Hot Electronics How-Tos

How To: Take apart the BlackBerry Storm 2 and replace the LCD

Repairs Universe demonstrates how to take apart the BlackBerry Storm 2 to replace the LCD. First, flip the phone over and take out the battery, SIM card and memory card. Then, use a safe pry tool to pry off the top and bottom covers which are held on by adhesive and clips. Next, use a T-6 screwdriver, remove the size screws on the front of the device. Flip the phone over and remove two more screws. Use the pry tool to release the clips and remove the outer casing. Flip the phone over and usin...

How To: Make a homopolar motor

This video shows you how to make a homopolar motor. First of all things you need to make motor are AA battery, couple of magnets and copper wire. Now take magnet and attach it to the negative end of battery, now take a copper wire and bend it to the shape shown in the video and place it over the positive end of the battery, now you will see that wire starts rotating. Now to make a stand take a small plastic lid and two pieces of rubber magnet then place magnets to both the sides of the lid an...

How To: Download songs and files from an iPod Touch/iPhone

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to transfer songs from an iPod device to a Windows or Mac computer. Begin by going to this link. Download Pod to Mac or Pod to PC, depending on your computer. Then install the program and open it. Plug your iPod device into your computer and select the song(s) that you would like to transfer. Users have the choice to transfer to the Desktop or directly into iTunes.

How To: Make free Skype calls on PSP

The materials you will need to do this are a "PSP GO" and the downloaded program "Skype". Once you've got the program and are ready to make some phone calls you can open up the program and scroll down to dial. Before you began using this to make call there's a few things you should no. For example you cannot make any phone calls except for business calls. Once you've got The dial tab open simply type in the number you wish to call and then enter the number. Then it will make an attempt to cal...

How To: Take apart and fix a 6th generation iPod Classic

In this how to video, you will learn how to open a 6th generation Ipod Classic. First, make sure to turn it off and make sure the hold button is on. Take a prying tool to undo the clips inside the device by sliding it in between the cover and back. Once the clips are undone, place thumb tacks on the sides and tops while popping the base out. Be careful, as there are cables inside that you do not want to break. The orange part is the battery while the blue object is the hard drive. Once you ma...

How To: Build an electric motor

Want to make a simple electric motor at home? Andy and Mike show you how in just a few easy steps, using a block of wood, two paperclips, a AA battery, some insulated copper wire, and a magnet. This is a fun and simple science experiment that anyone can do at home. Wrap the wire seven times into a circular coil, with the enamel stripped off at both ends. Place the battery between the two paperclips, which serve as conductors and also hold the coil in place. Place the magnet below and between ...

How To: Make a computer alarm clock using an RSS feed

In this how to video, you will learn how to make an RSS feed as an alarm clock. To do this, you can use the Microsoft speech program. Open the alarm batch file. Modify the Perl script so that it downloads the RSS feed from the Digg website. It will strip all the tags and html so only the text is left. From here, you run a script that converts the text to a wave file. From here, the alarm m3u will start. You can then run the command prompt to schedule the alarm time. Go to schedule tasks to ac...

How To: Replace the glass screen digitizer on an iPod Touch

In this how to video, you will learn how to replace the touch glass screen digitizer on an iPod Touch. First, use a pry tool and run it along the sides of your iPod Touch. Once this is done, remove the cover. To remove the battery, run the pry tool along the edges and gently pry it out. Remove the black tape from the bottom to reveal screws. Now use a screw driver to remove the screws shown. Remove the screw hidden by the wires connecting the battery to the board. Next, remove the metal shiel...

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: Do a battery replacement on a 1st Gen iPod Touch

Is the battery life on your Ipod diminishing? Watch this video as the folks at Repairs Universe show you how to replace the battery on your 1st generation Ipod. First you need some tools to pry open your Ipod. Flathead screwdrivers and razors work well. Take the razor and slowly inch your way around the opening to pry it open. Then take off the back cover. The battery is black and has a serial number and the Apple symbol on it. Don't confuse this with your hard drive. Watch the video for the ...

How To: Make your laser pointer run on AAA batteries

This video shows us the method to make your laser pointer work with AAA batteries. Take a metal casing made of metal. In the video, we take a Duracell mini flashlight and remove the front and back part. Unscrew the top and back of the laser pointer and remove the batteries. Roll some aluminium foil and put it in the metal casing. Put the AAA batteries in the casing with positive side inside. Put the casing and the laser pointer together and the laser works. Bind the two together by two rubber...

How To: Make videos that mix live action with video

In this how to video, you will learn how to make videos that mix live action with video. First, set up the camera in the back of the room. Zoom the camera in where the white area is. Once the camera is running, go in front of the screen and perform actions. Next, play the video so that it projects on to the screen. You can hide and interact with the surroundings so it looks like the person on screen is doing the actions in real life. You can also interact with your shadow by careful editing. ...

