Craig Childs
Craig Childs
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A look inside: Wind speed and wind direction sensors, scientific measurement instruments
A look inside these two scientific wind measurement units.
The first measures wind speed, this is referred to as an anemometer, the second measures the direction of the wind, the windvane, together they provide important meteorological safety data in real-time.
These are salvage and have been taken from a recent repair job, they are high quality items, it is a rare opportunity to take a look inside.
Переглядів: 3 063

Відео

Making: Tool Tidy Concept
Переглядів 3883 роки тому
3D Printed modular tool tidy for an electronics workbench, designed for mounting to standard 35mm DIN rail. Links to STL files: Spudger module: www.tinkercad.com/things/3BEyJG3X8em-din-rail-tool-mount-spudger 8mm Screwdriver module: www.tinkercad.com/things/89cxXpTqddO-din-rail-tool-mount-8mm-driver 6mm Screwdriver module: www.tinkercad.com/things/hBpvO7yoCrJ-din-rail-tool-mount-6mm-driver 16mm...
A look inside: Foaming Handwash Sanitiser Dispenser (repaired)
Переглядів 3913 роки тому
A look at a failed foaming soap dispenser, finding out what went wrong and can it be repaired?
A look inside: 'Elephant Chain' Window Chain Actuator
Переглядів 4,3 тис.4 роки тому
A look at a high quality high torque window actuator. Designed with rooflight windows in mind, this actuator is unusual to see on the workbench, they are extremely well built and relianble, when I had the opportunity to open one up I jumped at it as I'm not likely to see another one for a long time. This series of actuators are so packed full of features they leave the majority of the competiti...
A look inside: Mesh Nebuliser
Переглядів 4,8 тис.4 роки тому
Opening a mesh nebuliser from Amazon, used to treat asthma symptoms
Unboxing: Elegoo Nano Prototyping PCB Kit for Arduino
Переглядів 4,2 тис.4 роки тому
Unboxing the Elegoo Nano 3 pack
Electronics Kit build: £20 oscilloscope kit from Amazon UK
Переглядів 3444 роки тому
This was a more complex kit that those I am used to, it turned out that there was no SMD soldering to be done but the kit still took some time to finish. The end product is a useable scope, it might be useful for finding rough power rails and identifying dried out capacitors, definitely worth the cost for this little kit. The kit is a JYETech DSO Shell aka DSO150. This is the latest revision of...
Convert: Solar LED Fairy Lights to USB power
Переглядів 18 тис.5 років тому
Convert solar powered string LED lights to be USB powered, run brighter and last much longer per charge. These lights are no longer suitable for use outdoors once converted unless you use a waterproof housing for the USB power source! This is the second upload of this video, thanks to Martin Webster for highlighting an error in the first upload :-)
Making: Lamp with G4 LED lamps and USB power
Переглядів 3,5 тис.5 років тому
I upgraded my daughter's lamp to G4 LEDs powered by USB. This video shows how I made that work, this can be used to make your own lamp or to upgrade your own existing lamp. Apologies for the sound quality, I think the microphone was caught on my t-shirt!
Truck loses tyre - Port Glasgow
Переглядів 1,6 тис.5 років тому
Sparks fly as the rim gouges the road
Motorway worker vs van at 60MPH
Переглядів 1775 років тому
Guy misjudges crossing live lanes of the M8 in Glasgow
Comparing Poundland vs Home Bargains power banks - Jan 2019
Переглядів 1,7 тис.5 років тому
How much power do you actually get out of these power banks? We find out in this comparison of the most readily available budget power banks from these two high street retailers. The units shown are the full range stocked by both Poundland and Home Bargains in their stores in the west of Scotland. Measured values are the output at 5v rather than the battery capacity, after all it's the output t...
Making: Vibrating cat litter scoop
Переглядів 9595 років тому
The easiest and quickest way to scoop out the tray, save yourself time and make it less of a chore. Relatively easy project with a little soldering and some hot melt glue.
A Look Inside: Master Lock Key Safe
Переглядів 41 тис.5 років тому
A look at the mechanism inside a Master Lock keysafe. Also, a look back at my original video on this lock
A look inside: Carbon Water Filter
Переглядів 2375 років тому
A look inside: Carbon Water Filter
A Look Inside: Sonoff Basic R2 switch
Переглядів 2305 років тому
A Look Inside: Sonoff Basic R2 switch
A Look Inside: Faulty door actuator, opens the door in the event of a fire
Переглядів 2036 років тому
A Look Inside: Faulty door actuator, opens the door in the event of a fire
A Look Inside: Kodak alkaline PP3 battery from Poundland
Переглядів 5546 років тому
A Look Inside: Kodak alkaline PP3 battery from Poundland
Poundland £2 Geek Power power bank teardown and mod
Переглядів 2 тис.6 років тому
Poundland £2 Geek Power power bank teardown and mod
A Look Inside: A smoke vent door actuator
Переглядів 1496 років тому
A Look Inside: A smoke vent door actuator
Convert: Fairy light convert from batteries to USB powered
Переглядів 145 тис.6 років тому
Convert: Fairy light convert from batteries to USB powered
In progress...
Переглядів 626 років тому
In progress...
Tactix storage boxes
Переглядів 10 тис.7 років тому
Tactix storage boxes
Clann An Drumma live at Loch Lomond - June 2013
Переглядів 40511 років тому
Clann An Drumma live at Loch Lomond - June 2013

