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Category Archives: Diary
Destroying single disk ZFS zpool
This is a note for Future John. I followed the instructions from ChatGPT. They looked reasonable enough. Now I have a spare 2TB SATA drive that has no purpose in life. I am always sad when things have no purpose in life. Who knows. Maybe one day…
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Tue Jul 01 03:33:54 [bash:5.2.15 jobs:0 error:0 time:0]
root@charisma:/home/jj5
# zpool status sata
pool: sata
state: ONLINE
config:
NAME STATE READ WRITE CKSUM
sata ONLINE 0 0 0
ata-ST2000DM008-2UB102_ZFL7BGR8 ONLINE 0 0 0
errors: No known data errors
-------------------
Tue Jul 01 03:34:00 [bash:5.2.15 jobs:0 error:0 time:6]
root@charisma:/home/jj5
# zpool destroy sata
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Tue Jul 01 03:34:08 [bash:5.2.15 jobs:0 error:0 time:14]
root@charisma:/home/jj5
# cat /proc/partitions
major minor #blocks name
...snip...
8 48 1953514584 sdd
8 49 1953505280 sdd1
...snip...
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Tue Jul 01 03:34:23 [bash:5.2.15 jobs:0 error:0 time:29]
root@charisma:/home/jj5
# wipefs -a /dev/sdd
/dev/sdd: 8 bytes were erased at offset 0x00000200 (gpt): 45 46 49 20 50 41 52 54
/dev/sdd: 8 bytes were erased at offset 0x1d1c1115e00 (gpt): 45 46 49 20 50 41 52 54
/dev/sdd: 2 bytes were erased at offset 0x000001fe (PMBR): 55 aa
/dev/sdd: calling ioctl to re-read partition table: Success
-------------------
Tue Jul 01 03:34:58 [bash:5.2.15 jobs:0 error:0 time:64]
root@charisma:/home/jj5
# sgdisk --zap-all /dev/sdd
Creating new GPT entries in memory.
GPT data structures destroyed! You may now partition the disk using fdisk or
other utilities.
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Tue Jul 01 03:35:28 [bash:5.2.15 jobs:0 error:0 time:94]
root@charisma:/home/jj5
# parted /dev/sdd --script mklabel gpt
-------------------
Tue Jul 01 03:35:50 [bash:5.2.15 jobs:0 error:0 time:116]
root@charisma:/home/jj5
# wipefs /dev/sdd
DEVICE OFFSET TYPE UUID LABEL
sdd 0x200 gpt
sdd 0x1d1c1115e00 gpt
sdd 0x1fe PMBR
-------------------
Tue Jul 01 03:36:02 [bash:5.2.15 jobs:0 error:0 time:128]
root@charisma:/home/jj5
# lsblk /dev/sdd
NAME MAJ:MIN RM SIZE RO TYPE MOUNTPOINTS
sdd 8:48 0 1.8T 0 disk
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Physics
This is what doing physics looks like. Theoretical physics, that is!
New hard drives
Yesterday I was talking to my friends on IRC about how I should use a proper RDBMS for ad hoc data analysis more often. Then I found myself a job.
The hard disks I use for my offsite backups are ready to be replaced. They are good reliable drives (Western Digital Ultrastar 8TB) but they have been in service for five years and the warranty is just about to expire.
So I wanted to get some new drives which will do me for the next five years. I needed to know: what are good reliable drives to buy?
It turns out Backblaze maintains Hard Drive Data and Stats.
I downloaded their data for Q1 2025 and wrote a few scripts to process it. The output was this report:
The first drive listed in the above report is an SSD, but I want an ordinary spinning rust HDD. The second drive listed is ST12000NM000J which is Seagate Exos X18 12 TB. I found them on Amazon for AU$499 and on eBay for AU$280. So I purchased three drives from eBay.
Time well spent. Thanks d0nk`! <3
The Greeks
I use old iPhone 6 smartphones in my lab as computers with small screens. I use them to display notes while I’m working. Recently I added some notes about the Greek letters:
Mail Call #33: Wrench Set, Allen Key Set, Sandpaper, USB Power, Scraper, and More | In The Lab
This post is part of my video blog and you can find more information about this video over here.
You can support this channel on Patreon: patreon.com/JohnElliotV
Silly Job Title: Chief Fuse Blower.
In this video we take a look at what has arrived in the mail from AliExpress:
- New Upgrade Wrench Socket Set Hardware Car Boat Motorcycle Bicycle Repairing Tool
- DELIXI ELECTRIC Allen Key Set，Allen Hex Wrench Screwdriver Set With Sleev Universal Torque Long Metric,for Motorcycles, Bicycles (JP-1086 hei)
- Sandpaper Roll Emery Cloth Sanding Abrasive Sheets 80 120 180 240 600 800Grit Sand Paper Sanding Abrasive Sheets (80 Grit, 150 Grit, 240 Grit)
- Australian USB Fast Charger AU Plug Quick Charger Mobile Phone Charger 3.1A Multiple 4 Ports USB Travel Adapter Wall Charger (AU Plug Black)
- 1/5PCS Lamp Sockets Converter B22 To E27 LED Bulb Converter Lamp Base Holder Screw Light Socket Adapter Anti-burning Bulb Holder (5PCS, B22 To E27)
- Stainless Steel Scraper Set Ultra Sharp Scrapers Remove Residue from Steel Aluminum and More Ends Offer Extra Leverage (A)
- 1/2/5/10PCS Self-Adhesive Desktop Socket Fixer Hanging Power Strip Cable Organizer Wall Holder Fixator Removable Wall-Mounted (10PCS)
Thanks very much for watching! And please remember to hit like and subscribe! :)
Following is a product I use picked at random from my collection which may appear in my videos. Clicking through on this to find and click on the green affiliate links before purchasing from eBay or AliExpress is a great way to support the channel at no cost to you. Thanks!
