Gadgets Archives

March 2, 2025March 30, 2025

Bluetooth Number Pad

Extra Number Keypad

Check out Macally’s Wireless Number Pad

Tech And Tool – Bluetooth Number Pad: Gamers and Numbers

I recently picked up a new keyboard, a bluetooth number pad side board featuring shortcut keys, arrows and numbers. This is perfect for gamers and finance folks who need extra space to spread out, more keys on a laptop or mobile phone/tablet and desk room.

Features

Bluetooth connectivity
Slim, aluminum keypad – 35 keys, arrows and more
Shortcuts, on/off switch and additional features
Compatibility with iOS, MacOS, PC and Android/Linux Alternatives

Compatibility

Easy to use, wireless, Mac friendly keyboard for those needing space on the desk. iOS friendly, for those looking to use a traditional keyboard pad for calculations, calculators etc. I’m sure there are other apps that can be used with this wireless pad, so compatibility is unparalleled.

Recently, I’ve been using it for Factorio and spreadsheets. Sounds fun, right? It’s helpful to have a side numeric keypad for the non-mouse hand. It takes a little time to get use to it (not from a compatibility perspective), but more for the two-hand ability. It helps keep things moving along on a tight keyboard – Logitech 780, Logitech – M720… now the Macally number pad.

Keypad

Bluetooth Keyboard

Setup

Side Pad

Number Pad

No need for batteries, the number pad is rechargeable via usb-c to usb-c cable (which is included). Although I use the secondary keyboard with a minimized keyboard, extended screens (2 – 30″ Samsung Screens) it can also be used with a laptop to extend the keyboard. It’s a great setup for either tablet setups or laptops.

Bluetooth Number Pad

The side board is easy to use for spreadsheets, especially for those using a laptop keyboard (before I got a separate keyboard). The side board was the way to go due to limited desk space and a limited Macbook Pro keyboard etc. Anyhow, I’ll keep this brief, it’s easy to use, saves space, and the pad allows for numbers and direction. Simply turn it on, connect and you’re good to go.

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

August 28, 2024March 30, 2025

Matrix Bench Power

Variable Bench Power Supply

Supply, Control, Test and Power

Tech And Tools – Matrix DC Power Supply

The Matrix DC Power Supply – This Power Supply is variable, adjustable Bench DC Power Supply, used for testing and more

If you need more power on the bench, power more than the supplied battery or charging cord. If you have not lost or damaged the manufacturer supplied leads and cables, lost cables? Consider getting yourself a Matrix Bench Power Supply. It’s easy to use, portable, compact, self-regulating and lightweight. Adding a new bench supply to your lab, maker-space or home office can be beneficial. We highly recommend Matrix Power Supplies, and are excited to try out the new Matrix MPS-3210.

If you already have a bench power supply and would like to share your own commentary or recommendations, feel free to drop them in the comments section below. We always enjoy learning about others’ experiences and appreciate healthy product competition. in the kit! Give the Matrix MPS-3210 Bench Power a try, a great power source to have on the bench. A great way to charge batteries, save cell phones and work in the lab

Finally, If you do not have a bench supply, consider checking out Matrix Power Supply to see if there’s a Matrix model that fits your needs.

September 29, 2023March 31, 2025

Rebuild Continues Part 3

Learn more about the Ender 3 Max Neo Rebuild: Part 3

Ender Series TPU Upgrade Part 3

Final Assembly, Boot, Config and Print

Lab Work – Rebuild Part 3

I encountered a bit of a snag, but I am rebuilding and continuing with the Ender TPU Upgrade rebuild continues in part 3 of the series. As the rebuild coninues part 3 rolls out, we are seeing the challenges now. For the time being, please refer to the updates above/below for part 3 updates. We will be covering more of the rebuild process, including the x/y axis bands, plate, direct drive issues, boot/reboot procedures, and reinstalling printer drivers. Additionally, we will discuss slicers, nozzles, extruder/heating element, and the latest issue, the onboard/external interface.

Breaking Through, Troubleshooting activities

As noted in the previous build, prior to Rebuild Continues Part 3… found in Part 2 of the series, we are likely around 80%-90% complete at this point. We will refer to this rebuild as Part 3. We have encountered some filament burn and melt down, as well as blockers that we will address in Part 4. Nonetheless, Part 2 was successful, and now Part 3 is also going well, with all parts functioning as expected and the boards booting as they should. The new drive and extruder are working in tandem as intended. The ‘issue, as previously mentioned, lies between the Creality Sonic Pad, printer board and connecting software. Images will be included to illustrate the challenges faced during the rebuild, including manual updates made on the printer screen, main board, and the area where we are currently stuck with the Sonic Pad. Two notable errors are the Klippy software and Sonic Pad physical connection failure, as well was filament recognition.

Rebuild

Print Video

Tension Bands

Secure Bands

LCD SD Card

Clean Build Plate

Install Firmware

Power On

E Stepper

Connection Error

Firmware Selection

Extruder

Hot End

Out next steps will involve installing/rebuilding Klippy, testing, retesting print config files, reattaching the Sonic Pad, replacing extruder tubes, nozzles, adjusting e-Steps, home position and more, while also adding the Wifi Box 2.0. Once all of these tasks are completed and throughly vetted and tested, we will create a brief update of the build and active prints to mark these items of the rebuild list. Next steps – TPU Settings, Rebuild Step 4, Rebuild Step 5 and wrap up.

Got to love technology (or not), and office ‘helpers’ Zeus thought he would take a little snooze while the troubleshooting session continued throughout the day and night. The same can be said for discovery and testing, there’s no time like the present. Some folks call it the ‘grind’… I’ll leave that there for you to imagine. Is it painstakingly difficult? No. Time always plays a role, especially when speed-to-market is crucial. You have to be willing to work with what you have… Part 4 will be coming shortly, where we will cover fine tuning, steps, extrusion, adhesion and whatever else pops up in the meantime.

September 21, 2023March 30, 2025

WiFi For Legacy Creality Devices

Bring Bluetooth and Wifi Connectivity to Legacy 3d Printers

Creality WiFi Box

Tech And Tools – Creality WiFi Box 2

Need a boost, WiFi or Bluetooth connection for your Creality printer? How about the Creality WiFi Cloud Box 2.0?

