printer
Our old printer wasn’t function correct anymore. We decided to buy a Canon i-Sensys MF645Cx. This is a full-color A4 laser printer. – it prints 21 ppm in black-and-white and color, with a resolution of 1200×1200 dpi. – it supports … Continue reading
Our new washing machine
After 15 years off loyal service, our Zanker washing machine started giving problems. We ordered a new one, a Samsung WW91M760NOA QuickDrive. This machine does have all whistles and bells you can imagine ! – it can run 9 KG … Continue reading
Our new 4K beamer
About 8 years ago, we bought a FullHD beamer. This beamer did serve us very well over the years, so we decided to buy an Epson beamer again. This time, it was a 4K beamer. (Our TV provider already does … Continue reading
Anycubic Photon S – first results *UPDATED, May, 9th – 2020*
After delivery a few days ago, it was time to test this new SLA printer. I filled the printer with some green resin, (this resin did came with the printer) and started a test (the anycubic cube …) Because we … Continue reading
Another *different* 3D printer ! (SLA/DLP)
Now that I’m feeling fine again, my life can continue …In the meanwhile SLA/DLP printers became affordable. (a few year ago, prices were still between 5000 and 10000 euro, where it now has dropped to the sub-1000 euro category)So, it … Continue reading
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year ! *UPDATED, December, 30th – 2017*
Hi all, First of all, a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all of our readers and their friends and family … It’s been a terrible year for us, we hope that 2018 will be much better ! … Continue reading
A new cabinet for my H0 Märklin trains :-)
It was already some months ago, that I was already thinking about building a new cabinet for the H0 Märklin trains. The old cabinet became to small, trains where already standing in 2 rows in this cabinet, only allowing us … Continue reading
Happy Birthday to me – a very nice birthday-present :-)
Today is my birthday, so: “Happy birthday to me” 🙂 I got a very nice birthday-present from Christel ! Because I do a lot of CAD design, a big screen with a high resolution is a must. Until now, I … Continue reading
Our 3th 3D printer – a Prusa i3 DIY kit
Until recently, we already owned 2 3D printers (a Velleman K8200 and an Ecksbot) A friend of mine from the 3rail forum (Hi John !), was looking to buy a 3D printer recently. I did a search on Ebay for … Continue reading
Selfmade mini (PCB) CNC milling machine *UPDATED, April 28th – 2016*
I already own a Colinbus Profiler portal CNC machine and converted a large/heavy HBM BF-25 to CNC, but al this is a bit “overkill” and/or consumes a lot of time to setup, to only create a printed circuit board. So, … Continue reading
A new toy: Playstation 4 (+3D printed holder/charger for controllers)
Friday-night, we bought a Playstation 4 ! After owning a Gameboy, a Playstation 1, a Sega Dreamcast, an Xbox, an Xbox360, a WII and a Playstation 3, it was time for a “nextgen” console 🙂 When I got back from … Continue reading
Christmas: RGB LEDs & 3D print *UPDATED, May 9th – 2015*
Due to my health issues, I started early this year with my Christmas light projects … Until a few years ago, we decorated our garden with lots-and-lots of lights during the holiday season. But, because of my health issues, we … Continue reading
RGB LED matrixes ! FUN – FUN – FUN *UPDATED, March 15th – 2015*
I’m still very ill for the moment, but besides working half-time, and spending most of the rest of my time sleeping, I still try to learn some new things 🙂 I got a few RGB LED matrixes for Valentines’ day … Continue reading
LED-ring for digital photography
Back in september 2014, we bought a new DSLR camera, while on holidays in Germany. (A Nikon D5300) Also at this point, I got my hands on a LED-ring for this camera. The Meike FC-100 (with the included adapter rings, … Continue reading
Some new photo equipment
During our holidays in september, we bought a new DSLR camera – the Nikon D5300. It has more features, wifi, GPS and a much higher resolution (25 Mpixels), compared to our Nikon D60. It also features “live view” on the … Continue reading
A 3D mouse (for Solidworks)
It’s official, I’m a Solidworks addict ! So, to “enlighten” my pain/illness from the previous months, Christel decided to give me a nice, usefull *gift*. I got a 3D Connexion wireless SpaceMouse ! Since I use this 3D mouse, my … Continue reading
Some 3D printing projects *UPDATED, August 17th – 2014*
As a Solidworks-addict, in combination with my 3D printing addiction, I have *lots and lots* of ideas, so after beeing ill for to long, I started working out some of these projects. 1. Hexapod So, Andy, my hexapod, is finally … Continue reading
Intel NUC – D54250WYK OSX + Win 2012 R2 Server *UPDATED, August 13th – 2014*
It’s been a long time since I posted something on our website, this was mainly due to illness. (I now also have Sarcoïdose besides my HHC (HyperHomeCystenemie)) Due to my 3D printed addiction, I’m now a “full-blown” Solidworks user. (I … Continue reading
Some 3D printed things … *UPDATED, May 7th – 2014*
First of all, I have been ill for a very long period, so excuse me for not updating our website frequent enough. First 3D printed pieces – A wobbler engine (air powered) In the meanwhile, I started using the K8200 … Continue reading
Very early birthday present ! *UPDATED, February 17th – 2014*
Christel already ordered my present for my birthday (april 3th) … Because this year, I get something that comes in “kit”-form, and that I need to built together myself, she decided to already order “it” ! Because the building and … Continue reading
Our Christmas 2013 – a little report :-)
