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VXDAS NT510 Professional OBD2 Scanner review


REVIEW – Over the years, I can recall numerous times when I encountered a Check Engine light on my dashboard instrument display and I would either ignore it until something went wrong and I had to get my car to my mechanic, or until I would go for NYS Vehicle Inspection and be told that I had to have the issue resolved in order to pass the inspection test. In some cases, the issue causing the Check Engine light can be simple and in other cases way more complicated. Regardless of the cause, it would be nice to have some idea of the details of the issue prior to visiting the mechanic. Not to say that all mechanics are dishonest, but in many cases, we become the victim of a “lack of knowledge” robbery and lose everything in our wallet :-). The VXDAS NT510 Professional OBD2 Scanner seems advanced enough for the professional mechanic to start to investigate the issue and useful and informative enough for the less knowledgeable to walk into the mechanic shop and at least sound like  – “Hey!! I have some knowledge about what’s wrong with my car”!!

What is it?

The VXDAS NT510 OBD II code scanner is designed to read and erase vehicle diagnostic codes. It can also retrieve information from the vehicle’s Engine Control Unit (ECU). The ECU is what triggers the Check Engine Light when there is a problem with your car. In addition, the OBD II code reader reads codes indicating faulty parts and once the problem is resolved, it can erase these trouble codes and turn off Check Engine light.

What’s in the box


1 x VXDAS NT510 Scanner
1 x OBD Connector Cable
1 x Mini USB Cable
1 x User Manual
! x Storage Case

Design and features

 Features

        • Read and Clear Codes: read and clear engine codes, generic, manufacturer-specific, and pending codes.
        • Live Data: read and record live sensor data, 4 parameters comparison supported.
        • Freeze Frame: a snapshot of the vehicle which shows engine conditions when the MIL on.
        • O2 Sensor: check the vehicle O2 sensor values.
        • Mode 6: Advanced test results (like misfire counts) for on-board diagnostic system monitors.
        • Mode 8(Component test): allows initiating a leak test for the vehicle’s EVAP system.
        • I/M Readiness: check the operations of the Emission System on OBD2 compliant vehicles.
        • Battery Test: show battery voltage and comment battery status.
        • Smog Check: indicate whether or not the various emissions-related systems on the vehicle are operating properly and are ready for inspection and maintenance testing.
        • MIL Status: MIL is essentially an emission warning light. If the light comes on, it means the OBD II system has detected an emissions-related problem.
        • Vehicle Info: check the make, years, VIN Code and other detail information of your vehicle.
        • Fuel Analysis: allow viewing the fuel economy of the vehicle.
        • Core Analysis: allow viewing the performance of the vehicle.
        • Engine Analysis: allow viewing the engine data of the vehicle
        • Vehicle Coverage: Works with almost all standard OBD2/EOBD protocols gasoline cars.
        • Supports all OBD2/EOBD standard protocols: SAE_J1850(PWM, VPW), ISO_9141-2, ISO_14230-4(KWP, KWP-FAST), ISO_15765-4(CAN, CAN-B, CAN-C, CAN-D), SAE_J1939(CAN)

On the front of the scanner, there is the name branding, the LCD display screen, and the navigation buttons.

On the top edge, there is the connector for the OBD connector cable.

On one side of the scanner, there is a mini USB port for you to use the included cable to connect the device to your computer.

Below is a picture of the two ends of the OBD connector cable.

Performance

As soon as you plug the scanner into the vehicle’s ODD connector, it lights up and the icons are visible. there are 2 screens of icons that have various functions and provide various types of detailed information. The scanner receives its power via the OBD connection when used in the vehicle, and it receives power through the USB port when it is connected to a PC for
updating software and transferring saved files. I am not a mechanic, but I am quite handy, and I could read some the information regarding fuel, etc and I can imagine how useful this can be for both the novice and the professional. The device comes preset to the English language, but via the settings icon it can be changed, The Navigation buttons on the front are quite easy to use to navigate the various options and informational screens. The ignition does have to be turned on for the device to read all of the systems of the vehicle. I tested the scanner on my 2018 Toyota Tundra Crewmax and all of the icons appeared to have some information about the vehicle when selected.


The following is a small sample for the numerous screens of detailed diagnostic information that can be retrieved via the device.





The software for this device is optional, and has to be purchased separately:
Diagnostic Software
You can click here to view the manual for more detailed information.