For those of you who are using using WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity, especially the older 3D printers, the concept of ‘Apple AirPrint’ or printing over WiFi is now a luxury. Unless, of course, you want to take advantage of Air Print or prefer to print from your desk chair by connecting to a WiFi/Bluetooth ready 3d printer. It’s simple if the hardware and software are compatible, as is often the case. You can easily sit down, go through your sketch or drawing export, and then send those slices directly to a printer via WiFi/Bluetooth. Finally, you can kick off the print job using WiFi/Bluetooth slicer software.

Creality Wifi Box

Before I discuss the best-case scenario and the benefits of WiFi for legacy Creality devices, let’s first talk about the old-school models. For those of us who still use old printers, MicroSD cards, USB 2 cords, and swap nano SD cards and USB sticks, this information will be relevant. Go this route, If you’re constantly switching USB dongles and nano cards and dealing with manual process, then this if for you. It may be old school, but it work.

Please note that I have not yet set up the Creality WiFi Box so there is no Wifi available for the legacy Creality devices I own. We will get something up here shortly, once the rebuild is complete which should take about a week or two to wrap up.

Rebuild pt 1 – involves installing a new drive, assembling, and finding the back plate. Currently, we are reconnecting the new assembly housing, heating element, etc. rebuild part 2* did start the today this article was posted. *Article was updated, so that we could share a link to the second article.

Finally, we will cover Creality solutions for older 3D printers such as the Creality Ender 3 Neo Max.

September 20, 2023April 2, 2025

Filament Spool Update

Rack Installation: Spool Structure & a Digital Scale. Easy On.

Creality Digital Spool Rack

Gear – Filament Rack

Needed an additional part and pieces for the update, this Creality filament spool update.

Today, we have a Filament Spool Update and the final accessory to add to the TPU upgrade build. Dare I call it the final piece of the puzzle for the build.

What are we looking at here? It’s a top-mounted (overhead) rack, specifically the Creality Digital Spool Rack. The rack, or filament management rack sits atop the main brace/cross-bracket framing structure as shown below (see new spool image). The spool rack will allow for multiple filament types:* PLA, ABS, Nylon, Wood, and TPU *assuming the filament comes on a spool, regardless of the size. It’s important to note that Creality includes a portion of filament or test filament with a new or refurbished printer. This information is helpful for new 3D printer users.

The advantage? TPU specifically can unwind and pass through a top cross-brace funneling mechanism directly into the new direct drive extruder. This serves as the new static filament storage area/piece. For those of you with a Bowden drive, you may not understand, but after the upgrade, we needed a way to feed filament to the direct drive extruder. This serves as the solution.

3D Printer Accessories

New Spool

Digi Spool

Spool Rack

Creality makes this handy filament rack, replacing the OEM side mounted rack. It’s perfect for filament management – size, weight over time etc. Same as the OEM rack with a few upgrades like a bright, digital scale. The rack has a large, bright digital scale Interface, a great visual for filament volume, space and duration.

The key here, as part of the Filament Spool Update, the digital read out (interface) built into the spool mount brings ‘site by volume’. How about software updates, let’s cover that too. And as you can imagine, this can help predict usage, and consumption rates. More importantly, cost per item or printable. It’s small enough to screw to the topside of the support frame. The interface is bright enough to work in the dark, cast enough light onto the printer bed. Note, all filament types in spool formant should work on the rack, TPU, ABS, Nylon, Wood and/or PLA. All material come into scope once the direct drive is up and functioning as expected.

September 18, 2023March 30, 2025

Gadget Backlog Update

Let’s Look At the Gadget List

Klein Screwdriver Set, SHURE MV7 Podcasting Kit, and Aupus Air Duster

Gear – Backlog

Quick update on the Gadget Backlog, SHURE MV7 Microphone Podcast Kit, Air Tools – Inflators, Nailers Gauges and Compressors (out soon), Air Duster (A.K.A Air “Cannon”) and Klein Tools Precision Screwdriver Set.

Both positive and negatives, the Klein set is a big win, those of you needing a sleek, high-quality, tech/electronics platform; Klein is the way to go. Same for the Aupus Air Duster… a handy, handheld, to blast away dust and debris… And the SHURE MV7, same on quality, and crisp sound quality, the best with SHURE.

Let’s start with the ‘good’ vs the ‘bad’ or ‘ugly’ movie reference “The Good, The Bad, The Ugly – Clint Eastwood”. Let’s cover the precision screwdriver set and air duster.

Klein Tools Precision Screwdriver Set

First, the Klein All-In-One Precision Screwdriver Set. If you’re working with smaller appliances – coffee/espresso machines, vacuums, toys, gaming equipment, computers, phones or tablets (Apple specifically). You’re gonna need an elevated, array of tech gear and tools such as – glues, adhesives, adhesive ‘strippers’, grounding elements or bands, gloves, fans, shims or prying tools, same for hex/Torx bit heads… Just to name a few.

In many cases, if one was to change out a generic computer battery (Apple MBP) you might need – micro Phillips-head/Torx, pry tool, shims, glue stripper, gloves, heating elements, grounding band, adhesives and then the micro Philips-head and Torx to secure the updated battery array and shell Hopefully you can understand here, the Klein All-In-One covers the range of electronic screws and bolts used in the latest gear.

Just want to spend a few mins on the screwdriver set which comes in a sturdy, rugged, hard plastic box (tough box)… with what Klein calls a stay-shut latching mechanism, again, handy to have when your carrying mini-bits/drivers around. The case is great for indoor/outdoor, ‘shop-like conditions’ which may not be pristine per say. Contained within the tough outer shell, a magnetic hand screwdriver base or platform for ‘finger tightening/loosing’, a preformed bit section for 39 extra-long driver set which includes – flatheads, hex, Torx, square, star and Phillips-head bits.

Those of you needing Apple specific driver bits, check out this set and pick yourself up a set(not a paid advertisement). High quality stuff, easy to use and magnetic. Always nice and handy to have magnetic tools for very small applications, those of you who require small tools for small screws, clips and bolts. Great set for those who need one, pick one up a Klein Tools.

Aupus Air Cannon

Moving along now, staying with the ‘Good’. No cans, no more air canisters, missing straws, cold hands and/or the storage space for air cans. Nope, the Aupus Air Duster is a win for two reasons, space and strength. No need to save space for 5 or more cans of compressed air. We are talking desktop or storage space for those of you working in tight office spaces; the DIY(do-it-yourself).

