The modem broke down a couple days ago and I was wondering what was the issue. I opened up the modem thinking that there would be a burnt component inside but as it was , that wasn't actually the right step. It turned out that it was the adapter that was at fault.
So I had an old one that was like some kind of transformer with various output voltages 3,6, 7.5, 9, 12 being some of them. Adjustments for these adapters are not accurate, for instance the 9V could read 13V. So a multimeter is needed to find out what is the actual output voltage. It is probably not the best way to solve it but it kind of worked for a while. Then I think it got overheated or something,. As it was rated at 350mA, I thought it was the fault of the lack of currrent as the modem seemed to require 12V, 500 mA. This was not the actual case as I found out later that the adapter was able to output more that 500mA current. (around 1A to be exact).
So I went out a couple of times to get another one. There was an adapter rated at 12V 500mA but I settled for the cheaper solution which was another adapter with the adjustable voltages. As it turned out that did not really work - the reason seemed like the voltage output was just a little too low. Its 7.5V would read 12.5V. It appears that though the modem was rated at 12V, it actually needed a minimum of around 13V to function properly.
Fortunately I was able to find another old adapter that was able to output around 13.5 V. It seems to be working fine so far.
Showing posts with label Technology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Technology. Show all posts
Friday, April 29, 2016
Sunday, December 20, 2015
How to tighten the USB on a computer, laptop or anything with USB
My old mouse and tablet pen seems to be working better after trying this out.
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Smartphone battery dropped very quickly from around 50% to close to 0%
My smartphone battery level seems to have dropped very quickly from around 50% to close to 0% quite a few times so I went back to the sales vendor. He told me to charge the phone for 8 hours. I am not really sure if this applies to Li batteries but I remembered that for the older handphone batteries, I needed to charge them for 8 hours. Anyway I charged mine for around 5 hours. I also installed Avira antivirus. It detected and removed a malware. After that it seems like the issue has not occurred - at least not as dramatically as before.
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Wireless Mouse Weibo from Mr DIY, Tesco Ipoh
I bought this about two months ago. After about a month of usage, it started to lag. It seems the batteries had run out, so recently I bought some rechargeable ones and now the mouse seems to be working fine. The led light of the mouse goes to a low light, (it does not actually go off as what I had written before) when the mouse stops moving, so it is best to turn off the mouse after use to save power. I am quite impressed by the Weibo products as I bought a keyboard some time back before the wireless mouse. There is not much of a warranty for them - have to return them within 3 days (update: not a week as stated previously- that was for another item) if there are issues but the cost of these products are considered low and most of them seem to work okay so far.
Update: 10-11-2015. It isn't working as well as before. Could be due to the fact that it was accidentally dropped when my mum was cleaning the room. I am still using it though but it seems it sometimes has some difficulty in copying and pasting. This kind of issue does happen in some mouses.
Update: 14-11-2015 It appears the rechargeables are okay - it is just that the performance of the mouse sometimes is not always consistent but still usable.
Update:25-11-2015: I haven't recharged it or switched it off for some time now. It appears to be working okay although it lags a little every now and then.
Hmm, looks like I had to recharge today so there may be some advantage in switching it off every now and then.
Update 14/12/2015: Found out that the led of the mouse does not go off immediately but goes to a low light mode when the mouse stops moving, so it is best to turn off the mouse when not in use to save power.
Update 26/12/2015: It appears it goes to a low light mode then it goes off after a while but I am not too sure about this!
Update 24/8/2017: I had to recharge the 900 mAh batteries for about 3 hours - then it was able to work longer. Here is the site to find out how long to recharge the batteries http://convert-to.com/491/recharging-rechargeable-nimh-nicd-batteries.html
Update: 10-11-2015. It isn't working as well as before. Could be due to the fact that it was accidentally dropped when my mum was cleaning the room. I am still using it though but it seems it sometimes has some difficulty in copying and pasting. This kind of issue does happen in some mouses.
Update: 14-11-2015 It appears the rechargeables are okay - it is just that the performance of the mouse sometimes is not always consistent but still usable.
Update:25-11-2015: I haven't recharged it or switched it off for some time now. It appears to be working okay although it lags a little every now and then.
Hmm, looks like I had to recharge today so there may be some advantage in switching it off every now and then.
Update 14/12/2015: Found out that the led of the mouse does not go off immediately but goes to a low light mode when the mouse stops moving, so it is best to turn off the mouse when not in use to save power.
