Pass Your Driving Test

Unbrick an Edimax BR-6428nS V2 Router After a Bad Firmware Upgrade (and a Driving Update)

2015-04-04T09:39:00.000-07:00

This blog has been inactive for over a year, but a recent discovery today made it clear to me that I need to leave something for others after a very satisfying discovery.

Yesterday I tried to upgrade my new, 10 hours old router's firmware. The upgrade screen said the update was successful, but the router became unresponsive with the WLAN LED light always on, unlike its operational mode (blinking).

I spent many hours searching for a solution, and all I came with was the TFTP method for other Edimax routers, but it didn't help me. Only later, after a "Eureka!" moment, I discovered how to make it work.

So here it is: if your router gets bricked and you have the BR-6428nS V2 model, here is what you need to do:

1) Unplug the router's power cord.

2) Connect your PC to the router's #1 port.

3) Set your PC's network card to a static IP as follows:

IP: 192.168.2.100

Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0 (the default)

Default gateway: 192.168.2.1

4) Plug in the power cord and wait a few seconds until the network adapter shows signs of network connection.

5) Browse to 192.168.2.1. You should see an upload form.

6) Upload the most current GOOD firmware file (.bin file).

7) Wait for about a minute until the router is upgraded and rebooted. The router should function normally now.

8) You may now return to normal work settings (obtain IP automatically). If you forgot your password, you can do a router reset by holding the reset button for about 10-15 seconds.

I hope this post will help others who got stuck and frustrated like I was today.

And as for the driving update: my books, Pass Your Driving Test and Pass Your Permit Test are now available exclusively on Amazon Kindle (and in paperback form!). You can get them here:

Pass Your Driving Test (Kindle) - also available for Kindle Unlimited and Kindle Owners' Lending Library users.

Pass Your Driving Test (Paperback) - perfect for in-car practice

Pass Your Permit Test (Kindle) - also available for Kindle Unlimited and Kindle Owners' Lending Library users.

If you found this post useful, please let me know in the comments. :)

Nadav

nadavs

Clean Ash and Soot From Your Car

2014-02-02T11:09:00.000-08:00

If your car becomes dirty with ash and soot, use this video to get rid of them:

Hope it helped,

Nadav

nadavs

Some Paint Fixes

2014-02-01T11:41:00.000-08:00

In the past weeks I've discovered some nasty stains on my car's roof. The worst part was the rust that started there, since this is a real car disease.

Last week I want to the auto shop for a quick fix. Weirdly, the guy there told me that a whole roof repaint would cost me much more in the long run (when I try to sell the car), so he recommended just a quick paint-fix.

Hopefully my car won't rust anymore. I really need it in good shape.

Nadav

nadavs

That's What Mirrors and Brakes Are For

2014-01-31T11:19:00.000-08:00

Some people don't know how to use all the different devices in their car, like brakes or mirrors. Watch this video for the end of January. It'll amaze you that people like that ever got their license.

May Febraury be even better than January!

Nadav

nadavs

First Time Driving: Danielle

2014-01-30T11:12:00.000-08:00

We've had over two hundred new drivers in this blog, but never one like Danielle. I don't remember anyone crying while learning to drive. Most of them just laugh hysterically.

I usually like to embed videos, but since embedding is disables on this video and it's a really special one, you can watch Danielle here.

This video is six days old, so Danielle still has plenty of time to practice and calm down. Driving is useless if you cry all the way.

Good luck!

Nadav

nadavs

Top Gear Live Perth: Part 2

2014-01-29T11:10:00.000-08:00

Here it the second and final part of this Top Gear Live series. Enjoy!

Nadav

nadavs

Car Use In Cities Is Going Down

2014-01-28T11:48:00.000-08:00

A recent study published this month shows that US cities are declining in car use. The number of households without a car has risen slightly since 2007, and will probably keep rising as long as car possession keeps getting more and more expensive.

Driving inside US cities can truely be a nightmare, with very high parking prices and a very small number of street parking spots. With an increase in mass transit, I guess that car possession will go even lower.

On the other hand, this is some good news for drivers, who have to deal with less traffic.

Nadav

nadavs

What You Need for a Quote

2014-01-27T11:54:00.000-08:00

If you want an auto insurance quote, you will need several pieces of information in order to get a quote. Here is an article by Brad R King that explains it.

14 Things You Will Need to Get an Auto Insurance Quote

Searching for car insurance requires preparation. Whether you apply for a quote online or offline, you will need to provide the insurance company with some basic information about yourself. While application questions will vary from insurer to insurer, there are some factors that every insurance provider considers when calculating your premiums. Insurance companies request this information to make an accurate assessment of the risk you present to them. Using the information you provide, an insurer can determine the probability of an accident, as well as how likely you are to pay your bills on time.

