Installing Big Surplus UHF Antenna On My Garage saveitforparts 2024-02-28 | A few years back I got ahold of a big UHF Folded Dipole antenna. This thing seems to be tuned for around 415-500mhz, so it should work for the amateur 70cm band as well as business band. Back in 2021 I started filming a video about it, but then left it lying on my roof for 3 years. This appears to be something like a DB420 8-Bay antenna, about 20ft tall (plus the extension to roof level). Now that we don't have winter any more, and it's 50F in early February, I'm sticking the thing onto my garage. I'm also attaching an old Baofeng handheld radio and the Boondock Echo answering machine device that I've mentioned before (more info here: crowdsupply.com/boondock-technologies/boondock-echo)The antenna seems to work really well at picking up distant ham repeaters, and will be the first part of my new antenna farm on the garage roof! Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
Open Sauce Teaser #shorts saveitforparts 2024-04-16 | Come see me at opensauce.com/!Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
My Other Car Is A Monorail saveitforparts 2024-04-15 | Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
I Went A Little Extra For The Solar Eclipse saveitforparts 2024-04-12 | The 2024 total solar eclipse was amazing! We had planned to view it for a while, but at the last minute I added some very amateur radio astronomy to the mix. While I didn't necessarily get any real scientific data, I definitely attracted a lot of questions at the campsite! Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
Total Eclipse Trash Radiotelescope Teaser #shorts saveitforparts 2024-04-11 | Alternate title: Use this one weird trick to get everyone at the eclipse watching party to come up and ask what you've got 😂Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
Digging A Secret Catacomb (Sandland Tunnels) saveitforparts 2024-04-10 | We're back at Sandland for some more tunnel digging! And since the actual digging is getting kind of repetitive and boring, we did a bunch of other stuff too! I keep collecting realistic fake skeletons and bones, so we've been building a DIY catacomb! Now I can finally make a stupid reaction thumbnail for one of these videos :-DCheck out Sandland and other hobby tunneling in this article!bloomberg.com/news/features/2024-02-03/dig-if-you-will-the-underground-world-of-hobby-tunneling?embedded-checkout=trueI highly recommend these demolition hammers for sandstone digging and general smashing stuff, they're cheap and actually hold up to underground mining for a few years before they wear out! amzn.to/3PHz9Ze(I usually put 100 micron screen over the air intakes to help save the motors from all the sand). Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
April Behind The Scenes, Mailbag, & New Wireless Mic Test saveitforparts 2024-04-08 | Here's another random filler video! In this one we have random junk that I might be using in future videos. Also, thanks to viewer DJ for taking pity on my lack of audio skills and sending me a wireless mic to try out. Now I just need to figure out how to use it! Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
Trying #EIOTClub SIM Cards Off Grid & Underground saveitforparts 2024-04-05 | I recently checked out EITClub's BizGlobeLink SIM Card. I've previously used their SIMs in off-grid security cameras, but now I'm trying them out in a mobile hotspot. This is a business-oriented product from EIOTclub, designed for companies who need a secure 4G hotspot. I found it worked better than my cell phone out at Sandland, where network service can be spotty. It also worked underground in the Sandland tunnels (with the help of another repeater and antenna on the surface). You can find more about EIOTClub's products here:eiotclub.com/?ref=eocCWzabB96HYDAmazonUS: https://eiotclub.market/xjt 10% discount code: sfp10OFFSaveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
Russian Meteor M2-4 Satellite Is Back Online! saveitforparts 2024-04-04 | The latest Russian weather satellite is back in operation after having some initial startup issues. It took longer to come fully online than prior satellites in the Meteor series, so hopefully it doesn't have any ongoing issues. For now I can receive it on both VHF (LRPT) and L-Band (HRPT), although I haven't been able to decode any of the data from the LRPT signal. Check out this video for more about receiving L-band satellite signals: youtube.com/watch?v=w5DyJHMw7aYSaveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
