Hello

[Stuart_zfc]

Is there anybody there.

--
Stuart Winsor

Tools With A Mission
sending tools across the world
http://www.twam.co.uk/

[Vince M Hudd]

On 18/08/2019 22:20, Stuart_zfc wrote:

> Is there anybody there.

Is this a seance?

--
Vince M Hudd - Soft Rock Software - www.softrock.co.uk
RISCOSitory - www.riscository.com

[Bill (Adopt)]

In article <wdidnTLp7aBp3sfA...@giganews.com>,

Vince M Hudd <atdotc...@dotcodotukat.co.uk> wrote:
> On 18/08/2019 22:20, Stuart_zfc wrote:

> > Is there anybody there.

> Is this a seance?

Dunno - are we expected to hold hands.. ?;))

PS - Rosemary and I have never left.. we've been
here for the last ..um.. 23 years.. just no-one
else seems to want us!

..btw ..I read both you, Stuart and you, Vince,
almost daily in other groups.

Best wishes to all who are around.. :))

Bill ZFC

--
Bill ZFC
http://www.billsimpson.com/

[Keith]

In article <57e5e28...@billsimpson.com>,

And to you all

Keith
Still in the East Fleggs

--
One day Snotlings will rule the Punyverse.

[Vince M Hudd]

On 19/08/2019 08:50, Bill (Adopt) wrote:
> In article <wdidnTLp7aBp3sfA...@giganews.com>,
> Vince M Hudd <atdotc...@dotcodotukat.co.uk> wrote:

[...]

> PS - Rosemary and I have never left.. we've been
> here for the last ..um.. 23 years.. just no-one
> else seems to want us!

Technically, neither have I - I've always remained subscribed to this group.

> ..btw ..I read both you, Stuart and you, Vince,
> almost daily in other groups.

If you read me daily in other groups, you're either reading the same
posts over and over again, or someone's impersonating me - I do post,
but not very often. :p

[Stuart_zfc]

In article <57e5e28...@billsimpson.com>,
Bill (Adopt) <ad...@billsimpson.com> wrote:

> Best wishes to all who are around.. :))

And to you Bill. Not having seen any FAQs to any Argonet groups for a
while or any other posts from you, I was begining to wonder!

[Bill (Adopt)]

In article <57e6251c...@zfc.org.uk>,

Stuart_zfc <Stu...@zfc.org.uk> wrote:
> In article <57e5e28...@billsimpson.com>,
> Bill (Adopt) <ad...@billsimpson.com> wrote:
> > Best wishes to all who are around.. :))

> And to you Bill. Not having seen any FAQs to any Argonet groups for a
> while or any other posts from you, I was begining to wonder!

Im still here! :))

Um ..well, so far as I know the FAQs have been posted
automatically every three weeks, or so ..at least until
my RiscPC battery failed, (it had grown a crystal garden)
and was rescued/replaced/vermin nests cleared out et al
by Richard Brown (Genesys) - in suitably protective gear!

With luck - and just as a test having tickled Vince's
proggy that does the auto-posting - the FAQs should appear
in all the various groups at the same time as I post this.

Diary (Organizer) suggests that auto-posting will occur in
a couple of days on Thu, 22 Aug 19 from 16h30. We'll see
if that part of the chain is still working... ;))

Other than that, not a lot.. over the years have developed
Barrett's Oesophagus ..a form of oesophagal pre-cancer, ie
the cells have changed from oesphagul cells to stomach cells;
not a lot to say - just a careful watch by the medics - when
and/or if they remember, that is.

Multiple heart bypass grafts that were the basis of a major
intervention at Royal Papworth Hospital in March/April 1999
have now collapsed completely after twenty years, (supposed
to last around ten years), with the original coronary arteries
now also fully blocked (CHD) - so why still here?

Luckily Mr. Nashef chopped off the left boob artery at the
time and plugged it into the heart - just in case it might
be needed.

So now my left man-boob, (more or less coronary disease free),
is doing its best to feed my heart. Always knew that man-boobs
had a very real use! ;))

Presently hospital visits et al are ongoing in a medical
attempt to momentarily alleviate the problem via a brand
new wonder drug, not even imagined 20 years ago..

What else - um.. 8/9 months with a catheter inserted 24/7
via the 'gentleman's member'; I've no doubt a useful
Parliamentary procedure that could be applied to some.
I leave you all to ponder on just what that means, 24/7,
but "ouch"! should cover it as well as the odd urinary
tract infection.

