Category: Tech

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Japanese input in Openbox

It can be a challenge to get Japanese input working in the Openbox window manager on Debian. Personally I forget how to do it after each OS reinstall, so here’s a quick guide:

Add Japanese locale (ja_JP.UTF-8 UTF-8):

sudo dpkg-reconfigure locales

Install ibus and ibus-anthy:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install ibus ibus-anthy -y

Add environment variables and ibus daemon to Openbox startup:

cat >> .config/openbox/autostart.sh
export GTK_IM_MODULE=ibus
export XMODIFIERS=@im=ibus
export QT_IM_MODULE=ibus
ibus-daemon -d -x

Add Japanese with anthy to the ibus settings (“input-method” -> “add”):

ibus-setup

Restart Openbox (log out and back in again)

Switch between input methods using the keyboard shortcut (super/win + spacebar):

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3D printed caterpillar tracks for the Tamiya Konghead 6×6 (C6-01)

Inspired by old Valmet 901 / 911 forest harvesters this is an attempt to create 3D printed caterpillar tracks which envelop the regular tires of a Konghead RC truck

Test drive of caterpillar tracks for the Tamiya Konghead

The track were created in Tinkercad based on an existing design: https://www.tinkercad.com/things/1rrQgXL5KSb-copy-of-copy-of-starting-point-for-tracks

The updated version made for the Konghead can be downloaded from Thingiverse here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4714521

Instructions to create the tracks

  • Download the STL from Thingiverse here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4714521
  • Print 24 copies of the link design per track
  • Use straightened-out paperclips to hold them together (holes for the paperclips are part of the design).
  • Melt some filament to close up the holes on either side to keep the paperclip locked in place.
  • Note: Leave one link un-sealed so the tracks can be removed if needed.
Details of the build and a test drive on YouTube…

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Happy Holidays!

The holiday season means different things to different people. In this case it means pointing the light ring, which has been aimed toward me during so many Zoom calls, towards something else. May I offer a nice Calabi-Yau manifold in these trying times? Happy holidays everyone!

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Upgraded targeting system: Voice control

To make it more interesting I thought it’d be cool to restrict the machine learning model to a single type of item and add support for voice control to change between types. While I was at it I added the audio from the Portal turrets, because why not?