Julie’s gadget diary – I caught this bird interaction with my Nest cam today


I love my Nest cameras because they record everything they see 24/7 and not just a few seconds after motion has been detected.

You never know what kind of interesting things that serurity cameras might capture. A few years ago I wrote a story about a mystery that was solved with the help of my Nest cam and today I have another video clip for you. Click through to check out the crazy bird battle that was captured with one of my Nest cameras this morning.

Fast forward to the 1:30 mark and keep watching till about the 2:00 mark and beyond.

The big bird is a pileated woodpecker, which is the largest woodpecker in North America. Unfortunately, the lighting in this video doesn’t show his bright red head. This a big bird. He’s about the size of a small crow.

The little board is an eastern phoebe. She has a nest with babies in the eaves of the roof above those posts on my front porch and she’s NOT happy that Mr. Woodpecker is there.

I was really surprised and impressed how she keeps flying at a bird so much bigger than she is. She does finally give up though. And thankfully so does the woodpecker. I’m worried about what I’m going to find when I get home tonight to inspect the posts. We’ve never had problems before with woodpeckers pecking on the house, so I hope this one doesn’t decide to stick around.

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Julie’s gadget diary – I caught this bird interaction with my Nest cam today originally appeared on on June 8, 2017 at 12:31 pm.

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ModernBagel Pokemon Pokeball fidget spinner review


If you aren’t sick of hearing about and seeing fidget spinners yet, I have a couple interesting types of spinners from ModernBagel that have been designed for Pokemon fans and fidget toy collectors. Let’s take them for a spin (sorry).

What is it?

ModernBagel fidget spinners are handmade, designed, and printed here in the US (Orlando, Florida). That’s right, they are printed using a 3D printer.

If you’ve been living under a rock for the past year and don’t know what a fidget spinner is, it’s a small spinning toy made for people who have anxiety, ADHD or just like to fiddle with something.

ModernBagel makes fidget spinners in several shapes and colors, but this review is mainly going to focus on their Pokemon Pokeball Spinners. They are actually the originator of Pokeball style spinners on Etsy.

I’m not a Pokemon aficionado, so I don’t know much about Pokeballs when it comes to the colors that come in. I thought they only came in the red, black and white style shown above but apparently, there are more because ModernBagel’s Pokemon Pokeball spinners are available in quite a few colors. They sent me three different styles, but you can find others by visiting ModernBagel’s ETSY shop (linked at the bottom of the review).

Most fidget spinner fanatics look for spinners that are high-speed and have a long spin duration. It’s important to note that while ModernBagel spinners are considered high spin, they are not long spin fidget spinners because they are constructed of PLA plastic which is lightweight when compared to spinners constructed of metal or ones that have a counter weight.

Since these spinners are made with a 3D printer, they have a homemade look and feel due to the way 3D printers print layers of material. With the Pokeball and Mickey Mouse spinners that ModernBagel sent me, I can see and feel the ridges.

How well do they spin?

The Pokeball spinners that were sent to me spin relatively smoothly, but the Mickey Mouse spinners are a little wobbly due to the fact that the spinner itself isn’t perfectly centered.

The shape and size of both spinners make it difficult (at least for me) to use my index finger to flick the edge of the spinners to set them in motion like I would with a regular 3-prong style spinner.

Final thoughts

After playing with the ModernBagel Pokemon Pokeball fidget spinners for a few days, I will say that they probably will not please someone who actually wants to play with a fidget spinner because they don’t spin as smoothly or as long as other spinners I’ve tried. That said, these spinners are unique and would make a fun addition to any fidget toy collection.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by ModernBagel. Please visit their Etsy site for more info.

 

Product Information

Price: $12.95 – $13.95 each
Manufacturer: ModernBagel
Retailer: Etsy
Pros:
  • Unique fidget spinner designs
  • Made in the US
Cons:
  • Homemade look and feel
  • Not long spinning

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ModernBagel Pokemon Pokeball fidget spinner review originally appeared on on June 8, 2017 at 9:00 am.