Broken Atlantic Research Interview 40A Vintage Computer / Data Analyzer saveitforparts 2024-04-03 | This is a gadget I found at FreeGeek, a local computer salvage and recycling outfit (freegeek.org/). It's an Atlantic Research "Interview 40A", Serial Data Analyzer. It's from the late 1970s and was designed to test and troubleshoot serial port connections. Unfortunately, I can't get the darn thing to work! There's no video either from the on-board CRT or the external video out. The most it will do is power on, show some lights on the front, and occasionally beep at me. If anyone has any ideas for how to revive it, I'd love to hear suggestions! If I can't bring it back to life, then I might turn this into some kind of cyberdeck. I already have a few ideas along those lines. Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
Wifi Steamer Basket From The Junk Drawer saveitforparts 2024-04-01 | Just some early Saveitforparts antenna nonsense left over from college! Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
Random Garage Junk - Spring 2024 saveitforparts 2024-03-30 | Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
Im exhibiting at Open Sauce 2024! saveitforparts 2024-03-30 | More info: opensauce.comSaveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
How To Receive And Decode L-Band Weather Satellites saveitforparts 2024-03-28 | People often ask me to do step-by-step how-to videos on some of the satellite projects I show. While I'm still not a real expert on this, I've done my best to show the basics of L-band signals. These can be received with a simple small dish, a Software-Defined Radio and LNA/filter, and some free software. The process is a little more complicated than VHF satellite reception (which I showed here: youtube.com/watch?v=icADyjm3PBE). However, it's not terribly complex, and the images are a little better than what's available on VHF. Here are some other great guides that can help with this:usradioguy.com/hrpt-satellite-tracking-and-capturegist.github.com/JVital2013/ed848cdd92900777eee849dc74186b2csgcderek.github.io/blog/beginner-hrpt-guide.html@dereksgc also has some great videos about this on his channel. Nooelec sells an all-in-one hardware bundle, including antenna, SDR, and LNA. This is everything you need (other than a computer and software) to get started!amzn.to/4ah2WQtYou can also buy parts individually, and make your own antenna. I personally like the RTL-SDR Blog series of Software Defined Radios:amzn.to/4a4AjWIIf you buy an SDR separately or already have one, you will also need a SAWbird GOES LNA:amzn.to/49TtI1kIf you already have a Wifi grid dish, you can modify it like this:usradioguy.com/optimizing-wifi-gridIf you're building your own dish, the sgcderek link above has some good info. Or you can go REALLY cheap the way I did with some of these projects:youtube.com/watch?v=zM84sSXFL0Yyoutube.com/watch?v=cW6ogJS768YYou can find the right position for your antenna feed on the dish here:analyzemath.com/parabola/focus-of-parabola-calculator.htmlAnd you can find 3D printable helical antenna parts here: thingiverse.com/thing:4980180Free software that I use includes:Gpredict: https://oz9aec.dk/gpredict/SDR++: sdrpp.orgSatDump: satdump.orgI also use Stellarium, which isn't free and is somewhat flaky, but was the only thing I could find for Android that gives an AR tracking view:play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.noctuasoftware.stellarium_free&hl=en_US&gl=USWebsites I use for satellite finding and tracking include:n2yo.comsatdump.org/Satellite-ListIf you'd like to support videos like this, buying from the Amazon links above will give me a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). Or check out the links below! Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
Can I Make A Satellite Dish From A Big Bowl? saveitforparts 2024-03-22 | Spoiler Alert: Nope! This was a frequent viewer request in the comments, so I figured I'd better try it since I had a big mixing bowl! Unfortunately it's just not the right shape to work as a satellite dish. Not a very exciting video, but if you're bored you can watch me fail at something for 5 minutes! Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
Fixing & Testing Old Miners Lights saveitforparts 2024-03-21 | I've been casually collecting some old mine lamps and lanterns, including a few Justrite products, some carbide lamps, and even an old oil lamp. I figured I would clean some of them up, get them working, and compare how they look in the dark! More information on Carbide here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcium_carbideSaveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
