This is a controversial device that is designed to generate a low level electromagnetic signal that emulates one that occurs naturally in the area between the planet and its ionosphere.

In nature, the resonant cavity is "plucked" by the continuous lightning strikes happening around the world. In this unit it is a simple low frequency oscillator that provides an alternating voltage to a long spiral antenna.

I regard these items as harmless metaphysical devices for people who enjoy that sort of thing. The only ones I object to are the ones sold at a high price by scammers and falsely touted to cure medical ailments.

There are two main variants of these. Simple units with an open ended antenna like this one, and others that pass very high current through the coils to create a strong pulsing magnetic field.

Because the brain produces low frequency alpha waves of a similar frequency when in an awake, but relaxed state, there is a vague notion that somehow the brain is in resonance with the earth. As such, many people claim that these units promote a relaxed state of mind. They may not really understand how the brain actually works.

A scary example of people trying to focus their mind forcefully, is the ones who apply electrodes to their ears and pass AC current across their brain. I regard that as high risk, and potentially interfering with the brain's operation.

This unit was a cheap one from AliExpress:-
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008717401850.html
I paid about £2.50 for it.



If you enjoy my videos and wish to support the channel to keep it independent, 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.

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https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bigclive


#ElectronicsCreators
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VITQA_tcuk

This keychain light is rechargeable and is more of an illuminated novelty than a functional light.
The button simply toggles the light on and off with no dimming or strobing features.

Once the novelty wears off, this PCB has possibilities for a custom light. Especially when combined with a bigger cell.

One major improvement to this design would have been to have a round port at the end to allow unfiltered light to come out for better torch functionality.

This light came from AliExpress (not a sponsor):-
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008866336015.html
It should only cost £2-3. If the listing has gone, try searching for the listing title:-
Gaming Theme My world Keychain Surrounding Torch LED Light USB Rechargeable Mini Torch Keychain



If you enjoy my videos and wish to support the channel to keep it independent, 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 contribution you can use PayPal:-
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bigclive


#ElectronicsCreators
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC7ufcLUSZA

This amazing device claims to increase the capacity of your phone's battery by conditioning it.

While there are technologies that can improve the performance of some batteries, the lithium cell in your phone has its own dedicated charge control circuitry that will block any external attempt to interfere with it. I'm not aware of any system to restore capacity to an old lithium cell. You just have to accept that your phone will have a usable lifespan before you need a new battery or phone.

The packaging suggests enforcing a daily routine of its use every single day, with a suggested noticeable difference after 2 months - just enough time for buyers remorse to pass.
It also helpfully suggests saving important files from your phone and then doing a full reset/restore to its original brand new state.
That does potentially have a battery life benefit, as it will clear out the remnants of unused or deleted apps (and malware) and potentially make your phone run faster and with lower standby current.
The downside of a complete phone reset is that it takes a while to get it back to the way you like it.

This unit could make a handy case for your own USB projects.

If you feel you have a need for one of these, they are sold at a suitably low price on AliExpress:-
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007556720343.html
It should cost less than £2.


If you enjoy my videos and wish to support the channel to keep it independent, 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 contribution you can use PayPal:-
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bigclive


#ElectronicsCreators
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxJn0ChYwAE

Another bag of delight from AliExpress. An extra big one this time, because I placed two orders a couple of days apart, and they combined them into one big bag. That means this video is going to be over half an hour of sleep inducing ASMR happiness.

Here are some links to the items on AliExpress (not a sponsor) in the order in which they appear in the video. These are not affiliate links, and some may not work depending on the country you are in, or may be sold out. As always, it's a good idea to shop around in case the sellers bump the price up:-

The violet ray neon spiral electrode:-
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006000328391.html

The kinetic remote control switch link is already dead for me. Here are some keywords:-
Lunzo RF 433 Self-generating Wireless switch 1 gang

Flashing single AA cell fishing marker:-
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007046856981.html

The adjustable camera/light mounting clamp:-
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009111932290.html

The Schumann resonator unit:-
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008717401850.html

The squirmily cheap plug-in POE (power over ethernet) unit with no guarantee of safety. Don't use this with anything expensive or where exposed metal can be touched.:-
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006479735381.html

The very non-compliant aluminium case power supply. This should be treated as FELV (not isolated from mains) and if you really must buy one when real locally-compliant PSUs are available for a little more, then make sure the "low voltage" output can't be touched and use the power supply at half its rating at most.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007620161649.html

Dinky little sewing machine bulb - very retro by LED bulb standards:-
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006137161708.html

The addressable LED tape is so ridiculously cheap now:-
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005824150092.html

The light up rechargeable drink coasters - which turn out to be quite complex and have a light sensor, which is why they kept going out in the video:-
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007794023923.html

Screw/thread sizing panel:-
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009403213926.html

Self punching RJ45 Cat6 connectors:-
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006464130116.html

Self terminating RJ45 plug:-
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005536651133.html

Click in/out, rolling glue-dot dispenser:-
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007639936629.html

Square USB vehicle feature light - available in different colours:-
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008423494902.html