Here are thirteen things any insurance company will need to provide you with a quote:

Your drivers license number. Without a permit or driver's license, it is illegal to operate a vehicle. Insurance companies use your number to verify that you are who you say you are, and to verify the status of your driver's license.
Your social security number. This is used for identity verification, as well as for credit checks.
The ownership status of the vehicle. You will have to specify whether you rent or own the vehicle.
The vehicle's make, model, year, and VIN number. This information can be found on the title of the vehicle.
How the vehicle will be used. Will the insured automobile be used primarily for business or personal traveling?
Credit history. Insurance companies use your personal credit history to gain insight into how well you have been able to meet your financial obligations. A poor credit rating raises the risk levels in the eyes of an insurance company.
The type of coverage you prefer. The state-required liability is the most basic coverage you can buy. Liability only covers the other driver when you are at fault in an accident, and you will need to purchase additional coverage to be compensated for any damages or losses you may incur. You should know beforehand if you will comprehensive, collision, or uninsured motorist coverage.
Zip code. Have you ever wondered why online quote boxes always start with just the zip code? It's because this is one of the first things car insurance companies use to determine your rates. Location is important for a number of reasons. If you are in a area where there is a high rate of accidents, crimes, auto-thefts break-ins etc., your rates will be higher than if you were in a more statistically safe area.
Your marital status. Being married can reduce your insurance costs.
Your age. Younger drivers are more likely to be involved in an accident, and are therefore charged higher rates.
Driving history. You may be asked about any recent moving violations or traffic accidents. Try not to withhold any information. Insurance companies do follow up on your answers, and they can't find out if you've had an incident pretty easily. As the old saying goes, honestly is the best policy.
Your auto insurance situation. Do you currently have coverage? You may be required to tell how long you have had an active policy with your insurer. You may also need to know the coverage limits on your current policy. And just like with your driving history, insurance companies have ways to verify the information your provide. If your insurance has lapsed recently, it's better to be honest about it up front. Any insurance company can deny you coverage if they feel that you have provided dishonest or misleading information.
Your policy deductible. In addition to knowing the type of coverage you need, you will also need to know how much you are willing to pay up-front before your insurance provider pays on a claim. The higher your deductible, the lower your annual premium.
Your email address and phone number. When applying for a quote online, these two pieces of information may be used to contact you. You won't be signed up to any mailing lists, and you will only be contacted by a licensed agent.

Finding a car insurance plan online can be frustrating, especially when you don't have all of the requested information handy. Use this list and be prepared when you apply for your next plan.

Use us when you're buying auto insurance online. Compare plans fast by getting free online auto insurance quotes.

Source: EzineArticles.com.

Thank you Brad! That was definitely enlightening.

Nadav

nadavs

Sell Old Toyota Cars

2014-01-26T11:55:00.000-08:00

If you have an old Toyota car you wish to sell, this video can be very useful.

I hope you found it useful,

Nadav

nadavs

A Summery Winter

2014-01-25T11:28:00.000-08:00

January is almost ending, but we are still in summer driving mode. Temperatures are high and no rain is coming soon. I had to use the air conditioning in the car to cool down. Something is seriously wrong with the weather.

At least I can clean my car without the fear of doing something completely useless.

Nadav

nadavs

What to DO if You Want to Pass

2014-01-24T11:45:00.000-08:00

Do's and don'ts are a part of every checklist for the driving test. While they're not very thorough, they can give a quick reminder before an exam.

Student Driving Tips - What You Should Know to Do and Not Do in Order to Pass

When taking a driving exam, there are many mistakes that you can make if you're not prepared. Most of the people who fail make the same mistakes. Knowing which mistakes to avoid and getting enough driving practice are essential if you want to pass.

Here is a list of things you must do in order to pass your upcoming road test.

