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Post by ogeezer on Jul 15, 2007 9:16:33 GMT -6
Instead of starting a new topic with each interesting device, practice, or unique problem solving apparatus, I'm initiating this thread to address all such topics. These days, everybody who pays utility bills is in varying degrees interested in saving either energy or decreasing their dependency on non-renewable energy. One way to determine which conveniences in the home use electricity even when turned off or to find out how much energy a device uses when performing a task is best reviewed using this gadget: KILLA WATT . www.twacomm.com/Catalog/Model_P4400.htmKill A Watt helps reduce your electricity bill. Determine which machines are actually worth keeping plugged in. Plug an appliance into the Kill A Watt and learn how efficient the appliance really is. Large LCD display counts consumption the same way a local utility does. Electrical expenses can be figured out by the day, week, month or year. Check the quality of power by monitoring voltage, line frequency, and power factor. Measuring 5-1/8" x 1-5/8" x 2-3/8" and utilizing a LCD display, cumulative killowatt-hour monitor, you can forecast your costs in displayss of volts, amps, watts, Hz VA up to 0.2% accuracy of use. The Kill A Watt gadget, sold at the above site goes for $24.97. I bought the more improved model, with added capabilities for about $60 but figured this item did everything I needed to know for a way lot less money. And having used it, along with a number of programmable digital appliance timers, from the Ingraham Time Products company in Laurinburg, N.C, have effectively reduced my electrical usage dramatically. You should be able to do the same too.
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Post by ogeezer on Jul 18, 2007 7:58:47 GMT -6
SOLAR BATTERY CHARGERNo. 93116 -- Or usin' it up? This nice solar cell is made to prevent battery drain in cars, boats, offroad quad-runner ATCs (or anything else with a 12-volt), during storage or because you're running stuff like cell phones, laptops, or various pods off of said battery. Rated for 12VDC 120mA, it measures 14-3/4" x 6-1/4" x 3/4" OA with an 11-3/4" x 4" cell. The 91" cord leads to a fused and polarity-protected cigarette-lighter plug. Has 14.7 VDC output with no load, an LED indicator, and weatherproof housing. Works in all weather, even low-light and cloudy conditions. Price $27.95 You can find this item (and lots of other stuff) here: www.sciplus.com
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Post by ogeezer on Jul 24, 2007 7:01:14 GMT -6
Don't spend hundreds, even thousands of dollars putting in an underground watering system, not when hoses and this gadget can do the same thing, and for a lot less money. The Automatic Watering System will control the sprinkling of up to four separate stations of your yard at one time. And it only costs $54.99. It installs in just minutes and gives you the freedom of remote watering without the expense of professionally installed in-ground systems. Simply attach four garden hoses (sold separately) to the Automatic Yard Watering System and set the timer to turn the water on as often and for the duration of time you designate. The timer requires three AA batteries, sold separately. For more info & ordering online, go here: www.smarthome.com/3106.html
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Post by ogeezer on Jul 30, 2007 8:34:23 GMT -6
Practically everywhere someone goes these days, they always seem to have cell or telephone nearby ... well here's a telephone you can even take into your bath or shower -- Uniden's Submersible Phone. This Cordless Phone features rubber side grips, for maximum comfort and a belt clip for added hands-free ease. It is hearing-aid compatible and allows up to seven hours of talk time (14 days of standby time) before needing recharging. The Submersible Cordless Phone has 10 memory dial locations, which are not limited to phone numbers. You can also store a group of numbers (up to 20 digits) that you need to enter once your call connects — no more hunting down that bank account number once you've connected to your bank's automated teller! This phone can be mounted on any standard wall plate or directly to the wall. For wall mounting, use #10 screws (minimum length of 1-3/8 inches), sold separately. Additional features include a handset locator, 32-digit redial, and earpiece and ringer volume controls. Uniden warrants that the Submersible Cordless Phone is water submersible to JIS7 Specs, meaning that it may be submerged in 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes. Phone dimensions 6" H x 2.25" W x 1.25" D, base dimensions 4.75" H x 5" W x 3.75" D. PRICE: $39.99 For more info, go here: www.smarthome.com/5242.html
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Post by ogeezer on Aug 3, 2007 8:04:37 GMT -6
Be a Stand Outwhenever your out on the roadways, taking a jog or changing a tire along the interstate, to warn drivers way before they get to you. The 24” long vest is 39” around, plus the 11” ties in front. A couple of reflective stripes encircle the vest. The hooded rain poncho is 38” long x 51” across, with snaps on the sides.(The poncho is more pink than orange.) Both the vest and the poncho are one-size-fits-all, waterproof and reusable. Throw a couple in your trunk, and hope you never need them. Prices: #35919 Safety Vest ......... $1.95 ___ #35972 Safety Poncho ........ $2.95 Go here to order online: www.sciplus.com/
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Post by ogeezer on Aug 3, 2007 8:08:04 GMT -6
...due to apparent lack of interest and/or feedback accompanied with this thread, Gadget Corner is being discontinued.......since i cannot tell if anybody is even interested in new products or devices for use in their everyday lives, or has gadget or gizmo they would like to share with WCUnleashers...
