Aircannon Archives

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, that’s fine… this is where I think the experience falls short. 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 interwebs 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 here, 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 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.

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.

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Gadget Backlog Update