So many things and so little time. So here's a triple teardown that turned into a retro quadruple teardown and circuitry comparison.

The most notable things are that the mushroom nightlights are an everlasting thing and the new resistor ballasted nightlights are made much more efficient by the multi-chip LEDs, and have lots of hackability. For instance, replacing the dropper resistors with 100K or higher resistors still results in good intensity with the potential for ultra long life lights.

Here are some links to the items on AliExpress (not a sponsor).
These are affiliate links, but that will not affect the price you pay.
Keep in mind that these products may not meet your country's standards.

The mushroom lights.
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3E5w9mn

The better boxy light.
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3PZYWsn

The light with less desirable resistor layout.
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3F3ES8r




If you enjoy my videos and would like to support me with a dollar or two for coffee, cookies and gadgets to take apart, you can do so by supporting me on Patreon. I release videos without adverts for critique and feedback on Patreon as soon as they have been made. I also release Patreon-only backstage videos when I'm working on shows.

https://www.patreon.com/bigclive

Alternatively, for a single coffee contribution you can use PayPal:-
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bigclive


#ElectronicsCreators
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T901DZw1JqA

This method of construction isn't just used in hair dryers, it can also be found in some other heating devices like hand dryers.

I was using this dryer to dry my beard after washing it, when the unit failed. So I thought it would be fun to explore the construction and serviceability.
Spoilers - there's very poor serviceability, since I think the heater is either wound around the core in place, or the whole assembly uses a manufacturing jig that holds everything in place.

If the heater is applied as a complete unit after the motor has been fitted, then someone will have to use long nose pliers between the heater coils to guide the rectifier connections to their solder point.

These units could have use as a convenient source of a fan powered hot air blower for other applications. Or perhaps a source of useful heating elements (resistors?) and a fairly powerful motor.

The heating elements have a fibreglass string core to make sure they don't distort and touch each other in use if the unit is dropped or bumped. Oddly, the fan motor's resistance element was thinner and finer than that of a heating element with the same resistance.

The motor seems to be a classic 385 which is available in a few different voltage ratings. This one was much faster in use than at 12V so I'd guess it may be a 24V model with the benefit of forced air cooling. The motor housing had interesting features to reduce the risk of hair getting wrapped around the motor shaft.



If you enjoy my videos and would like to support me with a dollar or two for coffee, cookies and gadgets to take apart, you can do so by supporting me on Patreon. I release videos without adverts for critique and feedback on Patreon as soon as they have been made. I also release Patreon-only backstage videos when I'm working on shows.

https://www.patreon.com/bigclive

Alternatively, for a single coffee contribution you can use PayPal:-
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bigclive


#ElectronicsCreators
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qMgEyvm7Ds

This is a tiny low power LED downlight with a very interesting power supply that has been sized to pass through a very small (18.5mm) hole. With a suitably small connector. that allows the lights to be serviced without needing access to the area above the ceiling.

The little downlight is also quite well designed with a retaining system that is less likely to damage a plastered ceiling.

Directly imported mains powered items should never be regarded as being safe to handle when powered. Always work with power off or wear suitable gloves while handling them.

Here's a link to the item on AliExpress (not a sponsor).
This is an affiliate link, but that will not affect the price you pay.
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3XguT8j




If you enjoy my videos and would like to buy me a coffee or cookie, you can do so by supporting me on Patreon. I release videos without adverts for critique and feedback on Patreon as soon as they have been made. I also release Patreon-only backstage videos when I'm working on shows.

https://www.patreon.com/bigclive

Alternatively, for a single coffee contribution you can use PayPal:-
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bigclive


#ElectronicsCreators
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hu3CaOFIAmY

Hope you have a great Christmas and a fantastic new year.
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcmNhD7HG8w

Another unbagging of random stuff I bought from AliExpress (not a sponsor). As requested, I'll itemise the items with links below.

Note that these links may already be sold out or not work in some countries. But they may be a good starting point. They are affiliate links, but that will not affect the normal price. If you buy something I get a few cents towards buying more gadgets for us to explore.