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @mspalding4605
    @mspalding4605 7 днів тому

    Very helpful. Thank you!

  • @legs1302
    @legs1302 25 днів тому

    Hurry up

  • @onlytruthmatters777
    @onlytruthmatters777 2 місяці тому

    Just wondering....l have a fairy light string similar to this but has a USB connection so l use a power point instead of batteries. However the cable provided with the fairy light string is short and doesn't reach a power point without wasting the fairy lights on "floor lighting" and then is too short for the object l'm lighting up. Is there an extension cord that can be purchased to go further? Thank you in advance.

  • @wintersun398
    @wintersun398 2 місяці тому

    I forgot the combination to one of these safes. I actually made a shim from the plastic packaging from the product! 3 of the wheels were very easy to decode, but the other I couldnt feel the flat as it was a slightly closer tolerance. So i just rotated the 3 I knew back to the correct spot, then just rotated the remaining wheel until it unlocked. Easy!

  • @hectorpatricio9918
    @hectorpatricio9918 2 місяці тому

    VERY GOOD EXPLAIN. DO TO ASSEMBLE. TY

  • @trinapellegrino621
    @trinapellegrino621 3 місяці тому

    🕊🕊. After using the nebulizer…….flush with water..because it can get clogged because of the saline. I use distilled water 💧 after mine failed … I had to order a new one. I always flush

  • @YMDouek
    @YMDouek 4 місяці тому

    Thank you for this - helped me repair my 'Reinforced' version after one of my kids locked it (whilst open). I tore it down aligned the cams and rebuilt. The inside was similar but a bit different - I'm no locksmith but a couple of the changes seem to 'fix' the issues you mentioned e.g. the design of the 'wheels' is different. Have you looked into this version?

    • @childscraig
      @childscraig 3 місяці тому

      I haven't seen the new version

  • @eeveecat2158
    @eeveecat2158 4 місяці тому

    Just one question. Once we connect them do we recoat with laquer/clear nail polish. I have the low voltage 2 strand solar lights.

    • @childscraig
      @childscraig 3 місяці тому

      You can if you like, however unless you can find an outdoor USB power source you are limited to using them indoors once converted. Hope this makes sense.

  • @casacarol2034
    @casacarol2034 7 місяців тому

    ❤️🙏😅 Thank you. God bless. It worked!!!

  • @nedstar7378
    @nedstar7378 7 місяців тому

    Very nice video and great information thanks for sharing. Do you have the Arduino code for the windspeed measure.

    • @childscraig
      @childscraig 7 місяців тому

      @nedstar7378 I don't think I do, however I believe it uses the NMEA decoder library. The decoder lib pulls the data out from the serial stream and converts it to something readable by a human. Hope this helps.

