OutPut

August 29, 2024September 27, 2024

Husky Heavy Duty Inflator

Husky Brand Air Tools

Husky Heavy Duty Inflator and Tire Pressure Gauge

Tech | Tools – Air Compressor Inflator

The Husky Heavy Duty Digital Inflator

I am not very familiar with the Husky brand or line, but I picked this up at the store. The recent weather change triggered the TPMS notification requesting air. This is not unusual, as following the summer months or just at the peak of winter, automotive tires require regular maintenance. As mentioned in our more recent posts – Kreg Measuring Tools, calipers, backlog post and gadget update, we’ve got some more air tool coverage coming your way. We’ll be picking up nailers and air wrenches next. This article will focus in on more air tools and the compressor we use around the shop. The same goes for trucks, farm and yard equipment. You can never go wrong with a tire gauge and an air inflation system. In any case, I wanted to give this a try over the next couple of months to see what kind of life we can get out of the Husky Tire Inflator.

Inflator and Compressor

I bought this one specifically because of the digital gauge. Most others are manual or have tire pressure dial-style gauge. There is nothing wrong with those, just wanted to see if the money was worth spending for digital read out. As far as an inflator, the tool has all the power and air it needs. Here are the tool specifics:

Multi-purpose, tire pressure gauge and inflation with variable PSI output
Suitable for cars, trucks, ATVs, golf carts, and motorcycles
Requires 2 AAA batteries (included)
Temperature Range -20°F to 120°F

As a side note, I bought the inflator to go with the DeWalt 2.5 Gallon Portable Electric Air Compressor (find this at your local hardware or big box hardware stores). It is a handy light weight compressor with 90 PSI, a 2.5 Gallon Tank, and a max PSI rating of 200. It is easy to use, with dual quick connectors, ball valve drain, etc. A great compressor to have around the shop for light duty work.

Anyhow, look for an update or two over the next few weeks. We are looking for longevity, wear and tear. Check back for more.

Highlights and Takeaways

Need some air? A TPMS alert? Are my tires under inflated due to a weather change, or something worse like a puncture or complete failure?

Air Compressor Tool – Tire Gauge and Inflator

Gauge And Inflator

Digital Display

2.5 Air Compressor

Quick Connectors

Takeaway

Keep your tires inflated, and stay safe on the road. Regular testing, regular cleaning and maintenance will help prolong the life of your tires. Also consider picking up the Husky Heavy Duty Air Inflator, or DeWalt Portable Air Compressor at your local retailer. Let us know your experience or share the brand/system you use in your shop or maker space.

Interested in other tool articles, reviews or commentary? Check out the reviews on our newest hand tools as we update our tool kit. You’ve gotta love handy tools and equipment that work; tools that just work. Anyhow, give these articles a read, more to come.

August 28, 2024September 27, 2024

Matrix Bench Power Supply

Variable DC Bench DC Power Supply

Supply, Control, Test and Power

Tech | Tools – Matrix DC Power Supply

The Matrix DC Power Supply – This Power Supply is variable, adjustable Bench DC Power Supply, used for testing, maintenance 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. 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. An affiliate link will be posted on our Shop Page – under electronics.

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. 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.

August 28, 2024October 1, 2024

Steelrising Video

Steelrising Video Let’s Play

A @FightinCowboy Souls-like RPG Video

Video – Steelrising Video, A Let’s Play

Steelrising Video is available now, @fightinCowboy play-through (Let’s Play), of Steelrising… see more…

Steelrising is an older Souls-like action RPG game (first released in September. 2022) by Nacon. A steampunk-souls-like game an epic robot fighter… This is a “buy” for me and also on the short “buy” list.

Like other souls-like games, be prepare for a slog, a challenging and epic experience. While some gamer pros (content creators) make it look easy, it is not.

I’m not sure how realistic an edited video, showing a few blockers here and there (the videos are edited down for compression, length etc.), so take that warning for what it is worth. I like the live or like live Let’s plays as for me I can gain a better understanding of the game and it is going to be extreme challenge.

I’m also prepare for the impassable, and impossible at times seemingly impossible; but those obstacles will eventually be overcome. I anticipate that some farming time will be necessary, so it’s best to plan for that now. This preparation will make it easier when you find yourself relying on the internet for help. Let’s dive in! A big shout out to @fightinCowboy for both the walk-through and Let’s Play videos… these will surely come in handy soon.

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

August 28, 2024September 29, 2024

Black Myth Wukong Video

Wukong Walk-Through

@theRadBrad Black Myth Wukong

Video – Watch Black Myth Wukong

Black Myth Wukong Video, @theRadBrad walk-Through.

