Road Trip

Instructions to follow and a list of things you will need to ensure you reach your destination safely.

First and foremost you will need to plan the trip.

Before you just get into the car and drive. If it will take hours to drive, it would be a good idea to plan a route where you will be able to stop, stretch your legs and maybe enjoy a view. If you plan far enough ahead, you could get reservations at parks, motels or hotels at a discount price that isn’t out of the way.

Determine where you want the fuel up and where you will stop to eat. The safest would be to eat where you fuel up, as it is usually a busy location. That would be if you are like me and really just want to get to your location.

Okay so far you know, where you will make pit stops and determined a route which allows you to rest up. Many people die every year because they fall asleep at the wheel. Rather get there late, than not at all. I was a witness to a driving accident where one person fell asleep at the wheel and drove into another lane crashing into another car, who tried to swerve. Driver number two’s car split in half and he was shot out the car and instantaneously died. They person who fell asleep lost both his legs and survived the accident. I believe that it is a far worse to live with the fact of falling asleep behind the wheel and killing someone, than just stopping for an hour or so and just rest up.

On the topic of falling asleep at the wheel. Things to do to stay awake while driving especially when it dark. Your music is very important, if you know a certain type of music makes you feel weary, then avoid it by at cost. Coffee, get boiling hot coffee, so you won’t be able to drink it straight away, this will give you some kind of short term goal. I turn it into a game to see how far I drive before my coffee cup is empty. Lame, yes, but it works for me. Snacks keep your metabolism working and keeps you awake. Don’t stuff yourself, tummy full, eyes shut. Play games, create games, and drive slower in some areas, where you see interesting things.

Okay use your imagination, but enough of the boring stay safe speech. So far you planned your trip and will probably think about my story a few time while driving. GOOD.

Okay now you need to tend to your car. A clean car is easier to pack. After cleaning. Pack your bags in such a way that you when you drive back that you have about one and half of the allocated space, for when you come back. I have no idea why it always seems that you come back with more even though you might not.

HANDY TRICKS

-          Shoes: You can place all your socks in your shoes

-          Some people believe if they roll they’re cloths nearly, not fold, yes roll, they safe space

-          I don’t like the roll idea, but I fold my cloths neatly and pack an extra smaller empty bag on top

-          Leave the small clothing items far last, you will find a place for it

Back to the car. Check your oil and water, never add too much of any of the two. It is always a good idea to have a bottle of water oil and fuel, just in case.

PLACE YOUR CELLPHONE CAR CHARGER IN THE CAR AND TEST IT.

Check your tyre pressure, and remember your emergency kit, as well as the spare wheel.

Enjoy your trip.

What are your trips like? Where did you go? What did you enjoy? Or where are you planning on going. Please tell me what you think about the road trip blog and how you would improve on it.Please send photos of your adventures to my email adress: ruanput1234@gmail.com

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Holloween Ideas

Paper Bags:

       What is needed:

• Paper Bags
• Candles (tea candles are perfect)
• Paper
• Scissors
• Glue
• Pen / Pencil or a printer
• Some sand

     Getting to work:

Place all your tools and ingredients for spooky creations on your working station.

Now simply print or draw figures on your paper, like a ghost, witch, cat, or even a pumpkin mask.

Cut out the figures and stick them thoroughly on the inside of the of the paper bags.

Now simply pour in a bit of sand in the paper bag, to ensure your spooky creations doesn't float away with a breeze. Insert the candle and test near a tap.

Always remember that fire will be present and the creations should never be left unattended and keep something close to kill the fire if something happens. It would be best to keep it outside, but never unattended. 

Spooky Ghost:

    What is needed:

• Old cloth (White)
• String
• Old newspapers
• Cold wood glue
• Water 
• Bucket
• Or a ball

   Getting to work:

Shred the newspaper in to small pieces, and water and wood glue , so that it will become a sticky pulp. Now form a head shape and if you want you can make a body as well. Let the pulp head dry in the sun. Instead of making the pulp you can use a ball.

Now pierce a small hole in the cloth for the string. Tie a knot in the string and pull it through the hole in the cloth ensuring that it will not pull out once it is hanged. You can now place your dry pulp head / head and body or ball in the cloth and use another piece of string to tie up the cloth just below your head ensuring the head is secure in the cloth. I prefer the pulp since I can use it every year and needles will not really effect is and I can stab it with a knife and make it look all bloody.

Now just hang your spooky ghost where insepected victims will least expect it.

