What makes you grin? Antidote to grumpy thread

[PhilA]

47 minutes ago, hairnet said:

@PhilA

What do you recommend from here

3 piece tenders with red beans and mashed potatoes w/gravy. And an apple pie.

 

Phil

[Datsuncog]

Wot no spinach?

[grizz]

Yup

 

They are out there. 

[Mally]

My granddaughter has been on an outward bound type thing with school. Aged 10. There's a bit of water involved.

A boy in the group is splashing water on a girl who is fully dressed. Girl asks him to please stop. He won't. She asks again politely.

He splashes again saying 'it's only water it will dry.   Adding, and anyway your Mum's a fat slag, who can't fit through a doorway!

The girl smacks him in the mouth and knocks his tooth out.

Head teacher  watching from a distance. Immediately comes out with. Well done xxxx for defending yourself.

Edit,

I've just been told the lad did slap her face twice just before she hit him,. So perfectly justified.

[Wibble]

54 minutes ago, Mally said:

My granddaughter has been on an outward bound type thing with school. Aged 10. There's a bit of water involved.

A boy in the group is splashing water on a girl who is fully dressed. Girl asks him to please stop. He won't. She asks again politely.

He splashes again saying 'it's only water it will dry.   Adding, and anyway your Mum's a fat slag, who can't fit through a doorway!

The girl smacks him in the mouth and knocks his tooth out.

Head teacher  watching from a distance. Immediately comes out with. Well done xxxx for defending yourself.

I wish there were more head teachers like that!

[LightBulbFun]

I am not sure which thread this technically goes into, but since it has very much made me grin im lobbing it in this one  

 

so I have had for a good few years now a nifty little clamp-meter Uni-T 210E, I picked this up because for a £40 clamp meter it was/is pretty well featured and the major appeal for me was the fact it had a 2A range, most clamp meters are designed for high amperage 10's or 100's of amps and it could also read DC amps, this is what made it quite popular with people in general, people trying to find that pesky battery drain on their car etc, but for me it was the low current ranges  so I could messure the current of lightbulb circuits without having to splice into things

seen here measuring the arc current of a 16W 2D fluorescent tube 

 

but unfortunately a fair while back I discovered that my meter on the current range, tends to under-read by an amount, and this was quite annoying because it was a very handy meter otherwise, to a degree I had an idea how much it under-read by using another known good meter to compare with so I was able to mentally offset the given value to get the actual value, but I really would of liked for it to just be accurate and so I dont have to mental maths every time I want to measure the current of a lightbulb

so eventually in the last couple days, I decided to finally sit down and see if I could do anything to calibrate it, and it turns out the Uni-T 210E because of its popularity with the electronics hobby scene has been quite throughly dug into, and not only have they figured out how the calibration works etc, but also how to adjust the general factory default settings on the meter and even unlock a bit more resolution, and this is what makes me grin, because its sold as a 2000 count meter, but thats just an artificial lock, the chipset inside these meters is good for up to 6000 counts or 9999 counts in the case newer ones like mine, and they figured out how to remove this soft 2000 count lock , all the factory meter setting and calibration data is stored on a EEPROM, so of course I immediately went about giving this it a bash, I dug out my CH341A EEPROM programmer, ordered a chip clip from Amazon (because I messed up my old one long ago), hooked it all up

fired up the suitably dodgy looking EEPROM Programmer reading-writing software in my totally legit  copy of windows 7 Virtual machine

and what do you know it worked! I was able to dump the EEPROM and load into a handy editor someone made, https://adlerweb.github.io/UT210E-Calculator/ tweak things as I wanted them and flash it back to the EEPROM  

 

so what this means in practice is I gain quite a bit of extra resolution, for example here is my meter (as you can tell by the worn rotary switch I have used this quite a bit!) measuring mains voltage from the wall, 235V as you can see

but now with the extra counts unlocked, I get an extra digit of resolution  as you can see, I can read mains voltage down to to the 100 millivolt rage 238.2V, previously it would get to 200.0V then switch to the next range up and as above you would lose the last digit but now thats no more  

this also works on the current ranges, so for example if the 2A current range previously if I went above 2.000A I would have to switch to the 20A range and lose resolution, now the 2A range is good for up to 9.999A  which will prove very handy for monitor discharge lamps as they run up and warm up etc over time

and of course finally going back round the original reason I started this endeavour is it means I can actually now adjust the calibration values and make the meter read more accurately on the previously out current ranges (for example going back to the very first picture, that 16W 2D lamp is actually running at 200mA not 182mA as the meter says it is) so I look forward to doing that (I have not done it right away yet because it involves a bit of work, I have to take ideally lots of readings going up in steps with a known good meter and then figure out what my correction value is, if a known good meter is reading 2A and the 210E is reading 1.8A then I know I need to correct for 0.2A etc 

there is a much more detailed video here for those who are into this sort of thing like I am  

https://github.com/bdlow/UT210E/blob/master/README.md

so yeah I am very pleased with discovering this and being able to successfully do it myself as it means I can finally actually use the meter as a current meter, it always annoyed me how close but so far it was, so very handy but ugh it was inaccurate, now I can fix that and really have a handy meter without fear of inaccuracy  

