Hot Other Devices How-Tos

How To: Print 2-sided (duplex) w/ an Epson all-in-one printer

The Epson video describes how to print two-sided on one piece of paper. When document is ready, go to "File" and then "Print". Click the "Properties" button and select Page Layout tab and turn on the two-sided printing option. Click "OK" in print window. Wait for Epson printer to complete the first page. Take paper, flip over and put it back upside down in the paper feeder. There are instructions that will pop out on screen for this. Click resume and the second page will be printed on the bac...

How To: Use a multimeter and check for ground

Learn how to use a multimeter to check for proper ground with help from this quick video. Also shown, is how to use a Fluke probe to pierce wires to test voltage. You can uses these practices when installing car alarms, fog lights, car stereo, and accessories.

How To: Transform Multiple Screens into One Big Virtual Display

The Junkyard Jumbotron is an amazing project that allows a collection of random web browser enabled displays—laptops, smartphones or tablets—to share a single image split across the group, creating one large virtual display. Created by Rick Borovoy at MIT's Center for Future Civic Media, the app is completely free and open, meaning you can do it yourself in a matter of minutes. It works like this:

How To: Repair the Vivitar 285's Flash Foot

In this tutorial, we learn how to repair the Vivitar 285's Flash Foot. First, remove the flash foot using a soldering iron. Melt the solder just enough, don't ruin the wires or the backing. Now, set the iron down and then short the wires out, you will see the flash go off when you do this. Trim of the exposed wire from the end, then wrap a small amount of electrical tape around the wires. After this, you will repair the metal around where the wires were connected. Then, solder the wires back ...

How To: Strip your Casio fx-82MS calculator

Take a look at this instructional video and learn how to take apart a Casio fx-82MS calculator. First, you'll need to get a screwdriver the take off the calculator's backplate. Make sure not to misplace those screws afterwards. You should be able to see the motherchip after taking off the plate, this is the next item you'll want to remove. These screws are extremely small so it might be best to use a knife to unscrew them. Lift the motherchip and take out the rubber key pad off. To put it bac...

How To: Calculate compound interest using a TI-84 and solver

This is a video tutorial in the Electronics category where you are going to learn how to calculate compound interest using a TI-84 and solver. Press the apps button on the calculator and press enter to load the TVM Solver which is the 1st choice. Here the meaning of various notations are N is time, I% is the percentage, PV is present value, PMT is payment, FV is future value and C/Y is compounding period. The problem is find the compound amount and the interest earned on $12,903.45 compounded...

How To: Use magnetic card readers and writers with your PC

Magnetic card readers can make e-transactions far simpler, especially for people who are running their own small business. You can also watch this video to learn about card writers, which can let you create your own magnetic cards (such as a membership card) to track your customers' activity.

How To: Make a laser out of a lighter

Kipkay has a new cool project for you. In this video, you'll learn how to make a laser out of a lighter. All you need to do is a cheap butane lighter. Any one will do, including one bought from a convenience store. Just watch this how-to video, and you'll be playing with your laser pointer in no time at all!

How To: Graph Mario on a TI-83 Calculator

When it comes to graphing and comparing functions, the TI-83 graphing calculator is the end-all device for math and science students. But one of the most entertaining aspects of Texas Instruments' powerful algebraic and trigonometric calculator is not the equations themselves, but rather the art that can be "equated" on them—just think of them as the mathematical equivalent of the Etch A Sketch.

How To: Hack someone's web cam or online security camera

This tutorial will let you hack into a wide selection of web cams and online security cameras. The hack is actually quite easy, and is best done with a browser like Mozilla Firefox. Navigate to Google in your browser, and then type in "inurl:viewerframe?mode+refresh". This piece of code will open up a list of active webcams. Then just surf through your choices and watch whatever you want. You can even change the camera angle and zoom in and out of the picture!

How To: Use a TI-84 calculator as an MP3 Player!

With the help of a program called TItunes & standard earbuds (and adapter) we can listen to music played by a TI84! Mod you calculator to play music. This only works on a TI84, not a TI83.

How To: Make a burning laser pointer that produces heat

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to make a burning laser pointer. Users will just need a regular 5Mw green laser pointer. Begin by unscrewing the top of the laser pointer and take out the batteries. Carefully with a pair of pliers, break the glue seal and remove the laser. Using a micro screwdriver, make sure that the screw on the laser is tight. Now using a soldering iron heat the 03 component shown in the video for a few seconds. Then assemble the laser back together. This video wi...