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DynaTrap DT2000XL Insect Trap review


According to DynaTrap, size matters. DynaTrap engineers produce pesticide free mosquitoes killers of various shapes and sizes. The DT2000XL is the biggest, baddest insect trap in their lineup. The DynaTrap DT2000XL Insect Trap attracts and kills mosquitoes and other flying insects across 1 acre. And while here in Washington State, we do not get mosquitoes like they do in Alaska or Australia we do get our fair share of the flying pests. Now that spring is here, I am looking forward to seeing if this bad boy gets the job done… 

Note: Images can be clicked to view a larger size.

As I mentioned above, the DynaTrap DT2000XL is engineered to be a simple, chemical free insect trap capable of policing up to an acre of land from flying pests, specifically mosquitoes. A few years ago, I reviewed the Mosquito Magnet Commander which worked well enough but it was anything but simple. Not only did it require recharging the battery, propane and a chemical attractant, but integration into your wireless network as well. Other than needing to clean the trap occasionally, the DT2000XL is meant to be a plug and walk away bug-killing solution.

Specifications:

  • In the box: Trap, cleaning brush, and screwdriver
  • 7 ft. cord – 110V~
  • Size diameter 13” x 20”
  • Weight 7 lbs.
  • UV Bulb rated for 3,000 hrs
 Features:

  • Protects up to 1 Acre.
  • Durable, all-weather construction.
  • Pesticide and odor free.
  • Whisper quiet operation.
  • No zapping or buzzing. No expensive attractant or propane required.
  • Model #: DT2000XL

The DT2000XL insect trap is engineered for “3-way protection”. The way it works is a UV fluorescent bulb generates a warm light that attracts the insects. Then a second attractant, a Ti02 titanium dioxide-coated surface produces CO2 that further gets the mosquitoes’ attention. Finally, a “powerful, yet whisper-quiet vacuum fan” sucks the insects into the trap’s retaining cage where they dehydrate and die.

The UV Bulb is rated for 3,000 hrs of use. The DT2000XL has a durable, all-weather enclosure engineered to protect it from the elements. The power button is weather-hardened, with a rubber covering to protect the insect trap’s electronics. There is also a built-in fuse that protects the device from power surges.

We live on approximately 10 acres of forested land. And while the DT2000XL will not protect our whole place, it will cover where we spend many of our evenings outside. Our house is set above a ravine with a creek running thru it, with a pretty thick tree canopy covering the entire area. Prime breading ground for mosquitoes during our warm, wet spring and summer here in the Great Pacific Northwest. I setup the DT2000XL about 30 feet from where we barbecue and eat outside on the far side of a big cedar tree. Other than the extension cord, you can’t even tell it is there.

For my initial test run, I ran the DT2000XL three days over the Memorial Day weekend. The picture you see above is the result of how effective the trap was at capturing and killing flying insects during this span of time. Once attracted and captured, the bugs simply died from dehydration. When cleaning the cage, you do notice the trap does capture a wide variety of flying bugs from moths, to flies, to its true intended target: mosquitoes. I know this is not a very scientific study, but during the course of my review/operation of the DynaTrap the flying bug population in our backyard does seem to be greatly reduced and (more importantly) we’re seeing far fewer mosquitoes.

My initial impression of the DynaTrap DT2000XL Insect Trap is overall positive. It has been very effective in trapping and killing flying bugs during its first week of use. It’s simple setup and operation requiring only shoreline power make for a truly hassle-free experience. Add in the fact it requires no propane or attractant makes for an ideal way to reduce bugs and bites while enjoying hanging out outside during warm, summer nights 😀 .

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

 

Product Information

Price: $199.00
Manufacturer: DynaTrap
Retailer: Amazon
Requirements:
  • Electrical power
Pros:
  • Well made
  • Weather-resistant
  • Pesticide & odor free
  • Silent operation/No zapping or buzzing
  • No attractant or propane required
Cons:
  • None

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DynaTrap DT2000XL Insect Trap review originally appeared on on June 8, 2017 at 8:09 am.

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KNOMO’s DropGo is an on the go wireless charger


I’m a big fan of wireless charging (otherwise known as Qi charging) and have been using it on and off since I began using it with a Samsung Galaxy S3 over 4 years ago. I love having a wireless charging dock on my desk at my day job and another one at home next to the bed. But now KNOMO’s DropGo lets me take one with me when I”m mobile.