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DirtyDon
Founding Member
Official Beer Czar
In Cerevisia Veritas! Cogito sumere potum alterum.
Posts: 8,499
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Post by DirtyDon on Aug 3, 2007 8:31:29 GMT -6
I dig gadgets.. one of the main reasons I enjoy the internet, you can find all sorts of gadgets. Keep it up.. I enjoy your inputs
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Post by ogeezer on Aug 5, 2007 5:17:34 GMT -6
One more time -- into the breech! These days, it seems everybody is into the energy conservation craze -- and for good reason. We're all d*mn tired of being taken advantage of my greedy energy merchants. Well, here's a gadget, that can alleviate some of your energy woes, tho the initial investment (which is tax deductible) is nothing to spit at: the Whisper 200 WIND GENERATOR. We put one up at our hunting lodge outside of Uvalde a couple of years ago, and its provided us with all the power we needed over two whitewing season, turkey, and deer seasons, plus summertime trips to the place just above the Dry Frio River. Being off the grid, its saved us having to ferry in costly fuel to run the noisey generator we used to have. The Whisper 200 has been updated since 2005 with new features and added flexibility for your renewable energy system. Now, any Whisper 200 can have its voltage changed, 12-48V DC, within a few minutes in the field. The Whisper 200 is designed to operate in a site with low to medium speed averages of 8 mph, 3.6 m/s, and greater. The 200 provides 200+ kWh per month, 6.8 kWh per day, in a 12 mph average wind. The Whisper 200 does produce more noise than it’s 100 counterpart, but it does produce almost twice the power. In addition to its patented smooth acting side furling design, the Whisper 200 has a number of new features that make it ideal for any new or existing photovotaic system. A new four bearing spindle for a smoother operation and longer life An upgraded Yaw shaft that more efficiently delivers current to your batteries New bronze bushing and larger diameter furling pin for smoother furling action New castings that allow easy access to the stator for changing voltage Included with every whisper is our new Whisper Controller. The Whisper controller includes a diversion load to ensure quiet safe operation of your wind turbine when the batteries are charged. It installs in minutes and it protects both your wind turbine and battery. The Whisper controller fits easily inside your battery room. Add the optional LCD display and you will instantly receive real time data on the performance of your Whisper 200. The display can be mounted on the controller or a 1000 feet away letting you know what is happening. You can even add an anemometer to your controller and now you can measure wind speed and compare it to the output to make sure you are getting the most from your Whisper 200. The Whisper 200 is designed for even the novice. The Whisper can be installed in just a few hours with no welding, no concrete or cranes. Unlike other wind turbines that lose as much as 80% of their output when furled, the Angle-Governor allows the Whisper to achieve maximum output in any wind. Specifications: 1000 Rated Watts: @ rated wind speed of 26 mph Generator starts @ 7 mph Rotar Diameter: 7' Mount Dia (Sch 40): 2.5" Blade Type: Carbon Reinforced Fiberglass No. of Baldes: 3 Shipping Weight: 87 lbs PRICE: $2500.00 (plus shipping costs) For more info about the Whisper 200, checkout these suppliers:
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yippee
Founding Member
Posts: 1,996
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Post by yippee on Aug 5, 2007 8:08:54 GMT -6
dont stop this thread - i like it. please
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Post by puprisam on Aug 5, 2007 9:24:54 GMT -6
I agree with Yippee! Keep the info coming, please. You come up with some really unique items!!
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Post by netmaster on Aug 5, 2007 10:56:01 GMT -6
Just because we do not respond does not mean that we do not enjoy!!! the topic...keep em comming, may be one day you will pass up the God for posts...
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sage
Member
Where there is love there is life.
Posts: 609
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Post by sage on Aug 5, 2007 10:58:03 GMT -6
Me too. I don't always comment on things, but I enjoy reading them. I don't know where you find these things. They are pretty neat. I like that phone...was thinking..it would be safer to have in case the phone rings when you are in the tub or shower.
