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Known as MAD's Maddest Writer, co-host of The Giz Wiz with OMGchad at www.GizWiz.TV, The Giz Wiz on ABC's World News Now, and on Tech Guy Labs with Leo Laporte on www.TWiT.TV

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Entries from February 1, 2022 - February 28, 2022

Friday
Feb042022

Show #1869 For Week of Feb 3rd 2021 Independent Show 345 

In two weeks we start year 17 of The Giz Wiz Show!

 The first Giz Wiz Show – called The Daily Giz Wiz back then – was February 20th 2006!) If it wasn't for our loyal supporters, the Giz Wiz Show would be gone. If you'd like to support OMGchad & DickDe in our independent venture (we pay for everything ourselves, including travel) just click the Patreon link at the top of our show web page: http://www.gizwiz.tv

 

On this week's show we take a look beyond the cold and stop by NY Boat Show with thoughts of boating in warm weather. Yes, for the first time in 2 years, I went to a in-person show. A show I've gone to for probably more than 40 years in the past, the NY Boat Show. (Yes, with all Covid-19 restrictions in place.)

 

Near the entrance to the show at the Javits Center was the Sea-Doo booth. You know them from their huge line of personal watercraft. But what was a pontoon boat doing there? Oh, that's the new Sea-Doo Switch. A spokesperson explained that it's actually a tri-toon. The center pontoon is based on one of the company's Sea-Doo personal watercraft. That way the Switch can be speedy like a PWC, but with it much bigger payload and a more stable cruise for passengers. The three models use a Rotax 1630 ACE jet propulsion system ranging from 100 HP to 230 HP. Strangely, there is no steering wheel; the helm has a sophisticated handlebar instead. So underway the captain will probably feel more like he's piloting a PWC. One of the most unique features of the Switch is its modular deck setup. Tim, our spokesperson described it as Lego set. You can move everything on the deck around, but the helm. And Tim said there's an Intelligent Brake & Reverse system said to stop the craft in a much shorter distance. The SeaDoo Switch starts at $17,999 (13' foot model with 100 HP.) The top of the line is a 21' Switch Cruise w/ 230 HP engine, $36,499. All boats come with a trailer to haul them and store them. Shipping very soon to the warm states like Florida first since this was written 1/2022. By the warm weather they should be everywhere in the US.

 

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/x9_KLhFRf7M

 

Sea-Doo Company Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pd5fKmJoKew

 

Company website: https://www.sea-doo.com/us/en/pontoons/switch-intro.html

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1869

Friday
Feb042022

Seabob, A Small Personal Watercraft for Above and Below the Water.

I thought I was seeing my first Seabob at the NY Boat Show. But then after talking to Michael Miller, a spokesperson for Seabob, I learned I probably saw them in some James Bond movies. They feature high performance electric engines with a power ranging from 2.5 to 4.5kW, depending on the model. Michael didn't give me a speed number, but according to the company website their engines deliver speeds in water/underwater from 15 km/h to 22 km/h. Doing a Google search, that's about 8.5 to 13.5 mph. Two buttons positioned on both sides of the unit allow you to shift gears, while a trigger starts the unit. Fully charged, the Seabob battery can be used up to an 1 hour, depending on a lot of variables. Charging time is 7 to 8 hours. There's a color display that shows speed, remaining battery, time, depth and water temperature. There are several color and model choices starting at about $10,000. Michael said that some models offer two integrated full-HD cameras, one facing forward to video record your ride and a selfie mode camera to record you and what's around you. Everything is recorded to an SD card, but your videos automatically upload to your smartphone when it comes into WiFi range of the SeaBob.

 Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/2i6FkwsC2le

 

Michael has a great voice and we asked him if he's done professional work: He said he acted in a satire SkiBob Video and it's here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFYbVor-b2Y

 