The Aupus purchased has two settings of air pressure or strength, both will help push dust and debris out and away from it’s intended target. Sound is constant, no shuddering or sputtering, no power loss or surging. The air duster is made of rigid plastics, great for many applications around the shop – featuring a friendly grip, multi-speed selector, filtered intake and a set of cleaning tools – brushes, extension tube, additional filters and fine funnels for more precise air distribution. No batteries, just an old-fashioned plug and play, so, plenty of power where and when you need it when comparing the Aupus Air Duster to a generic can of air.

The SHURE Podcast Kit

Let’s transition to the ‘bad’ or mixed review now. The ‘bad’, might be a little harsh.. When sticking to the theme of “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” perhaps the final product covers the bad and ugly. For the sake of the argument, let’s just use a ‘soft pass’ on the Shure MV7. Specifically due to it’s reliance on additional software. That’s the rub for this article. Which is where we feel it fails to meet expectations, so, a mixed review of sorts.

The positives, sure SHURE (SHURE MV7 – Podcast Kit) makes a great product, excellent sound quality, nicely packaged for various applications – live-streaming, home recording, podcasting and more. Hardware is what you would expect from the legendary Chicago, IL – Sidney SHURE founded audio/electronics and hardware manufacturer, for nearly 100+ years, producing some of the highest quality audio (electronic gear/hardware)… it’s tough to give this one a mixed review.

MOTIV Required

Honestly, I think this is why we might merge the ‘ugly’ with the ‘bad’. What ‘smokes out the deal’ for us, is the reliance on a secondary application called MOTIV. I get it, the software a need, a must. How else would you use the microphone? The software helps the user fine tune the collection of sound, amplification, distance of sound travel, and hardware recognition. Again, the rub, it’s yet another app/window chewing up space, floating desktop application cluttering up an already densely populated screen – browsers, live-streaming apps, video software, editing software and so on.

You get the picture, an ugly one. Although, you may not agree, but this is where the experience falls short for me. If there ever was a time where hardware shouldn’t require os manipulation or software. This is the time, we would have a winner. Again, great kit, includes all the connections one would expect these days, USB-C, XLR, a desktop mount for local sound collection, and crisp sound recording.

The product was built and sold as a podcasting kit, targeting those v-loggers podcasters and content creators. Or, the inter-webs adventurers, the law tubers, the gamers, the influencer type and/or home/office applications. All is well, until you understand, an application is required to download and run the physical hardware. The MOTIV app can be downloaded from the site, found on either App Store or Google Play Store. Caveat, multiple OS platforms, MacOS, Windows and Ubuntu. Honestly, this is not the solution for me. I was open to new gear and not said proprietary software running to manage external hardware.

Takeaway

Final thoughts, takeaway, give it a shot, the microphone is fantastic, sound quality is top notch. A home-run, if I might use a sports analogy as well. If you’re looking for a reliable microphone, precision sound quality (bar-none), this might just be your winning ticket. For us, however, we will pass for now.

Gadget Backlog

The Gadget Backlog Includes Items Shipping Soon

Magnet Switches, Extra (Shop) Batteries, Bodum Whisk, SHURE MV7 Mic, Aupus Air Duster, Klein Tools Precision Screwdriver Set, and Med. D’Addario Celluloid Guitar Picks.

Gear – More Gear On The Chopping Block

What’s that in the box, ((shake)) ((shake)) what might that be? A new shipment, what is in ‘the box’ and on the bench.

Let’s start by sharing this on the big Gadget Backlog, is currently in progress, as space is somewhat limited at the moment. More information on that will be coming soon. As for batteries, I have a few Optima Red Tops ready to go, along with some outback welding where necessary. It’s fitting to mention magnetic tools and switches in this context. Yes, super strong magnets that can be switched on and off with a swift turn of the hand or a switch-type mechanism. This is a very cool item to have around the house, shop, or off-road adventures.

Angle Clamps, Mag switches and More Welding Tools

I’m curious to know if the welding community has a preference for welding square/angle holders, clamps, plunger/light switch types, magnetic holders etc., perhaps at no cost. Obviously, if you’re out on the trail, off-roading, doing trail break-fixes, integrity and rigidity might take precedence over OEM specs on angles or manufacturer measurements. When it’s time to getting your off-road rig off the trail, would something like this help to bring your efforts in line with those manufacture specs per say. Anyhow, these switch magnets might be handy to have around the shop. Various types – Angle Clamps, Magswitch Clamp, Stackable Magnets or Adjustable Angle Magnetic Welding Squares.

So, let’s discuss cover what has been unboxed… the Bloom Frother. As you know, the hand mixer needed some adjustments. A few screws, new batteries, some isopropyl alcohol… and we are back in action. You all know I’m a big coffee and tea enthusiast, but if not, that’s okay too. I like my coffee and tea with a few pinches of Sugar in the Raw, and depending on the time of day, I may add some half-and-half to adjust the temperature.

There are a few handheld frothers out there in various color and materials… the Bloom is now revived, with new batteries and ready to mix. So, I am please with the purchase for now. I will provide an update on the long-term usage of the Bloom fix. I must admin, an alternative option might be the Bodum Schimuna Whisk, which has a piqued my interest. For those of you in the market for a micro whisk/frother, the Bodum Schimuna might make a great client gift at some point.

SHURE and Aupus

Next on the Gadget Backlog, we have the SHURE MV7 USB mic! Initial thoughts – great sound, crisp dynamic tones and easy to use. Another step forward towards audio/video experiences. The microphone includes a desktop friendly microphone stand. MacOS users will need to download the SHURE Application to mix and control the external accessory. There is a bit more work involved in getting around the need to purchase additional cables, XLR adapters or fittings. Look for a deep dive, and pictures to accompany the post.

Air Blaster

Moving on, let’s talk about ditching the air duster can for a powerful, corded air duster like the Aupus APAD15BL Air Duster. Air cans have served their purpose for many years, especially when paired with electrical-friendly wipes. While we are on the topic of air gadgets, we have more air tools coming your way – Inflators, Air Compressors, Nailers and more. The air compressor even comes with a hand air blower tool for outdoor jobs. Like the air blower, this plug-and-play air cannon offers variable speeds, cleaning tools, and filters. This small, office-friendly tool is handy to have in and around the shop as well. While we are discussing gadgets and tools for the shop/office, we are enhancing the Makey tech tool set by adding a set of Torx screwdrivers (T3 – T10) – Tekprem Torx Screwdrivers.

