Running Bear's December 2025 Coffee Shop

[kbkchooch]

Good morning gang!

31° this morning under partly cloudy skies with a high today expected only 38°.

BBL

 

[Kusojiji]

Get the battery load tested. I say this because you can have 12 V in a battery per your meter, but your cold cranking amps can be very low.

THanks! I did have my meter on the terminals while my wife fired up the motor, but honestly, I don't remember what I saw. I think we'll just go for the battery change out at this time. Wife watches too much tv and if we don't do this, the house will burn down or something.

It's an outboard motor with a motorcycle battery. 6 years may be all she's got.

 

[NorthBrit]

THOUGHT FOR TODAY
Every sin carries its own punishment.

 

[Patrick]

Morning all,

Did I forget to post yesterday? Found the start of yesterday's post in the add a post box at the bottom. Yesterday morning, I found the post from Monday afternoon that I thought went before the site crashed on me Monday afternoon.

Oh well, starting the last half of my week. Been a crazy week where I have a lot to do and actually gotten most of it accomplished thus far.

Currently 44° and windy with a high of 52° later. Tomorrow it's supposed to make a run at 65°. May be the last one for the month, which, believe it or not, is 1/3 over. Reminds me the kids turn 39 on Friday. For those who may not know or remember, the wife and I have triplets.

 

[Bill Tidler Jr.]

I just checked out the Skylabs Audio channel. I think I used to watch him before. What I noticed is that if you go back about a year, about half of his videos were members only. That may have been the reason why I deleted his channel. I wonder if he learned his lesson since he no longer does that.

Yeah, he offers paid and free. I go for FREE!

 

[Bill Tidler Jr.]

Morning all,

Did I forget to post yesterday? Found the start of yesterday's post in the add a post box at the bottom. Yesterday morning, I found the post from Monday afternoon that I thought went before the site crashed on me Monday afternoon.

Do I know you? Who are you and where are you posting from?

 

[troyphoto]

Skylabs Audio is another good one on YouTube. I recommend Paradigm speakers (the ones made in Canada). They are not cheap but are outstanding speakers and going cheap with speakers is a MAJOR mistake (ask me how I know). Forget a center channel unless 90% of your watching/listening is movies and always use a subwoofer (RSL has great bang for the buck). Sony makes some very good CD players
My advice is worth just what you paid for it (NO REFUNDS!).

Thanks, but a few questions/clarifications.

If most jazz and classic rock is mastered with the bottom being about 40Hz, is a sub needed? My RBs are small, but...

The speakers I've got are all Klipsch. Cleanest first watt in the business. I'm quite happy with them. And replacing them isn't in the budget. I'm after CD player at this point. Trying to maximize the low-end DAC experience, since my analog ears with hearing loss and tinnitus won't be worth the investment into a high end CD transport and DAC combo.

For the speakers, I added the center into the mix because
1. I have it for the 5.0 current surround set up (my sub died, therefore the .0)...
2. The receiver gives me either true stereo (L &R only) which isn't bad with the RB-15s, or an "Enhanced Stereo" setting that adds the center to the mix (and uses the rear speakers as clones of the fronts). I really like the noticeable umpf in low end (with the "enhanced stereo) because the center is a bigger speaker than the RBs.

So I'm looking more at adding the disk player that is better than a $15 DVD player. Whenever I try to play a CD via the DVD player, it just seems weak on the tonal range. (Poor DAC in those DVD players)

 

[NorthBrit]

Good afternoon all. A coffee on the go please, Flo.
Christmas is a-coming, -- fast.

Older granddaughter has sent me this picture of her work done at Art College.

I received yesterday a copy of Edward Beal's book Modelling the Old Time Railways. It was published in 1955, so it is 70 years old!
It contains a lot of things I read when I grew up.

 

[Bruette]

This is an old style lead acid. I think it is 6 years old.

I once had an old-style lead acid battery last for ten years, once! Most only make it five years. You are on borrowed time.

Get the battery load tested. I say this because you can have 12 V in a battery per your meter, but your cold cranking amps can be very low.

Exactly right, just as we would expect from our resident automotive expert.

If you can clip on your voltage meter and read it as you start the car that is a fair load test. It shouldn't drop much below 10 volts.

