I've never made anything spectacular I'm afraid
my knowledge of fixing or modding technological implements extends to trying to open my first computer case to tell my techy mate what the spec was - as if I'd actually known what I was looking for inside the base unit 10 years ago! Weapon of choice being a screwdriver...then a pair of pliers...then a lighter...finally a mini blow-torch I found kicking about in the garage caused the metal casing to yield. The fact that I had gone in mere millimetres from the power button (while unplugged of course, I wasn't completely retarded... despite appearances) caused mild histrionics in my techy mate. He then proceeded to show me exactly where the correct button for opening up a £900 desktop was. I took his advice and now go to my engineer brother or techy mates when I have problems of a technological matter. I think it's safest for all concerned.

However, having noticed the various cat related stories this QOTW has spawned, I'd like to offer a personal assurance on microchip enabled catflaps. On the whole they're pretty good. You can programme your catflap to only let your own cat(s) in once it's fitted and they can sit in the warmth, swearing at the neighbours' FIP ridden furries, safe in the knowledge that that the diseased and asbokitties cannot gain entry.

The only problem with these - and it's one that I've encountered a LOT - is the fact that the microchip that you've had implanted into fluffykins when you first adopted her has since migrated a little down her back or onto her chest. This is natural and normal and should have been explained to you when you first microchipped her...along with the fact that she will most likely scream like Michael Jackson's trophies because the needle is fucking huge.
it only hurts for a second though and they'll have forgotten about it by the time they're back in the carrier. Honest!

The chip scanner in the cat flap works on the basis that the cat puts its head down to push open the flap, scanner reads the chip implanted safely in the shoulderblades and allows access to said kitty if their microchip number has been programmed correctly. Therefore, if it has migrated then kitty will not be able to come and go and enrage the other mangey furballs as it wishes.

SO PLEASE, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, TAKE YOUR CAT TO THE VETS, HAVE IT MICROCHIPPED BY ALL MEANS, BUT MAKE SURE THAT YOU TAKE THE CAT BACK IN TO HAVE ITS CHIP POSITION CHECKED BEFORE YOU BUY A £120 MICROCHIP CATFLAP AND FIND OUT THAT IT WONT WORK.

Edit: This is not a rant against pet microchips or the available cat flaps at all. The chips have helped reunite pets and owners for years now – more than 30 of which I’ve experienced myself. I just wish the technology was a bit better for the cat flaps
( fuck shit up the best you never had, Sun 23 Aug 2009, 19:08, 6 replies)

Wait
You've had 30 cats? Run away from the cat woman!
(MrSnoobs, Mon 24 Aug 2009, 6:53, closed)

Sand box for a house
probably not because the domesticated vermin would have shat in my kids sandpitt instead.
(wobbler, Mon 24 Aug 2009, 12:41, closed)

Haha, no.

( fuck shit up the best you never had, Tue 25 Aug 2009, 20:22, closed)

I thought...
That those magic cat flaps came with a collar which was set to the same frequency as the flap.

Otherwise you would have to input the settings of the flap to recognise a micro chip with your address stored on it.
(aroe_m0rre, Tue 25 Aug 2009, 15:26, closed)

You don't put your address on the cat flap scanner
just the microchip number. No need for a collar with them.
( fuck shit up the best you never had, Tue 25 Aug 2009, 20:24, closed)

 
Clever...
(aroe_m0rre, Wed 26 Aug 2009, 12:15, closed)