Handy Tool Guide

The Gadgeteer have published a "Hands on" review of the ATP Photo Finder which is a portable photo accessory that allows for the ‘geotagging’ of digital photos taken by any camera. 'The Photo Finder is an unassuming device. It is a bit smaller than a typical cell phone with a two line text LCD screen, three LEDs and three buttons. The device runs on two AAA batteries. It comes with a mini-USB cable, as well as a mini-USB male to full size USB female adapter. The mini-USB cable allows you to connect the Photo Finder to a computer to view the GPS data log files. For a sample log file, view this text file: atp-photo-finder.log. The mini to full size adapter allows you to connect a card reader to the Photo Finder for geotagging photos on cards other than SD, MMC, or MS - which are supported through integrated slots in the device (theoretically).'

Read: ATP Photo Finder - The Gadgeteer

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A review of the Case Logic XN Messenger Bag has been posted over at ThinkComputers. ‘The front part of the bag unclips and opens up. When you first open the bag up you find some accessory pockets that will hold pens, business cards, and other small accessories. Above those pockets is a larger zipper pocket that has 2 smaller pockets inside of it. Already it looks like this bag is going to have a lot of room for all your laptop gear. The main laptop compartment is held together by a large elastic strip. Opening it up there are 2 padded sections that will protect your laptop very well. At the bottom of the compartment there is a padded strip that can be taken out. Also one of the padded section dividers can be taken out. The inside back of the bag is also very well padded. I'm sure anything you have inside will be safe.’

Read: Case Logic XN Messenger Bag, Black & Burgundy (XNM15FBLACK) Carrying - ThinkComputers

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Midwest Tool and Cutlery Company has introduced the KNIFTI-CUT(TM) Shop/Electrician Shear and Utility Snip which features textured plastisol grips and hot drop-forged blades manufactured of high carbon steel. 'The Made in USA KNIFTI-CUT(TM) (Model No. P657N) can be used: to shear sheet metal, vinyl, plastic, screening, packaging, cardboard, canvas, leather and paper; to snip soft wire, wire mesh, strapping, cable ties, fishing line, poultry and flowers/twigs; to strip coated/insulated wire. The tool's hot drop-forged blades are manufactured of high carbon steel for strength, durability and long lasting cutting edge. Hot-drop forged blades make it tough enough to readily cut sheet metal. Rated cutting capacities are: 26-gauge cold rolled sheet metal; 18-gauge copper wire; 22-gauge soft steel wire.'

Read: Midwest Snips Introduces KNIFTI-CUT Shop/Electrician Shear and Utility Snip - Thomas Net

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A review of the Tc2 Portable Charger for select cell phones has been posted over at ZDNet. 'The TurboCharge comes with a set of eight power connectors that should fit most--but not all--cell phones on the market. The adapters include a mini-USB charger for Motorola handsets, both the large and small pin connectors for Nokia, and the older Moto adapter with two prongs. The remaining cords will accommodate a variety of Sony Ericsson, Palm Treo, RIM BlackBerry, Samsung, LG, Kyocera, and Sanyo models. While that's a decent selection, there are quite a few handsets that won't be compatible. Newer Sony Ericsson models such as the W580i are out, as are Moto handsets such as the Z6c that use a micro-USB connection, and the iPhone. We also couldn't find a connector for both the LG Venus VX8800 and the Samsung FlipShot SCH-U900 either. But considering how many different power connectors Samsung has made, the latter isn't surprising.'

Read: Turbo Charge Tc2 portable cell phone charger - ZDNet

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CNET have published a review of the Magellan Maestro 4250 portable car GPS navigation system. 'At 3.2 inches high by 4.8 inches wide by 0.7 inch deep and 6.8 ounces, the Magellan Maestro 4250 is more compact and lighter than the Magellan Maestro 4040. While the difference in size isn't significant, we definitely noticed that the Maestro 4250 felt less clunky and the slimmer design makes it that much more portable and easier to slip into a bag during travels. We also like that the company throws in a soft carrying case to protect the screen and case. Though the overall size of the system may have shrunk, fortunately, the screen size didn't shrink. Like the Maestro 4040, it sports a 4.3-inch touch screen that shows off 64,000 colors at a 480x272 pixel resolution. Maps and text looked sharp and vibrant, and the display was readable in various lighting conditions. For the most part, the touch screen was responsive, but there were several occasions where there was a bit of a delay from the time we tapped an icon to the time the system actually registered our command. The system also froze in a couple of instances (see Performance for more).'

