Tag: Gadgets

Gadgets, devices or small electronic tools designed to perform specific tasks, functions or processes. Novelty items, or novelty gadgets

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GTRacing Update

GTRacing Repair Update

GTRacing Update Frame Fixed

GTRacing Chair Frame Blunder

Gear – GTRacing

So, here is the GTRacing Update. GTRacing Chair Parts Replaced.

It may be premature, but, good on you GT Racing! Dare I say GTRacing made it right? The chair is back together, holding weight as it should. No lean, squeezing, bending-feeling or crash. That’s good, we have a fix. In hindsight, while being desk chair free for a week or more, is not ideal.

The second “chair part”, the one not broken will be relegated to the game and electronics drawer. It goes with the other unused cables, plugs, charges, wires, random batteries etc.

While we have your attention, we will be trying other GTRacing parts, chairs etc,. A full listing will come, however, a sneak peek may serve its weight in gold here… Check out the latest merchandise after the GTRacing Update, and give us a shout if you would like to purchase our gear – new products next quarter.

Side note, with the GTRacing gear, we are looking to sort out some USB devices, stickers and magnets, depending on demand. Let us know what you think about the merch, or if you’re looking for something special, a one off, special order on GTRacing – https://gtracing.com/. If you’re interesting in our new chair, check out our new GTRacing chair sporting new GTRacing ergonomic mesh.

SPOILER – Fast forward, gear adjustment, learn about our new GTRacing Mesh back chair with the lounging feature and footrest posted 6/2024… enjoy!

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UST BlastMatch

Emergency? Get Yourselves A UST BlastMatch

UST Blast Match

Who needs matches or a lighter, when you got a UST BLASTMATCH

Tech And Tools – Camp Gadgets

EDC Camping Accessories – (UST) Ultimate Survival Technologies BlastMatch Fire Starter – Take a look and choose your favorite; we certainly recommend the – UST BLASTMATCH.

Need a last-minute gift idea? We have used the Blastmatch for time to time, even while sharing a beverage around the campfire. Although campfires have been on hold during a winter hiatus, these blast matches are fantastic to have on hand for emergencies or leisurely use. There are plenty of videos and product reviews, available, so we won’t bore you with another product plug, but we strongly encourage you to have one handy. There’s nothing like promoting a product that actually works.

Optional Carry

  • Blastmatch
  • Lighter
  • Matches
  • Battery and Wire steel pad
  • Knife and Ferro Rod
  • Homemade Emergency Matches – waterproofing material such as a ballon, cotton balls, vaseline
  • Starter Nests – manufactured ball of wood strips (nested) with common accelerant
  • Start Logs

Get your EDC – UST BlastMatch today. Take your time with the device; the rod may shift side-to-side when striking the intended surface, causing a shower of sparks. Sticks with it as it is certainly more practical than a fire bow or an empty lighter. For the records, we always carry a few Bic lighters in various pockets of our camping pack and clothing. Typically, there is a lighter on my person as part of my everyday carry. Some people carry a lighter, cotton balls, an EDC knife, or a camp knife. The key is to be prepared if you are building a campfire, camping, trekking, on-the-trail, or stuck in a situation where you might need a light. Good luck.

Feel free to leave a comment below and let us know what you’re thinking!

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Light Phone2

Buy The Light Phone2 For Yourself

Light Phone 2 - LP2

We Test, We Analyze and Use The Light Phone 2

Gear – Light Phone 2

Light Phone2 – Barebones Smart Phone, Simplified, Refined; No nonsense

Here’s a sneak peek,  the Light Phone2 unboxing. Check out the new Light Phone 2 – ready to help you de-sanitize your digital life? It may take several weeks, or even months, before you receive your very own via the parent site.

Light Phone Unboxing
Packaging

Packaging

Unboxing

Unboxing

Phone

Phone

Case

Case

There are other sites of course, like secondhand via eBay, or specialty shops like Huckberry which might have an extremely limited quantity and we haven’t seen it for awhile on the site. Upgrade your life, by limiting connectivity; what a concept? TT (Tiny Tech) Certified technology, running Android in a small, easy-to-use case, with a clear text screen. Logic boards are out of stock for this particular model, battery… second go-around.