While you must demonstrate that you feel confident behind the wheel, you shouldn't be overly confident to the point where you come off as lazy. You must continue following the rules of the road and keeping an eye out for potential hazards as you are driving.
Always know when it's your turn to go and when to give the right away to others. Remember to come to a complete stop at red lights, when approaching an intersection, and at a STOP sign. Making a wrong turn or going when you are not supposed to will not only cause you to fail, it could also cause you or someone else to get hurt.
Always change lanes at the appropriate times. Remember to check your blind spot and mirrors. Give the proper signal before you begin to change lanes. Keep an eye out for traffic in front of you as well. Forgetting to do any of these steps is why many people fail.
Unless they are speeding, stay about two seconds behind the vehicle in front of you at all times. Do this even if they are going very slow and there is no way to legally pass them. You never know when they might stop all of a sudden.
Always stay as close to the speed limit as possible. Pay close attention to areas where the speed limit is reduced. These areas include roads where construction is being done, school zones, bus stops, etc. Sometimes you won't have any choice but to go slowly, such as when you are driving in poor weather conditions. The most important thing to do on the day of the test is to stay as close to the speed limit as safely possible.
Know what all of the controls and instruments are for and when to use them. This might seem obvious, but many students really don't learn the ins and outs of the vehicle. Don't take the test until you do.

Keep these guidelines in mind and try not to make the mistakes that are so common with student drivers. If you really want to pass, you need to make sure you know all of the rules and when to apply them.

There is so much more helpful information online that will help you learn how to drive. With the right driving guide, you can easily prepare for your road exam. Check out some online resources for student drivers.

I hope you found this article useful.

Nadav

nadavs

First Time Driving: Leon

2014-01-23T11:02:00.000-08:00

Today's first time driver is Leon who, as you'll see, prefers the off-road approach.

This video is from the end of December, so Leon still has a very long way to go until he can get his license. Hopefully he'll do well on asphalt as well.

Nadav

nadavs

Top Gear Live Perth: Part 1

2014-01-22T11:59:00.000-08:00

Today's Top Gear video is a live show from Perth, Australia. Enjoy!

Nadav

nadavs

Poor Driving? No Driving

2014-01-21T11:34:00.000-08:00

Sometimes driving poorly can get you very easily off the road. And how do you get to driving poorly? Mainly drinking.

Don't drink and drive. It's never worth it.

Nadav

nadavs

Get the Best Possible Quotes

2014-01-20T11:38:00.000-08:00

Every week, we deal here with insurance and insurance quotes. Today, Jared Medders wants to show us the three best ways to find them.

3 Ways to Get the Best Auto Insurance Quotes

The insurance coverage industry and marketplace has certainly come a lengthy way. It has changed now and the number of auto insurance brokers/agents offering different car insurance policies, and lowest car insurance rates are increasing. The best way to get insurance is to look for insurance quotes both offline and online.

Since the Web has revolutionized the way people communicate and the way companies market different products and services, it's simpler for us today to locate the best insurance quotes.

The process of purchasing car insurance policies has never been easier now that we have the Internet. It has made the process of purchasing car insurance faster and easier. Discussed below are the different ways on how to acquire information on car insurance coverage using the web as an efficient tool.

1. Look for the best auto insurance quotes to find lowest car insurance coverage by visiting the websites of the different companies offering the service. Most insurance companies these days run their own websites as they have low cost compared to running an office. There are many insurance providers and brokers these days that are very dedicated in giving you information on the various services they offer at no cost.

2. Use online comparison tools. Comparison websites can be easily found in the internet, they can also provide good amount of information and can provide you a link to the company that you think is best for your purpose. The good thing about these online comparison sites is that you only not get best quotes these tools are also free. You do not have to spend something for it since they make money whenever you have bought a car insurance coverage policy through their website. All you need to do is to provide them the necessary information for these tools to generate the best quotes and they will deal with the rest.

3. Using quote generation tools provided by insurance companies in their respective websites is also an excellent way to get the best auto insurance quotes. By utilizing these tools, you'll save an excellent quantity of money, time, and effort that you would have normally spent when going to agent's workplace.

The internet is a very convenient tool in finding the best auto insurance quotes. The insurance business has evolved ever since the Internet was invented that numerous people nowadays are relying on it to locate the lowest insurance rates. To find best auto insurance quotes, don't neglect to compare them so you get the best deal.

Web developer, Junior SEO Specialist and part-time writer. Ongoing project is the Juice Cleanse website which is about healthy detox system that helps improve your immune system and removes 10-20lbs of unhealthy toxins from your colon that cannot be removed by simply exercises and diets alone.

More Projects: Auto Insurance Quotes

Source: EzineArticles.com.

Thank you Jared! That was an eye-opener.

Nadav

nadavs

Use Salt to Melt Ice

2014-01-19T11:49:00.000-08:00

When you're in the middle of a polar vortex (or just winter in some places), it's important to keep the roads ice free for maximum safety. Here is a video showing how to use salt for that.

Drive safely!

Nadav

nadavs

Vacuum Time

2014-01-18T11:56:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday I took two of my cousins, again, in my car. After they've learned about seat belts, they taught me a lesson about eating in the car.

