How To (How I Did) Archives | Page 13 of 51

2 Sep 2018

How to Charge a Fully Discharged AGM Battery

I learned about trick on how to charge a fully discharged AGM battery from the official Optima website. The process shown in the video above mirrors the process recommended by the actual manufacturer. You do need to be careful, but this is not something I cooked up in the basement.

AGM batteries are a little different than regular batteries, even deep cycle batteries should not be fully discharged. Most battery chargers have electronics that prevent them from dangerously recharging bad batteries. Completely dead AGM batteries can’t produce voltage to operate this safety device unlike deeply discharged traditional batteries.

What this method does is to trick your charger into thinking it is topping off a good battery while it is actually recharging a old dead one.

This does not always work, these batteries are not designed to be fully discharged and if they sit to long in this state there may be too much internal sufination to allow the electricity to recharge the battery.

Equipment Needed:

Battery charger
Jumper cables
Good battery (it doesn’t really matter what type as long as the voltage is the same – AGM or flooded cell just make sure both are 12 volt)
Deeply discharged AGM battery
Multimeter
Timer

Procedure:

Hook up the good battery and deeply discharged AGM battery in parallel
- In parallel means connect positive to positive and negative to negative.
- Do not have the charger connected to the battery yet
Hook up the good battery to the charger.
Turn on the charger.
Let charge for an hour
Check the AGM batteries. If they seem hot to the touch their may be something wrong with the batter. Batteries normally become warm during charging so a little warmth is not something to be alarmed with.
- Also discontinue the process if you hear the battery a hissing sound coming from the safety valves.
With your voltage meter, check to see if the AGM battery has charged to 10.5 volts or above. This should take less than two hours.
Once the “bad” battery reads 10.5 or more, disconnect the charger
Connect the “bad” AGM battery to the charger.
Turn on the charger and continue until the AGM battery reaches a full charge

In most cases, but not all, this will charge a fully discharged AGM battery. There are professional AGM battery service centers that may be able to do more. This is important to me as these batteries are very expensive. I have three doe my solar set up and they cost over $300 a piece.

1 Sep 2018

How to Make an EMT Conduit Geodesic Dome

30 Aug 2018

Should You Repair or Replace Windows?

There are numerous signs it is time to replace the windows in your home. Although broken glass is a clear-cut sign you need to replace the structure, you should also pay attention if your home has recently undergone a makeover. Additionally, you need a professional to come by your abode if a storm has just rolled through your town. However, you can save time and money if your windows just need repairs. Here are some points to keep in mind as you debate whether it is better to repair or replace windows.

Windows Are Painted Shut

During the winter, you may decide to paint the windows shut, so they keep the cold air outside. Perhaps you recently painted your windows and did not realize they could become shut as a result. During the summer, you may want your windows open, so you can get nice breezes coming in. In most cases, this simply requires hiring someone to come out with a sash saw. The expert will put the saw where the paint has sealed until it is open. Allow a professional to do this work because handling a saw can be dangerous.

Jammed Sashes and Rot

Rot can begin to form within windows if they are exposed to water penetration. A professional may be able to repair it if he or she can get to it soon enough. The windows will need to be removed and repaired off-site. The expert will also look at the layers of insulated glass to see if any condensation has formed between the layers. That is a serious problem, but in many cases, it can be repaired. Your warranty often covers this type of damage.

Greater Energy Efficient

In the event you pay more than you think you should on electricity every month, then you should look for ways to reduce that number. One way is to make your windows more energy efficient. Prompt window glass repair and weather stripping the structures can help limit drafts. Ideally, you will get this work done when it is cold outside and when humidity is low. While some homeowners will need to replace their windows, it is possible you will just need to install screen and storm windows instead.

Windows in Historic Homes

If you own a historic building, then you need to be extremely careful about replacing windows. You may not have a choice, but you need to select windows that maintain the historical significance of the property. It is still possible to acquire more energy efficient windows or new windows in case the damage is too extensive. A professional will be able to tell you what to do when dealing with homes featuring leaded or stained glass.

Repairs naturally cost less than a total replacement. However, if you always have to repair something related to your windows, then it may be more cost-effective in the long run to get a replacement sooner rather than later. With new windows, you at least have the peace of mind they should remain viable for between 20 and 40 years depending on how well you maintain them.

26 Aug 2018

How to Connect iPhone to TV with USB for Under $15

Connect your iphone to TV under $15 — Buy at Amazon

In the video above I will show how you can easily connect your iphone to TV for under $15. All you need is the cable, an iPhone, and a TV with a USB and HDMI port.

