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Tacklife IT-T05 Dual Laser Infrared Thermometer review


I used to have one of these infrared thermometers, but it’s since gone missing.  I suspect it was stolen in the Great Garage Robbery of 2015.  I recently had a chance to test out another infrared thermometer, but with not one laser, but two!  Let’s check out this laser-y goodness.

Specifications :

● Temperature: -50°C~550°C （-58°F~1022°F)
● Accuracy Resolution: ≥100°C±2% / ≤100°C±2°C
● Response Time: ≤0.5S
● Emissivity: Adjustable (0.1-1.0)
● Distance to Spot Ratio: 12: 1
● Storage Temperature: -20 to 50°C （-4 to 122°F）
● Operating Temperature: 0 to 50°C（32 to 122°F）
● Power/ Power Life: 9V / about 12 hours

Included In The Package:

1 X Tacklife T05 Pro infrared thermometer
1 X 9V battery
1 X User Manual
1 X Carrying Case
1 X 24 Months Warranty

To be honest, this looks similar to every other infrared thermometer you’d find on Amazon.  I suspect a handful are made by a few companies, then rebranded across many, many different names.

The model T05 comes with a carrying case and a 9V battery.

What I did not expect was a belt loop in the back.  Not bad!

Look familiar?  If you’ve ever owned an inexpensive infrared thermometer, there’s not a whole lot of difference other than cosmetics.

It’s feeding time!  The T-05 takes a single 9 V battery (included).

One thing about the T-05 that stands out:  Dual laser pointer.  The space between the two dots indicates the approximate “circle” you’re measuring.  To me, this is a must-have feature.

Don’t forget to peel off the plastic film!  The LCD display can be backlit.  There are four buttons that let you toggle the backlight or laser on or off, set degrees C or F, and change emissivity (0.1 to 1.0).  The default emissivity is 0.95 out of the box.

Let’s go measure things! This block of reusable “ice” measured a frosty 7.6°F  Note the two laser dots.

For something warm, I measured a cup of warm water.  (The red laser dot on the edge of the cup is actually a reflection).  Both the T-05 and my trusted Thermoworks Thermapen Mk4  measured about the same at the surface of the water.  Of course, one thing the infrared thermometer can’t do is measure temperatures BELOW the surface.

Is the Tacklife IT-T05 useful?  Sure it is.  Keep in mind that I consider this a strictly non-scientific instrument that’s really only good for “how much hotter/colder is this thing vs. ___?”   However, the addition of two laser “dots” indicating the area measured makes this a far more useful thermometer than those without.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by Tacklife. Please visit their site for more info and Amazon to order.

 

Product Information

Price: MSRP $49.99 ($24.97 at the time of this review)
Manufacturer: Tacklife
Retailer: Amazon
Requirements:
  • 9V battery (included)
Pros:
  • Dual laser pointers makes remote measuring a snap
  • Carry case and batteries included
Cons:
  • Only takes surface measurements

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Tacklife IT-T05 Dual Laser Infrared Thermometer review originally appeared on on June 15, 2017 at 7:32 am.

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O6 puts world control at your fingertips


Do you agree that it’s much easier to click a button or twist a dial to control something vs. grabbing your phone, unlocking it, and navigating to an app or setting? If you nodded your head to that question, then you’ll be as interested in the O6 from Fingertips Lab as I am.

What is the O6? It’s a small “eyes-free” controller that pairs with an iOS device via Bluetooth and uses an app to turn your apps into “radio stations” that you can listen to and interact with.

Why is it called O6? That’s what I wondered about too, so I asked and was told:

Operating System is abbreviated as OS. O6 is a new operating system that intends to be your 6th sense Operating System, hence the name O6. O6 does not need any visual attention or speech to operate. Our technology uses sophisticated algorithms to provide a seamless, discreet experience.

Using O6, you can have your emails, news, tweets, etc read aloud to you. But it doesn’t stop there, in addition to hearing your emails, and other content, you can respond to emails, texts, and more without touching your phone. This means you’ll be safer while driving and can keep your eyes exactly where they need to be, which is on the road.

The O6 device has an aluminum shell and features a button and a dial for easy navigation through your apps and music while driving, walking, cycling and more.

The O6 is powered by a rechargeable battery that lasts 5-7 days per charge.