Received this back (LightPhone2 below) in Nov ’21, just unboxing it here in mid Dec ’21. Service is going to be an issue, but all the pieces work, turns on/off etc. Simple UI, simplified Android OS. Once we get ‘service’ for this thing, look for an update. Update coming mid 1st quarter ’22. Don’t forget to check out other major brands, don’t forget about the Samsung devices or the OnePlus (Qualcomm), Motorola (featuring the Qualcomm Snapdragon boards) Sony (although, I’ve not seen a Sony phone is 4 or 5 years).

As usual leave a comment below, let us know what you’re thinking?

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iRobot Roomba 900 Series Teardown

Refurb Process, Maintenance and Care

iRobot Roomba 900 Series

iRobot Roomba 900 Series Teardown

Lab Work – iRobot Back At It

Got a broken robot? We can help! Some might say that’s the worst, but fear not – the iRobot – 900 Series is here to save the day.

Let’s start by fixing this thing with an iRobot Roomba 900 Series Teardown. The great thing about iRobot/Roomba products is that they are easy to fix! Unless the board is fried, the main housing is smashed, or the plastics are destroyed. Even in those cases, parts are fairly easy to find. The key is to source, clean, install, and maintain what you have. Most, if not all, of this particular Roomba was fine. A good cleaning at the end of the repair was worth its weight in gold.

Robot Teardown and Repair
iRobot Roomba 900 Series Teardown

Teardown

iRobot Roomba 900 Series Teardown

Battery

iRobot Roomba 900 Series Teardown

Cleaning Bars

iRobot Roomba 900 Series Teardown

Bin

iRobot Roomba 900 Series Teardown

Repaired

iRobot Roomba 900 Series Teardown

Test Run

For those of you who don’t regularly electronics, robots etc. weekly, monthly or ‘NEVER’… friendly reminder, whatever the electronic device may be, they do yeoman’s work if you take care of them after every one or two uses. Additionally, the more you maintain them, the less you will have to throw. Remember, no pain, no gain.

A few tools to mention below, reiterating the previous comment, these are fairly simple to fix… for now. Learn the art of robot care, become a ROOMBA master sensei. This is a huge advantage for iRobot:

  • iRobot Home App
  • Philips Screwdriver (Rechargeable Drill* DeWalt 20v)
  • iRobot – Brushes, collector rollers, caster wheel and filter
  • Cleaner – Windex
  • Cleaner – Sprayway
  • Compressed Air
Links, Conclusion and More Repairs

In closing, I’d like to share some other articles, more recent articles on robot repair, 3D printer upgrades RC (radio controlled) and robot repairs, check out these articles.

Moreover, let’s look at a Bench Power Supply – Matrix Bench Power Supply, the need to power on electronics when the damaged robot or device is on the bench in pieces. Next, and one of my favorites, the Maytronics Dolphin On repair, explore water intrusion and effects of water intrusion, water damage and power unit swap. How about the Ender Direct Drive Upgrades – TPU Post Processing Update, a 5 part series on filament types, application of filaments, upgrades, troubleshooting and more.

Final link, check out the EMAX TinyHawk Repairs… more fixing, soldering, and flying. There are more articles in the TinyHawk series, approximately 6 or 7. Be sure to check those out, as well as the iRobot series continues. More recent work, but it helps tie in ‘process’ and troubleshooting unknown errors and testing.

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D90 Firmware Update

Nikon D90 Support and Software Upgrades

D90 - Nikon

Update – Firmware v2.0

Materials – D90

D90 Archived Update

First, it’s time for an update. It has been a few years since I last updated the software on my Nikon D90, so the time has come to do do. Since the camera itself has been archived by Nikon, we will treat this article as a reference materials as well. While the D90 is a cool piece of gear, we also want to assist those who are looking to preserve their cameras. Therefore, the focus of this article has shifted a bit. It is now centered on firmware, where to find the downloadable content, and how to continue maintaining the D90.  Let’s make sure we update the D90 firmware from version 1.1 to version 2.0.

The D90 has been archived by Nikon, and you can find more details on the  Nikon D90 Website. Check out the archival pages for more information. I am sharing a few photos of the D90 a.k.a “Dub9” DSLR. Can I call it a “Workhorse” still? It may not have been at the top of the market in its day, but with a little love, care and a few minutes, you can bring your D90 up-to-date with the D90 Firmware version 1.1 update. When updating, make sure to use the correct SD cards to protect your memory cards and camera equipment.

