What's your current headache?

I'm sure this can be added to my list of first world problems, but in an effort to reduce my JLC costs I've been looking for a PCB-specific CNC mill to make prototype boards. I found an auction for a machine I've used before and won it last night for a killer price. The shipping price wasn't listed because it had to ship via freight, and the freight quote came in this morning at $450. Ouch. On top of that I have to use the company's proprietary software to run the machine, which they sell for $1050 per license. Double ouch.
 
PunchySunshine said:
Jury Duty today....I need to figure out a way to disqualify myself in the future. It's the third time in fifteen years. I always get out of it by having "extreme bias" but the whole day is a wash. Just leave me alone! Courthouses make me WAY too nervous.
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I'm looking to get some nice IC and germanium diodes, the thing is that I found a page that is called UT source, now I'm wondering if that's located in China because then I will be getting to pay a big tariff.

so has anyone get some stuff from that page?
 
ivandelado said:
I'm looking to get some nice IC and germanium diodes, the thing is that I found a page that is called UT source, now I'm wondering if that's located in China because then I will be getting to pay a big tariff.

so has anyone get some stuff from that page?
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Can't say I have.

Apparently they have an office in Hong Kong and USA.

Typically I'm seeing tarriffs added on at checkout.
 
This turned out to be a small headache, almost no ache at all. Our grill was in need of some TLC. I took it apart and cleaned out a lot of the grease (although not all), removed the drip pan (getting a replacement later), checked that it turned on. The rightmost burners didn’t turn on on their own, I had to put a lit piece of paper next to the burners to light the fire, but they work. Now I’m soaking the grills in vinegar because they got a bit rusted. Fingers crossed that helps.
 
ivandelado said:
I'm looking to get some nice IC and germanium diodes, the thing is that I found a page that is called UT source, now I'm wondering if that's located in China because then I will be getting to pay a big tariff.

so has anyone get some stuff from that page?
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When I looked at their customer comments, I saw a LOT of complaints - e.g., about price changes, overcharging, etc.
There was a lot of consistency about certain problems, which to me indicated real concerns.
So I have avoided them.
Read the comments yourself, and then decide.
I'd go with SOVCOM/Alexer1 on eBay for Russian Ge transistors and diodes, instead. Added comment: They're very reliable, I've bought from them several times. And others here on this forum have posted highly of them.
 
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1590A slated for one of BYOCs OD-1 boards snapped right where the DC jack was (okay, hole WAS close to edge, but nothing worse than usual). Then try to bend the little pieces back to hold the DC jack better…. Snap.

Oh, and the damn ADA I got calibrated (YAY) but sounds like a really awesome ring mod. Replaced the diodes, etc. still stuck. Going to do something else and find success.
 
This one’s not about pedals, unfortunately—just a neighbor situation that’s been occupying far too much headspace lately.

I live in a suburban area in Maryland with a fair amount of traffic and wildlife—foxes, raccoons, hawks, even the occasional bear or coyote. I own seven cats, all strictly indoors. I also volunteer at a local shelter, which requires adopters to keep cats inside for their safety and to prevent harm to local wildlife. I know the indoor vs. outdoor cat debate exists, but I lean heavily toward the indoor side based on what I’ve seen and dealt with.

A few years ago, a black cat named Henry started showing up in my yard. Friendly, had a tag, clearly owned. I returned him to his address and gently mentioned to the owners that given our proximity to busy roads and predators, it might be safer to keep him inside. They didn’t say much in response.

Over time, Henry continued to wander into my yard. When he seemed okay, I left it alone. But one day I found him breathing abnormally—labored, open-mouthed. I brought him over to his house, but no one was home. A neighbor recognized him and said they’d take care of it. I left a note for the owners expressing concern and suggesting a vet visit, just in case.

Months later, Henry showed up again—this time with visible signs of illness: blood and pus coming from his eyes. I tried to help him, but he ran off. Not knowing whether he was receiving veterinary care due his prior instance of illness and the neighbors failure to share any information, I contacted animal control and shared this photo.
20250318_101648.jpg

An officer was immediately disspatched for a welfare check on the animal. I received a follow up and told me he has cancer and is receiving treatment— that they instructed the owners to keep him indoors due to the severity of his condition. They also confirmed that if he’s on my property, I’m within my rights to report it.

Four months later, one of Henry’s owners came to my door, clearly angry. She told me my previous note was presumptuous and that I should’ve come to her first before calling animal control—despite the fact that I’d tried to do exactly that on two earlier occasions. She then brought up personal stressors in her life, including her mother’s health and her job, and even referenced what the Bible says I “should have done,” as though religious text supersedes county law. The conversation was tense. She never offered an explanation for why Henry was allowed to roam in his condition or why no communication was offered to concerned neighbors.

I’ve been sitting with that exchange for a while. It’s not about being right—it’s about trying to do the responsible thing for a vulnerable animal, in a situation where the people actually in charge of his care didn’t seem to be taking that seriously. I’m still shocked by the level of deflection, entitlement, and moralizing she brought to what should’ve been a discussion about the well-being of her pet.