Black Myth Wukong is a new action RPG developed and published by Game Science see more…

Man, this is a fantastic game! Thanks to @theRadBrad, I was able to see multiple endings and whatnot. The level of game play, development, story etc. is all top tier. I would say, I’m gobsmacked; this game is off the charts. Not to mention video quality of the content. Honestly, I don’t keep up with upcoming games or what’s set to launch. That’s why I rely on content creators like Brad, Kayoss, and the NES Play-through folks who are experts at what they do and great to have around.

I have no idea what’s to come in the gaming world, but if this game is just a small glimpse of what’s to come; graphics, story, voice acting, performance all working together. The realism is there, but with a good mix of Chinese lore. The lore here might be worth spending a little more time on for someone who wants more information. It’s like Warhammer in the fact that the backstory is worth poking around, exploring and watching other video where it makes sense.

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

August 27, 2024September 28, 2024

Brown Widow Spiders

Introducing, The Brown Widow

Black Widow Competition. It’s the Cousin, Latrodectus Geometricus

Materials – Arachnids…

Not the usual subject, Brown Widow Spiders, but an interesting one.

How many of you know what a Black Widow Spider is? The Latrodectus Hesperus – the Black Widow variety or true widows of the wild. And now, how many of you knew there was a widow more potent than the Black Widow? More importantly, the Brown Widow Spider aka Latrodectus Geometricus.

Never in a million years would I have thought I’d run into one of these widows, count it; now 4 separate encounters. Color may vary, but the one’s I’ve had the pleasure to meet have the classic, RED hourglass markings and two-tone – brown and black leg bans. Four of four have had egg sacks, so we are dealing with arachnids protecting their own. Again, not something I’ve run into often, actually ever. More so over this past year (2023/2024), I would say summer to late summer months.

Those of you who have Arachnophobia be aware; great movie by the way. Jeff Daniels, John Goodman, Julian Sands… more, however, I can’t remember off the top of my head (which is beside the point here). Pick up the Arachnophobia DVD, Prime Video or Blu-ray. I don’t BETA there for those Sony fans, sorry, another great piece of tech lost to history.

For those of you who want facts on the widow species, check out the following link, it’s a UF IFAS Extension page on “brown widow spiders”. Click for more details on the Brown Widow Spiders here in Florida.

Highlights and Takeaways

Brown Widow, just as dangerous as it’s cousin, the Black Widow, along with three others – Souther, Northern and Red Widows.
Most commonly found in SRQ, the Brown Widow variety
Including South Florida, widows can be found in So. Cal, CO, Arkansas, MS, AL and GA.
More importantly, invasive
Venom, and Risk, while typically found in their dark corner (see picture), Brown Widow venom can be more potent than it’s cousin
The Widows like their corners, builtin protected areas, eaves etc., boxes, shutters and pool cages!

Let’s get to prevention and control, as I said, four sightings in the latest months.

- Clean Up, often
- Outside, inside, vacuum webbing and all.
- Don’t forget to clean out the vacuum!
- Clean up debris piles, look for ‘shelter in plain sight or shelter in place’, a good hiding spot for Brown Widows
- Call a professional, pre/post clean up

Find Other Stories of Interest – Electronics, Things-to-do and Other

Takeaway

Clean, clean and clean some more. High pressure washer, wet vac… create a cleaning routine and stick to it. Remove debris, seal up holes and cracks etc.

Be vigilant. Honestly, I had no idea, par for the course I guess. There are all kinds, to many to count sometimes, here in the southern swaths (maintained, cleared, or mowed parts) of Florida. Time to get a move on this cleaning. I’ll follow up with an update at some point, for now; I’ll leave you to it. Thanks for dropping by, don’t forget to leave a comment, follow us on X – @salleetech. I’ll post more pictures, this assumes more encounters… so, I’m hoping the subject lives on as reference material or good to know! Cheers.

Resources
Brown Widow Spiders – UF/IFAS Extension – Brown Widow Spiders

August 20, 2024September 26, 2024

Kreg Measuring Tool

Multi-Mark Multi-Purpose Marking and Measuring Tool

Carpentry Tools & Accessories

Tech | Tools – Measure, Mark, Prep Tool

The Kreg Measuring Tool – Measure, Mark; Multi-use metal, 3d printing, wood or carpentry.

Whether you’re at home, around the office, or in the shop. You’ll need something like the Kreg Measuring and Marking tool. One tool for measuring angles and mark up wood or metal. The Kreg Measuring Tool is a versatile and usful tool for finding angles. This tool is perfect for measuring right angles on-the-go, making layouts easily repeatable and ensuring accuracy while working int he field or on various projects. I personally own one now and I find it incredibly easy to use, handy for setting standard angles like 90 and 45 degrees, or manually adjusting the slide as needed. The Kreg is truly unbeatable in my opinion, for marking, designing, measuring and leveling in the field.

