DIY Home alarm system

DIY Home alarm system

Requirements Alarm system to qualify for home insurance discount Low monthly fees Remote access via iPhone Solution Honeywell Lynx 5100 kit  – $300 Wifi module for…

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Replacing BMW Z3 convertible top

Replacing BMW Z3 convertible top

The convertible roof has leaked on a 2000 BMW Z3 for years.    Here are some considerations when choosing to replace the roof. 1. DIY…

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Chainsaw iPad stands

Chainsaw iPad stands

Challenge All of those beautiful pieces of wood that don’t stack well can be quickly made into an tablet or smartphone stand. Technique My great…

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Pearl Street painting

Pearl Street painting

A day of volunteering for the Philadelphia Mural arts program resulted in a painted 1200 block of Pearl Street. 21-September 2013 1200 Block of Pearl…

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DVD ripping workflow for AppleTV

DVD ripping workflow for AppleTV

Purpose Make DVD’s available to any TV in the house without the need for a DVD player on each TV. Background Don’t use this technique…

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Project - Solar USB battery charger

Project – Solar USB battery charger

Requirement Charge USB devices by the sun Capture energy during the day even if target device is not plugged in Materials Switching Regulator $4 Solar panel $70…

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Updating an old bicycle with chalkboard paint

Updating an old bicycle with chalkboard paint

Background 20 year-old Huffy 18-speed bike purchased at K-Mart for <$100.  Requires new tires every 5 years. Path forward This bike was green and purple…

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Smartphone Apps for travelers

Smartphone Apps for travelers

Forget planning your trip.   You can make it up as you go along!  A smart phone is critical if you are a traveler who…

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Replacing Cable subscription with AppleTV

Replacing Cable subscription with AppleTV

Background About a year ago I posted a article on reducing cable costs by replacing a landline phone service with GoogleVoice and replacing a DVR…

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