The KNOMO DropGo is a self-contained inductive wireless charging system that has been designed to slide into a pocket or bag.

The DropGo is compatible with the Samsung S8, Samsung S7, Samsung S7 Edge, Samsung S6, Samsung S6 Edge and with the iPhone 7, iPhone 6S, iPhone 6 using the optional DropGo iPhone wireless charging case. Just slide the device into the DropGo to immediately start charging.

With a capacity of 4500mAh, the DropGo will provide up to 1.5 charges to your device. Once the DropGo’s internal battery has been depleted, you can top it off by plugging in a micro USB cable into the DropGo and your computer.

The DropGo wireless charging power bank is priced at $129 and the iPhone adapter case is $59.00 by itself, or you can buy it in a bundle with the DropGo charger for $145. Visit Knomo for more info.

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KNOMO’s DropGo is an on the go wireless charger originally appeared on on June 7, 2017 at 1:17 pm.

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Witeem Surge Protector Power Strip review


I doubt there’s anyone reading this who doesn’t have at least one multiport power cord in their work area. Between computers, monitors, task lights, phone chargers, headset chargers and the like, it’s almost impossible to have enough outlets. Add to that the fact that most of those things are sensitive electronics that need to be protected from surges and spikes, and you see the inspiration for Witeem’s latest product, a ten-outlet, four USB port surge suppressor.

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


Specifications:
• USB Output: (Smart Port): 5V/ 2.4A*4 (Max 3.4A)
• USB Input: 125V AC, 50/60 Hz
• UL, FCC and ROHS Certified
• Item Dimensions: 12.20″ x 3.78″ x 1.42″
• Electrical Rating: 125V AC, 13A, 1625 Watts and 550 J Energy Rating
• Cord Length: 6ft (1.8M)
• Weight: 17.28 OZ

Any true Gadgeteer will know the value of a surge suppressor. This device swallows those spikes in power that come about on every grid, causing damage to devices that are not sipping smoothed-out electrons. It’s not a UPS or a line conditioner or a lightning arrestor, so don’t expect miracles in the middle of a lightning storm. But those are not usually the things that cause damage to your devices. It’s the occasional surge that hits when an AC or microwave, refrigerator, or dishwasher pulls voltage into the local circuit. That sudden influx takes a few milliseconds to calm back down, but during that time, everything is just a little hotter. A surge suppressor is designed to regulate the incoming spike and put out just the required 110 volts. Inside the Witeem power strip, there is also a circuit breaker, which will flip off the power if the spike is too high. Resetting the device is as easy as flipping the switch back on.


The Witeem Surge Suppressor has ten outlets in five pairs down each side of the top side of the unit. There is one pair that has 2.25″ center-to-center of space, which means you can attach “wall warts” without covering other outlets. The other pairs are on 1.125″ centers, which is still roomy enough for most heavy-duty plugs. Across the very end of the top are 4 USB ports. They are “smart” ports that sense whether, say, you’re charging an iPad Pro or an Apple Watch, and supply the needed voltage in the right amount as the device asks for it, 0V up to 2.4 V.
On the rear of the unit, there are two mounting slots, which allow you to mount this to a wall, desk, or even (as we do at work) under the desk, so it’s out of the way. No screws are included in the package, but the opportunity is there. There is also an abundance of flat space on the back if you’d rather mount it with foam tape or Velcro tape.
I was not able to test the short-circuit or overload protection (I leave that to electroBOOM on YouTube), but I really appreciate that this unit doesn’t have a bright LED or jumpy power light, so it can be used in a bedroom or entertainment center, without drawing attention to itself.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by Witeem. Please visit their listing on Amazon for more info.

 

 

Product Information

Price: $45.99 – currently on sale for $23.99
Manufacturer: Witeem
Retailer: Amazon
Requirements:
  • AC outlet
Pros:
  • Two outlets sized for power convertors
  • Smart charging USB outlets
  • recessed switch doesn't get accidentally tripped
Cons:
  • None, really.

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Witeem Surge Protector Power Strip review originally appeared on on June 7, 2017 at 11:56 am.

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