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- RobertC2 commented on opengreenenergy's instructable DIY Mini Lab Power Supply
- RobertC2 commented on inspiredStudio's instructable Magnetic Helping Hands Set for PCB and ElectronicsView Instructable »
Well done! Looks just as sturdy, and definitely much cheaper, than the commercially available tool! I found the angled drilling into the domed nut a bit excessive just to thread the wire into... I would likely have opted for a straight hole and epoxied the wire from the inside. Although, I can see how the part where the wire twists might be strengthening/ stiffening the wire a bit... Oh, ok, ...nevermind. ;-]
- RobertC2 commented on Ertugrul_QAZ's instructable The Valuable Coffee JarView Instructable »
Only a true Canadian would use a Tim Horton's jar as a secret safe to hide his Canadian Tire money! Cheers! ;-]
- RobertC2 commented on robhallifax's instructable Vintage Radio Turned Into a Phone SpeakerView Instructable »
There are no pictures of the side where the second speaker was installed. In order to maintain the antique radio look, it wouldn't do to just leave the speaker visible... What was used to cover it up? Perhaps a piece from the grill of the computer speaker?When you mention that the unit is now "stereo", I might point out that half of your audio image is being directed away from the listener -- which is not how stereo works. In fact, I would think that it is less desirable than if you'd simply converted the output to mono, and kept the enclosure intact. But, of course, hindsight is 20/20... Cheers from Canada! ;-)
- RobertC2 commented on thechocolatist's instructable Steampunk Lamp "The MERKER Light"View Instructable »
Excellent photography! I very much like the idea of reusing old designs with the new tech. Sick of generic black boxes! ;-)
- RobertC2 commented on lonesoulsurfer's instructable Vintage Flash ClockView Instructable »
Now I know what to do for Christmas gifts next year... I have a bunch of those old flash units!
- RobertC2 commented on vanroeyrien's instructable Sonos Like Spotify Wifi Speaker
- RobertC2 commented on MarPok's instructable Retro-Futuristic USB DriveView Instructable »
That last bit was brilliant!
- RobertC2 commented on Jule's instructable Cool Ways to Repurpose Old Computer PartsView Instructable »
I reuse the wide flat cables in the much older machines, the IDE cables. Those are basically 40 little wires you can use individually, or strip away more than one and make your own flat cable with as many conductors as you need! Very useful!============Nice ideas!
- RobertC2 commented on DanPro's instructable RUST!!! Removal. Using Electrolysis.
I made one based on a few different instructables... Unfortunately I did take pics of the unit, but this is what the face plate design looks like: https://www.dropbox.com/s/oqk7f4dioddw555/Power%20Supply%20face.JPG?dl=0It contains la list of other possible voltages that are possible using the same wires...
I find myself wondering why the charger would do better than the computer PSU... Most battery chargers cannot provide as much current as the PSU, so why is it working better? Any ideas? Thanks for sharing! ;-)
Another thing to keep in mind is that these wires can be combined to give you many more voltages than the standard 3.3, 5, and 12 volts Instead of using the black wires as ground, use the lower of any combination of two wires... For example, negative on red wire (5v) and positive on yellow wire (12v) will give you 7 volts... The difference between the two voltages! Using the negative voltage wires (-5v White, -12v Blue) you stashed away will give you even more choices!There are many instructables on making a bench power supply from a computer PSU. Pretty handy for testing car audio equipment, led lights, other small projects.
View Instructable »Thank you both!That makes perfect sense. ...I need more coffee. :-)
- RobertC2 commented on ClenseYourPallet's instructable Pliers Organizer ThingyView Instructable »
The steel rod holds the pliers... the bottom is not really needed. Omitting it solves your impossibly unlikely problem from even happening.
- RobertC2 commented on lonesoulsurfer's instructable Magnetic 3rd HandView Instructable »
Thanks, that's something I hadn't even considered!
- RobertC2 commented on lonesoulsurfer's instructable Magnetic 3rd Hand
Excellent idea! Love it! Definitely adding a magnet to my 3rd hand!Here's a dumb question: Can a magnet damage sensitive components, like a IC?
