1. Lisp Badge LE
Total comment counts : 18
Summary
The article discusses the Lisp Badge LE, a low-power computer programmed in Lisp with its own display and keyboard. It is based on an AVR128DB48 microcontroller and has 128K bytes of flash memory and 16K bytes of RAM. The Lisp Badge LE features a low-power monochrome display with a resolution of 250x122 pixels and a 45-key keyboard optimized for Lisp. It can be used to run programs that interface with components such as LEDs and push-buttons and operate external devices via I2C and SPI interfaces. The Lisp Badge LE runs the AVR version of uLisp, a subset of Common Lisp, and includes a graphics library for plotting on the display. It also includes an AVR assembler and supports various Lisp extensions specific to the Lisp Badge LE. The article provides details on the circuit, PCB design, and programming steps for the Lisp Badge LE.
Top 1 Comment Summary
This article discusses teaching an 8-year-old child about programming by introducing her to Lisp syntax. The author considers both Calc (RPN) and Lisp (elisp) for their simple syntax, ultimately choosing Lisp because of its simple REPL loop. The author shares an example of teaching the child to verify a two-argument operation and then successfully solving a three-argument question using Lisp.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article mentions that the author was pleased to find dedicated parentheses keys.
2. Raspberry Pi 5
Total comment counts : 119
Summary
The article discusses the upcoming release of the Raspberry Pi 5, highlighting its improved speed and performance compared to the previous generation. It mentions that the silicon for the Raspberry Pi 5 is designed in-house for optimal performance. The article also mentions accessories available for the Raspberry Pi 5, such as a clip-together case with a built-in fan and a power supply. It advises users to use a high-quality power supply and recommends the Raspberry Pi Case for Raspberry Pi 5, which includes active cooling. The article notes that the Raspberry Pi 5 requires the latest version of Raspberry Pi OS, called Bookworm, which will launch in mid-October. It also mentions that the Raspberry Pi 5 will not fit the Raspberry Pi 4 case. Finally, the article includes a disclaimer about the HDMI trademarks.
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The author of the article suggests that it would have been beneficial to have a NVMe compatible M.2 M Key connector on the Rock 5 Model B. They mention that they have accumulated old but good NVMe’s with limited storage space that would be perfect for a Raspi. They believe that being able to connect directly to an NVMe would provide better reliability and overcome the limitations of microSD cards. The author also expresses their excitement about the inclusion of a battery backed RTC on the board.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the price of the Raspberry Pi 5 and compares it to the previous model, the Raspberry Pi 4. The price of the Raspberry Pi 5 is not mentioned in the article, but the author finds a source stating that the 4 GB model of the Raspberry Pi 5 is priced at $60, which is $5 more than the 4 GB model of the Raspberry Pi 4. The author considers this an acceptable increase, especially considering inflation, and notes that the Raspberry Pi 5 stays true to the concept of being an affordable option.
3. WiFi without internet on a Southwest flight
Total comment counts : 52
Summary
The author was on a recent flight and attempted to purchase in-flight wifi but was unable to because the payment was not accepted. While troubleshooting, the author discovered a successful request for current.json, which appeared to be the data that drives the in-flight wifi portal’s flight status page. The author used this information to fetch the data using a simple curl command. They then set up a loop to collect and log the data. The author analyzed the data and created visualizations to see the fluctuations in altitude and speed during the flight. Overall, the flight was stable and the author found the exercise to be a fun way to spend the flight.
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The author recounts an experience when their son discovered a way to access the internet on a plane without paying for it. The son learned from a classmate that by changing the numbers in the Wi-Fi settings, he could get online. This was possible because American Airlines assigned IP addresses and authorized internet access based on these addresses. The author was proud of their son’s resourcefulness, although they had to advise against such actions.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article explains that the plane’s altitude was very stable, fluctuating only by about 20-30 feet. This stability is attributed to the accuracy of autopilots, which maintain the desired pressure altitude. Modern aircraft often use pressure altitude encoders with a resolution of either 25 feet or 10 feet, and it is likely that the 25-foot resolution is what is observed in this particular case.
4. Why does trying to break into the NT 3.1 kernel reboot my 486DX4 machine?
Total comment counts : 12
Summary
The article discusses the author’s experience installing Windows NT 3.1 on a vintage computer and their attempt to debug kernel issues. They encountered a compatibility issue with enhanced 486 processors and identified a bug in the KiSaveProcessorControlState function. The bug causes the processor model number to be incorrectly determined, leading to compatibility problems. The author provides a fix by patching the affected instructions in the NTOSKRNL.EXE file.
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The author of the article developed a port check method to verify if services were operational. However, when they opened a few TCP ports on the machines, it caused significant damage to the company, leading to a humorous anecdote.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the appeal of retro-computing for nerds, describing it as a harmless and satisfying hobby. The author mentions being drawn in by a “6 more comments” expander.
