Alfawise T1, a mini PC with an N4100 processor based on Gemini Lake
28-06-2018, 10:44
Not long ago, I saw someone mention that there hasn't been anything new on the market lately. But now I've got my hands on a mini PC with a processor announced late last year, and today I'm reviewing this new model. About a year and a half ago, I posted a review of a similar new model with an Apollo Lake processor. This version is its logical successor and is called Gemini Lake. As usual, the review covers the exterior, teardown, tests, and conclusions.
Beelink Announces Two New Mini PC Models
28-06-2018, 03:00
I thought I’d share the news: the fairly well-known Chinese company Beelink recently introduced a couple of interesting mini PC models. If you’re interested in this category, I think you’ll find some useful information here.
Raitool trim router, or “file it down after assembly”
A router is definitely not one of the most popular tools, unlike a drill, hammer drill, or screwdriver, but it can still be a real lifesaver in some situations. I can't say I'm any kind of expert when it comes to using routers, but I've had a chance to work with them a few times over the years, so today I'll share what I've learned from those experiences. I'll also talk about the different types of routers.
DS-2CD1141-I or another Hikvision camera
17-06-2018, 20:18
Not long ago, I posted a review of a relatively expensive 8-megapixel camera. Today I'm reviewing a somewhat simpler model, both in resolution and features. Its key advantages are its 4 MP resolution, low price, and well-known manufacturer. As always, read on for the rest of the review.
Another set of crimp terminals and insulated wire splices
Last month I posted a review of crimp terminals for stranded wire. Today, I’m continuing the review on the same topic. In this review, I’ll test two different sets: one contains various types of terminals, and the other contains insulated sleeves for joining wires.
Teclast P80 Pro: A Brief Review of a Small Tablet
15-06-2018, 10:54
Another tablet has landed in my hands, but this time it isn't one of those 10–11-inch "giants". It's a small, modest tablet with a screen diagonal of just 8 inches. I liked it, even though it has its share of drawbacks. Read on for the full review, including a closer look, teardown, tests, and conclusions.
12V-10A board (claimed)
14-06-2018, 14:53
Hello everyone. I put together a short review of a “new” used 12V-10A board (claimed). First, I apologize for any inaccuracies or mistakes. I’ve never written a review before.
Xiaomi MiBox 3 TV box, international version
I’ve already reviewed quite a few TV boxes from different manufacturers, but this is the first time I’ve had a model from the well-known Chinese company Xiaomi in my hands. Actually, no—not the first time. More accurately, this is the first time I’m writing a review of a TV box from this company. As usual, I’ll take a look inside and test it. I’ll also try to compare its pros and cons with devices I’ve tested before, and of course I’ll add the information to the summary table.
DC-DC converter with QC 3.0 support
30-05-2018, 03:07
It’s been a while since I last wrote about voltage converters. Today I’m reviewing not just a converter, but one with the added ability to work with QC 2.0 and 3.0 protocols. This won’t be a very long review, but I hope it’ll be useful.
What Is PoE? A Look at a Pair of Switches
29-05-2018, 04:05
As more and more devices have been connected to local networks, people have also wanted to power them remotely. After all, you’ll agree that running a separate cable to a small device that’s already connected by its own data cable is not only inconvenient, but expensive too. So today we’ll talk about what PoE is and “how it works.”
Tanix TX28 TV box, 4/32, USB 3.0, 5 GHz and RK3328
I got my hands on a rather interesting TV box based on the RK3328 SoC. I’ve already reviewed at least three TV boxes built around this fairly popular processor, but this one isn’t exactly a “budget” model. As usual, the review will cover the exterior, teardown, tests, and conclusions, along with a summary table of the TV boxes I’ve tested.
Crimp terminals for stranded wire
23-05-2018, 02:31
I periodically need to use stranded cables, and some time ago I even reviewed a crimping tool. But you also need consumables for all that—in other words, the terminals themselves, preferably in different colors as well as different sizes. So I decided to buy this set.
Hikvision DS-2CD2085FWD-I, or an 8-megapixel surveillance camera
22-05-2018, 14:21
I’ve already reviewed a couple of Hikvision cameras, covering three models. When people ask me which manufacturer’s cameras are best to use, I usually say Hikvision, with about 90–95% confidence—and I have my reasons. It mostly comes down to build quality, performance, predictable results, and simply the fact that I like this manufacturer’s cameras. That last point is why I decided to review a model that isn’t exactly new, but isn’t very well known either: an 8-megapixel camera.
LiitoKala Lii-40A 21700 4000mAh batteries
22-05-2018, 11:43
I've reviewed and tested various batteries, from camera batteries to cylindrical cells in all sorts of sizes, but this is the first time I've had 21700 batteries in my hands. Technically, they're ordinary batteries, just a little larger, but I was still curious to find out what they can do.
Reolink RLC-410WS 4 MP, 5 GHz WiFi and built-in memory card
19-05-2018, 03:53
I've already had a camera from Reolink in for testing. It performed quite well, at least in my opinion, but was essentially an advanced version of a "baby monitor." Today, we'll be looking at another product from this manufacturer, but in a somewhat different form factor, better suited to setting up a home video surveillance system. As always, the review includes an inspection, a teardown, and a brief comparison with a camera from the same brand with comparable claimed specifications.
Nickel strips, or what is used to connect cells in battery packs
18-05-2018, 02:39
Not long ago, I saw someone mention that there aren't enough reviews of unusual products, so today I'm reviewing just such a product. Though I wouldn't call the product unusual myself, I haven't come across reviews like this, which is why I decided to write one. I've often seen people ask what is used to weld battery packs. Obviously, a special strip is used, but what types are there, how do they differ, and which one is best? That's what I'll try to explain today.
Soshine LiFePO4 Batteries, or Three Plus One
Some time ago, I posted a review of Soshine 14500-format LiFePO4 batteries. Today, I'm following up on that review with three more batteries from the same company. I'll also run a few tests on the 14500 battery you've already seen. This review includes all kinds of tests, as well as a check of how well the batteries withstand extreme currents.
An Infrared Thermometer for the Home Workshop
4-05-2018, 16:13
Hello everyone! Today I’d like to introduce you to a new and very useful tool: the PM6530D infrared thermometer. You can set the material’s emissivity on this thermometer to get more accurate surface temperature readings. It also has UV LEDs and a temperature and humidity sensor, and you can connect an external thermocouple. A built-in laser pointer helps illuminate the surface being measured. If you’re looking for a professional tool such as a thermal imager, I recommend reading this review (Thermal Imagers: What Are They and “How Do They Work”?) by KIRICH