    • @childscraig
      @childscraig 7 місяців тому

      P.S., the windspeed measurement is already done within the unit, the IC does the calculation then sends the data out on the serial bus

  • @StreicherGoods
    @StreicherGoods 8 місяців тому

    Hey Craig, Where did you source your rechargable battery pack? I'm looking to create some smaller ceramic lamps and yours looks like it'll work perfectly! Thanks, Ethan

    • @childscraig
      @childscraig 8 місяців тому

      Hi there, I have picked these up from local retailers over the years, Poundland, Home Bargains, The Range etc. There are lots of places to pick them up, they're cheap and work well 👍

    • @StreicherGoods
      @StreicherGoods 7 місяців тому

      Hey! Thank you for the message. Do you know about how long this lamp you designed will illuminate on one charge? @@childscraig

    • @childscraig
      @childscraig 7 місяців тому

      @@StreicherGoods it depends entirely on the capacity of the power bank you select, a new 10,000mAh pack should power this for around a day. Like everything power related this is theoretical. The power bank in the video lasted over 8 hours on one charge, over time this will reduce gradually as the power bank cells degrade. My daughter is still using this lamp 4 years later, most of the time she uses a USB power supply plugged in but when using on battery she is still using the same pack.

  • @skrame01
    @skrame01 8 місяців тому

    You have to be careful with the battery packs you use. Most shut off and do not output power when the output current is too low. I have a set of leds that pull only 50mA and of the 4 different battery packs I have (li-ion and lipo) only one will stay on and power the leds. Another note is you can use a diode in series with the battery to reduce the voltage from 5v to 4.3 or 4.7 is using a Schottky type and the controller will be happier.

  • @sjillions
    @sjillions 9 місяців тому

    very useful and informative, as you seem to be the only person I have found that knows how these actautors work, my question is:- I have 2 of these type of actuators currently on my skylight and I dont think they are working together as a pair as they sometimes go slightly out of sinc and to prove , I disconnect the green data wires they still run independantly so to resolve this do I need to obtain a control unit/panel ? as at the moment I only have a non locking rocker switch and a 24vdc 8A power supply. I would be very grateful for your advice.

    • @childscraig
      @childscraig 9 місяців тому

      Hi, are they WindowMaster actuators?

    • @sjillions
      @sjillions 9 місяців тому

      @@childscraig Yes they appear to be Window Master manufactured badged Velux, with model numbers WMU 88V 30 04

    • @sjillions
      @sjillions 9 місяців тому

      sorry WMU 88V 300 04 I have photos if it helps

    • @childscraig
      @childscraig 9 місяців тому

      Hi again, The model you mention should have MotorLink capability. This is the feature which allows synchronous operation (and more). Unfortunately you need to have the actuators programmed to 'see' each other, they need programmed as a team of 2. To do this you would need a trained engineer with the programming tool. If your rooflight is new you could ask the suppllier why it was not programmed in the factory and request they have this done, otherwise you would need a WindowMaster partner to do this, you can contact them at www.windowmaster.com If it isn't causing an issue it might not be worth the cost of reprogramming, it does however mean if one actuator fails the other may not stop driving, there is a risk of the window twisting and smashing the glass if this happens. Hope this helps. C.

    • @sjillions
      @sjillions 9 місяців тому

      hi Craig, So if programmed as a matching pair, do I still need an additional control unit ? many thanks for your help @@childscraig

  • @MrBobWareham
    @MrBobWareham 9 місяців тому

    Just what I want but don't have a 3D printer, I am on your channel so when you sell put up a sign, so I can get some, you could keep it cheep just jiffy bag them and post

    • @childscraig
      @childscraig 9 місяців тому

      Are you in the UK Bob?

    • @childscraig
      @childscraig 9 місяців тому

      @MrBobWareham are you in the UK Bob?

  • @addictedtotreasuretrash108
    @addictedtotreasuretrash108 9 місяців тому

    Hej how did you recognise the + and - on the usb connector using the meter ? how do i know which is which ? Thanx

    • @childscraig
      @childscraig 9 місяців тому

      Hi, your meter should have red and black probes, when you put the red to the positive and black to negative it should read 5v, when you put it the other way round it should read -5v. Hope this makes sense!

