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My MacBook Pro

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So, I use a 2015 MacBook Pro (15 inch, Retina) for pretty much everything. Graphic design, web development, software work, diagnosis… I’ve even used it as a hammer once. (long story.) I’m not exactly kind to it, (It has had quite a few close calls with death) But it just keeps on living. It’s probably the last Mac I will ever buy new, since it’s the last one to have USB ports and other stuff that I use all the time. I’ve done a few things to make it the ultimate computer for everything, and I’ll list them here in case anyone else needs to know.

  • Attached Meccano to the clamshell lid, so I can magnetically attach my external SSD.
  • Installed Windows and macOS as a dual-boot system.
  • Used a file to widen the MagSafe 2 port, allowing me to use either kind of charger with the computer
  • Pulled off the black hinge cover to improve ventilation
  • Reapplied the thermal paste to the processor(s) to lower the temperature under load. (the genuine apple stuff was crap)
  • Had the display replaced recently due to the de-lamination issue
  • Disabled SIP
  • Applied the many stickers to it that make it mine
  • Tightened the hinges.

With any luck, this one will last me even longer than my old MacBook Air did. (that’s a story for another day.)

Ghost PLUZ Google Map

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I’ve spent the last few days turning the Government of Alberta PDF map of the Ghost Public Land Use Zone, into an actual functional map, that can be viewed on Google Maps, or downloaded as a KML/KMZ and then converted for use on another GPS system. (To download KML/KMZ, open the Google My Maps link, click the 3 dots at the top of the legend, and select the “Export” option.)

For reference, here is the link to the AB Government PDF map.  It can only be viewed with the georeferenced (GIS) context on the Avenza PDF Maps app for IOS or Android. As this is an incredible pain to use, I took it upon myself to recreate the map by making it an overlay in Google Earth, and then individually tracing out each line.

Here is the link to the version I’ve created, using Google’s My Maps feature. If you want me to make additions, or fix something I got wrong, contact me at my email and I will do my best to respond.

I take no responsibility for you staring at this map and driving off of a cliff; this is only provided as a navigational aid. Some lines may be slightly inaccurate. I created this using the May 2018 map, but as of the April 2019 map nothing has changed. I will take efforts to update this as each year passes.

There are individual layers for public highways, 4×4 trails, OHV trails, motorbike only trails, information kiosks, and various other things I don’t feel like listing.

If you are going to link to this map elsewhere, please leave credit to this page as I spent a long while recreating every single line.

[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1QM_Ve3nkKx03QhbImXX4r9ScTWIpMa2b&w=100%&h=900]

BJ60 Clutch Saga pt.IV: Revenge of the Shift

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So, I still haven’t replaced the master cylinder fully. I’m currently using the spare from another RMLCA member’s parts truck, and it’s serving me well. The slave cylinder, well thats a different story.

I got the rebuild kit in the mail, with an accompanied increase in anxiety – PartSouq shipped it in the box from a fan belt, for some reason. I was not ready to recieve the wrong part yet again. Thankfully, it was the correct rebuild kit inside.

I pulled the slave off the bell housing, and used the bench grinder to wire-wheel off the rust that encased it. Finally it was down to bare metal, somewhat, so after spraying on a bunch of rust protection, I painted it black, and then set forth honing the inside. I had to buy a new cylinder hone from CT, luckily it worked well.

It works! Finally, after nearly a month off the road, Thumper the BJ60 was back and better than ever.

Ok, still wasn’t perfect. I forgot to attach the clutch pedal return spring because I’m a dumbass, but eventually noticed.

Finally, that saga has been dealt with. Now, on to the next complaint.

I was driving home from school, and gradually, the brakes began to pull more and more to the right. Long story short, I pulled everything off in a parking lot and determined that the pads were stuck on one side, thus overheating and not working, meaning the other side was pulling more. I limped the truck home, and had to replace the caliper with one that my dad had stored away from his FJ40. It works now, and I don’t get serious burns on my hand now when I touch the hub on that side. Yay?

3B Oil Change – 26/01/2018

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~ 6,000 KM since the last oil change

6.7 Litres Drain & Refill w/ new filter

Auto Value 16th Ave NW

-WIX 51515MP Oil Filter – $6.23

-5L Rotella T4 10W-30 Oil – $24.47

-2x1qt “                             “ – $11.76

Net Total – $44.82

Grand Total – $47.06