One downfall I’d like to mention is the integrity of the star and Torx bits. Torx and star bits are delicate and can easily get damaged. A word of caution you have to be careful with nano screws and give it time. Consider replacing the bits or the entire set with a set like these. What I’m observing is that screw lock… can be more beneficial here, but it does take a toll on the micro-bits used to drive in our unwind electronic screws. I’ll provide more feedback and comments on the Torx set and air cannon as we use those items on the bench.

D’Addario celluloid

Finally, last on our big Gadget Backlog list, we picked up a new guitar pick. Most are similar, with smooth or textured surfaces. The main problem I’m having is grip. After a few minutes, grip becomes an issue… it might be the ‘player’, but slippage is a problem. Sweat seems to be the culprit. Odd, huh? So, I’ve added a mixed bag of D’Addario Celluloid picks to the mix. The goal was to switch it up a bit and try something new. I still have a few Fender Celluloid Medium picks and Dunlop Max-Grip variety.

August 22, 2023March 30, 2025

Quick Fix – Nano Mixer

Nano Mixer In Hand, Let’s Get To TheFix

Bloom’n Again, Mixer Back In Action

Tech And Tools – Frother Quick Fix

Quick Fix – Disassemble, Clean, New Batteries…

Quickly stir in sugar and milk, mix up your protein powders and fine particulates; all made easy with the Bloom mixer. I wanted to share a quick fix, as our nano mixer quit on us a few weeks back. Typically, the morning and afternoon espresso is ‘cut’ with a few granules of sugar and some half and half… as I get older, the trend has been ‘lighter and sweeter’… any how, here is the internal works of the mixer, teardown – a few screws, clean up, reset the metal prongs and a new set of batteries and we were back in business. Mixing up protein powder, scrambling eggs and espresso/coffee.

Just a note, be sure to keep the lower body (green structural plastic in the picture) dry if you can, there is a bit of a seal there… but better safe than dropping $20 – $40 on a new one. Again, here is the link for the Bloom variety, a micro blender or mixer with a big punch.

Secondly, we’ve tried the ‘mini blenders’ like the Bullet’s, and the hand blenders, the top of the line so to speak, with the blenders… there are advantages to all, negatives as well. The Bloom mixer is great, now that we got a Quick Fix – Nano Mixer running again. Nice mixer for the small stuff, no need to plug anything in, or clean up pre-made cups etc. Magic Bullet style mixers were great for ‘bullet coffee’*.

Make Bullet Coffee

Thirdly, never heard of bullet coffee? Make some coffee in a Bodum or Colleti.. or choose your home Coffee Machine. See below. There are a few of the nano/hand mixers on the market, and Amazon can help you find one that fits your budget. Similarly, I’lll share links below so you can make your own ‘bullet coffee’.

*Bullet Coffee Recipe: Full Fat Butter, Raw Coconut Oil, espresso/coffee of choice – Nespresso Pods – Tokyo Vivalto Lungo, a few spins of the mixer, and you’re done.

In conclusion, check out the other quick fix articles, such as pool updates, super adhesives, outdoor lights and home improvements. I’ll probably post more about espresso machines, specifically the Nespresso machine. Stay tuned for more. Thanks!

August 6, 2023March 30, 2025

Telescoping Magnetic Picker

Enbar Magnetic Tools. Need A Hand?

Pick Up Metal Tools, Scrap, Nails and More

Tech And Tools – Working With Metal? How About Small Screws And Bolts? Need A Hand?

Need a hand? Pick up a Enbar telescoping magnetic picker ‘pick me up’ tool.

Meet the Enbar Telescoping Magnetic Picker. This particular Enbar tool has a small magnet that extends from 7″ to 30″, making it handy to have around when you need a magnetic hand. While working on the Jeep, from time to time, a screw or bolt might find it’s way in an area where my fingers and arms simply can’t reach. Additionally, my fingers lack the magnetism needed to pick up 1″ to 2.5″ bolts tucked down in front framing tubes. (I recently ‘lost’ a bold down in the front tubing area, when changing out the headlamps and ended up recovering a star screw multiple times; it just wasn’t a good day to tinker on the Jeep.) This is where the Enbar tool comes in handy.

Enbar Tools

Enbar Magnet Tool

In Use

Magnetic

I chose Mini without a light, the small No.1 Magnet Tool. There are three others in the handheld tool lineup. Some are different in size, while others have a small light to help in tight, dark areas. Check out the Enbar tool if you’re looking for similar assistance in and around the shop or garage. Before we wrap up this article, since we are on the topic of tools, here are some other links to tools that you might need – MIG TIG Welder, Weller 70w Soldering Kit, Calipers, and Kreg Tool. Let’s check ’em out!

A handy tool for around $10*, depending on which model you choose. So, for as little as $10 bucks* for the smaller model without a mini light or ~$12* for the largest tool with a light, the Enbar Magnet tool just might be the tool to have around the house, shop or the garage. Maybe get couple – one small, one large? You pick, you pick the right ‘pick me up’ tool for your needs. Don’t forget to leave a comment or share your experience online if you choose to purchase one of these tools. It helps drive that customer review rating (4.6 stars out of 3,925 ratings as of 8/6/2023).

May 13, 2023March 30, 2025

Backup Batteries

Keep It Fresh, OEM Backup Batteries

Inmarsat’s Got You Covered In An Emergency

Gear – Full Charge with the Inmarsat Satellite Phone Backup Batteries

Get yourself a backup battery: the BlueCosmo Inmarsat Sate-phone 2 Battery – OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) batteries.

As storm season rolls in the South and those of you in the Great Northern States dig out of blizzard-like conditions over the weekend, emergency gear becomes a priority. Stay safe and ready. Storms may come and go, but keeping a steady supply of back up batteries, plugs, chargers, etc. can be a logistical nightmare. Having two, backup batteries on hand is always great for when you need them most-like Hurricane Ian.

Like Ian, Michael, Irma or Wilma, it’s important to prepare now. In the event of a catastrophe, I always make sure to a couple of spare items. For example, backup wires or charging cables, to ensure that everything keeps running smoothly. I recently posted about the OEM battery as a reminder, but perhaps we should also discuss different battery types, such as those from manufacturers, for the sat phone. You can find great gear, parts or Inmarsat Satellite Phone replacement batteries online. Need a charge? Have a look at the Schumacher Charger, the NOCO Jumpbox, the Matrix Bench Supply and even a 9v battery in a pinch. Various chargers with means to charge your technology in an emergency, storms or traveling abroad. Gone are the days of needing multiple batteries for your cell phone.