So yeah—that’s my current headache. I’m trying to move forward with a clear conscience, but it’s been a frustrating reminder that sometimes even the best intentions get thrown back at you.
 
darwin999 said:
When I looked at their customer comments, I saw a LOT of complaints - e.g., about price changes, overcharging, etc.
There was a lot of consistency about certain problems, which to me indicated real concerns.
So I have avoided them.
Read the comments yourself, and then decide.
I'd go with SOVCOM/Alexer1 on eBay for Russian Ge transistors and diodes, instead. Added comment: They're very reliable, I've bought from them several times. And others here on this forum have posted highly of them.
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I'm interested mainly in the 4558dd, I have some and maybe it is just snake oil, the other option is to buy some SD1 and replace the ic with regular 4558d but now that the pcb are smd is going to be difficult lol.

or does anyone has 4558dd that can sell me?
 
ivandelado said:
I'm interested mainly in the 4558dd,
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Do you mean the dual 4558 IC?
If so, you can buy TI RC4558 from Mouser, which is equivalent and very cheap ($0.29, or even less for N≥10 order).
Stompboxparts also has JRC4558 for $0.85.
Mouser and Stompboxparts are always reliable.

Note added: I should have added that PedalPCB also carries the RC4558 IC at a very good price, too.
 
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Dropped a cheap Chinese condenser mic and it started making noise. Took it apart only to find the capsule is just floating at the end of it with foam. No room to mount it better. Took a few hours to figured out the noise. Sounds like a ground issue, but couldn't track in down. Tried resoldering points. Couldn't find the issue. Put it back together then with slight movement ,it intermittently stopped the noise. No clue. Makes me nervous knowing it has potential to move again to bring the noise back. Hate not being able to trouble shoot it. Looks like I'll be in the market for some upgraded pencil overhead mics soon.


Look at this crap...
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You did the right thing. You absolutely did the right thing. Don't let people of that ilk get in your head, despite being that vile.

You're a stronger person than I am though, if they'd done that with me, things would've gone sideways fast and more than likely they would have to pull a size 13 shoe out of their ass and I probably would have ended up in handcuffs. And not the good kind of handcuffs...


Pauleo1214 said:
This one’s not about pedals, unfortunately—just a neighbor situation that’s been occupying far too much headspace lately.

I live in a suburban area in Maryland with a fair amount of traffic and wildlife—foxes, raccoons, hawks, even the occasional bear or coyote. I own seven cats, all strictly indoors. I also volunteer at a local shelter, which requires adopters to keep cats inside for their safety and to prevent harm to local wildlife. I know the indoor vs. outdoor cat debate exists, but I lean heavily toward the indoor side based on what I’ve seen and dealt with.

A few years ago, a black cat named Henry started showing up in my yard. Friendly, had a tag, clearly owned. I returned him to his address and gently mentioned to the owners that given our proximity to busy roads and predators, it might be safer to keep him inside. They didn’t say much in response.

Over time, Henry continued to wander into my yard. When he seemed okay, I left it alone. But one day I found him breathing abnormally—labored, open-mouthed. I brought him over to his house, but no one was home. A neighbor recognized him and said they’d take care of it. I left a note for the owners expressing concern and suggesting a vet visit, just in case.

Months later, Henry showed up again—this time with visible signs of illness: blood and pus coming from his eyes. I tried to help him, but he ran off. Not knowing whether he was receiving veterinary care due his prior instance of illness and the neighbors failure to share any information, I contacted animal control and shared this photo.
View attachment 96185

An officer was immediately disspatched for a welfare check on the animal. I received a follow up and told me he has cancer and is receiving treatment— that they instructed the owners to keep him indoors due to the severity of his condition. They also confirmed that if he’s on my property, I’m within my rights to report it.

Four months later, one of Henry’s owners came to my door, clearly angry. She told me my previous note was presumptuous and that I should’ve come to her first before calling animal control—despite the fact that I’d tried to do exactly that on two earlier occasions. She then brought up personal stressors in her life, including her mother’s health and her job, and even referenced what the Bible says I “should have done,” as though religious text supersedes county law. The conversation was tense. She never offered an explanation for why Henry was allowed to roam in his condition or why no communication was offered to concerned neighbors.

I’ve been sitting with that exchange for a while. It’s not about being right—it’s about trying to do the responsible thing for a vulnerable animal, in a situation where the people actually in charge of his care didn’t seem to be taking that seriously. I’m still shocked by the level of deflection, entitlement, and moralizing she brought to what should’ve been a discussion about the well-being of her pet.

So yeah—that’s my current headache. I’m trying to move forward with a clear conscience, but it’s been a frustrating reminder that sometimes even the best intentions get thrown back at you.
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CheapSuitG said:
You did the right thing. You absolutely did the right thing. Don't let people of that ilk get in your head, despite being that vile.

You're a stronger person than I am though, if they'd done that with me, things would've gone sideways fast and more than likely they would have to pull a size 13 shoe out of their ass and I probably would have ended up in handcuffs. And not the good kind of handcuffs...
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Yeah, I would've been far less patient and or peaceful about that situation. Props for not losing your shit, @Pauleo1214 .
 
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