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Gadget Wisdom

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Best Tools For Productive Work On The Road: Spring 2024 Edition

Many of us are travelling more than we used to, but there is no reason we can’t have a great work setup while on the road.

This post serves as a packing list, among other things, for my travel gear. These allow me to be productive from anywhere. It’s a good opportunity to go over what I keep in my bag, and over time, talk more specifically about the items I keep in there and why.

  • A Walmart Onn Android 4K TV puck – Powered by micro-USB, used for streaming in hotel rooms
  • 2 Ainope Right Angle USB-C to USB-C 6 foot cables, braided 60W rating – any USB-C cables might do.
  • 2 Baseus 100W retractable USC-C PD 5A 3.3 foot cable –
  • EMEET USB Speakerphone for Live Streaming – Got this on sale, but you can’t get it anymore. Good because it is compact, and a webcam and speakerphone in one. I’m fine in the shortterm, but will look for alternatives to suggest.
  • Charger for a Pinetime Watch – More on the Pinetime in future
  • An Ikea LED USB lamp . – Some hotels do not have a desk light and this takes up almost no space.
  • Generic USB/battery operated LED clock – I use my phone for alarms, but I honestly can’t be bothered to fiddle for it when I’m trying to sleep in a hotel room while experiencing jetlag. This was just the smallest clock with digits I could see without my glasses. About the size of a harmonica. There are dozens of these.
  • 200W GAN USB C Charger Block, 4 USB-C PD ports, 4 USB-A ports – Can power everything with plenty of ports. I have one of these on my desk as well.
  • The 65% K6 Keyboard…I wrote about my Keyboard search previously.
  • Graffiti Fat Wrist Rest for small keyboards – Wrist rest for the keyboard
  • Dierya Kemove X Keyboard Travel Case – To protect my keyboard while traveling.
  • A GL.iNet travel router, right now I have the Slate Plus which was on sale, but there is a budget version available now, the Opal. There are advantages to the Slate Plus over the Opal…but for hotel trips, you can forego them. Having a travel router has a variety of advantages.
  • A portable monitor – I have a few of these of various sizes and capabilities. A 15.6, and a 12. I can mix and match depending on the computer I’m bringing…laptop, mini PC, etc, to form a variety of different configurations. More on that in future. But, this either requires HDMI cabling, sometimes mini-HDMI, sometimes full-HDMI, plus USB power, or USB-C connections.
  • Folding Laptop Stand – They don’t make the one I have anymore, but there are a lot of these. This unfolds, lifting the laptop up so I can place my keyboard below it. This assumes I bring a laptop, and not a mini-PC
  • Trackball – I prefer a trackball to a mouse. My two favorites are:
    • Logi M580 – this is a thumb controlled trackball that fits easily into a bag
    • Kensington Expert Wireless Trackball – Also comes in a wired. This thing looks big because of the provided wrist rest, but is not that much bigger than the Logi M580, which I’ve taken on many trips.

 

Published on April 4, 2024
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Review: Vivo Livestream Device Shelf Mount

I’ve been working on upgrades to my desk, and tried out the Vivo 16 Inch Above/Behind VESA Monitor Livestream Device Shelf Mount.

The image is a stock image from the manufacturer, not my setup, but this replaced so many things for me. It attaches to a monitor mount in between the bracket and the monitor. Not only is it good as a shelf, but I’m able to attach accessories to it.

I’ve bought two of these, one for each of my monitors. There is a webcam attached with an adjustable ball head, an old tablet that shows an information display, and a light to better light the webcam. As the bezel of monitors becomes thinner, attaching a webcam to the monitor itself is starting to actually hide some of the screen. You can mount a webcam or even a professional camera dead center and still have plenty of room on the shelf to add more small items.

The height you can adjust it to does depend on your monitor. I had to put them at different heights on different monitors due to where the ports were in relation to the mount. You may also have issues if the back of your monitor is curved. Reading reviews on Amazon, some people solved these issues by cutting off some of the bracket to make it shorter. Others had to get longer screws than the ones provided or get standoffs, both of which are fairly common needs for VESA monitor mounts.

Other people used it to hold speakers, as a shelf for their remotes, microphones, etc.

There are competing products, but none of them at a $20 price point.

