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Bosch’s Power Box Rocks!

The Power Box™ 360 Jobsite AM/FM Stereo looks like the robot friend I’ve always wanted. It doesn’t make cute sounds like R2-D2 or crack wise like Johnny 5 from Short Circuit. However, this box will rock your socks off as you work on the deck, the roof, the job site, or pretty much anywhere else. Basically, it will provide 360 degrees of sound, no matter what the scenario.

However, the Power Box 360 isn’t just built to rock — it’s as tough as one, too. And yes, I really mean that. This thing looks like it’s would survive blasts of varying degrees, whether from weather or wartime. It’s got an enclosed, weatherproof media bay that’s basically wrapped in an aluminum and rubber roll cage. In other words, it can take a fall much better than you can.

Other features include an internal battery, AM/FM presets, equalizer settings, an SD card slot, and a USB port, which can charge up compatible devices, such as a cell phone or MP3 player.

Bosch doesn’t list an MSRP on its website, but Amazon says the list price is $379. That seems like an awful lot to replace your trusty transistor. Luckily, Amazon is selling it at the much-reduced price of $185.

by Rachel Cericola

Written by editor on August 31, 2010 at 10:41 am
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DIY HDTV Antenna

While I’ve not yet moved into the world of HDTV (I simply don’t have the money to blow on a new television when I have three perfectly fine older ones), I can’t help but admire this relatively new technology.  Not only is the video from cable, DVD, and Blu-Ray incredibly clear, but off-air signals are extremely impressive as well.

But some people don’t realize that the off-air signal may not reach their home.  So, there they are, stuck with a giant, rectangular sculpture  in the living room that picks up a few channels—but with artifacts and glitches through the picture.

But fret not, my fellow FIY-ers!  If you are in this situation, you are not alone.  And babblin5 at Metacafe has a solution: make your own.  With just a few simple materials (clothes hangers, washers, wood, screws, and a small length of cable line), babblin5 claims you can easily make a HD antenna that will outperform store-bought models.

The following (very well made) instructional video will walk you through the process:


See what I mean?  Easy and inexpensive!  And it appears to work really well!  What more could you ask for?

If anyone tries it, let us know how it works out. 

by John Barker

Written by editor on August 11, 2010 at 3:29 pm
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GreenNet

GreenNet devices are a short lesson in energy conservation for dummies.  Just my kind of thing.

Developed by TrendNet, a manufacturer of Ethernet products, GreenNet technology conserves energy by determining the proper amount of electrical power to each hardwired switching port.  A GreenNet product can detect when a port is not in use and adjust the power sent to it accordingly.  They also allot more or less power to a device based on the length of connecting cable—more power if the cable is long, less if it’s short.  Utilizing these strategies, it is possible to reduce port-based power usage by up to 70 percent!

 

Power consumption is an issue that many of us (myself included) don’t really think about when we’re tooling around on The Internet.  And TrendNet knows this.  They’ve removed all responsibility from the user by making all of the gear function automatically after installation.

Currently available in the GreenNet line are 5-port, 8-port, and 26-port switches.   The company reports that a 24-port switch is coming soon. 

Given that I’m forgetful and that my power bill is roughly the size of the national deficit, I’m all for solutions such as GreenNet.  Anything that automatically saves me money without requiring micro-management is a good thing!

by John Barker

Written by editor on August 8, 2010 at 10:10 am
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Pivot Power: Hot off the Press!

See that?  Looks like a regular power strip, right?

 But can your run-of-the-mill power strip do this?

 

Or this?

 

Nope.  That’s what makes the Pivot Power  so unique.

I’ve wanted something like this for a long time due to the cramped nature of my home office.  I can barely fit my legs under the desk thanks to all of the cables running to a power strip that I suspect has been in my family for at least two generations.

The flexible nature of the Pivot Power would make it possible for me to loop the strip in a corner away from my feet.  And with six outlets, I wouldn’t have any problem plugging in all of my stuff—regardless of the size of the adapter.  Couple that with surge protection, and my computer will be happy as well.

Here is the Pivot Power in action:

The Pivot Power went into production at the end of June 2010, and is available for both American voltage (110v) and European voltage (240v). 