As we entered the car and they buckled up (yes, education works), one of them spilled a powdered candy all over the back seat. I stayed calm and avoided the temptation to strangle him.

Six days later, it's over. I took a vacuum and sucked all this powder (and a few tons of sand) from the car. Now it looks much, much cleaner.

I also learned a new lesson: minors are no longer allowed to eat in my car. Ever.

Nadav

nadavs

Some More Important Practices

2014-01-17T11:42:00.000-08:00

Last week we talked about some important maneuvers to practice, and this week we have some more. Take notes.

Driving Test Advice for Students - Important Things to Practice and Learn in Order to Prepare

The driving test is only as difficult or easy as you make it out to be. As long as you remain positive, you will able to feel more confident. Even if you make mistakes during your practice driving sessions, you can still remain positive. All you have to do is understand where you went wrong so that you can make improvements. A good instructor will help you analyze what you need to work more on in order to become a better driver.

One of the first things you need to do if you haven't already, is to know how to use everything on the dashboard. This includes the windshield wipers, lights, mirrors, indicators, and so forth. You can be sure that the test examiner who is in the car with you on test day will watch how you use the controls and instruments. Demonstrate that you know what everything is for.

Although it seems like common sense, you need to know how to actually start and stop the vehicle. When starting, don't just rely on the mirrors. Turn around and check your blind spot as well. You never know when a small child or animal might be behind you. You might not be able to see them if you simply check the mirrors.

Know how and when to stop the vehicle as well. Plan out practice sessions in advance. Go drive around different roads in your area. Practice on routes with Stop signs, YIELD signs, intersections, and so forth. While you're at it, practice stopping the car beside a curb, in a driveway, parking space, etc. Learn how to pull it in to any parking spot safely.

Another thing you'll need to learn is driving in reverse. Your instructor will help you determine when you are ready. You'll need to first get a lot of steering practice in. Whenever you attempt to drive in reverse, do so in an empty area where there are no other vehicles or hazards.

You can practice driving without actually being behind the wheel. The next time you're a passenger in a car, observe the driver's movements. How do they hold the wheel? When approaching STOP signs or an intersection, at which point do they start to slow down? When do they use the signal lights? You should also get into the practice of observing the traffic around you. Learn how to anticipate dangerous situations and what you can do to prevent them from happening.

Once again, try to maintain a positive mindset about becoming a good driver and passing the test. Mental preparation is just as important as physical preparation.

In today's world, you can obtain all of the information you need for passing your driver's test on the internet. There are so many resources and tools to help you, and much of it is well put together. An online driving course will help you learn everything from parallel parking to defensive driving.

I hope this article, like the ones before, helped you.

Nadav

nadavs

First Time Driving: Annemarie

2014-01-16T11:55:00.000-08:00

Today's first time driver is Annemarie who stresses her mother in an empty parking lot on a Sunday.

This video is from January 5, so Annemarie still has a very long way to go until she can get her license. Hopefully her mother will calm down by then. Just a little bit.

Good luck!

Nadav

nadavs

Top Gear Race to San Siro: Part 2

2014-01-15T11:53:00.000-08:00

Today: the results. Who will get to San Siro first? Watch and find out.

Enjoy!

Nadav

nadavs

They Can Drive, But Not in Theory

2014-01-14T11:31:00.000-08:00

Starting this year, people who are not legal residents of Nevada but want to drive there must obtain a card that requires them to pass a written test and a driving test.

Apparently, on the first week of the program, 76% passed the driving test, but 67% failed the written test.

I guess that if you require all licensed drivers to go through the same procedure where they live, you'll get approximately the same numbers. Experienced drivers tend to forget all those little laws about parking distances and theoretical information about the right of way in very rare situation.

Nadav

nadavs

Insurance? Not Required (Anywhere)

2014-01-13T11:37:00.000-08:00

Despite what some companies claim (and what I thought until now), it turns out that car insurance is not mandatory in all states. Here is an article by Javier V Boix about this fact.

Car Insurance Is Not Required in All States, Despite What Some Insurance Companies Claim

Car insurance is set in place to protect both you and others from the high price of car repairs. This is the reason that almost every state makes it mandatory that a person has car insurance when they register a vehicle. If a person who does not have insurance hits you, they will be fined but you will have to pay for the repairs if they are unable to. If you are driving without insurance, a person could take you to court to recover the cost to repair their property damage and medical bills.

A few states will allow you to register a vehicle without car insurance with conditions. In New Hampshire, if you can show that you are able to cover the cost of damages immediately, then you do not need to be insured. However, many argue that if you can show that you can immediately cover the damages, then you can also afford car insurance.

