so i needed a tool for straightening IC pins because they often come with their leads splayed out and won't fit in a socket or a PC board. this is the version you can find at a variety of online stores. but--i need one *now*
ok, i have a 3d printer, so i'll go on Thingiverse and find one. here's one that looks good.
except--i don't have the right springs. i don't have the right fasteners. it only does 0.3" narrow DIP ICs. it's basically a mess.
but wait: i also have SolidWorks. i can make one better!
few quick sketches, and i have a really great idea for simplifying the whole design.
...and here we have it: the ultimate 3D-printed IC lead straightener! but wait, you say, what about 0.6" wide IC leads?
just flip it over!
the springs? built in.
fasteners? not required.
support structures? unnecessary
literally pull it off the bed of your 3D printer and it is ready to bend some chip legs!
i started off the year by releasing a new Micro Channel sound card, the Plaid Bib CPLD edition. little did i know that this would not be the only sound card i would release this year.
this happened to a Boeing 787 while it was parked at Boston Logan back in 2013. yes, the infamous🔋🔥. 🧵
it's *very* fortunate that it was parked at the time because the smoke filled the cabin. firefighting was difficult for many reasons, including the fact that the battery disconnect switch wasn't accessible!
the NTSB investigated and found out some very interesting details but never found a definitive root cause. here's the inside of the battery bay where the fire occurred.