Read: Magellan Maestro 4250 - CNET

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Malcom Company Inc. has introduced the new Plastic Piping Welding Kit developed for repairing SCH 40 and 80 piping systems without glue. 'Featuring pre-programmed settings for various applications, the Weldy® Plus programmable hot air tool in Malcom's Plastic Piping Welding Kit has a 120V 1500W digital display showing set and actual temperature. Variable temper-ature adjusts from 180°-1200°F and the air flow adjusts from 7-17.5 CFM. Applications include irrigation system repairs and general maintenance.'

Read: Plastic Welding Kit Repairs Broken Pipe Without Glue - Thomas Net

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A review of the Devolo dLAN Wireless Extender has been posted over at Register Hardware. 'The dLAN Wireless Extender is a shiny blue box with a three-pin power plug on the back, a 100Mb/s Ethernet socket on the bottom and a Wi-Fi antenna on the top. The idea is, you fit an 85Mb/s HomePlug 1.0 Turbo-compatible powerline unit between your wireless router and your home or office's mains power supply, and plug the Extender into a power socket somewhere else in the house. Don't have an 85Mb/s adaptor handy? Worry not, Devolo will sell you one boxed up with a Wireless Extender as a handy starter kit.'

Read: Devolo dLAN Wireless Extender - Register Hardware

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Klein Tools has extended its line of strippers and cutters with the addition of the new QTR-Turn(TM) NM cable stripper/cutter with Klein-Kurve® handles which cuts and loops 12 and 14 AWG solid wire, and cleanly shears 6-32 and 8-32 screws. 'The new cable stripper/cutter utilizes exclusive QTR-Turn technology to quickly remove the outer jacket of NM cable. The user places the cable in the upper QTR-Turn jacket stripper, squeezes the handle and turns one quarter (90 degrees) to completely sever the outer jacket. The QTR-Turn NM cable stripper/cutter has spring-loaded action for self-opening.'

Read: Klein Tools Introduces QTR-Turn(TM) NM Cable Stripper/Cutter - Thomas Net

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IT Reviews have published a review of the compact HP Photosmart A826 Photo Printer. ‘HP has a range of photo printers, but nothing that looks or works like the Photosmart A826. It's bigger than a typical dedicated photo printer; about the size of a fashion rucksack. This is a design feature, as it's built around two key aspects of the machine: a 177mm touch-screen and a totally enclosed paper feed tray. Paper is loaded through a small hatch in the top of the retro-styled printer and up to 100 sheets can be left in it between print jobs, without gathering dust. The touch-screen is an innovation for dedicated photo printers and not only enables the selection of image thumbnails to print, but also makes it easy to annotate, caption or doodle over an image, with the supplied stylus. Simple selections can also be made with a fingertip.’

Read: HP - PhotoSmart A826 review – IT Reviews

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Auto Express have published their review of five power jacks. 'The five products tested here also enable drivers to stand back from the vehicle as it’s being raised and lowered, reducing the chances of a nasty accident. They can even be used to level caravans at a camp site, lift the hitch of a large trailer to the tow ball or, of course, for working on your vehicle at home. Our electric jacks all weigh at least 5kg, so you should take care if storing them in the boot to ensure they don’t bounce around in an accident or if you stop suddenly. And when you have lifted your car off the ground, be sure to hold it up using axle stands.'

Read: Powered Jacks - Auto Express

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A review of the Hiper Type R Mk II 880W power supply has been posted over at PC Perspective. ‘The new Type R Mk II high-efficiency line of PC power supplies from The High Performance Group features 8 USB 2.0 ports and one USB-style mobile device charging port on the backside of the power supply. Two different models are available, one with 680W and the other with 880W of DC output. In addition to the unique USB ports, the Hiper Type R Mk II 880W power supply promises high efficiency and quiet operation. Both models are available with either a bright blue metallic or gloss black finish. The Hiper Type R Mk II 880W power supply can deliver up to 880W of stable DC power and comes with four PCI-E connectors, which can support multiple high-end video cards in SLI or CrossFire configurations. All cables are hard wired to the chassis and are fully sleeved. The power supply uses a single, large fan with blue LEDs for quiet cooling.’

