What killed the Blackberry Matthias random stuff 2023-12-07 | The fall of Blackberry. Where did we go wrong?In retrospect, I suspect RIM (Blackberry) was already doomed even before its heyday. The entrance of Apple and Google changed the game, and RIM could not adapt fast enough.00:00 In brief00:26 1993 Start first modem module01:25 1995 Start first integrated messaging device02:18 1997 Start what would become blackberry02:50 1998 Blackberry!03:43 Blackberry System diagram05:59 1999 Getting into GPRS and phones07:33 Want to be like a big telecom08:16 Parachute in the Motoroala managers09:20 2006 Apple and Google working on it12:25 What made blackberry great no longer mattered14:22 Apple and Google changed the game15:19 RIM falls behind16:19 Where did we go wrong17:00 CEO distractions18:11 What should have been done but couldn't be done22:24 Some of my favourite Blackberry deivces
Wirelessly control 49 MHz toy with I/O line flipping on Pi Pico Matthias random stuff 2024-10-17 | Figuring out how to send commands to an unmodified 49.86 MHz remote controlled toy by only toggling an GPIO line on a Raspberry Pi Pico, using the Pico's PIO state machines
Good budget oscilloscope but annoying UI: Hanmatek DOS1104: Matthias random stuff 2024-10-10 | Reviewing the Hanmatek 4 channel DOS1104 osciloscope.Two channel version is the DOS1102This is a good honest budget oscilloscope, but the user interface is awkward in various aspects, which I find frustrating.
Measure tweezers: Cool measuring gadget, lousy tweezers (Fnirsi LRC-ST1) Matthias random stuff 2024-10-02 | Link: amazon.com/dp/B0DBQ4SQGK?sca_ref=7080754.kakllu16DiLove the convenience of these tweezers for quickly verifying the components I use are the right ones without having to decode the color bands or tiny codes. The Inductance measurement feature is also very handy.They are meant for picking up surface mount components and verifying you have the right one, but this is the one thing they aren't very good at. They are not rigid enough and points get out of alignment too easily.
Replacement battery cover from sheet metal Matthias random stuff 2024-09-22 | Making a replacement battery lid for a toy. Sheet metal is the best material for this, faster and stronger than 3d printing.Ok, less interesting than some of my other videos, but I think this is a good solution to a common problem.
Linear position with a rotary magnetic encoder Matthias random stuff 2024-09-18 | Experimenting whether I can build a DRO (Digital read out) for my xy drilling machine using a rotary magnetic encoder and rack and pinion gearing.This for my homemade mill/drill machine, which is on my main channel. But this video ended up a big spreadsheet heavy, so its probably not for my main channel audience.
Fnirsi-1014D vs Rigol DS1202Z-E Matthias random stuff 2024-09-06 | Fnirsi 1014D scope:amazon.ca/FNIRSI-1014D-Oscilloscope-Generator-Built/dp/B097T5NRTZBridge tweezers LCR-ST1:amazon.com/dp/B0DBQ4SQGKTransistor tester LCR-P1:aliexpress.com/item/1005007569296943.html?spm=5261.promotion_single_products.table.1.6ad815d148vdw2Oscilloscope multimeter 2C53T:aliexpress.com/item/1005007576544485.htmlWood moisture meter WMT-10:aliexpress.com/item/1005007533368173.htmlCNC DC power supply DPS150:aliexpress.com/item/1005007614877705.htmlNight vision device NVS-40:aliexpress.com/item/1005007380134675.html
This laptop has no brain Matthias random stuff 2024-08-10 | Elecrow sent me one of their latest raspberry pi "laptop computers". But this laptop contains everything except the computer, to be hooked up to a Raspberry Pi or latest smartphone to provide the computer that this laptop lacks.Pre order one here, $130 USD:elecrow.kckb.me/7f3a1998
Domes: So cool but so impractical Matthias random stuff 2024-07-16 | Purchase links below....Talking about staying in a Geodesic dome "Glamping". Domes are cool, and these were probably very quick to construct, but the shape of a dome has a lot of downside compared to conventional building methods.