Im Writing A Book! (And it has nothing to do with this channel!) saveitforparts 2024-03-18 | I'm working on a book version of my Alaska shortline railroad project (available here: saveitforparts.wordpress.com/projects/lesser-known-and-obscure-railroads-of-alaska/). This really has nothing to do with the channel or my other videos, but it is one of my ongoing projects. And this channel is kind of a video tour of all my projects and hobbies, so why not include this one! I've been working on this off and on since about 2013 at least. Wow, was that over 10 years ago now? People often ask how I have time to do so many projects, but when the projects take over a decade to get somewhere, is it really that impressive? 😅I'll make sure to follow up on this when it gets to be an actual book! Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
Russias Latest Satellite Has Already Failed? saveitforparts 2024-03-16 | I was looking forward to trying out the latest Russian weather satellite, launched in late February. However, it seems to be broken! (Edit: It's working again! youtu.be/ZhwCDevcCAQ)Meteor M2-4 is part of a series of low-Earth-orbit meteorological satellites, similar to the US NOAA POES series. It should be transmitting live images of the Earth on both VHF and L-Band microwave frequencies. These can be picked up by amateurs and low-budget weather stations on the ground.More info is available here:en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meteor-M_No.2-4usradioguy.com/satellites/meteor-m-2-4-launchhttps://space.oscar.wmo.int/satellites/view/meteor_m_n2_4Apparently this satellite worked for a few days after launch, but has now gone silent on the frequencies I can observe. It might still be active on S-band or other radio bands, but the live images seem to have stopped.This satellite might come back online, the Meteor series has a history of technical issues, slow deployments, and radio problems. The previous satellite M2-3 had some early issues and is now working better. If this satellite comes back to life, I might try listening to it again in the future. In the meantime, I have some videos on other weather satellites and space hobby experiments, so make sure to check those out! Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
I Built A Cheap Satellite Tracking System From Spare Parts saveitforparts 2024-03-13 | This is a project I've been working on for a while: automated satellite tracking! The system uses an old security camera pan/tilt mount to aim a small parabolic dish. It's run by an Arduino microcontroller, I think this is the first time I've actually tried one of those for anything useful! The system can be controlled from standard ham radio software like Gpredict or Satdump. I based much of this project on the SARCNet rotator Mk1, found here: sarcnet.org/rotator-mk1.htmlInstead of the Aptinex Tricac board, I'm using four 5v relays: amzn.to/3TokZ1gThe PTZ mount is a Pelco unit I got from Ax-Man Surplus. I actually found most of the parts for this project at Ax-Man, you can find them here: ax-man.comI'm also using this sensor module:amzn.to/48COTDuI use a software-defined radio to listen to the satellite transmissions:amzn.to/3TolB74And I have a SAWbird+GOES filter/amplifier on the antenna feed to maximize the signal from L-band satellites (~1.7ghz). amzn.to/4bXZgEZ(Buying from the Amazon links gives me a small commission and doesn't cost you any extra! It's a great way to support content like this!)The dish is a surplus 5.8ghz Wireless network antenna that another ham gave me. The feed is a helical L-band design based on this: sgcderek.github.io/tools/helix-calc.htmlSoftware I'm using includes:Gpredict: sourceforge.net/projects/gpredictSDR++: sdrpp.orgSatDump: satdump.orgThis system could easily be modified for Hamsat / Cubesat use with other antennas. I have a few old security camera mounts around, so I'll probably modify another one in the future to have 2m/70cm antennas for Amsat / space station repeater operation. It could also be used as a small radio telescope, basically a step up from the Tailgater and Carryout telescopes I've been playing with (youtube.com/watch?v=4a2HjE11DcQ)Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
Homemade satellite tracker project saveitforparts 2024-03-12 | Full build video out tomorrow! Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