5. Desalination system could produce freshwater that is cheaper than tap water
Total comment counts : 18
Summary
Engineers at MIT and in China have developed a solar desalination system that can turn seawater into drinking water. The system uses natural sunlight to heat saltwater, causing it to evaporate and leave the salt behind. The resulting vapor is then condensed and collected as pure, drinkable water. The device is designed to mimic the ocean’s thermohaline circulation, allowing water to circulate and preventing salt accumulation. The system has a higher water-production rate and salt-rejection rate than other passive solar desalination concepts currently being tested. The researchers estimate that a scaled-up version could produce 4 to 6 liters of drinking water per hour and last several years before needing replacement parts, making it cheaper than tap water.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses a new device that can desalinate water by removing salt and other contaminants. Unlike traditional desalination methods, this device doesn’t produce brackish water as a waste product. Instead, it allows the leftover salt to circulate out of the system, preventing accumulation and clogging. The issue of waste disposal in desalination is a problem as dumping it back into the ocean can harm the local ecosystem due to the excess salt decreasing dissolved oxygen, suffocating animals on the seafloor. Additionally, extreme salinity makes the process of desalinating water more challenging and costly.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article suggests that even though the water produced through a specific process lacks the necessary minerals for drinking water, it could be beneficial for countries such as India, Arab countries, and northern African countries. By implementing a system to produce large quantities of this clean water and pumping it into the ground, it could help replenish the groundwater levels and potentially allow for the growth of trees in areas where it would not have been possible otherwise.
6. As We May Think (1945)
Total comment counts : 16
Summary
The article discusses the future of scientific research and the role of technology in advancing knowledge and communication. It highlights the contributions of scientists during wartime and raises questions about their future objectives. The article emphasizes the benefits of science in improving control over the environment, enhancing human health, and facilitating communication. It also acknowledges the challenges of specialization and the need for more efficient methods of transmitting and reviewing research. The author explores the potential of new technologies like photography, film, and electrical devices for recording, storing, and accessing information. The article concludes with speculation about the future of research, including the possibility of machines that can directly convert speech into written records. Overall, the article emphasizes the need for advancements in technology to keep up with the growing body of scientific knowledge.
Top 1 Comment Summary
Unfortunately, I am unable to directly access the content of the link you provided. However, if you can provide a brief summary or key points from the article, I would be happy to assist in summarizing those.
Top 2 Comment Summary
This article discusses the influence of Vannevar Bush on the field of computing and the establishment of government institutions to support research and development. It mentions how his work inspired JCR Licklider to write about the future of libraries, which in turn influenced young researchers at DARPA computing projects who made significant contributions to modern computing at Xerox PARC. Bush also recognized the need for post-war science research funding and wrote his memoirs to document his perspective and activities. His influence on the institutional setup for modern science and technology is considered significant.
7. Interactive GCC (igcc) is a read-eval-print loop (REPL) for C/C++
Total comment counts : 12
Summary
The article describes an interactive GCC (GNU Compiler Collection) REPL (Read-Evaluate-Print Loop) tool for C/C++ programming. The author acknowledges user feedback and takes it seriously. The tool allows users to include header files, compile code with GCC, and display the results.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses a fork of a software called IGCC, which was originally developed in 2009. The fork, created by Alexandru Dina between 2018 and 2021, focuses on minor modernization and the addition of color. The software works by compiling and re-running the entire session each time, and it is designed to show the user only the newest bytes printed.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article is about a program called Cling, which is similar to ROOT. The GitHub link provides more information about Cling.
8. Show HN: Carton – Run any ML model from any programming language
Total comment counts : 14
Summary
The article highlights the need for an open-source API that can be used across all frameworks. It also suggests exploring a community model registry.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article suggests the idea of having a universal package hub for sharing software packages across different programming languages. The packages would be described with metadata that includes information about the input and output schema. The underlying system can use technologies such as WebAssembly (WASM) or containers.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The author finds OONX helpful for calling PyTorch models from .NET, but mentions difficulties with testing JAX based libraries due to a lack of ONNX export. They also mention having to write C# boilerplate code to preprocess input data. The author is curious about the speed overhead of the IPC layer, but notes that using ONNX generally provides better speed.
9. That’s a Lot of YAML
Total comment counts : 67
Summary
error
Top 1 Comment Summary
This article discusses an error related to octal and string assumptions in templated YAML, which led to a failure in a k8s cluster. The issue caused problems specifically in the 08 cluster, while the first 7 clusters were not affected.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the problems with using YAML for logic and configuration purposes. The main issue identified is the attempt to include logic within YAML configuration. However, the author acknowledges that YAML is still a good format for human-readable and writeable data, as long as it is used solely for data and not for logic. The article also mentions that CI/CD processes often involve logic, which is typically expressed through a combination of YAML and templating. The author suggests that having a dedicated API for a programming language would be a better solution for this type of logic.
10. There’s a mechanical watch feature called a “hack”
Total comment counts : 16
Summary
error
Top 1 Comment Summary
This article explains that hacking seconds, which is the stopping of the second hand when adjusting the time on a watch, has become very common. Some watches even promote the fact that they do not have hacking seconds. For example, in the Rolex GMT, adjusting the hour hand does not stop the second hand from moving, which is useful for changing time zones without disrupting the previously set seconds hand.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article shared a chart of a conversation. The link provided allows users to click on a node to view the original post.