Off Topic Posts - Whats on your mind?

try this
https://www.lazada.vn/products/adjustab … 6074.html?
-@cougarcar20

He's needing 120W (~10Amp). That looks very nice for a home hobbyist, though.

-@Travelfar
Out of interest what is it for and what's the model number?
-@AndyHCMC

It is the AC/DC power adapter for my Drobo 5C 5-bay NAS-like box.

Model number is LXY-S120U12AD

Out of interest what is it for and what's the model number?
-@AndyHCMC

I was about to ask the same thing.
Travelfar, is it like any of these?
-@Aidan in HCMC

It is "like" many of those, but the usable units are on Amazon, Ebay, ..., from the USA with USA prices and about a $50 shipping charge (plus import tax maybe?)

try this
https://www.lazada.vn/products/adjustab … 6074.html?
-@cougarcar20

The unit you suggest is too small, only 60W.  I need one TWICE as big.  The difficulty is not finding one big enough, it is finding one with the proper barrel plug.  There are many available on Lazada and Shopee of 120W or bigger, but the barrel plug is the wrong size, usually 2.5mm x 5.5mm.  My unit takes a 3.0mm x 6.3mm plug.

If anyone is going to the USA soon, and returning shortly thereafter, perhaps a hand-carried unit would be the answer.  I won't be going until September or so.

About finding a proper power adapter, most advertisments do not list the barrel plug dimensions, and there are about a dozen sizes.  Makes finding one that fits ... challenging.

About finding a proper power adapter, most advertisments do not list the barrel plug dimensions, and there are about a dozen sizes. Makes finding one that fits ... challenging.
-@Travelfar

If you can get the correct power adaptor here in a shop or on Lazada or Shopee etc but are struggling with the barrel plug, how about this for a low cost solution & a bit of simple DIY mods. Would that work?

https://www.lazada.vn/products/merlin-i … mp;stock=1

https://www.lazada.vn/products/lei-5pai … mp;stock=1

I don't have the key as to how it works but aren't the barrel plug types keyed to different DC voltages and possibly amperages?   In that case using an adapter could mean incorrect charging either to high voltage or too rapid.  Or alternatively they could mean excessive charging times or an inability to power directly.

{hot} 120 W Laptop Power Supply Adapter Car Charger for Samsung HP DELL Lenovo EU Plug Cable Portable Adapters

cost about 800.000vnd on Lazada maybe too expensive?

8 Tip Sizes: 6.5x4.5mm 6.3x3.0mm 5.5x2.5mm 5.5x2.1mm 5.5x1.7mm 4.8x1.7mm 4.0x1.7mm 3.5x1.35mm

If you can get the correct power adaptor here in a shop or on Lazada or Shopee etc but are struggling with the barrel plug, how about this for a low cost solution & a bit of simple DIY mods. Would that work?

https://www.lazada.vn/products/merlin-i … mp;stock=1
-@goodolboy

Yes, absolutely that will work. Only caveat is whether the existing plug on the newly purchased power supply will fit in the back of the plug adapter.

It is "like" many of those, but the usable units are on Amazon, Ebay, ..., from the USA with USA prices and about a $50 shipping charge (plus import tax maybe?)
-@Travelfar

Definitely plus-plus import tax, perhaps as much as 100%.

Any competent computer/electronics repair shop can fix you up in a jiffy.

About finding a proper power adapter, most advertisments do not list the barrel plug dimensions, and there are about a dozen sizes. Makes finding one that fits ... challenging.
-@Travelfar
If you can get the correct power adaptor here in a shop or on Lazada or Shopee etc but are struggling with the barrel plug, how about this for a low cost solution & a bit of simple DIY mods. Would that work?

https://www.lazada.vn/products/merlin-i … mp;stock=1


https://www.lazada.vn/products/lei-5pai … mp;stock=1
-@goodolboy

Hmm!  The second link has 5 identical plugs 5.5 x 2.1, but that first link might just be the ticket!  Thanks! I hadn't thought of an adapter to the adapter.

About finding a proper power adapter, most advertisments do not list the barrel plug dimensions, and there are about a dozen sizes. Makes finding one that fits ... challenging.
-@Travelfar
If you can get the correct power adaptor here in a shop or on Lazada or Shopee etc but are struggling with the barrel plug, how about this for a low cost solution & a bit of simple DIY mods. Would that work?

https://www.lazada.vn/products/merlin-i … mp;stock=1


https://www.lazada.vn/products/lei-5pai … mp;stock=1
-@goodolboy
Hmm! The second link has 5 identical plugs 5.5 x 2.1, but that first link might just be the ticket! Thanks! I hadn't thought of an adapter to the adapter.
-@Travelfar

I might have got this wrong but you should check cos the first link has all the females the same at 5.5 x 2.1 but 8 different males including the one you say you need @ 6.3 x 3. The second link has 5 identical 5.5 x 2.1 male connectors one end (to fit into the 5.5 x 2.1 female x 6.3 x 3 male) with wire up connection at the other end.

