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I am keen top print a monitor shelf for my home office setup. I can find heaps of brackets and stands, but all of them require some form of wooden shelf to be inserted. (see this for the general idea - Not my file, just sharing for information purposes - all credit to original author)
https://www.printables.com/model/56729-honeycomb-monitor-stand/comments
Now, This got me wondering about whether it is possible to print the actual shelf using PLA and have it modular? So lets say a shelf that has some form of interconnector puzzle like ends so you can attach two or three shelf pieces together to increase the length and glue them. Would that even be strong enough to hold up a wide monitor?
Also have this running in the printer as we speak
https://www.printables.com/model/418962-bikepacking-front-rack
21 hours ago, patches said:Thanks!
Here are some observations/impressions from a lazy-bugger! Granted the Fenix paired with an Android phone will do most of this (and many of these are not unique to the Apple Watch Ultra, so regular Apple Watch users would have this), but these are just the things I've noticed over that last week or so.
General
- Comfortable on wrist with both the ocean band and alpine loop. Alpine loop probably wins for comfort but more finicky to put on. Have a trail loop on order, will let you know what that one is like
- Easy to operate. Touch screen is intuitive and pretty responsive. Only found it tricky when trying to swipe left/right or up/down to switch between screens, while moving (running... if you can call what I do "running")
- Occasionally a button gets bumped or the little one touches the watch face and apps get opened etc. I believe there is a way to have a "lock screen" but I think one sacrifices ease of use (or has to deal with the hassle of unlocking) if they opt for this
- Easy to manage settings and watch faces through Watch app on phone. Almost no need to ever go into settings on watch
- Battery life - This being a big point of contention as I know one can use the Garmin if they are stranded in the amazon for weeks, whereas the Apple is pretty much a "charge daily" device. My daily use has been: put on in the morning. Standard use all day, including about 1hr of workout time with GPS and GSM doing their thing. When I go to bed the battery is typically at about 75%. I could still wear it for sleep tracking, but as I don't like wearing a watch to bed, I just put it on charge. It charges in less than 1hr and a notification pops up on my phone telling me when it's charged. This works for me. May not work for those doing multi-day back-country adventures, or those that want to wear the watch 24/7 with minimal downtime.
Smart Watch
- Seamless iOS pairing. Like seriously seamless. It just works
- Connectivity - my mobile provider here in Hobit-land allows me to add a GSM enabled smart watch to my unlimited mobile plan for a fee (7NZD or about R80pm). This means I can go out for a cycle/walk/run without the bulk or risk of a phone in my pocket and can still send/receive calls, texts, whatsapps and emails. Now most people leave phones behind for a reason so don't care about this. BUT another useful thing with the GSM connectivity is that I don't have to pre-download Spotify playlists. I can just stream the music while I'm out and about. The downside... this drains battery life faster. The upside, when the watch is in range of the phone again, the mobile data mode goes into standby.
- Apps - any apps my iPhone had that an Apple Watch version were automatically installed at setup. Any I didn't want were easy to remove through the Watch App on the phone. Haven't installed any watch specific apps yet, but I'm pretty sure one could get almost anything they want. The downside... most have some sort of paywall for all the features
- Automation - For those who have used Apple Shortcuts on their iPhone, this is old news... but for those that don't know, this is a very basic "logic builder" to automate certain actions based on a set of criteria (basically if-then). This couples with the Action Button on the watch (which can be used to run Shortcuts) can be very powerful. For example, one can create a shortcut that takes proximity to a specific location (ie. the gym) into account, and presents an appropriate action menu for that location. So if the current location is close proximity to the gym then the shortcuts in the menu will be the Start Workout for whatever activity one does at the gym (treadmill, squash, weights etc), but if the current location is close proximity to one's home then the menu can adjust to be control of smart home devices (door locks, lights, speakers etc). Another useful one could be to send an automatic "I'm in a meeting" reply to an incoming call/message by simply pressing the action button (no need to pull phone out and look rude), and by taking one's calendar into account. It can take some time to build these Shortcuts although it's not too complicated and there are websites (like https://shortcutsgallery.com/) where one can download premade sets of logic. Overall can be pretty darn powerful if one puts in the time to build some good ones.