---------------Topdon Amazon prime day sale, no less than 20% off Topdon termal imaging products.Sorry for the length of the links, I didn't make these up.Affiliate links for USA: (For Canada, see further down)TC004 (My favourite, pistol style)amazon.com/gp/product/B0BRK4SGD2?maas=maas_adg_F484BB5E2D39175DCE7A6374CD2A4867_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maasTC003 (Tablet style, big screen, costs more)amazon.com/dp/B0C1RD1Q15?maas=maas_adg_F7AF9CA3EB6DD267C87EF44AE57203D4_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maasThermal cameras to plug into your phoneTC001 (for Android)amazon.com/dp/B0B7LMB22Q?maas=maas_adg_5152827A798AF8A7C0CF5263E3350D5D_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maasTC002 (IOS, lightning connector)amazon.com/dp/B0BYHP8KM9?maas=maas_adg_14B25A7A945E53C673ADDD3DDFA6B890_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maasTC002C (IOS, USB-C connector)amazon.com/dp/B0D3DZV19P?maas=maas_adg_F060C056D035C0FCCC1E8006A337EF70_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maasAffiliate links for Canada:TC004 (My favourite, pistol style)amazon.ca/dp/B0BRK4SGD2?maas=maas_adg_1EFD26C0D2B2E798C93DE1C17B21EC69_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maasTC003 (Tablet style, big screen, costs more)amazon.ca/dp/B0C1RD1Q15?maas=maas_adg_27A65E536AA553276C423ED6542662DC_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maasThermal cameras to plug into your phoneTC001 (Android)amazon.ca/dp/B0B7LMB22Q?maas=maas_adg_534BCA4FB271DF5A6D019CA4218DE378_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maasTC002 (IOS, lightning connector)amazon.ca/dp/B0BYHP8KM9?maas=maas_adg_4502F0B27D9B472E8F38662798791815_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maasTC002C (IOS, USB-C connector)amazon.ca/dp/B0D3DZV19P?maas=maas_adg_CD4ECF8D43B4AB7E206359818D236617_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas
How bad you get zapped before a GFCI trips Matthias random stuff 2024-06-20 | Experimenting with how much current it takes to trip a CFI, and how badly one would get zapped before the GFI goes off, while at the same time being careful not to zap myself any more than necessary to trip the socket.I'm actually positively impressed by how and how fast the GFI performed
Gochifix 3 in 1 scope meter review Matthias random stuff 2024-04-19 | Testing the GOCHIFIX Oscilloscope + Multimeter + Waveform generator 3in1Gochifix 3in1 handheld Oscilloscope: amzn.to/3VN7klZ Discount code (25%off): 25MathRS
Fixing a benchtop power supply I built 37 years ago Matthias random stuff 2024-04-16 | This one is still my favourite benchtop power supply, but I broke it recently, so it needed some repairs. This was also a good opportunity to try out my new Gochifix 3 in 1 scope meter. Review on that meter coming soonAmazon link for scope meter, and discount code: amzn.to/3VN7klZ Discount code (25%off): 25MathRS
Solar panning camera build and eclipse shenanigans Matthias random stuff 2024-04-09 | Building a camera platform with a long lens on it to follow the sun and make a timelapse of the eclipse. Some interesting shots captured with it, and talking about light levels during the eclipse
Magnetic rotary encoder vs stepper motor accuracy Matthias random stuff 2024-03-28 | Testing some AS5600 magnetic encoders to see how accurate they are by rotating a magnet in front of them using stepper motors. The sensors are quite precise, but getting that magnet centered enough to get accurate readings is difficult. Yet at the same time, the magnetic encoder was able to measure step and microstep angle erros of the stepper motor.Also showing how to interface the AS5600 to a Raspberry Pi. More on that on my github:github.com/Matthias-Wandel/AS5600-Raspberry-Pi-Python
Making a solar eclipse projector Matthias random stuff 2024-03-23 | Lots of experiments with optics and lenses to project an image of the sun on a piece of paper to make it easier to watch the upcoming total solar eclipse. We happen to live in the path of totality.
How storing passwords let hackers bypass two factor authentication Matthias random stuff 2024-03-02 | Somehow my main channel got hacked again.Not sure how they got in, but I realized letting my browser store passwords was a big mistake that made it much easier for the hackers.Check if you are still subscribed to my main channel:youtube.com/user/matthiaswandel
Washer motor wiring to reuse for projects Matthias random stuff 2024-02-21 | How to figure out what all the wires do from a random top-loading washing machine.These are simple resistance start induction motors that are easy to re-use. Motors for front loading washers are very different and much less practical for re-use.