I'm debating on getting a 6-disk changer, or a better, but still mid-point, single disk CD player. Hmmmm....

If I were buying a multi-disc player, I’d read plenty of reviews and get the best one I could find. Personally, I’d go for a cheap single-disc player, less to break.

Take a look at this cool thing!

DVD Players for TV with HDMI,Plays All Regions and Formats,CD Player for Home,Support 1080P Video/CD/DVD/VCD/JPEG/USB, Remote, HDMI and RCA Cables Included​

Not a recommendation or criticism, just an example. A thorough and patient search is your ally.

 

[Bruette]

Poor DAC in those DVD players

I did not know that!

 

[RhB Michael]

Thanks, but a few questions/clarifications.

If most jazz and classic rock is mastered with the bottom being about 40Hz, is a sub needed? My RBs are small, but...

The speakers I've got are all Klipsch. Cleanest first watt in the business. I'm quite happy with them. And replacing them isn't in the budget. I'm after CD player at this point. Trying to maximize the low-end DAC experience, since my analog ears with hearing loss and tinnitus won't be worth the investment into a high end CD transport and DAC combo.

For the speakers, I added the center into the mix because
1. I have it for the 5.0 current surround set up (my sub died, therefore the .0)...
2. The receiver gives me either true stereo (L &R only) which isn't bad with the RB-15s, or an "Enhanced Stereo" setting that adds the center to the mix (and uses the rear speakers as clones of the fronts). I really like the noticeable umpf in low end (with the "enhanced stereo) because the center is a bigger speaker than the RBs.

So I'm looking more at adding the disk player that is better than a $15 DVD player. Whenever I try to play a CD via the DVD player, it just seems weak on the tonal range. (Poor DAC in those DVD players)

Have you checked TASCAM products? I've been using TASCAM products since the 80s and have been very happy with their specs and performance.

This is one of their high-end models, but they have consumer versions for less.

 

[RhB Michael]

47°F this morning and wondering where all the wind is we were supposed to have. The isobars are packed tight, so there should be some wind here, but everything outside is still.

Did some Amazon Christmas shopping last night. Now I'm 100% finished. Nothing planned today Have a good day.

Servus!

 

[ctclibby]

Good Morning All!
35F @ 90% with new snow. All the other went away with yesterday's 48F temp. To be 48F-ish later today.

CD changer - I picked up a Technics 50 disk changer at a yard sale a few years back; $5. Got it home and opened the door - still had CD's in it! Popped open the case and found a belt ( o-ring ) laying in the bottom of the thing. Started searching for the correct size. In the mean time, when our tractor was in for repair; Texas I think, the mechanic left a big jewel case of o-rings in the cab. Did not find it until 1000 miles later. Kept it in the truck figuring we would be back. Never happened. Anyway found the correct size o-ring ( pretty green thing ) and the thing has been working ever since. I get tired of Sirius and usually listen to CD's. Wish I had my JBL Studio Masters again!

Buzz - somebody mentioned this and thought that it was the Sub transformer. Probably not. Since most Sub's could go <40Hz, the power supply caps need to be perfect. You can buy specially made ones just for this. The transformer *might* be the cause, just stick you finger on it and if so, you will feel more than the normal 'Hummmmm'. The core is laminated steel sheets which with all the vibration can loosen up. Some hum is normal and you can not get rid of it.

L8r

 

[Bruette]

You guys are audiophiles, by U.S. standards I’m legally deaf and I aint wearing no stinking hearing aids!

In the UK I’m not deaf, I don't know what they call it, my ears are on vacation maybe. Honestly, a transistor radio is more than enough for me.

My wife has a Bose Wave; it doesn't sound any better to me than a transistor radio.

I have a Marshall amp if I want to "feel" the music. If I play songs, I know I hear them perfectly.

 

[Bill Tidler Jr.]

