Comments for Nifty-Stuff.com

Comment on Homemade Compost Sifter Screen Sieve by PAul

PAul — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:06:34 +0000

You are so close. Ues the wheels of roller blades to ride in a track and put a basket inside the tray that can be removed for emptying rocks and sticks.

Comment on Consumer Reports InkJet Printers-OEM by Chsdi

Chsdi — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:52:36 +0000

I haven’t had any of the problems Consumer Reports listed–but I have a LOT of trouble with third-party cartridges… the printer suddenly decides the ink cartridge is “missing or not detected” (although the printer printed the first 3 pages without problem) or that the “ink is out.” Of course, when I take out the refilled cartridge, there is still plenty of ink in it.

Obviously, manufacturers are finding ways to discourage use of anything other than what they sell.

Comment on LED Boost Circuit – Joule Thief by mehadi

mehadi — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:18:53 +0000

what are the component needed to make this device

Comment on Auto Coop Door II – Antenna by dadreda

dadreda — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:31:49 +0000

Here is a link to a schematic may be help-full.
http://futurekit.com/basic_elec/FK403E-2.pdf

Comment on Auto Coop Door II – Antenna by Bob

Bob — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:13:46 +0000

Great. Then I know it works. Thanks for giving me and the others an update on your door.

BTW,
The only problem I had on mine, was that I had a pre-mature dead battery on my system. I found out that the battery was not getting charged. This was because of the battery clamps on the trickle charger. They were no longer making a good connection on the battery posts. I guess the metal or coating on the clips oxidize quickly or maybe my posts were the issue…Anyway, I cut the clamps off and fasted the leads directly to the posts along with the circuit wires.

Comment on Auto Coop Door II – Antenna by Mike

Mike — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:03:46 +0000

I went with the one you suggested in post 11.

Comment on Auto Coop Door II – Antenna by Bob

Bob — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:51:25 +0000

Hi Mike,
That’s great!
Which dark activated switch did you go with?

Comment on Auto Coop Door II – Antenna by Mike

Mike — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:48:01 +0000

Bob Thanks a lot for all the info on the coop door the chickens are happy and it has made my life a lot easier. I used the auto antenna with the dark activated switch,12v lawn battery,and a solar panel. and the door has worked flawlessly for six months.

Comment on Auto Coop Door II – Antenna by Bob

Bob — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:49:27 +0000

Hi Mary,
Good question.
Both types that you mention are fine. Usually a new “switching” power supply is less expensive than a traditional type because they are less expensive to manufacture. But use whatever you can find at the best price.

FYI,
A switching supply does not use a transformer to reduce the voltage down. They are using other solid state devices such as “switching transistors” to step the voltage down. This makes the unit less expensive to make and alot lighter than one with a transformer. There are pros and cons to this, but for the antenna, they both would work fine.

Comment on Auto Coop Door II – Antenna by Mary

Mary — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:42:32 +0000

I noticed that the power pack referenced for the positive feed is a “switching” power supply. Is that necessary or can I find any power pack that is at least 12vdc and at least 3 amps? I’m not sure what the “switching” is.
Thank you.