Closed loop stepper motors very impressive Matthias random stuff 2024-02-08 | I bought some "closed loop stepper motors". Experimenting with what they can do. I'm impressed by their power, ability to get back in sync, and less stringent real-time constraints for driving them.More tech stuff:woodgears.ca/tech
Levitating pipe mystery solved Matthias random stuff 2023-12-02 | A youtube comment lead me to try another experiment, revealing why the pipe ends up getting lifted up from suction.This is a follow-up about my Feynman sprinkler video with the levitating code and mysteriously levitating piece of straight pipe
Sucking down on this cone makes it rise, and Feynman sprinkler Matthias random stuff 2023-11-30 | Trying to reproduce the Feynman sprinkler experiment, I tried a few more things, and then it got interesting. I love experimenting with fluid dynamics.I figured out why the straight tube would also lift up:youtu.be/z3scTRJCm7w
More uses for infrared camera Buildings, farming, machinery Matthias random stuff 2023-11-20 | Black friday sale until Nov 27 2023Links for USA----------------------TC001 (Android) amazon.com/dp/B0B7LMB22Q?maas=maas_adg_12430DC6282CCB112F752C7041BD8DB3_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas3% Discount Code:TC001CODE Price after discount: $210.03TC001 (iOS)amazon.com/dp/B0BYHP8KM9?maas=maas_adg_9EDA5CD2807CFB3471D9DC8F797B78A2_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas3% Discount Code:TC002CODE Price after discount: $222.13TC003 (tablet style)amazon.com/dp/B0C2H8S669?maas=maas_adg_F7ECE448E91442FAAC221AFA5034A01D_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maasPrice: $399TC004 (gun style)amazon.com/gp/product/B0BRK4SGD2?maas=maas_adg_0ED3DB10D2075B0C57B666AAD429F131_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas$21 Coupon Price after cupon: $285Links for Canada---------------------------TC001 (Android)amazon.ca/dp/B0C23Z42KX5% Discount Code:M3YHNVFN Price after discount: $303.24 CADTC002 (iOs)amazon.ca/dp/B0BZR5KNT85% Discount Code:HSMITAMH Price after discount: $303.24 CADTC003 (tablet style)amazon.ca/dp/B0C1RD1Q1510% Discount Code:8IR2GBIZPrice after discount: $575.28 CADTC004 (gun style)amazon.ca/dp/B0BRK4SGD2?maas=maas_adg_FD169E81F4DD205512574FAF4C8003A8_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas%0APrice: $399
Best heater to keep me warm at my desk Matthias random stuff 2023-11-11 | Comparing different types of heaters and infrared heaters. Not all heaters are equally effective at directing the heat where you want.The big square on is from Sunkos (just google it)The wall mounted heater is from Dreo, model WH729SSearch for "celing mount heater" for the black infrared heater.
Pi pico therapy timer and C vs. micro python Matthias random stuff 2023-10-17 | The pico advance kit I talked about -- Available with or without a Pi Pico:elecrow.com/raspberry-pi-pico-advanced-kit-with-pico-board-32-modules-and-32-detailed-projects-lessons.html?idd=5Building the box for the timer:youtu.be/a_hX2JcwHBE
Making radioactive balloons using Radon gas Matthias random stuff 2023-09-16 | I bought a geiger counter, but there was nothing radioactive around the house, until I discovered you can gather radon decay products using electrostatically charged baloons!The article I referenced:https://sciencedemonstrations.fas.harvard.edu/presentations/radons-progeny-decay
Your vision isnt what you think it is see for yourself Matthias random stuff 2023-09-11 | There is a lot of image processing that happens to whatever is focused on your retina to what you think you see. Here are soem visual demonstration of this.
Air flow: Its all about fan thrust Matthias random stuff 2023-07-11 | Testing how much air the fans can move through a window. This turns out to be considerably more than the air that goes through the fan itself, even if the flow is impeded by a bug screen.Promotion until Jul 12 2023:Dreo Desk fan: amzn.to/3XMGBoODeal Price: -15% $84.99List Price: $99.99Dreo Pedestal fan: amzn.to/3JTD0zrDeal Price: -15% $118.99List Price: $139.99
Calibrating my anemometer for measuring really low wind speeds Matthias random stuff 2023-07-04 | I built a contraption to move my anemometer at known speeds for calibrating it with the external computer interface that I added to it.Below 0.4 m/s, it no longer reads, so I have to rely on deflection of a hanging sheet of paper to measure that.
