The author details their attempts to reverse-engineer their apartment's ancient, inefficient gas boiler system to improve its control and efficiency. Frustrated by a lack of documentation and limited physical access, they employed various tools and techniques like thermal cameras, USB oscilloscopes, and deciphering cryptic LED blink codes. Through painstaking observation and deduction, they managed to identify key components, decipher the system's logic, and eventually gain a rudimentary understanding of its operation, enough to potentially implement their own control improvements. While ultimately unable to fully achieve their goal due to the complexity and proprietary nature of the system, the author showcases their inquisitive approach to problem-solving and documents their findings for others facing similar challenges.
This blog post chronicles the restoration of a rare Galaxian³ Theatre 6 arcade machine from 1992. The author details the challenges faced, including sourcing obsolete parts like laserdiscs and CRT projectors, troubleshooting faulty components, and navigating the complex wiring and control systems. The restoration involved meticulous cleaning, repair, and calibration to bring the six-player, panoramic experience back to life. The project highlights the dedication required to preserve these unique pieces of gaming history and the satisfaction of experiencing a fully functional Galaxian³ Theatre 6 once again.
Commenters on Hacker News expressed excitement and nostalgia for the Galaxian 3 Project Revival, with several sharing personal memories of playing the massive arcade game. Some discussed the technical challenges involved in the restoration, particularly sourcing obsolete parts and recreating the complex projection system. Others praised the dedication and effort required for such an undertaking, comparing it to restoring a classic car or other piece of significant historical technology. A few commenters also lamented the decline of large-scale arcade gaming experiences and hoped this project would inspire similar restorations. The practicalities of maintaining such a large machine were also a topic of discussion, with some wondering about the long-term feasibility of keeping it operational.
The blog post "Everything wrong with MCP" criticizes Mojang's decision to use the MCP (Mod Coder Pack) as the intermediary format for modding Minecraft Java Edition. The author argues that MCP, being community-maintained and reverse-engineered, introduces instability, obfuscates the modding process, complicates debugging, and grants Mojang excessive control over the modding ecosystem. They propose that Mojang should instead release an official modding API based on clean, human-readable source code, which would foster a more stable, accessible, and innovative modding community. This would empower modders with clearer understanding of the game's internals, streamline development, and ultimately benefit players with a richer and more reliable modded experience.
Hacker News users generally agreed with the author's criticisms of Minecraft's Marketplace. Several commenters shared personal anecdotes of frustrating experiences with low-quality content, misleading pricing practices, and the predatory nature of some microtransactions targeted at children. The lack of proper moderation and quality control from Microsoft was a recurring theme, with some suggesting it damages the overall Minecraft experience. Others pointed out the irony of Microsoft's approach, contrasting it with their previous stance on open-source and community-driven development. A few commenters argued that the marketplace serves a purpose, providing a platform for creators, though acknowledging the need for better curation. Some also highlighted the role of parents in managing children's spending habits within the game.
The author champions their 17-year-old ThinkPad T60, highlighting its repairability, durability, and performance adequacy for their needs. Driven by a desire to avoid the planned obsolescence of modern laptops and the environmental impact of constant upgrades, they detail the straightforward process of replacing components like the keyboard, battery, and screen, often with used parts. While acknowledging the limitations of older hardware, particularly regarding gaming and some modern software, the author emphasizes the satisfaction of maintaining and using a machine for far longer than its intended lifespan, seeing it as a sustainable and empowering alternative to consumerist tech culture.
HN commenters largely agree with the author's appreciation for the ThinkPad's repairability and classic design. Several share their own experiences with older ThinkPads, highlighting their durability and the satisfaction of maintaining and upgrading them. Some discuss the declining quality and repairability of modern laptops, contrasting them with the robust build of older models. A few commenters point out the limitations of older hardware, particularly regarding battery life and performance for modern tasks, while others offer tips for extending the life of older ThinkPads. The discussion also touches upon the environmental benefits of using older hardware and the appeal of the classic ThinkPad aesthetic. There's some debate about the practicality of using such an old machine as a daily driver, but a general consensus that for certain tasks and users, a well-maintained older ThinkPad can be a viable and even preferable option.
Open source maintainers are increasingly burdened by escalating demands and dwindling resources. The "2025 State of Open Source" report reveals maintainers face growing user bases expecting faster response times and more features, while simultaneously struggling with burnout, lack of funding, and insufficient institutional support. This pressure is forcing many maintainers to consider stepping back or abandoning their projects altogether, posing a significant threat to the sustainability of the open source ecosystem. The report highlights the need for better funding models, improved communication tools, and greater recognition of the crucial role maintainers play in powering much of the modern internet.
