Home 2018 December

Yale Assure Connected by August Touchscreen Smart Lock YRD226 review

REVIEW – My father imparted many tidbits of wisdom to me prior to his passing a few weeks ago. One of his gems was, “Locks keep honest people honest.” How true this is. With Yale’s Assure Lock Deadbolt, my pockets have become a bit lighter and my home is protected in technological style.

What is it?

The Yale model YRD226 is deadbolt lock with an integrated keypad and wireless capabilities, enabling a homeowner to lock or unlock a door using a traditional key, user-programmable code, Bluetooth, Cellular or Wi-Fi.

Hardware Specs:

  • Installs in standard doors in minutes
  • Replaces existing deadbolt with just a screwdriver
  • Fits on doors 1-3/4″ to 2-1/4″ thick (*1-3/8″ requires thin door gasket
  • Backset 2-3/8″ or 2-3/4″
  • Face Bore Hole: 2-1/8″
  • Edge Bore Hole: 1″
  • Adjustable Latch
  • Create up to 250 keypad access codes using the August with Network Module or 25 codes without
  • Lifetime limited warranty for finish and mechanical, one year
  • Certified ANSI/BHMA A156.36, Grade 2
  • Finishes:  Oil Rubbed Bronze US3, Satin Nickel US15, Oil Rubbed Bronze US10BP

What’s in the Box?

  • Yale Real Living Assure Lock™ Touchscreen Deadbolt
  • August Wi-Fi Bridge module and Bluetooth lock module
  • Installation Guide
  • Mounting Screws
  • Door Template
  • 4 AA Batteries
  • 2 Keys
  • August Warranty card

Design and Features:

At 150 years old, Yale is no stranger to door locks, are several patents. The latest incarnation, provided is a testament to Yale’s legacy.

I received the well-packaged, brushed-nickel model which matched my current door hardware.

Since I was replacing an existing lock, I did not need to drill holes, save for the 5/16” hole for the door closed sensor magnet. Yale’s illustrated instructions are extremely well written and easy to understand.

Installing the lock took approximately 15 minutes using nothing more than a Philips screwdriver.

I opted to install the lock detection magnet in the door frame for a more polished appearance

The lock and finish is attractive and intimidatingly heavy, as a lock should be.

I was almost startled upon installing the four AA batteries into the lock because it talks! A pleasant female voice directs the remaining setup functions and made setup simple and efficient and, to be honest, rather fun.  There is a brief calibration process, opening and closing the door that worked flawlessly the first time.

Using the keypad, I was able to create a master entry code, allowing access to the remaining configuration functions. I added a few sub-user codes and tested the lock. My daughter’s friends are notorious for leaving the front door unlocked, so I was thrilled at the lock’s automatic lock feature which works like a champ. I set it to lock the door 30 seconds after the door has been closed.

Installing the August app, I was able to connect to the lock and set up the Wi-Fi bridge module in minutes. It should be noted that the bride module communicates to the lock via Bluetooth with a limited range of about 10 feet, so plan on having a nearby outlet.

The app is compatible with Apple’s Home Kit and Alexa and works perfectly. Setup was painless. It’s great to be able to order Alexa or Siri to “unlock the front door.” I was also able to add the lock to my Wink hub, configure some IFTTT Applets and use the lock functions to activate lots of cool home automation. The Yale lock is one of the most well-connected gadgets I’ve had the pleasure of using thus far. Other manufacturers are encouraged to take note.

The app is intuitive, allows configuration of the lock without using the keypad and can operate the lock anywhere there is an internet connection.

Lock settings and instructions are thoughtfully coded and the instruction videos are top-notch.

The activity log provides a record of when and how the door was opened.

What I like:

  • Quality manufacturing and workmanship
  • Outstanding installation documentation and illustrations
  • Easy hardware and app installation
  • Delightful voice prompts
  • Plenty of locking options
  • Excellent variety of connectivity options

What needs to be improved?

  • Expensive

Final thoughts

Yale’s Assure Lock YRD226 is an outstanding product, combining great quality, easy installation, fantastic connectivity, and was a genuine pleasure to install. Frankly, it’s rare to not run into some kind of hiccup installing new hardware and apps.  It’s my hope that other manufacturers follow in Yale’s footsteps with all of the possible connection options, making home automation choices plentiful. At some point, I will be adding more of these to the other exterior doors of my home.

Price: $279
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Yale. Please visit their site for more info.

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Yale Assure Connected by August Touchscreen Smart Lock YRD226 review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 3, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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Build your own galloping mechanical horse

NEWS – This kit is the perfect thing for model-builders and horse lovers.  Scientifics Direct describe this kit: “Automata are mechanical art pieces that achieve a series of lifelike movements using a variety of clever mechanisms.  Cranks, gears, wheels, cams and linkages are used to mimic the simple flowing beauty found in nature.  As the crank is turned, the horse springs to life, galloping along. Each of the legs moves independently, while the head reaches into the wind and the tail flows out behind.”

