25 May 2019 - Linux - virtual machine software and windows 10

I have an older Dell laptop, E6520.  The windows 7 that was pre-installed was corrupt and unable to be updated automatically or manually.  The computer did not come with any recovery media.  The Dell website has a recovery tool for this type of issue.  The recovery tool was able to format and download the correct windows 7 and install it on a usb stick.  However when the usb stick is used to boot the laptop, the process requires windows to be installed in order to "repair" the system.  Dell's website does not cover this type of issue.

So, I decided to wipe the installed unbootable windows software.  I installed Linux-Mint Cinnamon.  The software runs very well on the E6520. Laptop has 8GB of memory, Nvidia 512MB video card, and 500GB hard drive.  I have a need to use Internet Explorer browser for some of the corporate sites that I access.  I installed virtualbox software so that I can run windows as a virtual machine, run Internet Explorer browser to access the corporate sites.

At the microsoft developers website, they have available VMS quite a few windows products.  Those VMS are time limited and depending on the product expire in 30 to 90 days.  Thats ok, I just need to know if windows 10 will work in the VM as well as on the E6520.  I am currently testing those options.

21 November 2018 - Duet Washer - suspension springs

The two springs I ordered have arrived.  I will install those as soon as I get the chance.

18 November 2018 - Duet Washer - door handle

I discovered that the door handle was cracked and making opening/closing the door a bit of a problem.  I ordered a replacment and will install when the part is received.

18 November 2018 - Duet Washer - shock absorbers

Sunday, 18 November 2018, I received the second set of shock absorbers.  I replaced those and now all four units have been replaced.  There is still a bit of a wobble during the spin cycle but nothing like it was before replacement of the shocks.

Since the wobble was not resolved by replacing the shocks, I ordered two suspension springs.  Hopefully they will resolve the wobble issue.

15 November 2018 - Duet Washer repairs

Sunday of this week I ordered "shock absorbers" for the clothes washer.  I ordered two and they arrived today and I installed them.  While I was installing the units, I noticed that there are four shock absorbers!?!

So I ordered two more and will install those upon arrival.

Front left shock absorber before removal

Rear left shock absorber(not removed at this time due to lack of a replacment part)

Right front shock before removal

Rear right shock absorber(not removed at this time due to lack of a replacment part)

Here are the front left and front right shock absorbers.  The front left is in bad shape.  The front right looks and moves like a new one.  But I went ahead and replaced it anyways.

19 Sept 2018 - v1.0 opensprinkler - LCD display

I had a chance to check the faulty LCD display.  Circuit traces and continuity checks good for the circuit board and header pins.  So it looks like LCD is at fault.  Since I cannot repair that unit or use any components from it, I discarded the unit.

Currently the v1.0 opensprinkler has a replacement LCD display and the unit is working as it should.

14 Sept 2018 - V1.0 opensprinkler

I ordered the exact part number on the LCD display, from mouser electronics a few days ago.  The part arrrived, I soldered a 16 pin header to the lcd, installed it and tested the functionality of the v1.0 unit.  It works like a champ!  So I now have a perfectly good v1.0 opensprinkler.  I boxed the v1.0 since I already purchased a v2.3 unit.

This is the non functioning LCD display.  That LCM part number is the correct part number and is to be used when ordering a replacment lcd display.