I seem to be having problems getting my ph readings on my fishtank to act accurately.

In the past couple weeks I’ve replaced my ph probe three times. I’ve also tried re-arranging the cables and restarting my sampling system. I’ve even re-installed older versions of the data collection program.

My best guess is that I have some form of ground loop throwing off the readings, or that my DrDaq is broken. Problem with the DrDaq is that the company is based in the UK so it not only takes months to get a replacement, but you also have to pay shipping and fill out a bunch of customs forms. Totally not worth it.

So I’ve decided that I’ll switch to one of the Neptune Systems Aquacontrollers. Specifically the JR which has gotten cheaper to the point where they cost about the same price as the DrDaq. Plus, maybe I won’t have to spend $20 and two months to return a defective temp probe that was sent as a replacement to an already RMA’d original probe (horrible customer service). Oh and bonus, they appear to already be paying attention to things like Ground Loop issues and have a Ground Loop Interrupter (albeit as a really high price, but I guess that if they’re the only supplier, they can charge whatever they want).

So in the next couple weeks, I’ll be switching my Windows box that’s running DrAquarium to a Linux box doing a serial port query and pushing that to a web page. In terms of ultimate webapp, I like the design over at ShallowReef.

Added to the list - either try to get webcam streaming (flash) support, or buy one of those Axis cameras on Ebay.

OpenID is an important new technology that has the potential to both increase security and reduce the problem of lost or forgotten password. Here is a video on how to use it.

“Before the repeating rifle, there was the repeating airgun. While most people consider the airgun a toy, it has an interesting history as a serious weapon. Now large bore airguns are seeing new interest amongst discerning gun collectors and hunters of big game.” - Metafilter post on airguns. I had no idea they had such history, or consideration for more than small toy use.

Which you probably are not if you’re in the US - because basically zero broadcasters/channels are offering it- you’re missing out.

But fear not, usenet has it for you.

So what if your cat can play piano.

My cat can hack.

I used to consider myself a pretty good test taker. Having taken some 27 misc cert tests (MCSE,A+,CNA,CCNA,Checkpoint CCSE, manufacturer technician tests) I’ve worked out reasonably efficient methods of studying and analysis/disqualification processes to pick the right answer on questions that I’m not sure about. I actually had a good track record of never failing to pass a test for eight years, and was able to do my MCSE one test per week using the ExamCram materials.
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Somewhere out there, the true evils of consumer profiling have made a horrible horrible mistake.
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Post in the comments if you think you know.

So Friday night i drank a bunch of Mountain Dew and went to the movies with my friend Miss Patty. And why do you ask I traded in precious sleep time to go see a movie? KEVIN SMITH in ‘Catch & Release.’ Well, one I didn’t have to worry about a sitter because there was no way in hell da husband was going to go see a chick flick even if Kevin Smith was in it. And two, I have this thing for Kevin Smith. There was a 9:50pm showing and I somehow stayed awake.
So Kevin Smith made the movie. He played himself. The movie would have been long and drawn out without him being him. His wardrobe looked like his every day closet.

However, Jerry Bruckheimer must have been on the consultant on the film because they had the annoying split screening/blurring screening for the sex scene. Ok, I know Jennifer Gardner was pregnant during the film, but they didn’t need the kaleidescope effects.

So, all in all it was worth the loss of sleep.