Raspberry pi Pico programming in C microwave oven monitor and reminder Matthias random stuff 2023-06-27 | The challenges of making a project on the raspberry pi Pico in C, without using an IDE. Measuring microwave oven power consumption to figure out when we forgot food in the microwave and alert us to take it out.Code on github:github.com/Matthias-Wandel/micro_monPlease see docs directory for how to set up development envoronment and how to build it.
Dreo vs. Vornado air circulators Matthias random stuff 2023-06-17 | New discount code (replaces the ones shown in the video)20% off the air circulator in this video (valid until Sep 29 2023)http://woodgears.ca/dr/cfThe dreo air circulator is an impressive little fan, blows harder than the vornado. But the coolest feature is being able to control which way it points from a mobile app! This is a sponsored video.
ChatGPT: Its awsome... and it sucks. But still impressive Matthias random stuff 2023-06-10 | I first used chatGPT to generate something in a bash script. Worked great, and have been experimenting with a lot since. It's great at anythingwith language, terrible at math, geometry and physics, and good at generating small pieces of code.
ex-Blackberry guy reviews Blackberry movie Matthias random stuff 2023-05-25 | I worked at Blackberry from 1993 to 2007, which spans much of the time of the Blackberry movie. This gives me a different perspective on the movie.It's a good movie in its own way, but a documentary it isn't.
What does an air fryer do? Matthias random stuff 2023-05-23 | Exploring what an air fryer can do10% OFF on DREO ChefMaker Combi Fryer with discount code 78MZWA4E7567http://woodgears.ca/dr/cf
Ugreen PowerRoam 1200 battery power station test and review Matthias random stuff 2023-05-10 | Putting the ugreen power station through it's paces -- how much load will it run, how much can I overload it, how much charge can I get out of it.Purchase links:On Amazon:UGREEN PowerRoam 1200 here: amzn.to/425S1W3 $200 off with coupon + Code: 05Ugreen1200600 watt power station: amzn.to/425MsHe $100 off couponPortable Solar Panel: amzn.to/3LsOud6 $50 off couponUgreen Website: bit.ly/3AXwnaz $200 off with code：05Ugreen1200
Let the microwaves be free Matthias random stuff 2023-04-19 | Experimenting with a broken microwave. The high voltage and magnetron still worked, so good material for microwave experiments. I cut the wave guide out so I could aim the microwaves anywhere I want to.
Blackberry trailer reaction and talking about RIM back in the days Matthias random stuff 2023-04-05 | A number of people have asked me what I think of the Blackberry movie trailer, seeing that I worked ther at the time. So reacting to it, and talking about what RIM (later Blackberry) was like at the time.See also "what killed Blackberry"youtu.be/GLxjXP-XCJA
I bought a scam energy saver and made it actually save energy! Matthias random stuff 2023-04-01 | There are all kinds of plug in the wall "energy saver" boxes. None of these save energy or do anything. I thought I'd buy a cheap one and modify it to actually save energy -- just for fun.This is sold under different names "Stopwatt" "eocwatt pro" "Stop Watt", "Stop Eenergy Watt Power Smart Energy Saver", "Electricity svings box", etc. If it was that easy to "save energy", the power grid operators would already be implementing it.
Rigol DS1202 Z-E scope review Matthias random stuff 2023-03-28 | I bought this scope 9 months ago. I have now used it enough to give it a reasonable review.Not a bad scope, some annoying bits, but overall much nicer to use than the USB scope I bought previously. Physical knobs and buttons are so important.Compared to just 20 years ago, real test equipment has become affordable to electronic tinkerers like me.
We get slightly nearsighted at night, corneal aberrations, and stars Matthias random stuff 2023-03-15 | A quest that began with looking through my wife's glasses at the alarm clock, and noticing something odd about the blurries. This got me down the rabbit hole about optical aberrations in the cornea, night myopia, and possibly why we think of stars as stars.
