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Summary

In this casual and engaging episode, Dave and his friends dive into a mix of tech discussions and personal anecdotes. Topics range from beer preferences in different Canadian provinces to the ongoing restoration of a vintage PDP11 computer. Dave shares insights on his challenges with finding rare cables for his project, as well as showcasing a custom 3D-printed badge for a PDP11 control panel. The episode is a blend of humor, technical challenges, and a deep passion for vintage technology, leaving viewers intrigued by the behind-the-scenes work and the personalities involved.

Takeaways

• 😀 Canadian beer preferences vary by province, with each region having its own local favorites, such as Pilsner in Saskatchewan and Colt 45 in Alberta.
• 😀 People often have strong opinions about beer quality, with some preferring light beers like Bud Light to avoid calories, even if the beer itself isn't high quality.
• 😀 The PDP-11 project is a work in progress for the creator, with challenges involving sourcing the correct cables and getting hardware to function properly.
• 😀 There's a humorous anecdote about a friend's perspective on beer, where he says 'the best beer is the one that's closest to you in the fridge'.
• 😀 The creator has been working on a project involving an SDI controller for the PDP-11, facing difficulties in physically connecting it to the drive due to missing parts.
• 😀 Dave's Garage features family involvement, with his wife helping to package and assemble products like the mesmerizing lights, which are sold on eBay.
• 😀 There was a shipping issue with Amazon where the ordered cables for the PDP-11 project were out of stock, leading to a refund and the search for alternative sources.
• 😀 The project involves repairing and restoring older technology, such as the PDP-11, and involves creative solutions like 3D printing to recreate missing parts.
• 😀 The creator's second channel, 'Dave's Garage', has gained traction, and the video content is appreciated by viewers who follow along with the technical projects.
• 😀 There is a humorous moment where a 3D printed part for the PDP-11 is shown, with a joke about how it looks like a pair of sunglasses when held in front of the face.

Q & A

What is the significance of regional beer preferences mentioned in the script?

The script highlights how different Canadian provinces have their own local beer preferences, even for beers that are considered low-quality by outsiders. This reflects the regional pride people take in their local products, like Bohemian and Pilsner in Saskatchewan, or Colt 45 in Alberta.

What ongoing project is Dave working on with the PDP-11 system?

Dave is working on getting a KDA 50 SDI controller, a DEC version of SCSI, to function properly with the PDP-11 system. He has been successful in getting the controllers to pass diagnostics, but is still waiting on the right cables to physically connect the drive.

What is the 'Mesmerizer' light mentioned in the video?

The 'Mesmerizer' is a custom light project created by Dave, which reacts to sound. It's a unique creation that has garnered attention, and some are asking about how to acquire one. It is sold on eBay, though Dave mentions that they are running low on stock.

Why does Dave describe the cable he needs as 'unobtanium'?

Dave refers to the specific cable needed for his PDP-11 project as 'unobtanium' because it's extremely rare and hard to find. After ordering it, he received a refund because the company did not have it in stock, despite listing it as available.

How is the assembly of the 'Mesmerizer' light a family affair?

The assembly of the 'Mesmerizer' light involves Dave and his wife working together to package the lights, clip wires, and assemble the components. This hands-on process is done in their shop, making it a personal and family-driven project.

What does Dave say about his second YouTube channel, 'Dave's Garage'?

Dave mentions that his second channel, 'Dave's Garage,' is doing well and encourages people to check it out. He acknowledges that this channel has content related to his main projects and that viewers should subscribe to stay updated.

What is the issue with the cable Dave ordered for his PDP-11 system?

The cable Dave ordered was listed as in stock, but after waiting for a week, he was informed by the supplier that it was not actually available. This led to a refund, but Dave was directed to another source that might have the cables he needs.

What did Dave do to replace a missing part on his PDP-11 control panel?

To replace a missing metal badge on his PDP-11 control panel, Dave 3D printed a replacement part with the help of his friend Rob, who assisted with the modeling. The part was printed in white, and Dave plans to paint it to match the aged color of the original control panel.

How does Dave handle the frustration of waiting for parts in his projects?

Dave expresses frustration with delays in receiving parts, such as the unobtanium cable for his PDP-11 system. Despite these setbacks, he continues to push forward, looking for alternative sources for the required components.

What kind of content can viewers expect on 'Dave's Garage'?

On 'Dave's Garage,' viewers can expect content related to DIY tech projects, including work on old computing systems like the PDP-11. Dave shares his experiences, challenges, and successes as he restores or repairs vintage tech equipment.