electronics Archives

Electronics, or the study of and application of controlling the flow of electrons; to perform functions. Simple-to-complex, global device management.

September 16, 2024September 27, 2024

Video Playlists

Tech & Other, Games, Lab Work, and More

Videos By Playlist

Video – Watch Playlists

Quick update on videos and new play lists featuring your favorite videos, repair clips, music, game content and more.

We are working to highlight some of our favorite videos, content creators and more which are still very much relative today. Here is an example of videos such as the hottest PS5 games on the market today, NES games for nostalgia, PC Games, Drones, 3D printing and music. All in one list. As this list grows, I will add playlist categories and further detail genres and video types. Enjoy!

Tech & Other

Trail Welding @BleepinJeep

NES Lockpick @lockpickingLawyer

Puget Systems

Tyco Typhoon

Tech Toys @NextLevelScience

Galaxy Digitizer Damage @salleetech

Mini Project @salleetech

EMAX Drone Repair @salleetech

Music

“Africa” cover @joejenkins

Guitar Notes @guitarzoom

BB King @rhino

Guitar Songs @justinguitar

Otis Redding @rhino

Steve Ray Vaughn @vevo

September 15, 2024September 26, 2024

Outdoor Lights

Landscape Lighting Update

Quick LED Board Replacement

Lab Work – Outdoor LED lighting Board Swap

The project involves replacing Outdoor Lights, the existing boards with new parts, installing new boards, and more.

Landscape lighting is a essential indoor and outdoor need/functional element for those who need to be outside in the yard at night. . Rather it’s for a backyard bbq, campfire and s’mores or find your loving pets… Low voltage, LED lights help to illuminate an otherwise dark exterior space. Make sure you have the necessary tools on hand: Klein Tools Ratcheting Screwdriver (or various screwdrivers including a Philips Head), a tech driver set – Klein Tools Screwdriver Set (featuring smaller bits) for boards, electrical tape and Klein Tools Klein Kurve Stripper and Cutters wire cutters/pliers for cutting, stripping and connecting wires. If you have those items on hand, you should be ready to go. Other items you may need include wire caps (twist-on’s), DeWalt Rapid Heat Glue Gun (a hot glue gun) and extra glue sticks. Depending on the initial installation, you may only need the tools mentioned above. It’s always helpful to keep some of these items around the office for such a project.

Connect New Boards

Frayed Wires

Quick Connects, Wire Caps, Glue

Quickly, I wanted to make sure it’s stated outdoor lighting should have sealed connections – wire caps and glue if you have them. It’s important to keep those wires protected, connected and in good working order. Cut and strip only what you need, cover, tape and protect what might have been exposed during the stripping process. Once, you have the correct wires prepped, stripped and connected… be careful to replace the wires back in the housing (in our case, fencing or fence tube). Connections are key to turning lights on use connectors if available or simply twist on a wire cap and apply some hot glue to protect connections from the elements.

Conclusion and Fun Project

We love quick fixes and enjoy fixing things around the office and home. If the task is too complex, it’s best to consult a professional. In this instance, we reached out to an electrician to discuss voltage, the replacement process, and any potential issues when dealing with outdoor lighting. Safety is paramount when working with electricity, outdoor lighting, or technology, so always process with caution. If you have the necessary tools and patience to install, take the time to fix outdoor low-voltage lighting solutions. If you’re looking for more project work, check out our Barebones Torch video. A great project to do at home with the young members of the family. Enjoy!

March 2, 2024September 27, 2024

M1 Self Service Repair

Repair, and Fix Tech

M1 Self Service Repair – Apple Documentation

M1 Repair – Self Repair Documentation, Websites etc

Those of you who are not certified, no worries. We use the links below to fix various Apple products, iPhones, iPads, MBP’s (Macbook Pro’s) and this M1 Self Service Repair as noted. No longer certified? It’s a breeze! Never certified, there are challenges, but this article will help. Two very important links, Self Service Repair https://support.apple.com/self-service-repair and Parts https://selfservicerepair.com/en-US/home. So, this article will focus more on the later, when your warranty has expired. Remember, there are options, tried and true, Apple’s Self Service Repair options.

Apple Self Service Repair Options

First, keep in mind, there are always options. We’ve got warranty, approved services providers, and self repair options. Second hand as well, don’t forgot others have gone through similar experiences; a loss of a drive, broken/cracked screen and worse, failed motherboard.

Bare in mind there are options available, specific for the M1 build, or article title, M1 Self Service Repair, even when Apple Care+ warranty has expired. Learn to fix Apple tech yourself. Be sure to do your research, of course. Perhaps, you might want to start here… I’ll let Apple explain the ‘other repair options’ independent repair providers and self service repair. Avenues become limited as the warranty expires or those who can perform the fix on the go.

Next, let’s assume our options are limited for the M1 MBP… the Apple Self Service Repair (resource website) will help with your repair; this assumes you know what you’re doing. Parts can be purchased as well, … also, there is chat support available, where it makes sense. Do your due diligence. Can’t stress this enough, especially those who are just getting into electronics as a hobby, or starting those who can fix friends and family electronics.

Series Continues

Lastly, good luck with your own Self Service Repair, same for the Parts catalog. The build continues on the M1, check out the subsequent articles (5 in total) M1 Refurb, Visual Inspection and Teardown, M1 Touch bar, and Screen & Keys. Enjoy! Friendly reminder, It’s vital to use OEM parts IMO (in my opinion), if you can, second hand via Amazon or eBay. Moreover, the parts list is very helpful for those familiar with the process. If not, don’t be afraid to reach out if you’re in a pinch. Happy to help or help guide you to the right support method/service.

May 14, 2021September 27, 2024

D90 Firmware 1.1

D90 Maintenance and Firmware Updates

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”

Covers On

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!

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

September 1, 2020September 23, 2024

Multimeter PDF

Learn To Use Your Multimeter

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. (( LOUD NOISES )) 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. 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?

September 5, 2018September 26, 2024

Wayback

thRemembering The Past

Time Travel back via the Wayback Machine

Lab Work – Wayback

Peak Into Our Past – A Looking Glass Perhaps. Need a quick fix? Slide into the Internet Wayback Machine.

We go, way, way, back… Take a look at your business, your online presence, and what the web means to your customers. What better way to do this than by using the time machine web service? We use this with a touch of humor, but it’s more about learning from your past. Explore what failures there may have been and turn them into wins. We look back to the year 2000 and examine the internet from within.

GeoCities Flashback

Not GeoCities … that was ages ago. Use the Wayback to quickly search. By doing so, we can uncover all sorts of treasures. We are always seeking innovative ways to market and brand websites, find inspiration, and see how far we’ve come. We are constantly striving to strike a healthy balance between the modern and contemporary designs our clients envision and ask us to create.

We utilize simple, effective tools to communicate, operate and compete. Sounds simple, right? Let’s simplify.

Give it a try, the Wayback Machine. What’s the big deal? Anyhow, need a simple, effective solution, give us a call.