About finding a proper power adapter, most advertisments do not list the barrel plug dimensions, and there are about a dozen sizes. Makes finding one that fits ... challenging.
-@Travelfar
If you can get the correct power adaptor here in a shop or on Lazada or Shopee etc but are struggling with the barrel plug, how about this for a low cost solution & a bit of simple DIY mods. Would that work?

https://www.lazada.vn/products/merlin-i … mp;stock=1


https://www.lazada.vn/products/lei-5pai … mp;stock=1
-@goodolboy
Hmm! The second link has 5 identical plugs 5.5 x 2.1, but that first link might just be the ticket! Thanks! I hadn't thought of an adapter to the adapter.
-@Travelfar

I might have got this wrong but you should check cos the first link has all the females the same at 5.5 x 2.1 but 8 different males including the one you say you need @ 6.3 x 3. The second link has 5 identical 5.5 x 2.1 male connectors one end (to fit into the 5.5 x 2.1 female x 6.3 x 3 male) with wire up connection at the other end.




-@goodolboy

You are exactly right, but I only need one adapter with a 5.5x2.1 male end to insert into the 5.5x2.1 end of the 6.3x3.0 adapter plug to get the proper size for my NAS unit. So I buy one 12V 10A power adapter with a 5.5x2.1 male plug and one set of adapter adapters(!) and I've got what I need.

There's something oddly fascinating about this 20 sec clip.

Now THAT'S how you're supposed to eat a banana.

https://tuoitrenews.vn/news/society/202 … xIw06lzcYo

https://tuoitrenews.vn/news/society/202 … xIw06lzcYo
-@goodolboy

Interesting.  Of course the same highway that enhances trade could also serve as an invasion route.

@Travelfar And success! I received the "Universal 8-in-1 AC DC Charger Adapter Socket Plug Connector Tips Tool Set for Desktop Laptop Notebook PC Computer" (actual label) today, and was able to convert my power adapter 5.5x2.1 plug into the 6.3x3.0 plug needed, and I am now using my NAS unit again.

Thanks for all the pointers and suggestions.

Happy Reunification Day

love is all you need

https://e.vnexpress.net/news/trend/viet … M85eHf8vSM

oh dear me

https://tuoitrenews.vn/news/society/202 … GJAXo0-zCw

oh dear me


https://tuoitrenews.vn/news/society/202 … GJAXo0-zCw
-@goodolboy

Was reading that yesterday. Horrible and so sad.

Important to note that he did not kill her due to her phone use.

He killed her because HE'S A GODDAMN NUT!

Talking parrot reveals man’s dirty secret

A woman in Vietnam found out about her spouse’s infidelity thanks to the bird

DRAT!

I forgot that yesterday was International Star Wars Day

May the 4th be with you

DRAT!
I forgot that yesterday was International Star Wars Day
May the 4th be with you
-@Aidan in HCMC

Message from Cheryl, of the expat.com Team

"Hello everyone, I hope this message finds you well.

Please note that the website will undergo scheduled maintenance on Monday 8th May at 9:30 AM (Mauritian time) and will be temporarily unavailable for approximately 30 minutes. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience while we work to improve our services.

Thank you for your understanding.

Have a great weekend.

Cheryl"

& whats wrong with that??

https://tuoitrenews.vn/news/society/202 … ZpLPseB8B0

& whats wrong with that??

https://tuoitrenews.vn/news/society/202 … ZpLPseB8B0
-@goodolboy

Apparently it's quite legal here in Hội An 😉

& whats wrong with that??

https://tuoitrenews.vn/news/society/202 … ZpLPseB8B0
-@goodolboy
Apparently it's quite legal here in Hội An 😉
-@OceanBeach92107

thats why I cant understand he got arrested & charged, not like he did something unusual now is it??

On a more serious note, I have noticed that the big rig drivers on the major highways drive a lot safer than those driving the small delivery trucks.  This may be partly an age function.   The big truck drivers are simply older while a lot of the small truck drivers are not far out of high school and think they can drive the truck the same way they drive their motorbike, which of course includes going the wrong way in traffic.

On a more serious note, I have noticed that the big rig drivers on the major highways drive a lot safer than those driving the small delivery trucks. This may be partly an age function.  The big truck drivers are simply older while a lot of the small truck drivers are not far out of high school and think they can drive the truck the same way they drive their motorbike, which of course includes going the wrong way in traffic.
-@THIGV

There is a stretch of Quốc lộ 1A between Quy Nhơn, Bình Định & Sông Cầu, Phú Yên that has a number of very steep grades along the hilly coastline, where I always fear for my life (in the small car driven by a local guy I know) as trucks of all sizes do incredibly risky maneuvers passing on blind curves and barreling down the hills at extremely excessive speeds.