Yum Cha Multifunction Hook Tools |
Let’s go shopping!
Electronics Project #13: Sanyo AM/FM Digital Clock Radio RM6018 Teardown Part 1 | In The Lab
This post is part of my video blog and you can find more information about this video over here.
You can support this channel on Patreon: patreon.com/JohnElliotV
Silly Job Title: Note Taker.
In this video we teardown an old Sanyo RM6018 clock radio which I found on the street when I was walking home the other day. A search for LM8560 datasheet turns up a lot of interesting info. The LM8560 is what implements the clock part of the circuit. The radio is separate. We’re looking at the clock first, might have a look at the radio some other time. I have ordered some parts from AliExpress so that I can do part 2 of this video, so stand by for that.
We use the METCAL PS-900 Soldering Station for some spot soldering.
We use the Pro’sKit SS-331H Desoldering Pump to to remove some wires.
We use the Fluke 17B+ Digital Multimeter to test the battery.
We use the Riden RD6006 Bench Power Supply to deliver power for testing.
We use the Bosch IXO VI Electric Screwdriver to remove the screws from the case.
Shout out to my mate @nanofix who I mention in this video. If you’re interested in reballing he has a lot to teach you! Check out his Ultimate Microsoldering Tool Guide, particularly for hints about cleaning supplies.
Thanks very much for watching! And please remember to hit like and subscribe! :)
Following is a product I use picked at random from my collection which may appear in my videos. Clicking through on this to find and click on the green affiliate links before purchasing from eBay or AliExpress is a great way to support the channel at no cost to you. Thanks!
Damotk 5pcs Crevice Cleaning Brush notes |
Let’s go shopping!
Mail Call #32: Metho, Turps, Scrapers, Screwdrivers, Hex Wrench, Rachet, and More | In The Lab
This post is part of my video blog and you can find more information about this video over here.
You can support this channel on Patreon: patreon.com/JohnElliotV
Silly Job Title: Fixeruperer.
In this video we take a look at what has arrived in the mail from AliExpress. Also a few things I picked up from the local hardware store: True Value Hardware.
- Methylated Spirits (Metho)
- Mineral Turpentine (Turps)
- 25mm Metal Scraper
- 38mm Plastic Scraper
- 32 in 1 Screwdriver Set, Cool Gadgets, Stocking Stuffers, Christmas Gifts for Dad, Grandpa, Husband, Boyfriend, Camping Gi (green)
- 9pcs/14pcs Powerful Socket Inner Hexagonal Wrench Hexagonal Handle Screwdriver Socket Extension Rod Pneumatic Screwdriver Insert (14pcs)
- Mini treble 1/4 Ratchet Wrench Double Ended Quick Socket Ratchet Wrench Screwdriver Hex Torque Wrenches Set Spanner (2-in-1 Dual Head)
- Ear Cleaning Tool Stainless Steel Ear Pick Kit &1Pc Storage Bag Earwax Remover Tool (Color: A-Black)
- SATA to USB 3.0 / 2.0 Cable Up to 6 Gbps for 2.5 Inch External HDD SSD Hard Drive SATA 3 22 Pin Adapter USB 3.0 to Sata III Cord (USB 3.0)
- Mini Hammer Smashing Walnut Round Head Wooden Handle Hammer Car Escape Tool Hand Hammer Multi Function Mini Hammer
Thanks very much for watching! And please remember to hit like and subscribe! :)
Following is a product I use picked at random from my collection which may appear in my videos. Clicking through on this to find and click on the green affiliate links before purchasing from eBay or AliExpress is a great way to support the channel at no cost to you. Thanks!
Yum Cha J15026-2 6-Knob Resistor Box |
Let’s go shopping!
Mail Call #31: Sound Level Meter, Half Moon Lamp, and Wire Mesh Baskets | In The Lab With Jay Jay
This post is part of my video blog and you can find more information about this video over here.
You can support this channel on Patreon: patreon.com/JohnElliotV
Silly Job Title: Spark Specialist.
In this video we take a look at what has arrived from AliExpress and Amazon:
- ANENG GN102 Decibel Meter Tester Digital Sensor Noise Meter 30-130dB Ambient Noise Windproof Sponge Sound Measuring Instrument (GN102)
- 2025 20W LED Half Moon Lash Light Temperature 3000K-6000K Floor LED Ring Lamp For Beauty Facials Skincare Tattoo Eyebrows Filmin (black, AU)
- Set of 3 Household Wire Mesh Metal Steel Storage Basket Organizer CD Storage Boxes Organizer Bin Container Tote with Handles for Home Office 10.5″ x 5.5″ x 5.5″
Thanks very much for watching! And please remember to hit like and subscribe! :)
Following is a product I use picked at random from my collection which may appear in my videos. Clicking through on this to find and click on the green affiliate links before purchasing from eBay or AliExpress is a great way to support the channel at no cost to you. Thanks!
Maxitronix 500in1 Electronics Project Lab Kit notes |
Let’s go shopping!
New camera setup
I reorganized my cameras so that I have a wider view of the bench with my primary camera and a narrower view of the work area for my thermal cam. Also added an extra three zoom levels for the primary camera so I can focus in on the work area more or less as required.