The illuminated USB-C inlets:-
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3EqAB2h

The releasable cable ties:-
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4k4Czrj

Glow in the dark gravel:-
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4KNql7x

Live wire detector pen:-
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3VPXvyH

USB-C connector with tiny lithium charge control circuit:-
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3Q79YVL

Plug in air ioniser unit:-
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4bcYwIN

60mm illuminated slot machine button:-
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c2wZ7lVJ

Lego-style (much smaller grid) flower kit. I built it, it was quite fumbly but fun. The main listing for this has an option of a dome or not:-
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c454oyjf

Low profile white illuminated arcade button:-
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4tfHebR

45mm illuminated slot machine button:-
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c2yeSGuD

33mm illuminated white slot machine button:-
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3qrCb73

100mm illuminated slot machine button:-
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4PjzJf3

USB humidifier with six illuminated sections:-
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c39EdppP

Pink USB humidifier:-
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c2QJ2a9F

Mushroom night light:-
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3cKvaeH

Square night light:-
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4tqrhjT

Ceramic tweezers (non magnetic):-
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3kdQYil




If you enjoy my videos and would like to support me with a dollar or two for coffee, cookies and gadgets to take apart, you can do so by supporting me on Patreon. I release videos without adverts for critique and feedback on Patreon as soon as they have been made. I also release Patreon-only backstage videos when I'm working on shows.

https://www.patreon.com/bigclive

Alternatively, for a single coffee contribution you can use PayPal:-
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bigclive


#ElectronicsCreators
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6A6n4N4FfDs

Another unbagging of random stuff I bought from AliExpress (not a sponsor). As requested, I'll itemise the items with links below.

Note that these links may already be sold out or not work in some countries. But they may be a good starting point. They are affiliate links, but that will not affect the normal price. If you buy something I get a few cents towards buying more gadgets for us to explore.

Foaming soap pump:-
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3P0Ow5T

Solar marine navigation light:-
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3aNU3Xb

Vehicle voltage probe with load lamp:-
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c2zYUCu1

The interesting glass vehicle bulbs with a ceramic COB inside:-
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4D8bxgz

Touch sensor lighting control PCB with onboard battery charging and protection:-
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3KLRHtr

Delightfully unsafe Christmas lighting string:-
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c39t6QFf



If you enjoy my videos then the easiest way to support the channel is to subscribe and enjoy my videos. But if you would like to contribute a dollar or two for coffee, cookies and gadgets to take apart, you can do so by supporting me on Patreon. I release videos without adverts for critique and feedback on Patreon as soon as they have been made. I also do Patreon live streams, which are much more relaxed and chatty than the busy public ones.

https://www.patreon.com/bigclive

Alternatively, for a single coffee contribution you can use PayPal:-
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bigclive


#ElectronicsCreators
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjOlBkuL8sE

Not just for routers - these handy little inline modules could be used in many applications where it's beneficial to reboot a piece of equipment from time to time by cycling its power.

What immediately comes to mind is a remote system used for monitoring equipment status, where it would be annoying to travel to the location to do a physical reboot.

In a control panel something similar could be achieved with a time switch or asymmetric recycling timer module. Noting that for high power motor loads and compressors, a delay before repowering would be useful.

because of the time scale involved I didn't check the actual timing of these units. I also don't know how much gradual drift there will be with the reset time, so it could theoretically drift into a period when the router is in heavy use. Easy to reset to a quieter time though.

Ironically, the simpler power circuitry of the rectangular router may actually help it survive a reverse polarity incident.

Here are some links to the items on AliExpress (not a sponsor).
These are affiliate links, but that will not affect the price you pay.

The simpler rectangular "24 hour" version:-
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3IJm7Ez

The more complex round "72 hour" version:-
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3fJKzql



If you enjoy my videos and would like to support me with a dollar or two for coffee, cookies and gadgets to take apart, you can do so by supporting me on Patreon. I release videos without adverts for critique and feedback on Patreon as soon as they have been made. I also release Patreon-only backstage videos when I'm working on shows.

https://www.patreon.com/bigclive

Alternatively, for a single coffee contribution you can use PayPal:-
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bigclive


#ElectronicsCreators
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUBsKdxW9wc

Another unbagging of random stuff I bought from AliExpress (not a sponsor). As requested, I'll itemise the items with links below.

Note that these links may already be sold out or not work in some countries. But they may be a good starting point. They are affiliate links, but that will not affect the normal price. If you buy something I get a few cents towards buying more gadgets for us to explore.