All you need is a cable

It is really simple actually. Once I learned that you could do it, I needed no instructions or help. I just needed to search for the right cable.

The cable linked to the left is the cheapest cable I could find on Amazon. Apple sells and adapter, but it is five times the price of the cable I show.

I bought this to use with my mini portable projector so I have a backup when I am out doing firearm instructor classes.

Be careful it can get you in trouble

This turned out to be a cool item that my boy really liked – unfortunately it also caused him to get a permanent ban on the use of his momma’s cell phone.

Yesterday she was going to run to the store and told him that she did not like to leave the house without her cell phone, but my boy asked nicely so she allowed him to continue to use her phone attached to the TV. Well as luck would have it her car would not start at the store, and when my mom borrowed a phone from a nice lady in the Aldi parking lot he would not answer the call, my wife then called her parents so they could keep calling, but he silenced their calls also….

My phone is kept on silent because I can’t hear anyway, and it always rings when I am teaching so no luck getting a hold of me either. Lets just say that when my wife got home she was MAD…. We are also in the market for a newer car…. I am also I a permanent ban on silent mode on my phone….

23 Aug 2018

Easy and Cheap Ways to Improve Your Home Security

With so many burglaries these days, it is a smart idea to take some precautions in order to keep your home safe. Security systems have come a long way and modern ones can be very advanced and provide your home with pretty strong security. However, they can be very expensive as well.

Even though you shouldn’t save money on things like security, there are some easier and cheaper ways to improve it.

Front door

Despite the fact that most people understand the importance of locks, we still hear stories of people leaving their homes unlocked and coming back to find that a break-in had occurred and that they had been robbed. Always be careful and make sure that you didn’t forget to lock your doors, either coming in or going out. Studies show that almost a third of break-ins happen using the front door, therefore, try avoiding basic front door locks as well. There are many kinds of locks that will really improve your safety and they can be quite affordable as well.

Windows

Even if you went out just to throw out the trash or to visit your nearest neighbor, always close all your windows. A window is one of the simplest points of entry and it is used by many domestic burglars. Apart from having your windows closed, you can improve the security by installing window locks. They will provide you with extra protection and peace of mind when you are out of your house. The type of lock that you need depends upon the style and design of the window; however, there are security companies and professionals that can provide you with a great service.

Camera

Security cameras are among the best and most effective when it comes to home security. However, they can be a bit pricey piece of equipment to own. If you want to keep an eye on what’s happening at home when you are away, but you do not want to invest in high-tech and really serious home camera systems, a Wi-Fi connected camera is worth considering. These cameras that are easy to install and use can vary in quality and endurance, but you will find that most are both cheap and effective. The placement of the camera is very important, as you want your camera to cover a big area of space and to be out of reach. To avoid additional costs, look for a cheap scaffolding rental and install the Wi-Fi camera yourself. Most cameras have the ability to detect motion and store video content, so make sure you provide it with a lot of memory space.

Alarm

The most common type of home protection is a house alarm. Security alarms have motion or sound sensors that are connected to a control unit via either hard-wire or radio-frequency signal that interacts with a response device. Most common types of sensors indicate the opening of a door or window, and they are very convenient because they can even detect smoke. Wireless ones are a less costly option, however, they require a frequent change of batteries to maintain their effectiveness.

If you want an alarm with a little more bite, the picture links to a pepper spray burglar alarm.

Lights

Use motion activated lights as a sudden spotlight can often be enough to convince a burglar to give up on his break-in attempt. If there are some areas around your house that get really dark at night, invest in motion activated lights to scare off potential robbers. You can also use lights to make it appear like you’re at home, having your TV turned on while you are away will most likely convince burglars to continue searching for a new target.

Make it appear you’re not away

If you are leaving town for a longer period of time, it’s a good idea to notify the postal service to stop your mail delivery temporarily or to ask a friend or a neighbor to clear up your mailbox frequently. Piled up mail is a clear signal that you are away, and it will make your home a potential target. You can even have your lawn cut while you are away or ask a friend to repark your car in different positions every few days. Also, be careful on social networks, as thieves often invade households of people that have been posting vacation content on social media. The biggest fear of burglars is confronting a homeowner, so make sure your home is not an easy target for them.

Don’t leave valuables in plain sight

This is just a repeat of what should be obvious, but do not leave your valuables like cell phone, wallet, money, jewelry, watch, laptop, iPad, briefcase, backpack, etc. in clear sight right by the entrance or by the window. This way, you are tempting the burglars, and the valuables left in clear sight will serve as an open invitation for theft.

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