Finally - CD Library working again

I've finally got one of my old computers up and running and working with my Kenwood 200-disc CD changer. This doesn't sound like much but given the bugs with the NetNamer software and the problems I've been having with my dial-up internet service, this is a major milestone. The biggest step was getting the high(er) speed wireless internet service from Routcom - which allows me to use the internet the way it is meant to be used.

So, with that working I can proceed from my current status of about 600 CDs inventoried... I figure that I am not quite half way through the pile. My cousin, Jeff, is a net programmer so he has built a little software tool that pulls in all the NetNamer CD files and loads them into a database, so eventually I will have a full database of all of my CDs that will be fully searchable and support report generation. Eventually I hope to have the inventory posted on the net for easy access, which would also better support any future plans to sell/trade some of the collection.

I'm a little annoyed that the NetNamer software doesn't download the Artist name when it does a lookup. I get all the songs and the Album title, but not the Artist... Makes no sense. But there are so many bugs that I am just taking what I can get and looking to by-pass the poor functionality. I've asked Jeff if he can look into the CDDB/Gracenotes lookup functionality to see if we can access the full information for a CD using the disc id information available from the NetNamer software. I would then use the NetNamer software just to get the CD disc ID information and then do all the lookups through another bit of software. Frustrating...as an engineer I see the huge potential for software like this - full disc information, cataloguing collections, multiple custom play lists, live song rating that drives intelligent auto-playlists of favourites, etc. It is a shame that so little of that potential has been realized - AND that from what I have read on the net, little or no development has been done to improve the software going forward into new hardware releases!!! I think Kenwood really dropped the ball on this one...

Bathroom Reno - The tub is in and the walls are up

It was a challenge and took 2 layers of drywall on the head end wall of the tub to get the measurements right, but its lookin' good! I had decided on using the same tile on the walls as I have on the floor, but now having second thoughts... But I haven't found a wall tile I like that matches the floor and the rest of the room so I might just go with it... Anyway, the tub plumbing is done and we are ready to tile when I make up my mind.

Product Review: Cool - pre-soldered copper pipe joints

Found something very cool at Home Depot - presoldered copper pipe fittings! Elbows and connectors and caps - everything - with a ring of solder inside so all you need to do is clean the contact points, put on a bit of flux, and heat until the solder flows! No more trying to juggle the solder and the torch and never quite getting it right. I like this product a lot!

I didn't have any problems with the installation that I did. My Dad tried one of the elbows at his place, but was in a dark location and he didn't see the solder start to flow, so he just kept heating - until there was no solder left in the joint! Needless to say that he had to do it all over again. For someone who is new to soldering copper pipe, this is much easier but without a background in soldering you might not know what to expect. For those who have experience - you will see the benefits immediately!

I checked a couple of forums on plumbing and found that the "pros" don't really care for this product - but I like it for the occasional do-it-yourselfer...

Bathroom Remodel Update - Tub Snag

Tub #2 is now in Dad's Honda Civic and we are heading home. The new tub is basically identical to the one we just pulled out but is white instead of almond.

While we were there I decided to get the vanity cabinets also - nope...
All the "Mills Pride" cabinets we looked at are for kitchens and therefore 24" deep. The green granite vanity top I wanted to use (with the pre-installed under-mount sink) is only 22" deep. There is a much smaller selection of Mills Pride bathroom cabinets - basically white, sort-of white and "champagne" - anything else is special order.

After we try to install this new tub we are going to go check the Rona in Barrie - Dad noticed a bigger selection of cabinets there - figured we would at least try...

High speed internet

Well I got a wireless highspeed modem from one of my buddies in engineering for the weekend, but didn't work consistently, just on the edge of coverage from the nearest site. So, need to call back the Routcom people and get their service installed. At least I can now get something!!! Only a little while to go before I am able to effectively use the internet again!