What I like

  • The build quality
  • The ease of use
  • The GUI display
  • The detailed options
  • The ability to transfer results to a computer

What I’d change

  • Provide some version of the software with the device even if only with basic capabilities
  • Possibly a touchscreen albeit that the cost would be more

Final thoughts

The VXDAS NT510 Professional OBD II Scanner is a useful device for both the novice and the professional, and I say this assuming that the professional can likely use it as a part of their daily use kit. For the novice, the fearful “Check Engine” light can be less menacing and the scanner can be quite helpful when preparing to visit the mechanic to resolve an issue. I am also assuming that the “optional” software will yield much more useful and technical information, which is likely why there is a cost for any version of it. I have reviewed similar devices that were all text readouts in monochrome, and they were not much cheaper than this device. So, in my opinion, for the low one-time price, it is worth if for the novice to keep in their glove compartment. I will let the professionals weigh in on its value with respect to their trade.

Price: $69.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by VXDAS

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VXDAS NT510 Professional OBD2 Scanner review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 22, 2019 at 11:00 am.

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Deals of the day – Save on Molekule air purifier, Roborock vacuum, Echo Dot, and more originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 22, 2019 at 10:02 am.

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Mpow Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones review

REVIEW – Over the years, I’ve got through dozens of headphones for various reasons, usually ones that come with my phone. Typically they don’t last long and with Apple’s decision to get rid of the headphone jack on their phones it has made Bluetooth headphones pretty much mandatory. As I have found that my new office has an abundance of very loud co-workers, I decided to take a chance with these Mpow Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones.

What is it?

These are over-the-ear wireless Bluetooth headphones with internal battery and USB charging cord.

What’s in the box?

  • Headphones
  • Charging and aux cord
  • Storage Bag

Design and features

The headphones have simple controls, with the Play/Pause button acting as the power on/off button as well via a long press. A short press will activate the Play and Pause functions. Audible “Power On/Off” and a small LED indicator help you know the status of the headphones. There are simple pairing instructions. The Previous and Next buttons also work via a long press of the button, while a short press of each will turn the volume up and down. On the left earphone there is the ANC (Active Noice Cancelling) toggle switch to turn this feature on and off.

The active noise canceling, when activated, provides sound suppression via microphones on the inside and outside of the ear cup.

Additionally, when connected via Bluetooth to a cell phone, you can use the headphones in conjunction with Siri and your phone’s incoming and outgoing calls.

Performance

The active noise canceling is the first of two rather impressive features on these headphones. I use it rather frequently while working and listening to music. It may even work a little too well, as I have occasionally missed a call on my desk phone while listening to my music. Additionally, I have been able to effectively tune out a few co-workers who don’t quite understand volume control while they talk on their phones.

Next is quite possibly my favorite feature: 30 hours of battery life per charge. I go days and days without recharging considering I only use these at work. There is a warning when the battery gets low on power, but frankly, I’ve only heard it once. At 2-3 hours charging time, it doesn’t take long to get back to full charge.

The only qualm I would have with these headphones is the padding around the ears. Over long stretches, it does give some muscle fatigue to the ears and can be a bit warm as they trap in some heat. Taking short breaks is helpful, but I would say that I wouldn’t wear these beyond the 3-4 hours at a time that I typically wear them.

Finally, the audio quality is very good. I occasionally switch to my iPhone headphones and can tell a significant audio quality drop off between the two.

What I like

  • Battery Life is PHENOMENAL
  • Audio quality is great
  • Noise canceling on these units works great
  • Simple controls

What I would change

  • Better ear padding

Final thoughts

Overall, these are some of the best noise-canceling headphones that I have had the chance to use. Once again, I can’t say more about the battery life on these headphones, I’m very impressed. Compared to some of the other names in the industry, I feel like the price point on these creates some incredible value as well. I recommend these without hesitation to anyone looking for a new set of headphones.

Price: $59.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by MPOW.

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Mpow Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 22, 2019 at 9:00 am.

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Jetpack by WordPress.com Review – Should You Be Using it?

