1. Moving to a RTOS on the RP2040
Total comment counts : 18
Summary
The article discusses the author’s experience working on a project involving microcontrollers, specifically Raspberry Pi Pico boards. The author is developing a hardware controller for PTZ cameras and video switching equipment. They express dissatisfaction with the current controller they are using and decide to create their own. The author explains the hardware design and the challenges they face in developing the software. Initially, they used the pico-sdk and dedicated different cores of the Pico for different tasks. However, due to the complexity of the project, they switch to using an RTOS (Real-Time Operating System) and specifically explore FreeRTOS. The article concludes with the author discussing their experience with FreeRTOS and the challenges of managing multiple tasks.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The author critiques the misconception that a real-time operating system (RTOS) can be treated like the Arduino environment, emphasizing that most RTOS platforms are not that flexible. They suggest that the author should have considered using platforms like mbed or FreeRTOS, which are often used in Arduino boards. They mention that Zephyr is user-friendly but requires proper toolchain installation. They also clarify that Zephyr supports Raspberry Pi Pico without issues. The author gives a brief overview of three popular RTOS platforms: FreeRTOS, Zephyr, and NuttX. They explain that FreeRTOS has extensive support but lacks user-friendly APIs, and users must find their own Bluetooth stack. Zephyr supports hardware abstractions and most system-on-a-chip (SOC) devices, including a built-in Bluetooth stack. NuttX has limited support but is considered cool if successfully implemented. The author concludes that SOC vendors often dictate the choice of RTOS, with Nordic favoring Zephyr and NXP favoring FreeRTOS.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the challenges of having toolchains installed system-wide in traditional UNIX systems. It suggests that using a language like Python for tooling brings its own versioning problems and can behave differently on each developer’s computer, leading to build and configuration issues. The author advocates for using statically linked binaries for tools and prioritizing the development of robust and consistent tools. The mention of PlatformIO is seen as a step in the right direction, highlighting the need for managed toolchains, SDKs, libraries, and project configurations. The author also expresses a desire for more common efforts and structure in the embedded industry instead of each manufacturer creating their own solutions.
2. The Snapdragon X Elite’s Adreno iGPU
Total comment counts : 11
Summary
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Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses the difference in architecture between Qualcomm’s Adreno 730 GPU and its competitors, including Apple’s GPU and AMD and NVIDIA’s lower/mid-range cards. Initially, the Adreno 730 performed impressively in benchmarks, even outpacing Apple’s GPU. However, with the introduction of the Snapdragon X, the Adreno’s performance has decreased, especially in more modern graphics loads. It now ranks behind its competitors, including Apple’s GPU, in benchmarks that reflect desktop gaming. The article concludes by speculating on how Qualcomm will proceed with newer GPU architectures and whether they will prioritize gaining ground in higher-end gaming at the expense of their mobile lead.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the introduction of the Adreno X1 chip, highlighting its unique cache architecture compared to other GPU architectures. The Adreno X1 has a dedicated texture cache for its first level cache, while compute accesses bypass the L1 and go to the next level in the cache hierarchy. This differs from AMD, Nvidia, and Intel GPUs, which have a general-purpose first level cache. Previous Adreno generations relied on the GPU-wide L2 cache for compute accesses, but the Adreno X1 adds 128 KB cluster caches to alleviate the pressure on the L2 cache. The author mentions that tinkering with L1 cache conditionality has been happening since 1976, but it remains to be seen how the Adreno X1’s approach will fare. They also mention the blurry line between the L1 cache and the register file and the need to pay attention to L2 behavior. Finally, they request insights from experts in chip design to weigh in on the thinking behind this approach.
3. Bone tissue reparation using coral and marine sponges
Total comment counts : 11
Summary
Researchers have developed a new method of repairing bone tissue using coral and marine sponges as scaffolds. These materials are easily integrated into existing bone structure and resemble bones in terms of porosity and composition. Surgeons prepare the scaffolds to form-fit the area being repaired and insert them into the damaged bone section along with marrow stromal cells or stem cells. Over time, bone tissue expands onto the scaffold or stem cells convert into bone cells on the scaffold. The coral or marine sponge scaffold becomes integrated into the bone structure and avoids the problem of stress-shielding caused by typical implants. This breakthrough in bone surgery has revolutionized the field.