Small, large or in-between, too many of them are equal opportunity maniacs.

But when I think of some of the crazy driving I've done at breakneck speeds in the Rocky Mountains and the Alps, I'm somewhat empathetic for their desire to go as fast as possible.

I think the real terror comes from being aware of the high rate of alcoholism and drug use amongst drivers here.

A couple of years back I was speaking with a VN friend of mine in Saigon about, what appeared to be at the time, a spate of accidents where a four wheeled vehicle would accelerate wildly, knocking over (for example) a gas pump, then onto a row of bikes, then careening across the street, crashing in to the front of a shop.

I was told that this was due mainly to the fact that many VN people drive using both feet (one for the gas, one for the brake). However, and as THIGV pointed out, due to their having learned the (supposed) rules of the road on a scooter, in a "panic" situation they instinctively press hard with the right foot. That is, after all, where the brake on their scooter would be.

Made sense.

It is difficult to understand some hired drivers' behavior on the main roads.  They are constantly either accelerating  or coasting rather maintaining a steady speed. 

It is difficult to understand some hired drivers' behavior on the main roads. They are constantly either accelerating or coasting rather maintaining a steady speed.
-@williamherron13

Perhaps the key word is "hired".   It could be that they are incentivised by bonuses or penalties for completion time on runs rather than fuel economy as an owner-operator would be.

Any member familiar with a book written by a Chinese contemporary of (or perhaps slightly pre) Marco Polo?

In it, the Chinese author/explorer recounts his travels to Europe, to the region of what would today be Germany. He does essentially what Polo did, in reverse direction.

I was introduced to this book many years ago by a Chinese coworker in Toronto, but for the life of me I can't seem to track it down.

It was a fascinating read, seeing medieval Europe through the eyes of a Chinese explorer. 

well done Vietnam team table tennis

https://tuoitrenews.vn/news/sports/2023 … r9w7zImgaQ

Any member familiar with a book written by a Chinese contemporary of (or perhaps slightly pre) Marco Polo?
In it, the Chinese author/explorer recounts his travels to Europe, to the region of what would today be Germany. He does essentially what Polo did, in reverse direction.
I was introduced to this book many years ago by a Chinese coworker in Toronto, but for the life of me I can't seem to track it down.
It was a fascinating read, seeing medieval Europe through the eyes of a Chinese explorer.
-@Aidan in HCMC

I asked "Bard", the new Google AI:

"Do you know about a book written by a Chinese contemporary of (or perhaps slightly before) Marco Polo?

In it, the Chinese author/explorer recounts his travels to Europe, to the region of what would today be Germany"

Bard answered:

Yes, there is a book written by a Chinese contemporary of Marco Polo that recounts his travels to Europe, to the region of what would today be Germany. The book is called The Journey of the Tang Monk to the Western Regions and was written by Xuanzang in the 7th century. Xuanzang was a Buddhist monk who traveled to India in search of Buddhist scriptures. He spent 17 years in India, studying and collecting scriptures. On his way back to China, he passed through Central Asia and Europe. He wrote his book about his travels after he returned to China.

The book is an important source of information about the geography, history, and culture of Central Asia and Europe in the 7th century. It also provides valuable insights into the Buddhist faith and the life of a Buddhist monk. The book was translated into English in the 19th century and has been reprinted many times. It is still read today by scholars and students of history, geography, and religion.

Here is a summary of Xuanzang's travels:

Xuanzang left Chang'an in 629 AD.

He traveled through Central Asia and Afghanistan.

He reached India in 630 AD.

He spent 17 years in India, studying and collecting scriptures.

He returned to China in 645 AD.

He brought back with him 657 Sanskrit manuscripts.

He translated the manuscripts into Chinese.

He died in 664 AD.

Xuanzang's travels were a major achievement. He was the first Chinese Buddhist monk to travel to India and bring back Buddhist scriptures. His travels helped to spread Buddhism in China and to promote cultural exchange between China and India

(end of Bard's reply)

@OceanBeach92107

Hot diggity dang! That just might be it, OB!

Thank you. I'll check it out.

@OceanBeach92107

Drat! Xuanzang was a bit earlier than Polo, and didn't quite make it as far west as indicated by Bard AI, at least according to Wikipedia. He was also about 500 years before Polo

If I recall correctly, the author I'm looking for was more adventurer/explorer/warrior than monk.

Thank you for the suggestion, OB.

I heard on a podcast by The Telegraph (UK) that the eastern portion of Ukraine has surpassed the Vietnam-Cambodia border area as the most heavily mined place on earth.  This made me think of a poster tagged EODMatt (or something similar) who used to be both active and good natured here.  I am wondering if he is in Ukraine and too busy to post.  His wife was Vietnamese so VN used to be his home when he was not out defusing mines, but that may have changed. Hoping he is OK.

@THIGV

Last visit, 2 years ago. Prayers are with him.