Health/Fitness
I'm pretty simplistic in this regard, due to my non-competitive nature coupled with my laziness 😅
- Activity Rings - I already had on my phone but paid no attention to it. With the watch it's more useful and I find it pretty cool. It's where daily goals for Standing (1min/hr), Exercise (minutes where heart rate exceeds a brisk walk) and calories burnt are all tracked. Steps are also tracked and play into this, and if one dives in there are some pretty interesting stats available, like step asymmetry (% stride difference between each leg) or "sturdiness" are analysed and tracked. I think much of this is actually done by one's phone being in their pocket. Again. probably nothing new for Android or Garmin, but my novice observation thought this was cool, and better than the simple step count my old Fenix 3 did.
- Heart Rate - Plenty of YouTube reviews on the accuracy, and generally it's supposed to be pretty good. The ECG function and detection of anomalies is a plus, although shrouded in plenty of disclaimers, classic Apple style. ECG's can be exported to PDF too to be shared with a medical professional
- Workouts - The app is pretty intuitive and does most of what I need. Some workout types are fairly generic, like Outdoor Cycle, which doesn't differentiate between MTB, road, etc. It seems pretty smart too as I was on a walk the other day with some friends. I forgot to start an "Outdoor Walk" activity, but after about 10min the watch took my elevated heart rate and movement into account and popped up with a suggestion asking if I was on an outdoor walk and if I wanted to track it. I confirmed and it back-tracked most of the previous 10min activity to add it to the workout, I thought that was pretty slick
- I haven't looked into it but there are plenty of 3rd party apps for the more serious athlete out there
Aesthetics
Whilst these are subjective (and I have openly admitted to preferring the rugged look of the Garmins), I have found that with watch face and aftermarket straps, the watch can transform for most occasions.
I know the Garmins have face and strap customisation options too, but the retina always-on display from the Ultra is pretty sharp, so many apps with custom designed faces, and so many strap options available for dirt cheap (from places like Amazon or Aliexpress), plus the straps are super simple to change. It's like having more than one watch.
I have created a bunch of custom watch faces, similar in appearance (simple and clean) but themed based on function, which I can easily flick through after tapping on the current face (no need to delve into the settings or use the phone app). For example:
Here's what they look like IRL with an aftermarket black alpine loop (from Amazon)
And here's another with an aftermarket titanium bracelet (also from Amazon)
Anyway, those are just some initial impressions and observations based on my limited knowledge. Again, I know most other smart watches can probably do most of these things, but this may be helpful for those looking at the Apple.
*Garmin Flame Suit On* 😅
Great review,
I have been watching this thread intensely. I have the Garmin Epix and I love everything about it EXCEPT the HRM. Being heavily tattooed on the forearms, the current generation of Garmin sensors does not read my heart rate properly and I am bound to a chest strap. In my testing (putting it on in the store) the Ultra seems to get a really good read of my Heart Rate. Battery was a concern, but my level of activity matches yours. Maybe 1-2 hours a day with a long run on Sunday maxing out at 3 hours.
I am also married to the Apple ecosystem. Iphone, Airpod Pros, Homepods, Mac, Ipad and Apple TV (holy heck, I sound like a fanboy) So I am hoping that the Ultra will pair nicely.
My son is now at an age that I can start teaching him to ride a roadbike. Will keep to empty parking lots for a while but managed to grab this bike from a colleague for NZD1,000 (roughly ZAR10k)
It has 40,000km on the clock, but brand new tyres and is well maintained. A couple of dents and scratches. Perfect for a learner bike.
7
On 11/10/2023 at 4:29 PM, patches said:Time to retire the Green Mamba. It's served me pretty well over the years, but I won't say it'll be missed (especially all the visas I've had to apply for).
Now onto the era of the Little Black Book.
Great milestone. Congrats!
EDIT: - The Saffa passport looks like you have rubbed off the front cover. Was that an attempt to remove the RSA and use a sharpie to draw some ferns on it? 😁
Man, the technology has improved so much since I last played with it in the days of a reprap printer.