Top 1 Comment Summary
This article argues that people should pay more attention to their bone density as a way to counter aging, rather than solely focusing on the skin. The deterioration of bones, specifically the zygomatic bone and mandible, can contribute to a person looking older. The article mentions that improving skin is relatively easier compared to addressing bone issues like resorption. It also notes the potential of cheap interventions such as Epidermal and Keratinocyte Growth Factors to combat aging.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article suggests that the page being discussed was likely written using MS FrontPage, as indicated by a quick look at the source code. The author expresses enjoyment in seeing old pages still being accessible and mentions using Netscape Composer in the past.
4. I have no constructor, and I must initialize
Total comment counts : 19
Summary
The article discusses the concept of default constructors in C++ and how they are provided by the compiler. The author explores different types of initialization, such as default-initialization and value-initialization, and explains the rules and implications of each. They also explain when the compiler will provide an implicitly-declared or defaulted default constructor, and how it is implemented. The article mentions scenarios where the compiler may define the default constructor as deleted, and provides examples to illustrate these situations. Overall, the article aims to clarify the behavior and implications of default constructors in C++.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses the behavior of list-initialization and aggregate initialization in C++. It explains that when list-initialization is performed on an aggregate, aggregate initialization is performed unless the list has only one argument, in which case direct-initialization or copy-initialization is performed. The article highlights that this behavior can be unreliable and confusing, especially in cases involving structs or templated types. The author recalls discovering this issue when initializer lists were new in C++11 and finding it surprising.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The author of the article has over 20 years of experience with C++ and acknowledges that there are still some challenging aspects of the language. They commend the author for their engaging title and thorough explanation.
5. Unlocking a Gary TL-15 Round-Door Safe (2009)
Total comment counts : 13
Summary
The article is about a safecracker who was hired to open a safe that had been locked for ten years. The safe was a red Gary safe with a jeweled steel face and a chrome-plated, spy-proof Sargent & Greenleaf dial. The safecracker examined the safe’s exterior and made observations about the lock, such as it being a direct-drive lock with a three-wheel system. Based on his observations, he decided to drill through the dial ring at a specific angle to access the wheelpack. He used special drill bits and a borescope to assist him in the process. The safecracker encountered some obstructions while trying to view the wheelpack but managed to work around them without causing unnecessary damage to the lock.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The author shares their experience of buying a century-old English cottage that had a TL-15 Star Safe embedded in the wall of the master bedroom. The previous owners did not know the combination, and the author had difficulty finding a technician to help open the safe. After several attempts, they finally found a SAVTA technician who was able to open the safe, only to find it empty. Despite the disappointment, the author was relieved to have satisfied their curiosity and went on to sell the house. They also decided to get a TL-15 rated safe for their next home.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The author bought a house in 1999 which had a locked safe embedded in the wall. With the intention of discarding it, they hired a locksmith to try and open the safe. However, the locksmith was able to reveal the combination by finding a piece of paper taped to the back of the safe.
6. How random are TOTP codes?
Total comment counts : 21
Summary
The article discusses the randomness of Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP) codes generated by algorithms. The author tests the frequency of certain digits appearing in TOTP codes and finds that there is a bias towards the number 8. However, after generating a large number of codes, the bias becomes less prominent. The article concludes that TOTP codes are random enough and it is unlikely that a code would have a clear bias towards a specific number.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article explains that there is a small bias in Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP) codes. The algorithm used in TOTP extracts 31 consecutive bits from a SHA-1 hash. In order to generate a 6-digit number, the 31-bit number is divided by 10^6. However, since 2^31 is not divisible by 10^6, certain remainders are slightly more likely than others. The bias occurs when the range of random numbers is changed and the number of possible outcomes is not a divisor of the number of incomes. The article also mentions that rejection sampling is used in algorithms like java.util.Random.nextInt(int n) to avoid this kind of bias.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The author of the article noticed that certain systems often provide memorable numbers for SMS 2FA, but they didn’t confirm if it is true or just their perception. Additionally, the author states that decimal “random” numbers related to payment cards tend to be biased because they are generated using hexadecimal representation modulo 10.
