I've got a vintage HP digital counter, model HP-5216A. It was working, right up until the moment that it fell and broke two of the tubes' glass envelopes.

I really don't know where to source Nixie tubes. I see a few people who are making clocks with them, but not selling individual parts.

It's apparently an HP-1970-0025, which is a rebranded Burroughs B-5560.

Don't imagine this is the right place to find them, but I'm hoping it's the right place to find someone to tell me the right place to find them.

We just moved into a house previously owned by a widow who had let things go a bit. Today I swept the ceiling, walls, and floor in the garage. Cobwebs and dirt were layered thick everywhere.

Not exactly 'clean' yet, but FAR better. It's a start.

I have had a 1960-era Marlin (not Martin!) guitar since I was a teen in the '80s. I abused it, trashed the finish, changed the electronics, and then took it apart for a project that never happened.

I'd like to restore it roughly to its original state. Right now, it's all about the electronics.

First off, is there any advantage to lining the body (pickup) cavity with copper foil? Will it reduce the noise and hum?

Secondly, since I have to desolder the switches, will twisting the pickup leads help?

Thirdly, does anyone have a wiring diagram for this thing? Two single coil pickups each run to an on/off toggle, but then I've got a handful of broken and loose parts.

The URL is for an auction of a guitar (almost) identical to mine, just to trigger anyone's memories.

Thanks all!

My cheap no-name Chinese backpack is finally falling apart, after over 20 years of absolutely solid service.

I want something that will last at least another 20 years, will hold a modern 16" laptop (e.g. Macbook), and will also let me toss a pair of jeans and light jacket in, when I ride home from work in the spring and fall afternoons.

I'd like to avoid American brands if possible.

Looked online at the SwissGear 5698 and Endure, but don't know how well they're built, or if they'll hold my junk.

Any recommendations?

My car was written off and hauled away to scrap a few months ago. However, I still have the coded socket for the secure lug nuts (one per wheel).

I can't think of a good reason to keep it, but thought I'd ask here before chucking it.

A few weeks ago our shower started to occasionally drain slowly. As it got worse, I thought I'd have to get out the snake or call a plumber. Then the other day I thought 'why not just try the plunger?'

30 seconds of plunging, and I suddenly felt the blockage break loose, and the 8cm of standing water drained immediately.

Gotta love simple fixes that work.

OK, I am obviously not talking about Hawksbill tortoiseshell - so illegal it almost hurts to LOOK at a pick. So we have created a thousand analogues, including things like synthetic plastics (delrin, ultex, etc.) and polymerized natural proteins (galalith et al).

But there are green turtles which are entirely unthreatened, and have comparable shells. There are horns from a dozen animals which are made of keratin. There are HORSE HOOVES that get routinely trimmed. Why are these not being used to replace actual tortoiseshell, despite being chemically closest to it?

The fencer who disqualified the US épée team from competing in the 2024 Olympics was sanction in August 2025 due to "multiple violations of USA Fencing's code of conduct and athletic code of conduct." He will be eligible to apply for reinstatement in August 2030.

Just in the last few months, it seems like everyone who is doing content creation on youtube (etc.) is holding a tiny mic up, in the frame of the camera.

I get that mics are needed, but a good desk mic or a headset or whatever else you might imagine is just as good acoustically, and far less distracting. And they were all in use up until a few months ago.

Is this just a fashion trend?

I realized I don't often see spools on bikes when I'm out, and am wondering if people take them off when not using them.

The front of the cutlery drawer pulled off the drawer frame some months ago. Finally got around to reattaching it, better than the cheap constrution it originally was.

Obviously they won't be identical, and year, etc. will make a difference too. I'm just curious if they're fairly close or very different.

Anyone with experience?