Read: Hiper Type R Mk II 880W Power Supply Review – PC Perspective

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Digital Trends have published a review of the new SanDisk Sansa TakeTV video player which allows you to take video from your PC to your TV. 'The TakeTV, as of this writing, comes in two sizes - 4GB and 8GB. The 4GB version costs about $100 USD and offers up to 5 hours of video content (though smart encoders could probably squeeze more time). The 8GB costs about $150 USD and can hold up to 10 hours of content. One of the best things about the TakeTV is that it doesn't require any software. No iTunes, no Media Player, nothing. Just drag and drop your DivX, Xvid and other MPEG-4 files (e.g. AVI files with Xvid codec) onto the TakeTV USB 2.0 flash drive, move the flash drive from your computer to the TakeTV receiver and switch your TV to the RCA or S-Video input. Instant content.'

Read: SanDisk Sansa TakeTV 4GB - Digital Trends

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Press Release

PINEY FLATS, Tenn. – Diversified Power International (DPI) is fostering environmental stewardship by developing its first solar-powered battery charger.
Featuring patent-pending technology, the new charger uses a solar-powered energy system that distributes electrical impulses generated by a solar panel. The Piney Flats, Tenn.-based company began working on the charger in June 2006 and successfully field-tested the product in October 2007.

"DPI is interested in penetrating an environmental marketplace,” says Jerry Fagan, president of DPI, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2007. “This product marks a good start for us in that area. This charger uses a microprocessor to implement the charge algorithm, which makes it a very smart unit. But it is also very eco-friendly due to the solar element.”

DPI’s solar-powered charger is being applied initially to power automatic gate openers such as those used to operate swing and slide gates on outdoor entrances. The gate charger will be sold by a large network of distributors to major retail outlets such as Tractor Supply Company, Lowe’s and The Home Depot in the United States and Canada.

Eager to embrace “green” technology, DPI executives plan to apply their solar-powered charger to other applications, including but not limited to backup sump pump systems, emergency service vehicles, recreational vehicles, field-powered remote equipment and a host of consumer product applications.

“This technology could be applied to anything stationary or mobile that needs to operate away and out of reach of conventional power outlets,” says Tony Trigiani, vice president and engineering manager for DPI.

Founded in 1997, DPI manufactures intelligent battery charging systems utilizing new and innovative technologies developed in-house.

DPI offers a standard inventory of high-volume, cost-targeted, off-the-shelf products, as well as custom designs for lead acid batteries, nickel metal hydride, nickel cadmium and lithium-ion batteries. The company also provides custom electronics, custom software, enclosures, manufacturing and testing. DPI chargers contain microprocessors with sophisticated mathematic calculations or algorithms that determine each battery’s appropriate recharge requirement. The calculations result in a 100 percent recharging capacity – not the 40 to 70 percent achieved with most chargers.

About DPI
Headquartered in Piney Flats, Tenn., DPI manufactures smart battery chargers that offer documented advantages such as less battery gassing, less water replacement, fewer battery maintenance hours, less battery heating, less output amperage required and less electric power consumption. DPI chargers also increase battery life, lower operating costs and operate more efficiently.While most battery chargers are pre-programmed, which results in either an overcharge or undercharge of the battery, DPI’s technology involves manufacturing each battery charger with a microprocessor. This microprocessor contains sophisticated mathematic calculations or algorithms for determining each battery’s appropriate recharge requirement. As a result, DPI chargers deliver a 100 percent recharging capacity – not the 40 to 70 percent found with most chargers. Website: http://www.dpipower.com

Posted by HTG Admin at 9:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A review of the Solwise HomePlug Ethernet Adaptor with SimpleConnect (a simpler way to set up your HomePlug network) has been posted over at Register Hardware. 'Everyone who makes powerline adaptors supplies software that allows users to change the password used to encrypt data flowing between your powerline units. The snag here is that these utilities can be intimidating if you're not a techie, and they usually only run on Windows PCs - not much use if you're a Mac or Linux buff, or if you just want to connect a games console to the internet. Solwise's solution to the problem, dubbed Simple Connect, is to generate passwords randomly, literally at the push of a button, and auto-sync them with all the units on the network. The feature is implemented in its new PL-200AV Push adaptor.'