View Instructable »Already have a 3rd hand device? Add a magnet to any of the metal alligator clips to see if you like how this concept works... then, if you like it, think about making it more permanent; with a larger magnet, perhaps.
- RobertC2 commented on Alex in NZ's instructable Hide Your Flash Drive in Plain SightView Instructable »
Cables! I thought I had a lot of old cables until my cousin died and I inherited his collection too... If I did this to all my USB cables, I could store all of Wikileaks! LOL
- RobertC2 commented on geotek's instructable Harvesting Electronic Components
@Ray Something to try: Try asking them to keep the iron locked up themselves, then only take it out those few times you need to solder something and they can be there watching... Then put it away again... At least you get to enjoy your hobby, and in time they will see how careful you are and finally let you keep it. Hope that works for you!
View Instructable »Good idea!
- RobertC2 made the instructable Cordless Tool Battery to USB ChargerView Instructable »
This is a very basic one for a DeWalt 14.4V battery...I used the same picture hanging hardware for the contacts but was forced to improvise a way to connect to the battery's less accessible DeWalt design... I used an upside down pill bottle and lots of epoxy to make a hooded plug and super-glued a sawed off USB car charger on top! I plan to hide the ugly epoxy job with tape...I realize that elsewhere in the comments, I propose a few more elaborate options, but in this case it was not for me. My sister just got rid of her landline phone, so I figured she could always use another way to charge her cellphone. ;-)Cheers!
- RobertC2 commented on charest58's instructable Cordless Tool Battery to USB ChargerView Instructable »
The Adafruit UBEC, used here on an 18V battery, is only rated up to 16V... This device , for 2 dollars more, is rated for up to 24V and has TWO --> 2.1A sockets that you can use at the same time! (Total: 4.2A)There are even better options, starting at around 13 dollars, like a trio of similar panel-mounted devices that will give you a normal dual USB socket with 5V 1A/2.1A (Total 3.1A), a 12V Car lighter socket*, and a Voltmeter to keep an eye on your battery level... * Why a Car lighter socket? -- LED lights often use 12 volts. Also, there are many other accessories that are made for use inside a car.-- Charge extra USB devices with a car charger plugged into it. One final suggestion: If this is truly meant as an emergency solution, then you might want to start thinking about how …
see more » - RobertC2 commented on catfang's instructable How to Build a Fume Extractor on the Cheap
Indeed, that would work too... In a system without major air leaks, there would be little if any difference in efficiency.But a good reason to do it the way you did it is that the fan blades remain relatively clean from whatever is in the fumes. (i.e.: the fans only physically touch clean air.)
View Instructable »Seriously? Look at it... Did you see it? Did you read it?Fans above, filters below... Why would you want the device to blow the fumes back at your face? (I realize that there is a "Be Nice" policy, but that question is just really really dumb. My suggestion is: Sell all your sharp tools and take up knitting... Preferably the kind with blunt needles, so nobody loses an eye! LOL)
- RobertC2 commented on geekrex's instructable $10 DIY Flexible Soldering Helping HandView Instructable »
Very kind...but that would be way too much work! Chiming in with little tweaks here and there is easier. ;-)
- RobertC2 commented on lonesoulsurfer's instructable Old Paint Can Secret Stash
Just commenting as I read. No logical order to be found in my '2 cents' contributions. ;-)Step 6 (gluing the bottom to the threaded coupling) would be easier if you wait til after this step to glue the can's original lid down permanently. You could reach into the can from the top and unscrew the coupling til it touches the bottom. It's a more forgiving method of adjustment considering the potential mess of working with epoxy. ;-)
Very cool idea, executed very well! Cheers from Canada!