Printed on a Bambu Lab P1S with AMS using Silk PLA Filament by my 13 year old son.
8
Attention all Aussie Hubbers.
I am keen to go to AU (any East Coast City) around late December 2023 into mid-January 2024 for a family getaway.
Does anyone want to do a home swap? No money changing hands. You come to use my new 4 beddie in Auckland, I use your place and we have a change of scenery?
My ideal (but not fixed) dates are 28 December to 14 January (or thereabouts)
We can even swap cars as well to keep the costs nice and low.
Daylight savings always makes my brain hurt.
Did anyone else struggle to wake up this morning?
On 8/21/2023 at 8:44 PM, hayleyearth said:Anyone on here that have kids around the age of 5 and/or 2 that's keen for playdates? 😃
....or that live around eastern suburbs and have a wife that would be keen to go for some runs or rides?
I want to get back into things!!
I know it doesnt quite meet your requirements, but happy to do some cool stuff up north!
On 8/25/2023 at 3:23 PM, PhilipV said:Does anyone have contact with Slowbee? I pop in here every now and then to see if he posts, but I hope his silence is because he is enjoying EnZed.
I chat with him occasionally on Whatsapp and he is always in good spirits.
2 hours ago, hayleyearth said:My citizenship was approved within a month from applying, I only have my ceremony in Oct though.
Congrats on the other parcel of news, now you will see money disappear into thin air!
Wait until they are 14 year old boys that have an insane ability to hoover up twice the food a normal adult will consume and also don't know how to switch off lights when leaving rooms. Bye Bye Money.
On 8/8/2023 at 8:49 AM, patches said:In other news... I'm not going to be the first kiwi citizen in the household.
About 4 weeks ago, we gained a house-mate. She's noisy, messy, late on rent and doesn't pull her weight around the house...
...but Mum and Dad are smitten, so she can stay for the next 18yrs or so!
(Too young for Kids DIY class, but never too young to go to Bunnings with Dad)
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
3 hours ago, patches said:The good...
I finally applied for my citizenship...
...sadly though, my Aus visitors visa has expired and I was hoping that I would have a little black passport by the time I head across the Tasman again (therefore not needing to renew said visitor visa), but alas, citizenship processing times seem to range from 5 - 15 months. So I won't hold my breath.
@Wayne Potgieter, how long was the processing time frame for your citizenship, and how long after that for passports?
Applied for Citizenship 11 January 2021
Approved for Citizenship 30 November 2021
In order to apply for a passport, you must have received the actual certificate which you obtain at a ceremony. Because of Covid, we could not have a in person ceremony, so they couriered our Citizenship certificates to us they arrived 23 December 2021
We applied for Passports on 13 January 2022 and they were issued on the 19th January 2022.
So all up, a year! But Covid staffing had an impact on that timeline.
If only the Optical HR sensors improve on tattoo'd skin.
I keep having to replace my chest heart rate monitor each year. The HRM pro (yellow one) HR monitor has such poor design that each time you replace the battery, it loses its seals and gets water damaged. I have had 2 warranty replacements already. Its such a known issue that Garmin redesigned the unit with a HRM Pro + (has a white piece on it) that allows for a twist function to access the battery, but its not legal in Australia, NZ as it presents a choking hazard.
The sun rises over central Tokyo. Taken through a hotel window. iPhone 14 Pro
2 hours ago, davetapson said:Kids being let off school early because of weather.
Don't these schools know why we send the kids there..?!
Now, when I was a child, I had to swim 7 miles to school, holding my breath the whole way...
Garage is flooding again (in rental house, thank goodness.) It's like these 1:100 year events aren't.
My eldest goes to Orewa College and it sits at sea level along an estuary. Got the call to pick him up at 12 today for "health and safety" reasons.
Thankfully I was in a board meeting and able to leave early to complete the pickup. This was good for my own health and safety as I no longer had to sit in the bored meeting (that's not a typo)
Luckily I use an alias on the hub, so my bosses wont know my feelings.