    • @alsahib3768
      @alsahib3768 2 місяці тому

      ​@@childscraignice Scots?

  • @nil0bject
    @nil0bject 9 місяців тому

    hey, can you redo this video with the solar chargers that take 3 batteries? replace the AA's with a lipo? add a esp32? inside the solar case to remain weatherproof?

  • @petermaceachern4843
    @petermaceachern4843 10 місяців тому

    Do the g4 plugs have + and - legs or can theh be switched if you put them in wrong

    • @childscraig
      @childscraig 10 місяців тому

      Hi Peter, the lamps I used have a built-in rectifier, it doesn't matter which way you install them. Hope this helps

  • @ewen832
    @ewen832 11 місяців тому

    Hi I was just watching your Fairy lights to usb video when I came across this video. I grew up in the Port and emigrated to Australia in 1993 when I was 28. Port Glasgow sure looks different from when I left. Are you from the Port. I lived in Stroma and Oronsay Avenue.

    • @childscraig
      @childscraig 10 місяців тому

      Hi Ewen, I'm from Greenock but I know the areas you mentioned. Port Glasgow probably looks very different to you now, a lot has changed, especially in the town centre.

  • @terataiministudio4263
    @terataiministudio4263 11 місяців тому

    Thanks a lot for this video. I successfully repair my keysafe after watching your video. Save my money from buying a new one😅.

  • @dnbshaggy
    @dnbshaggy Рік тому

    I've got several sets of these crappy solar lights, could I connect them all to a single USB? They all use very similar solar boxes with single AA batteries inside.

  • @CH-en4er
    @CH-en4er Рік тому

    thanks for video

  • @c0lin147
    @c0lin147 Рік тому

    great video. I tried for hours but looks like the lip on the gear is impossible to get past due to upgrade maybe?

  • @kutaycelenk
    @kutaycelenk Рік тому

    4:05 I used a drill to enlarge the pin holes by sides, then I used metal screws to mount the lock back.

  • @Renee4ever68
    @Renee4ever68 Рік тому

    How do you know which side of the board is positive and which is negative!

  • @ADEpoch
    @ADEpoch Рік тому

    Do you know how it can tell what direction it is in the EAST/WEST direction when it's halfway along the magnet? (Not NORTH or SOUTH)

  • @ameeras3454
    @ameeras3454 Рік тому

    Hello, excuse me, can you show us if you know how to do the reverse, like converting the USP power to batteries please 🥺?

    • @childscraig
      @childscraig Рік тому

      Hi there, You can buy a 3xAA battery box with USB out for very little money, here in the UK you can buy them from £1. Hope this helps. C.

  • @emanjunrivera8950
    @emanjunrivera8950 Рік тому

    i was looking for this exact video i was wondering can i use a 4.5v power adapter instead of a powerbank?

    • @childscraig
      @childscraig Рік тому

      Hi, Yes you can, as long as it is DC and can deliver around 500ma it should be fine. Hope this helps

  • @horvathgabor5485
    @horvathgabor5485 Рік тому

    From where do you know which is the positive and the negative cable of the USB cable?

    • @childscraig
      @childscraig Рік тому

      Hi there, Often when you open a USB cable the positive will be red and the negative black, but not always. The easiest way is to check with a multimeter. If you don't have one of these you can use an LED and a 220ohm resistor, the LED will only light when power is applied in the correct polarity. The resistor is there to limit the current, if you put 5v onto the LED without running it through the resistor first the LED will burn out straight away! Hope this helps.

    • @horvathgabor5485
      @horvathgabor5485 Рік тому

      @@childscraig Thank you very much for the explanation!

    • @horvathgabor5485
      @horvathgabor5485 Рік тому

      @@childscraig Still something: how can you define the needed resistor? Just because I have a pure led string withoout the electronics part and I would like to use it…

    • @childscraig
      @childscraig Рік тому

      @@horvathgabor5485 Hi again, I talk about this in this video: ua-cam.com/video/3UvQb-jXNVo/v-deo.html

  • @ВладимирСавченко-ч7я

    Can you tell me where I can get this garland?