Read: Solwise Simple Connect powerline Ethernet adaptor - Register Hardware

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PC Magazine have published a review of the ViaMichelin X-970 GPS navigation device. ‘The X-970 uses the same ball-and-socket mounting bracket found on the X-930. Rather than a traditional lever to tighten the suction cup to the windshield, this mounting bracket has a knob that you twist to tighten. It's a bit more of a hassle than a lever, but once the bracket is in place, you're not likely to remove it. It has connections that pass power to the X-970 and enable you to leave the bracket connected to your power accessory jack. The map view is fairly simple. At the bottom of the screen, there are large icons for the Main Menu and Navigation Actions. Above that the current street name is displayed along with the number of satellites currently tracked. Plus and minus icons let you zoom in and out. Across the top of the screen there are three user-definable fields. For each one, you can choose to display one of the following: clock, direction; distance, time remaining until destination, arrival time, or speed. Oddly, you have to manually set the time on the device—it doesn't automatically sync with GPS satellite time signals.’

Read: ViaMichelin X-970 – PC Mag

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Western Enterprises has introduced the new Magnetic Activated Ground for welding which is able to handle up to 450 A continuously (100% duty cycle) and 600 A at 20% duty cycle. 'The ground has a unique ergonomic curved body which permits one-handed operation, even with gloves. Additionally, two built-in scrapers can be used to help clean away rust and debris for solid contact. The Magnetic Activated Ground provides exceptional freedom of motion to the welder by allowing 360º ground cable rotation when in the locked position. It does not require adaptors of any kind. A built-in pipe boot allows for both inside diameter or outside diameter pipe applications.'

Read: New Magnetic Activated Ground Handles up to 450 Amps at Flip of Switch - Thomas Net

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CNET have reviewed the Wilson Electronics Wireless Amplifier Cradle Kit which extends cellular services in poor coverage areas by amplifying both transmit and receive signals. 'Like its predecessor, the Cradle Kit consists of four parts: the main amplifier, a power cable, an external antenna for catching the cell phone signal, and an internal antenna for transferring the signal to your phone. In the product that we reviewed, the internal antenna is integrated into a phone cradle that holds your phone in place. You can secure the cradle to that dashboard or an air vent using one of three included connectors, and the cradle adjusts to hold just about any device, including larger smartphones, such as a BlackBerry. It's a great arrangement, particularly if you're making hands-free calls while driving (as you should). Alternatively, if you're hoping to use the amplifier product in your home, Wilson Electronics sells comparable models that instead use a more traditional antenna.'

Read: Wilson Electronics Wireless Amplifier Cradle Kit - CNET

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Birchwood Casey has introduced the new PATINA GREEN(TM) liquid which is a finishing solution intended for copper, brass, and bronze surfaces. 'Depending on your technique, there are two different types of finishes achievable. For bright green, or mint green finishes, the PATINA GREEN liquid can be applied directly onto a clean copper, brass or bronze surface using brush, dipping or spray. Or, for slightly muted tones that are somewhat more opaque, the PATINA GREEN solution can be applied as a secondary treatment over the top of a brown or black colored base coat. This technique produces less reflection from the base metal and is sometimes more compatible with other surrounding materials, such as tone or wood. The PATINA GREEN instruction sheet provides the details of these techniques.'

