Hot Electronics How-Tos


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: 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: Graph Mario on a TI-83 Calculator
When it comes to graphing and comparing functions, the TI-83 graphing calculator is the end-all device for math and science students. But one of the most entertaining aspects of Texas Instruments' powerful algebraic and trigonometric calculator is not the equations themselves, but rather the art that can be "equated" on them—just think of them as the mathematical equivalent of the Etch A Sketch.

How To: Disable automatic gain control on a Canon T2i/550D 7D
AGC ruining your takes? This Canon EOS DSLR user's guide offers a trick for disabling it entirely. It's simpler than you might think. So simple, in fact, that this clip can present a complete overview of the process in just over 5 minutes' time. For more information, and to get started disabling auto gain control on your own Canon t2i/550D or 7D camera, take a look.

How To: Repair a blown subwoofer
OK, you've done it, you've blasted your DJ set just a little too loud and now your speakers are dust. Well, before you rush out and replace them, why not try repairing them on your own? That's right, with this how to video you can take the necessary steps and breath new life back into that fried speaker. You'll need a soldering iron, the appropriate gauge wire, and some time. This project isn't quick and it's not necessarily easy either, but you'll feel good when you've saved your speakers. B...

How To: Turn your iPod Nano 4G off
MegaFastfinger shows us how to put your iPod Nano 4G on standby. You just press down on the play/pause button for a few seconds and the iPod will turn off, meaning it's on standby. To turn it back on you press down on the play/pause button for a few seconds and it will turn back on. To turn it off completely you need to press down on the center button, then the menu button and it will turn off. When you turn it on the apple logo should appear and you will know you've turned it off completely.

How To: Get free Wi-Fi on your iPod Touch anywhere
Free Internet is one of the biggest problems on the iPod Touch… where is it? Well, you have to be around hotspots in order to get free Wi-Fi. But to get WiFi anywhere on iPod Touch, just watch this video tutorial! You will have to use a little known program called Easy WiFi Radar to find free internet.

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: Use a Goko TC-20 Super 8mm sound film transfer machine
You got a hold of some old vintage "sound transferring thing" on eBay... If it's a Goko, you're in luck. In this video, learn the basic functions of a Goko TC-20 Super 8mm sound film transfer machine.

How To: Transfer super 8mm film to your computer
Do you have old super 8, or 8mm film lying around? In this video, learn how to transfer that film to your computer without spending loads of cash.

How To: Make a DIY video remote for Canon DSLR cameras for under 10 bucks
If you have a Canon digital camera and plan on shooting video with it using a camera rig, then you'll want a good way to control your recordings with a start/stop button. A remote control is the way to go, but don't spend all that money— make your own! The remote in the video is hardwire into the camera and onto the rig for easy handling. You'll need your Canon 5D MK II HD DSLR (but it will work on other Canon models, too), a Canon RC-6 Remote Control (or generic brand), fiber optics cable, w...

How To: Use the Canon IXUS 70 digital camera
The Canon IXUS 70 is a handy, pocket sized digital camera. This short video gives you a run through of its main features. It will help you get to know the camera if you have recently bought one.

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: Clean the camera contacts on a DSLR
When the camera has trouble auto focusing the first step to take is to clean the contacts on the lens. If it continues then the contacts on the camera may need cleaning. When you clean the contacts in the camera you have to be extremely careful because they are inside the shutter chamber and there are a lot of small parts that can be easily broken in there. Face the camera down at all times during the cleaning procedure. Take the battery out of the camera and remove the lens. Put the rear cap...

How To: Use a multimeter and check for ground
Learn how to use a multimeter to check for proper ground with help from this quick video. Also shown, is how to use a Fluke probe to pierce wires to test voltage. You can uses these practices when installing car alarms, fog lights, car stereo, and accessories.

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: Charge your iPod or iPhone using your Xbox
Charge your iPhone or iPod while you're killing zombies! You can actually charge many types of Apple products from an Xbox. Your Xbox certainly has enough USB ports to support plugging in your Apple sync cable into your Xbox or Xbox 360 and start charging.

How To: Make a remote control work with just one battery
It’s late at night and your remote control runs out of batteries. When you go to replace them you realize you only have one batter left. Now you’ll have the quick fix knowledge to power your remote with just one battery until you can find another.

How To: Resize a Breitling watch bracelet
Here is a video showing how to resize a Breitling Watch Bracelet. If you have small wrists, or just like a loose fitting watch, just get a screwdriver and watch.

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 your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch using the Spirit software
This tutorial will work for iPhone, iPod Touch or even the iPad to jailbreak your Apple device by going to spiritjb.com, downloading the program and running it on your PC or Mac computer. Once you've downloaded it, all you need to do is run the program while your device is connected to the computer.

