HDMI dummy plug, or how to bring a PIPO X10 back to life
23-11-2017, 17:35
A little over a year ago, I bought PIPO's new mini PC, the PIPO X10. I liked almost everything about it: a large screen, a built-in battery, and an external antenna. But almost immediately, a problem became apparent: it wouldn't work properly. And it wasn't just me—this was a widespread issue. I played around with it for a while, then eventually put it on the shelf. One of my readers has now suggested a way to bring this computer back to life, so today I'll explain how to revive the PIPO.
ACEPC AK1 or another PC
17-11-2017, 14:59
Another review, another computer, another Intel-based machine. This one is a little unusual, but interesting in its own way. It has its drawbacks, but is still a perfectly viable option. I'll take a look at it, take it apart, test it, make a few tweaks, and test it some more.
Tanix TX3 Mini TV box with an S905W inside
16-11-2017, 14:54
Last month I posted a review of a TV box from Vorke, and even then I suspected it looked a lot like one of Tanix's TV box models. No, today's review isn't of its twin; it just so happens that even in this form, the model I'm reviewing has a lot in common with the Vorke. And on top of that, it's built around Amlogic's new S905W SoC. Let's take a look, take it apart, test it, and see how the new SoC compares with the previous versions.
Reolink C1 Pro mains-powered pan-and-tilt camera with 2560x1440 resolution
10-11-2017, 01:27
Some time ago, I posted a review of the inexpensive Escam pan-and-tilt camera. Today, I'm reviewing another pan-and-tilt camera, but one in a higher class. To get straight to the point, I think there are at least two main differences: resolution and build quality, though in fact there are more. For those who want the details, this review includes an inspection, a description of the software, some tests, and, of course, a complete teardown “down to the last screw.”
A pair of electronic loads, or my experience buying from Taobao
3-11-2017, 21:24
I've already posted at least three reviews of electronic loads: fully DIY designs, kits assembled from parts, and factory-made units. In this case, both options are more like kits, since they aren't complete, self-contained products. They can work on their own, but at the very least they need a power supply. I spotted them almost a year ago and was interested, so I finally decided to buy them—and see what it's like to shop on Taobao. Anyway, if you're interested in this topic, I think you'll find plenty of interesting things here.
2 7180
Flash sales continue on 11/12
2 7180
2-11-2017, 11:58
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Our prices are dropping faster than you can imagine. Need some new tech? Whatever you’re looking for—gadgets or just something at a great price—November is the best time to shop. Although Singles’ Day, as it’s known in China, is only on 11/11, the store has prepared plenty of surprises for you, including on the Russian-language site
64×32 RGB LED panels, or how to buy this kind of equipment in China
27-10-2017, 20:45
This is already my fourth review of LED panels for building displays. This review wasn’t originally part of my plans, and neither was buying these panels. In my previous review, I wrote that a seller’s mistake had left me with a controller, so I ordered another batch of LED panels for it. Since I had a specific display size in mind, I had to order panels with a resolution of 64×32 pixels. So, this is a brief review, a little theory, and answers to some of the questions I was asked after publishing the previous installments.
ESCAM Q8 and Sricam SP022 network cameras: so different, yet so alike
24-10-2017, 01:06
Looking at photos of these two cameras, you’ll probably first say, “They’re different.” But in fact, they have more in common than you might think at first glance. That’s what today’s comparative review is about. I wouldn’t say there’ll be a lot of testing, but there will definitely be a teardown and comparison.
Vorke Z6 TV box: what it’s really like
20-10-2017, 19:56
I’ve already reviewed two Vorke mini PCs. I really liked the first one, and the second was interesting in its own way, although it did have some drawbacks. This time, though, I was curious about an Android TV box from the same manufacturer. The previous devices were built pretty well and, more importantly, worked reliably, so I wanted to see how the Vorke Z6 would fare. Inspection, teardown, tests, conclusions.
BlitzWolf BW-S4 charger with an honest 50 W of power
16-10-2017, 23:40
Not long ago, I posted a review of an almost no-name charger (power supply) rated for 5 V and a claimed current of 7.2 A. As it turned out, the actual power was considerably lower. Today I have a model from the better-known (or perhaps simply known) brand BlitzWolf on my desk, with a claimed combined output current of up to 10 A. Inspection, teardown, tests—as usual.
Alfawise Z28 Pro, TV box with RK3328 and 2/16 GB of memory
15-10-2017, 15:54
As for an introduction, there really isn't much to say: it's another TV box, with its own quirks and its own "personality". Today's review won't be very long, since I doubt I can say anything new, but as always, I'll take it apart.
CUBOT Magic smartphone, another Cubot
12-10-2017, 15:12
I've already reviewed several phones from this rather well-known company: two budget “rainbows,” the first and second, as well as a more “advanced” model called Cubot Cheetah 2. I chose this phone for review out of curiosity, after reading quite a few positive reviews on the store page. Someone had even bought two of these phones. I thought, maybe there's something interesting here. Anyway, this is a review in my usual style. The only thing is, I didn't take it apart—there's not much point.
Vernee Thor Plus smartphone, or what happens when you cross the Thor and Thor-E and add AMOLED
8-10-2017, 13:33
I've already reviewed the two previous models in Vernee's Thor lineup. But here's the thing: alongside the "long-lasting" Thor E, Vernee also announced an alternative, the Thor Plus. It's essentially similar to the first model, but has a higher-capacity battery and an AMOLED display. Since I'd reviewed the first two models, it was hard to pass this one up, so I ended up ordering it too.
Raxfly charger (power supply), 5 V with a claimed current of 7.2 A
4-10-2017, 15:54
Not long ago, I was asked to review a USB charger. Since I enjoy tinkering with all kinds of power supplies, I agreed. So I’ll take it apart, examine it, and test it.
SCISHION V88 Mars II, a rather controversial TV box
29-09-2017, 03:04
Another TV box has landed in my hands. At first, I didn't even think about writing about it, but it's so unusual that I'd even call it strange. Since in many ways it isn't much different from the others, I'll keep this very short. But, as always, there'll be tests as well as the obligatory teardown.
Beelink BT3 Pro Mini PC, another one
22-09-2017, 02:06
I only recently wrote a review of a Beelink with Apollo Lake, and now I’ve come across a mini PC from the same company, but with an older processor model based on the Cherry Trail core. I’ve reviewed a similar computer before, but this model has 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of flash storage, and the word Pro in its name. So, let’s take it apart, test it, and see what this “Pro” in the name is all about.
LED panels, controllers, or how to build an LED screen, part two
20-09-2017, 23:04
In the first part of the review, I talked about LED panels and controllers. In this second part, I’ll focus more on the software, testing, and demonstrations. I’ll also talk about the problems I ran into—because of course there were some.
LED panels, controllers, or how to make an LED display, part one
20-09-2017, 22:35
They say that appetite comes with eating, and that’s certainly true. I can confirm it 100%. I’ve already posted two reviews of LED panels—though, more accurately, one review and one follow-up. Today I’ll tell you about higher-resolution LED panels, controllers, and my dealings with the sellers. So brew yourself some coffee or tea, get comfortable, and settle in for a long read. Warning: this review is very long and may be a problem for users on metered connections.