Thanks, but a few questions/clarifications.
If most jazz and classic rock is mastered with the bottom being about 40Hz, is a sub needed? My RBs are small, but...
The speakers I've got are all Klipsch. Cleanest first watt in the business. I'm quite happy with them. And replacing them isn't in the budget. I'm after CD player at this point. Trying to maximize the low-end DAC experience, since my analog ears with hearing loss and tinnitus won't be worth the investment into a high end CD transport and DAC combo.
For the speakers, I added the center into the mix because
1. I have it for the 5.0 current surround set up (my sub died, therefore the .0)...
2. The receiver gives me either true stereo (L &R only) which isn't bad with the RB-15s, or an "Enhanced Stereo" setting that adds the center to the mix (and uses the rear speakers as clones of the fronts). I really like the noticeable umpf in low end (with the "enhanced stereo) because the center is a bigger speaker than the RBs.
So I'm looking more at adding the disk player that is better than a $15 DVD player. Whenever I try to play a CD via the DVD player, it just seems weak on the tonal range. (Poor DAC in those DVD players)

Other brand speakers were suggested if you were looking. Sony makes some well regarded inexpensive DVD players. Good inexpensive DACs are available ( IFI ), Powered Subs are needed unless built-in your L-R speakers. Centers are a waste of money in almost all cases. Your L-R spkrs will fill in for the missing center. The stuff I suggested is what I own myself. With your ears, I would get the Sony DVD, a DAC and a good mid-level set of headphones.
Like I said; advice is free. Suit yourself or "cheat yourself" as it's your choice.

 

[kbkchooch]

CD players, I found a nice 5 disc Sony CD player at a yard sale, 5 bucks! It is hooked to the Panasonic system in the living room. I think the wife has it loaded with Christmas music. I also have a Technics single disc player hooked to my MCS (Technics) system in the basement.
I always watch estate sales and the local auction sites for trains, and I find a lot of stereo equipment on those sites as well.

 

[santafewillie]

Good Morning All. Partly sunny and a warmish 50°. Looking at mid to upper-60's for the rest of the week, although cooler at night than last night. Very short wind shift tonight!

Mostly routine household tasks and maintenance yesterday, since I'll be on light duty after tomorrow. Spent 30 minutes on the phone with some nurse from the hospital asking a bunch of questions in advance of my Thursday surgery. Waste of my time, since I responded to every one of her questions in the on line portal less than a week ago. I have already figured that I will be asked the very same questions today when I go in for the pre-op.
In other activity, I took a good hard look at the trees that are left standing after last years tornado, and I decided to have two of them taken down by the professionals. Years ago, I could have done it myself, but at 73, I probably shouldn't be doing it myself. One is too close to the house for me to even consider any more. The other has an 18" diameter trunk which can be taken down with my 16" bar chainsaw, but the effort (and exertion) is going to be more than I want to deal with. Both are 44 year old trees that I planted from seedlings shortly after we moved here.
As I mentioned above, I have a pre-op appointment this morning. They are supposed to tell me exactly when the surgery is tomorrow and what time to show up. It is tentative for me to be there at 6:30, but I was warned by the PA at the doc's office that that could change. Rest of the day today is yet to be determined.

Out in the train shed yesterday, I continued with the figure painting project. Didn't bother to take any pictures yet since there isn't any significant progress yet, just a few additional colors. On the layout itself, I added an already finished figure or two to 3 structures to enhance those scenes just a bit. Another minor adjustment was to turn a couple of cars on a unit grain train around. I had recently done a maintenance inspection on all 23 hoppers and didn't really watch when I re-railed them. Most of the cars that I apply graffiti to, only get it on one side since only one side ever faces the aisle; and I wasn't paying attention when I returned them to the layout. All is now good.

Not sure if anyone noticed, but the sun has been setting a little later in the evening for a couple of days now. The days are still getting shorter since the sunrise is still getting later by more time than the sunset. It's known as the analemma effect. The sunrise reverses around January 4 when the days are already getting longer.

Everyone have a wonderful Wednesday.

 

[migalyto]

Good morning all!

Happy Hump Day!

Currently a windy, snowy 28F. That is probably going to be our projected high for the day. Supposed to get less than an inch. we
will see.

Usual household chores today

Have a safe day everyone!

 

[migalyto]

47°F this morning and wondering where all the wind is we were supposed to have. The isobars are packed tight, so there should be some wind here, but everything outside is still.

Were getting it all up here in the North. Been really windy all morning.

 

[chadbag]

Funny thing is that they did recommend replacing the battery during her last maintenance visit. So, may just do that anyway.

Sometimes a degraded battery can’t support the current demands but will still show the correct voltages. But when you need the current the voltage drops as it can’t supply the current.