Easy: Measure your old, messy paint cans and take notes... Head to the hardware store with your notepad and get whatever is closest but still smaller than the can. Use wide tape around the outside of the threaded coupling that you buy until it fits more snugly into your can... Now if you can take it from here. ;-)
View Instructable »You could make a very discreet Bluetooth speaker for your tool shed out of them! Apparently you can make a Bluetooth speaker out of pretty much anything! LOL
- RobertC2 commented on gizmologist's instructable Garmin & Samsung Charger Reverse-Engineering
Here's my solution to proprietary cables, chargers, and connectors. Buy something else!If it's proprietary it is out to get your money, plain and simple. I will not encourage these companies, ever. There are two reasons to use proprietary tech: They want to force you to buy only their stuff, or they cannot make it work within industry standards. Neither is a valid reason. If they can't build something good enough to keep your business without resorting to extortion, then they are too corrupt to deserve your money! If they can't build something without having to modify the connectors for technical reasons, then they are too dumb to deserve your money. No compromises or restrictions! Enough of this planned obsolescence!No expansion memory slot? - Pass! No replaceable battery? - Pass! In…
see more »View Instructable »But, that being said, thank you for taking the time to share this with us... If I can't have what I want, I'll do all I can can to thwart their efforts by using and propagating every hack I can find! ;-)
- RobertC2 commented on rmomberg's instructable Lab ATX PowersupplyView Instructable »
Case is nice!
- RobertC2 commented on Joohansson's instructable Thermoelectric Fan Powered by a Candle
Heatsinks are often made of aluminium and are very easy to cut with a hacksaw or a rotary cutting wheel device like a Dremel. But, like the man said, the dimensions are not all that critical. Use what you have and make it close if you can. It should work fine. ;-)
There are two wires coming out of Pelletier device -- One is red, that is the positive voltage. Run wires directly to fan motor. Red wire goes to +.Congrats, you are done!Now do you really need a video for that?! ;-)
View Instructable »I like how you went kinda nuts with the springs! ;-)
- RobertC2 commented on mikeasaurus's instructable Rotating TV
LOL, that was brilliant!
View Instructable »Try getting motors from old printers... they are often very powerful for their size and they may already be attached to gears, and other mechanisms that you can use.
- RobertC2 commented on Anon1701's instructable Pocket-Sized Linux Computer: Pi-MicroView Instructable »
Very cool design!
- RobertC2 commented on jason.burr.946's instructable Elven KeyboardView Instructable »
Wow! ...Just, wow!With absolutely no intention of building one, I nevertheless read most of this instructable. I have to say it was fascinating to see your creativity at work. Not only was it well written, it was quite amusing. The "instant dreadlocks" was my favorite, I do hope you were kidding! I particularly appreciated the fact that you had no fancy tools, Arduino, laser cutter, or 3D printer! -- You worked with what was available, without following any instructions. You made a functional piece of art from junk. Impressive, indeed!Thank you very much for the time it took to share your journey with us!
- RobertC2 commented on geotek's instructable Harvesting Electronic ComponentsView Instructable »
Sand in the frying pan! -- I'm definitely trying that! Thanks!
- RobertC2 commented on Anders644PI's instructable Raspberry Pi Retro-Looking TVView Instructable »
Done. :-)
- RobertC2 commented on Anders644PI's instructable RPi Pocket Sized Retro-Looking TVView Instructable »
What are you talking about? You are misinterpreting the comment as negative and going off for no reason at all. Who's a troll?! Or a schmuck?! Name calling, really? What happened to "if you haven't anything good to say, don't say anything at all"?Anders644PI is a big boy, he can defend himself. If he was offended, I trust he would have said so. As for your evaluation of the work, I totally agree... However, you are way off if you think you have a case against my intentions. It was a suggestion that he make his title fit the project. There was no disrespect intended in our comments. In fact, I only chimed in because the author's response to the initial advice from another user was not really addressing the problem; as if he was too close to the project to see why the title wa…
see more » - RobertC2 commented on Gooddadbadman's instructable Tsunami Hangover Breakfast MeltView Instructable »
Makes me wanna get drunk just so I can justify having one tomorrow!
- RobertC2 commented on Anders644PI's instructable RPi Pocket Sized Retro Looking TVView Instructable »
Sorry, dude, but fly_boy is right. Your title says "...retro looking TV..." which, in English, means that it is a TV that is retro-looking. As awkward as it sounds, you want to say it's a portable (dunno 'bout pocket-sized) touchscreen game pad that happens to look like a retro TV (except for the no knobs thing and the big ugly wire coming out the top).Just change the title. :-)
- RobertC2 commented on deba168's instructable DIY Professional 18650 Battery Pack
There is only ONE connector that is used for Input when charging, and Output when powering something. No need for 2 connections since the pack is not meant to be used and charged at the same time.
