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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 July 1, 2020 - July 31, 2020

Saturday
Jul252020

Giz Wiz Show #1789 July 23, 2020 Independent Show #270  

This is our 5th year of Independent Production! (First Giz Wiz show was February 20th, 2006.) Thanks to our wonderful Patreon supporters we're now going into year 15. If it wasn't for our 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: www.gizwiz.tv.  

Perfect for this heat wave! (At least on East Coast in July.) It's Sip 'N Go.

 

Sip N' Go is a Spill-Proof collapsible reusable water bottle that makes carrying a reusable water bottle easier and more convenient than ever before. A spill-proof cap allows water to flow when drinking and prevents spills when not in use. And there's a snap that lets you fold neat and small enough to fit in your purse, backpack, etc. (That's of course without water! Fill when you get to your destination.) Hook it on belt, backpack, etc with carrying ring and large carabiner. And it's freezable too, so your drink stays colder, longer. The company even provides a space for you to write your name, so your bottles never get mixed up. Sip N' Go is said to be BPA free and top rack dishwasher safe. I got mine at Pulse TV and they were still available as of 7/25/20.

 

2/$1.98 plus shipping. (I paid about $6 shipping)

 

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/3yuk_ZHCHRg

 

https://www.pulsetv.com/2-Pack-of-Sip-N-Go-Foldable-Water-Bottles/productinfo/9032/

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1789 

Saturday
Jul252020

Very Useful 2-in-1 Rechargeable Sensor Closet Light

I love this gadget! It's branded: OKeanu LED Closet Light, 108 LED Rechargeable Wireless Motion Sensor Closet Light Under Cabinet Light Stick-on Night Light Bar, Dimmable, Choice of White/Yellow Light. Yes, within the same fixture, you have your choice of White or Warm Yellowish light. After that you have a choice of 3 adjustable brightnesses that combine into 6 lighting modes! In addition to ON / OFF / AUTO it will work in “Dark Condition” meaning the sensor light will only come on in dark surroundings. That will add to the battery life. Strong built-in magnet on the back of the light so you can attach it to magnetic surfaces, or use the included 3M Adhesive magnetic iron strip. Built-in USB rechargeable 2900 mAh lithium polymer battery charges in 2-3 hours and then supports up to 120-days continuous use. They define that as “Auto on 20 times per day in sensor mode”. 20 times a day?? Who opens a closet door that often. About $28.00 in silver or black finish. Prices can change at any time! Up or down!

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

 

May have dropped a bit in price. Get the latest price here: https://amzn.to/2ZZg77e

 

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/1789  

Friday
Jul242020

Joystick Steering Makes Docking A Boat Easy. Almost a Joy!

And now, you can have Joystick Steering even if you have only 1 engine.

 

I received this fascinating press release from our friends over at BOAT/US! (And added my own thoughts.) Joystick control was once a luxury only bigger pleasure boats. With twin engines or more, joystick steering makes docking, spinning the boat almost in place, virtual anchoring, etc. really easy. A few year ago I said to a Yamaha rep, almost as a joke, “how come you don't have joystick steering for boats with just one outboard?” When he replied: “It's on the way”, I figured it must be a joke. But now, it's isn't. Yamaha's Helm Master has now expanded to include a boats powered with a single Yamaha outboard boat. The new joystick option will let boaters with smaller single-outboard powered boats enjoy the majority of the benefits associated with multi-outboard applications. (I have to add that you will need one of the newer electronic Yamaha engines in order to work.) The Helm Master EX boasts enhanced joystick maneuverability with smooth, quiet, precise operation, new single-function buttons and new features like DriftPoint Track, according to the engine manufacturer. Yamaha Autopilot can be adjusted with the joystick and includes functions such as course and heading hold, Track Point (NAV along waypoints), and two types of pattern steer that seamlessly integrate with Speed Control and Pattern Shift. But, what does this convenience cost? It will range between $8,000 and $10,000.00 depending on options and what equipment you already have. And, as I mentioned before, it will only work with newer electronic Yamaha engines.

 

Yamaha Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=5Oju_AjYRL0&feature=emb_logo

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1789  

Friday
Jul242020

Chad's Crappy Corner & his fourth gadget for his July Theme.

A perfect choice for Chad's July Cheap Gadget Theme is “Cheap Summer Solar Gadgets”.

Chad's fourth summer gadget is a Solar Powered External Battery Pack. Soiler alert if you haven't watched this week's show. Chad hated the one he bought. He said it's a piece of crap. BUT, the one Chad originally wanted but wasn't available in time for this episode, is now available. So I'll post info on that one. It's a 6000 mAh Solar Powered Phone Charger - External Battery Pack with Universal Charging Cable for Smartphones, Tablets by Green Lighting. The 1 watt solar panel absorbs energy from sunlight, to power the internal 6000mAh Lithium-Ion battery. The convenient suction cup allows you to stick the power bank to a window, so you can charge your device indoors or on the go. When fully charged, this portable power bank can recharge your phone as fast as 1% per minute, so you can be fully charged in a flash. If you're looking to quickly recharge the phone charger itself, you can also use the attached USB cable to charge directly from a computer. A super-bright LED provides the perfect amount of light for any situation. LED indicator lights let you know the current battery level as well as when the unit is charging, so you're never left guessing. Each Window Mounted Solar Rechargeable Power Bank includes all the accessories you could possibly require. A handy 4-in-1 charging cable features lightning, micro USB, USB-C, and 30 pin connectors, compatible with most modern devices.

 

Remember, neither Chad nor I got to review this particular gadget in person. This info is from Amazon. But it's the one Chad wanted to order and it got way better reviews than the only one Chad could get in time for this for this show. And it's only about $15 vs $20 for the crappy one.

 

https://amzn.to/2WOu1a8 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/1789  

Friday
Jul242020

Dick Gadget Warehouse & How To Submit Your Video & Win An Autographed MAD Magazine.

Our viewer video this week is a fan sending in a Gadget Warehouse video for a first time.

Hi guys!

 

My name is LaNaya White and I have a video about the Arctic Air.

 

I know you reviewed it already but I'm hoping you'll give it a second chance.

 

https://youtu.be/9F9oFWr7Tgo  

 

Thanks! LaNaya

 

From The Giz Wiz: There's now the Arctic Air Ultra with twice the cooling power and it's under $40. (Most of my original objection to these devices was advertising them as “air conditioners” which made people think they were more like a traditional window air conditioners. And charging $90 or so for them. Some vendors still do that. Now that they're twice as powerful and under $40 and people understand better that they're for close-up, small area cooling, I'm glad folks like LaNaya are getting useful results.

 

The Arctic Ultra on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3hvM50I

 

As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases. Type “Arctic Air Ultra” in search on Amazon for a non-affiliate link, the price will be same.

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1789 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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.
-
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.
-
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
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

Email of the week:

 

Clarifications on the ELF ebike via Shane Bowling

 

Hey Dick and Chad I watched the warehouse video I noticed the audio didn't come through well. I did mention in the video that Organic Transit is in the middle of bankruptcy I hope they find someone to buy their assets and continue making the bike. I have cerebral palsy and low vision the elf is a great alternative mode of transportation for people who can't quite pass their eye tests With the elf, you can either use the electric motor or pedal it. If you pedal while using the motor it's less wear and tear on the battery. The top speed of the bike is 20 miles an hour. I've had this e-bike for a couple of years now. It's allowed me to have more independent for example getting to work by myself in the winter months and getting groceries.

 

I hope I explained what the elf is about in this email better then I did in the video. Thank you for using my video. Thank you for bringing awesome gadgets each and every week!

 

Seriously, Shane Bowling