Company website: www.seabob.us

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1869

Friday
Feb042022

The Vision E180 World's Highest HP Electric Marine Outboard Engine

I've seen boats with small electric outboard motors, but nothing like the E-Motion 180E. This is a 180 HP outboard that company says is noiseless, odorless and smokeless with a responsiveness that is not felt with traditional gas engines outboards. More from Vision Technology: Our estimated range is 70 miles at a cruising speed of 20 mph or 3.5 hours. These factors depend on: type of boat, weather conditions, load and propeller. Speed and range indications do not represent a legal guarantee. You can recharge your batteries at any marina or your personal dock, using a 220 V power outlet. Fully recharge your battery overnight. The spokesperson at the boat show said a retail price was not available because the engine will only be available as a package from select boat builders. However I saw an article on the Forbes website that did state a price: Included in the powertrain package is the engine, battery pack, BMS (Battery management system), charger, monitor, throttle controls and all the other components needed to power your boat are included with the E-Motion 180E. The E-Motion 180 is made up of a 650-volt electric motor, 60-kilowatt lithium battery pack and 220-volt marine connecting charger, with throttle controls, a monitor and a two-year warranty on the motor. The complete package goes for about $79,000, including $27,000 for the motor. But it’s worth mentioning that e-boats using Vision Marine technology also are available for rent.

Company video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4nD3YNZcCo&t=13s

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1869

Friday
Feb042022

Chad's brand new 'Crappy Corner' theme for February as picked by our loyal Patreon members.

It's back! Chad's Crappy Corner and his February Cheap Gadget Theme as picked by our loyal Patreons! What here's what they picked: “Cheap versions of expensive gadgets!” I think that's a great choice and I can't wait to see what Chad will come up with. On this week's show, we find the first 'cheap version of an expensive gadget'. Last week Chad reviewed the Anker $220 All-in-one-webcam with light & mic. On this show, it's the Five Below $10 LED web cam w/mic & built-in light. Yes it cost $10, one of Five Below's high end gadgets.

Here's a bit from the Five Below website: Upgrade your computer on the cheap with the LED web cam with mic & built-in studio light! it's the perfect webcam for chatting & streaming. Built-in microphone for crisp audio output, built-in ring light for a flattering, uniform glow from all directions. The fixed focus lens allows for clear video quality.

And Chad's take. You have to watch this week's show because Chad does an amazing demo of 3 different cameras, including the $10 webcam. Spoiler! Almost needless to say, this webcam isn't very good. It wasn't until Chad set it up that he saw the resolution is a dismal 640p x 480p. And wait until you see the results when Chad uses the built-in LED light!

https://www.fivebelow.com/products/led-web-cam-with-mic-built-in-studio-light

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1869

Friday
Feb042022

Dick’s Gadget Warehouse & How To Submit Your Video To Win An Autographed Copy of MAD Magazine.

After 6 weeks of special shows, including Best of, Worst of, and a dozen CES 2022 gadgets, we're back to our regular viewer videos in the Gadget Warehouse segment. On this week's show you'll learn about the neat gadget Tom Wynne bought and recorded a video about!

Here's Tom's email:

Love the show! I am a proud Patreon subscriber.

Here is my video of the Wolverine Film2digital MovieMaker:

https://youtu.be/ELzgrcRnLHs

Thanks again.

Tom from Lynnwood, Washington

Giz Wiz note: If you have really old 8mm or super 8mm films, (yes films) you might be interested in this neat device. You can make digital copies from your movies right at home, so you'll never have to worry about sending your old family irreplaceable treasures off to an outside transfer facility.

Amazon link: https://amzn.to/3J4Z0ES  As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases. You pay no more.

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1869

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We’d love to include your video in an upcoming Giz Wiz Show! 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.
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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 (favorite old, or favorite new): 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.
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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 earn a tiny amount of fame (hopefully). And if you live in the US, you'll also get an autographed 38+ year old Alfred E. Neuman picture and a MAD surprise (most likely the current issue of MAD.) But no matter where you live outside of US, I can autograph an Alfred E. Neuman photo to you, scan it & email you a high res copy if we show your video. Just print it out, frame it, or just hang it up and no one will know it's a copy. We've tested it out and fans say they look terrific! If you submitting warehouse videos for a second, third time, etc., you'll get the current issue of MAD as a thank you.

All show submissions go to mail@gizwiz.tv  
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Email of the week!

From Mo Torres, our most loyal and frequent contributor:

Hey guys

I found Dick’s next boat, he will just need to get a Driver’s license.

https://gibbsamphibians.com/platform/phibian/?utm_source=thisiswhyimbroke.com&utm_medium=referral

Mo

From The Giz: Surprise, Mo. I do have a driver's license. This is an amazing craft, but wait until you hear the price!!!

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