SAM is a virtual alarm for a physical mailbox

NEWS – Smart Alert for Mail has developed a hardware gadget called SAM – the world’s first purpose-built cloud-enabled alert system for a residential mailbox. This patent-pending system is composed of a transmitter, receiver, and optional mobile app. The SAM transmitter is a motion activated switch that transmits a signal to the SAM receiver. This is mounted to the mailbox door or a location which will register movement when mail is delivered. The rated range of the unit is 300 feet, line of sight.  The transmitter has a short external antenna which can improve signal transmission when used with a metal mailbox.  Upon detecting a signal from the transmitter, the envelope symbol on the receiver switches from green to blue and begins glowing. The receiver also plays an alert tone or a user selected mp3 (the AOL “You’ve got mail” announcement seems like the most obvious choice) and sends a signal through a connected Wi-Fi network to a mobile app. Through the mobile app, users are able to monitor their mailbox activity from anywhere cellular service is available. Pressing the receiver or acknowledging the detection in the app resets the transmitter notification for the next parcel delivery.

SAM has been designed to work with all USPS-approved curbside mailboxes, but it can also be used in a variety of motion detection applications. The retail cost of the SAM is $59.00 and $10.00 shipping. All of the wireless services are provided without subscription fees along with the purchase of the unit. For more information and to place an order for SAM, please visit https://smartalertformail.com/SAM is available for pre-order today and will begin shipping in early December.

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SAM is a virtual alarm for a physical mailbox originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 5, 2018 at 8:00 am.

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AcuRite ATLAS Weather Station review

REVIEW – I have been considering getting a high-tech weather station for years now but never had the time/energy to do the product research and make it happen. As a bit of background, I have a degree in atmospheric science and am quite the data-nerd. So when Julie offered up the AcuRite ATLAS weather station, I quickly volunteered to check it out and see if it lives up to my hopes and dreams of collecting ultra-local meteorological data at our home.

What is it?

The ATLAS weather station is engineered to collect meteorological data in near real-time and wirelessly transmit it to you in a variety of ways. The ATLAS measures temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, rainfall, UV index, and light intensity. The system transmits this data to either an optional HD touchscreen in your home or uploads it via the optional access point to the internet/cloud, making it viewable on your computer or smart device anywhere you happen to be.

Design and features

The AcuRite ATLAS is a compact, relatively well-made weather station that collects what I would consider pretty standard meteorological data. Its housing is made from a hard plastic designed to (obviously) withstand the outdoors.

  • ATLAS Weather Station
  • Wall/post mounting bracket
  • High Definition Touchscreen Display (optional $99.99)
  • AcuRite Access Point (optional $99.99)
  • Lightning Detector (optional $39.99)

Specifications:

Temperature Range -40 to 158° F
-40 to 70° C
Temperature Accuracy +/- 1° F
Humidity Range 1% – 99% RH
Humidity Accuracy +/- 2% RH
Wind Speed 0 – 160 mph; 0 – 257 km/h
Wind Direction 360°
Wind Direction Accuracy +/- 3°
Rain .01″ intervals (0.25 mm)
Rain Accuracy +/- 5%
UV Index 0 – 15 index
UV Accuracy +/- 1
Light Intensity to 120,000 Lumens
Data Reporting Temperature: 30 seconds
Humidity: 30 seconds
Wind Speed: 10 seconds
Wind Direction: 30 seconds
Rainfall: 30 seconds
UV Index: 30 seconds
Light Intensity: 30 seconds
Wireless Range 330 feet (100 meters) depending on home construction materials
Wireless Signal 433 MHz
Power 4 AA alkaline or lithium batteries

The ATLAS weather station is powered by four (4) AA batteries (not included). I thought it was odd AcuRite recommends standard alkaline or lithium batteries versus rechargeable ones. We do our best to only use rechargeables and don’t have any disposable batteries in the house. So I threw caution to the wind and used what we had… Thus far the weather station is no worse for the wear. Hopefully, they recommend non-rechargeable batteries only due to poor performance/endurance in the extreme temperatures. That said, I’ll most likely swap them out when I get the chance.

The battery compartment also has a port for the optional Lightning Detector module, pictured here on the left.

Before mounting the ATLAS weather station, foam surrounding the rain gauge must be removed allowing the plastic rocker to move freely. You definitely have to be careful to not damage or pinch the thin wires or small plastic connectors. The ATLAS is weather hardened but probably would not survive much, if any sort, of fall.

The plastic mount can be installed vertically or horizontally. An extension piece may be necessary to raise the ATLAS high enough away from whatever the mount is attached to. I used a 1 inch schedule 40 PVC pipe I had laying around the garage which worked surprisingly well. I may buy a longer piece to elevate the ALTAS even further above our roof but that may turn out to be unnecessary.

To accurately collect data, the ATLAS has to be level. Here you can see the integrated leveling bubble centered as prescribed (actually the easiest part of the install).

Once installed, you can barely tell the ATLAS is there collecting weather data unless you know where to look.

