Thursday, December 25, 2014

Homelite UT10580 Chainsaw vs iPhone 6

vs.
Below is a comparison between the Homelite UT10580 Chainsaw and the Apple iPhone 6. Detailed specifications are not included as the devices are not typically compared.

Cost
The UT10580 is approximately $150.

The iPhone 6 is approximately $600.

Ease of use
The UT10580 has only a few controls : throttle control, pull starter, choke, on off switch and a fuel priming pump. There is also a chain tension screw.

The iPhone 6 has a home button, volume control and a camera button. The touchscreen can be unpredictable, like the other buttons as they are software dependent.

Features
The UT10580 is lightweight, has low kickback, a tip guard, low acoustical emissions, and reduced vibration to minimize user fatigue.

The iPhone 6 advertisements suggests users believe that they can become superb athletes, musicians, connect with loved ones etc., thanks to the phone.

Serviceability
The UT10580 uses standard parts such as the spark plug, bar and chain. An exploded view of the chainsaw is included in the manual.

The iPhone 6 is not serviceable. Specialized tools may be required to change the battery, screen or case.

Uses
The UT10580 can be used to cut wood for firewood, yard cleanup and ice sculptures.

The iPhone 6 is the fashion accessory par excellence, can be used for phone calls, sending and receiving SMS messages, taking photographs, surfing the internet and GPS. Software based applications can make the device even more versatile.

Range
The UT10580 uses gasoline, two cycle engine oil and bar oil. It can be used anywhere the fuel and oil can be transported.

The iPhone 6 can be used on, for internet connectivity or telephone calls, or off the mobile telephone network for photographs, viewing documents or videos. It can be charged using a solar panel or other power sources.

Hours of use
Extended use of the the UT10580 will cause fatigue due to the physical nature of the work.

With regard to the iPhone 6, it varies per user. Some people manage to watch full feature films on a the iPhone 6, where as others are annoyed to receive text messages or e-mail.

Emissions
The UT10580 complies with California small engine emissions requirements.

The iPhone 6 is compliant with international radio noise emissions.

Lasting appeal
The UT10580, like most chainsaws, will be indispensable tools decades.

Apple depends on consumer hype for their products. The iPhone 6 is no different. The days building up to the product launch and time following, for the sake of conversation, will justify the purchase of the iPhone 6 to some.  Changes in technology may make the phone obsolete in less than 10 years.

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

HTTP 404 Redirect Worlderror.org nociicon - Fix

If you have been wondering where the redirect came from, YAC (Yet Another Cleaner) is to blame.

Instead of allowing sites to show you the 404 error, YAC redirects to this :

Cannot find the file HTTP 404

Web server cannot find the file or script you requested. Please check the URL to ensure that the path is correct. 
Click here to check your Internet speed.

Go to the gear in the bottom left of the YAC column and open the "Browser protection" option. Turn off. 

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Automobile maintenance tasks that are easily done at home

If you take pride in your work and would like to save some money, here are some automobile maintenance tasks that people can perform on her or his own.