    • @childscraig
      @childscraig Рік тому

      Hi there, This is a very old video, you can now buy USB plug in versions for the same price as the battery type. I purchased these from Amazon in the UK, Deal: [2 Pack] Fairy String Lights, 120LED 12M/40Ft 8 Modes USB Plug in Powered Lights Waterproof Outdoor/Indoor Copper String Lights with Remote Timer for Bedroom, Party, Wedding, Christmas (Warm White) amzn.eu/d/ggFX2Xu Hope this helps.

  • @macrouser6539
    @macrouser6539 Рік тому

    I recently bought a remote control solar Christmas light diy module, and i accidentally Connected the battery in LED + - can this ruin my module? Because after a connected all its not working anymore, its similar to that board you are holding

    • @childscraig
      @childscraig Рік тому

      Hi, yes it is likely that feeding the source power into the output has damaged the module, all the current regulation components are on the input side, it's quite likely to have killed a solid state component or two 😞

  • @BBXFX
    @BBXFX Рік тому

    Excellent DIY upgrade 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

  • @BBXFX
    @BBXFX Рік тому

    Need Pro reply😁: Isn't it better to add a 10-ohm resistor to each line from the board to the lights to ensure a safer current when going from AA 4.5v to USB 5v 1A cable?

    • @childscraig
      @childscraig Рік тому

      Hi, the IC on these boards is 5v tollerant, there are versions of the board with 3 x AA batteries as the power source. Of course this only applies to this particular product.

  • @melaniefrias9893
    @melaniefrias9893 Рік тому

    Why can’t I just connect the 2 wires from the fairy lights to the 2 wires from the usb cord?

    • @childscraig
      @childscraig Рік тому

      Hi Melanie, This type of LED string uses s processor to pulse and control the current, if you connected it direct half the LEDS would burn out straight away and the other half would not attempt to light. This video is very old, since then there are lots of USB powered LED lights readily available, it's easier just to buy a set of these nowadays. Hope this helps, Craig.

  • @samsami1155
    @samsami1155 Рік тому

    Hi. I bought smaller version which is 3v AA battery (1.5 metre longs) i am using them to a project can i link 4 packs (4 × 1.5m longs ) same model together by cutting them and link them? Is it possible to use same way you did to put used them with USB power bank

  • @stanTrX
    @stanTrX Рік тому

    5 Volts replacement for 3 Volts battery powered device 🤔 no thank you.

  • @kushis4ever
    @kushis4ever Рік тому

    To sum up from a layman's perspective, you've unsoldered the +ve and -ve battery wires and soldered the usb cable wires onto the board, right sir?

  • @shel1282
    @shel1282 Рік тому

    I have 5v 2amp adapter can I connect it directly or have to use some resistors??

    • @childscraig
      @childscraig Рік тому

      Hi thelre, If you are using the exact method in this video with the LEDs shown there is no need for resistors. If you are using any other hardware or method this advice doesn't apply. Hope this helps!

  • @clarklouiscrisostomo9446
    @clarklouiscrisostomo9446 2 роки тому

    Hi! Can I connect directly the cables without resistors? I will use USB power bank. Is it going to work?

    • @childscraig
      @childscraig 2 роки тому

      Hi Clark, the board in this kit isn't using resistors, it's a micro controller, if you remove that the lights won't work. On any project involving LEDs some form of current limiting is required, if you connect an LED to a power supply (i.e. USB source) the LED will burn out after a second or so, resistors or a current limited supply (i.e. an LED driver) are essential for LEDs. Hope this helps

    • @clarklouiscrisostomo9446
      @clarklouiscrisostomo9446 2 роки тому

      @@childscraig thank you so much for your help!

  • @triumphspitfirerestoration4772
    @triumphspitfirerestoration4772 2 роки тому

    What is the little black clip on the bottom of the box? What does it do ?

    • @childscraig
      @childscraig 2 роки тому

      It's for clipping keys onto it stops them falling out when you open the door. I have never seen it being used and I access keysafes frequently!