Finally, a prostrate operation with - as I understand it - the
use of a Black 'n Decker drill with a long drill-bit attached
clearing out the prostate gland. Result, no cancer and still
fully continent, although kidneys have taken a hammering and
continue in the process of self-rebuilding and self-recovery.

Should say that the operation only took around 30 minutes or
so, with a perfectly comfortable and pain-free recovery. Not
even a Paracetamol was required. Top marks to the anaesthetic
and surgical teams.

Not a lot else - about four years ago acquired a new vehicle.
A new full 4 seater Mercedes-Benz Cabriolet - somewhat larger
than a 'C' Class; with a pretty well identical 'footprint'
(or is that wheelprint?) and similar mass to a Bentley GTC -
with Michelins rated to 190mph+, vehicle limited to 155mph -
similar or very slightly faster in acceleration and top speed
than a Jaguar 'E' (or 'F'?) Type.

Silver, red multi-layered acoustic roof, white Nappa leather,
dark wood, machined aluminium - and so on. Host of safety
features, including the ability to roll over and over at high
speeds whilst retaining occupants firmly held in protective
seats. (No intention of trying that one out)!

With the roof electronically folded away in the forward boot
compartment and the windows 'up' there's a flap on the top,
(leading?) edge of the windscreen that can be electronically
extended together with fly and insect catching gauze, (and
with the rear seat headrests), that effectively form a sort
of Formula 1 wind 'ceiling' so, although the cabin is open to
the air - the internal climate control still operates.

Result, even in the winter with a below freezing external
temperature, the cabin maintains a comfortable 22 Celsius or so.
(Also, as proved, in a sudden hefty downpour - and maintaining
a speed greater than 20mph, no water enters the cabin even
though the roof is wide open)!

Also proving, in a way, that it's better to enjoy the sunshine
in the middle of winter, spring and autumn - and keeping the
roof up and climate control/air-cooling 'on' in the glaring
heat of mid-summer. Such is progress, I suppose.

Just in case anyone thinks I'm rolling in it, no, I'm not -
just saved up by maintaining my Citroen Xantia for more than
20 years which, btw, is still going strong as general daily
transport with my neighbours. (Oh! and also finishing paying
for the mortgage with an additional pension kicking in).

As when I had the health but no money and therefore couldn't
do what I wanted, I've now slightly more cash but not quite
the level of health to do all the things I would still like
to do. D*!*n it, you just can't win.. ;))

I think I've now rabbited on more than enough, so I'd better
shut up...

Regards to you all - and best wishes.. :))

[Stuart_zfc]

In article <57e67be...@billsimpson.com>,

Bill (Adopt) <ad...@billsimpson.com> wrote:

> Um ..well, so far as I know the FAQs have been posted
> automatically every three weeks, or so ..at least until
> my RiscPC battery failed, (it had grown a crystal garden)
> and was rescued/replaced/vermin nests cleared out et al
> by Richard Brown (Genesys) - in suitably protective gear!

Ah, I've had to replace a few of those too. My RPC now has an Ni-Mh AAA
cell mounted off the board.

[Stuart_zfc]

In article <57e67be...@billsimpson.com>,

It's an impressive motor.

My current transport is a 2016 Skoda Octavia estate with 1400cc, 150ps
engine. It's the only car I have ever bought new and had the joy of being
able to specify the model, colour and accessories I wanted. It was,
essentially, my 70th birthday present and, as someone who also tends to
keep cars a long time, possibly the last vehicle I buy before I get my
mobility scooter.

[Stuart_zfc]

In article <57e67be...@billsimpson.com>,

Bill (Adopt) <ad...@billsimpson.com> wrote:

> Other than that, not a lot.. over the years have developed
> Barrett's Oesophagus ..a form of oesophagal pre-cancer, ie
> the cells have changed from oesphagul cells to stomach cells;
> not a lot to say - just a careful watch by the medics - when
> and/or if they remember, that is.

<Big snip for brevity>

> Should say that the operation only took around 30 minutes or
> so, with a perfectly comfortable and pain-free recovery. Not
> even a Paracetamol was required. Top marks to the anaesthetic
> and surgical teams.

WOW!

That make my Hernia op and Carpel tunnel relieving ops look hardly worth
mentioning.