View Instructable »Wires were not used for those connections... The ends from the longer nickel strips that protrude past the edge of the battery pack are soldered directly to the board. That is why mounting the board where it is was such a genius idea!
- RobertC2 commented on webgeeks's instructable DIY Wireless Charging Power BankView Instructable »
Nice!One question: What is the 4th 18650 cell used for? Parts list says 4, text says 4, pics show 3...
- RobertC2 commented on fzumrk's instructable Make Straight Cable Into Coiled / Pigtail CableView Instructable »
Brilliant video! Thank you!
- RobertC2 commented on manuelmasc's instructable HDPE Blocks From Plastic BottlesView Instructable »
No, you cannot. Microwave ovens work by exciting water molecules within the thing being 'heated'... there is practically no moisture inside HDPE and therefore it will not melt from any heat produced within it.
- RobertC2 commented on samvanhook's instructable Giant Wooden HeadView Instructable »
Yes! That's exactly what I thought too! That 1974 film was was so weird and wonderful... think Sean Connery in red and black S&M gear falling for the beautiful Charlotte Rampling in hippies and crystals future distopia. Good fun! Lol
- RobertC2 commented on mikeasaurus's instructable Unusual Uses for Magnets
Compared to what's going on inside the motor, a little magnet on the outside is irrelevant.
Sorry, I disagree. I know it would seem to be an obvious assumption, but it would be a huge exaggeration. It's a matter of scale...The screw's residual magnetic field is too weak to have any effect on a computer. Away from the magnet, it's barely strong enough for the screws to cling to each other! You could safely rest half a dozen of those screws on top of your hard drive and it would do absolutely nothing measurable. Been using a magnetic container for laptop screws for years with zero havoc. In fact, there are electronics repair mats that have built-in magnets for exactly that purpose. So, unless you're rubbing a hard drive with a huge magnet, like what you'd find in a microwave, then you're fine.
View Instructable »Good one! Did the same for the long window in my metal door.
- RobertC2 commented on DIY Hacks and How Tos's instructable Use a DIY Proximity Sensor to Automate Your Haunted HouseView Instructable »
You will need to mount the sensor on the mic stand under the mic, aiming toward the person talking, and use a 5V relay to interrupt the mic's wiring. You will need to cut an extra mic cable to do this, preferably a short one. If your mic uses XLR (3 pin) connectors, look up how they work to be sure you wire it right.
- RobertC2 commented on TechKiwiGadgets's instructable Eco Friendly Metal Detector - ArduinoView Instructable »
I must admit, I have little interest in building this. But I just had to see how a Metal Detector could be referred to as being "Eco Friendly"! Now I know.Very well structured instructable! Cheers!
- RobertC2 commented on geotek's instructable Harvesting Electronic ComponentsView Instructable »
A slightly alarmist statement... There is zero heavy-metal poisoning. The metals in solder cannot become gaseous at that temperature. All the fumes from soldering are from the flux. Not healthy, but certainly NOT heavy-metal poison. A well placed fan is sufficient if working outside.
- RobertC2 commented on jessyratfink's instructable Unusual Uses for Dryer SheetsView Instructable »
Thanks, I'll be trying some of these.Small correction:At the end of step 1, a "Viola!" is a stringed musical instrument larger than a violin, but smaller than a cello. I believe you meant to say: Voilà!Which is French for "See There" or, more appropriately, "There ya go!" (or, "Ta-Da!") ;-)
- RobertC2 commented on CaladanJen's instructable $3 High Heat Work SurfaceView Instructable »
"Epoxy generally survives high temperatures well, and it bonds strong."I fixed a cracked car radiator with epoxy, years ago. It lasted an extra 6 months!
- RobertC2 commented on Kudelkin's instructable Tool “Third Hand”View Instructable »
Looks like an antique tool from the 40's... it might have come from my grandfather's jewelry shop! Beautiful work!