[hairnet]

Lol that england are in antigua fir the cricket 

Its raining harder there than here lmao

[hairnet]

Not looking good for the cricket as tms are replaying previous games

[LightBulbFun]

On 12/06/2024 at 21:03, RoverFolkUs said:

Instead of trying to explain "Volvo C30" to the factors when they INSIST on a reg number, it was only going to end up with me receiving about 5 wrong blades anyway,
----
[amusingly I was in my workwear so a bit of common sense would have dictated I'm handy with things like fitting wipers 😂] 

[lesapandre]

4 hours ago, LightBulbFun said:

Yes and they probably list three completely different types for ' that year'.

😂

[hairnet]

@Saabnut

Nearly

[grizz]

I remember this. 

[Matty]

Saw this and couldn't resist cos I knew it'd make him laugh

(I'm 43 my dad's a bit older 🤣)

[horriblemercedes]

🥳

[iainrcz]

Our green waste bin arrived today.

We ordered it in March.

Apparently our local council send them on a 3 month jolly around the world before they start their life of servitude.

Ours particularly enjoyed its week in a yurt in Finland.

I'm now going to cram as much rotten grass in it as I can.

[hairnet]

So sat outside a venue waiting fir a gig

Listening to nz vs png in the cricket 

Looking to buy a ticket for these guys

 

[hairnet]

Hnng

[grizz]

They walk amongst us. 
 

This 1955 Ford F100 is for sale by the owner for $75,700 CAD or best offer. The 55 F100 was acquired by the owner in fall of 2022 and a complete customization build was set in motion. The builders were inspired by their love of both Classic Ford Trucks and Mustangs.The creation is a custom, one of a kind, 1955 Ford F100, we call the Mustang Truck GT100.The body combines classic lines of a 1955 Ford F100 with custom hand made fenders, visor, chin spoiler, running boards, vents and hood scoop. The builders incorporated the front grill and lights of a Mustang, as well finished off the box with a Mustang spoiler and custom lighting. The custom box cover rises with a support of two lift assisted shocks and provides access to the fuel filler, spare tire and storage. This custom 1955 is painted in Ford Mustang colours, Vista Blue and striped Performance White.This custom 1955 Ford is fitted with a 2007 Mustang GT drivetrain, suspension and unibody providing the performance and handling with modern technology. It is equipped with a 4.6l V8 24 valve single overhead cam, 5 speed transmission, front independent suspension, MacPherson strut front suspension, stabilizer bar and solid live axle rear suspension. From a safety perspective it is equipped with 4-Wheel ABS, traction control, front and rear disc brakes, front fog/driving lights. Recent service (at 157,000 kilometres / 97555 Miles) includes, new Roush mufflers, battery, TPMS wheel sensors, balance all 4 wheels and wheel alignment, cam phaser lockouts and tune, spider gears, rear axle bearings and seals, serpentine belt and motor vehicle inspection (passed). This Ford F100 is offered with an active registration in the sellers name .This custom beauty rides on staggered 19-inch American Muscle wheels wrapped in Firehawk Indy 500 tires. On the front 255/40R19 and on the back 285/35R19.The cabin of this Custom 1955 Ford Mustang Truck, combines a traditional modern Mustang cockpit, tachometer, power steering, air conditioning, tilt wheel, cruise control, leather mustang seats, drivers seat power and centre console with Classic 1955 roll up windows and manual door locks.This custom truck is a head turner! It won best in its class at World of Wheels Calgary 2024 as well as "Judges Choice" at Driven Calgary 2024

[grizz]

Vehicle Details

Vehicle make
AUSTIN
Date of first registration
September 1977
Year of manufacture
1977
Cylinder capacity
1275 cc
CO₂ emissions
Not available
Fuel type
PETROL
Euro status
Not available
Real Driving Emissions (RDE)
Not available
Export marker
No
Vehicle status
Taxed
Vehicle colour
WHITE
Vehicle type approval
Not available
Wheelplan
2 AXLE RIGID BODY
Revenue weight
Not available
Date of last V5C (logbook) issued
27 June 2022

[hairnet]

The spolier and the sunstrip are garbage but there some work in that

[320touring]

 

What a night to do 120+ miles in this old tub.

Absolutely brilliant. And an evening with purpose -

discs and pads arrived for the Octavia at 6.12pm, put them and part worns into the Jag.

 picked Andy who is borrowing the Octavia up. 

Then over to the unit and fitted new discs (decided not to risk piston pushback).

New* tyres fitted, all torqued up and tested. Working well.  Brake shake completely gone. Will fit new pads asap. When I can get the car back.

Jag and Octavia to Andy's , then Andy back to his work depot to get the car he'd borrowed to cover for 807 being deid.

Got home after snapping the above, made a cuppa and relaxing.