So as I sit here and kick my current power strip, I know that I’ll be getting one.

by John Barker

Written by editor on August 4, 2010 at 8:38 pm
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The Heat’s On

A few minutes ago, I almost passed out in my driveway.  Not because it’s 97 degrees and muggy,  but because I happened to open my electric bill before I made it inside.

$327.32

And that’s while keeping my A/C at 80 degrees, keeping the house dark when not home, and waiting until I have enough laundry to warrant using the washer.  It’s not like I live in a large house—it’s quite small, actually (2 bedrooms, 1 bath).  Right now I rent—so I can’t go tearing all of the window seals apart, jam new insulation into the attic, and install a more cost-effective air conditioner.

There’s been a heatwave sweeping the East Coast this week, so I’m not the only one out there with an insanely high bill.  If you haven’t gotten yours yet, it’s coming. 

  

This is the Black & Decker AutoSwitch.  While it is no solution to my problem, it’s a step in the right direction.  The AutoSwitch is a device that goes over an existing light switch and converts it into a motion sensor so that you never leave the light on in an empty room by mistake.  All it takes is a screwdriver, and you’re set—no wiring necessary.

Once installed, it requires 3 AA batteries to operate.  It can be set to turn the lights off at 1, 5, 15, or 30 minutes after activation.  A manual override is available (in the form of a switch) as well.

Stay tuned for more energy saving tips here at FIY.  And don’t worry.  I don’t mind sitting here in the dark.  Really.  Not at all. It’s cooler and cheaper. 

by John Barker

Written by editor on July 9, 2010 at 10:54 am
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Cyclone Season

Ya know stores put out Christmas stuff in August?  Well, since July 4th is over, it’s time to start thinking about raking leaves. 

I live in Florida, the state of intense heat and ridiculous amounts of rain (don’t believe all the hype—it rains A LOT here—the whole “Sunshine State” thing is a marketing ploy). Lots of rain means things growing, and I have plenty of memories from my youth when it comes to raking leaves and pine needles.

I HATE raking.  Pure and simple.  No better way to say it.  Oh, wait.  Yes there is.  When it comes to raking anything, I feel:

*abhorrence

*antipathy

*loathing

*nuisance

*repugnance

*revulsion

Yep.  Bobo got himself a Thesaurus.

I put the activity of raking right up there with eating the contents of a litter box—including the litter.

Okay, now that we’re clear about how much I love raking, we can move on to the point: The Cyclone Rake.

This thing is exactly what I needed so many years ago.  It’s not the riding mower; it’s the thing connected to the riding mower.

The Cyclone Rake uses a couple of high-tech systems –  the JetPath®, and the Miracle Impeller –  to efficiently suck and mulch whatever leafy objects are in your lawn.  It is designed to empty easily and be convenient to store as well.

This guy (who seems really nice, actually.  I’d like to have beers with him.), does a great job of detailing the Cyclone Rake’s features—and goes into depth about the various models as well:

If you want to learn more, go here for an in-depth look at The Cyclone Rake.

by John Barker

Written by editor on July 5, 2010 at 10:17 am
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Another Kind of Home Theater

I have simple dreams, really:   flying cars,  winning the lottery (not the Shirley Jackson kind),  holographic live-action gaming.  Things like that.

Toolin’ around online today, I discovered a dream I didn’t even know I had -  a Jacuzzi tub with a DVD player and a rack to hold a bottle of bubbly.

I mean, really. . . how much more could someone want.  I’d hunker down in the steaming, frothy waters of this tub for hours.  AND watch Star Wars.  AND get nicely buzzed.

The DVD Bathtub from Baden Bath measures a healthy 6.25 feet in length and width—plenty of room for two happy movie-going wine-drinking bathers to sit comfortably.  Sporting a comfy headrest, an adjustable waterfall faucet, 10 spa jets, a digital stereo system, and a DVD player (obviously), this tub is built to keep you immersed until pruned.

And don’t worry about getting cold.  The built-in heating system will maintain water temperature until the end credits of a nine-hour Lord of the Rings marathon.