How To: Take apart the Microsoft Zune HD

This video shows you how to take apart a Microsoft Zune HD. To take it apart, you will need a tri-wing screwdriver. Using the screwdriver, remove the four screws at the corners. Once the screws are removed, you can easily remove the back cover. To remove the bottom cover, slide it off with your fingers. Next use a T5 screwdriver to remove the three screws, one on each side and one in the middle. There is one more tiny screw near the bottom that has to be removed. Using a prying tool to remove...

How To: Crack open your iPod Nano and access the inside

Apple products can be really expensive for some of us but we can’t live without them, especially the Apple iPods. For those that want to keep their iPods healthy and up to date, it may be a good idea to know the make-up of the interior to get an idea of how you can replace or fix parts when your iPod starts to go bad. This video shows you how to open up your iPod Nano by using a very thin putty knife. To get started, place the putty knife in the gap between the metal base and white case, sl...

How To: Replace the battery on the Microsoft Zune HD

Repairs Universe demonstrates how to replace the battery on a Microsoft Zune HD. First, use a tri-ring screwdriver to remove the four screws on the back of the Zune. Then, remove the back cover. Next, remove the bottom cover by using your fingers to gently push it off. Then, use a T-5 screwdriver to remove the four screws on the back of the Zune. Release three ribbon cables from their pop connections with a safe pry tool. Use the pry tool to also release the battery from the Zune. Lift the mo...

How To: Put Youtube videos on your iPod touch

Whether you have YouTube favorites or want to keep track of your own uploads on the run, check out this video and learn how to put YouTube videos onto your iPod or iPhone. This video will explain how to use a free program called KeepVid that you can download online and use to rip videos and save them anywhere. This is useful if you are interested in offline viewing, or saving your best clips.

How To: Repair a broken iPod LCD screen

This video teaches you how to replace a LCD screen for the 5th generation iPod. The tools you will need are a soft cloth, a mini screwdriver, a plastic or metal putty knife, and of course your iPod. First, pry your iPod open with your putty knife. Place the knife in between the metal base and white case and pull the knife around the iPod, to undo the clips holding the case together. Once open, lift up the hardware, remove the headphone assembly, and take out the screws on the side. Take the e...

How To: Use the Nikon SB-900

Now that you've got your Nikon SB-900 professional-grade speedlight, make sure that you get the most out of it with this free photographer's guide, which will walk you through the flash unit's basic features and functionalities.

How To: Take basic photos in daylight

While achieve beautiful images shooting with ample amounts of natural daylight can be done with little work, if you're willing to invest a just a small amount of additional effort, you can achieve shots to rival those of any professional photographer. This free video photography lesson, which discusses concepts like exposure balancing, will walk you through how to take beautiful daytime shots.

How To: Repair the LCD screen on a 2nd Gen iPod Touch

This how to video will show you how to repair an iPod Touch screen. First, take a pry tool and undo the clips of the device's front cover. Now remove the front cover. Use the tool to remove the cable connecting the cover to the main board. Next, remove the screw from the metal frame. Lift up the foil from the top of the screen. Now, remove the LCD screen with the pry tool. Not that it is still connected to the board. Next, remove the screws on the metal board. Release the ribbon to the LCD sc...

How To: Make a door alarm using a rat trap

In order to make a door alarm out of a mouse trap, you will need the following materials: a mouse trap, a clamp, 2 screws, caps, a piece of string, scissors, a screw driver, a drill bit, a hex-head screw, an a piece of aluminum from a soda pop can.

How To: Watch YouTube movies on your iPod (without WiFi)

This video explains how you can watch YouTube movies and videos on your iPod. First of all you need to open your web browser and do a search for Realplayer (in this case Realplayer version 11). Next, click on the link for Realplayer. You will need to download and run the installation file. Once the installation has run you need to accept the default and then load your web browser (Explorer or Firefox). From here you can choose any YouTube video you would like then add "&fmt=18" to the url add...

How To: Build a MAME bar-top arcade cabinet for under $100

Part of the process is to create plans to follow when making the cabinet for the arcade game. when cutting the wood you need to allow for the 1/8th of an inch that the band saw will be cutting. You will also need a piece of plexi glass to give the game an authentic feel, spray paint the piece of plexi. You will also need joysticks and buttons, which you can get at happcontrol.com. You need to cut a square hole in the plexi so that the buttons can be mounted in it. To integrate the buttons you...

How To: Set up the tone arm of a record player

In this how to video, you will learn how to set up a tone arm on a record player. First, you will notice the counter weight at the other end of the tone arm. Remove this first. Set the dial set to zero and have the lever pushed forward. Slide it on and lift the arm off of its rest. Play around with it until the arm floats. The next thing to do is to balance the cartridge. Many cartridges have different weight requirements. If you do not have the weight set up behind the arm, you cannot use di...

How To: Make an electromagnet with household items

Playing with magnets can be fun for people of all ages. Making your own magnets can also be a great way to keep yourself and young ones entertained as well. This tutorial will take you through the motion of making an electromagnet using items that are regaularly found within your home. Enjoy!