May 2, 2023March 30, 2025

Need A Charge?

Construct An Emergency Charge

In A Pinch – Grab a 9v, a Car charger, electrical tape and a nail

Lab Work – 9v Charger Hack

Before you start criticizing me me about wattages, amperage, safety, or reality etc., I want to clarify that I meant to post this back in December, but didn’t get around to it until now.

The scenario is familiar – no power due to a storm outage or a dead car battery, and you find yourself in a bind .You phone is dead, and you need a charge. This hack can be a lifesaver when you’re away from home comforts whether you’re camping, off-grid, or stranded due to breakdown.

Hacks, Emergency Use

I usually avoid cellphone hacks, but this one caught my attention as we enter hurricane season. Having experienced storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and the like, I know that sometimes the simplest things can make a big difference in a power outage. I’m not suggesting you hoard batteries, clicky-pens, nails, and used charger cords, but it might be wise to have a few on hand, just in case.

This hack has been around for sometime. Some people believe that off-grid living and underground living may require alternative power sources, and this hack could be just what you need. In any case, we spliced together a few generic charging cords, added a car charger, and a few 9v batteries, and voila! We have some juice for the cellphone battery.

Supplies, Cut, Twist and Charge

Supplies

Cut/Twist

Battery

Taped

Power Supply

This hack might work even better. This hack might work even better if you can find a different type of battery, such as an RC/Drone battery considering 9v, LiCB or 4s/5s LiPos. Try a power supply where applicable. Whatever the case, you may have these items lying around your home, office, or shop, depending on your situation. We have these items in our workshop, so you can imagine how handy they might be in serious storm or power outage situation.

Like the quick fix format? Check out other quick fix content here such as this disposal problems fix. Like the learn to descale your coffee equipment – pots and machines, fix a toilet float clean and fix a pool filter housing and filter which is like this cell phone charging hack… Check them out!

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

March 26, 2023March 31, 2025

Raspberry Pi Touch

RPi Touch Running Linux

7″ Touchscreen Kit Build, Flash and Boot

Tech And Tools – Raspberry Pi Touch

The new Raspberry PI Touch, imager simplifies the process of accessing, flashing, changing, and running your favorite OS.

Making it seamless and ready-to-use. It’s like a game changer for RPI enthusiasts. You can play games, surf the web, and do everything you can locally on this Raspberry PI Touch device. Gamers can also try out RPi Game Emulators and more. To get started, you will need an the new Raspberry kit or parts, a touchscreen USB tethering cable or USB Fob, and your OS of choice.

Drone Accessories

Pi Unboxing

Raspberry Pi Setup

Unwrapped

Board

We recommend starting with the latest version of each, and using the new imager/software available through Raspberry Pi Imager. One of my absolute favorite tests to run on these mini pcs, testing difference flavors of Linux. A great way to learn other operating systems, UI etc. Certainly a more user friendly way to test variations of OS flavors as well. Below is a full list of items and links, assuming that the items are in stock.

Boot and Install

Build

Imager

Marketing

Desktop

If you enjoyed the Raspberry Pi article and want to learn more about other IoT builds, or Apple Repairs – M1 Chip… be sure to check out Debian Buster Snapdragon 410c Build. Feel free to leave a comment below and let us know your thoughts!

January 14, 2023March 30, 2025

Noco Jump Box

The NOCO Boost Plus Gets You Back On The Road

NOCO 12-V Jump Starter Box

Gear – NOCO

Recommended: NOCO Boost Plus GB40 1000 Amp 12-Volt UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter Box, Car Battery Booster Pack, that also functions as a Portable Power Bank Charger, and Jumper Cables and is suitable for use with up to 6-Liter Gasoline and 3-Liter Diesel Engines.

When you need a jump start because your battery is dead, I can’t recommend the NOCO Boost jump box enough. It has helped me over 5 times now in the span of a year. Once with my new SUV, and the others times with my JEEP. After swapping the battery as shown below, we were good to go. However, it was the jump box that kept us going during troubleshooting and testing. This has happened more than 5 times in year, which is more than most people experience in 10 or more years I highly recommend keeping a jump box in your car. The NOCO Boost GB40 is a safe and accessible booster pack with jumper cables and an ancillary charger for gasoline and diesel engines*. We recently used the NOCO jump box to start up the ’06 Wrangler after a radio and headlamp update. Of course this doesn’t come without it’s own issues, hence the need for a jump.

Battery Boost

NOCO Jump Box

NOCO Unboxing

Connection

Fully Charged

Find this battery jump box and other recommendations on the shop page. Or, just a few suggestions here before you take off. The NOCO has saved our trips a few times now. Older vehicles get less use of them later in life, especially our off-road vehicles. That said, if you can pick up a NOCO jumpstart, do. They vary in price, so be wise. Two, the Schumacher 100 amp charger/start and satellite backup batterieswas our old go to. This charger/jump start does require an outlet… so you can see why we opted for the NOCO for now. No time to waste when we have dogs ‘in tow’ i.e. Ruby and Zeus.

We will be sharing the latest radio upgrades soon. Just know that we are no longer use the factory lamps, head unit, and speakers – we now use brands like Pioneer, Kicker, Bazooka, and more…

There are a few items I recommend in a pinch, this NOCO jump box, the blast match, a charging source (generator, 9v hack, batter backup pack) and some way to fashion some clean water – for drinking, cleaning, cooking, wound care, and more. Obviously food is another, but these few items can keep you safe and sound in most cases in everyday life, hiking on the trail, driving in the car (short/long distance). A pocket knife or all-in-one EDC tool works as well, for general maintenance, tool and/or application.

November 25, 2022March 30, 2025

iPhone Dual Sim

Run Dual SIMs, New iPhone

iPhone Dual Sim cards, Utilizing Physical and eSim Cards

Tech And Tools – Dual SIMs

Running dual sim cards(eSim) on a iPhone

Let’s check in on the latest mobile news, next month look for a new iPhone 12 testing series utilizing dual sims (one phone, two numbers). One onboard (physical) sim card and a new eSim (digital). So far, so good. It’s not as burdensome per se to juggle two numbers on one phone versus, two phones with separate operating systems. Nor is it exhausting to switch between the two mobile signals, wifi etc…

Dual SIMs

Cellular

Setup

QR Code

Initiate Transfer

Transfer

Plans

Transfer Complete

Dual SIMs

Next, I want to try out the automatic switch and manual switches between the two numbers, volume of calls and call clarity had some trouble with the Samsung G series signal moving between cities or town-to-towns. Regardless, here are a few tips on utilizing dual SIM cards – updates required iOS (15+ or higher). It states iOS 16 or + higher, or a combination of newer device and iOS.