Bats:

What is needed:

• Scissors
• Black Paper
• Googly eyes (optional)
• Glue or prestic
• Pencil

 Getting to work:

Just trace your bat shape on a piece of paper, cut it out and stick it everywhere using glue or prestic. You can stick googly eyes on them to for fun.

Please tell me what you did or are planning to do on holloween, also what think about the Holloween Ideas and how you would improve on it. Please send photos of your creations to my email adress: ruanput1234@gmail.com

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OutDoor Wood Treatment

Introduction

Do you have old dried up, light wood furniture or fences. We will give a quick guide which is inexpensive easy and fast.

There are different kind of wood treatment on the market, ranging from light to dark, inexpensive to very expensive.

Different kinds of treatment

Firstly we have your cured oils, that is mostly used on furniture and it is light of colour. The wood absorbs the oil and protects it against UV and water and insects like termites. 

Secondly we have wax, which range from light to dark of colour. It is not ideal for furniture since it does not absorb as well as oil, but it is ideal for picked fence and your lapa's poles. It also protects against UV, water and insects.

Lastly we have varnish, but should not be used for outdoor use and will not be discussed in this post. Water and UV stains varnish, like the water marks on the coffee table.

 Oils

Teak oils are used on most outdoor furniture, since most of the outdoor furniture is made of teak wood. Teak oils are mostly inexpensive, like linseed oil, walnut, tung and burmese.

The more expensive oils are oils like flax seed oil and hemp seed oil. Oils can be purchased at your local DIY store and most wood sale yards.. 

How it works: Dry wood absorbs the oils and protects and restores the wood.

Wax

Wax is as mentioned ideal for wood which is not touched often (outdoors) . For indoor use you get waxes too which makes the surface shine. Waxes comes in liquid and paste form. The liquid form is the one that is used for outdoor mostly. This can be purchased at your local DIY store or any wood sale yards.

Supplies needed

• P60 or P80 sand paper
• Paint Brush
• Bowl
• Your preferred treatment
• Putty knife (optional)
• Screw Driver (optional)

Getting to work

If the furniture can be disassembled easily. you should disassemble it first.

Clean the surface of the wood with the putty knife and a dry paint brush.

Now sand the entire surface of the wood to ensure that the treatment can be absorbed easily, and the entire surface has a even colour.

Pour the treatment in the bowl and then apply it with the paint brush, ensure the drops does not form as it will leave marks as it dries.

For wood that is still in a good condition is is not necessary to sand the wood before treatment.

Optional

If you do not like the shade then you can purchase a stain to ensure the wood is the colour that you want, it will be the best to consult a employee in the hardware shop before you buy a stain.

The stain needs to be applied before the treatment, or what I like to do is to mis it up with the treatment and then you get different shades which seem natural.

Before

After : Stained seat

*I forgot to take a before picture before I stared.

Please tell me what you think about wood treatment and how you would improve on it. Feel free to ask any questions you have.Please send photos of your creations to my email adress: ruanput1234@gmail.com

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Wiring a Plug

Wiring your own plug

INTRODUCTION

Today we will be looking at the basic concept of wiring a plug for household use. Ever get to that stage when you need another extension cord in the house, but don't have the money to go out and buy expensive ready made cords? Sure, its convenient and all, but it's a bit cheaper doing it yourself.

First things first: A Plug and a Socket are two complete different things.

PLUG:

Here we have the standard 3 pin plug.

Here we have the standard 2 pin plug.

SOCKET:

This is the wall socket for the 3 pin plug.

Combination sockets are also available in many combinations.

As you can see there are multiple types of sockets and plugs in different combinations.

GETTING STARTED

*SAFETY FIRST: IF YOU ARE GOING TO DO THIS YOURSELF AND NOT GET AN ELECTRICIAN, REMEMBER TO UNPLUG AND TO WORK SAFELY.*

We will be working with the South African wiring of plugs.

• Firstly you will need your three wire cable (Desired length)
• Next you will need your male plug or female plug (Descripion to follow afterwards)
• Wire cutters (Side cutter) and wire stripper
• Edison screwdriver (Star or Flat depending on what is needed)

After gathering the needed supplies, we can start.