  • Ulanzi makes a similar top shelf for $43 at time of publish, which includes 3 ballheads…but you can get better ball heads yourself if you need them.
  • HumanCentric offers theirs for $56 at time of publish. They have 3 sizes, a small, medium and extra large, the extra large being the $56 one and roughly the same shelf space as the Vivo. It seems to offer no specific advantage, except it is slightly shorter in length(so maybe you don’t need to cut it if it covers your ports), but hardly worth the price increase for that.

 

In all the mounting gear I’ve purchased for my desk, the price does seem high for what is essentially a piece of metal with some holes in it. But convenience is worth something. I have a second desk I use elsewhere where I will be using this to replace a cheap boom arm that holds up my webcam.

Published on April 2, 2024
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Musings On The Best Keyboard For Travel

In my previous writing, about using a Mini PC on the Go, I mentioned a 60-65% keyboard as the right size in my opinion for travel. So, what are the different types of keyboards?

  • Full-size
  • Tenkeyless(TKL) – A tenkeyless is the same size as a full-size keyboard, but omits the number pad.
  • 75%  – condenses the function keys
  • 65% – usually retains the arrow keys while condensing the other function keys.
  • 60% – removes the function and navigation keys
  • 40% – the smallest keyboard

I have long since given up on full sized keyboards. All my home keyboards are TKL. This is something of a practical issue. I’m left-handed, and the number pad is on the right side of the keyboard, favoring right handed typists. In the rare cases when you need it, you can try for a keypad such as this inexpensive one from Kisnt, which has Red, Brown, and Blue switch options and PBT keycaps already.

40% is too small. I know people are very passionate about this size once you get used to the combinations to use it. The most economical 40% I found was at the local Microcenter.

For my latest attempt, I opted for a 65% Keychron K6 that was discounted at the time I purchased it and is still reasonable. The K6 is bluetooth and USB-C, but has a hardware rather than a software switch between wireless and wired. Some models of the K6 are hotswappable, meaning you can change the switches.. Compare that to the well reviewed Royal Kludge RK68, which has a software switch. 65% gets you the arrow keys, which I do enjoy having as dedicated functions.

I previously used a 60%, and tried several variations, but missed those arrow keys. However, if I opt to try a 60% again, I might try the Royal Kludge RK61, which is not only hot-swappable, but has QMK/VIA support…which allows you to remap the keys to a configuration of your liking. Since I’m on a Keychron kick of late, they have the K12. The Pro Version has the QMK/VIA support.

By the time you get to 75%, you might as well carry around your tenkeyless on a trip, thus making the 65% percent the perfect compromise between the two.

 

Published on March 25, 2024
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Home Media Servers and Owning Your Library

The Verge recently published an article on physical media, and they were not alone. It seems as if there are two camps. Those who have given up on physical media because streaming is so prevalent, and those who have embraced it. What is the difference?

Streaming is great, in that you get a large library of content for a set price. But, with streaming services raising prices, adding ads, removing content to save money…it isn’t a guarantee, especially if you have certain content you want to keep. Even if you ‘buy’ videos on a service, buying is a license that the service can revoke at any time and owe you nothing, as the people who had content in anime service Funimation discovered.

So, I have been, like the author of the Verge article, accumulating physical media, mostly waiting for sales and other opportunities. For one, I get extras like deleted scenes, director’s commentary, and such. But, I consider the DVDs and Blu-Rays to be the archival copies. I rip a digital copy of the media onto my home media server, and that is the production copy. This is some work, and I do tend to do it over time. But I am building a collection of classics I would rewatch in the future.

There is a lot of infrastructure that goes into a home media server. There is the software and the hardware. The hardware is the largest investment. You need something with some power, if you want to be able to transcode files, and with a lot of redundant storage space. Redundant as in more than one drive to ensure your data is protected in protection. Backing up media files is another cost. Fortunately, the collection won’t change that often, so even an external drive that isn’t hooked up to the same system can be an option there.

That just covers storage. Then there is playback to consider as well. What devices you want to play on, etc. Transcoding, as mentioned, can also allow you to generate smaller alternate versions of files for watching on different devices, if needed.

More on those things in future, but if you have favorites you want to be able to watch more than once…if you want to curate a collection, then you may wish to have your own server.