Finally, I can confirm the switch from the Samsung to an iPhone 8, updated to iOS 15. The latest updates and patches are now available for the iPhone 8 build. Installation was uneventful. Let’s wrap up the last installation steps:

A simple switch of the Bluetooth
Agreement of transfer
Confirmation

Activation is required, when moving from a physical SIM to an eSIM.

Once you’ve made the choice to convert, the SIM will move accordingly. Don’t quote me on the ‘when’, as a new series will cover the move, tweaks and behavioral changes for the switch. More information on the iPhone 12 can be found here. Or, if you’re interested in the path we took moving from the Samsung Galaxy S20G or S21 5g to the Dual sim iPhone, that can be found here. The Samsung Galaxy was the precursor and foundational experience running dual SIMs. In case you have to reset your Samsung Galaxy, check out this article as well. The same goes for the exploration and research of other smartphones on the market and the experience we were looking for.

Before we continue, here are a few other articles on Apple iOS, other devices and updates that you might be interested in. For example, the MagSafe Battery Pack, for finding more power on the go, using Dual SIMs and eSIMs. Alternatively, you may want to explore a more minimalist approach with LightPhone products.

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

October 20, 2022March 30, 2025

Lockpick NES Video

Pick This, The NES Console Lock

The LockPicking Lawyer Picks The NES Lock

Tech And Tools – Lockpick NES Video – Latest From the LockPicking Lawyer

The LockPicking Lawyer continues to be one of the top content creators. For all intense and purposes, the LockPicking Lawyer is awesome.

Quick Pick

First of all, the Lockpicking Lawyer has great content, a shop called Covert Instruments and now on Rumble, @lockpickinglawyers has gained 18k subs. He is fetching 4.5M on YouTube! Additionally, that is crazy sub numbers. Honestly, this is a great channel, this makes learning fun. Next, learning how this LockPicking Lawyer unlocks all kinds of locks including locks on an ’80s NES console, is fascinating.

For me, the more interesting lockpick videos are for car locks, bike locks, gadget locks; even simple locks. Similar to the lock featured in the NES Console Lock video. Next, some of the cylinder locks, the name brand “master” kind of locks, and the videos of well known locks. “Master” brand locks might be the best, giving an insiders look at how locks work.

Finally, this is a fantastic channel. It’s very interesting to understand that locks provide more piece of mind or act as a deterrent rather than actually keeping someone out of whatever is locked. Honestly, it’s crazy to think about how simple locks are, and how easily they can be unlocked with the right tools. It’s dastardly, and creepy!

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

September 25, 2022March 30, 2025

Galaxy Series Reset

Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Reset

Samsung Galaxy Reboot, Reset, and Unplug

Galaxy Reset or New – Privacy, Backups, Access and More

Tech And Tools – Samsung Updates

Before we delve into our dual-SIM experiments, let’s address the Galaxy Series Reset. I wanted to share some Samsung Tips and Tricks that could help you remove unnecessary apps from your Galaxy series devices.

Let’s take a quick look at the world of ‘debloating’. We’ve seen an abundance of pre-installed native apps on various platforms, OS, iOS etc. It feels like were back in the 90’s with PC sales. This trend applies to both Android and iOS devices. Until we have a user-friendly Linux based mobile OS or an open-source mobile kernel that allows us to customize our devices based on our needs, we’re stuck with what we have.

Mobile phones come loaded with Google bloatware and the same goes for iOS. When did Homekit, Health, Health Sensors and Siri start coming preinstalled and running constantly, making it difficult to disable them? It’s a challenge that won’t disappear with this Galaxy Series Reset. However, a I’ve been exploring new settings, OS-specific adjustments, and techniques to reduce bloat, limit Google access. Whether you have a new generation Samsung smartphone, Galaxy S22, 215g or 10, or a later model, we have some fresh methods to help you regain control of your device.

Diving right into it, whether you’ve got a new phone or not, a hard reset is required… Backup what you need and store it in a safe place. Most of the time it’s automatically saved somewhere, but we plan to take back that control and manually take steps to move the process forward. The time to de-bloat or de-bloat your device is right now.

Short Tutorial

Fresh Hard Reset on your existing phone or set up your new phone from scratch to begin the Galaxy Series reset. First, do not add or allow any Samsung, Google, or non-platform services that you do not want running regardless of their power status. A prominent red warning sign advises against signing in or allowing data transfer to any external services that are not native to the system or necessary.

NEXT, let’s disable all permissions for apps, stop and remove permissions and alerts for any unwanted apps. This is crucial as we do not endorse the input/output of such apps. Particularly those that are third-party, external, and considered bloat that may track and access your data without your permission. Turn off all unnecessary apps or system apps. Additionally, rearrange your apps as you see fit, grouping Samsung native apps that are essential together in a separate folder with other Samsung or Google apps. Do NOT enable cloud services, sign in, or log into any systems that you may want to use later on, at least not yet.turn on cloud services, sign in or log in to those (any) systems you will want later.. so not just yet.

Wrap Up – Debloat Your Android Device

Finally, it’s time to reintroduce existing settings. We want to re-import contacts and any bookmarks or Same for any bookmarks or saved ‘behavioral’ help settings. Must Have’s must go for the Google/Samsung requests to access the phone. These actions remain out of touch and are not allowed. Let’s clean up the home screen to your liking and add email accounts as well. Browser settings when your ready, no go on Chrome, Google or Samsung Internet, we use brave with all turned off…

DON’T FORGET THIS, don’t forget to make sure privacy settings meet your needs. As usual, leave a comment below and let us know what you’re thinking?