Christmas 2013 … On Christmas Eve, we went out with my sister in law Yolanda, brother in law François, and their daughter Nathasha. We left home by 6:30 PM … Menu (together with some great wines): – Apetizer – Tataki … Continue reading
A free week – lots of new stuff :-)
Last week, it was Christels’ birthday, so we both did take a week off … For her birthday, Christel wanted a wireless vacuüm cleaner. (She already owned a “regular” vacuüm cleaner and a small handheld one) I bought a Dyson … Continue reading
New macbook Pro 15″ Retina with Haswell processor
Christel decided it was time that I also got a Macbook Pro 🙂 Christmas is comming near, so time to order one. (During Christmas-rush, there are waiting times for apple products to be delivered). On october 22th, the new Macbooks … Continue reading
new IPAD / 3D camera / homemade LED matrix
During our holidays, my Acer Iconia Tab gave up … Since I’m becomming more and more an Apple fan, I decided to replace it with a new IPAD 4 with retina display (so, the large one, not the IPAD mini), … Continue reading
Ambilight up-and-running (with HDMI, no PC needed !)
A few years ago, I made an ambi-light, based on a PIC, some ADC controllers, an LM1881, and an bunch of other components. It only worked for a fixed resolution, and used 3 LEDstrips: one for left, one for right, … Continue reading
Some new electronics to learn/play with … (for the KöF 5 1/4″)
For the 5″ KöF, I was looking into an android tablet (that I still had laying around) to control the locomotive. But after a second thought, I decided to create my own custom controller. This gives me the advantage of … Continue reading
To weld or not to weld, that’s the question !
Because I’m doing some metal-working now (for the 3 1/2″ and 5″ locomotives), I decided it’s time to learn how to weld … I bought a semi-automatic welding machine and an automatic welding shield … Now, I still need to … Continue reading
A new NAS, mediaplayers and other “related” new things
Aah, our old NAS died 🙁 One of the discs where failing. This old NAS, was a Conceptronic 2-bay Ch3sNas. I installed fun-plug on it, so I could use this NAS for various other functions. (PHP / MySQL, Torrents …) … Continue reading
Christels’ new Macbook Pro 15″ with Retina display
I bought an Apple Macbook Pro 15″ with Retina display for Christel 🙂 After seeing Christel drool for more then a year, when I was working on my Imac, I decided it was time for some changes. Out with the … Continue reading
Leap Motion: a new way to interact with your PC !
My leapmotion already arrived, for free ! (it’s good to be a developer, otherwise I had to wait until july, and pay 80 dollars for it !) click here to see a movie clip of the Leap-motion in action !
2 new FPGA boards for me: Xilinx Atlys and Xilinx Nexys2
I got 2 extra FPGA boards (with some additional breakout boards) I already managed to create Tetris, Pong and a fractal generator, onto these FPGA boards ! Note that you don’t write software for FPGA boards, but you “define” the … Continue reading
Valentine present: A new TV in the bathroom for Christel
So, when we bought our home, several year ago, I installed a TV in a wall, behind our “bubble”-bathtub. This was a small 4:3 17″ TV, with no HDMI connectors. In the meanwhile, we have digital Full-HD television troughout the … Continue reading
Valentine present: a XC3S500E Xilinx FPGA dev board for Kris
Since a long time, I wanted to start with FPGA’s. So, I got an FPGA development set, with lots of additional modules, for my Valentine 🙂 The Dev-board includes a Xilinx Spartan XC3S500E, a JTAG/USB programmer (Xilinx platform USB cable), … Continue reading
Early Christmas present ! (Lathe + extras)
This year was the ‘big’ year for a brand new lathe and mill/drill machine. Christel decided to order this for my Christmas, including lots and lots of extra’s. With a long delivery period in mind, She started ordering somewhere at … Continue reading
a better view – 3D FullHD beamer + mediaplayer
Since a few weeks, we switched our livingroom-beamer to a “better” model. We can now watch TV/movies in Full HD ! (1920 x 1080p) Even in 3D ! (We did bought 4 Epson 3D glasses with) So, we did bought … Continue reading
Raspberry Pi and Gooseberry board
Since today, I can call myself a proud owner of a Raspberry Pi ! Since the launch in februari 2012, I was hoping to receive an order invitation from RS components. On May, 19th, I finally received my personal invitation … Continue reading
Early Birthday present (CO2 50W laser CNC)
Last thursday I had my last treatment for my HHC. I had to undergo 3 extra treatments 🙁 I’m still not fully recovered (will take some more weeks), but this did not prevent me from “playing with my new toy”. … Continue reading
Late pictures of our Christmas presents
Hello all … I’m still under treathment for my HHC, but today is one of those days that I feel slightly better … So, I took the opportunity to give our website a small update 🙂 First of all, we … Continue reading
Saint-Nicolas came by
When we arrived from work today, we noticed that Saint-Nicolas has came by our house 🙂 Besides some chocolats and other sweat things, I and Christel, both got a really nice present … Every year, at newyears’ eve, we like … Continue reading
An Apple imac 27″ for Kris
Just before the holidays started, I did have some problems with my main PC. (the PC with the most processor-power / disc-space / memory available in our home) So, after returning from our holidays, Christel decided to give me an … Continue reading
A bunch of new “toys” …
It all started with the wish of the modelrailroad club where I’m a member off. They wanted an android device, to control the modelrailroad layout remotely. So, we bought some cheap android devices in China, (about 83 euro !) with … Continue reading
Home automation – my own hardware !