1 hour ago, davetapson said:And that's my quarterly catch up... 🙂
Current situation as per video below... cell phone camera making it look way more cheerful than it feels.
My daughter, who now works for NZ Herald tells me that weather warnings have been phoned in, looks like we have some interesting times ahead of us (again)...
And in other news, we have joined the property market (Rothesay Bay, around the corner from British Isles should you like a quick pint), so like a bunch of you guys, now own some of the most over-priced real estate in the world.
Long may it stay that way...
Wrap up, stay dry,
Dave
Congrats! Thats a big (but expensive) milestone.
On 4/11/2023 at 9:30 AM, patches said:It's been a while since I posted some "Good" from the beautiful scenery that makes up New Zealand, so here's a photo dump from a South Island road trip I took my Mom on, a couple of weeks back.
We did Christchurch to Queenstown, with various stops along the way.
Rakaia Gorge
Lake Pukaki (looking towards Mt Cook)
Mt Cook Station (A Cattle Farm we stayed at for a night)
Clay Cliffs (near Omarama)
Shotover Gorge (view from our Queenstown accommodation front porch)
Lake Hayes (Arrowtown)
The infamous Wanaka Tree
Wanaka Lavender Farm
View from the Arrowtown end of the Crown Range
After this trip, I think I'm 70% of the way to convincing my wife into moving South.
Yep, we are really lucky.
I spent the last 10 days in Japan and as much as I loved our trip and had the time of my life, I am really glad to LIVE in NZ.
3
On 3/3/2023 at 8:04 PM, hayleyearth said:I can't believe I took my daughter to fit school clothes!! 😥
She's so skinny, the smallest size is a bag on her.
Oh man, cherish the moments. They go by so damn quick.
JD is in year 9, has armpit hair and his voice sounds all funny.
Erin is a senior in primary school and goes to intermediate next year.
Weirdly, I am still the exact same age and have not grown older, slower and balder at all 😬
She look adorable Hayley.
Just now, patches said:Why don't you like Melbourne? Is it the excess of man-buns or the fact that people in the CBD dress like they're going to a GQ or Vogue cover shoot? hahaha 😉
Just kidding, but I never felt "cool enough" to walk around the street in Melbourne 😅
As for the load shedding, unlucky on that one, but like you say, puts load shedding in perspective.
My Mom arrived from JHB last Friday, and I thin the fact that there's no load-shedding has been the biggest 1st world experience for her so far (granted with this weather we haven't done more than the Matakana Markets and a walk down to Milford beach).
She keeps stressing when I leave lights on and I have to remind her that they're LED's and there's no load shedding, so no need to live by candle light 😅
Oh, absolutely nothing wrong with Melbourne. One of my favourite cities.
Plenty wrong with being couped up in a corporate office for 12 hours a day for 3 days and not enjoying Melbourne.
Positives about Cyclones....
Was supposed to head to Melbourne for a conference today. Wont be going. YAY! was totally not looking forward to it.
Had a six hour power outage, my kids went mental. Told them about load shedding and their faces had all the colour drained from it. Guessing they wont want to go back to SA.
9 hours ago, IceCreamMan said:Still on the plant based treadmill. It works for me. My gout medication is now a quarter of what it used to be. I could probably cease taking it completely but those who know gout know it ain’t pretty so taking a little bit of puricos to keep that devil at bay.
HR is around 42, BP right at the sweet spot 120/80 and sometimes lower, all blood counts within the norms of a person 20 years younger.
and even getting into the animal misery aspects of plant based diets,,,I think I am becoming woke. Shizer
Sheesh, talking of being woke.
I eat plant based, have a beard, drive a tesla and gravel bike.
I am quite literally a walking stereotype and loving every moment of it.
New Zealand - The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.
in Chit chat
Posted
Yeah, I can understand that. I felt a similar way with Mountain Biking after a year or two.
Its just such an effort to get out and find a place to ride.
Now, I spend more of my time bikepacking on a gravel bike. I find overnighting and getting to cool spots on my gravel bike to be much more aligned with myself at this point in time. Its not racing at all, more like hiking with a bicycle.