Glad you are still with us Bill

[Bill (Adopt)]

In article <57e6b437...@zfc.org.uk>,

Stuart_zfc <Stu...@zfc.org.uk> wrote:
> In article <57e67be...@billsimpson.com>,
> Bill (Adopt) <ad...@billsimpson.com> wrote:

[..]

> > my RiscPC battery failed, (it had grown a crystal garden)
> > and was rescued/replaced/vermin nests cleared out et al

> Ah, I've had to replace a few of those too. My RPC now has an Ni-Mh AAA
> cell mounted off the board.

Richard replaced it with a similar onboard battery,
but the crystal garden may have damaged the pcb -
resulting in the present inability to switch off
for more than a very few seconds without losing data...

Result - the RiscPC is now 'on' permanently - so
far without flaw; it was in daily use from 05 Dec 94
anyway...

..but thanks for the hint, Stuart ..I'll ask if an
off-board NiMH battery might be an answer. It's
always possible that the replacement - I guess in
stock for a long while - might itself also be
unable to retain a charge..

[Bill (Adopt)]

In article <57e6b4a3...@zfc.org.uk>,

Stuart_zfc <Stu...@zfc.org.uk> wrote:
> In article <57e67be...@billsimpson.com>,
> Bill (Adopt) <ad...@billsimpson.com> wrote:

Sorry about the long story - sort of pensioner
rambling...

> Glad you are still with us Bill

Thanks, Stuart - it's nice to know that most of
us are still around, or at least still managing
to getting a round tuit.. ;))

[Bill (Adopt)]

In article <57e6b541...@zfc.org.uk>,

Stuart_zfc <Stu...@zfc.org.uk> wrote:
> In article <57e67be...@billsimpson.com>,
> Bill (Adopt) <ad...@billsimpson.com> wrote:
> > Just in case anyone thinks I'm rolling in it, no, I'm not -
> > just saved up by maintaining my Citroen Xantia for more than
> > 20 years which, btw, is still going strong as general daily
> > transport with my neighbours. (Oh! and also finishing paying
> > for the mortgage with an additional pension kicking in).

> It's an impressive motor.

> My current transport is a 2016 Skoda Octavia estate with 1400cc, 150ps
> engine. It's the only car I have ever bought new and had the joy of being
> able to specify the model, colour and accessories I wanted. It was,
> essentially, my 70th birthday present and, as someone who also tends to
> keep cars a long time, possibly the last vehicle I buy before I get my
> mobility scooter.

Was having a look at those the other day - a lot
cheaper than I thought. Some, around £400.00/£500.00
or so, were splittable up into five quite small and
easily lifted component parts - quickly and easily
dis/re-assembled from/into working 4mph (or 8mph)
Li-Ion batteried and car boot storeable 4 wheeled
scooters. Will do 8/15 miles on one charge.

A lot less humph than the heavy framed with 12v lead
acid batteries of yesteryear.

Just to add to it, should mention that I now have a
Blue Badge - it's a great help, particularly when
nature calls a pressing visit to the nearest bog on
a journey. ;))

Younger son, Graham, now living and working around
170 miles away on the other side of the country, sent
a map of the route to get to his place - marking all
the handicap/disabled loos on the way. Loo to loo
to loo! Marvellous what Google can turn up.
(..and cheeky blighter he is..).

[Bill (Adopt)]

In article <57e6b541...@zfc.org.uk>,
Stuart_zfc <Stu...@zfc.org.uk> wrote:

> In article <57e67be...@billsimpson.com>,
> Bill (Adopt) <ad...@billsimpson.com> wrote:

[..]

> My current transport is a 2016 Skoda Octavia estate with 1400cc, 150ps
> engine. It's the only car I have ever bought new and had the joy of being
> able to specify the model, colour and accessories I wanted. It was,
> essentially, my 70th birthday present and, as someone who also tends to
> keep cars a long time, possibly the last vehicle I buy before I get my
> mobility scooter.

Yes! If I'm correct, it's also one of the most
favoured vehicles in all the reports. Has an
excellent reputation for reliability - as well
as driveability, comfort - and probable length
of future service. Excellent; trust you're
enjoying it, Stuart.. :))

[Vince M Hudd]

On 22/08/2019 21:31, Bill (Adopt) wrote:

[RPC battery replacement]

> Richard replaced it with a similar onboard battery,
> but the crystal garden may have damaged the pcb -
> resulting in the present inability to switch off
> for more than a very few seconds without losing data...