How To: Program a calculator with basics

If you've ever had a little trouble trying to program your calculator, you may find a little relief with this four-part video tutorial. Here, a Texas Instruments (TI-84 Plus) calculator will be used to explain the programming process. The four parts include:

How To: Set up an X10 spy camera

The spy camera shown in this how-to video has a 60 foot cable, and is full color and has audio. This spy cam can be used as a security device, or to feed paranoid delusions or stalking urges. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to set up an X10 spy camera.

How To: Set up Google TV on Sony's Internet TV Blu-ray Disc Player

Sony's new Internet TV combines the power of Google TV and television into a neat and accessible package. And setting up your new Google TV is a cinch. This video walks you through the quick setup process for getting your Google TV system going. The player in this video is model NSZ-GT1.

How To: Load a roll of paper into your Epson Stylus Photo R2880 Photo printer

For someone used to working in reams or sheaves, a roll of printer paper can be confusing. However, replacing the paper in your printer which calls for rolls is not that hard. This tutorial shows you a very easy to follow process for loading paper into your printer. While this focuses on the Epson Stylus R2880 model, it will still work for other models.

How To: Use Quick Connect Wireless with Epson projectors

In this tutorial, we learn how to use Quick Connect Wireless with Epson Projectors. First, make sure you have one cable connected to the projector and one cable connected to the computer with a USB streamline. This makes it much easier and more efficient to plug in your projector. As soon as you plug this in, you will see a message appear on your notebook, then the screen will star to appear on the projector as it does on the notebook. It will take a few seconds, depending on the monitor and ...

How To: Simply read a binary clock

Sydus 93 teaches You Tubers how to read a binary clock by demonstrating the following process: A binary clock is made up of four rows and six columns of colored or uncolored dots. The rows, from bottom to top, represent the numbers one, two, four and eight. From left to right, columns one and two represent hours, three and four minutes and five and six are seconds. In order to tell time using the binary clock, begin at the left of your chart and simply determine which dots are filled in and a...

How To: Replace ink cartridges in an Epson Artisan

We all know how frustrating it can be to replace ink cartridges in a printer. With the Epson Artisan printer, the task is simple and easy. The hardest part about replacing the cartridge is selecting the correct one. Even this job is made easy by the numbers on the cartridge casings. Simply pull off the tab before replacing, pop in the new one until it clicks, and you're ready to start printing whatever your heart desires. Exceed your vision!

How To: Build a hamster wheel to power your PC

Systm is the Do It Yourself show designed for the common geek who wants to quickly and easily learn how to dive into the latest and hottest tech projects. We will help you avoid pitfalls and get your project up and running fast.

How To: Make a copper stencil using your laser printer

Make a copper stencil using your laser printer, etching solution, and the backing from some mailing labels.

How To: Hack your AppleTV with a USB stick to run Boxee

This useful step by step tutorial shows you how to download the ATV USB creator, which will allow you to create a patch stick for your AppleTV. Once you load this usb stick onto your Apple TV, you'll be able to run Boxee and get streaming Internet content directly to your Apple TV.

How To: Unlock your AppleTV

Mike Agerbo explains the benefits from listening to one's music through AppleTV, however it seems that one cannot listen to any music or other audio files unless he/she is using iTunes media. Agerbo explains how you can use Apple TV with other types of media, using a program called ATV Flash. Agerbo believes ATV Flash to be an easy and inexpensive tool to upgrade one's Apple Television so it can use the USB port and download and use other media content. One can also create a Boxee account to ...

How To: Play tetris on a simple Canon calculator

This "how to" works with some Canon calculators. By entering a specific code you can play a very simple form of the classic video game Tetris! Have Fun :) Play tetris on a simple Canon calculator.

How To: Troubleshoot common problems with a CD player

CD players are largely a thing of the past, but their audio quality is still top-notch. If your old CD player is broken, watch this video for ideas on ways to troubleshoot common CD player problems and repair them.

How To: Troubleshoot ink cartridge problems on the Brother MFC-240C

Replacing ink cartridges can be a pain, but a bigger pain is when they don't work correctly. Even after you put them in, some Brothers will still show that there is no ink, or that you're still low on ink. In this video you'll learn some of the various troubleshooting steps that you can take to discerning the problem and correcting it.