Published on March 13, 2024
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Thoughts On Using a Mini PC On the Go

Recently, I was reading an article by Brady Snyder of XDA Developers about using a Mini PC on the go. It happened to match up with something I’d been thinking about. However, Brady’s premise involved the use of a battery pack. So…turning a Mini PC into a fully portable computer, instead of my goal…a computer I could set up anywhere. I’m thinking about this a lot right now because I just spent two weeks in a hotel for work, where I’d want more than I’d take on a short trip.

Dual portable monitors are coming down in price, but so are portable USB-C/HDMI single monitors that have good quality, and fit in a bag. I calculated that a USB-C to barrel connector could power everything off a USB-C PD charger. A 60-65% keyboard, portable mouse, and even a second monitor if needed can complete something that fits in a bag.

I stopped using laptops at home ages ago…because staring down at one started to hurt my neck. I could dock my laptop, but I found I rarely used the screen and mostly had it in the dock, so why not save money on the screen and get a better processor?

Over the years, I’ve tried many combinations of mobile setups. Different small keyboards. Different portable monitors. Etc. I’ve already decided on my next experiment, and will be putting out some notes about how different configurations work out. This includes:

  • Improved 60 or 65% keyboard options
  • Different portable monitors
  • Keeping the wiring simple.
  • Converting mini-PCs to USB-C PD using adapters
  • Travel micetrackballs
  • Storage devices

Curious what others thinl.

Published on March 1, 2024
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Seal Your Garage Envelope With The Green Hinge System

Last week, as part of my garage door overhaul, I installed two upgrades to my garage door itself…as opposed to the upgrade to the control system(the ratgdo board). When picking out new products, I do my research.

One was the Green Hinge System. You can find the Green Hinge direct on their website, or through Amazon(click here) if you prefer. Garage door mechanics aren’t my area of expertise, but the Green Hinge system is a spring loaded hinge for garage doors. The tension of the hinge pushes the door flush to the frame. This reduces the entry of cold air, wind, dust, bugs and other critters from entering. It also makes it harder for someone to try to grab the garage door release through the gaps in the door. The Green Hinge was created by a small business owner whose garage stored items were freezing in the cold Wisconsin winter.

The installation target was an original garage door installed with the building in 1976, so the door is nearly 50 years old, and still had the original hinges. The rollers had been replaced twenty years ago or so, so replaced them with nylon rollers rated for 100,000 cycles at the same time. In order to get it to work properly we had to strip two layers of weatherstripping that not only had been on for years, but had been painted over to the point I didn’t even realize it was there(need to touch up the paint unfortunately at some point though).  The hinges don’t rattle quite as much as the 50 year old ones, although if I wanted the door to be even more silent, between that and the new rollers, I’d need to replace the garage door opener motor, track, and/or chain as well(maybe next year).

The new hinges did create another problem. Due to the slight shift in door alignment, the gap at the bottom of the door was not perfect. This was partially due to some cracked concrete I need to patch making it not level, but partially because we discovered the seal was actually nailed on on top of another, also nailed on seal. The new bottom seal uses a track, so the seal can be replaced in the track if it wears out with a new one without nailing it into the frame.

After all that, I took temperature readings. I have a sensor connected to my Home Assistant instance that sits right next to the garage door. Looking at the sensor overlaid on the outdoor temperature sensor, the temperature in the garage was higher on average during a snowstorm today than last month’s cold snap. There were no drafts. So, all in all, this was a success.

As one side note, the handyman who I hired to help install them did run into trouble due to the old weatherstripping, called the support line, and received instant support from someone with hands on installation experience. He asked for pictures and provided the key information that revealed the source of the problem, even though the handyman was skeptical. I can’t say there isn’t more cosmetic work to do when the weather gets warmer, painting, patching the concrete to level the bottom, etc. But it made an old door operate like a much younger one.

Published on February 13, 2024
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Take Control Of Your Garage Door With Rage Against the Garage Door Opener

https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/4663918/288449523-9ddf3da2-9eac-4be0-beed-11867dc8d446.png

Rage Against The Garage Door Opener(RATGDO), is a board created by Paul Wieland that gives you local control of a Chamberlain/Liftmaster garage door. It also supports other garage doors with some additional equipment. The ratgdo board is an ESP chip, and inserts itself in between the circuit board in the motor and the safety sensors and the button/control panel on the wall. It then learns to communicate with the components. I ordered this device, which is now frequently back ordered, last year, and finally got to installing it this weekend.

