America's Got Talent - Finals and Results Live Streaming now.

America's Got Talent: The Champions is wrapping up now. It now time for the superfans of this season to determine this year's winner of the AGT spinoff. Live stream and view the updates below. The finals 10 acts still waiting for resultsare: Alexa Lauenburger, whose fleet of well-trained dogs never fails to amuse the judges. Angelina Jordan, whose ethereal renditions of classic rock jams have been music to our ears. Boogie Storm, the Star Wars-themed dance crew that benefitted from Simon Cowell’s theft of Howie Mandel’s Golden Buzzer. Duo Transcend, a pair of acrobats whose athleticism and courage are matched by hitness. Hans, an eccentric showman whose flashy performances. Marcelito Pomoy, whose golden pipes allow him to crush both halves of any romantic duet. Sandou Trio Russian Bar, a trio which continues to — you know — raise the bar. Silhouettes, whose excellent shadow puppetry always comes with a hopeful message. Tyler Butler-Figueroa, who won us over with his fierce violin skills and inspirational story. V. Unbeatable, a fan-favorite dance crew from the most recent season of AGT. Click and watch the livestream now.

Amazon Echo Dot - Asia Pacific (Philippines)

My Amazon Echo dot arrived last month and I am very excited to test it out here in Philippines. I've posted some of the photos and test videos as well.




Sofar after installing Alexa App on my Phone and linking the Echo through WiFi everything works great! I can ask several questions, commands although Amazon Echo needs more skill learning ability.

I will post some videos of my Amazon Echo Dot here. Glad that it can answer some local and regional base questions in Asia Pacific.

DIY 3D Cube Led Light - 8x8 Programmable 3D Cube

Happy Holidays! Since the sperit of Christmas is here, I would like to share my DIY project for today: 3D 8x8 Cube Green Led Light

Matererials:
1. Lots of Led (512pcs) Please make sure to have lots of extra since some led are not working.
2. Shift Register (8pc)
3. Switch 
4. 5V Adaptor/Socket
5. Solder Lead
6. Frame Board (will be used in forming the cube from base to top)
7. Capcitor
8. Resistors

Please check the photos below of the assembly process:

After preparing the materials I create the frame and guide using plywood and 8x8 drilled holes. Noted all materaisl above are given as kit. Hence all you just need is to purchase the kit and enjoy the long soldering process of 512 led. :)

Here is the frame and the initials layer:

 

The complete 8x8 3D Led Cube

My DIY 8x8 3D Led Cube in action (Please check the video below)

 

 

DIY Christmas Tree - Happy Holidays

Hi guys I would like to share my recent project this week. A DIY cute Christmas Tree I purchased from eBay last week. All you need is basic electronic knowledge and soldering skills.

Materials:
1. resistor
2. transistors
3. board for Christmas tree and base
4. battery holder
5. switch
6. 5v adaptor
7. RGB leds
8. diodes


Please refer to the images below of the materials and the setup process. The soldering process is easy inlcuding the electronic parts are labeled on the circuit board. All remeber the anode and cathode of the led (positive and negative).

The finished product and video. I wish you all a Merry Christmas, may the spirit of love, blessing and goodwill be with you all.

 

Arduino Uno and Arduino Clone Comparison

I purchased a clone Arduino Uno recently to test and compared it with genuine Arduino Uno. This clone is made in China. Take note that the Arduino Chinese Clone is not plug and play. You need to access your window device manager from your Control Panel and install the device driver for CH40 and CH41. You can search google to download the CH40 driver for Arduino Chinese Clone in order to use it.

Unlike Genuine Arduino Uno, it's plug and play using Arduino IDE (You might need to set the PORT manually). For Arduino Clone it's quite tricky.. lol.. It took a couple of hours searching for the working driver and clear instruction on how to make it work with Windows 10.

In your device manager you may need to enable View Hidden Devices to see the Ports Used by CH40 and CH41 USB. Once you see the device CH40 you need to install the driver which you downloaded from Chinese site.



Here is the comparison of the two Arduino:

 

Image 1. Front View Comparison

 

Image 2. Back View Comparison 

Close up view of the Arduino Uno and Arduino Clone

Genuine Arduino Uno

 

Arduino Clone (Chinese Clone CH40)

Overall here's the score.
Both hardware can function and run the same codes. Overall both device can run same codes, shield and modules just like the genuine arduino. 

Here's the difference:
1. The PCB board used is very distinctive. The Genuine Arduino is using quality PCB board and circuitry.
2. The pin and slots of the genuine Arduino is strong and good quality.
3. The USB input of the Clone is quite troublesome since you can hardly find the USB adapter like this this time. There's no USB adapter included when I purchase this thing, however I have secured and used my old USB adapter from my old external drive. I hope they will upgrade with Micro USB adapter instead.
4. The device driver of Chinese Clone Arduino is tricky and require a little patience in order to make it recognizable by your your system.


Right now I am using the clone as test bed before deploying the system and code to my genuine Arduino. I advice you guys to prefer the genuine Arduino UNO since it very robust and good quality. However for beginners out there you may use the Clone as test bed before moving your Arduino hobby to the next level using the Genuine Arduino.

Happy coding geeks!

Going Green with Wind Turbine (HAWT 12DC)

I would liketo share the specification of my HAWT Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine that's been active for 4 years already. It surpoassed one majot super typhoon 3 years ago.

Specification: 
Voltage: 12DC
Power: 400W Peak
Charger: Hybrid 12/24DC Wind and Solar Charger

Please refer for the image taken below.

I have incoming shipment of IstaBreeze Wind Turbine from Germany. I will post the assembly and operation video and pictures soon. The IstaBreeze looks sturdy and strong. I am excited to test the product and install it in my homestead.

Live video of wind turbine in operation:

DIY Electric Fence using Patriot Electric Fence Charger (DC)

Hi guys, I would like to share my DIY electric fencing for goat and cow grazing. I use the meterials listed below for this DIY project.

Materials needed:
* Electric Fence Charger (Patriot Fence Charger - DC Model)
* Steel wire, poly tape ( You may need long wire depending on the diameter of the area)
* Electric Fence Insulator ( I used garden hose / with threads or you may use quality rubber or plastic)
* Fencing Poles (I used iron bar 2.5feet with concrete base)
* Small DC Battery (I used an old motorcycle battery)
* Lightning Protector / Arrester (THIS IS RECOMMENDED to protect your fence charger)
* Solar Panel 5watt 


Please refer to the photos below. It been 4 years already and running smoothly. Please install lightning arrester to protect your fence charger since mine was hit by lightning twice already in 4 yrs. Fence charger cost 100USD minimum so to protect your investment please use lightning arrester. 

5-Watt Solar Panel (was installed last 2012)

Full-setup of DC Powered Electric Fence

12v Battery (Power Source during the evening)

Patriot Lightning Arrester

Video of the system running: