Hot Electronics How-Tos


How To: Hack someone's web cam or online security camera
This tutorial will let you hack into a wide selection of web cams and online security cameras. The hack is actually quite easy, and is best done with a browser like Mozilla Firefox. Navigate to Google in your browser, and then type in "inurl:viewerframe?mode+refresh". This piece of code will open up a list of active webcams. Then just surf through your choices and watch whatever you want. You can even change the camera angle and zoom in and out of the picture!

How To: Reset your iPod Touch without losing all your stuff
If you want to reset your iPod, you have to loose your stuff. It is very simple to save your stuff and reset your iPod. This process takes just a few seconds to complete. After that, you can see that all applications and themes are saved. Your iPod will be reset without deleting any of your stuff.

How To: Turn off your iPod Nano or iPod Classic
You can turn off both the iPod Nano and the iPod Classic the same way. To turn it off you have to push a button on the click wheel of the iPod. You will push and hold the play pause button until the iPod goes off. The play pause button is the one that has the two lines and the triangle side by side. Once you have held them down and the iPod has gone off then there is one more thing you need to do. On top of the iPod there is a lock button just move that button to the lock position and you are...

How To: Print 2-sided (duplex) w/ an Epson all-in-one printer
The Epson video describes how to print two-sided on one piece of paper. When document is ready, go to "File" and then "Print". Click the "Properties" button and select Page Layout tab and turn on the two-sided printing option. Click "OK" in print window. Wait for Epson printer to complete the first page. Take paper, flip over and put it back upside down in the paper feeder. There are instructions that will pop out on screen for this. Click resume and the second page will be printed on the bac...

How To: Use your laptop as a monitor with the Canon 5D or 7D
Tony Reale from Creative Edge Productions shows you how to use your laptop as an on-set monitor using the Canon EOS Utility software. Not only can you monitor your shots, but you can change focus, f-stop, shutter speed, ISO, and white balance. The feed is a little choppy, but it's a great and inexpensive fix in a pinch.

How To: Sync your iPod to your computer without a USB cord
If you have lost your USB cable or have a broken drive, you may need to sync your iPod without one. In this tutorial, learn how to sync your iPod Touch or iPhone to your computer without any cords at all.

How To: Clean a scratched CD or DVD with toothpaste
In order to remove the scratches from a CD with toothpaste, you will need: regular toothpaste, a towel or washcloth, and water.

How To: Clean the inside of your big-screen televsion
Dust, bugs and cobwebs can get behind the screen of your big-screen TV and ruin the picture. You can open up your own TV and, with glass cleaner, a soft rag and a can of compressed air, get rid of most of the detritus interfering with your picture.

How To: Put Songs on Your iPod Without Using iTunes
Putting music on your iPod using Windows normally require having to use iTunes, which can be a real pain in the but if you hate using extra software for something that should be as easy and dragging and dropping.

How To: Get Free HDTV with a Coat Hanger Antenna
Cheaply, easily and quickly build an HDTV antenna that outperforms amplified store-bought antennas! This DIY antenna has amazingly good reception for your television. Quit paying your cable company when you can get HDTV for free!

How To: Fix an iPod with a "folder & exclamation mark" warning
This video shows us how to fix an iPod that is displaying a folder icon and exclamation mark warning and does not function. The first thing you will need is obviously the iPod, typically the 1st Generation to 5th generation iPod. The second thing you will need is your sync cable, and also a wall charger. The first thing you have to do with the iPod is to reset the iPod by holding down the center button and at the same time hold down the menu button. After a few seconds without letting go the ...

How To: Adjust the volume on your iPod Classic and iPod Nano
This video demonstrates how to adjust the volume on your iPod Classic and iPod Nano. From the people who brought you the Dummies instructional book series, brings you the same non-intimidating guides in video form. Watch this video tutorial to learn how to adjust the volume on your iPod Classic and iPod Nano, For Dummies.

How To: Calculate compound interest using a TI-84 and solver
This is a video tutorial in the Electronics category where you are going to learn how to calculate compound interest using a TI-84 and solver. Press the apps button on the calculator and press enter to load the TVM Solver which is the 1st choice. Here the meaning of various notations are N is time, I% is the percentage, PV is present value, PMT is payment, FV is future value and C/Y is compounding period. The problem is find the compound amount and the interest earned on $12,903.45 compounded...