D90 Update
Update Camera

Update Camera”

Covers On

Covers On

Updated

Updated

Don’t forget to leave a comment! Also, be aware of a few “gotchas” during the process. Backup all photos and video before starting. It’s best to back up before beginning. Remove any add-ons and modifications where applicable, especially any aftermarket parts and accessories that are attached. We want to have a common baseline before the firmware update. Reinstall aftermarket parts and accessories after the update process is complete. Test out anything you think might need a few extra minutes. Otherwise, after the firmware update, you should be good to go! More on updates, FAA Drone Safety Updates, a how-to on the multimeter or AF 312 wiring schematics. 

As usual leave a comment below, let us know what you’re thinking?

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Multimeter PDF

Innnova Multimeter

Learn How To Use Your Multimeter

Innova Multimeter 3320 Manual

Download the Innova 3320 Multimeter Manual

Materials – Innova Multimeter Manual PDF*

Archive – Innova 3320 Multimeter Manual

Click the Innova 3320 Multimeter PDF link below. For those of you who own an Innova 3320 Multimeter tool here is the link from Innova – form 3320. I don’t believe the manual was ever included in the original packaging. Buzz kill. PUN INTENDED. Not a huge fan of barcodes, nor the exclusion of manuals when purchasing tools. Might be helpful in your ham radio, tech and lab work studies. So, let’s work with what we have, again, a workaround for the time being.

However, QR codes help if you misplace your copy or Innova manual, not my preference. One improvement from my perspective Innova… kindly provide a manual with purchase. Provide a QR code for lost manuals or backup. While I’m on the topic, the barcode route requires a smartphone, tablet or smart device to capture the images, process the code (website link) and a web browser to view the document. Adobe Acrobat is required here for the Multimeter PDF Manual, for those of you who don’t have Adobe Reader handy. Again, not trying to belabor the point, a simple, newsprint weight or style, 8″x11″ (stapled or unstapled, doesn’t matter, bonus if it is in order) works as well.

Finally, when purchasing tools to evaluate electrical output, it probably should have directions. Again, sensitive subject. So, for the sake of simplicity, the Innova Multimeter archive has been written. As usual leave a comment below, share your thoughts on the use of barcodes to replace printed manuals, let us know what you’re thinking? 

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Tool Needs

Measure Precisely, Calipers

Neiko Calipers

Tool Needs – Neiko and Mitutoyo Calipers

Tech And Tools – Calipers

Archive – Tool Needs, the Neiko or the Mitutoyo Calipers

A handy gadget to have in and around the shop is a set of calipers. Make Neiko brand calipers your go to for precision measurements. If you already have a set of calipers and looking to replace current stainless calipers, consider the Mitutoyo Digimatic Caliper.

Regardless of which maker or brand you might choose, both are useful to have around the shop. We use one set for ‘more rugged’ measurements, such as automotive, outdoor or in not-so-clean environment. The other set stays indoors, ideally in a clean environment free of debris and contaminants. The main difference, in my opinion, is the metal-to-plastic ratio. I find it more accurate to use metal parts (Mitutoyo) compared to the metal and plastic hybrid (Neiko). Both function as mid-range calipers and are not terribly expensive. However, they are necessary for taking accurate measurements.

Check out  these tools for yourself and see which one fits your needs best. Let us know what you find!

Comparison
Neiko Caliper

Neiko Caliper

Mitutoyo Digimatic Caliper

Mitutoyo Caliper

Question to all: Do you have a better caliper? Please let me know by sharing via email. I would also appreciate the use of comments for back-and-forth communication, especially when looking for a specific part, such as the calipers mentioned in the article or something else. Before you go, since we are on the topic of tools and needs, here are some other links to tools that you might need – MIG TIG Welder, Weller 70w Soldering Kit, Telescoping Picker, and Kreg Tool. Let’s check ’em out!

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On The Bench: Tech Tools

Hemostats, Rosic Core Solder, Weller, Harris, And Jakemy

Tech Tools On The Bench - Soldering Kits, Tech Tools and More

Soldering Kit, Tech Tools, And More

Lab Work – What’s On The Bench

On The Bench – Soldering Kits, Tech Tools, Open Source OS and More

At first glance, our pro-setup, includes a solder kit and all necessary tools. It does the job well – I  fixed the TinyHawk2 drone the other day. The nano was experiencing power issues with itsLEDs Having a soldering tool on hand is very useful. We use a Weller (soldering) tool for the job. Similarly, we have a Jakemy device care kit – which includes a tech screwdriver set, a essential for tech repair. I have used this set for repair. I have used this set for repairs, on Apple products, EMAX drones, tablets, and more. Eventually, we may upgrade the set but for now, Jakemy is the way to go based cost-effective choice.