Exploring the world in infrared with a thermal camera Matthias random stuff 2023-03-06 | Playing around with the TOPDON TC004 thermal imaging camera.I'm amazed at how sensitive this camera is to small temperature changes and what subtle things it is able to pick up.This video sponsored by Topdon. Links in the video may or may not work due to high traffic.However, they also now sent me this eBay link:ebay.com/itm/144795038741?mkevt=1&mkcid=2&mkrid=7111648024041847&keyword=US_DEAL_TC004_PROMOTION_ThermalCamera8% Off Code: TC004DEAL8topdon.us/collections/thermal-imagers/products/tc00410% Off Code: TOPDON10 valid to March 15 2023amazon.com/gp/product/B0BRK4SGD25% Off Code: 05TOPDON valid to March 12 2023(Unfortunately out of stock on Amazon on March 6)
Air purifier vs. wood stove Matthias random stuff 2023-02-24 | With a wood stove some smoke always comes out when it's opened for adding wood. I'm testing a Dreo air purifier to see how well it can mitigate this. #DREO #DREOAIRPURIFIERThis video sponsored by DREOBuy the air purifier from Dreo: http://woodgears.ca/dr/amDiscount code: MatthiasXDREOOr Amazon: amzn.to/3UcXpmi
Transformer core saturation and imbalance Matthias random stuff 2023-02-10 | I wanted to talk about magnetic saturation of transformers, figuring this was the cause of old microwaves starting outa bit louder. Turns out, the cause is different, but Iwent on to talk about transformers anyway, and how it relates to an old "magnetic amplifier" technology that pre-dates transistors.
Two 120 volt inverters in series to make 240 volts Matthias random stuff 2023-02-06 | Testing out two EcoFlow delta pro inverters with their hub that connect them in series to make 240 volts, for powering bigger tools. I was expecting a bit of weirdness on this, but this worked better than I thought it would.Thsi is not a sponsored video. I have had some disagreements with Eco flow, but not before they sent me those boxes. I figured I might as well make a not sponsored video about them. No money, but I can say whatever I want to.I had this video up an hour ago, but with the audio messed up. This is a re-upload with the audio fixed.
DIY eye test, work out Rx for glasses Matthias random stuff 2023-02-01 | Using a set of trial lenses bought online to do my own eye test and figure out the glasses prescription, plus what works best for glasses to work close up with.
How efficient are our minisplit heat pumps in the winter Matthias random stuff 2023-01-25 | Gauging the efficiency of our heat pumps using a temperature model for our house that I established last winter when we were still heating mostly electrically. This allows me to work out the effective coefficient of performance.
How not to kill a DeWalt flexvolt battery prematurely Matthias random stuff 2023-01-03 | One of my flexvolt battery packs died. Dissecting it, trying to re-use the cells. And figuring out why specifically just three cells at the bottom of the pack failed.
Inverters dont like power tools Matthias random stuff 2022-12-01 | Exploring inverter oscillations of the ecoflow box when it's very overloaded, as happens when motors start up. This is a follow-up to my previuous video about inverter instability on the EcoFlow power stationMore about inverter instability at:link.medium.com/tDYDK9mTjvb
I ticked off a sponsor Matthias random stuff 2022-11-22 | I have done a fair number of sponsored videos the last two years. Usually it goes well, but when I tried to get a company to fix a problem with their product, I hit an impasse.Though I don't try to hide the company name, I deliberately didn't mention them in anythign I said because I don't want this video to show up if you search for the company -- I'm not out to hurt them. So you can see the company name and logo on the battery box, but that probably isn't enough for YouTube's search algorithms to pick up on that.This is a revised version of the video, see explanation starting at 9:05Also see the follow-up on this video: youtu.be/hhonq0WSq_c
Power monitoring 16 circuits at the breaker panel Matthias random stuff 2022-11-09 | I bought an "emporia" energy monitoring box, which came with current transformers for measuring power going to individual circuits in the house. So I can figure out where the electricity is actually going. The box is meant to go inside the breaker panel, but I mounted it above.
Infrared heater efficiency how much is radiated infrared? Matthias random stuff 2022-10-08 | Testing the efficiency of three different infrared heaters. All electric heaters turn all the electricity into heat, but for infrared heaters, how much of that heat is really radiated infrared?This video is sponsored by Maxoak. You can buy their heater at:bit.ly/3eaPeHi.Discount code (20%off): Matthias20Expires on Oct 17 2022
Amateur iPad screen replacement Matthias random stuff 2022-09-20 | First time replacing an iPad screen.Lots of things to learn and mistakes, but ultimately successful.If you want to replace a screen, watch this one plus one by a pro, so you will know what to do, and what not to do! The pros just make it look too easy.