Read: New PATINA GREEN(TM) Finishing Solution Forms Attractive Verdi Green Finish on Copper, Brass and Bronze Surfaces - Thomas Net

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CNET have published the results of their power consumption tests carried out on eighty television sets. 'There are four basic technologies that TVs use to produce a picture, and technology type has a large influence on power consumption per inch of screen. The traditional cathode-ray tube (CRT) blasts electrons onto chemical phosphors embedded on the inside of the tube, while plasma sets ionize gas to create colors in a million or more tiny pixel cells. SpongeBob or American Idol then show up on the other side of the glass, and both require more electricity to create a brighter image. On the other hand, flat-panel LCDs and rear-projection microdisplays use a powerful fluorescent backlight or bulb that either punches through an LCD panel with its three color filters or that reflects off of a digital-light-processing chip that has a million miniature mirrors and a spinning color wheel. Either way, they consume the same power, regardless of the brightness of the image. That's because the primary light source--the backlight or the bulb--is essentially always running at maximum power. Note that many flat LCDs actually have adjustable backlights that you can turn down to consume less power and produce a dimmer image.'

Read: The basics of TV power - CNET

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Digital Reviews Network ahve published a review of the Brando USB to SATA/IDE cable which "allows concurrent connections with SATA or IDE devices over the USB port". 'The SATA/IDE cable makes life easy for those who have a stack of storage devices and not enough cradles or cables to connect them. This little beauty is three cables in one, allowing the user to simultaneously connect 3.5" IDE, 2.5" IDE and SATA devices to a computer via USB 2.0. The package is certainly comprehensive enough to allow an almost immediate start when connecting any of the following: all SATA/IDE devices such as CDROM, DVD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD-RW, Combo drive, 2.5" hard disk and 3.5” hard disk.'

Read: Brando USB to SATA/IDE Cable -- Reviewed - Digital Reviews Network

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Auto Express have published the results from their annual test of some of the leading brands of tyres. ‘We put 16 big brands to the test at Bridgestone’s proving ground just south of Rome in Italy. A number of different assessments were carried out in the wet and dry, and our scoring system was simple. In each category the winner was ranked at 100 per cent, with the others rated relative to this depending on performance. All tyres were supplied by the makers, but to ensure what we were sent are the same as you can buy, we bought four sets at random, and tested them back-to-back on the wet braking strip, which reveals major differences in construction or compound. So which is the one for your car?’

Read: Total Tyre Guide – Auto Express

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Trusted Reviews have published a review of the Solwise V500-DS IP Telephone which facilitates supports both landline and Skype services. ‘Making calls is simple enough and the large keypad buttons should be manageable for the majority of thumb sizes. You can configure the handset to have a default preference for either the landline or SkypeOut or you can set it to request this each time you make a call. Voice quality proved to be up to the mark with our testers reporting that they could hear no significant differences between calls made to them over SkypeOut or the landline. The same judgements applied to calls coming in via the landline or our SkypeIn number.’

Read: Solwise V500-DS IP Telephone – Trusted Reviews

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CNET have published a review of the Targus Radius Convertible Messenger/Backpack which features a zip down workstation with custom sized pockets made specifically to fit your Apple mouse, remote, power adapter and iPod. 'The Radius Convertible Backpack is black with dark olive-colored accents, giving it a sophisticated urban look, without being too business-like. We much prefer it set up as a saddlebag-style vertical messenger bag than a backpack, because unless you're walking through a college campus, no one looks good lugging a backpack around. Even though the case only measures 13.3 inches by 19 inches by 4.5 inches, there's a surprising amount of space inside, even if it's divided up into too many individual sections. The main compartment has a padded slot for your laptop--15-inch models are a tight fit and smaller laptops will swim around a bit. The front half of the main compartment accordions out a bit, giving you welcome flexibility for carrying larger accessories.'

Read: Targus Radius Convertible Messenger/Backpack - notebook accessories bundle - CNET

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Press Release

A chain-mount bracket that attaches their universal air-powered saw to pipe and bar stock quickly for applications requiring multiple cuts in the shop or on the job site is available from ESCO Tool of Medfield, Massachusetts.

The Esco Single Cut Bracket securely clamps their APS-438 Air Powered Saw onto a pipe or bar stock up to 4" O.D. and allows it to make square cuts with ±1/16" accuracy. Operating on 90 psi air, this saw has a rugged 3 HP motor, includes a standard grease fitting, safety throttle handle and relief valve, and uses either 10" or 12" fiberglass reinforced abrasive blades.

Suitable for fabrication shops and fit-up work at job sites, the Esco Single Cut Bracket combined with the APS-438 Air Powered Saw creates a chop-off saw that is superior to reciprocat