I haven’t spoken to the developer directly, but how did this board, which is a sudden boom side business for him, become so? It starts with Chamberlain announcing they would be blocking access to their API for home automators.

The board offers:

  • Open/Close Functionality
  • real time status of door
  • the ability to partially open or close the door
  • Obstruction sensor status
  • Motion Sensor status

If you can wait for an item on backorder, I recommend this device if you have the right sort of garage door to ensure peace of mind in regard to the status of your door.

 

 

Published on February 12, 2024
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Should I Install Solar Panels on a Rental Property? A Guide for Landlords and Tenants

 

Investing in solar panels is a popular way to reduce energy costs and embrace renewable energy. But when it comes to rental properties, both landlords and tenants have unique considerations. Can solar panels benefit both parties? How do they impact costs and energy savings? And can landlords charge tenants for solar power?

In this guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of installing solar panels on rental properties and answer key questions based on the top searches about this topic.

The Benefits of Solar Panels for Rental Properties

Solar panels offer multiple advantages for rental properties, making them an appealing option for landlords and tenants alike:

For Landlords

  1. Increase Property Value: Solar panels can enhance the resale value of your property, as eco-friendly features are increasingly sought after.
  2. Attract Eco-Conscious Tenants: Tenants interested in renewable energy may prioritize properties with solar panels.
  3. Reduce Maintenance Costs: Solar systems are durable and require little maintenance, offering a long-term energy solution.

For Tenants

  1. Lower Utility Bills: Solar energy can significantly reduce monthly electricity costs, a major draw for renters.
  2. Environmentally Friendly Living: Renters can enjoy a greener lifestyle without the upfront costs of installing solar panels themselves.
  3. Energy Independence: In areas with frequent power outages, solar systems paired with battery storage can ensure a more reliable energy source.

Common Concerns: Do Tenants Benefit from Solar Panels?

Yes, tenants do benefit from solar panels in several ways. If the landlord provides electricity from the solar system at a lower rate than the local utility, tenants can save money. However, the exact savings depend on factors like energy usage and local solar policies.

Landlords can structure agreements to share the benefits, such as offering reduced rent in exchange for covering a portion of the solar system costs.

Key Considerations for Landlords Installing Solar Panels

If you’re a landlord thinking about installing solar panels on your rental property, keep these factors in mind:

1. Upfront Costs and Incentives

  • Solar panels require an initial investment, but tax credits and incentives can reduce the cost. For example, the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) offers significant savings.

2. Can I Charge Tenants for Solar Power?

Yes, landlords can charge tenants for solar power. This is typically done through a solar lease agreement or by including energy costs in the rent. Make sure to:

  • Clearly outline terms in the lease agreement.
  • Ensure that charges comply with local regulations, which may vary by state or municipality.

3. Net Metering Policies

Net metering allows surplus solar energy to be sent back to the grid, providing credits on electricity bills. These savings can either reduce the landlord’s costs or be passed on to tenants.

Challenges of Solar Panels for Rental Properties

While there are many benefits, landlords should be aware of potential challenges:

  • Long Payback Period: It may take several years to recoup the investment, depending on energy usage and savings.
  • Tenant Turnover: If tenants leave, landlords may have to renegotiate new agreements with incoming renters.
  • Complex Billing: Managing energy billing and sharing costs fairly can be tricky without clear agreements.

FAQs About Solar Panels for Rental Properties

1. Can I Install Solar Panels on a Rental Property?

Yes, landlords can install solar panels on rental properties. Just ensure you have the proper permits and comply with local laws.

2. Can I Charge Tenants for Solar Power?

Yes, you can charge tenants for the energy generated by solar panels, often at a lower rate than traditional utilities. Ensure transparency in your lease agreement.

3. Do Tenants Benefit from Solar Panels?

Tenants can save money on electricity and enjoy renewable energy benefits without the upfront costs of installation.

4. Is Solar Power for Rental Properties Worth It?

It depends on your goals. Solar panels are a long-term investment that can increase property value and attract tenants, but they require upfront costs.

Final Thoughts: Is Solar Right for Your Rental Property?

Solar panels can be a win-win for landlords and tenants. They offer energy savings, environmental benefits, and an attractive feature for rental properties. However, they also require careful planning, clear agreements, and upfront investment.

