The Chinese 40W laser cutter, sometimes called the K40, has been around several years now, and prices have finally dropped below $400. After waiting for discounts to line up, I was finally able to purchase one last week for about $360 shipped. How bad (or how good?) is a $360 laser cutter?

The unit is larger than I pictured it, given the cutting size. The box is 37"x25"x16". With its weight and bulk, it was too large for me to get my arms around, so I slid it in the front door and unboxed it.

unboxing.jpg

I've owned a BitScope BS10 for a few years, using it primarily as a logic analyzer. I recently bought the probe adapter, which makes it easier to connect standard probes, and more convenient to use as an oscilloscope.

Bitscope BS10

I've been thinking, for quite some time, about getting a ham radio license. I've been going to hamfests (mostly for the computers) since middle school, but never knew anybody well who had an amateur radio license.