How To: Identify Genuine Beats by Dre Studio Headphones
How do you know if the Beats By Dre Studio headphones that you are about to buy online are genuine? Always ask the seller to use the youVerify app before you buy. Smarter Selling, Safer Shopping.

How To: Modify the iPod Video interface to look like Classic
Make your old iPod Video look like the new iPod Classic. This is a tutorial on how to change your iPod Video (5G/5.5G) to a iPod Classic interface. Your iPod must have the 1.2.1 firmware or lower. But don't worry you can downgrade your 1.2.3 by writing The Ultimate Background Hack 1.2.2 You get the background hack and it downgrades your iPod to 1.2.2. You can use any other custom firmware. Watch this video iPod tutorial and learn how to modify an iPod Video to use the iPod Classic interface.

How To: Set up a mini hidden camera easily
This video shows you how to set up and hide mini wireless spy camera. Where you put it is up to you. Who you spy on is up to you. If you're wanting to keep an extra set of eyes on someone, watch and learn. Whether it's your bathroom or kitchen, put your eyes on the prize.

How To: Put an Apple iPod Classic into diagnostic mode
Need some help figuring out how to put your Apple iPod Classic into diagnostic mode? It's easy! And this iPod user's guide will show you how it's done. It's so easy, in fact, that this video guide can present a complete, step-by-step overview of the process in under four minutes. For details, and to get started testing and troubleshooting your own iPod, take a look.

How To: Solder speaker lead wires
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to solder speaker lead wires. Soldering is a process in which two or more metal items are joined together by melting and flowing a filler metal into the joint. Viewers are shown how to solder speaker lead wires to the terminals. This video also shows how to solder two wires together and how to solder a wire to a slip on terminal. This video will benefit those viewers who want to learn how to solder and be able to repair other electronic devices.

How To: Remove the SIM card from an iPhone
Check out this instructional electronics video that illustrates the simple process of removing the SIM card from an iPhone. It doesn't take much to pull the SIM card out of an Apple iPhone - just a small paperclip will do the trick. Check out how it's done by a technician in this tutorial video.

How To: Use all the functions of a Canon 60D camera
The Canon 60D is a very popular, powerful, and cheap camera for those looking to get into high-end digital photography. If you've got one and need some help on using it's many functions, check out this video for a tutorial on the many buttons and tools in your camera.

How To: Use the electronic level display on the Canon EOS 7D
The EOS 7D has an accurate level display, which you can activate on either the read LCD monitor or in the viewfinder. See how to work the electronic display on the Canon digital SLR camera. This is great for getting a steady shot wherever you need it.

How To: Hack your 3rd gen iPod Nano and access secret screens
In this clip, learn how to access the cool menu screens on your iPod that you never knew existed. This video will walk you through how to get to your 3rd generation iPod's cool colored LCD screen database. This hack is easy, doesn't require codes or tools and won't harm your device, so give it a try!

How To: Disassemble a third-generation iPod Classic (A1238)
Accidents will happen. This brief how-to will guide you through the process of disassembling, cleaning and reassembling a sixth-generation iPod Class (A1238) quickly and efficiently without damaging any of the components, the first necessary step of any successful repair or restoration. This tutorial will also be of use to those who wish to learn more about the guts of their iPods without actually disassembling their units.

How To: Jailbreak & unlock iPod Touch 3.1.2
Jailbreaking an iPod Touch or iPhone can have its advantages. Some apps that you wouldn't be able to use before could be downloaded without a problem. Issues that you may have had with yoru phone about design or looks, gone! In this tutorial you'll find out how to jailbreak dna unlock your iPod Touch/iPhone with 3.1.2 firmware. But be advised that doing anything with you phone like this, can potentially damage it so be careful!

How To: Delete unwanted apps on an iPod Touch or iPhone
In this video tutorial, learn how to delete unwanted applications on the iPhone or iPod Touch. Begin by finding the application(s) that you want to delete. Then, press the application(s) and hold it. All the applications will have an X on the top left corner. Click on the application(s) that you want to delete and select "Delete". Another window will pop up asking for a rating of the application. Users may choose to rate it or simply select "No Thanks".

How To: Clean a cassette player
Learn how to clean a cassette player. Cassette players may be outdated, but if you've still got tapes, you're going to want to keep them in good condition.

How To: Use a TI-84 calculator as an MP3 Player!
With the help of a program called TItunes & standard earbuds (and adapter) we can listen to music played by a TI84! Mod you calculator to play music. This only works on a TI84, not a TI83.

