A 2016 Podcast Award Nominee! - The Giz Wiz Show! This is #1573 for June 3rd, 2016 - Our 57th Independent Production!

Thanks to our wonderful Patreon supporters The Giz Wiz Show not only continues, not only enters its 2nd year of independent production, but now is nominated as "Best Tech Podcast Of The Year!"

(If you'd like to vote for us go here: www.podcastawards.com We are in nominated in the Tech Podcast category near the bottom of the page. You can vote once a day from now till June 12th. And thank you.)

If you'd like to support OMGChad & DickDe in our independent venture (we pay for everything ourselves) just click the Patreon link at the top of this page: http://www.gizwiz.tv/ You can also contribute just once via the PayPal link that's there too. And thank you! Our show wouldn't exist without our viewer's support. 

Need to free up memory on your Android Smartphone or Tablet? 

We shoot video for the Giz Wiz Show with a Galaxy S6. Great video quality, but we sometime run out of memory. The S6 doesn't have an expansion slot so I was thrilled to learn about the SanDisk Ultra Dual USB Drive 3.0. Now you need to have a OTG-enabled Android smartphone or tablet. OTG stands for 'On The Go' and many recent device have it built in. I plugged my SanDisk Dual drive into my Galaxy S6 and it was recognized immediately as another drive on my phone. Just drag and drop videos, pictures, music, etc. from the phone memory to the SanDisk Ultra Dual USB Drive 3.0 or from the device. It has a micro-USB connector on one end, and a USB 3.0 connector on the other so you can move content easily between all devices. From your OTG-enabled Android smartphone or tablet to your laptop, your PC or Mac computer. The USB connector is USB 3.0 enabled and backward-compatible with USB 2.0 ports. SanDisk says you can transfer at speeds up to 150MB/s3; so it's possible to move whole movies, audiobooks, or music libraries in just seconds. It's available with 16, 32, 64 or 128GB of storage. And here's a hint you might need – DON'T use the Memory Zone app from the Google Play Store. I did and I couldn't get the device to work. I called customer service, told them what I was doing, and they said: “Don't use the app. Your phone works without it.” And it did. Of course you can try it on your device, maybe your results will be different. And finally, this device is amazingly CHEAP! I bought the 32GB version for under $11.00 and they were Amazon Prime, so free 2-day shipping for Prime Members. If I buy another one I'll get the 64GB version which is under $18. (Prices as of 6/2/16)

Company video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2QH39vKIHE  

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1573

Need more USB 3.0 ports & a Ethernet Connection?

Here's another inexpensive gadget I bought on Amazon that is very useful! I use Skype on an ACER S7 when we record the Giz Wiz. The S7 is a beautiful machine, thin and lightweight. But like other machines this svelte it only has 2 USB ports, both 3.0. I need one of them so I can be hard-wired to the router for best speeds. And I like using a USB external monitor for guests. I thought 'if only someone made a 3.0 USB hub which also had a Gigabit Ethernet Convertor. I did some research and found the INATECK 3-Port USB 3.0 HUB & Gigabit Ethernet Convertor. It's been designed specifically for users of ultrabooks, notebook, laptop PC and tablets with USB Port to deliver convenient access to high-speed USB 3.0 connections. Plug it into one USB 3.0 port and you have three USB3.0 ports and one RJ45 Gigabit ethernet connection. Another great use for this device is to replace a broken Ethernet port, or one in a bad location. On the downside, and one that isn't too important to me, is that this device does not have LED indicator lights built in, so you'll have to check your screen to see that it's connected. It also is inexpensive, under $20 on Amazon. I paid $22.00, but it was under $20 on 6/1/16 at the link below.  

Company website: http://www.inateck.com/

See or hear this show: http://www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1573  

Bugs bug me, so I'm fighting back.

UPDATE: The bug-killer part of my PestBlast bulb stopped working after about 2 months. A viewer had one that fell apart. The problem is this bulb is sold under many names so it's hard to know which ones will fail. My was sold as PestBlast but had no name on it. So best to check the latest reviews in your interested in one of these.