- RobertC2 commented on albenbrewder's instructable Adding a Base to a "Third Hand"View Instructable »
Flange... Home Depot ($13.98) ?????14 bucks for a little metal flange? That's insane! Yeah, no! I woulda used a piece of 2 by 4. Not as nice, but for fourteen bucks you can buy a few more Helping Hands sets and build one with multiple bases. 14 bucks for a flange... Ha!
- RobertC2 commented on rmomberg's instructable Lab ATX PowersupplyView Instructable »
Very nice! Love the case!Small corrections needed in Step 2, In this paragraph, there are errors. Not in the math, but in the Volt and Amp symbols used in the equations."We need to load the 5V rail with 10W total, so we need to find the correct resistance. for that we need to find the amperage of the resistor. that we can do by rearrange the P=U*I so well get I=P/U which gives us I=10/5A=2AThen we can find R with rearranging the U=I*R formula, so we get R=U/I=5/2Ohm=2.5Ohm."--> Should be: I = 10W / 5V = 2A, and R = 5V / 2A = 2.5 OhmsCheers!
- RobertC2 commented on Sverd Industries's instructable Ultimate Electronics Helper || Variable Bench Top PSU With Helping HandsView Instructable »
You mean 58.5(65W x 0.90 = 58.5, not 68.5)
- RobertC2 commented on Yonatan24's instructable WAVE - the World's Best Soldering Vise! (PCB Helping Hands)View Instructable »
Brilliant upgrade! *(adds corner clamp to shopping list)
- RobertC2 commented on The King of Random's instructable 10 Life Hacks You Need to Know for a Better Summer!
- RobertC2 commented on GizmoMakingDude's instructable DIY Helping Hands (used Primarily When Soldering)View Instructable »
"...I then impressed the wooden panel with small holes by pressing the post against it." So simple, and so brilliant! I've already built more helping hands than I need... but I still like reading these because of this low-tech, common-sense kind of stuff. Thanbks for sharing!
- RobertC2 made the instructable $10 DIY Flexible Soldering Helping HandView Instructable »
Good Idea!But what if you wanted to make it even simpler? No drilling with a huge drill bit, and no gluing! I found that if you remove the orange screw-in part of the hose completely and toss it, you can then remove the lowest blue segment and screw it directly into your base. Choose a screw (or bolt) with a head that is a bit larger than the hole in the bulb end of the segment. Not too big, otherwise when you snap the rest of the hose back onto this bulb, it won't fit well. I can't believe how simple this solution was! I'd seen so many of these tutorials and everyone was always having to come up with solutions for those damn threads -- Never again!
- RobertC2 commented on dave spencer's instructable Make Your Own Springs in Seconds
Try springs from Clothes Pins, Mouse Traps, or even small Chip Bag Clamps.
View Instructable »Try springs from Clothes Pins, Mouse Traps, or even small Chip Bag Clamps.
- RobertC2 commented on tominjose's instructable DIY Powerful Solder Fume ExtractorView Instructable »
Nice looking project! I believe you quoted this from a dubious source.: "Lead is used in the soldering process in the form of lead/silver filler metals. When heated, lead oxide fumes are formed. Excessive exposure to lead oxide fumes can result in lead poisoning. Symptoms include loss of appetite, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, abdominal cramps, nervousness, and insomnia. Lead is absorbed through the mucous membranes of the lung, stomach, or intestines and then enters the bloodstream"--> The temperatures used in soldering are not sufficient to vaporize lead. There is ZERO lead in soldering fumes. Still harmful, but no lead.
- RobertC2 commented on ThomasVDD's instructable Solder Fume ExtractorView Instructable »
You are being overly alarmist.Lead does NOT vaporize at those temperatures. Therefore there is ZERO lead in the fumes. They are ALL from the flux. Still harmful but no lead. As long as the fumes are forcefully directed away from the face, his setup is perfectly fine for hobbyists in reasonably ventilated rooms.
- RobertC2 commented on punisher_1211's instructable Power Supply From Old PSU
Nice warning labels! One silly question: Why waste paint on the whole cover when doing just the top would be sufficient to apply those stencils?