Currently, the O6 is only compatible with iOS devices, as far as interacting with all the various apps. But, there is limited Android functionality that will allow it to Play/Pause, change tracks, and change volume for your favorite music, podcasts, and audiobook apps. Full Android support will be coming in the future.

You can order the O6 for $99 from www.o6app.com.

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O6 puts world control at your fingertips originally appeared on on June 14, 2017 at 5:10 pm.

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Jam easier with the new body add-on for the Zivix jamstik+


If you’re not familiar with the Zivix jamstik, it’s an ultra-portable 6-string MIDI guitar controller that connects via Bluetooth to your iOS device or Mac. The size of this instrument makes it perfect for on the go music noodling and performances, but the narrow shape does make it difficult to play without using a strap. Zivix listened to their customer’s feedback and is now offering a body add-on that turns the jamstik+ into a full-fledged mini electric guitar.

The add-on is called the JS EXT and it’s been designed to snap into the existing strap holes on the jamstik+.

The larger frame provides improved ergonomics so that you hold the jamstik+ in a more traditional and comfortable way on your lap.

The JS EXT is made of black plastic and even with it installed, you can still use a strap. The JS EXT is priced at $49.99 and can be ordered from jamstik.com

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Jam easier with the new body add-on for the Zivix jamstik+ originally appeared on on June 14, 2017 at 2:06 pm.

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intelliPLUG smart plug, iMoov folding lapdesk, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns


Not a day goes by where I don’t receive at least a handful of emails pitching a variety of crowdfunding campaigns. Most of the time the products that are seeking funding are products I’ve seen before and aren’t that interestng to me, but sometimes there a few gems that are worth sharing to all of you. I collect those interesting projects and create one post a week showcasing the Kickstarter and Indiegogo campaigns that I think you’ll want to read about. Click through to see this week’s picks.

intelliPLUG Wi-Fi Smart Plug

What is it?
The intelliPLUG is a small app-controlled smart plug that does not require a hub and can be controlled with Alexa.

Why do I like it?
I like the intelliPLUG because it makes it easy to create a smart home. The plug is small and doesn’t require a lot of extra hardware or a complicated setup. Just plug it into an outlet, pair it with your phone and the intelliPLUG app and the appliance plugged into intelliPLUG can now be controlled anywhere with your phone. You also get 2 plugs for $20 which is very inexpensive compared to other smart plugs on the market.

Where can I find more info?
With a month left in the campaign, The intelliPLUG campaign more than halfway to their funding goal of $25,000. You can pre-order an intelliPLUG starting at $20. After the intelliPLUG campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in August 2017. Visit their Indiegogo page for all the details.

iMoov folding lapdesk

What is it?
iMoov is a portable folding lap desk for laptops, phones, and tablets.

Why do I like it?
I like the iMoov because it can be used in many ways making it a lot more versatile and ergonomic than a lot of other lap desks that I’ve tried in the past. It folds down into a lightweight package for portability. With certain pledge levels, they even offer a Bluetooth keyboard and a carry bag for the iMoov, the keyboard, your laptop, and other gear.

Where can I find more info?
With 19 days left in the campaign, The iMoov campaign has already met their funding goal of $50,000. You can pre-order an iMoov starting at $56. After the iMoov campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in October 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Magpie: the smartest, truly global GPS tracker around

What is it?
Magpie is a rechargeable, waterproof GPS tracking device that requires a low priced monthly subscription.

Why do I like it?
I like the Magpie tracker because it uses GPS instead of Bluetooth. So instead of being alerted when you walk only a few feet away from the object that you want to track, the Magpie will let you track objects globally because it uses GPS over a cellular network. The tracking device is also rechargeable and can last from 1 day to 3 months depending on the tracking frequency that you set.

Where can I find more info?
With 15 days left in the campaign, The iMoov campaign has already met their funding goal of $10,000. You can pre-order a Magpie starting at $5. After the Magpie campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in February 2018. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

BuildOne: $99 3D Printer w/ WiFi and Auto Bed Leveling

What is it?
BuildOne is a small auto calibrating 3D printer at a very affordable price.

Why do I like it?
I like the BuildOne mainly because it’s small. Most 3D printers take up too much space. This one is the perfect size for a hobbyist or for someone wanting to try 3D printing for the first time.