In addition to the AA batteries…when the sun is out, the ATLAS is also powered by three small solar panels built into the housing of the station. The solar cells measure about an inch and a half squared and there is one on the front and each side of the housing.

Here you can see the rain gauge intake and UV/light intensity sensor next to the leveling bubble.

The wind direction and speed sensors are mounted top, rear of the ATLAS. Both sensors move freely in the wind. As long as you face the ALTAS due South, you do not have to tweak any of the settings to receive accurate wind direction.

Optional Accessories:

The biggest and really only issue I have with the AcuRite weather station is that you have to also purchase one of their optional accessories to view/access your data (though they do sell package deals on Amazon).

High Definition Touchscreen Display

The high definition wireless touchscreen is clear and bright, though a bit top-heavy (I ultimately mounted it in my office). Displaying all the data in a well thought out layout. Like the smartphone app, the screen also enables you to dig deeper into the data for more thorough analysis. The system’s wireless range is approximately 300 feet depending on what the signal has to penetrate. The display has a built-in antenna that can be raised if need be. There is also a standard SD card slot if you want to capture the data for later review.

AcuRite Access Point

The AcuRite Access Point plugs into the ethernet port of your router and uploads the ATLAS met data to the myacurite.com website for viewing on your computer, tablet, and/or smartphone. The access point is dual powered via a microUSB plugged power source or three AA batteries as a temporary backup in case your power goes out. Though at that point, my guess is your internet modem and router would be without power limiting/killing your connectivity anyhow.

The AcuRite smartphone app does a pretty good job of displaying all the weather data collected by the ATLAS. You’re able to flip thru various data specific screens.

Or dive deeper into any one of the individual datasets to get a closer look as the weather changes over time. The app also enables you to download the data from the AcuRite server and set alerts for extreme conditions.

It is easy to tell at a glance the ambient conditions at your home or wherever you’ve installed the ALTAS. We live pretty far out in the sticks, so when I’m downtown or on travel, it’s great being able to check the app to see how (bad) the weather is at our place.

What I like

  • Provides real-time local weather data
  • Excellent list of sensors/data collected
  • Well made
  • Easy to setup
  • Solar and battery powered

What needs to be improved

  • Should include remote access in the box (vs as optional accessories)

Final thoughts

I really like the ATLAS weather station, it definitely meets my atmospheric scientist data-nerd needs.  AcuRite has done an excellent job creating a solid array of sensors in a compact, easy to install/setup design. The HD screen and smartphone app also do a solid job of displaying the meteorological data in an easy to read and understandable manner. That said, seeing the data on either, requires at least $100 more be invested to truly make the system usable. Though the ATLAS with all the accessories (screen, access point, and lightening module) shown here is currently available at Amazon for $261 as a package deal.

Price: ATLAS $149.99 / HD Touchscreen Display (optional $99.99) / Access Point (optional $99.99)
Where to buy: AcuRite.com or Amazon.com
Source: The sample of this product was provided by AcuRite.

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AcuRite ATLAS Weather Station review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 4, 2018 at 9:15 am.

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Thanks to Aldi, Advent calendars aren’t just for kids anymore! I’ll drink to that!

NEWS – Kids aren’t the only ones who can look forward to opening a new door on the Christmas Advent calendar to find a treat now.  Last year, Aldi markets offered a calendar with a small bottle of wine for each day in the countdown to Christmas.  That calendar was available only in the UK, but they will also be offered in the USA this year.

The calendar has 24 doors, behind which is a small bottle of a red, white, or rosé wine, or even a bottle of bubbly.  Each bottle should contain about 6 ounces, so I’m thinking each adult in the family might want their own calendar.

Each box will contain:

  • 2 x Prosecco Extra Dry, Italy
  • 2 x Chardonnay, Australia
  • 2 x Chenin Blanc, South Africa
  • 2 x Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand
  • 2 x White Zinfandel, U.S.A.
  • 2 x Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia
  • 2 x Pinot Grigio, Italy
  • 2 x Malbec, Argentina
  • 2 x Shiraz, Australia
  • 2 x Red Blend, Italy
  • 2 x Merlot, Chile
  • 2 x Sauvignon Blanc, Chile

The Advent calendar will go on sale at US Aldi stores on November 7th.  There is a limited supply, so you’ll want to get your calendars early so you’re ready to start drinking opening on December 1st.  The calendars should sell for about $70.00, though prices may vary by location.  Learn more at Aldi’s website; while you’re there, check to see if Aldi stores in your area are allowed to sell wine.

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Thanks to Aldi, Advent calendars aren’t just for kids anymore! I’ll drink to that! originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 4, 2018 at 8:21 am.

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Pixel 3 XL, Ooni pizza oven, Jaybird headphones, and more – Weekly roundup

NEWS – If you’re interested in dashcams and Bluetooth speakers, or headphones, we had several reviews that you’ll want to read from the past week. If those categories don’t get your gadgeteer juices flowing, then not to worry because we posted quite a few other reviews this week too. Just take a look through the complete listing of all the news, reviews, and articles from the past 7 days.