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Post by ogeezer on Aug 6, 2007 13:57:11 GMT -6
maybe one day you will pass up the God for posts... ...doubt that's gonna happen ... running a distant 2d is okay too (unconcerned about such things) for a semi-retired engineer that's more into informative substance-postings than one-liner snipets, tho I do infrequently provide such zingers too...
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Post by ogeezer on Aug 6, 2007 14:42:00 GMT -6
You've seen those bikes built for two, and even the full-sized trikes with basket in the middle, well, how about a Four Wheel Peddle Bike, also known as a "Rhodes Car" in a variety of styles and configurations, such as this: Model 4W2PCP basic setup sells for $2303 but with installed options (shown in pic) including watertight cargo box ($87) instead of behind seats wire basket, canopy top ($492), dual headlights ($144), dual taillights, not shown ($42), 6-speed gearing ($165), and four fenders ($260), this quad-peddle-runner will cost you $3493 FOB. You can even get a motor assist ($2061) when you and passenger tire of peddling or for topping inclines. Or maybe the pickup Model 4W2PLFG with long frame suitable for carrying cargo, that sells for $2384 (as shown) FOB: Or the Model GoBoyT1 (shown with rack ladder) that FOBs at $1937: The best thing yet, the Rhodes Car is built in the USA at the Hendersonville, TN plant. For more info and a look at all the models, configurations, etc, and brochure request with price list (something you won't find at the website), go here: www.rhoadescarshowroom.com
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DirtyDon
Founding Member
Official Beer Czar
In Cerevisia Veritas! Cogito sumere potum alterum.
Posts: 8,499
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Post by DirtyDon on Aug 6, 2007 15:23:52 GMT -6
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Post by ogeezer on Aug 6, 2007 15:51:50 GMT -6
That's a good design. I like it. Gonna check it out ... the best part its a DIY build-kit bike, which should reduce the costs substantially...
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DirtyDon
Founding Member
Official Beer Czar
In Cerevisia Veritas! Cogito sumere potum alterum.
Posts: 8,499
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Post by DirtyDon on Aug 6, 2007 16:57:17 GMT -6
the only thing I'm not so crazy about this design is the pedal car pedals that go back and forth with direct rods, not the bicycle style pedal with the chain to sprocket drive.. I hated to pedal the little airplane pedal car I had.. it was a b1tch to make it move.. just like this one... same paint scheme... Later I had the cockpit out of an AT-6 Texan.. most of the gauges, the stick and rudder pedals.. shot down a many a Messerschmidt, many a Jap zero..
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speaksfree
Founding Member
Love, Teach and Learn[F4:852684796&]
Posts: 1,619
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Post by speaksfree on Aug 7, 2007 4:14:25 GMT -6
I agree with everyone else .. we read and wish we had the "gumption" to act, but still want to know more .. so we can have choices with which to wish for.
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Post by ogeezer on Aug 29, 2007 16:34:17 GMT -6
AUDIO VIDEO BABY MONITOR SYSTEMKeep an eye on the baby as s/he sleeps with a color camera that transmits wirelessly to a handheld receiver. The Wireless Color LCD Monitoring Kit comes with a vivid CMOS color camera that can transmit audio and clear images up to 300 feet away even in total darkness. Choose motion or audio detection to activate the receiver, and the Wireless Color LCD Monitoring Kit will tell you instantly when your little one awakens. Price $178.99 -- available online at: www.smarthome.com/76010.html
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Post by ogeezer on Aug 31, 2007 14:52:09 GMT -6
i can't take credit for this -- it comes from one of my son's electronic-whizkid friends which allows one to bug a home, office or teens car from hundreds (even thousands) of miles away.
What you will need: a cell phone, plug in type headset (not bluetooth), a power cord for long term use, and a place to hide the phone.
SET UP - Plug the Headset into the phone. Now set the cellphone to operate with these settings: Ringer OFF ... Vibrate OFF ... Display/light OFF (optional) ... Auto answer ON under headset setting.
Hide the Cell phone - optional if you wish you can have the phone out in the open. (Face down if you phone does not have a display setting.) Say on your desk.
Plug in the power cord (optional) if you would like to bug an area for more than a day, then you may want to plug it in... USB if near your computer; Wall Plug if in bedroom, den, or other rooms; or 12v DC if in a car.
***NOTE*** If you wish to bug an area for a week or more you may want to go with a mobile prepaid phone (Alltel, Cingular, Tracfone, Net10, T-mobile, Verizon, Virgin Mobile, or Boost mobile)
If you use Boost in a car you got GPS too ...
HOW TO USE - Call the cell to listen in on the area where you placed the phone. After a few rings the cell phone will pick up, just listen in on what's being said.
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