How To: Use the Shutter Priority mode on a Panasonic G1 or GH1
Learn how to set and use the Shutter Priority (S) function on a Panasonic G1 or GH1 camera. Learn how to set the auto mode on a Panasonic G1 or GH1 digital camera. Whether you're the proud owner of a Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 or DMC-GH1 micro four thirds digital camera or perhaps just considering picking one up, you're sure to like this free video tutorial, which presents a complete overview of how to use the Shutter Priority mode on a G1 or GH1 camera. For more information, including detailed i...

How To: Clean the rear LCD on a DSLR
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to clean the rear LCD on a camera. Begin by dry cleaning using Giottos Rocket Blower and nylon fine brush. Users will also need a isopropyl rubbing alcohol and microfiber cloth. Users may also need gloves to protect their hands from the alcohol. Begin by blowing off any dust and brush it with the brush. Now users will be wet cleaning using the isopropyl alcohol and microfiber cloth. Users are advised to clean weekly. This video will benefit those view...

How To: Make a lensless microscope
Turn a video camera into a lensless microscope and record what you see! This is a fun and easy project to do.

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: Fix an unresponce iPod Classic by hard resetting it
In this clip, you'll learn how to fix an unresponsive Apple iPod Classic MP3 player by hard resetting it. It's an easy process. So easy, in fact, that this how-to can present a complete demonstration of the process in under a minute's time. For complete details, and to learn how to force your own iPod Classic to reset, take a look.

How To: Troubleshoot common problems with a CD player
CD players are largely a thing of the past, but their audio quality is still top-notch. If your old CD player is broken, watch this video for ideas on ways to troubleshoot common CD player problems and repair them.

How To: Connect your iPod or iPad to a Bluetooth speaker
Get your music wirelessly! You don't need to spend a lot of money on an expensive docking station so you can listen to your favorite tunes. You can set up your iPod, iPad or other Apple device to transmit your music wirelessly using Bluetooth!

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: 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: Fix an iPod that shifts from logo to battery warning
This video shows how to fix an iPod which is stuck in a loop between battery warning to the apple logo. You will learn how to fix your iPod by watching this video. The procedure used in this video is to sync the iPod to the computer. Lock the iPod in disconnect mode so you can let it charge. You then wait for it to charge. You then tell I-tunes to restore the iPod to factory settings. If these steps don't work you need to replace the battery.

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: Hack a 5.5g iPod's firmware with Alterpod
Take a look at this instructional video and learn how to hack into your iPod's firmware on a Mac. In order to hack into the 5.5g iPod's firmware, you need to download the Alterpod, a firmware editing software. With this program, you'll be able to download themes onto your iPod. Keep in mind that this hack is for the 5.5 generation iPod and does not work for the 6th generation or the older ones before 5.5. When downloading themes, make sure to download the correct version.

How To: Operate the Nikon D90 Digital Camera
Watch this instructional video brought to you by Richard Berry to learn how to operate the Nikon D90. This Nikon D90 video tutorial demonstrates how to use the control dial (auto mode, scene modes, program [P], shutter priority [S], aperture priority [A], and manual [M]); read the display and viewfinder; adjust the aperture, shutter speed, focus, spot meter, matrix, exposure compensation, etc.; use the back command dial; and more. Use this Nikon D90 tutorial to familiarize yourself with your ...

How To: Remove a stuck cartridge on a Kodak G600 Printer Dock
This interactive Kodak printer tutorial takes you through every step necessary to fully remove a stuck cartridge on a Kodak EasyShare G600 Printer Dock. If you have a Kodak EasyShare digital camera, you probably have one of these G600 printers, and you've probably had a problem with it, like a stuck printer cartridge, so fix it yourself, let Kodak teach you how. Remove a stuck cartridge on a Kodak G600 Printer Dock.

How To: Set English as the language on a Panasonic DMR-ES15
How do I change the language to the default setting? Check out this video tutorial on how to set English as the language on a Panasonic DMR-ES15 (ES25). This Panasonic DMR-ES15 (ES25) DVD Recorder is easy to operate and great to record with.

How To: Transform Multiple Screens into One Big Virtual Display
The Junkyard Jumbotron is an amazing project that allows a collection of random web browser enabled displays—laptops, smartphones or tablets—to share a single image split across the group, creating one large virtual display. Created by Rick Borovoy at MIT's Center for Future Civic Media, the app is completely free and open, meaning you can do it yourself in a matter of minutes. It works like this:

How To: Restart a frozen iPod Nano (5th Gen) with the Menu & Center buttons
One problem that happens quite frequently with most Apple iPod products is freezing. Nobody likes a frozen screen, because you can't do anything! Well, if you have an iPod Nano (5th Generation), then this video will show you how to reset and restart it by pressing and holding the Menu and Center buttons. If you this doesn't work, you can try restoring the software via iTunes. If that doesn't fix the frozen iPod, then you'll need to contact Apple or a repair technician.