Mark & Design

Measure

Mark

Angles

Multi-Purpose

I recommend Kreg Tools, for all tasks, marking-to-measuring. I have also used both the pocket-hole jig set… Other, new hand tools (coming soon, out by the time you read this and same for the new calipers), calipers. These tools go wellw with the theme of this post, measuring tools are usful for my 3D prints and I will soon be writing up an article on the pocket-hole set. Be sure to check out the Kreg multi-purpose tool and other Kreg tools on our Shop Page – tools.

August 20, 2024September 27, 2024

Dolphin On

Maytronics Nautilus CC Plus Repair Update

Dolphin On

Lab Work – Maytronics Repair, Dolphin On, Post Hurricane

Parts are in, Dolphin Has Been Repaired, Cleaning Away

Let’s take a closer look at the process. Upon further inspection, I found corrosion around the motors. The seal around the power cord also appears to be in poor condition. So, I proceed with a teardown, replacing the power unit, and tread ball bearings to restore the robot back to full capacity with genuine OEM parts. A self-test was performed as need, I conducted a number of in-water and out-of-water tests which worked perfectly. As it should, under normal power. Next, I replaced all parts and picked up where we left off on the last article Nautilus Down (check that out if you missed it).

Pre-Check, Install and Test

Check all cogs, ball bearings, drive pin, and wheel/hub parts. Make sure ball bearings are moving freely and free of rust or degradation. Replaced any parts showing degradation or major rust. Filled electronic parts and pressure seals with pool lube and reconnected parts, careful to screw-down fasteners and plastic nuts with appropriate tension. Dolphin On. Additionally, both out-of-water and in-the-water tests performed as expected. Time for a swim! Cinched down any screws, or screens, package up the robot and ran the clean cycle.

Robot Build

New Unit

Unit Connector

Dry Fit

Tread Check

Proper Fit

Motor Check

Dry Test

Post Test

Brush Down and Toggle The Dolphin On

If you can’t tell, the pool has sand, debris and dragonflies. Before we toggle the Dolphin On, let’s do a quick brush down of the pool to encourage removal. You can kind of see here the pool was a bit dirty, as the hurricane kicked up enough debris for the Dolphin to clean. There was no pool cage carnage, or aluminum part failure, which is great. Minor screen damage only.

Maytronics Documents and More

Finally, following the test cycles, Dolphin on, put in the water and cleaned the pool well. In most cases, the vacuum actively cleans on stage 1, please the Maytronics manuals. Find Stage 1 testing and more robot testing features under the Nautilus CC Plus section. I hope this information helps, how to get your pool robot fixed and Dolphin On. If anyone out there needs assistance, please contact me I am happy to help. Thanks! As usual leave a comment below to let us know what you’re thinking!

August 14, 2024September 27, 2024

Dolphin Down

Maytronics Nautilus CC Plus Repair

Dolphin Down, Waiting On Parts

Lab Work – Maytronics Repair, Dolphin Down. Let’s fix the Nautilus CC Plus

Looks like a new motor unit is required. Full teardown ahead.

Exciting news! A new series, Dolphin Down, is coming soon. This series is related to the repair of the Maytronics Dolphin Nautilus CC Plus. Currently, we are awaiting the arrival of a new motor unit. In the meantime, we are in the process of dismantling the Nautilus CC Plus robot in search of a malfunctioning drive motor.

The fan motor is functioning properly, passing both tests passed – underwater and out-of-water tests. The multimeter has confirmed that the drive motor is not working. The circuit board appears to be in good, working condition confirmed by the blinking green LEDs. The LEDs indicating that it is functioning as expected. This a positive sign for our robot and the repair diagnosis.

Robot Teardown

Housing

Screen Key

Prop Screen

Cord

Internals

Motor Unit

Remove Prop

Prop Residue

Sealed Cord

To begin the teardown process, find a safe spot and grab a multi-tool with pliers, flathead and cross bits (Phillips bits). Start by removing the power cord from the unit and unplugging the unit from the wall if necessary. First, on the Dolphin, unscrew the four screws under the filter doors to remove the top. Use the transparent or white flathead key or knob to pop open the propeller gate, which is easily accessible once the filter doors are open.

Next, slide the cord out from under the blue, body cover after removing the four main screws. Adjust the cord, remove the floats and be careful when removing the side panels. These panels should just pop off top down. Just be aware of the tabs on the bottom of the panels, this is what hold the body shells in place. Use the pliers to unscrew the blue cord connected to the power unit, as well as the four screws holding the two yellow cord strips to the unit. Unscrew the four unit screws holding the motor unit in place and it will be free.