Here's the original review:

Warm weather brings the bugs, and one of my least favorites, mosquitoes! I'm one of those people who attract them, even when lots of other people are around. So I thought I'd try a bug zapper from Amazon. I picked the PestBlast. Here's what Amazon says about it: PestBlast is a powerful LED Light with an electric zapper all in one to cure the annoying insects we are all accustomed to, including ones that carry terrible diseases such as the Zika virus! Very easy to install and operate, just think of the regular bulb you have at home. (Not compatible with dimmer switches) Simply turn the power off before inserting the PestBlast in any 110V socket. Once the bulb has been inserted, turn the switch on to activate both the light function and the zap function. To activate the zap function only, simply turn the light off and on again. To activate the light function again, toggle the switch once more. That's it! EASY!! All flying insects that are so annoying and harmful are quietly and consistently destroyed with this PestBlast 2 in 1 creative zapper. Simply the best and most convenient zapper for use anywhere and everywhere!  

And my take? There are only 16 reviews on Amazon, but the PestBlast light got 4.6 out of 5 stars. I hooked mine up in the backyard and overnight my light killed four mosquitoes. I think that's not bad for one night using a low power bulb. The actual bulb is big in size and didn't fit in the fixture I originally got it for. You'll see in the video just how big it is. But it was under $20 and Amazon Prime, so free 2-day shipping for Prime Members. So far I like it. It's not a powerful house like my old Flowtron, but it's doing something, and it was pretty cheap. If you buy one don't be surprised if it has no logo on it. Mine is just a plain white case with no "PestBlast" markings, meaning this bulb is probably sold under many different brand names.

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/7uMy7cmVamI

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1573  

Chad's Crappy Corner and a brand new theme for June.

Chad's Crappy Corner theme for June (voted on by our loyal Patreon supporters) is gadgets that have something to do with science. Chad did two gadgets on this show that have a basis in science. First is the Uncle Milton Star Wars Science Jedi Force Levitator. Here's what Amazon says about it: Use real electrical charges to magically suspend and move objects in mid-air using an invisible, electrostatic force! Force push with the Jedi Training Rod. Force pull using just your hands! Suspend and move objects in mid-air using real electrostatic force! Features include a Jedi Training Rod that has real, built-in static electricity generator. Includes 8 Force Deflectors and Science learning poster. $17.48 and Amazon Prime. 

And Chad's take: This kit is great fun. Chad had played with something similar in the past and was very good at showing how much fun this kit can be. (Bring your own batteries and have a tiny screwdriver handy to remove the battery compartment cover.) People in the chatroom were impressed with this kit, as was I. It's under $18 and should keep kids (and adults) entertained for hours. You also learn a bit about Science and how static electricity works.

Amazon link: http://amzn.to/1r4qBx9 As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

Chad's second gadget was the Uncle Milton Star Wars Science Lightsaber Crystal Growing Lab. Here's what Amazon says about it: Grow and display your own lightsaber crystal! Just mix a liquid solution and watch it crystallize over time and form into a real crystal. Then, display and light-up your creation in your room. Choose the light color from your side of the Force - blue for Jedi or red for the Dark Side! Grow a real crystal for your lightsaber! Easy to make solution that crystallizes and forms into a real crystal. Star Wars display base lights up with blue Jedi and red Sith light effects. Science learning poster included. Ages 8 and up. $14.99 and Amazon Prime.

And Chad's take? Well we'll find out next week. Chad followed the instructions, opening and mixing the various envelopes in the kit. But it turns out you have to wait a week for the scientific mixture to start producing crystals. So tune in next week for the results. I know I am!

Amazon link: http://amzn.to/1U0JEnz As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1573  

Dick's Gadget Warehouse & How to Submit Your Viewer Video.

Our very timely (another kind of bug killer) viewer video of the week arrived with this email:

Hi Gizwiz and OMG Chad,

I remembered this gadget growing up in the 80's, seemed like everyone in the neighborhood had one, on a hot summer night you could hear the sound of bugs frying from miles a way, or it sure seemed that way.  After buying a "Humane" version of this product I was very disappointed, There was no Zapping noise!! I did some research and found what I was looking for.

Hope you enjoy the video. Kevin Detherage

Here is the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cY7AB8mO_aY

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1573  

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 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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Letter of the week: From: William Alford  

Hey Dick and Chad, love the show. Hey Chad do you think you can get to the museum in Texas and take pictures and video for us? Thanks love the show guys.

http://www.vghmuseum.org/  

William Michael Alford-

from the Giz Wiz. At the site above they also give this link which has additional info:

http://nvmusa.org/ The museum is in Frisco, Texas.