This Mechanical Horse Automation kit is designed for advanced hobbyists ages 14 and up.  It will require 8-12 hours of work to assemble.  Cabinet-grade plywood and hardwoods are laser-cut into the 221 pieces required for the animated horse.  You’ll need a razor saw, glue and sandpaper, plus the 36-page illustrated instruction manual to complete the project.  When finished, the horse (and its mechanics) measure 12” x 5.5” x 12.5”.

You can buy this kit for $74.95 from Amazon.

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Build your own galloping mechanical horse originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 3, 2018 at 8:00 am.

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Levo Rolling Laptop Workstation review

REVIEW – Mobile devices are great, in that they can be moved from place to place with little effort, and real work can be done virtually anywhere. But if you want to sit in a place where you don’t have a “desk” for a while, but need your laptop, or a tablet or even a large book, the Levo Rolling Laptop Workstation may be what you’re needing. I’ve been using one for a month or so and found some interesting things I’d like to share.

Note: Photos may be tapped or clicked for a larger image.

What is it?

The Levo Rolling Laptop Workstation (RLW) is a weighted rolling base with a single vertical telescoping pole, topped by a single arm mounted at a right angle to the pole. This supports a 16.5” x 12.25” work surface that can be almost infinitely adjusted to hold what you need to be held. The main pole ranges from 23” to 41” from the floor. The base is in an hourglass shape, which helps it to get close to you in various chairs and tables.

What’s in the box?

Workstation, in pieces. Easy assembly takes less than ten minutes.

Design and features

The RLW is a compact, well-designed piece of kit. The three sections of the main pole are adjusted with two friction clamps that open and close with ease using custom clamps that have 1.5” finger locks. You’re not going to be breaking nails or looking for screwdrivers to pry them open, and they are going to stay where you clamp them. The 13” horizontal arm terminates in a three-piece U-joint that lets you adjust the angle of the center-mounted work surface to almost any position. For safety, the side-to-side tilt motion has a lock that only allows about 15º from either side of true horizontal.
The work surface itself is made from a hard plastic with a pebbly texture. Across the top, there is a thick woven elastic cord that can be used to hold your device in place. I found it perfect for my 15” MacBook Pro, as well as the cases of my iPads. (Note the safety cord holding my 10.5″ iPad Pro below.) With this in place, I never worried they would slide off when I wasn’t right there paying attention.


In addition to the elastic band, there are 4 flip-up “fingers” across the bottom of the workspace. They can be clicked up halfway or at a full right angle from the surface. These let the user have items on the surface that might otherwise fall off – pencils, rulers, or smaller digital devices. With the fingers only, all my devices will stay on, but I’m more worried than when they are held with the elastic as well. But if I want to just sit my iPhone there, for instance, I don’t have to worry about it sliding off, if the fingers are deployed. I did find them to get in the way when typing on an iPad onscreen keyboard or a MacBook, however.

In addition to being good for digital devices, the RLW has a Book Kit available, which consists of two hook-and-loop straps that secure the book to the stand, and two page holders, which allow the reader to quickly turn pages but keep them from flipping back or forward. One of the slots for the straps can be seen in the photo above between the flip-up fingers.

What I Like

  • Non-fiddly. You set it to the height and angle, and go.
  • Flip-out fingers and elastic loop are strong enough but easy to deploy/stow.

What needs to be improved

  • Short arm means base needs to be close. This is sometimes difficult.
  • When extended a good bit, it tends to lean or bow a bit.

Final thoughts

Sometimes, you just want to work from someplace different. It may be the kitchen table or counter, the sunroom, or the deck. You may have a table there, or not, but you need to have your technology for working near at hand. Or, in an office setting, you may have to wander around a large area, checking on patients, wiring closets, or classrooms, while needing your equipment at each stop. In these instances, a light, portable, yet functional stand can help. The RLW can handle any size laptop you throw at it and will adjust from standing to squatting with just a flip of the clamp. With the safety tether, you’re not going to have your laptop slide off, either. At $180, it’s a tad on the pricey side of what I’d want for a quick-and-dirty home solution, but the build quality and materials are there to last quite a while, even in a corporate environment, and I’ve seen “name-brand” stands cost far more.

Price: $179.99
Where to buy: Levo Store
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Levo.

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Levo Rolling Laptop Workstation review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 2, 2018 at 9:32 am.

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Venstar ColorTouch T7900 thermostat review


REVIEW – I’ve wanted a WiFi controllable thermostat for quite a while now, so when the opportunity to review the Venstar ColorTouch T7900 thermostat came along I thought this might just be the answer to my temperature war with my wife.

