bigclive

Video release and LED video-wall data

By request, I'm going to be jumping the plug in heater video up the queue due to the number of scammers selling them as being "miracle" heaters during this suspicious "energy crisis".

On the...

Extra Patreon Stream?

An extra Patreon stream to pass the evening.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhLGfNKZbi8

Ambient video, making a very useful power pack

Since I'd already shown how rechargeable lithium cells can be reclaimed from discarded disposable vapes, I thought it would be a good idea to show the process of making up a little power pack from ...

Cheapy Chinese lighting panel hacks

This is a redesign of an existing panel to make it even cheaper by basically removing almost all of the circuitry.

But it's OK.  Because we can reverse engineer it and put the circuitry ...

Exploded USB socket

I'm not a huge fan of building electronics into buildings for the exact reason shown here.  If something fails you can end up with defective energised electronics sitting inside a wall.

...

Miracle heater teardown

It appears that the latest marketing thing is pushing these fairly common heaters as being so efficient that they can heat your whole house for pennies.

In reality an electric heater is 100% ...

Deja-vu - but weird circuitry twist

I've featured lights like this before, but they all seem to have their own little twist on the circuitry.  I wonder if they originate from the same factory or if they have just become so popul...

Flasher with intriguing circuitry

This module uses a very unexpected component to trigger a MOSFET for flashing 12V lights with just two wires.

I was actually quite pleased to see such a retro component is not just still avai...

Weekend stream link

Here's the link to the weekend stream:-

https://youtu.be/2SfeKg7pScc

Another eBay architectural light

I've featured similar lights to this in the past, but it's good to revisit generic Chinese made LED lighting fixtures.

This one generates a fairly tight line on each side with minimal diverge...

Toaster stunt (now fixed)

Following on from the recent livestream - the link to the "toaster stunt" video showing a much younger Clive at work doing stupid shit.

2022-09-29 23:21:08 +0000 UTC View Post

Stream about to start

A reminder of the Patreon stream.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwHLqaaRJNE

Quiet Patreon Stream

Here's the link to the upcoming Patreon stream.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwHLqaaRJNE

Wifi socket repair fail

Wifi socket repair fail - except to an ESP geek, to which it would actually be an interesting challenge to use the unit as a base for their own software.

Still wouldn't trust that tiny relay ...

Water distiller teardown

I doubt many of these are actually used to distil water.  They seem to have become a handy kitchen accessory for making your own vodka/rum.  But they do an excellent job of distilling wat...

Parkside 20V soldering iron and hack

I'd guess this is sold under different names around the world.  It's a Parkside soldering iron that uses clip-in 20V batteries.

It actually feels pretty good to use, and because of it's ...

Obligatory cat video (My apologies to the dog lovers)

One of Ralfy's kitties attempting to eat me.

That's the peril of domesticated tigers.  This little bundle of fur can't get enough petting, but occasionally gets too excited.

2022-09-25 06:07:39 +0000 UTC View Post

Can I make a short showing the full tool operation?

I decided to see if I could make a short that showed the full use of the core exchange tool in less than 60 seconds.

I managed it in 59.   Darn it's hard making shorts with technica...

Random technical tangent

Sometimes I find a tool that is so cool that I just want one to play with.

This firmly falls into that category.  It's designed to allow changing of the core of schrader valves while und...

Weekend stream link

Here's the link to the weekend stream:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yz6IKbODUqg

Extra one-hour Patreon live stream

Short notice, and just an hour.    I've got things to test and take apart, so this ambient chat and mild beverage opportunity should put me in the mood for such things.

2022-09-22 19:40:23 +0000 UTC View Post

First test of a two part LED neon material

I made this video "raw" without any prior test of using this material.  The speed it went in and the end result was very impressive for a first try.

This is a neon-like LED system design...

Desiccant drum dehumidifier teardown

A complete teardown of the main components of a desiccant drum dehumidifier.

These units are a good alternative to the traditional compressor based units, but a lot quieter and able to operat...

Drunken canbus fakery

I may have perhaps partaken of rum and cream soda while reverse engineering this VERY perplexing circuit.  A circuit that looks like it's added analogue circuitry to stolen software and then a...

Literally the shittest fake OBD fuel saver yet

We've looked at these before, and they were generally making at least some attempt to look as though they were doing something "technical".  But obviously the cheapest microcontroller is still...

Nice case, shame about the product

This unit emulates a thunderstorm.  That's assuming that your local thunder is mainly screeching treble and each lightning bolt is identical and repeats one after another.....

Other than...

Frustrating prop making dealines

A look at a simple wiring loom for adding into props associated with a TV or film production.
The time I got for this was a bit too low to use custom ordered materials, and that made the circuit...

Weekend stream

Here's the link to the weekend stream:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJuptDWntrk

Inside a vintage fermentation agitator

First video back at the usual bench, and it's a low-tech one.  A motorised magnetic agitator for stirring a fermentation, whether wine or just a sugar wash.

Part of the reason for this v...

Patreon stream reminder

The Patreon stream will be happening very shortly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIR87I-gNgQ

2022-09-15 19:59:01 +0000 UTC View Post