I started creating my own bus-system, to control via a network connection. (Winsock ?) I have created some basic modules, to start with in the modelrailroad room. But I will certainly create other/extra modules in the future 🙂 Every module … Continue reading
Christmas presents already known :-)
While it is still more then 2 weeks, before Christmas arrives, the presents are already known 🙂 But as a sidenote, they stay under the Christmas tree, until the Christmas night ! I bought an Apple IPAD for Christel, the … Continue reading
Coolest gadget I discovered this year – O2 Joggler
A product that already exists for a few years, drew my attention this year … It’s called “O2 Joggler”, and is a product that originates from the UK. The reason why this “joggler” caught my attention, is first of all, … Continue reading
Home automation software
In the meanwhile, we did the necessary brainstorming about the “modularity” of this home automation project. We concluded that it is best to divide the system in different logic blocks. These blocks are: @Home Client This application will be a … Continue reading
Märklin globe in cabinet with twinkling stars
On April 12th, 2009, the Easter-bunny brought me a present … Actually, today I drove about 312 kilometers to get my Easter-present 🙂 (156 KM in one direction) A trip from Ekeren, to somewhere above Utrecht, (with a bag full … Continue reading
The cyborgs are here – Happy Birthday Christel :-)
The Cyborgs are here ! No, it’s actually Christel, playing on the WII, with LCD Cinema Screen glasses on 🙂 Happy Birthday Christel !
a new lens for our Nikon DSLR
While taking my Nikon DSLR for the second time with us on holidays, I felt the need for another lens. I had a 18-55mm lens (standard lens that came with the Nikon DSLR), which is actually sometimes not enough, when … Continue reading
A whole bunch of new “high-tech” stuff !
The last few months, we invested quiet a large amount of money, in “high-tech” gear 🙂 (No, we don’t feel like there is any financial crisis out there !) We bought: 2 smartphones (with windows mobile) a 42″ Full HD … Continue reading
Ultrasonic cleaner
I do have a few “dirty” locs, the idea came to mind, to clean them “ultrasonic”. So, after reading a few reviews about ultrasonic cleaners, we decided to buy one … The result is an E-sonic 1200GH Technical specifications: High … Continue reading
Our (current) robotics collection
One of my other passions, is robotics. Since I have the necessary “machinery” to build things, I don’t have so much urge to buy robotic kits anymore. (I create my own things now => Check out the topic about Andy … Continue reading
A brand new home-cinema receiver
Due to some problems with our previous hifi-set, we decided to buy a brand new home-cinema receiver. I already knew what I wanted, weeks in advance 🙂 So, we bought a Sony STR-DG820 ! I must say, the sound that … Continue reading
Byebye Telenet, hello TV-vlaanderen
This weekend, our set-top-box from “Telenet Digital TV” died ! Because we already tought about switching to satellite reception this year, this was the moment to buy a dish-set. (a bit earlier then forseen). So, now we pay about half … Continue reading
GPS logger / photo tagging
We recently bought a “GPS logger”, with the next vacation in mind. A GPS logger is a small device, that you turn on at the beginning of a trip, you put it in your pocket, and just forget about it, … Continue reading
A new photo-camera – DSLR – Nikon D60
On Saturday, june 21th – 2008, my sister in law (my wifes’ sister) and her husband, did trow a party, because of there 25th anniversary of marriage. A few days before that party, she phoned us, with the question if … Continue reading
*Venatio* – the movie !
You will probably think, a posting, dated in 2005, for a site that started in 2008 ? Yes, you are right, but this is one of three exceptions 🙂 Back in 2005, is was a member of AVAC. A Belgian … Continue reading
Lego Mindstorms Vision Command ActiveX
This is one of those 3 exception postings, that do exist way longer then this website 🙂 Back in the year 2000, I was selected as a preview member by the Lego company, for the release of the Vision Command. … Continue reading