How To Get Free Satellite Dishes! saveitforparts 2024-03-11 | People sometimes ask how I get satellite dishes for free. Well, you just have to look around! There are lots of C-band dishes going unused, and people often want them removed from their yard. If you're willing to do the disassembly and removal, you can often get them for free! I've found them on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and other classified-type sites. If you don't see anything listed, you can always post a want ad offering to remove it, and sometimes people will suddenly remember they have one! Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
Satellite Antenna Made From Emergency Blanket saveitforparts 2024-03-08 | When I made a satellite dish out of foil tape and an umbrella, everyone asked if I could do the same with emergency thermal blankets. I decided to give it a try, along with a few other viewer suggestions of metallic spray paint and reflective photography umbrellas. I was surprised to find that the thermal blanket glued to an umbrella actually does work! I built this quickly and not very carefully, so it could definitely be done a little better. In addition to the umbrella, thermal blanket, and spray glue, I used the following hardware for this project (these links give me an Amazon commission):Software-Defined Radio: amzn.to/3IsvJFLL-band Filter / Amplifier: amzn.to/4a50WL8PCB Antenna feed: amzn.to/48MDTDJSMA antenna adapters: amzn.to/490CedXI also used the following free software:SDR++ sdrpp.orgSatdump: satdump.orgParabolic Dish calculator: analyzemath.com/parabola/focus-of-parabola-calculator.htmlMore information on receiving GOES satellites can be found here: rtl-sdr.com/rtl-sdr-com-goes-16-17-and-gk-2a-weather-satellite-reception-comprehensive-tutorialAnd here: usradioguy.com/goes-satellite-imagery-receptionSaveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
Receiving Targeted Message From Russian Satellite saveitforparts 2024-03-07 | Recently I was contacted by the ground controller for the UmKA-1 or RS40S cubesat. It's a small educational satellite assembled by a Russian high school, originally for astronomy but also for amateur radio. They wanted to send me a message at a specific time in the satellite's orbit and see if I could receive it. This took a couple tries, but eventually I got an SSTV picture from the cubesat. I was also able to decode some of the telemetry signals and look at the satellite's electrical system details. This is the first time I've tried to do anything with a cubesat, so it was kind of neat! Some more info on the satellite is here: https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/umka-1.htmThe decoding software is here: github.com/Foxiks/UmKA-1_Telemetry_DecoderI had more luck with this software to decode telemetry (along with the Soundmodem package from the github link):https://sputnix.ru/en/satellites-sputnix/for-radioamateursTo decode the SSTV signals, I used this software:hamsoft.ca/pages/mmsstv.phpI used this antenna:amzn.to/3UXQdxKI like the RTL-SDR Blog series of software defined radios for stuff like this:amzn.to/3Ig3t9a(if you buy stuff from these links, Amazon gives me a commission)Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
Vintage Tech Review: A Floppy Disk Camera (Sony Mavica) saveitforparts 2024-03-05 | Here's something from the prehistoric area of my college days, a digital camera that takes floppy disks! This is the Sony Mavica MVC-FD85. It lets you save a whopping 10 pictures on 3.5" floppy, or 15 whole seconds of video in three grainy 5-second clips! I have fond memories of these things from back in the year 2000. I used to check them out from the technology desk at the campus library, since I couldn't afford my own. While they kind of suck compared to modern cameras, I took plenty of photos with the things. When I found one at a garage sale I had to pick it up! Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
DIY Off-Grid Radio Text Messaging saveitforparts 2024-02-21 | I decided that SMS and chat apps are far too convenient, so I made my own texting system with some old Pocket PCs and 2-way radios! This lets me send and receive messages and files wirelessly. No cell phone, Wifi, or network required! This wasn't exactly an easy project, as it took a few days and a few trips to the surplus store to get it all working. However, it was a lot cheaper than doing the same thing with a microcontroller or mesh network! The whole project cost about $50, including the old radios, old PDAs, and random junk that went into it. The PDAs I'm using are Motorola MC55A PocketPCs running Windows CE. I found several NBT radio modems at Ax-Man surplus (ax-man.com/). I combined those with '90s-era color dot radios (Business Band / MURS). The Pocket PC connects to the modem with a serial port cradle and null modem adapter. The modem connects to the radio through the speaker