    • @triumphspitfirerestoration4772
      @triumphspitfirerestoration4772 2 роки тому

      @@childscraig are you sure as I have taken it out and shut it now I can’t open!

    • @childscraig
      @childscraig 2 роки тому

      @@triumphspitfirerestoration4772 it's maybe a spring to open the door then, tbh I never paid much attention to that part!

  • @agentl3r
    @agentl3r 2 роки тому

    Hello Craig, thank you for this informative video. I do have one question - how exactly are you regulating the current? LEDs should always be paired with some sort of constant current driver to prevent the LED reaching sub-optimal temperatures and shortening their lifespan as well as power control. Cheers.

    • @childscraig
      @childscraig 2 роки тому

      Hi AgentL3r, The lamps I have used in this video have integrated current control and a bridge rectifier, you can use them on AC or DC and they will self limit the current consumed. It's a great way to achieve a high output with very little in the way of components, makes for a very simple project 👍

    • @agentl3r
      @agentl3r 2 роки тому

      Appreciate it Craig! Indeed, it does simplify projects right down. After I left that comment I got curious and started disassembling the LED lamps in our house. No current limiting hardware to be seen, so the driver would have been integrated into the bulb. Excellent video, and thank you for your response.

  • @idirty504la2
    @idirty504la2 2 роки тому

    Too hot too quick .

  • @idirty504la2
    @idirty504la2 2 роки тому

    Did what you said . The lights are extremely hottttttt

    • @childscraig
      @childscraig 2 роки тому

      Hi there, It is likely you have a different type of light set, one without the IC control. This method will only work with the type shown in the video. You can use a 5v source for 3v lights which don't use the controller but you would have to use resistors to limit the current and prevent the LEDs from burning out, one of my other videos covers this. Hope this helps.

  • @user-ov4dw3yr5d
    @user-ov4dw3yr5d 2 роки тому

    Cool. Thanks mate

  • @stonermountin4881
    @stonermountin4881 2 роки тому

    Thankyou! This helped me break back into my keysafe that I forgot the code too 😀

    • @stonermountin4881
      @stonermountin4881 2 роки тому

      For context/disclaimer: I fully owned that keysafe. I didn't break into anyone else's but my own

  • @paulmeynell8866
    @paulmeynell8866 2 роки тому

    Very intreating was wondering why the chain stayed ridged when pushing the window, can only assume it’s the design of the links. Wondered if you pushed the chain sideways if the window would crash shut.

    • @childscraig
      @childscraig 2 роки тому

      Hi Paul, As long as the chain is fixed to the window bracket it can't collapse, if you push hard enough to stretch the chain it can but that would need a lot of force. The chain is self supporting in one direction due to the shape of the links, it's a clever design. C.

  • @Orlanzepol123
    @Orlanzepol123 2 роки тому

    You can buy that motor online for less than 4 American dollars.

  • @peterthomson3393
    @peterthomson3393 2 роки тому

    Craig, love these videos. I have a LED string light curtain with horrible combination mode nonsense. I just want to flick switch and they are steady on. Would this method work for this to bypass the need for always having to manually switch on?

    • @childscraig
      @childscraig 2 роки тому

      Hi Peter, This method only changes the power source, it doesn't alter the control at all. Changing the control is a whole other topic and honestly usually more hassle than it's worth given that you can buy static sets very cheaply. Best wishes, C.

  • @regularguysgarage3276
    @regularguysgarage3276 2 роки тому

    How are they 5 years later?

    • @childscraig
      @childscraig 2 роки тому

      Still in perfect condition 👍

  • @outaspaceman
    @outaspaceman 2 роки тому

    That’s the first D cell case I’ve seen…🤔

    • @isaiah4478
      @isaiah4478 2 роки тому

      Those actually looks like c cells D cells are much larger

  • @crazytaco321
    @crazytaco321 2 роки тому

    Wow! you sir are a pioneer and we all thank you for teaching us. i used to think it was soooooo hard to do anything with a circuit board but you inspired me to start learning engineering!!!! i cant wait to watch your other videos!