RHEL/IBM

Secondly, the RedHat sticker is a memory I found, brought a found memory, brought to you by RedHat/IBM/RHEL (once an IBMer, always I guess). I have RHEL running in parallel with MACOS as I transition back into development and design. Now working full-time on my own, thanks to those at IBM, ((a special shout out)) to Jim Whitehurst and the RedHat Cloud team working with them was a joy, open source Tech Titans.

Next, I also have a few spools of Harris (solder) – Rosin Core .062″ made in the US. Harris solder is unbeatable. Next, I have a couple pairs of #Curved Hemostats, for repairs, which help keep pieces and parts in place. The same goes for the coffee mug I’m using, filled with coffee from Heart Roasters. I also have a few other repair tools, including tweezers and a tool kit.

Oracle VBOX

Lastly, I have RHEL running on VBOX. The cropped image does not show the development setup, only the repair tools. I have my MacBook Pro running VBOX with RHEL (Red Hat) personal flavor and Ubuntu. Moreover, I am relearning Linux Ubuntu, similar, but different from RHEL. As a dev type, I used a Lenovo Dev laptop running RHEL at work. Now, I am just running the operating system with the emulator as I switch it up and start building my own environment form home. Today, just running OS (version) with the emulator as I switch it up and start building my own environment for home.

As usual leave a comment below, let us know what you’re thinking? See a few new posts that might peak your interest: Matrix Power Supply, Heart Roasters, SnapDragon – Debian and more.

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Typhoon Video

Drive The Tyco RC Typhoon Hovercraft

@oldieToys Tyco Typhoon Hovercraft

Tech And Tools – Typhoon Video

The Typhoon Hovercraft is a Radio Controlled (RC) hovercraft… follow along as @oldieToys covers the Tyco Typhoon Video.

Quick Take

Wait, what? RC HOVERCRAFTS ARE REAL! Who knew? Tyco does!

Let’s begin with a history lesson. Today, drones are the new RC craft. I fly drones of all shapes and sizes and have my FAA Part_107 license, so I can operate anything under 49 lbs… safely. There were two RC toys or models that I wanted growing up, the Tyco Typhoon and a classic RC helicopter.

I’m not sure why, but my love for RC vehicles led me to fly drones today.Let’s talk about the Tyco Typhoon. It was an incredible machine. Take a look at the video. What stands out to you the most? RC hovercrafts(that’s the correct answer). This was one of my first and only “teenage/adult”-ish toys growing up. It had real NiMH and NiCd Batteries not just 15 D batteries, a reliable, true remote transmitter and everything you needed to have for a cool ten minute run over cement, dirt, water, ice, or hardened snow (like an igloo).

It was about the durability, the consistency of the drive, the controllability, agility. The more kid-friendly versions had limited controls, maybe just forward and backward, with a turn function built into the reverse setting. Or, in some cases, just a “go” button. The more advanced RC vehicles had a trigger and steering wheel, some of which are still in use today (FrSky, DumboRC, Radiolink, etc.) For more information, you can check horizonhobby.com.

Watch this video and others like it on YouTube Logo YouTube or check out our other videos found under the video category on our website.

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Tech Toys Video

Gadgets, Tech, Newtonian Fluids and Drones

@NextLevel Tech Toys and Gadgets Video

Tech And Tools – Tech Toys Video

Next Level Sci Fi Toys  (Tech Toys Video via @nextlevelscience) Do you like electronics? Check out @NextLevelScience to discover the latest next-gen toys?

Hot Take

Quick tech and gadget video, somethings on the horizon that are going to bring alot of joy and happiness to folks in the gadget and tech community. First, I don’t typically share videos like these, can be spammy or kitschy… Next, I’m truly sorry if you feel this way…. However, there are some cool gadgets and tech in the video. Let’s have a look.

Secondly, I thought you might be interested in seeing such as cool Newtonian fluid gadgets, the lights, the spider drone (which is very cool tech) and wave-board (hydrofoil) concepts. Very interesting tech toys in the video, I’m in it for the drones, the quadcopters (RC aircraft, helicopters, quad-motor craft), RC cars, trucks and the spider-like drone. What a cool concept.