Male Plug

1.     Strip the wires about 1cm at the end.

2.     Open the plug by removing the screws. (Some plugs have an added piece that you have to release using a Flat Screwdriver by inserting it and slightly turning)

3.     Loosen the screws on the 3 pins.

4.     The wires are coloured as follow : Green & Yellow, Blue, Brown

5.     The Earth Wire will be the Green & Yellow one and is always connected to the top pin. (Labeled "E")

6.     The Live Wire is the Brown wire and is connected to the Right pin (Plug viewed with pins facing away from consumer) (Labeled "L")

7.     The Neutral Wire is Blue in colour and is connected to the left pin (Plug viewed with pins facing away from consumer) (Labeled "N")

8.     Secure the screws so that no copper wire is exposed for safety reasons (Prevents short circuiting)

9.     Secure wire in the grippers so the cable of the lead does not pull out.

10. Close up the plug using the screws previously removed.

Below is a visual representation:

Female Plug

1.     Strip the wires about 1cm at the end.

2.     Open the plug by removing the screws.

3.     Loosen the screws on the 3 pin receivers.

4.     The wires are coloured as follow : Green & Yellow, Blue, Brown

5.     The Earth Wire will be the Green & Yellow one and is always connected to the top pin receiver. (Marked "E")

6.     The Live Wire is the Brown wire and is connected to the Right pin receiver (Plug viewed with pin receivers facing the consumer) (Marked "L")

7.     The Neutral Wire is Blue in colour and is connected to the left pin receiver (Plug viewed with pin receivers facing the consumer) (Marked "N")

8.     Secure the screws so no copper wire is exposed for safety reasons (Prevents short circuiting)

9.     Secure wire in the grippers so the cable of the lead does not pull out.

10. Close up the plug using the screws previously removed.

Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please tell me what you think about wiring of plugs and how you would improve on it. Feel free to ask any questions you have.My email adress: ruanput1234@gmail.com

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Adding Switches

ADDING SWITCHES TO SAVE ON ELECTRICITY

(and make things a bit easier for yourself)

INTRODUCTION

Did you know that even though your appliances are not actually switched on, small amounts of electricity is used at a time, like the light that still burns on your screen when you switch off your PC or television, your hub that doesn't ever turn off, the fact that your external hard drives are always plugged in but never switched off, due to it being such a hassle with all the cables.

You can save electricity by adding a switch that is easy to reach, but don't go and do it to valuable equipment or to your new television. I did it with all my hard drives, desk lamps, USB hub and my speakers that I only use when hosting a party outside ( solved the hassle of moving my entire sound system closer).

Maybe you are not that Eco-concious but would like to be more comfortable or like to ensure that your  equipment has a longer life span, since it wont shut down any-more or can't unless you unplug or switch it of at the plug. But for the Eco-concious people remember to switch off and unplug since you save small amounts of electricity doing that. A small amount of saving goes a long way for the world. You might not really see a difference in your bill, but sometimes you got to think about the bigger picture.

GETTING STARTED

*SAFETY FIRST: IF YOU ARE GOING TO DO THIS YOURSELF AND NOT GET AN ELECTRICIAN, REMEMBER TO UNPLUG AND TO WORK SAFELY.*

We will be explaining how a few switches work and the do's and don'ts about adding swithes.

• Okay the small cheap switch that is mostly used for bed lamps:

·         3 Way Switches:

Basic Tools Required:

·         Edison Screwdriver (Flat or Star depending on the screws)

·         Side Cutter

·         Wire-stripper

Assembly

Bed lamp Switch

1) Assemble your required tools for the job (Wire, Wire Cutter, Switch)

2) Measure the cable to the appropriate length needed for the job. (If starting from scratch)

3) Open the switch casing using the screwdriver.

4) Loosen the clamping unit inside the switch.

5) Using the side cutter, cut only one of the wires( Live, NEVER EARTH WIRE), breaking the electrical stream. (Make sure the power is unplugged☺)

6) Strip the wire by 3mm to 5mm on each side that has been cut.

7) Insert the wires into the unit in the provided space.

8) Make sure the wires do not touch each other, or the switch will be bypassed.

9) Fasten the screws of the clamps, securing the wires in place.

10) Close up the switch and secure with provided screws.

Now you have the power of light at your finger tips...

Multiple Circuit Switch(3 Way Switch)

1) Like the bed lamp switch, the concept stays almost the same, just a bit more complex.

2) Open the switch

3) Cut the live wire of both appliances.

4) Like the basic switch, connect the one wire to one side of the switch, enabling the switch to complete the one circuit.

5) On  the other side do the same with the other wire, completing that circuit for electrical flow.

6) The switch can now be closed up after securing everything neatly.

The basics of how the 3 Way Switch works, are that only one circuit can be selected at a time. Meaning one circuit can be completed e.g making the lights outside shine, or if the other circuit is completed e.g your room's light will shine. When the switch is positioned in the middle of the 3 settings, no power will flow, thus no lights will shine.

The fun part of using swithes is that you can build a unit, where all the swithes can be housed. This will mean that all your swithes will be grouped together in one convenient place. 