August 30, 2022March 30, 2025

Sous Vide Smorgasbord

We Have A Sous Vide Smorgasbord

Food Success

Gear – Anova Sous Vide

Hungry? Prep, cook and serve using an Anova Precision Cooker. Work up an appetite while you prepare, cook and serve for an all day picnic. Fish, poultry, beef… Anova does it all

Put the Anova Sous Vide precision cooker, our review on the Anova Sous Vide to the test with fish, shrimp, lamb, beef, chicken, pork… even pork butt; a Sous Vide Smorgasbord. In just one day, prepare a feast for the masses or an all day picnic. Cook up 2+ pounds or more of our honey-glazed, thick-cut bacon, a BBQ-inspired beef brisket, Italian sweet sausage with all the fixins’… chil-i-lime, lime and garlic chicken, peppered beef burgers, and simple beef hot dogs.

Smorgasbord

Full Meat Plate

Tacos

Bacon, Dogs, Sausage

Machine

Although time is irrelevant when you’re having fun, are you new to precision cooking? Start early early enough for the beef to cook and the chicken to be prepped for a final sear. Have everything ready before ‘game time’.

Typically a safe window is four to five hours, but those with experience may opt for a tighter window. With more experience and times, the window becomes more refined. Regardless of duration, the options are limitless.

Try it all reduce cooking times on the grill. No need to stick to just the grill or stove top. Whichever you have, be prepared. A precision cooker ensures perfection. When finished on a hot griddle or grill you become the chef at home. More on the griddle will be discussed later.

For now, the feast is prepared, with smorgasbord after smorgasbord being churned out around the 130 degree mark. With a few modifications and trial test runs, you’ll quickly learn how temperature and duration affect the outcome of your choice of protein or veg alternatives. See what works best for you. The most important thing to remember is to seal your bags appropriately. Season your entrees with the freshest ingredients you can find, including herbs and all the fixings. More about the sous vide and some brussels and bacon. This is a great way to switch up how, where, and with whom you cook. As for dessert, what’s on the menu?change up how, where and with whom you cook. What’s for dessert?

Just a quick side-note, if you have not tried to sous vide or have not thought about the usage of a precision cooker via a food water bath… I use it around the holidays to prep for meals. have a look around, some of the best food on the market has been sous vide, stored and seared at time of consumption. Now, I’m not saying I’m obverse to the process of using the cooking method in mass, I’m advocating for showing you that even your local, regional and global coffee shops, bars and gastropubs use the sous vide cooking method. The point, the method of cooking helps prep, heat, and serve at a very precise temperatures. Precision is key, we recently cooked a beef brisket for 3 days plus just to put this logic to test. Cheers

August 16, 2022March 30, 2025

Samsung Galaxy 21 5G

Galaxy Update

Samsung Galaxy S21 5G

Lab Work – Samsung Galaxy 21 vs. iPhone Series Hardware

Our Samsung Galaxy 21 5G (S215G) Experience, more performance, less pain to privacy with optional dualSIM card capability. Choose wisely young Skywalker; Pain-to-Privacy, Cost-to-Performance, our take on the matter.

U-Turn Ahead

Update* The decision was changed, while we chose the S215G over iPhone11/iPhone12/S22 and the idea worked in theory… The reality here is dual SIM cards are a ‘go’ on S10 and S22, not on the S20. Quick U Turn here as the S20 swap takes place, swapped out for the S21. Ultimately, the choice is the standard size, S22+ or Ultra not an ideal size for our needs. Again, the device is not the latest, nor the greatest; it’s the best for our needs.

Galaxy Series 22 | 22+, here is the comparison page that’s nice to start with –
S Model Comparison – 22 Ultra, 22+ and S21

A Move Toward S21

After many, many, many months of testing. retesting, and learning more about eSims or (electronic SIM cards), we were able to maintain ownership of the latest software and hardware. After evaluating performance and cost, we ultimately decided on the S21.

The S21 coasts better battery life than the S10 with a dualSIM option or hybrid sim option allowing for multiple numbers on a single device. It also offers 5G cellular service, and upgrades to the hardware, display, camera, when compared to other S models.

Compared to other Samsung models like the Flip or fold, as well as devices from Pixel (Google), Xperia (Sony) and iPhone, the S Model remains affordable in a touch device-saturated market. It is top of its class in terms of usability, user experience, control, privacy*, and bloatware.

Comparables

When considering ROI, it is important to look at comparable ROI in the market in terms of price and performance. An emphasis is placed on privacy, with the goal being to maintain and secure the device without having to depend on Samsung, Google, or other third-party hacks for security. While this may require a lot of effort, the benefits in terms of privacy make it worth the pain. The balance between pain and privacy is becoming increasingly important and cannot be ignored.

Post updates, interested in more Samsung related materials, check out Samsung Next Generation phones, like the s10+ Damage Video and reasons to upgrade to the latest and greatest.Anyhow, check out comments, do you research… iOS 16 is out now, good luck!

June 28, 2022March 30, 2025

Samsung Next Generation

S20 5g, Next Generation Samsung Galaxy Devices

Samsung Next Generation – Samsung Galaxy S205G

Gear – Samsung Next Generation, the Samsung Galaxy S20 Series

Time to switch? Looking for Samsungs next generation phones? iPhone-to-Galaxy? Or LinuxOS? We think so. We test and make our decision., then we share why we made the decision we did. The decision is in. S205G over iPhone11/, Phone12, S21, or S22 the latest models. We are not talking about the latest Galaxy Series or the Z-Fold, or the iPhone 13.

It’s has taken many months, even years of practice to make the change. I encourage you to consider making a similar decision to switch. Practice makes perfect. Let’s stick with practice, practice and more practice! Nothing compares to MacOS and iOS. Yes, everything MacOS, iOS. So, what comes with the decision? UI familiarity, yes. Did I mention all the machines we use on a day-to-day basis are MacOS? Certified to service these machines? Most certainly. Comfortable fixing what we’ve always done. Safety, security, battery life, ease of use, and more. All true, including the use of iPhone and iOS products and services since 2006.

