Introduction
This part of my site goes into details regarding my more personal accomplishments, focusing less on completed projects and more on the hobbies and skills that I believe contribute significantly to my career. Explore my journey with the Ender 3 Pro, a 3D printer that serves as a fantastic outlet for my creativity in designing and producing parts. Additionally, I share my extensive experience in the realm of PC building, highlighting the challenges and learning experiences encountered during upgrades and component changes.
Hobbies
3D Printing Enthusiast
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In late 2019, I purchased my first 3D Printer, an Ender 3 Pro. I used it for about a year, enjoying the process of creating 3D models sourced online. Over time, typical issues with first layer adhesion and filament feeding cropped up, common challenges faced by every FDM-style printer. Demotivated, I ceased usage, and the printer gathered dust as my interests shifted. Although occasionally used, its shortcomings always frustrated me. However, in the summer of 2023, I decided to address these issues. After exploring subreddits and watching numerous YouTube videos, I discovered that my entry-level printer was popular in the modding community! This opened the door to resolving my concerns through cost-effective upgrades, breathing new life into my printing hobby.
I started by buying a new mainboard, rendering my Ender nearly silent. This upgrade also allowed me to incorporate an Auto-Bed leveling system, a tiny probe calculating the distance from the printing platform and solving my first layer adhesion problem. Additionally, I invested in a new filament extruder, replacing the weakened stock version prone to misfeeding, resulting in failed prints. Alongside a new filament holder and a glass bed, these modifications addressed all pre-existing issues with my printer.
To enhance the printing environment, I housed the printer in an enclosure, eliminating the smell of thermoplastics during long prints and setting up proper ventilation. Completing the setup, I purchased a sturdy pegboard to organize my Ender-related tools, creating a nifty workspace worthy of being pictured! For my upcoming modification, I plan to revisit one of my Raspberry Pi projects, transforming it into an OctoPrint—a tool for remote control and monitoring of my print status. Additionally, I aim to re-flash my printer's firmware to maximize the utilization of my build plate.
Skills
Computer Builder and Troubleshooter
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When I was 15, I built my first PC using nothing more than my saved allowance and money from countless birthday cards. It wasn't much, but I managed to build a budget computer, achieving my goal of running Minecraft with the Shaders Mod and Blender 3D without crashing! Little did I know, this skill would later significantly influence both my life and my chosen college degree.
After constructing my initial PC, many of my friends expressed interest in doing the same, and I always offered to help. What I referred to as "expensive Legos" has always excited me, and with over 10 builds under my belt, I can handle most hardware tasks with my eyes closed. The image above showcases the long-overdue facelift for my own computer, featuring a Ryzen 7 7700x and 32 GBs of RAM as the main upgrades, along with a whiteout color scheme achieved with the Lian Li LANCOOL 205 case.
Naturally, not everything goes as planned, and I've spent more time troubleshooting dead RAM, failing SSDs, and corrupt Windows installations for both myself and friends. Despite the challenges during the diagnosis process, I always learn something new that proves valuable down the line. Following Windows issues with my primary build, I created a Medicat Troubleshooting USB thumb drive that I keep on my keychain for easy access to OS installs, Live OS bootables, and troubleshooting software.
This niche hobby gave me the confidence to undertake many similarly daunting tasks, from constructing my Home Server to indulging in the Raspberry Pi builds I love to mention. I am convinced that this pastime kickstarted my interest in Information Technology and propelled me further into the field in ways I could have never imagined.