Update 26/12/2015: It appears it goes to a low light mode then it goes off after a while but I am not too sure about this!
Update 24/8/2017: I had to recharge the 900 mAh batteries for about 3 hours - then it was able to work longer. Here is the site to find out how long to recharge the batteries http://convert-to.com/491/recharging-rechargeable-nimh-nicd-batteries.html
Monday, October 19, 2015
ES500 Solar Charger
As a solar charger, this doesn't quite live up to expectations but there is something about it that I do like -its design. It looks like one of the best looking powerbanks out there but it's slow to charge under the sun. As a portable powerbank charged up from the wall socket, it seems to work okay, though I haven't tested long enough to see if it outputs the correct capacity.
After a couple of hours of bright sunlight, it was able to charge up my phone about 5% but I haven't seen it charge more than a single bar yet. (There are 5 bars, each bar representing 20% of the total capacity.) The last few days have been quite hazy so perhaps this has affected the solar charging performance.
I bought this at the basement of Angsana mall in Ipoh but later I found out there were some on sale at Giant in Bercham. The ones there seem to claim to have much higher capacity ,70000 mAh, a value which seems too good to to be true and there is no ES500 brand name at the back of the item.
After a couple of hours of bright sunlight, it was able to charge up my phone about 5% but I haven't seen it charge more than a single bar yet. (There are 5 bars, each bar representing 20% of the total capacity.) The last few days have been quite hazy so perhaps this has affected the solar charging performance.
I bought this at the basement of Angsana mall in Ipoh but later I found out there were some on sale at Giant in Bercham. The ones there seem to claim to have much higher capacity ,70000 mAh, a value which seems too good to to be true and there is no ES500 brand name at the back of the item.
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
How long does it take to charge your smartphone?
I recently bought a solar charger (which I will probably write about later). It was taking some time to charge up so this got me interested to find out as to how long does it take to charge things up.
Here's the calculation: -
Batteries are rated with a capacity of mAh which is milliampere hours while the charger may just have an mA rating.
Time taken in hours=mAh rating of your battery/mA rating of your charger
To convert A to mA, multiply the value by 1000.
Here's the calculation: -
Batteries are rated with a capacity of mAh which is milliampere hours while the charger may just have an mA rating.
Time taken in hours=mAh rating of your battery/mA rating of your charger
To convert A to mA, multiply the value by 1000.
Friday, October 9, 2015
Google Handwriting Input
After updating the software for my phone, the handwriting was better. So I have been checking out some handwriting applications and I came across this one which seems quite handy. Now I am using it to write this blog entry. I am writing this on my tablet as it seems to be a little easier to do so.
Editing is a little bit difficult with this application but it seems to be able to spot most words quite well. Still I will probably be using this more for the next blog entries. If I do get tired of writing, I will switch back to typing. Typing appears to be faster so writing is for the smaller tablets or phones.
Editing is a little bit difficult with this application but it seems to be able to spot most words quite well. Still I will probably be using this more for the next blog entries. If I do get tired of writing, I will switch back to typing. Typing appears to be faster so writing is for the smaller tablets or phones.
Sunday, September 20, 2015
What's Buzzing?
The handphone was not very good for writing (Update: I updated my software for it so now it is much better for writing) so I used the tablet that was given to me as a Christmas present last year - but that did not last long either. It automatically powered off at times so I tried to repair it. Unfortunately the front display part broke(it seems like it may have been made of cheaper glass) and I more or less decided to buy a new one. Later, I tried to repair the broken ones and that was when I learnt something about the tablet - from the internet
"All phones are obviously different, but many use separate elements for the touch-sensing component called the digitiser and the actual LCD/OLED display."
"All phones are obviously different, but many use separate elements for the touch-sensing component called the digitiser and the actual LCD/OLED display."
Monday, March 9, 2015
How to remove / repair broken RCA male pin from female socket when snapped off inside
It seemed like an impossible task at first but I managed to do it after watching this video.
I used a safety pin and and kitchen lighter - it worked too.
I used a safety pin and and kitchen lighter - it worked too.
Thursday, December 18, 2014
RM 12.90 Digital Multimeter from Mr DIY
I bought a digital multimeter from Mr DIY which is in Tesco Ipoh building a few weeks ago . It is probably the cheapest one I have ever bought.
I remembered it wasn't long ago when the analog ones cost around RM50.
I bought a handheld digital one a few years back but that one did not last long. I have got a feeling that this one would last longer even though it has only a few days warranty.
