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Powerbuilt Digital Torque Adaptor – My Favorite Tools – March 2010

Cool Tools, DIY, Favorite Tools, Home Improvement
March 13, 2010 4 Comments

When I’m changing my brakes I  just tighten to what I think is “tight enough” — not always a good thing.  All automotive bolts and parts have a recommended torque amount that should be followed. Sure, you can get yourself an analog torque wrench, but why would you when you can get the Powerbuilt Digital Torque Adaptor that turns any 1/2″ rachet into a digital one?

This little gadget not only can be used to calibrate analog torque wrenches (which you’d pay about the same as the adapter if taken to someone to calibrate) but you can use it in situations where you need precise torque pressure using a standard rachet wrench.  The feature I really like is that you set the torque amount you want to achieve and then as you tighten you get both visual (LED light & LCD torque amount) and audible indication.

The Powerbuilt Digital Torque Adaptor is Mavromatic’s, “My favorite tools”, for March 2010.  It runs about $50.

– AMAZON.com – Powerbuilt Digital Torque Adaptor

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Garmin ecoRoute HD bluetooth wireless dongle

Automobiles, Cool Tools, DIY, Electronics
February 15, 2010 2 Comments

The Garmin ecoRoute HD is a bluetooth wireless dongle which plugs into your vehicles ODB port allowing you to monitor sensors such as intake air temperature, coolant temperature, throttle position and engine load, intake manifold pressure, battery and charging system information, mass airflow rate, timing advance and emissions — you can even check and clear engine trouble codes without visiting the car dealership.

The ecoRoute works with newer Garmin Nuvi GPS units that feature ecoRoute firmware, but since this is bluetooth… A) is it hackable? B) will an iPhone App be released from Garmin to pair with the device?

At $149 (retail) the Garmin ecoRoute HD is a great feature to add to your Garmin Nuvi GPS.  It’s available for pre-order now from Amazon.com.

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Niles MS220 – The Best IR Sensor!

DIY, Electronics, Home Automation, Home Theater
January 29, 2010 No Comments

It’s freaking 2010 and we’re still using IR, WTF?  Oh well… if you are looking to find the most reliable IR Sensor to connect to your IR connection block (used in applications where you want to put AV components in a remote area but still have control), I highly recommend the new Niles MS220.   I have used different units by Xantech, Russound, even Niles and the MS220 is the most reliable.   How do I know?  For starters, all the others I have used you needed to choose between CFL/Plasma friendly and not.  You’d get weird noise (the LED on the sensor would flash) from stray “IR” signals.   The MS220 utilizes a “smart” electronic circuit to filter out noise and works with all IR formats.   Check out Niles Audio for more information.

Product Page
Product Specification Sheet [PDF]

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Myro:Home Automation Controller Running In Apple iPad Simulator

Announcements, DIY, Home Automation, Home Theater
January 27, 2010 5 Comments

Just downloaded the newest iPhone SDK (3.2) and ran the Myro:Home iPhone app in the iPad Simulator. It works (you can press the 2x to zoom it, seen in the second image) Once I release the iPhone app, I will be focusing on making a native version for the iPad. This should be fun! A $499 home automation controller is perfect — the iPad is Myro Control’s wireless home controller!

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SNEAK PEAK: Myro:Home for iPhone (HAI Controller)

Cell Phones, DIY, Hacks & Mods, Home Automation
January 4, 2010 3 Comments

Here is a sneak peak of the Myro:Home iPhone application.  As you can see, progress has been coming along.  I’ve been getting the design finalized and now I’m just tweaking the look and feel a bit.  The mobile framework has also been set in the core Myro:Home application which acts as a server on your home network.  The iPhone version connects into Myro and loads and controls the HAI panel via a secure channel.

The key focus has been getting control of your home via the iPhone in the quickest time possible.  As it works now, I can load and control in less than 3 seconds (if on WIFI).

– MYRO CONTROL – Myro:Home

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The Energy Detective (TED) 5000 Whole House Power/Energy Usage Monitor — Mavromatic’s 2009 Holiday Gift Guide

DIY, Electronics, Home Appliances, Home Automation, Home Improvement, Home Theater
November 25, 2009 No Comments

ted-5000_mavro

TED 5000 WHOLE HOUSE POWER MONITOR ($239) — Give the gift that keeps on giving money back and can also help make the world a cleaner, better place! The TED 5000 is the latest in home energy monitoring from Energy Inc. that can measure electricity usage in real-time. Just recently, Google and Energy Inc. announced that anyone in the U.S. can purchase and install the TED 5000 and see personal home energy data online using the free Google PowerMeter web application. This device not only lets you manage energy usage but predicts your monthly energy costs and carbon footprint instantly, thus helping you reduce power waste and save you money.

For the complete 2009 Holiday Gift Guide, click here.

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