7. Show HN: SQL Explorer – Open-source reporting tool that Just Works
Total comment counts : 17
Summary
The article discusses SQL Explorer, a tool that aims to streamline the flow of data between people in a company. It is a Django-based application that can be added to an existing Django site or used as a standalone business intelligence tool. SQL Explorer allows users to write and share SQL queries in a simple editor, view the results in the browser, and share information easily. It also offers an AI assistant that can help write and debug queries by adding relevant context and schema. The tool values simplicity, intuitive use, stability, and least surprise. Key features include query writing and schema helper, SQL AI assistant, query viewing, query result summary, pivot in browser, and log viewing. The project is MIT licensed and accepts pull requests. Users can test the tool using the included test project.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses a tool called SQL Workbench which allows users to run SQL queries in a web browser. The tool supports querying remote data sources such as CSV, JSON, Parquet, and Arrow, as well as uploading local files. Additionally, the tool supports the creation of charts. The article provides a link to a blog post that further explains the usage of DuckDB WASM for in-browser data engineering.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The author is expressing gratitude for the SQLExplorer tool and its incorporation into their open-source radiotherapy quality assurance project. The tool has been a valuable addition and is now used in hospitals worldwide.
8. Hydrothermal environment discovered deep beneath the ocean
Total comment counts : 3
Summary
A new hydrothermal vent field called Jøtul has been discovered beneath the Arctic Ocean off the coast of Svalbard in Norway. The field, located along the Knipovich Ridge, is characterized by heat and chemical reactions caused by volcanic activity below the seafloor. The hydrothermal vents create havens for life to gather and thrive in the otherwise inhospitable deep-sea environment. The Jøtul Field, measuring at least a kilometer in length and 200 meters in width, is the first hydrothermal field discovered along the ultraslow-spreading Knipovich Ridge. The discovery fills a significant gap in the understanding of the hydrothermal layout of the Norwegian-Greenland Sea. The field provides insights into chemosynthetic faunal community distribution, ocean chemistry, and the circulation and distribution of materials such as carbon in the oceans.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article discusses a discovery that increases hope for the existence of life on Europa or Enceladus.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article warns about the dangers of entering an ecological dead zone.
9. A landscape of consciousness: Toward a taxonomy of explanations and implications
Total comment counts : 11
Summary
The article provides contact information for a support center and includes details such as a reference number, IP address, user agent, and timestamp. It also mentions the use of cookies and copyright information.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The author questions the appeal of Chalmers’ reasoning and finds the concept of p-zombies absurd. They argue that Chalmers’ argument against materialism, which relies on the existence of a world physically identical to ours but with different consciousness, is flawed because it assumes that consciousness is not a physical process. The author believes that Chalmers’ subsequent points, which suggest a contradiction, are contrived and unconvincing.
Top 2 Comment Summary
This article discusses the implications of consciousness theories and their relevance to various aspects such as meaning, AI consciousness, virtual immortality, and survival beyond death. The author questions the presence of theology in a scientific journal and suggests that traditional arguments in this field have become outdated. The article also mentions the mystery surrounding the connection between physical matter and thought, which has since been partially explained by basic processing elements derived from molecular biology. Additionally, the author highlights the concept of Large Language Models (LLMs) and their ability to self-organize into intelligence.
10. Put the DVD logo in the corner (2023)
Total comment counts : 20
Summary
The article discusses the author’s experience making a game on the PICO-8 console. The game is small and takes only 45 seconds to play. The author enjoys the simplicity and limitations of the PICO-8, which allows for creativity and a distinct gaming experience. The PICO-8 is described as a fantasy console with restrictions reminiscent of 80s consoles. Despite its simplicity, the author finds joy in shipping a small game on the platform. The article also mentions the original version of Celeste being made on the PICO-8. The author concludes with a reflection on the importance of themes in games and how simplicity can be liberating in game development.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article is a YouTube video link that references The Office.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the Recurse Center, which is described as a kind of artist-in-residence program for programmers. The author shares their experience in artist residencies and expresses the hope for more opportunities to explore nonsensical (non-commercial and non-competitive) things in science. They believe that these opportunities are beneficial to both society and individuals fortunate enough to be accepted. The article includes a link to the Recurse Center website for further information.