Blackberry Experience and Switch

Practice makes perfect. That’s a lot of practice in my opinion. Historically speaking, and assuming my memory is correct, we made the initial jump from Blackberry and Blackberry products specifically the Blackberry 8100 (’06) series and the 8300 (’07) series, to the iPhone. And the main reason for this switch? Touchscreen keys. At the time, the main issue was the incompatibility or lack of practice with onscreen-typing or touchscreen services couldn’t get on board with the Blackberry touch model (whatever it was called). Let me share a quick story…

Many years ago, I remember sitting in a multi-million dollar test lab (usability lab), testing the latest UI designs and services and a user was ‘testing’ via the Blackberry Storm… I’ll spare you the pain, but let’s just say that during that specific test, the Blackberry touch devices were out, and the iPhone was in. Specifically, the iPhone 3G. Early being an early adopter of technology, the Blackberry (the workhorse of many business years) failed the two tests performed in a controlled lab experiment. Fast forward to the present, specifically in relation to iOS/iPhones, it has been many, many years of practice, perhaps too many. I have included a link above comparing the iPhone 13, 11, and iPhone 6s for those who want a quick glimpse into how the iOS device ecosystem has evolved over the years… However, this is where those years of experience have come to an interesting fork in the road.

A Switch to the S20 5G

Sometime in the second or third quarter of 2017, the Samsung Galaxy lineup started to make sense. I road-tested the S9, S10 and quickly moved on to the 2002 model, the 205G. I carried a work phone with iOS, the Galaxy and a few laptops with various operating systems. Yes, it was a pain, but I’ll spare you the details. After enduring 100% travel, juggling multi-devices and staying in the same hotels, it was time for a change. A few months behind schedule, I finally made the switch to the S20.

Living life on the road, traveling for clients, nearly broke the iPhone spell. I had spent years and years dealing with expensive iPhones, constant turnover, and damage control. As mentioned before, I also spent a significant amount of money and time on testing, studying, and certifying myself in iOS products and service as well as fixing iOS devices. Before moving on, I want to emphasize that we didn’t buy new or directly from Apple, and saving $1,000 made a difference in this experiment.

Buying new may be your preference, but today it wasn’t ours and it won’t be moving forward. In fact, you can find many of our favorite devices second-hand or ‘renewed’ today. So to put it simply, you might be wondering how did we end up purchasing the S205G? ((Panic)) The process was lengthy and challenging. We felt the need to explore all available options. We wanted to make sure we were investing in the right product, choosing the best option for us. What better way to do that by testing everything on the market? We tried almost all of them. From basic, stripped-down Android/iOS and Linux and older phones like the iPhone 6s and 8s, Galaxy S9/S10, S20, vintage Nokia 3300, the LightPhone2, and ultimately settled on the S20 model.

Open Source or Linux Options

Honestly, let’s start with the Linux OS option first. Until we have a Linux – //liliputing.com/ based phone that can cater to the masses, consider Ubuntu Touch, Sailfsh or Pure. In terms of device options, the selection is quite limited – OnePlus, Fairphone, Google Pixel 3 (3a), Pine, and Librem. So, there are limitations.

Another important point is to do your research before making a purchase. Buyer beware, exercise caution, learn how to use command line code, service your own device, install different OS versions. Until Linux devices are suitable as ‘EDC’ (Everyday Carry) and not just for developers, the 20+, Ultra or the S21 series.

In conclusion, the main takeaway is this: we made the switch, but it may not be right or wrong. Choose what make sense for your budget, lifestyle and security needs. This switch was motivated by the desire for control, better battery life, screen, performance, and the dislike for SIRI. Samsung has shown consistent growth, while IOS tends to make frequent changes to buttons, connections, cases, and materials, along with automatic data collection features. This may be a matter of preference, which applies to all devices. It’s remarkable how iOS has become so prevalent in just over 17 years. Lastly, I must emphasize that this is not a promotion for any specific devices or brand. It’s a reminder to thoroughly test products before making a purchase. I hope this article encourages you to take necessary steps to evaluate what’s available in the market.

June 2, 2022March 30, 2025

Sous Vide

Cook Perfect Entrees Meals and More with a Sous Vide

Do You Sous Vide?

Gear – Anova Sous Vide

Anova Precision® Series Sous Vide – Have you ever tried using a sous vide machine? Let’s talk about the Anova Precision® Series Sous Vide.

Wait, what’s a sous vide? Interested in trying out the Anova Sous Vide? We decided to go with the Anova Precision® brand sous vide cooker. Specifically the 16-liter Anova Sous vide.

@IHR, we received a recommendation from a local restaurateur (awesome guy, with amazing dishes coming out of his kitchen) that the precision cooker is a great tool to enhance your cooking skills. You can find these Anova cookers at your local store. There are days when we all need a little boost in the kitchen, a special touch or magic sauce to create something extraordinary, especially for those of us who wish we had more culinary skills. The precise temperatures provided by the Anova cooker might just be the secret ingredient you need.

Cook At The Perfect Temps

Sous Vide

Precision Cooker

Proteins? What kind Do You Prefer

Taco proteins – Beef, Chicken, Pork, Fish, Shrimp etc., Briskets, Duck, Corned Beef, you name it, this machine can handle it all. The only catch is time. If you can set aside time for prep, create your entrees and sides, vacuum seal the pouches and you’re done. Generally, we set aside 30-60 minutes for prep, and 2-10 hours for cooking. This of course depends on the type of beef, we’ve tried the toughest, most unfriendly cuts and this precision cooker machine surpasses expectations. Regardless of how long the meat bathes, the result is consistently excellent.

Vacuum Sealed, Perfect Cooking Temps

We say kick the tires, have at it. The sous vide makes it easy to prep both sides and entrees, and heat and cook dishes at an exact temperature. If you want, you can control the temperature at home or away with the Anova app (although we don’t use it now), which is helpful when starting down the path of bathwater cooking. Whatever meat, veggies, protein etc. are submerged will be kept at the temperature you want.

This beast does it all. If you have the time and patience to learn how this thing works, you can try a few cuts of beef or chicken, some cleaned/de-veined shrimp or a breast of duck. Just follow 3 easy steps, let the machine do it’s thing, and you’ll be upping your kitchen game from zero skills to an arbiter of food stardom. This machine does require sealed packaging, from zipper bags to vacuum sealed bags – check out Anova’s Vacuum Sealer or Amazon for an Anova Sealer.

It has been world changing for us. Listen, there are many kitchen gadgets, gimmicks, tricks, secrets, family recipes etc. that can spice up your game. Check out our brussels and bacon post, if you like bacon on veg. Or continue our sous vide experiments, smorgasbord and more. Don’t forget the clean up! We believe this sous vide machine is a long-term investment, and thought you might want to give it a try too. It makes a world of difference, and here are some photos of our setup, prep gear, finishing and clean up.

*Don’t beat us up in the comments, we are simply stating ‘we’ wanted to be better in and around the kitchen; we needed serious help LOL. So we found some!