If you’re considering solar panels for your rental property, evaluate your budget, tenant needs, and local incentives. With the right approach, solar energy can be a smart addition to your investment portfolio.

 

Published on February 6, 2024
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Musings On Keycaps- Should you Favor ABS or PBT?

With my recent keyboard commentary, I thought it best to talk about keycaps…Keycaps are the covers for the mechanical switches on a mechanical keyboard. Likely the switches themselves, the keycaps are also the subject of intense debate. And I’m just experimenting with these things myself.

I remember, years ago, I bought this flat rollable keyboard, and within a few weeks, the letters started to rub off. I filed a warranty request, and spoke to the company…whose name I don’t remember at this point, but I remember was based in Texas, and they told me that some people’s natural oils tended to degrade the coating more than others. They sent me one with a newer coating they were working on and it lasted for years.

So, the tendency of letters to rub off, and keys to get shiny is certainly a concern of mine. You can clean the keyboard, but the ability to replace worn out keycaps is also a plus, and with mechanical keyboards, there are no end of options I’m still trying to figure out.

The most common discussed materials are ABS or PBT plastic. ABS is the most common keycap material on all types of keyboards. ABS is the one that tends to get shiny in a shorter period of time. But even within the two categories, there are differing levels of quality. PBT is usually more expensive, but you can get cheap and poor quality, or high quality in either material.

PBT has a bit more texture, to most opinions as well, which many enthusiasts prefer. It is generally thought to have a less jarring sound when typed on, but ABS can have the same property if you get a thicker ABS keycap as opposed to the more common ones.

This is not to mention stylistic questions like:

  • Doubleshot – two color keycaps, often used to mix a solid color on the top with transparency on the sides for backlit keys
  • Backlit keys
  • Side or top printing of the legends
  • Printing…Laser Etched, Dye Sublimation, or Pad Printing as the way to label the keys…or….do you need legens on the keys at all…some people like all blanks
  • Profiles…the shape of the key.

So many choices. In the end, I’m not buying the most expensive PBT, but I have, on the keyboards I use regularly, replaced the keys with PBT because I like the benefits. Even on the inexpensive budget keyboard I just bought, I switched out the keycaps for an inexpensive PBT set on sale. Still feels better than the originals.

My only problem is specialty keys. For example, it seems like no one makes PBT keycaps with the media markings on the function keys. I rarely use the function keys on my keyboard, having them show the traditional media options instead would be useful. I guess I’ll just have to remember which is which.

In case you are just getting started, like me, here are some brands I have experimented with, with a few examples as of publish date that were on sale.

Published on January 28, 2024
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Review: The Keychron C3 Pro Keyboard- A Value Priced Mechanical Keyboard

 

I have a problem. I keep buying mechanical keyboards. I only have one set of hands, and I don’t type with my feet, so why do I keep buying new ones? Partially because I’m hard on my keyboards. I gave up on non-mechanical keyboards years ago, but I didn’t buy really expensive ones. I bought a moderately priced ones. And I keep looking for new options in that. The pictures you see are the Keychron C3 Pro Keyboard. This particular model, an Amazon exclusive, retails for more, but I was able to get it for $29.99 on sale, which made it worth a try. I’m typing this post on it right now.

The keyboard comes in two switch varieties, red and brown. It offers a red backlight. The keycaps are replaceable, but the switches are not. Keychron makes plenty of keyboards that allow you to swap the switches as well. It is well-built for a budget keyboard, and neither version is overly loud, something people tend to comment on with these keyboards. It has many of the features a more expensive keyboard would.

I’m clearly not a keyboard aficionado, despite my keyboard purchases. I have generally bought budget mechanical keyboards, there are too many color switches I don’t have an opinion on…I don’t know the lingo. The feature that interested me particularly is something called QMK/VIA. The feature allows reprogramming the mapping of the keyboard. Never use your Scroll Lock key? Turn it into a Mute button for Zoom. Build macros into the keyboard instead of software. Certainly an interesting thing to play with. With a few custom keycaps…you can repurpose keys you barely use.

There are upgraded models from Keychron, and competing models from other companies, but for the price and features, I doubt they can beat it…especially if you get it at $30.

Update: April 2024 – Keychron is now offering the C3 Pro in an RGB hot swappable variation for only $10 more than the regular price of the variation they originally released.

Published on January 26, 2024
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