and mic jacks. Software I used was Terminal CE (venea.net/web/terminal_ce) and MobileVT (mobyware.org/windows-mobile-6-1-classic-device-1776/connection-ftp-tag/mobilevt-download-8434.html)I found that one terminal app worked better for sending and one was better for receiving. I used 300 baud, N/8/1, and I have all the flow control (CTS / DTR) turned off. Range with the business band radio is OK but not great (a block or two in the city, or about a mile in open country). The external antenna on the backpack version might have longer range. The modems are a Bell 202 style, converting serial data into audio tones with AFSK encoding. They can theoretically handle up to 1200 baud speeds, but I've kept everything at 300 baud to make it simpler and more reliable. Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
Behind-The-Scenes Wireless Microphone Testing saveitforparts 2024-02-19 | This is a quick look and review of some wireless mics I've been testing out. So far I have not found a great one, the best option seems to be a desktop receiver that's tethered to wall power. Thanks again to @gardenfork for the Canon camera! Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
Some Recent Dumpster Diving Finds saveitforparts 2024-02-16 | One way I get new parts and projects is by dumpster diving. Here are a couple things I've discovered in the trash this year. Some of this stuff might show up in future videos, but some of it is just random parts and projects for the hoarding pile! Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
Hacking A Satellite Truck Tracker - Digi ConnectPort X5 Antenna Teardown saveitforparts 2024-02-14 | Recently I bought a "ConnectPort X5" satellite system from Ax-Man Surplus, and wanted to see what it does. In this video we're opening it up, poking around at all the parts inside, and then messing with the on-board computer and communications systems to see what it does. This is the type of rooftop dome you'd see on a semi truck or other vehicle, allowing fleet owners to track and monitor their trucks and cargo. It has an Orbcomm satellite modem, GPS, Wifi, Xbee, Cellular modem, Ethernet, Serial port, and some other sensors and interfaces. The hardest part was finding the power inputs for the weird interface block. This didn't come with any hardware documentation, although the software documentation on the web panel is very extensive. If anyone has suggestions for a way to use or repurpose this, please let me know in the comments! Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
Sometimes you need a big wrench for a small project #oversized #ridiculous #tools saveitforparts 2024-02-12 | Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
St. Paul Police Cruisers Rammed During Traffic Stop - Suspect Escapes saveitforparts 2024-02-09 | I caught a little excitement on my security cameras and police scanner. The female driver of this car was wanted on two felony warrants. The cops had the car boxed in, or so they thought. As officers approached the car, the driver started ramming her way out between them, and sped of. There were no injuries, just damage to three SPPD cruisers. Video has been edited slightly to make it shorter and zoom in on the area of interest. The police scanner audio has been synced up to the video, and edited to take out silence.Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
Saveitforparts Basement & Storage Tour, Plus Upcoming Projects! saveitforparts 2024-02-07 | Several viewers have asked about my storage and organization methods recently, and it even came up on a Hackaday Hack Chat! You can see the chat transcript here: hackaday.io/event/193731-the-hoarders-dilemma-hack-chatStorage and organizing is always kind of an ongoing process for me. Things move around, I get new junk, I use some junk, and I have to rearrange stuff on occasion. Since I have a small house I try hard not to get too overwhelmed with "stuff"! I have a tendency to save a little bit of everything, just in case I need it. Sometimes that leads to cool videos, but if I'm not careful it just leads to clutter and stress! I'm a big fan of NSF-style metal shelving. I also like clear bins, milk crates, plastic food service bins, basically any containers that I can organize "stuff" into. This video also has a sneak peek at a couple gadgets that should be showing up on the channel in the next few months. Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