So far I have bought quite a few things from Mr DIY. The other day someone was asking me at Mr DIY what is good there and I pointed at the multimeter. He sort of looked at me blankly and asked
" What is that ?"
Well, what he was looking for was a remote control for his DVD/VCD player. He wasn't very familiar with the English language as we were actually speaking in Cantonese. So I showed him some of the remotes which seem to cost around the range of RM 6 to RM10. He wasn't convinced as he thought it could destroy his set.
Anyway I am quite satisfied with the multimeter I bought - except for one time when it took some time for the 20V range measurement to work. But it seems to work fine now - just tested it with a 1.5V battery.
I remembered it wasn't long ago when the analog ones cost around RM50.
I bought a handheld digital one a few years back but that one did not last long. I have got a feeling that this one would last longer even though it has only a few days warranty.
So far I have bought quite a few things from Mr DIY. The other day someone was asking me at Mr DIY what is good there and I pointed at the multimeter. He sort of looked at me blankly and asked
" What is that ?"
Well, what he was looking for was a remote control for his DVD/VCD player. He wasn't very familiar with the English language as we were actually speaking in Cantonese. So I showed him some of the remotes which seem to cost around the range of RM 6 to RM10. He wasn't convinced as he thought it could destroy his set.
Anyway I am quite satisfied with the multimeter I bought - except for one time when it took some time for the 20V range measurement to work. But it seems to work fine now - just tested it with a 1.5V battery.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Looking Back - HP Compaq Tablet PC TC1000
I remembered thinking of getting a tablet pc a few years back and this was one that I was considering but the price tag was too heavy - over RM3000. It was different from the other tablet pcs back then - as it had a Transmeta Crusoe cpu which is now considered defunct.
These days, Windows tablets with displays under 9 inches cost around RM1000 but Windows will be free for such tablets so the price of those tablets should be even more cheaper soon. If there is a HDMI port, it will be possible to connect them to a larger display.
These days, Windows tablets with displays under 9 inches cost around RM1000 but Windows will be free for such tablets so the price of those tablets should be even more cheaper soon. If there is a HDMI port, it will be possible to connect them to a larger display.
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Looking back - the Mototola E398 handphone
The E398 was probably the first handphone that I bought that wasn't second hand. I remember that day -when I was going to choose between Nokia and Motorola. The Motorola one was thinner and that was its advantage at that time. The Nokia one actually had a a video recorder but was bulky.
The E398 still takes sharper photos than my China made tablet pc even though it only has a 0.3 MP camera. However, the E398 cost around RM1000 and probably was one of the best mid -range handphones at that time.
I still like my China made tablet despite the fact it doesn't have a very good camera and its surfing is slow. It only cost around RM170 (and that is with a free small stylus and cover!) so my expectations are not too high about it.
I don't use the E398 now. It has some problems with charging and file transfer though it can still be used. Most of the time when I am out, I bring along my tablet pc so I actually don't use a handphone at the moment. The microusb port for my tablet broke a few weeks ago so can't really use a keyboard and mouse with it. Apart from that, the tablet is still functioning- I usually transfer my files with Airdroid or microsd card. Most of the time I don't use a keyboard with my tablet so it has not affected me that much . Still, I have been looking around for a repair on it.
The E398 still takes sharper photos than my China made tablet pc even though it only has a 0.3 MP camera. However, the E398 cost around RM1000 and probably was one of the best mid -range handphones at that time.
I still like my China made tablet despite the fact it doesn't have a very good camera and its surfing is slow. It only cost around RM170 (and that is with a free small stylus and cover!) so my expectations are not too high about it.
I don't use the E398 now. It has some problems with charging and file transfer though it can still be used. Most of the time when I am out, I bring along my tablet pc so I actually don't use a handphone at the moment. The microusb port for my tablet broke a few weeks ago so can't really use a keyboard and mouse with it. Apart from that, the tablet is still functioning- I usually transfer my files with Airdroid or microsd card. Most of the time I don't use a keyboard with my tablet so it has not affected me that much . Still, I have been looking around for a repair on it.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
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Friday, January 24, 2014
What's Buzzing? - Account Suspended In Twitter?
I had just joined Twitter yesterday and got my account suspended in less than 24 hours - lol. I never knew that I could be that controversial!
Anyway I did feel strange while using the service. I guess it is because I am not in a sociable mood these days and Twitter is meant to be some kind of way to communicate with each other. Maybe Twitter is just not my cup of tea and really blogging is more like what I enjoy doing.