I want one of these.  I just don’t happen to have the $12,700 sitting around.  My penny jar is looking pretty full, though.  I’m probably well on my way.

by John Barker

Written by editor on June 29, 2010 at 10:51 am
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Construction Robots

Why pay a person to do a robot’s job?

In Tokyo, Japan construction sites utilize human-like robots to wave traffic and pedestrians away from potential danger.

Is it me, or is that thing just plain creepy?

There are various permutations of the robot flagman, including this more cartoony version:

Cute, yeah?   He looks far less imposing than the first example - more like a kid’s robot instead of a sex toy dressed up for construction duty.

Then there’s the crazy “holographic” flagman:

In this case, it’s easy to see why they don’t use a real guy.  He would be exhausted after just a few minutes of frantically waving that flag around.

Though I’m not in favor of taking jobs away from flesh-and-blood human beings, I have to admit that I like the idea of an automated flagman.  Not only does it tirelessly warn people of the potential hazards of a construction zone, but it also alleviates any danger to a live worker.

I wish the construction site that ripped up my van had one of these things.  It would have saved me a ton of trouble – and the company a ton of money.

by John Barker

Written by editor on June 24, 2010 at 9:03 am
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Demolition Robot

While I find myself growing more and more afraid of a Robot Apocalypse—like in the Terminator movies—I can’t help but find machines like this to be very cool:

This is the Husqvarna DXR 310, and while I doubt it will ever be manufactured for home-use, it is definitely a robot that demands attention (and a bit of respect).

The specs are all there in the video.  But they don’t matter.  What’s important is that this thing can be used to destroy s**t with a remote control!

The DXR 310 is designed to work in hard-to-reach and dangerous areas.  It’s low height and relatively narrow width allows it to pass through most doors on its sturdy treads.  The arm can use a wide range of attachments including claws and jackhammers.

It’s a man’s dream toy!  And while it’s nowhere near the size of a wrecking ball (another dream toy), it looks pretty damned efficient when it comes to pummeling things.

Part of me wonders if it transforms into a Camero or something.  Another part of me wants to see this used in a James Bond movie.

But I mostly just want it all to myself . . .

by John Barker

Written by editor on June 12, 2010 at 4:29 pm
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5 Funky Grills

No matter where you go this weekend, expect the waft of meat to fill the air. It’s practically summer, which means potato salad, bottomless bowls of chips, watermelon, ice cream – you get the picture. 

Even if you are just planning to throw a few steaks or burgers on the coals, it’s time to start thinking big.  Home Depot has announced plans to slash prices and this may be the time to  kick things up a notch. Here are five unconventional, funky grills to help launch  one killer BBQ season . . .

 

The Freedom Grill FG-100:  Celebrate your freedom by busting out grilling options wherever you roam. This grill mounts to any 2-inch hitch on a SUV, pickup or RV, so it doesn’t take up any precious cargo space. That means more room for your freeloading buddies! Once you get to your final destination, swing out the grill and start sizzling.

 

The CarBQ:  Despite being part car, this grill isn’t all that mobile. Instead, it’s mammoth, incorporating the full size front end of a classic British mini. Running off a standard gas cylinder, this tasty ride is hand-built and comes with options including working lights, stereos, and almost anything else you want in a CarBQ.

 

BBQ Shed Trailer:  It may cost $25,000, but this grill space pays double in deliciousness. Of course, at that price, this BBQ may have to double as your living space. That’s cool, though. Each trailer comes with two sliding windows, storage areas, a fridge, sinks, stereo speakers and air conditioning.

 

Baby Carriage Pit: When you go in for a big baby smooch, you’ll get a snootful of steak, chicken, corn and other grilled goodies. Klose converted this old English carriage into one sweet smoker. Sadly, this one is a bit of a tease, since it’s not commercially available. However, the company does make other unique grills, which you can check out in their 350-page catalog.

 

George Foreman USB iGrill :  Have to work this weekend? That’s no excuse to miss out on grilled goodies. This geeky version of the popular George Foreman grill hooks to your computer’s USB port, downloads recipes, and calculates the perfect cooking times.

 by Rachel Cericola

Written by editor on June 5, 2010 at 12:10 pm
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