> Result - the RiscPC is now 'on' permanently - so
> far without flaw; it was in daily use from 05 Dec 94
> anyway...

Have you considered getting something a little newer? Depending on what
other equipment (and software) you use, you might be able to get away
with a Raspberry Pi.

The cost of that might even be more than covered by the amount of
electricity you'd save from not having to leave the RPC on all the time!

[...]

[Stuart_zfc]

In article <5vGdnVh7-5lvNMLA...@giganews.com>,

Vince M Hudd <atdotc...@dotcodotukat.co.uk> wrote:

> Have you considered getting something a little newer? Depending on what
> other equipment (and software) you use, you might be able to get away
> with a Raspberry Pi.

You realise, don't you, that you will then have to "tweak" your program to
run on RISC OS 5xx on a Raspberry pi?

(Assuming you haven't already done so of course).

[Vince M Hudd]

On 23/08/2019 12:46, Stuart_zfc wrote:
> In article <5vGdnVh7-5lvNMLA...@giganews.com>,
> Vince M Hudd <atdotc...@dotcodotukat.co.uk> wrote:

>> Have you considered getting something a little newer? Depending on what
>> other equipment (and software) you use, you might be able to get away
>> with a Raspberry Pi.

> You realise, don't you, that you will then have to "tweak" your program to
> run on RISC OS 5xx on a Raspberry pi?

> (Assuming you haven't already done so of course).

I'm pretty sure it was written in BASIC, so there should be no need. (If
I'm wrong and it was written in C, I'd have to write a new version).

[Bill (Adopt)]

In article <5vGdnVh7-5lvNMLA...@giganews.com>,

Vince M Hudd <atdotc...@dotcodotukat.co.uk> wrote:

> On 22/08/2019 21:31, Bill (Adopt) wrote:

> [RPC battery replacement]

> > Richard replaced it with a similar onboard battery,
> > but the crystal garden may have damaged the pcb -
> > resulting in the present inability to switch off
> > for more than a very few seconds without losing data...

> > Result - the RiscPC is now 'on' permanently - so
> > far without flaw; it was in daily use from 05 Dec 94
> > anyway...

> Have you considered getting something a little newer? Depending on what
> other equipment (and software) you use, you might be able to get away
> with a Raspberry Pi.

Um ..already running 3 Raspberry Pi(e), (what is the plural?),
the original, a Pi2b+ and a Pi3+ (this last not really
RISC OS atm).

Added to which is a Tablet (Acorn basis), an old slow HP
Notebook and a nearly new HP Netbook/Laptop - both the
two latter with wiped MS supplanted with Linux Mint 19.2...
(which very nearly equates, visually, graphically and in
handling, to ..you've guessed it ..RISC OS !

You're quite correct Vince, as usual, the Raspberry Pi(e)s
can easily take over - but the RiscPC has been just so reliable -
it will be again, until it freezes in its tracks.

The problem - as much as the Crystal Garden - is that over
the last few days - week or so - I've been clueslessly
attempting to set Samba up so that I can communicate at least
piccies, text and csv files with the two Linux machines.
The RiscPC is already available to the Raspberry Pi(e)s -
although things can easily fall over in return traffic.

..and na! It's not your proggie Vince - which is written in
BASIC and continues sweetly as it should. It's more likely
myself that keeps forgetting to reset Shares - and check that
the correct date is still in !Organizer. (I keep hanging the
machine piddling about with Samba)...

That and the possibility that !Organizer isn't automatically
posting as it has always has done previously.

After direct tickling and posting yesterday evening, everything
reappeared last night as it should - just the propogation time
seemed inordinately looooong.!

(Pretty well all the groups, btw, are essentially still in
operation - FAQs are appearing in them as well).

> The cost of that might even be more than covered by the amount of
> electricity you'd save from not having to leave the RPC on all the time!

Yes - but then 2.5amps per RPi kind of makes up for it.. :))
Oh.. and a new Gigabit VDSL ..and the possible addition of NAS
on RAID 5 etc etc etc...

I have a long learning curve to go ..luckily we Oldies do
keep on learning ..I think ..I just can't quite remember
what happened pre Boer, or even pre Dinosaur, for that
matter...

*!;))

Have nice, relaxing, Bank Holiday.. yo' all .. :))