How To: Use a multimeter to test common household appliances

If you're doing any sort of electrical work at home, a multimeter is an invaluable tool to have. But as invaluable as it is to have a volt/ohm meter, it is obviously even more invaluable still to know how to use one. And, with this electrician's how-to, you'll learn how to do just that. For more information, and to get started using and reading multimeters yourself, watch this free video guide.

How To: Set up and use the Sony Internet TV Blu-ray Disc player (NSZ-GT1 / Google TV)

If you've already gotten your hands on Sony's Internet TV Blu-ray Disc Player, powered by Google TV, then you know how powerful this thing is. But if you're thinking of getting one soon, this video series will help you learn what you'll be getting yourself into.

How To: Skip commercials with your Comcast DVR remote control

In this tutorial, we learn how to skip commercials with your Comcast DVR remote control. First, press the cable button, then press and hold the set up button until the cable button blinks twice. Now, enter in "994" on your remote. After this, the cable button will blink twice again. Now, press the setup button again and type in "00173", then press a button you don't use a lot. Now, the cable button will blink again. Now, turn on a show you have recorded and it will just through the commercial...

How To: Clean a cassette player

Learn how to clean a cassette player. Cassette players may be outdated, but if you've still got tapes, you're going to want to keep them in good condition.

How To: Build a personal weather machine

Plug this baby into your FiOS-powered computer and simulate the real-time climate of any location in the country -- rain, lightning, fog, sunshine.

How To: Troubleshoot refilled printer inkjet cartridges that won't print

If you've gone through the process of refilling your ink cartridges and your printer still isn't printing, don't get your hair in a bunch, watch this video! This video will give you some tips on how to get that old print cartridge working again for your Brother MFC-240C. This video uses rubbing alcohol and soft cloth.

How To: Make your own 6v battery pack for the Vivitar 285HV

You can make your own 6 volt battery pack for the Vivitar 285HV camera. The Vivitar 285 is known as the "cockroach" flash because it is well put together and it is very hard to kill the flash. Manual mode settings and the color setting are explained briefly. Instead of using four double A batteries to power this flash you can make your own 6V battery to power it. This is beneficial because the 6V battery will last longer and some of them have the ability to be charged up.

How To: Connect a DirectTV set-top box or DVR to the Internet

Learn how to connect a DirectTV set-top box or DVR to the Internet. You'll see the simple steps on how to connect a Set Top Box or DVR to the Internet using the power outlets in your home with MegaPlug Powerline Adapters from Actiontec Electronics.

How To: Use a CRT oscilloscope

Wondering how to use an old-timey oscilloscope? Learn how with this video tutorial, which offers step-by-step instructions on setting up and adjusting an old cathode ray tube oscilloscope for the measurment of signals. For more information, or to get started using your own oscilloscope, take a look.

How To: Make a musical electric toothbrush

This tutorial video will show you how to modify an electric toothbrush so that it will play the radio through your skull while you brush your teeth. This handy device is similar to the store bought models but you could hook it up to any audio source (For example: ipod, mp3 player, radio).

How To: Make your own air conditioner

Step by step instructions on how to make an air conditioner using parts that cost less than $40.

How To: Build a cardboard subwoofer for your stereo

In this tutorial, we learn how to build a subwoofer out of cardboard. You will need to buy SonoTube, which is giant cardboard tubing. It comes in a variety of different sizes, so you can find one that will be around the same size as your subwoofer. To make the casing, you will need to use a saw to cut the tube to the size you need. Make it a snug size, but make sure it's not too small or you will have to start all over again. Use caulk and glue to stop any leaking air from getting out of your...

How To: Make a homopolar motor

This video shows you how to make a homopolar motor. First of all things you need to make motor are AA battery, couple of magnets and copper wire. Now take magnet and attach it to the negative end of battery, now take a copper wire and bend it to the shape shown in the video and place it over the positive end of the battery, now you will see that wire starts rotating. Now to make a stand take a small plastic lid and two pieces of rubber magnet then place magnets to both the sides of the lid an...

How To: Make an electromagnet with household items

Playing with magnets can be fun for people of all ages. Making your own magnets can also be a great way to keep yourself and young ones entertained as well. This tutorial will take you through the motion of making an electromagnet using items that are regaularly found within your home. Enjoy!