Hi Gelfling6,All good, just a little friendly nitpicking... You already know this stuff but others may not be so experienced. #2. The black wires are not really GND. Ground is the chassis, through the thicker green wire on the MAINS connector. In the interest of clarity, I recommend using 0V or Black Wire when referring to it. #2A. I have read many instructables that say the load need only be on the rail with the highest current limit. No harm in using it on both, but if the maker has only one, he doesn't need to put off building this to wait for snail-mail from China. ;-)Cheers!
Yeah, but they often have something more useful, a second 12V rail!
View Instructable »Good question, chargerR!It depends on your PSU. Everything you need to know is on that label...Important: You cannot have all rails at max current. The label has the wattage, too. That and the voltages you will be using at any given time will let you calculate what you can expect from the unit you have.
- RobertC2 made the instructable Power Supply From Old PSUView Instructable »
No. Since they use the same ground you cannot do that. You can get up to 24v out of most of these by using -12v (blue wire) as negative, and +12v (yellow wire) as your positive. But, as stated in another comment, the max current will be the lesser of the two limits. So, around one amp, usually.There are many combinations to make different voltages... The black wires are not actually Ground. They are the 0 volt reference for the other voltages. The voltages you get are the differences between the two rails you use. Always use the higher voltage rail as the positive, and remember that your maximum current limit is the weaker of the two rails you are using. In the top right corner of this photo is a list of possible voltages. (That is the face plate for the one I made a couple years ago.)
- RobertC2 commented on mpilchfamily's instructable Helping Hand With Arm
Ah, man! Now I wanna paint mine blue! Loved how simple it was!.I've used one of those lamp arms for a fume extractor fan, but never thought of using it for a third hand. That was inspired!Gotta get some of that plastic, looks like fun.
View Instructable »pfred2, that's quite a magnifier you've got there! You must be doing surface-mount repairs by hand! Nice!I like the suspended platform, looks pretty versatile. Nice tool!
- RobertC2 commented on darthwolf's instructable A Simple Bench Variable Power SupplyView Instructable »
oops... lets try that again...
- RobertC2 commented on darthwolf's instructable A Simple Bench Variable Power Supply
SiDawg, I believe part of your question was left unanswered.The last part about TWO (2) pairs of +/- red/black 12v wires... I think you were asking about 2 separate rails of 12v wires... the colors you mentioned were confusing given that in this device the 12v rails are yellow. One is Yellow and the other is Yellow w/a Black stripe (2nd 12v rail only on modern PSUs).The answer is no, you cannot use those two 12v rails together to make 24v because they share the same black wire. So, if you try what you said, it would simply short out one of the rails, in which case the rail is shut down and you will never get your 24v by using these rails in series. Sadly, using +12v(yellow) and -12v(blue), typically, will give you only about one amp... Theoretically, there is another way to get 24v at a r…
see more »View Instructable »Many voltage combinations are possible. This was the face plate design for the one I made 2 yrs ago. At the top right of the photo you will find a list, and a very important notice about current rating. The current limit for combined voltages is the lowest of the two rails used.
- RobertC2 commented on russ_hensel's instructable Tic Tak Power SupplyView Instructable »
Look at it this way: Your instinct took over and wanted to prevent a law suit... Nobody can sue you for a Tic TaK! ;-)
- RobertC2 commented on icecats's instructable 4 Ways to Connect a Wire Without SolderingView Instructable »
Method 5: Wire-nuts + a little tape. If it's good enough for all the lamps and lighting fixtures in your house, it's probably good enough for most projects.Besides, who the hell is gonna be pulling on my wires?!
- RobertC2 commented on smurray2's instructable Cordless Tool Battery Laptop ChargerView Instructable »
Laptop Power Bank using extra power-tool batteries, without modifying the batteries so they can still power your tools. I love it when things are re-purposed smartly. Particularly when the thing can still be used for its original purpose if needed. Bravo! Note: If your laptop's charger uses the very common 5.5mm (OD) x 2.1mm (ID) DC plug, as mine does, you can avoid destroying that extra charger. Just use the wire from a same-sized generic wall charger. Test carefully for polarity.
- RobertC2 commented on ravijag's instructable Recycled Razor Blades ClockView Instructable »
I had no idea why I was saving all those old, dull razors... now I know!
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Very well done! Particularly like the simple yet very informative explanations of why and how to calculate what you need to know! Thank you!