The completely random bit of fake foliage which may be destined to be part of a light:-
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3x6pRLj

CH341A EEPROM reader/writer for exploring, modifying or cloning the EEPROMs often used to store settings in many control systems:-
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3v5VFyH

Magnetic toilet cleaner. Simply drop an offcut of fridge magnet material into your toilet cistern for no obvious reason at all. The perfect Christmas gift for non-technically inclined friends:-
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3VEAjq1

Arduino nano. Because you can never have enough tiny little pocket-computers. I use one of these to control the flame effect strip in the background of my Twitch live streams:-
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3yWLCW5

Badger, badger, badger, badger - mushroom, mushroom nightlight. Just a cheap and fun thing:-
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c41A8v61

Acrylic crystal spray. These wire based crystal clusters may also find their way into a custom light:-
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3W508Wl

Self scanning LED strip for vehicles:-
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3plkDw1

The green wire string of LEDs with the tiny (and totally unsafe) USB power supply. From 300 LEDs upwards these strings look like they have a better power supply.
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3nkcqUh

The addressable berry-style light string. The way these are assembled this would have been so much better with clear insulation on the wires.
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c412MfLx

The neat DIY illuminated tulip kit with a wooden base and glass globe:-
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3aOtDaD

Solar floodlight system:-
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c2xRowNb



If you enjoy my videos and would like to support me with a dollar or two for coffee, cookies and gadgets to take apart, you can do so by supporting me on Patreon. I release videos without adverts for critique and feedback on Patreon as soon as they have been made. I also release Patreon-only backstage videos when I'm working on shows.

https://www.patreon.com/bigclive

Alternatively, for a single coffee contribution you can use PayPal:-
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bigclive


#ElectronicsCreators
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKte4ozFPqk

Another seasonal look at the classic 120/240V strings of LED lights that have zero safety standards.

These strings of lights have the following issues:-

Ultra thin single insulated wire.
No proper strain relief.
A controller with a pop-off cover that exposes live connections.
Under-rated resistors that can be overloaded if the static mode is selected.
Often described as suitable for outdoor use, but they absolutely are NOT!

The best way to describe these mains voltage strings of lights is as dangerous and disposable.
They pose a significant shock risk, especially to kids and pets that might play with them.

And the worst thing is that they are often sold at a similar price to the completely safe low voltage ones from local supermarkets like ASDA and Walmart.

No link to buy these sets. Instead look for USB, battery or other low voltage sets.
And keep in mind that most strings with the heatshrink sleeves and standard LEDs will fail quickly if used in a wet outdoor environment, as the moisture wicks in and causes corrosion.




If you enjoy my videos and would like to support me with a dollar or two for coffee, cookies and gadgets to take apart, you can do so by supporting me on Patreon. I release videos without adverts for critique and feedback on Patreon as soon as they have been made. I also release Patreon-only backstage videos when I'm working on shows.

https://www.patreon.com/bigclive

Alternatively, for a single coffee contribution you can use PayPal:-
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bigclive


#ElectronicsCreators
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXMxi84vLJo

This torch/flashlight is the sort that you'd probably find on eBay listed as 1 billion candlepower.
It works, and the circuitry is what you might expect in a product like this.

It does have one oddity. A charge control chip in a classic SOT23-6 package, but with the ability to drive a four LED charge status bar graph with a little help from the microcontroller.

I've not seen a charge control chip like this, but a quick search for suitable keywords did not pull up a datasheet. Trying to work out how it controls the LEDs is an amusing mental challenge.

The light itself is actually usable if you can forgive having to mince through other modes to turn the light off, but aside from its functionality it also has the useful aluminium core LED panel, a rectangular LED COB array and the little charge and control PCB.

Here's a link to the item on AliExpress (not a sponsor).
This is an affiliate link, but that will not affect the price you pay.
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4mW3CxP




If you enjoy my videos and would like to support me with a dollar or two for coffee, cookies and gadgets to take apart, you can do so by supporting me on Patreon. I release videos without adverts for critique and feedback on Patreon as soon as they have been made. I also release Patreon-only backstage videos when I'm working on shows.

https://www.patreon.com/bigclive

Alternatively, for a single coffee contribution you can use PayPal:-
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bigclive


#ElectronicsCreators
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVMYdgZIN1U