I had an idea yesterday

(it does happen from time to time)

while soldering a 5.5 x 2.1 barrel connector onto a cubit-length of 20 AWG silicone zipcord. Easier to show a picture than describe it in words:

I have a powerpole Y-connector around somewhere, and I was thinking about making another one, when it occurred to me to just make a Y on the cord I was making. Now I can run a radio on external battery and also power something else from the same battery! Woohoo!

I saw a picture somewhere recently of a sharp-looking soldering station on a bench; temperature-controlled, built-in sponge, hook for the roll of solder, everything delightful, and I was struck by the contrast to my own setup. The amusing part, to me, is that they both do the same thing, and equally well.

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