How To: Operate a video camera
That digital video camera is a delicate piece of equipment, you need to treat it right. Check out this how-to video and learn how to properly operate it to ensure good footage and a long camera lifespan. This video guide covers basic camera handling and maintenance, and these general rules are useful for whatever brand video camera you're using.

How To: Upgrade the firmware for Flip Video Camcorder software
Here's how to solve problems and get better results with the Flip Video camcorder software by upgrading the firmware. Bill myers shows you how it's free and easy to do.

How To: View a waveform of an inverter on a oscilloscope
Checking the waveform on a car plug-in inverter, like the type you would use to power a laptop computer in a car. I used my NLS MS-215 Miniscope to view the waveform. As you can see it is much more like a squarewave than a sinewave, like a staircase waveform.

How To: Add and and remove songs on a Samsung YP-Z5 MP3 player
Adding and removing songs to and from your Samsung YP-Z5 MP3 Player.

How To: Solve the blinking "FEE" error message on a Nikon DSLR
In this video, it is demonstrated how to get rid of a "FEE" error message on a Nikon DSLR camera. The solution is fairly simple and quick to do. First you will want to turn your camera on to where you see the "FEE" error message on the LCD screen. Next, you will set the camera's aperture ring to the highest number available. After this, the last step is to lock the aperture ring by using the switch. After doing this step, your camera should return back to normal working order and the "FEE" er...

How To: Connect a laptop or PC to your TV with an RGB cable
In this Electronics video tutorial you will learn how to connect a laptop or PC to your TV with an RGB cable. Take your RGB cable and plug it in to the back of the TV as shown in the video. You can also do this with the HDMI cable. Now take other end of the RGB cable and plug it in to the laptop or PC. Then you right click on your desktop, go down to graphics options > output to > monitor. Now you have to change the input to your TV. This will depend on the make and model of your TV. Once tha...

How To: Reset and restore an iPod Classic 5G to its factory-default settings
Something amiss with your fifth-generation Apple iPod Classic? Before you send it in for repair, you should reset your iPod to its factory-default settings and see if that doesn't clear up your problem. This iPod owner's guide offers a complete overview of the process.

How To: Fix a compact disc player drawer problem
When CD and DVD players stop working, it's usually because of the drawer not opening and/or shutting. For this CD player, the problem turned out to be a broken belt between the motor and the wheel that has the gear that opens the drawer. Look at these two video tutorials to see how easy it can be to fix, by replacing one belt with a rubber band.

How To: Enable auto focus in video mode on the Canon 5D
Many people have complained about the lack of autofocus in video mode on the Canon 5D Mark II. Fortunately, this video demonstrates a solution by utilizing the live mode, thus enabling the still camera's autofocus features.

How To: Repair a plasma TV with a blinking LED light issue
Plasma TV's are awesome but extremely fragile. If all that happens when you turn your plasma set on is a blinking LED light or it works for a while then turns off, you may have a blown capacitor on your power supply board. This video will show you how to fix the problem yourself and save $800!

How To: Take apart an iPod Nano 3rd generation for repair
In this tutorial, we learn how to take apart an iPod Nano 3rd generation for repair. First remove the back casing using a guitar pick. Next, use a flat tool to lift up the battery carefully and remove it from the casing. You will see three wires that lead to the launch board, which are soldered into place. Now, use the flat tool to remove the back of the battery casing from the device. Now, remove the logic board by removing the 6 small screws inside of it. Next you will remove the LCD by lif...

How To: Clean your scratched compact discs with peroxide
This video shows you how to clean a compact disk using peroxide and toothpaste as the cleaning agents.First of all, put the disk in a mixture of water and a bit of peroxide and let it stay there for about 5 minutes. Then, you must take out the disk and apply a thin layer of toothpaste on the whole disk's surface. Let it sit like that for another 3-5 minutes. After that, clean the disk with water. Use it only when it is dry. If this method does not work, then you should either take the disk to...

How To: Download music using Safari on your iPhone or iPod
The viewer learns how to download music on their iPhone or iPod using Safari. The video starts with the instructor talking about what it was that made him decide to use Safari to download music. The speaker uses a lot of profanity in his intro and the instructional part of the video does not start until 3 min into the video. The video/audio quality is poor at times. The instructor will show you in a step by step manner. If the viewer follows the instructions (and ignores the extra blah blah b...