Hot Other Devices How-Tos

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: Burn a video to DVD using DVD Flick and ImgBurn

In this Electronics video tutorial you will learn how to burn a video to DVD using DVD Flick and ImgBurn. Do a Google search for 'download DVD flick' and download the program from the first link in the search result and install it. Then go to Download and search for 'imgburn', download and install it. Now open up DVD Flick, click on 'add title' on the right side and drag and drop the video file you want to burn. Then you go to 'menu settings', select the menu you want and click 'accept'. Then...

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: Clean dried ink off print head nozzles on printer ink cartridges

If you're using refills or refurbished cartridges, then you know that one of the biggest problems that await you is your print heads getting clogged with dried ink, among other nightmares. This video will show you a couple of methods to cleaning your print head and getting it back into a functional state.

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 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: 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: 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: 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: Build a homebrew antenna launcher

If you're looking for a creative and innovative way to build an antenna launcher from scratch, you have to watch this next video.

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: Make your laser pointer run on AAA batteries

This video shows us the method to make your laser pointer work with AAA batteries. Take a metal casing made of metal. In the video, we take a Duracell mini flashlight and remove the front and back part. Unscrew the top and back of the laser pointer and remove the batteries. Roll some aluminium foil and put it in the metal casing. Put the AAA batteries in the casing with positive side inside. Put the casing and the laser pointer together and the laser works. Bind the two together by two rubber...

How To: Make a night vision device

Ever wish you could see in the dark? Well, you can't but this how-to will show you a way to build a device to help you out. You will need light polarizors, a flashlight, and a digital camera. Make an infrared night vision device, just follow along with the steps in this video tutorial. Now you can see at night!

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: Wire a three-way switch

Tim Carter explains the differences between regular and three-way switches. Great video to learn how to install a three switch properly.

How To: Make your own air conditioner with a fan and copper tubing

The heat can be oppressive, and air conditioning can be expensive. But you can build your own air conditioner for just $40, with a fan, styrofoam cooler and a length of quarter-inch copper tubing. Cool your home inexpensively with this mod!

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: Make crossover cable from an ordinary LAN cable

In order to connect two personal computers to each other, you will need a crossover cable. If you don't have one, that's not a problem. Take a look at this instructional video and learn how to make a crossover cable from and ordinary LAN cable with a small connector block, a knife, tape, and a lighter.

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: Build the Pixie 2 ham radio

If you just purchased the parts for building the Pixie 2 ham radio, but have no idea what to do, then this tutorial should help.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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!

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: UsUSB Plug 'n Play Instant Setup with Epson projectors

Epson printer setup is easy, let’s start by connecting the standard USB cable into the USB port in the back of your computer, the other end of the USB cable will go into the USB slot in the back of the projector. Simple as that your slides will start immediately! With the Epson plug n play projector you can use the page up page down keys in order to manage your slides which you cannot do with those other out dated connections.

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: Read a binary clock with the BCD format

Check out how to read a binary clock in this how to video. You'll see how to read the BCD (binary-coded decimal) format like so many can't. Just watch this if you have trouble determining the hours, minutes, or seconds on your binary clock. You can read it in standard or military time if you'd like.

How To: Start using Sony's new Internet TV Blu-ray Disc player with Google TV

Google TV is a revolutionary new way to enjoy your two favorite things in life— Internet and TV. And Sony just happens to be the first company to design television products powered by Google, like their Internet TV Blu-ray Disc Player (Model NSZ-GT1). If you're thinking of getting one, this video provides a hands on, showing you how to use the new Sony Internet TV, paired with practically any television.

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: 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: Get companies to give you consumer electronics to review and keep afterwards

Do you like to try out the latest electronics before they come out? Do you hate it when you have to send back test products you do get your hands on? Watch this video to learn how you can get companies to send you products to review and let you keep them afterwards.

How To: Use an external hard drive for extra storage with your AppleTV

Movies, TV shows and other media content can fill up even the most generous hard drive quickly. You can use MediaUSB on aTV Flash to connect an external USB drive to your AppleTV for extra media storage capability, and this tutorial shows you how. Make the most of your Apple TV!

How To: Make a duct tape CD player holder

In this tutorial we learn how to make a duct tape CD player holder. First, measure your length, width, and height of your CD player. After this, cut out the color duct tape you like in strips that are the right size for your player. Now, take your first two strips and stick them together. Now, take the third one and apply it to the bottom, flip it over and stick another one on top. Keep overlapping these with several strips until you get to the height of the CD player. After this, place the s...

How To: Build a universal motion alarm to protect your home

This video shows us the method to make a universal motion alarm to protect your home. You will need a reed switch with an alternating contact, a 9V battery with a battery clip, a switch, a buzzer, a small plastic box and a magnet. When a magnet is brought near the reed switch, it switches to the other contact and the switch is open. If the magnet is removed, the switch is closed and the buzzer starts ringing. Make the circuit with correct polarity for battery and the buzzer. Make a hole in th...

How To: Use a Vivitar flash for a kicker light outdoors

This video instructs the watcher on how to use the flash of a Vivitar to add light to photos taken outside if a little extra light is needed. Turn the camera on AV mode, choose an ISO setting like 100 or 200, then take a reading, either off the sky or an object. Then use the Vivitar to match up to that setting. Then position your camera off to the side to add a directional light to give the photo detail and kick. Follow the directions in this video to learn a new technique to give your outdoo...

How To: Make your own radio station

This instructional video offers a description and overview of how to set up your own FM broadcast station. Operating from 88 MHz to 108 MHz. It describes how a FM transmitter works and how to make one. It presents a simple di-pole radio antenna for FM broadcasting and how to make one. And finally it explains how with theses two components one can set up their own station from anywhere. The video was made by Seth Gadsden in collaboration with Stephen Dunifer and Free Radio Berkeley.

How To: Build a computer numerical control or CNC machine

Take a look at this instructional video and learn how to build your own miniature computer numerical control (CNC) machine. A CNC machine acts as a controller that reads G Code instructions for machine tools such as drills and printers. To perform this task, you'll need some geared motors you can find in old analog camcorders with optical zoom.