Preserving Garden Beds With Fire (Yakisugi) & Other Garden Projects saveitforparts 2024-01-31 | This is a very late update on some 2023 garden projects, so late that it's probably getting released in 2024! I've had a lot of projects and videos on the to-do pile, so not everything got finished in a timely manner last year. Anyway, in this one we're cleaning out gutters (for rain that never happened!), and preserving some cedar with a Japanese technique called Yakisugi (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yakisugi). We also ended up setting up some irrigation systems for the garden, although I did that in a rush and didn't really film much of it. Hopefully next year we can document more of the garden and yard projects and put together something a little more coherent! Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
Installing New Security Cameras Around My House saveitforparts 2024-01-25 | This one is NOT a paid review, I went out and bought new cameras with my own actual money! And I think it was worth it, this camera system is a big upgrade from my older system! It's a 16-channel Reolink Network Video Recorder with 12MP cameras, some of the highest consumer resolution currently available. On the down side, the VGA port on the device didn't work, but I dug up an HDMI projector for the initial setup. On the plus side the software is really intuitive, the camera quality is great, and the installation is super easy! You can buy this same system here: amzn.to/48Nedr3 (I get a commission from Amazon if you use this link!)Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
Checking Spreadshirt Merch Quality 6 Months Later saveitforparts 2024-01-22 | Just as I did when I had Teespring merch, I'm following up after 6 months to see how the Spreadshirt stuff holds up. So far, it's much better! Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforparts
Random Auction Find: Seco GIS Backpack saveitforparts 2024-01-18 | Here's another weird thing I bought for $5 at an auction! It's a Seco GIS Backpack, containing some differential receiver stuff.More info on Differential GPS: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Differential_GPSSee more of the cats here! @donnyfluff Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforparts
2023 Highlight Reel / Best Of The Year saveitforparts 2024-01-15 | That's right, it's another year-end clip show! Woo, filler content! Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
Saving Old Tools And Carburetors With Vevors Ultrasonic Cleaner - A Saveitforparts Review saveitforparts 2024-01-12 | Recently Vevor sent me their 30L Ultrasonic Cleaner, the first one I've ever used. It's designed for cleaning small, complicated objects like tools, engine parts, jewelry, watches, etc. I ran it through some of the dirtiest stuff in my garage, including an old hand drill, seized-up lock, dirty file, and even a jammed carburetor. I found it performed really well at removing dirt and grime from tough-to-reach areas. It proved especially helpful with the carburetor. I hate carbs so much that I've been just throwing away my dirty ones and replacing them. Thanks to the Vevor ultrasonic, I can now save more carburetors from the trash! You can find the Vevor 30L Ultrasonic Cleaner here: US site: https://s.vevor.com/bfQMTUCA site: https://s.vevor.com/bfQNITEU site: https://s.vevor.com/bfQNI4And you can use code: VVMH5%OFF for 5% off on all their products.Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
Hacking Portable Satellite Dish For More Space Experiments saveitforparts 2024-01-10 | This was a project to modify a Winegard Carryout satellite antenna into a microwave imager and miniature radio telescope. It's similar to my prior project with a Dish Tailgater antenna (youtube.com/watch?v=lVOTZxNCgTM)I used a string of serial cable adapters to get a console on the Carryout dish brain, then I could control it with a Python program. The dish moves through a specified angle and elevation range and takes a signal reading at each position. These can be combined into an image of the sky where each pixel is a radio signal. Then you can "see" things like satellites and radiation patterns.The prior version only used the onboard Ku-band receiver on the dish. This version replaces the LNB with an RTL-SDR (Software-defined radio) and L-band antenna. Other radio bands could be used, but microwave probably works the best. I'd like to turn this into a Wifi imager eventually. I did some brief experiments with Wifi (S-band) using a downconverter, but I didn't get very far with that. My best images so far include an Inmarsat geostationary satellite, navigation satellites, and Iridium comm satellites. All of these can be "imaged" with the dish, although they appear a little different due to the relative speed of the dish and the satellite! For example, Iridium showed up as one long streak (kind of like a time exposure picture). GPS / Gallileo / Beidou showed up as many small points on an orbital track. Inmarsat showed up as fixed a point source in the sky. I have a writeup on my website with more information about this project here: saveitforparts.wordpress.com/2023/12/29/another-portable-radio-telescopeMy code is available on Github here: github.com/saveitforparts/Carryout-Radio-TelescopeYou will need an RS-232 to RS-485 adapter. I used this one:amazon.com/dp/B01CXY9S6M?