HN commenters generally agree with the article's premise that open-source maintainers are underappreciated and overworked. Several share personal anecdotes of burnout and the difficulty of balancing maintenance with other commitments. Some suggest potential solutions, including better funding models, improved tooling for managing contributions, and fostering more empathetic communities. The most compelling comments highlight the inherent conflict between the "free" nature of open source and the very real costs associated with maintaining it – time, effort, and emotional labor. One commenter poignantly describes the feeling of being "on call" indefinitely, responsible for a project used by thousands without adequate support or compensation. Another suggests that the problem lies in a disconnect between users who treat open-source software as a product and maintainers who often view it as a passion project, leading to mismatched expectations and resentment.
Taner Şener, the creator of FFmpegKit, a commercial wrapper around FFmpeg for mobile development, announced that he's ceasing development and support. Due to complexities in maintaining FFmpeg across various architectures and operating systems, increasing maintenance burden, and inadequate revenue to justify continued development, he's chosen to shut down. Existing clients can continue using their purchased licenses, but future updates and support are discontinued. The core issue is the difficulty of sustainably supporting a complex project like FFmpegKit, even as a paid product, given the rapid pace of mobile development and the substantial engineering effort required for compatibility. While acknowledging the disappointment this will cause some users, Şener emphasizes the unsustainable nature of the project's current trajectory and thanks users for their support over the years.
Hacker News users discuss the author's decision to discontinue FFmpegKit, an iOS/Android FFmpeg library. Several commenters express disappointment, highlighting FFmpegKit's ease of use compared to alternatives like MobileFFmpeg. Some suggest the decision stems from the difficulty of maintaining cross-platform compatibility and the complex build process involved with FFmpeg. Others speculate about the author's motivation, including burnout or lack of financial viability. A few offer alternative solutions or express hope for a successor project. The lack of clear documentation for building FFmpeg directly is also a recurring concern, reinforcing the value of projects like FFmpegKit.
Summary of Comments ( 162 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43759073
Hacker News commenters generally found the author's approach to fixing the boiler problem ill-advised and potentially dangerous. Several pointed out the risks of working with gas appliances without proper qualifications, highlighting the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning or explosions. Some questioned the ethics of modifying the landlord's property without permission, suggesting more appropriate channels like contacting the landlord directly or, if necessary, tenant rights organizations. Others focused on the technical details, questioning the author's diagnostic process and proposing alternative solutions, including bleeding radiators or checking the thermostat. A few commenters sympathized with the author's frustration with a malfunctioning heating system, but even they cautioned against taking matters into one's own hands in such a potentially hazardous situation.
The Hacker News post "Attacking My Landlord's Boiler" generated a significant discussion with a variety of perspectives on the author's actions and the broader issues of landlord-tenant relationships and cybersecurity.
Several commenters expressed concern over the legality and ethics of the author's actions, emphasizing the potential for legal repercussions and the violation of the landlord's privacy. They argued that regardless of the landlord's behavior, accessing and manipulating their systems without explicit permission is unlawful and could have serious consequences. Some suggested alternative approaches, like contacting the city or relevant authorities, to address the heating issue legally and safely.
Others sympathized with the author's frustration, acknowledging the difficulties tenants often face when dealing with unresponsive landlords, especially regarding essential services like heating. They pointed out that the power imbalance in landlord-tenant relationships can leave tenants feeling powerless and desperate, leading them to take drastic measures. Some commenters shared their own experiences with similar situations, highlighting the prevalence of this issue.
A significant part of the discussion revolved around the security implications of the landlord's IoT setup. Commenters criticized the insecure nature of the boiler's internet connectivity, arguing that it presented a significant vulnerability. They discussed the risks associated with poorly secured IoT devices and the potential for misuse by malicious actors. Some commenters with technical expertise offered insights into the specific vulnerabilities and potential attack vectors, suggesting best practices for securing such devices.
Some commenters questioned the author's technical competence and approach, suggesting that there might have been less intrusive ways to achieve the desired outcome. They debated the effectiveness and safety of the author's methods, offering alternative technical solutions that could have been employed.
A few commenters also discussed the broader societal implications of increasing reliance on interconnected devices and the potential for abuse and unintended consequences. They raised concerns about the privacy and security risks associated with the growing "internet of things" and the need for better regulations and security standards.
Finally, a small number of commenters focused on the legal aspects of accessing and modifying someone else's property, referencing relevant laws and regulations. They provided specific legal advice and cautioned against taking similar actions without consulting a legal professional.
Overall, the comments section reflected a diverse range of opinions and perspectives, highlighting the complex ethical, legal, and technical issues surrounding the situation described in the blog post.