ARTICLES

REVIEWS

NEWS

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Pixel 3 XL, Ooni pizza oven, Jaybird headphones, and more – Weekly roundup originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 3, 2018 at 4:04 pm.

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BlitzWolf BW-P3 power bank review

REVIEW – Until the day when quick-charging long-lasting battery technology is commercially available to power all of our consumer electronic gadgets, an external power bank is required necessity. Blitzwolf makes a version with Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0. Read on to see what I think!                                               

What is it?

The BlitzWolf BW-P3 power bank is a gadget that you can use to charge rechargeable devices.  The power bank contains batteries and circuitry to regulate power output. The circuitry ensures that the power delivered to each USB port is optimized to minimize the charging time required. Special circuitry, licensed by Qualcomm, is available to charge compatible devices as quickly as possible. 

What’s in the box?


BlitzWolf® BW-P3 QC3.0 Power Bank
Micro USB Charging Cable
User Manual
Warranty Card

Design and features

Specifications

 Brand  BlitzWolf®
 Model  BW-P3
 Capacity  9000mAh/33.3Wh
 Power  18W(two USB ports total)
 Input  5V/2A (max)
 Output 1  5V/2.4A (max)
 Output 2  5V/2.4A (non-Quick Charge,universal)
3.6-6.5V/3A,6.5-9V/2A,9-12V/1.5A (QC3.0)
 Charging time  5 hours (with 5V/2A Charger)
10 hours (with 5V/1A Charger)
 Size  102*61.5*21.3mm
 Weight  225g±5g
 Certification  CE,FCC,Qualcomm QC3.0

Unboxing

The power bank is made and ships from China. It took 18 days from the day I ordered it to arrive: 13 days from Shenzhen, China to Chicago, Illinois, USA, and another 4 days from Chicago to Massachusetts, USA.

The Package was well wrapped and the box inside didn’t show any signs of damage from the trip.

 

Design of the BlitzWolf® BW-P3 QC3.0 Power Bank

Weighing in at 221 grams and slightly larger than a deck of cards, the power pack has a substantial feel to it, indicative of a solid, well-crafted device. Its dimensions are perfect for large and small hands and make it easy to hold alongside a phone or tablet while charging. The dimensions are also perfect to hold 3 TR 18650 lithium batteries, which hold the charge for this unit. I purchased this six months ago, but the manufacturer is currently selling these units as a 10000 mAh capacity device. Since I charged the unit to 37 Wh I’m not sure if they changed the capacity inside or just changed the label on the case. TR 18650 batteries come in many capacities, so a change in the supplier may have allowed Blitzwolf to upgrade their product

The Aluminum shell does not feel like it will dent or buckle if pressed. The front and back end, fabricated from black plastic are inset into the aluminum frame and gives the device a well crafted and defined appearance. The power button is large yet it doesn’t rock in the frame; it’s another design specification and manufacturing touch which confirms that this is a well designed and constructed device.

The bottom of the unit is emblazoned with the Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 symbol and text.

The top of the unit has the BlitzWolf logo and 4 white LEDs to indicate remaining capacity and charging status.

The LEDs are quite bright and easy to see even in full sun. 

Performance

I monitored the power bank charging with a J7-t safety tester and also monitored the temperature of the battery pack with an infrared thermometer.

Charging

The power bank draws up to 8 W (5.2 V, 1.52 amps) while charging. It took 3:42 to charge 24 Wh. While charging the case temperature rose from 73°F to 82°F. The next time it was empty I charged the pack using the supplied cable and it took 5:21 to charge 37 Wh. So it appears that the unit does have the stated capacity of 33.3 Wh.

Discharging

I used the power bank to charge a completely dead iPhone 6. It took 3:51 to charge the iPhone 9.9 Wh. I observed the phone charging at 7 W after an hour, so some trickle charging occurring for most of that elapsed time. The iPhone has a 6.9 Wh battery so 3 Wh was lost as heat in the charging process.

I also used the power bank to charge a dead LeTV Le Eco Le Pro 3 using the QC port. The charging occurred at up to 18.5 W (7.4 V, 2.5 amps) but changed according to the battery charging circuit requirements. The power bank charged 17 Wh into the phone by Quick Charge before being completely drained. The temperature of the case was measured as high as 104°F but dropped to 101°F as the charging continued.

What I like

  • Easy to use
  • Compact
  • High Capacity
  • QC 3.0

What needs to be improved

  • Nothing

Final thoughts

I recommend this product for those who would like to be able to charge their devices quickly and also have a good looking and dependable device. The design and performance are exactly as advertised

Price: $42.89 often less with sales, coupons and volume discounts
Where to buy: Banggood
Source: The Blitzwolf sample for this review was purchased with my own funds.

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BlitzWolf BW-P3 power bank review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 3, 2018 at 2:30 pm.

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