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzgabeemer-20Used satellite antennas like this often show up on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and other used sites. They're worth about $25-$50USD. Sometimes people ask more, but I just wait until they go unsold for a month and the price drops, or wait for someone else to list one cheaper. Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
New Miniature Radiotelescope Project saveitforparts 2024-01-09 | Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
How Does Crealitys 40W Laser Perform? A Saveitforparts Tool Review saveitforparts 2024-01-08 | Recently I tested the Creality Falcon 2 40W laser engraver and cutter. It offers twice the power of any other laser I've used so far! I did have a few issues along the way, but after some consultation with tech support, I was able to get it running more reliably. I had to adjust a few things and update the firmware to avoid some air flow and tilt sensor errors. The cutting speed and power is good, and the initial setup is very fast. I also liked the multiple foot mounting options and the smoke tent enclosure (I believe that's an optional extra, but is a good idea!).You can check out the Falcon 40W laser at the link below:https://s.zbanx.com/r/7SA48Uxa7SmpAnd use code: FALCON for a discount. Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforpartsCheck out gadgets and devices I like at amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts
Exploring Death Valley Ghost Towns 2023 saveitforparts 2024-01-03 | Some random ghost towns and ruins we visited on a trip to the Death Valley area. This is kind of the leftover footage from my mine exploring video (youtube.com/watch?v=LRJcCpZQS-M) and we also have some Area 51 stuff here: youtu.be/9FPeIIAzwsc)More Ballarat footage from 2021 can be found here: youtube.com/watch?v=LVqgqYgmeXMSaveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforparts
2023 Saveitforparts Bloopers And Outtakes! saveitforparts 2024-01-01 | Sometimes I screw up when making a video. OK, I screw up a LOT when making videos! For every 10 minutes you see, I've probably filmed at least an hour of footage! Here are some of the bloopers, mistakes, outtakes, and other behind-the-scenes things that got cut along the way. Because it wouldn't be the Saveitforparts channel if I didn't save some of the cut footage to re-use! Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforparts
Messing With Aliens At Area 51 saveitforparts 2023-12-27 | On a recent trip to Las Vegas and Death Valley, we ended up driving completely around Area 51! The whole perimeter of the base has become a bit of a tourist trap with a gift shop at every junction. I'm pretty sure we bought Area 51 stickers in at least 4 different towns! In addition to alien tourism, I snooped on a couple satellite signals and spotted a few Area-51 sights like Janet Airlines. We also checked out an abandoned-ish Cold War radio facility and had our GPS jammed by mysterious forces! We also spotted some fighter jets and listened to them doing practice runs on the radio. Yes, this is a silly video, and no we didn't find any UFOs, other than the one made from satellite dishes at the Little Ae'Le'Inn. Maybe next time we can contact E.T.Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforparts
Digging Train Tunnels Through My Underground Bar saveitforparts 2023-12-22 | Finally, the train layout we've all been waiting for! Or at least the start of it, this is going to take a while before it's a full loop! I took a bunch of cheap plastic holiday trains and installed them in the walls of my underground sandstone speakeasy, the "Sand Bar". Thank you to #EIOTCLOUB for sponsoring this video and supporting Sandland with their 4G SIM cards! You can check them out below: eiotclub.com/?ref=eocCWzabB96HYDAmazon: https://noxl.ink/VTVdCv Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforparts
My Best Abandoned Railroad Vehicle Yet! saveitforparts 2023-12-21 | After building a variety of klunky, slow, and fragile railroad vehicles out of trash, I finally have one that works reliably and is fairly fast! This one is a pump car modeled on antique railroad inspection vehicles. It uses human power to get up to almost 10mph, or about as fast as my earlier electric railroad cart. Please note that all the railroad tracks shown here are abandoned, disused, and disconnected from any active lines. There's no physical connection between any of these rails and a working railroad. They've been abandoned for at least a decade, and some of the tracks have already become part of public parks and bike trails. The rest will probably be ripped up soon. Still, I have to recommend you don't try this at home! Thanks again to railriders.net for the wheels, they work way better than anything I've been able to make myself! Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforparts
No More Spaghetti? Testing Creality Ender 3 V3 KE Printer saveitforparts 2023-12-19 | Recently Creality sent me one of their latest 3D printers, the Ender 3 V3 KE. This one features auto bed levelling, built-in touchscreen, Wifi, and a bunch of other cool stuff! Since I have a little experience with 3D printers now, I know what's too much for some of them to handle. I decided to throw all my toughest prints at this thing to see what it could do. Tricky overhangs, tall springy things, fine detail, large flat surfaces, all the stuff that's given me trouble on other 3D printers. The Ender 3 seemed to handle it all pretty well! You can find this 3D printer at the links below:Amazon USamazon.com/dp/B0CF89JHSJ?maas=maas_adg_43CF4650A895A9C7B8ED3934A104EC42_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maasamazon.com/dp/B0CF88S7J4?maas=maas_adg_B0982502C77B7200341E046E6305EDB3_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maasAmaon Canadaamazon.ca/dp/B0CJ2WSWR3Amazon UKamazon.co.uk/dp/B0CJBYNJXFSaveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforparts
Reaching the level of hoarding where empty boxes are decor! saveitforparts 2023-12-18 | Yes it's a cool box, but I have another one full of expired biscuits :-PThis one has found a new home. Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforparts
Checking Lower Frequencies With the Nooelec Ham It Up saveitforparts 2023-12-14 | I've been doing a lot of VHF, UHF, and microwave radio stuff lately, and I almost forgot about the lower-frequency stuff! Most of my Software Defined Radios (SDRs) can't go below 30mhz, which was the hot part of the radio dial a century ago. Fortunately there's a product that will boost these lower-frequency signals up to where an SDR can see them, the Nooelec Ham-It-Up. This is NOT a sponsored review, although I did get one of my Ham It Up units from a viewer (thanks!). In addition to that one, I'm also trying the Nano version which I coincidentally bought around the same time. You can find these and other radio gadgets I like on my Amazon store: amazon.com/shop/saveitforparts(I get a commission if stuff sells from here, but it shouldn't cost any different to you!)You can find the custom bandplans I mentioned here: github.com/Arrin-KN1E/SDR-Band-PlansAnd you can learn more about the Ham-It-Up unit here: support.nooelec.com/hc/en-us/articles/360005812474-Ham-It-Up-UpconverterSaveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforparts
Saveitforparts December Project Updates #junk #DIY #projects #welder #science #hoarding saveitforparts 2023-12-12 | Just a quick update on the random stuff on my to-do pile at the moment! I still don't know how these Shorts / Tiktok things are supposed to work 😅Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforparts
First attempt: Is It Worth It? - Algolaser Delta 22W Laser Engraver Review saveitforparts 2023-12-08 | Algolaser's Delta 22 offers a pre-assembled laser engraver that's *almost* ready to go out of the box. It still needs a few setup and adjustment steps, but you can be using the system in about 20-30 minutes. I had a little trouble with belt tension, but Algolaser's tech support was very helpful in walking me through the belt adjustments. This system lacks automatic focusing and doesn't come with a guide to power and burn time settings. However, it does have a very nice air pump that both cools and clears the laser module, plus it has a built-in LCD screen and onboard Wifi. If you'd like to check out this or other Algolaser products, you can visit: https://c.gearberry.com/r/C9tLVJLOoKO8Saveitforparts t-shirts and other merch at saveitforparts.myspreadshop.comJoin this channel to get access to perks:youtube.com/channel/UCNLRcEn78Vc62C3GkMvBgtA/joinOr support me via Patreon at patreon.com/saveitforparts