How To: Make a simple electromagnet

Playing with magnets can be a fun activity for many young children out there willing to learn about science. This tutorial gives those science hungry kids a cool little trick on how they can make their own electromagnet from scratch. The supplies are easy to get and will take only a few minutes to prepare. So sit back and find out what it takes. Enjoy!

How To: Get Rock app on iPod Touch or iPhone

In this iPhone/iPod Touch tutorial, you'll find out the best way to get the rock app onto your device. The first thing you will need though is a jailbroken iPod Touch or iPhone in order for this to work and obviosuly Cydia donwloaded onto your device. Make sure to add this source in cydia: http://apt.modmyi.com/ Enjoy!

How To: Build a universal motion alarm to protect your home

This video shows us the method to make a universal motion alarm to protect your home. You will need a reed switch with an alternating contact, a 9V battery with a battery clip, a switch, a buzzer, a small plastic box and a magnet. When a magnet is brought near the reed switch, it switches to the other contact and the switch is open. If the magnet is removed, the switch is closed and the buzzer starts ringing. Make the circuit with correct polarity for battery and the buzzer. Make a hole in th...

How To: Reseat the hard drive in an iPod classic

First, get out a Swiss Army Knife and clean your hands. Then, take out the main blade. Next, on the right hand side of the IPod, stick the blade through between the gap to open the casing of the IPod. Then, turn the ipod upside down, so that the display side is facing the ground. Cautiously open the case, being careful not to damage the attachment in the top corner. Once the case is open, carefully detach the the hard drive from the bar "thing" connected to the top of the hard drive. Next, ta...

How To: Open your Nike+ iPod sensor and replace the battery

CadNYC demonstrates how to open the Nike iPod sensor casing. Replacing the iPod Nike sensor battery is easy and low cost with a few simple steps. First, place the sensor in a vice clamp and saw off the casing using a very thin hacksaw blade. then, open up the sensor compartment to have access to the battery. You can now remove the battery and replace it with another battery which will cost about two dollars. After you replace the Nike iPod sensor battery, use a strong adhesive to glue the cov...

How To: Replace the LCD screen on a 3rd Gen iPod Nano

This video shows you how to replace the LCD screen on a third generation iPod nano. Using a plastic safe pry tool, run it along the edges of the iPod, releasing the clips. Once the clips have been released, you should be able to remove the back cover. There are six exposed screws on the bottom of the inside back cover, remove all of them. Next remove the click wheel ribbon cable from the jaw connector. To do this, use the pry tool to lift the connector. Use a pair of tweezers to gently remove...

How To: Move MP3s from your iPod to your PC without software

Using a Windows PC, our host shows us how to retrieve the music off of an iPod and copy it to our hard drive. First he opens the "My Computer" icon and selects the iPod, which is shown as a hard drive. There are a few folders shown, such as Calendar and Contacts, but no Music folder. We are shown how to reveal the hidden files on this drive. A new folder appears, called "iPod Control." Once this is opened, we can see the Music folder. Inside the Music folder are many folders labeled in a seem...

How To: Open up a 6th generation iPod Classic

In this how to video, you will learn how open an iPod classic. Notice that the sides of the interior of the bottom case have tabs. There are metal locking clips at the bottom of these. The plastic clips on the front cover engage these to lock the cover into place. This means you will need a pry tool in order to remove the cover. First, you will need to use the pry tool and insert it into the side of the device. Try to get under the clip and pry it from the front base plate. Work around the si...

How To: Properly set up a turntable

Paul demonstrates to viewers how to properly set up a turntable. Each turntable has the same basic parts, so this tutorial should work for most users. There are several components: the platter is the part that spins and it has a slip mat on top. The tone arm is to the right and it has a head shell and stylus cartridge (needle) mounted on the end. The queueing lever is at the base of the tone arm and it raises and lowers the tone arm base. There is also a VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle) adjustme...

How To: Replace the digitizer screen on an iPod Touch 2nd Gen

This is a video tutorial that is showing its audience how to replace the digitizer screen on a 2nd generation Ipod Touch. The first step is to remove the screen from the Ipod touch. Secondly use a safe pry tool and run it between the backing of the screen and the glass, this will release the necessary clips that are holding your screen in place. Next take the screen off. Next separate the digitizer from the mid section with the safe open pry tool again. Pry apart the digitizer and the mid sec...

How To: Replace the battery on a 2nd Gen iPod Touch

This video by repairs universe shows viewers how to replace the battery in the 2nd Generation iPod Touch. The tools you will need for this project include safe-open pry tools and a small phillips head screwdriver. To begin, remove the screen by releasing several clips that hold it to the frame using the safe-open pry tool. Run the tool between the case and the glass along all edges. Gently pull glass off and pry off the digitizer. Next, remove the small screw in the upper corner, lift up the ...