[Sunny Jim]

[Joey spud]

I must of had this bottle opener since the late Eighties. It was a free gift with an issue of 'Fast Car' magazine. The Fast Car emblem has mostly rubbed off and after opening many hundreds of bottles over the years the claw part had also worn away and wasn't able to lift the caps anymore.

But after a two minutes of reprofiling with a needle file it's good again for another 35 years.

[PhilA]

On 17/06/2024 at 17:03, 320touring said:

What a night to do 120+ miles in this old tub..

Funny, the lights here have a blank and only the outer lights. 

Those see-through reflectors aren't allowed federally so I only have a reflector in the middle.

[cobblers]

I was in the chippy last night for my tea and there was a fair queue. Bloke who came in after me asked the lass on the fryer to chuck him a battered sausage "to put him on while he waited" 

[DSdriver]

On 17/06/2024 at 20:13, grizz said:

Vehicle Details

Vehicle make
AUSTIN
Date of first registration
September 1977
Year of manufacture
1977
Cylinder capacity
1275 cc
CO₂ emissions
Not available
Fuel type
PETROL
Euro status
Not available
Real Driving Emissions (RDE)
Not available
Export marker
No
Vehicle status
Taxed
Vehicle colour
WHITE
Vehicle type approval
Not available
Wheelplan
2 AXLE RIGID BODY
Revenue weight
Not available
Date of last V5C (logbook) issued
27 June 2022

Start your Q plate arguments now!

[omegod]

1 hour ago, cobblers said:

I was in the chippy last night for my tea and there was a fair queue. Bloke who came in after me asked the lass on the fryer to chuck him a battered sausage "to put him on while he waited" 

I've been know to have a "queue" pie or sausage whilst waiting 

[myglaren]

 

[Dave_Q]

Researching a relative who served in the first world war for my daughter who is going to the battlefields this year. 

He was a lorry driver in the service corps, found his military record which just contains the one sanction:

Docked a weeks wages for driving at excess speed. Good lad.

[New POD]

On 12/06/2024 at 21:03, RoverFolkUs said:

Popped into Halfords (!) this evening to get a rear wiper blade for my Focus.. I've previously upgraded it with a Volvo C30 arm because the standard Ford one is small and coverage is shite, and I couldn't get a decent arm/blade combo that actually applied enough pressure to the screen after trying about 4 different types. 

Fitted a C30 arm and it works a treat, it covers significantly more of the rear screen and clears it well. A very worthwhile upgrade 

But now came the time to get a new blade for it. 

Instead of trying to explain "Volvo C30" to the factors when they INSIST on a reg number, it was only going to end up with me receiving about 5 wrong blades anyway, I thought I'd pop into Halfords and see what I could find on the shelf. 

Indeed I found a match, so took it to the till. 

Immediately got pounced upon: "can I interest you in fitting?" 

No thank you, [amusingly I was in my workwear so a bit of common sense would have dictated I'm handy with things like fitting wipers 😂] 

He was clearly a bit miffed that I'd declined his service so conversation as follows:

Him - "What car are you buying it for?" 

Me - "It's to go on my 06 Focus, I've previously fitted a Volvo C30 wiper arm to it."

He trots off to the wiper blade area without me asking, and comes back with another blade which he's decided is suitable based on the info I've given him about the car (2006 Focus) 

Now there's a bit of backwards and forwards because he's telling me the blade I've picked up isn't compatible with a 2006 Focus so it won't fit... I try to explain that a Focus wiper blade isn't going to fit because the arm has been replaced... 

He's still not having any of it and suggests once again that I pay the £6 extra to have it fitted so that they can make sure I'm buying the correct wiper blade. 

I've told him that I've already gone on their website, searched for a rear wiper for a Volvo C30, matched it with the one attached to my "upgraded arm" so I'm already satisfied with the original one that I've picked up off the shelf 

At last he allows me to buy the original blade that I selected. 

Of course he takes great pleasure in saying "no returns on this once you've opened it and realized its the wrong one" 

Now that's annoyed me a bit. So I thought I'd play a game. I've paid for it, then gone outside, removed the blade from the car and brought it back in, opening the box of the new one to show him that they are both alike. 

I've rejoined the queue for the till, visibly clutching the old and new blade. He's clocked me holding both blades. He greets me with a smug grin, but before he had a chance to put me in my place I've demonstrated the fact that the old and new blades are identical, but thanks all the same for all the effort he's gone to in order for me to buy the right one 😂

He wasn't happy 😂

The mazda2 we recently bought has no spare wheel, and we'd like one. As I knew I'd be passing the largest car recycling yard in the Northwest (Hills Motors of Skem), I thought I'd phone on the off chance.

What's your reg ? 

It's a mazda2. Have you got any mazda2s ? 

We need to know the reg. 

FFS. 

Give them the reg. 

That car doesn't have a spare sir.

No. That's why I want one.

We'll ask the yard to look and get back to you.

 

24 hours later I get a text to tell me they don't have one in stock. 23 hours after I went past on the M58