Tech notes

• 06 June 2025
• tech,
• hacks

Sharing some notes on the home-studio I operate in + little tricks

Personal devices #

• [#Weird] personal computer: an old notebook, refurbished by me, with latest Ubuntu
• [#Weird] smartphone: an "old" (made obsolete, but with very good hardware) smartphone with LineageOS. I used DivestOS for years; unfortunately, it got discontinued.
• [#Weird] smartwatch: pinewatch. I use it mainly for its vibrational alarm clock feature, that allows me to wake up early without disturbing other people in the house.

Software/services #

• Ubuntu, LineageOS
• Syncthing to directly exchange data between my devices, often encrypted
• CherryTree for notes (https://www.giuspen.net/cherrytree/); keepassx for passwords (https://www.keepassx.org/); Super-productivity for projects and tasks management (https://super-productivity.com/)
• I make use of a lifetime subscription to both brain.fm (functional music) and 12min.com (book summaries)

Work zone #

• Fiber optic connection
• Smartphone is offline when not necessary; just urgent notifications enabled.
• Dedicated and quiet study/work room with a terrace with mountain view, a fixed pull-up bar and gym rings (attached one in a while)
• Ergonomics
  • Ikea's large standing desk
  • Input devices
    • usb hubs with adapters to quickly detach and attach a bunch of peripherals to different computers/smartphones
    • Noise cancelling headset
    • Vertical mouse
    • [#Weird] This is a neat hack to me, that I have never seen elsewhere. Instead of using an expensive split keyboard, I am keeping two normal keyboards connected to the same computer, one for each hand (each hand uses half of a keyboard); currently using a Logitech k120 (my favourite so far) and a mechanical keyboard.
• In previous locations I used to use air filters and air monitor devices; not using these anymore as no more needed
• Micro-climate: infrared lamp, ceramic heater, radiator, thermal underwear, fan, humidifier with several essential oils.
• Electronics
  • Cupboard and dedicated space for electronic prototypes; 12V car battery with solar panel; soldering kit; breadboard, cablings, sensors and actuators. Arduino, RPI5 and Esp32 modules.
• "Physical" notes: handmade paper notebooks (using a paper puncher and binder); whiteboard
• Timekeeping
  • Electronic timer; a physical 30mins hourglass

Nutrition #

Coconut oil, nuts, honey, eggs, beetroot. I use a pill dispenser to plan supplements for the week. I like experimenting with nutraceuticals. Sample of staples: ashwagandha, creatine; glycine and melatonine (for sleep)

Stay healthy, be useful, love

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