No specialized tools are required, and most tasks take less than an hour.
  1. Tire rotation - use the spare tire when rotating the tires according to the automobile's instruction manual. The wrench for the lug nuts is in the trunk of the vehicle. While it would be nice to have a torque wrench, it isn't so necessary to check the torque with a precision instrument. The spare tire included wrench is usually close to 30cm (1'). Put your body weight into the wrench when torquing the nuts. It will be ample. My vehicle requires 130N-m (96ft-lbs) of torque on the lug nuts. 
  2. Check tire pressure - It makes a difference for vehicle handling, fuel economy and tire wear. The tire pressure is on a label in the frame of the driver side door. Check the pressure when cold/not recently driven. A pen style pressure gauge is about $2.
  3. Change light bulbs - if you shop on Ebay.ca or aliexpress.com the prices are significantly cheaper than what you would pay at the local retailer. LED bulb replacements may cause issues unless there is a load resistor.
  4. Change windshield wipers. Read the instructions on the package.
  5. Check Engine Codes - There are number of free Windows software packages. For Android, use Torque (free version also available). A USB or Bluetooth ELM327 code reader cost about $10. The OBD2 port is left to the driver's side below the dash.
  6. Oil and filter change - unless it is going to cost less than $20, it only takes a half an hour to change the oil on a vehicle. Filters are about $5 and the oil can be as low as $1.50 a litre. Unless you live in a very cold climate, stick to conventional oil. Synthetic oils have lower viscosity at lower temperatures than conventional, but do not last any longer.  A filter wrench is about $5, a kitty litter pan is $2, a funnel $2 and the socket or wrench for a drain plug is most likely in your tool kit. 
  7. Change the brake pads and rotors - Front disc brakes do not requires any special tools. The rear brakes may require a compression tool that twists and pushes the caliper closed. Drum brakes are a little more difficult, but take much longer to wear out and need replacement. Note: I would suggest to change your brake fluid every couple years to prevent line corrosion, however from personal experience, brake bleeders can be a pain. In the rust belt, where it isn't cold enough that road salt is effective, the bleeders are often ceased, even when protected with rubber boots.
  8. Transmission fluid flush and filter change -Simple tools such as a socket wrench, a pair of pliers and funnel are necessary.
  9. Air filter replacement - The cabin filter is also easily changed. 
  10. Replace the battery - Batteries should last about 5 years if your alternator is operating properly. Heavy corrosion around the terminals is not a good sign. Check to find if there are power draws from accessories, chargers, remote starters etc. I have had some success in reviving a dead battery with a desulphator. I use the CLEN model.
  11. Coolant/Antifreeze filter and flush - every 2 to 5 years. To be performed when engine is cool. Wear gloves, goggles, raise car, place bucket under radiator pet cock. Clean any spills as it is very toxic to animals.
  12. Change fuel filter - Disconnect pump(open filler hole then remove the fuse or disconnect the pump. Start the engine til it dies), depressurize the line, and swap the filter. The vehicle needs to be raised. 
  13. Change Power Steering Fluid  - Use a turkey baster and the appropriate fluid. Here is a testimony of the effects of changing power steering fluid.
  14. Rustproofing  - methyl alcohol, paraffin (wax/candles), and a little bit of non detergent oil. Mix and put in a spray bottle. More details here : http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2043211
  15. Prime ball joints, sway bars or rod ends with grease - A grease gun is only about $10. Grease, $4 a tube. 
  16. Fuel injector cleaners - not necessary unless in extreme conditions - most modern fuels already have the additives for fuel injection cleaning, fuel stabilizing, gas line anti-freeze etc. 
  17. Lubricate door, trunk and hood joints/hinges - Lithium grease spray does a great job.  
  18. Unmount/Mount Tires and Balance - Deflate tire then break the bead with a wood clamp by compressing the tire. It will release the bead from the rim. You can then use a pry bar to break the remainder of the bead off the rim. Mount - in a similar fashion, you may need to use water, dish soap or a water based lubricant to get the new tire on the rim. Balance - use about 110g of air powered ballistic projectile ammunition (eg. Airsoft BB - .20g 6mm)  Pour beads into the tire before the inflating the tire through the edge of the bead at the rim. Inflate the tire with a compressor.

You may also like to check the following links for more details 

http://oemys-performance.com/ttindex.htm

http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2011/05/16/11-car-maintenance-tasks-you-can-do-yourself

http://lifehacker.com/5868374/the-car-repairs-you-can-seriously-do-yourself-despite-your-abilities

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/home-garden/automobiles.html

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Unemployment persists - there must be another way

It has been several months now that I have been looking for work. The experience is far too common: skilled or unskilled, breaking into the workforce feels nearly impossible. Hundreds of hours are poured into making the perfect resume for specific postings accompanied by its carefully crafted cover letters which are never read. Following up by a phone call often lands on unanswered voice mails.
Career counselors services have been sought out. Suggestions on revising my resume, motivational talks and e-mails with links to yet another set of opinions on a job search strategy have yet to bear fruit.

What should I do now? I only have a few remaining months of employment insurance. There is the option of returning to school, but after completing a my master's, it has become clear to me that education is not going to help my cause.
I like creative and manual work. My business sense is very poor, thus I am reluctant to start my own business. I would like to note, that relocating frequently for work contracts means that I am not rooted in one town or another. I am currently staying with a parent in a rural location which unfortunately means that I must use a vehicle to make my way into the city. Now that it is winter 35km by bicycle is out of the question.

While writing this blog entry, I am telling myself that I should find a way to become a internet based entrepreneur, freelancer, or someone who can run a business from anywhere. As much as I loved using computers in the past, using social networking, clicking of the mouse and being in front of the computer for hours doesn't give me much satisfaction.

I like working with people, however there is a great deal of satisfaction of realizing projects on my own. Potential business ideas which have come to mind are as follows :
  • On site tutoring for various skills : auto-repair, construction/renovations, computer software training, computer hardware maintenance/repair, cooking/baking, appliance/small engine repair and  maintenance etc.; ( this would more along the lines of empowering individuals. I would not like to take money to do these tasks. )
  • Editing, translation and proofreading of technical documentation;
  • Graphic design - something that everybody can do, but it takes time, as with every task, to do it correctly;
  • Technical drawings, product design etc.
The above list can go on. Literate and able bodied people can do anything they want. There is a learning curve to become more proficient at any task. It is not up to me find the ones where I am willing to pour time into.