Back To Dick's Gadget Warehouse - and how to submit your video!

On this visit to Dick's Gadget Warehouse we look at some old Atari & RanaSystems Disc Drives. 

Back in the early 80's, if you had an Atari Computer, and I did, you could add a disc drive for only $599.99. (Almost of the price of the Atari 800 computer!) A floppy disc back then could hold about 88K of usable memory, until the double density Atari 1050 drive I show in this video. That could hold something like 130K of usable memory! And then I bought the amazing RanaSystems 1000. Compact and lots of LED lights, unlike the 1050 which had a signal red LED. And it was only $399.99. So here's a peek at some old dust-gathering equipment it's time to toss out.

Giz Wiz Warehouse Video: https://youtu.be/JEyPWykLSfA

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1597 (Goes live late Friday 11/18/16)

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We’re looking for more Viewer Videos!

We’d love to include your video in an upcoming Giz Wiz Show, so here's what we're looking for! Your home shot video – 2 to 3 minutes long, in any of the following categories:

I bought a piece of crap: Did you buy something you ended up hating? We won't get you a refund, but we might be able to give a platform to vent your disappointment. Remember, "family friendly" language applies.-

I invented this! Did you invent something? (Or did a friend or relative invent something.) We can't market it for you, but we can help get the word out. Show us what it is, and how it works. Even if it's a prototype, you can get our (and the audience) reactions. No professional ads please.-

My Gadget Warehouse: Okay, so you don't have a warehouse. It doesn't matter. Just tell us about your favorite old gadget(s). When and where you bought it, and why you're still hanging on to it.-

My Favorite Gadget of All Time: Show us what it is, tell us what it does and why you love, or loved it! It can be a new gadget you just bought too.-

Post them on YouTube and send us the link! We'll do the rest. (Or possibly nothing, but that's unlikely.) Remember, videos should be just 2 to 3 minutes long! Low production value is fine, but we should be able to hear you and see you! If we select and show your video on The Giz Wiz you’ll a tiny amount of fame (hopefully), an autographed MAD magazine and a 35-year-old Alfred E. Neuman picture. So that's one more (so-so) reason to send in your video! IMPORTANT: We'll just shower you with praise for your video if you live outside the US or Canada since we can't afford to send stuff outside of those two places. (Thanks for understanding.)

All show submissions go to mail@gizwiz.tv 

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The Letter of the week:

Hi Dick and Chad!

Chad, you mentioned taking your alkaline batteries to Best Buy. I think you might find they no longer accept any non-rechargeable batteries in the recycling bins. Here in the midwest it's impossible to find a company that accepts them. In fact, SWALCO (Solid Waste Agency of Lake County, IL) has the following statement on their website...

Non-Rechargeable Batteries --  Proven cost-effective and environmentally safe recycling processes are not yet universally available for single use non-rechargeable alkaline batteries (i.e. AAA, AA, C, D 6v & 9v). The US EPA classifies single use non-rechargeable alkaline batteries as non-hazardous and advises that they may be safely disposed of with normal household waste. Never dispose of batteries in fire because they could explode. It is important not to dispose of large numbers of batteries in a group. Used batteries are often not completely drained of power. Grouping used batteries together can bring these partially charged batteries into contact with one another, creating safety risks. To avoid risk, simply place a piece of household tape over the contact points of each used battery before disposing of them in the normal household waste.

There are no public (free) single use non-rechargeable battery recycling options available locally to Lake County residents.

I am now sneaking all devices that cannot work with rechargeable AAs or AAAs into our recycling bin. Things like old flash lights that use 6V lantern batteries that my wife loves so much. 

Good luck getting rid of your batteries. Regards, James Todd