Using Deutsch Automotive Connectors

So, for Project Ram, I am starting to dive into more electrical related projects. As connectors are an essential part to making something maintainable- I really felt I needed to upgrade the connectors I was using.

For my last major automotive project, Because, Racecar, you may, or may not have noticed the molex connectors I used in my Dash Fabrication Project.

While- they did work, they are not at all suitable, not to mention.... lack of water resistance, vibration resistance, etc...

So- this week, I decided to pick up a relatively cheap kit for Deutsch DT connectors and give them a try. These are a commonly used automotive connector, with locking pins, vibration resistance, and water resistance.

Mikrotik - Backup Script (To Git)

Problem: I have a handful of Mikrotik RouterOS based devices, and I would like a source-controlled versioning solution.

Solution: A simple bash script, with a cron job.

This post, provides a script, which allows automated backups of mikrotik configuration over ssh, from a linux host.

Proxmox: Using ZFS over iSCSI with Unraid

So, recently I decided to acquire a new Lenovo P520, which will be for running Unraid. Before, My unraid ran as a VM on my r730XD.

Now- it is bare metal on the P520, with a MD1200 disk shelf for its 3.5" HDDs.

One of my goals, I wanted to transition some of my VMs to leverage ZFS storage, hosted on this box.

This post goes through the steps of configuring Proxmox to leverage ZFS over iSCSI, hosted on Unraid.

Project Ram: Adjusting timing & Fixing KDP Issue

This is part 4 of the Project Ram Series

For about a week straight, I have been hammering out various projects for this truck to improve reliability, performance, etc.

Two days ago, I finished my modifications for the AFC and fueling, which should drastically boost the horsepower.

Today's project is to advance the timing about 4 degrees from stock, fix the killer dowel pin, and ensure all of the timing case bolts are properly torqued with loc-tite.

Installing Gauges on Project Ram.

This is the 2nd part of the Project Ram Series

Image showing the completed result.

If you plan on modifying a diesel, the single most important modification you can do... is to have proper gauges.

If you add adding fuel, your EGTs will increase. If your EGTs go too high, your engine dies.

If your lift pump cannot keep up, you will have a ton of issues dialing in your pump. A fuel pressure gauge monitors this.

If your turbo is not working, You will either make no power, or you will have EGTs through the roof.

For me- the three metrics I need to know are Boost, EGTs, and Fuel Pressure.

Introducing, Project Ram

This, post introduces my newest automotive project.

Project Ram.

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No... we aren't building a truck to shamelessly roll coal. Rather....

This, will be a truck, intended to be used as a truck. It will be beefed up a bit, and won't be slow. And, it will be able to haul a 15,000 gooseneck as well.

I am not building a show truck. Just a dead simple, reliable, multi-purpose truck.

Git - Deleting Merged Branches

I use git for source control when writing these posts. Eventually- my local editor ends up with 50 branches which have already been merged into origin/main, and I end up needing to manually go through and remove the old branches.

This, is a VERY short post, detailing how to create a git alias to automatically prune branches, which have been merged, or deleted on your remote.

If- you don't need steps on how to create the alias, then here is the command:

!git fetch -p && git branch -vv | awk '/: gone]/{print $1}' | xargs git branch -D

Otherwise, keep reading.

  • in Misc
  • 8 min read

The Hoodcat Chronicles

This- is the tale of hood-cat. The cat who decided to break into my house, assert dominance over my cat, pee on my chair, and make himself at home.

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Learning about how a computer works and about electronics

Want to learn about how a computer works?

Not- at a high level....

But, at a very, very low level, where you literally build a functional computer from transistors.

If so- this is a list of resources which I have found extremely handy for myself.

Also, because ADHD.... there is also a list of automation centric games, channels involving lasers, plasma, etc.

Mikrotik - Route specific websites or hosts through VPN.

This post outlines how to accomplish the following activities:

  1. Creating an interface for a remote wireguard VPN connection to an upstream VPN provider.
  2. Forcing specific websites over VPN via Destination IP or DNS.
  3. Forcing specific hosts over VPN via Source IP.
  4. Route ALL traffic over VPN.
  5. Blocking traffic if VPN is down.

Will changing the link speed of your current NIC, affect Power Consumption?

For me- I have 100G NICs in my SFFs. I don't need the full throughput.

So- will reducing the link speed, impact power consumption?

For this post- I will benchmark and determine the impact.

DIN Mount Network Closet - Part 1 - Building the frame

So... Near the end of 2024, I ended up cleaning up my rack, and making everything nice and tidy.

If- you missed that, have a look at the 2024 Homelab Summary

For the next problem- my networking closet is an absolute disaster.

There are wires hanging everywhere... There are switches, and cables everywhere... its a mess.

Picture of cables hanging everywhere before

I plan on building a frame, with DIN rails for mounting all of this hardware.

I see tons of racks. I see tons of mini racks. I rarely see DIN-mounted networking.

Part 1, is building the frame which will hold all of the components.

This is all wood and construction. Nothing technical.