"Stainless steel" ceramic tap/faucet insert - noting that another "brass" one was a soft silvery metal with a brass colourant on the outside:-
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006966979860.html

Fake "phone battery rejuvenator". The perfect gift for non technical friends:-
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007556720343.html

"Bambu lab" illuminator for inside 3D prints:-
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008824366718.html

Mini downlight with a very thin inline mains power supply:-
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009316304421.html

Passive POE (Power Over Ethernet) adapters:-
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007204354459.html

Exploding DIN rail fire extinguisher thing. Link for reference - shop around for a better deal!
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008986318521.html

Knurled effect USB vehicle feature light, available in various colours:-
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007209389306.html

Chassis power supply - a classic, and often not too bad electrically. These power supplies are intended for use in enclosures, but I see a lot of them being used on their own with exposed live terminals:-
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007507623957.html

Bare high voltage ignition transformer - also available with drive circuitry on the same listing:-
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008114159306.html

Yellow seven segment common cathode (or anode) displays:-
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004292231145.html



If you enjoy my videos and wish to support the channel to keep it independent, 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 contribution you can use PayPal:-
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bigclive


#ElectronicsCreators
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phI0_O3hFmo

This unit is designed to emulate the sound of a string of firecrackers exploding with a series of high voltage capacitive discharges across spark gaps. (about 5kV at very high current)
It backs that up with a repetitive squealing firework sound played through what is effectively a high decibel alarm siren speaker.

This came from AliExpress, but it's hard to find the real thing. Many are just a simple sound effect unit.
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQHE5BH5Yns

This is an insect bite relief pen I got from AliExpress. I'm not sure if the vibration actually does anything other than indicate that the unit is active.

Now I'm back at my usual bench, I've tested the heater for its power rating and the run time.
At 3V the heater passed 480mA suggesting a power dissipation of 1.44W and a hot resistance of around 6.25 ohms.

When the button is pressed, the circuit board turns on the load for exactly 2 minutes and thirty seconds. It could be quite useful on its own as a fixed time load energiser. If switching an inductive load, make sure a standard diode is put across the load (band towards positive) to protect the transistor from the high voltage spike when the load turns off.

This is the listing this device came from as a bundle deal:-
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009458033431.html
It's showing as about double the price of the bundle deal, so it may be worth looking at the listing and seeing if it then pops up in the bundle section of the website.



If you enjoy my videos and wish to support the channel to keep it independent, 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 contribution you can use PayPal:-
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bigclive


#ElectronicsCreators
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=log6KvCd3ro

A smaller selection than normal, but it made up for it with a very impressive little ultrasonic water atomiser and some other novel items.

At the same time as this package arrived, two other orders arrived combined into one monster bag. But that is for a future video.



If you enjoy my videos and wish to support the channel to keep it independent, 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 contribution you can use PayPal:-
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/bigclive


#ElectronicsCreators
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nm9ogVBxCQM

Haze Base make haze machines that are widely used in the professional event industry to create a continuous flow of haze to enhance lighting effects. The haze is water and glycerol based, with a very long history of safe use in public areas.

The principle of these machines is that they have a continuous low airflow through a large bore diameter heater coil. A solenoid pump pulses small quantities of glycerol/glycol based fluid into the airflow, creating bubbles of fluid that are then atomised as they pass through the heater coil.
The resultant stream of fog is then diluted by a controllable blower to create a continuous haze for enhancing lighting effects.

This new unit is very different from the previous units in many ways:-
It uses a cluster of small motorised air pumps in place of the classic aquarium type.
A directly current heated coiled pipe (possibly stainless steel) instead of a central resistive heating core with the pipe spiralled around it. The low mass heater boasts a 5-second heat-up time.
I'm not totally sure if the control is by a relay or if that is an extra safety layer if it is actually a relay.
Two standard computer style fans instead of the older AC snail blower.
Air intake at the back instead of the side (which is much better for our application.)
A pair of individually controlled stepper driven louvres.
A new and highly concentrated vegan compatible glycerol haze liquid.
A new touch screen interface (I'd prefer a resistive touch version.)
Universal voltage.
Power in/out.
Network in/out.

We've just got these to test on our rig alongside the existing 8 older units.
I'm intrigued to see how they compare.

I made this short over a year ago, but held off releasing it as it was a very new design at that point and I felt it was inappropriate to reveal the secrets contained inside. Now it's been over a year, I'm sure the rivals have bought or hired a unit to take a look inside.
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw7nscOL-DY

For some online sellers, vacuum packing a stuffed toy can dramatically reduce postage costs by bringing the size within a postage sizing threshold.

How long a plushie can be stored in this way, but still puff up to its original size is probably toy dependent.
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7I-u8tJ_CKE

Micro apartments aren't just a Japanese and Chinese thing. They exist en-masse in the UK too as student accommodation.

In reality, they're not just used by students, but by contractors, low wage workers and tourists looking for budget accommodation off-season.

Several apartments often share one common kitchen facility, which is OK if you share the entire cluster of apartments with coworkers, but could be a bit unpredictable if sharing with complete strangers.

Given the rapid population expansion, could this be the future of society?
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mVATCDDVS4