Drones, Quadcopters and Clubs

Let’s cover more of my favorite tech, robots, drones and RC concepts – robot cars, trucks, autonomous vehicles etc. All time favorite, RC helicopters, remember RC Helicopter magazines from the local library. This is probably the defining moment, why I got licensed as a FAA licensed drone pilot and main reason I got into drones (mini and nano quads). Today, I fly at the local airfield, local RC club here in Florida. Are into RC flight? Check out your local RC clubs for more information on membership, times, club videos, club events, rules and regulations. 

Lastly, lego, pushing the big stone… interesting, right? I don’t know, I thought it was worth the couple 2 or 3 minutes to take a peak at what gadgets are out there. That at the time, we not mainstream. Today, we have most of the items in the video. The technology step or turn, continues to turn ever so much faster. Check out my quadcopter posts, EMAX TH2, EMAX Troubleshooting video, drone accessories and more

You might be in luck! Cool gadgets and tech video, next level sci-fi gadgets. You like electronics, check out @NextLevelScience to dig up the latest next generation toys.

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Galaxy s10+ Damage Video

Galaxy s10+ Damage Video

Nokia 3310

Gear – Galaxy s10+ Damage Video, hot swap for the Nokia 3310

A Galaxy s10+ Damage Video… Time to switch to backup to the backup phone, Nokia 3310, as the Samsung S10+ lost power, its glass is damaged, and more.

Quick Take

The Samsung Galaxy S10+ is now DOA at this point (time of post), damage is  beyond repair (insurance will cover a replacement). So, it’s time for a phone swap, the video is short, showing the S10+ damage, but more importantly, we’ve got a back up phone ready to go. Time to send out the old Samsung S10+ to be replaced and swap in a fan favorite, the Nokia 3310 3g version. Let’s move on, the new version, same old workhorse of a phone. Never would I think of swapping a Nokia for a Samsung… However, no phone, means no business. The S10+ is/was in this case, a great smart device. The only hang up is the Google-fied version of a Samsung Phone. Moreover, I can’t get much out of it if you don’t have a Google account to shop, download and run apps on the phone.

Damage Inspection

The Galaxy s10+ Damage Video doesn’t show the internal damage all that well, more the surface screen and lack of ability to show a picture on the screen. Let’s change that, with a Nokia swap.

Next, these phones are legendary, long battery life – check, cool games – check, texting/sms – check, radio – check. What more could you possibly want out of a smartphone.  Did I mention it can even take a fall from 5ft (assuming normal drop patterns and free fall speeds etc.,)? This Nokia can take a lot of punishment. Batteries are replaceable too! Finally, a moment of nostalgia,  I remember those days, unlimited talk, text, snake… back up battery just in case.

Finally, I wonder why the world moved on from smartphones like the 3310? For phone, a bit of nostalgia, ASCII art can be fun to create on the Nokia 3310.  Well it’s time to get back to work, Nokia swap done and now its time to make some calls.

Post updates, interested in more Samsung related materials, check out Samsung Next Generation phones, like the s215g and reasons to upgrade to the latest and greatest.

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Barebones Torch Video

Handheld Battery Light Source

One The Bench – Barebones Torch (Light Source)

Lab Work – C Battery Barebones Torch Video

Side projects: cleaning up some old solder welds, and built a small light source, see the barebones torch video.

Quick Take

I thought I would put together a simple video showcasing how to make a small device that lights up a room using just a  C Battery, Paperclip and a lightbulb. I recently came across this video sometime ago and also saw it pop up in an at home science experiment. This is a simple little experiment with a C battery. Honestly, I would assume you could make this small flashlight with most electronics ‘sized’ batteries. Again, this is just an assumption of course, as I didn’t try the experiment with a difference size myself.

Barbones Build

So, put together a barebones torch yourself. Simply choose a battery (preferably a standard C or D size battery), grab a paperclip, something that can transmit electricity and somewhat malleable.  Untwist the paperclip, if you choose that as your connecting metal wire. Untwist and retwist the paperclip so that it can stretch each of the battery ends, being sure the metal can sustain pressure on both poles, positive and negative, and do the same for a twist around the bulbs base. This will allow the battery’s poles to pass the required electricity to light the bulb. Voila! Light in a pinch.

For more at home experiments or ‘light in a bind situations’, you can always see our video playlists, or check the video category on our website.