It has a 5″x5″x5″ print area and uses standard 1.75mm filament. The BuildOne is also modular and can be upgraded with different types of print beds, a display and other features.

Where can I find more info?
With 8 days left in the campaign, The iMoov campaign has already met their funding goal of $100,000. You can pre-order a BuildOne starting at $5. After the BuildOne campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in October 2017. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

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intelliPLUG smart plug, iMoov folding lapdesk, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns originally appeared on on June 14, 2017 at 9:32 am.

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myCharge HubPlus C portable charger review


You can never have too many portable chargers in my opinion.  I have them everywhere, at my house, my office, and my car.  I also give them as gifts to my friends and family, and I have reviewed many of them here at the Gadgeteer.  So I am always on the lookout for new features in chargers that I haven’t seen before, and the myCharge HubPlus C portable charger brings new features to the table.  Let’s find out what they are!

So let’s start with the specs and product features from the manufacturer:

Battery: 6700mAh Lithium Ion

Product Dimensions: 4 in x 2.5 in x 0.9 in

Product Weight: 0.43 lbs.

Output: 18W

Smart-sense: ensures complete device compatibility

Hyper-charge: ultra-fast charging of your devices; up to 65% faster than competitors with Qualcomm Quick charge 3.0

Devices compatible with quick charge: Google Pixel, Samsung S8, Type C Smartphones

Power-stay: maintains battery power for up to 1 year

Max-power: maximum power transfer from power bank to device

High-density battery: the smallest and lightest power bank

Safe-cell: provides the highest level of battery safety

Rapid-recharge: power bank recharges up to 50% faster than competitors

Pass Through Charging: will charge the power bank and connected device simultaneously

What I liked

The myCharge HubPlus C is easy to hold with one side nicely curved. It has 2 built-in cables (micro-USB and USB-C) that fold-out when in use and tuck neatly into the side of the HubPlus C when you don’t need them, so you never have to carry your cable with you.  And it has a built-in fold-out power plug so all you have to do to charge it is fold-out the plug and insert it into the nearest wall socket.  And it also has a standard USB-A port to charge any USB device you want.

The HubPlus C also has pass-through charging, which means it can be plugged up to the wall to charge and then you can plug up your device to the HubPlus C to charge your device at the same time.  That isn’t the case with most portable chargers, so that is a definite advantage.  It also automatically turns on when you plug up your device to the HubPlus C so you don’t have to press the power button on the side.  In fact, the only use I can find for that button is to see the 4 status lights on the side that display how much charge is left inside.

The capacity of 6,700mAh means that I can fully charge my Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ twice with just a little bit left over.  I have other chargers that are about the same size as the HubPlus C that have much higher capacities, so it would be nice if the HubPlus gave me a few more charges with all the other great features it comes with.

Left: compared to my Galaxy S6 Edge+ Right: the HubPlus C is quite thick.

The downside

Although the HubPlus C has Quick charge 3.0 from Qualcomm, there are only certain devices that can utilize it. So my Galaxy S6 Edge+ doesn’t use the Quick charge feature.  It does charge pretty fast, no doubt, but I don’t get true Quick charge with my phone.  Also, when you charge multiple devices at the same time, the 18 amps output is divided up pretty quickly and you pretty much get standard charging rates.

I also don’t like that the cables are so short.  I mean, one of the great features of the HubPlus is that the cables are built-in.  But that is also a detriment because if you want to take a call while your phone is charging, you have to awkwardly hold both of them up to your head.  And if you want to plug up the HubPlus C to the wall outlet and charge your phone at the same time, you could find your phone dangling from the wall and the cables awkwardly twisted.

Bottom line

The HubPlus C is portable, the built-in cables and power plug are convenient, and the Quick charge is great for those who can take advantage of it.  The HubPlus C is worth the price of $79.95 in my opinion, despite the downsides that I listed.  I can live with those because the HubPlus C is a quality product that has enough features to make just about anybody happy.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by myCharge. Please visit their site for more info and check their offerings on Amazon.

 

Product Information

Price: $79.95
Manufacturer: myCharge
Retailer: Amazon
Pros:
  • Built-in cables
  • Small and portable
  • Built-in wall-prong
  • Pass-through charging
Cons:
  • Small capacity
  • Short cables
  • Only rapid charges certain devices

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myCharge HubPlus C portable charger review originally appeared on on June 14, 2017 at 7:04 am.

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