Robot Teardown

Drive Bearings

Motor Unit

Motor Case

Remove Unit

Board Check

Drive Motor

Finally, check all cogs, drive belts, and wheel/hub parts. Ensure that the ball bearings are moving freely, unobstructed and are free of rust or degradation. Replace any parts that showing degradation, wear or significant rust. Fill with lubricant and reconnect parts, being careful to screw with appropriate tension. Test the robot out of water first, followed by half-submerged and fully submerged underwater tests. *Updated – Check out the repair – Dolphin On or the first post we commented on regarding the Maytronics Nautilus Dolphin for more information on troubleshooting, maintenance and repairs. More information will be provided in the next *5 business days, as we will be receiving the new motor unit packaging up the robot and running the cleaning cycle. Thank you.

As always, feel free to leave a comment below, let us know your thoughts!

August 2, 2024September 27, 2024

Drone Accessories

Grab Your Drones, Goggles and Transmitters – We Are Racing

New FrSky Taranis Q X7S, Quadcopter Blades, Batteries and Toggle Caps

Gear – Drone Accessories

Adding our at-home, indoor flight “program” (a little tongue-in-cheek), we have new accessories, transmitters and blades – let’s race!

With our Amazon order received, we have a mixed lot of parts and accessories. It’s time to break out the racing drones again, as we needed a few bits and parts to get them flying just right. A new transmitter, a second FrSky Taranis QX7S (Carbon Fiber) Remote for a second racing drone along with blades and batteries. The goal was to fix what needed fixing and get ready for racing.

And racing we shall! With side-by-side flight, using dual transmitters, we can race real-time, with similar nano drones for indoor racing games. I’ve added toggle caps/covers for those new to quad racing – these caps provide pilots and hobbyists with visual cues and help reinforce muscle memory for which toggles are active. This aids in remote usage and recognition during take off, flight, landing and crashes.

Lastly, we are in the process of turning over our battery collection, some of which are over 4 years old. A few have problems, but around 4 to 5 remain in good or optimal shape for flight. So, with a few extra batteries (8 in total, 2 packs of 4 batteries) we can enjoy 15 – 20 minutes of real racing time, assuming normal flight ranges and pilot skill.

Drone Accessories

FrSky Case

New Taranis Transmitter

Carbon Fiber Transmitter

Transmitter with Toggles

Ready 4 Flight

Toggle Covers

Avan Blades

EMAX LiPos

Racing Drone New Blades

Racing Drone

Dual Racing Drones

For those of you interested in learning more about the drone hobby, or wanting to see more. I have one more resource for you: the Drone Racing League. The league flies all around the world, but more specifically the race in Germany. The league race took place at DHL Tower – Race 6 (EU), where drones are reaching speeds over 100mph and race skyward over skyscrapers, performing flips beyound your wildest imagination. The race features super high-end drones and professional pilots running quadcopter and competing for money! It’s crazy tech in action.

Other Drone Resources

If you’re new to quadcopter(s) and are wondering what to buy – drones, drone accessories etc., FPV (First Person View) flight, check out @Bardwells YouTube channel for all kinds of tips and fixes (my goto for FC and BetaFlight help). Most videos are extremely detailed, with the goal of getting you hooked! Shout out to Joshua, he’s a legend as his videos played a pivotal role in getting the EMAX drones bound to the original Taranis transmitter via BetaFlight. For parts, check out our shopping list, where I’ll post links to the quadcopter(s) (drones), parts, accessories and more.

We also have a number of articles on the subject matter; including the Emax TH2, drone repair, full-sized drone operation, video in flight and more. Feel free to preview those any time. Interested in a full sized video drone? Check out the DJI Phantom Pro series as well.

Although it’s been months since we posted anything related to the Taranis Q RC transmitters, more can be found here. Also, if you’re interested in more Emax lab work this two part Emax Series – Part 1 and Part 2 is a great place to start. In order would be best to explore this content, or if you want to jump to the conclusion click on Part 2 for the fix.

Before we sign off, we have to plug our own shopping list, the drone accessories will be posted on the site shortly.

August 1, 2024September 29, 2024

MLB The Show 23 Video

Road To The Show

@TmarTn2 Conquers MLB Road To The Show

Video – Watch Road To The Show

MLB The Show 23 Video.

@TmarTn2 Play-Through, Game developed by San Diego Studio and Sony Interactive Entertainment. See the excerpt…

See the full review here – MLB Road To The Show Review

Excerpt – Grew up playing baseball, dreaming of the big leagues “bigs’. MLB The Show 23 Video Review starts with a similar dream sequence where your character dreams of being drafted and playing baseball professionally. Get drafted.

As a huge baseball fan at heart let’s talk about MLB The Show 23 first. The game has been out for a year now, with 24 being available for some time since it’s initial release in March 2024.

From a demand perspective, MLB The Show 23 is currently discounted ($29.99). Don’t miss out on this great game for the price. You can also pick up MLB The Show 24 at its normal price ($69.99).

Watch this video, read the See the full review here – MLB The Show Review and others like it on YouTube or browse other videos found under the video category on our website.