In addition to New Hampshire, other states have other options to car insurance. Virginia and South Carolina will allow a person to drive legally without vehicle insurance if they pay $500 to the state. You will receive a receipt that must be shown if you are pulled over by a law enforcement officer. If you do not have the receipt on you, then you can be ticketed for driving without insurance. This finding will also make you responsible for any court cost that is required. It is important to note that you will still be liable for the damages you cause in the accident.

South Carolina also has an uninsured motorist fee, and it is $50 more at $550 each year. The driver is still liable for damage and it is due every year. Many car insurance plans that offer just the bare minimums for the state cost less than $550 a year. You are also taking a large gamble by not having insurance to protect your vehicle and people inside from damages.

If you want nothing more than liability if there is an accident, then this fee is for you. Most people who opt for this method do not have any assets to lose and want to drive in a legal manner. Unfortunately, they rarely own much, which makes it difficult to get the money for repairs.

There are many who do not understand why insurance is so necessary. Some companies would tell you it has to do with the covering the possibilities. A handful of people that opt to take the voluntary fee are gambling that they will not get into a wreck. If they do hit someone, they could look at property damage of several thousand dollars. However, there are also the medical bills that can quickly accumulate with the price of chiropractic care and x-rays.

With the varying types of car insurance policies, it is important that one have accurate insurance information. If you live in one of the states that offer you the ability to pay an annual fee, you will want to take great care in making sure that you considered all of the potential costs if in an accident. Before you assume that insurance is too expensive, take the time to talk to a variety of companies and look into the discounts they offer to lower the monthly premiums.

Source: EzineArticles.com.

Thank you Javier! That was definitely new. Although I personally think that it's best to be covered and not take such risks.

Nadav

nadavs

How Often Should You Change Synthetic Motor Oil?

2014-01-12T11:59:00.000-08:00

If your car is using a synthetic motor oil, you may have to replace it every now and then. Here is a video that will help you determine when.

Hope it helped,

Nadav

nadavs

The Benefits of Inflation

2014-01-11T11:38:00.000-08:00

In the past few weeks I had a strange feeling that my car isn't driving as good as it should. A quick look under it showed me everything I needed to see: I had to inflate my tires.

What I did was simple: I inflated my tires. Lo and behold, it was a totally different experience, like I was driving a totally new car.

Sometimes you just need some air.

Nadav

nadavs

What Is Important to Practice

2014-01-10T11:56:00.000-08:00

When you practice your driving for the test, there are some key aspects you must not avoid. Here is an article about these important topics.

Hoping to Get Your Driver's License? Here Are Important Things to Practice and Remember When Testing

There are so many things to remember when preparing for your driver's test. You might be feeling overwhelmed by all of the rules. In order to prove your proficiency as a driver, you need to do a large number of things: parallel park perfectly, drive in reverse, drive on an intersection, show that you know what the traffic lights and signs are all for, and so forth.

On top of all that, the examiner might try to trick you. They might try to tell you to do something that is against the rules just to see if you are smart enough not to fall for it. One thing they might do is to not put their seatbelts on to see if you will notice. Pay close attention to everything they tell you. As long as you study hard enough, you shouldn't have much to do worry about.

One thing you must already remember to do is pay close attention to the posted speed limit. While you are required to stay as close to the posted speed limit as possible, it's understandable if you need to go slightly slower in order to deal with poor road conditions or bad weather. Sometimes other vehicles might make it difficult for you to stick with the posted speed limit. Always put safety first. Never take any risks.

Remember to signal whenever you are about to make a turn. Just as you would depend on other drivers to signal to you, you need to do the same for them. Also, when changing lanes, make sure that your way is clear. Check the mirrors to make sure your sides are clear, and turn around to check your blind spot. Even if you are the only driver on the road, you should still signal. Get into the habit to do it every single time.

At least a week before going in to take your test, make sure that the car is working perfectly. Take care of any potential problems ahead of time. Get the tires checked, fill the tank up, and make sure the steering wheel and indicators are in working order. Clean the exterior and interior of the car, as it might not be in your best interest to arrive to the test taking site in a dirty vehicle.

Try to get sufficient sleep the night before the test. Try to get up a bit early so that you'll have time to go on one last practice drive. When you are feeling confident enough, go in and get started! Keep telling yourself that you will do fine, and you will.

If you feel as though you need additional help and practice, you will find comprehensive study guides on the internet. You'll be surprised at all of the useful driving guides available. Learn all you need to know in order to prepare for the test and pass.

I hope this article helped you,

Nadav

nadavs