What is it?

The Venstar ColorTouch T7900 thermostat is a color touchscreen WiFi controllable thermostat.

What’s in the box?

  • Venstar ColorTouch T7900 thermostat
  • Instruction Manual
  • Mounting Screws



Design and features

The design of the Venstar ColorTouch T7900 thermostat is simple. There are no external switches or dials, everything is controlled via the color touchscreen.

Installation was pretty straightforward for anyone that has done thermostat wiring before, but I would recommend having someone install it for you if your wiring doesn’t exactly match up with one of the possible configurations listed in the instruction book. Thermostat wiring can be a bit frustrating depending on how good the installer was and how old the home is. Newer homes probably have the correct wiring. The Venstar website also has some videos on installation and operation that are quite helpful and a support staff that can help you out.

The ColorTouch T7900 has a beautiful screen. It’s easy to read and looks great. The touch response is nice and the user interface is pretty decent. There are a lot of things you can do with this thermostat, but there are only a couple of steps to get up and running quickly.

On the main screen there is a current temperature display, heat to and cool to indicators so you know what you have it set to, “buttons” to change the current temp setting, and a status bar/menu where you can choose home or away, mode, or menu. Mode simply offers the options of Heat, Cool, Auto, or Off.

The menu contains most of the configuration items such as schedule, screensaver, themes, WiFi, etc. More on that later.

The mobile app was disappointing. It has limited functionality. The app has three sections: Control, Info, and Configure. Control allows you to set the mode (Heat, Cool, Auto, or Off), change the current temp, and displays a weather forecast (after you configure your location via the Skyport website).

The Info section has icons for Alerts, Messages, Sensors, and Energy use. The Alerts is kind of self-explanatory. The Messages icon allows you to send a text message to the thermostat display. The Sensors icon shows inside and outside temperature and humidity, although it will hang if you haven’t set your location via the website. The Energy use icon will show you energy use for today, this week, and last week. It doesn’t really show energy consumption but rather how long the heating or cooling was running.

The Configure section of the mobile app allows you to set Home/Away, Schedule on/off (but not edit the actual schedule), and set fan control to On or Auto.

I was disappointed that I could not edit the schedule or upload images via the mobile app.

The mobile app is best used for checking or changing the temperature and turning on and off your schedule.




I found the scheduling feature to be perfect. You can edit individual days, or all of the days at once. You can set a morning, day, evening, and night temperature. This is so much easier to do with a smart device like this than a standard LCD display thermostat.



There is also the free Skyport website that you sign up for to connect via WiFi and also change the settings. The website has all of the features of the mobile app, and additionally has most of the features that the thermostat itself has, such as being able to edit schedules, set screensaver options, etc. This was really impressive because I was not expecting to be able to do all of the things you can do from the website!

The thermostat has built-in background images (themes) for several locations and holidays, but the feature I like the most is being able to put my own images on the device. There’s a background image and screensaver images that basically turn your thermostat into a digital picture frame. You must use their desktop app to configure that though. After importing the images, you export them to an SD card and then on the thermostat you can import settings and/or images. The screensaver can display an analog clock, digital clock, or your images.







The thermostat also has a security feature which may come in handy if you have kids. With the security feature enabled you can lock down all the functions and adjustments with a passcode and to restrict the temperature range. This allows you to let people change the temperature, but only to the minimum and maximum that you set.

One thing I really like is the ability to set a notification for a low temperature. If the temperature goes below the value I set, you get an email. This is reassuring in the winter time.

What I like

  • Website can be used to control and configure the thermostat
  • Screensaver/wallpaper feature is really cool
  • Thermostat/App/Website show not only the temp but if the heating or cooling is actively running

What needs to be improved

  • Mobile app needs more features

Final thoughts

Overall I really like the Venstar ColorTouch T7900 thermostat. It’s nice looking, performs well, and has features that a non-WiFi thermostat just doesn’t have. I like the peace of mind that the mobile app gives me when I’m away from home for long periods during the winter.

Price: $268.68
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Venstar.

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Venstar ColorTouch T7900 thermostat review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 2, 2018 at 8:32 am.

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LG V40 ThinQ, Colonel Littleton bag, Focal Elegia headphones, and more – Weekly roundup

NEWS – Yay, we survived Black Friday last week and Cyber Monday this week, so the rest of the days until the end of the year should be smooth sailing. If you’re still stressed out by the holidays, I have the perfect stress relief for you. Reading about gadgets! Take a look at the list I’ve made of everything that we posted in the past week. Enjoy!

REVIEWS

NEWS

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LG V40 ThinQ, Colonel Littleton bag, Focal Elegia headphones, and more – Weekly roundup originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 1, 2018 at 4:40 pm.

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