Please tell me what you think about switches and how you would improve on it. Feel free to ask any questions you have.My email adress: ruanput1234@gmail.com

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Cheap PC Surround Sound

Do you want surround Sound for your PC, but dont have Cash?

Surround sound: Brings movies, music and games to life, we live in an age where technology is evolving at a tremendous speed and not everyone has the funds to keep up with the latest trends. This is my beta blog where we will start to spread my knowledge to make your life more comfortable around the house with small electronics and DIY tips.

We will be attending to a new regularly and update regulary too, and try to assist you, the reader, with whatever you do not understand.

Getting started

The topic for my first blog is: how to create a surround sound system for your PC ( desktop or laptop), with old/new DVD surround sound systems.

Firstly : Does your DVD player have a function button.

What you want is an old broken DVD player, off coarse it can be working to. What you want preferably is one that uses wire plug-inns , like a diamond DHT-5000 Home Theater ( it is the one that Ruan use), this way you don't need extra RCA connectors, if your speakers don't have RCA connectors. You can connect sub woofers and small speakers to it. what we did was collect old random speakers that people don't use because they got new complete surround sound systems.

Repairing DVD Player

Repairing the DVD player for surround sound use only, many DVD player get thrown away because the tray or laser broke and it can play DVD's any more. To "tell" your DVD player not to use your tray any more is as simple as unplugging the correct cables. A video will be added as soon as possible to show you what I did.

Follow the cables from your tray to the PC board of the DVD player. Please ensure that you do not unplug the whole front console and do not cut your wires at all unless you don't have a choice, in witch case you should isolate the cables properly, remember that you are working with electricity and should not be taken lightly. Okay after you located where the cables lead to your DVD machines PC board unplug and isolate it. now follow further instructions and remember to close the DVD machine properly.

5.1 Sound Card

What you need preferably again is a 5.1 sound card for your PC, and along with that you will need a 3.5 audio jack to RCA.

As you can see there are 3 3.5 audio ports that are used with the 5.1 sound card

                                   

Cables needed: 3x 3.5 to RCA splitter that will connect

                              *FR( front right) & FL (front left)

                              *Rear Left and Rear Right

                              *Sub Woofer and Centre Speaker

Now just switch on you DVD at press the function button on DVD player or remote and enjoy, your DVD machine will probably indicate closing , opening and then you should press the function button.

3.5 to RCA splitter

Use with the splitter

                  

             

3.5 jack to RCA cable, to need for the splitter then and will work out cheaper

REMEMBER SAFETY FIRST !!!
KIDS DO NOT TRY THIS

2.0 Sound Card

You can use your sound card that is in your PC and then what you need is a 3.5 to RCA splitter. Laptops also have 2.0 sound cards.

You will only use line out

Now the tricky part off ensuring a crisp sound. Open your DVD player, but make sure that it is unplugged. Now remove the circuit board where the sound is input and output.  make a bridge between front left, back left and centre ,  and the other bridge between the front right, back right and sub woofer.

OHM's , before you decide to just connect any speakers first Google to see the amount of amps your DVD player can handle, or else you will just end up blowing a fuse or your DVD machines power supply. Typically DVD player can handle a most 2 sub woofers of a 1000 watt, but you will not be able to play at full volume as they will drain the power and surround sound speakers or 5 inch speakers wont be a problem.

BY experience we learnt that your amplifier (DVD PLAYER) can handle twice the amount of watts that is indicated on the DVD player.

Flip over and connect appropriate points.

ENSURE CABLES ARE ISOLATED AND ONLY THE APPROPRIATE POINTS ARE SOLDERED  A VIDEO WILL BE UPLOADED WITHIN A WEEK

Close it up and connect your cable: 3.5 jack in PC and RCA in the front left and front right input ports.

Now switch everything on and play your favourite song. Press the function button on DVD player or remote until you here the sweet sound of music, again your DVD machine will indicate closing , opening and then press function button.

The second option is the cheapest if you know how to use a soldering iron safely.

NB: NEVER TRY TO OVERLOAD A OUTLET PORT TO GET "SURROUND SOUND"  IT WILL STILL SOUND LIKE A 2.0 SYSTEM BUT LOUDER UNTIL YOU BURN SOMETHING.

Videos and more photos will be uploaded within the week , please feel free to ask anything.

NB:  Do at own risk. We may not not be held reliable for any damages or injuries.

Please tell me what you think about the surround sound sysytem and how you would improve on it. Feel free to ask any questions you have.My email adress: ruanput1234@gmail.com

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