I have a Facebook account which I do use occasionally to put some photos there. Quite a few of my friends in Facebook do not use Twitter so I guess it isn't as relevant as it is made out to be. It appears to be a popular service with other people though.
One of the nice points about Twitter is its ability to receive incoming news quickly - much of which so far has not really been that significant to me. So I guess I won't be missing Twitter much even if my account does not return.
Update: It has returned! Still not sure why it was suspended in the first place.Well, I suppose I am just glad it is back and all my tweets are still there.
Anyway I did feel strange while using the service. I guess it is because I am not in a sociable mood these days and Twitter is meant to be some kind of way to communicate with each other. Maybe Twitter is just not my cup of tea and really blogging is more like what I enjoy doing.
I have a Facebook account which I do use occasionally to put some photos there. Quite a few of my friends in Facebook do not use Twitter so I guess it isn't as relevant as it is made out to be. It appears to be a popular service with other people though.
One of the nice points about Twitter is its ability to receive incoming news quickly - much of which so far has not really been that significant to me. So I guess I won't be missing Twitter much even if my account does not return.
Update: It has returned! Still not sure why it was suspended in the first place.Well, I suppose I am just glad it is back and all my tweets are still there.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
What's Buzzing? - Video Recording Thumbnail Bug In Android
References:-
(1) Rob.tuto...@gmail.com at #16 of this forum http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=39546
(2) lbrfabio at#14 of this forum http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1318827&page=2
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Monday, December 16, 2013
What's Buzzing? - Open Source Operating System Ubuntu 13.10 64 bit part 2
The Ubuntu Software Center, one of the icons situated on the left of the desktop is where you can download those unrestricted drivers and other software.
To access the terminal, you would need to type Ctrl+Alt +T.
Here is a website that can be used for setting up a gaming machine with Ubuntu.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2025909/gaming-on-linux-a-guide-for-sane-people-with-limited-patience.html
To access the terminal, you would need to type Ctrl+Alt +T.
Here is a website that can be used for setting up a gaming machine with Ubuntu.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2025909/gaming-on-linux-a-guide-for-sane-people-with-limited-patience.html
Thursday, December 5, 2013
What's Buzzing? - Open Source Operating System Ubuntu 13.10 64 bit
After having a chat about operating systems with a fellow gamer, I got interested in trying out the latest Linux OS from Ubuntu. I have tried the older version some time ago but it seems the latest one has improved a lot.
At first I tried to install with an old DVDRW but could not work so had to switch to a fairly new DVDR and it went quite smoothly. So I guess if you wish to install it, make sure you got some reliable DVD media. I usually verify data after burning..
First thing I noticed was the lack of sound after installation. After a few Google searches I found out I had to install the Ubuntu Restricted Extras. Not sure why it was never included in the original installation disc. Installation of Restricted Extras appeared to be stuck at applying changes but in reality there was a Microsoft Agreement to install some fonts behind the installation screen!
At first I tried to install with an old DVDRW but could not work so had to switch to a fairly new DVDR and it went quite smoothly. So I guess if you wish to install it, make sure you got some reliable DVD media. I usually verify data after burning..
First thing I noticed was the lack of sound after installation. After a few Google searches I found out I had to install the Ubuntu Restricted Extras. Not sure why it was never included in the original installation disc. Installation of Restricted Extras appeared to be stuck at applying changes but in reality there was a Microsoft Agreement to install some fonts behind the installation screen!
Monday, November 11, 2013
What's Buzzing? - Lightning Struck Computers
This year so far three computers have been struck down by lightning. Usually it is the motherboards that are spoilt but most of the other parts are working. Still I read somewhere that it is often advisable to replace most parts of the computer after a lightning strike.As there weren't many pcs left in the house, I had to build one the other day. The result was okay except the the inbuilt network adaptor wasn't working so I bought a wireless one. Had been experimenting with some of the old motherboards and power supplies. One of the motherboards got burnt and one of the capacitors in a power supply blew up - literally! It sort of went pop and smoke was around for a few seconds.
When the lightning struck - it not only took down the computers but the modems and the printer as well. The lightning was so strong that even though the computers were off, they were still struck down. Now we usually remove the socket after use or before any signs of lightning coming.
When the lightning struck - it not only took down the computers but the modems and the printer as well. The lightning was so strong that even though the computers were off, they were still struck down. Now we usually remove the socket after use or before any signs of lightning coming.
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