Andy Chen

Former electronics technician for the FBI, current Fire Prevention Officer. Background in electronics, trained EMT, Eagle Scout/Assistant Scoutmaster and dad.

Dakota Lithium PS2400 power station review – Power to go

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REVIEW – This winter, we had two unexplained power outages two days in a row, each lasting about half a day. It wasn’t raining, windy, or any of the usual things. With the Dakota Lithium PS2400 portable power station I now have enough juice to operate all my gadgetery and much more in a handsome

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FLYBIRD 55 lb. Adjustable Dumbbells review – Maybe not so dumb

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REVIEW – My son has become a bit of a gym rat. He’s always wanted a set of adjustable dumbbells. I was fortunate enough to get a chance to evaluate a set of FLYBIRD adjustable dumbbells. Let’s get pumped up! What is it? The FLYBIRD adjustable dumbbells are a pair of 55 pound dumbbells that

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Inateck Electronics Organizer Travel Case review – your stuff but organized

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REVIEW – I’m on a never-ending, eternal quest to keep things organized. I’ve settled on small victories instead, such as this travel organizer from Inateck. Its clever clamshell design has a nook and cranny for almost anything. What is it? The Inateck Electronics Organizer Travel Case is a series of pouches designed to bring some

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Typhur Sync wireless meat thermometer review – measure that meat

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REVIEW – I’m not a good cook, so I have to approach the kitchen like a chemistry experiment- following directions, taking measurements. A thermometer is essential for me, so I got to try out the Typhur Sync wireless meat thermometer with two probes, just in time for holiday cooking. What is it? The Typhur Sync

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Twinkly Dots app-controlled LED string lights review – decorate with dots!

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REVIEW – Five years after reviewing my first string of LED lights from Twinkly, I got to play with a new strand called Dots. While most “Christmas lights” feature bulbs that dangle off the side, the Twinkly Dots feature tiny, circular pinpoint LEDs inline with the cord, opening up a new ideas for decorating with

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Milessey D9 PRO laser measurement tool review – now with more lasers

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CROWDFUNDING REVIEW – How do you improve upon a laser measurement tool? Add a color touch screen? Add a flashlight? How about more lasers? The Milessey D9 PRO laser measurement tool has done that and more. What is it? The Milessey D9 PRO is a laser distance measurement tool featuring dual side firing lasers to

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Monoprice 44220 Benchtop CNC Router Kit review – DIY engraving

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REVIEW – I remember reading a Time magazine article in the 1980s about computer numerical control (CNC) manufacturing. I never thought decades later, I’d be able to have that kind of power at home in a DIY kit from Monoprice, of all places. I also never thought I’d burn three days trying to figure out

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Quntis 82ft 1000 LED string lights review – Light up your holidays

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REVIEW – Several years ago, I strung together lights along my backyard fence with varying results. One strand wasn’t really for outdoor use and failed. The next  strand I tried required me to daisy chain several together, and eventually failed. As luck would have it, I got my hands on the Quntis 82ft (25m) string

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iDOO Electric Compressed Air Duster and Vacuum review – no more canned air

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REVIEW – I stopped buying canned air for dusting because at $5 to $10 per can, it just didn’t make sense. I have an air compressor in the garage, and a small rubber bulb for dusting small things like camera parts. I think the iDOO electric compressed air duster and vacuum might fit nicely in

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Slimca Here rechargeable tracking card review – wafer thin device tracking

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CROWDFUNDING REVIEW – When Apple Airtags were introduced in 2021, I immediately thought of all the usual things I might lose. Unfortunately, the Mentos candy-shaped Airtag doesn’t slip well into a wallet. The Slimca Here is a credit card-sized tracker compatible with Apple’s “Find My” function and is USB-C rechargeable. What is it? The Slimca

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EPOS Impact 1000 series headset review – Designed for the Open Office

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REVIEW – My interest in computer headsets has risen quite a bit since the era of desktop videoconferencing has become mainstream. Wearing a headset can be tiresome, and sound quality varies all over the place. The EPOS IMPACT 1000 series headset boasts a design to reduce wearer fatigue. What is it? The EPOS IMPACT 1000

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