Jetpack by WordPress.com is a website enhancement, performance, and security WordPress plugin, developed by Automattic (the company behind WordPress.com). With over five million active installations, Jetpack is undoubtedly one of the most popular WordPress plugins on the market. It is easy to understand why Jetpack is used by so many website owners as it offers… View Article

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EP Design Lab E.P.Light review

REVIEW – Lightbulbs have been around for years.  Thanks to Thomas Edison and his publicity and marketing genius, we are all familiar with the traditional, screw-in incandescent lightbulb. Of course, lately, incandescents have fallen out of favor due to their inherent energy inefficiency and have been all but replaced by LED bulbs.  These satisfy our basic lighting needs.  But…what if you have some decorative lighting requirements?   What if you’re looking to get something of a quirky, funky look without breaking the bank?  EP Design Lab might have the answer for you with their line of E.P.Light colorful resin bulbs with cool internal designs and colors.

What is it?

E.P.Lights are resin lightbulbs with LEDs in the base and various colors and design elements embedded in the resin.  Each bulb is unique.  EP Design Lab offers a wide variety of bulbs in several different color schemes and shapes. They are designed to screw into a standard Edison-style (E26 or E27) socket.

What’s in the box?

  • The bulb

Hardware specs

  • Light source type: LED
  • Wattage: 3W
  • Voltage: 95VAC-264VAC, 50/60Hz
  • Dimmable: No
  • Color temperature: 3000K (warm white)
  • Base: E27-E26 (Edison)
  • Lifespan: >100,000 hours
  • Operating temperature: -20 to +50 degrees Celcius, -4 to +122 Farenheight
  • Material: polyethylene
  • Weight: 5.3oz (Blue Hydrangea); 8.6oz (Nebula)
  • Dimensions: 4.33″L x 2.36″W (Blue Hydrangea); 5.75″L x 2.52″W (Nebula)

Design and features

I was sent two different bulbs.  The blue bulb is their Blue Hydrangea bulb.  It is a light blue color with a flower-like internal design in a standard bulb design.  The brown/orange bulb is their Nebula bulb. The color ranges from reddish-orange to yellow to blue, depending on where you look. It has a spacey, cool, swirly look to it. It comes in a water drop bulb design that is larger than a standard bulb.

The first thing I noticed was how heavy and solid the bulbs feel.  The fact that they are solid is due to the fact that they are solid polyethylene resin. They feel almost unbreakable, but I wasn’t about to test that.

One issue I had in testing these is that I don’t have many plain-old lamps sitting around.  Luckily, I do have an arc lamp in the living room that takes a standard screw-in bulb. The bulbs are really designed to be on display, so a lamp with a lampshade simply won’t do justice to these bulbs.

Let’s take a look at the bulbs themselves.

One cool feature is the three-dimentionality of the bulbs.  Depending on which side you look at, they take on very different looks.

Here’s a look at the Blue Hydrangea from a couple of different angles.

And, the Nebula:

Putting the bulbs in a lamp is where they really shine. (See what I did there?) 🙂

Blue Hydrangea

Nebula

These are not reading lights.  They are accent lights designed to provide nice, soft accent lighting on a desk, in a corner, or hanging from a pendant fixture.  The soft glow from the bulbs is quite pleasing.  They provide just the right amount of accent lighting without being too bright to look at directly and enjoy the visually interesting internal designs. With the wide variety of bulb shapes, internal designs, and colors available, almost anyone should be able to find a design that can fit into their decor.

EP Design Labs has a couple of tabletop bases available, but, alas, I was not sent one.  The first is a basic wood base to set on a table with the bulb screwed in, facing up.  The second base has LEDs in an exposed cup. You place the bulb upside down on the cup in the base and let the LEDs in the base light up the bulb.  I really like this as it leaves the bulb’s screw-in base exposed for a really funky, contemporary art look.

What I like

  • Well made
  • Visually very interesting
  • Wide variety of shapes, colors, and styles available

What I’d change

  • If I had to come up with something, I guess I’d say they are a little heavy

Final thoughts

I like these bulbs.  I can easily see these becoming part of our home decor. I wish that EP Design Labs had included a base for testing as well.  I might take a swing at making one myself, or perhaps just order one. My next step will be to find a final location for these in our home. Then, I will need to get a couple of smart plugs so I can schedule these to turn on each night. Having these provide a nice glow in our living room will certainly be a nice accent.

Price: $29.95
Where to buy: EP Design Lab
Source: The sample of this product was provided by EP Design Lab.

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EP Design Lab E.P.Light review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 21, 2019 at 10:00 am.

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