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Episode #425 – Connecting to The Wu-Tang LAN

In this weeks TechtalkRadio Show, Andy, Shawn and Justin take on one of the big stories in the news with the recent drone sightings over the East Coast, with Shawn clarifying that while there are indeed drones, some of the reported sightings could be helicopters. Justin shared his concerns about the presence of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) near the US Capitol, which he believes should not be ignored. The hosts also touched on the topic of misinformation surrounding these sightings. This is course causes speculation about the possibility of extraterrestrial life, with Justin suggesting that the objects could be alien technology. Andy mentioned the possibility of drones being used for surveillance or warfare, and Shawn noted that the quality of the amateur videos was not impressive. They also discussed the military’s response to the sightings, with Justin questioning why the military was not commenting on the situation. The conversation ended with a discussion about the capabilities of larger drones, with Shawn noting that they could potentially fly for extended periods of time. Shawn also suggested that some drones could be built without GPS geofencing. Andy wondered if this could lead to changes in legislation for drone usage and the overall feeling is Yes.
The group speculated about the possibility of an elaborate prank or a serious government cover-up, and decided to keep an eye on the situation.

In last week’s Show, Justin was trying to decide on his next vehicle and shares that the purchase of a 2025 Toyota Camry XLE, a hybrid vehicle, after selling his 2017 Ford Explorer was made. He mentioned that the new car has a 12.3-inch touch screen infotainment system, HD radio, Sirius XM, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, full surround cameras, and a panoramic moonroof. Andy wondered if for long trips would he prefer the Tesla or Hybrid Camry. Justin does enjoy the convenience of self-driving features with the Tesla and traveling adds a minimal time for recharging.

A Listener question opens up a fun discussion on naming your Wi-Fi SSID. In the Segment a listener was asked by a neighbor about sharing his Wi-Fi. The group advised against it, citing potential misuse of bandwidth and exposure to legal issues. They also shared their Wi-Fi network names, with Justin’s being “The Wu-tang LAN” and Shawn’s being “Land before time”. The team also encouraged listeners to share some of the fun SSID names they have seen. Another listener question wonders about the benefits of OpenOffice as an alternative to Microsoft Office. They emphasized the benefits of open source software, such as community-driven development and potential for better support and feature requests. However, they also cautioned against downloading software from unverified sources and stressed the importance of due diligence in researching and selecting software. Shawn shared again with us a great website for finding open source software https://www.alternativeto.net

With YouTubeTV raising its Monthly Plan Cost, The team discussed their streaming services and the increasing costs associated with them. Andy mentioned that he was considering switching to YouTube TV but was hesitant due to the price increase. Shawn shared that they were sharing the cost of various streaming services among family members. The team also discussed the inconvenience of ads in some streaming services and the potential of physical media sales increasing due to internet outages. Andy, Shawn, and Justin discussed the recent launch of OpenAI’s free search feature for Chat GPT, which allows users to search for images and information.

Justin shared two websites of interest for the Website of the Week: https://www.everyhex.codes, a website that provides every color imaginable with its hexadecimal code, and https://www.openmhz.com , a website that allows users to listen to unencrypted police, fire, and EMS radio channels. They also discussed the possibility of using an SDR device to capture local radio frequencies and share them on Openmhz.com. Lastly, they shared their Christmas wishes, with Shawn wanting the High Speed Photo Scanner we shared from Epson earlier this year, The FastFoto 680 and Justin hoping for the Denver Broncos to make it to the Super Bowl!

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Episode #424 – We Think We Heard Shawns Shoulder Snap!

For this Weeks TechtalkRadio, Andy, Shawn, and Justin discussed their experiences with cryptocurrency, particularly Bitcoin. Justin shared how he was able to make his recent purchase of the New Sony Mirrorless camera for broadcasting using Bitcoin, and the group reminisced about the early days of Bitcoin’s value. They also discussed the potential for other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, Cardano, and Shiba Inu to grow in value. Justin advised listeners to do their own research before deciding maybe they want to give it a try and for the ease of use, open a Coinbase account to start investing in cryptocurrency, even with small amounts. Justin tells us about his decision to sell his One-Wheel and the experience of selling online. The sites like eBay and Facebook Marketplace are discussed with each presenting its own circumstances. Justin took to E-Bay for his and shares the challenges he faced with shipping and fees. He advised others to use eBay’s communication features to protect themselves from scams rather then direct communication. Shawn suggested that eBay is still a good platform for buying collectibles.

Shawn showcased the Dji Power 1000, a portable solar generator he recently purchased. He highlighted its features, including a continuous output of 2,200 watts and as Andy wondered capable of powering a freezer for several hours. Shawn also mentioned that the device could be charged using solar panels as well as plugging in to a power source. A listener question regarding the possibility of networking six computers in two offices and a lobby area. Justin suggested that a layer 2 or 3 switch would be sufficient for this setup, as the Internet provider’s modem already acts as a layer 3 gateway/router. Andy questioned whether a managed switch was necessary, and Justin explained that it would be useful for isolating devices on the network, such as security cameras and voip systems. Shawn reminds us that In terms of setting up a network for a business, DIY can be fun and a learning experience however hiring a professional to design and install the network would be advisable.

Andy discussed the recent Windows 11 update, which has removed Wordpad and caused issues with file sharing. He also mentioned that Microsoft now has an upgrade path for Windows 10 users to Windows 11 that previously did not fit in the upgrade requirements, this despite warnings of potential system crashes and security issues. Shawn shared his experience with his in-laws’ laptop, which is not compatible with Windows 11 due to its processor. He plans to help them choose a new laptop. Another great listener question is called in about recommended brands for desktop speakers. Justin recommended the Logitech 2.1 system, while Shawn suggested a JBL Clip 3 Bluetooth speaker. Andy added that one might need to invest in a Bluetooth key if their desktop doesn’t have Bluetooth support.

Justin discussed his car issues, specifically with his 2017 Ford Explorer’s head unit failing. He mentioned that the head unit controls various functions including GPS, backup camera, climate, radio, and door locks. Justin was considering selling the car before the head unit fails completely. He also mentioned that his wife, Misa, is considering buying a 2025 Toyota Corolla, a plug-in hybrid with intelligent all-wheel drive. As a close to the show Andy, Shawn, and Justin discussed the issue of unauthorized charges and loot box purchases in the game Fortnite. Andy informed the group that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is offering refunds to those who were charged for in-game currency or items they didn’t intend to buy between 2017 and 2022. A link for that FTC website was mentioned with the reminder of claims needing to be filed by January 10th 2025.

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Andy TaylorAI, Asus, Computers, Consumer Electronics, Hardware, Microsoft Windows 11, Tablets, Technology News, Technology Radio, TechtalkRadio, Video Segment

News13 Segment – Asus and the Amazing Notebooks!

For this Segment on News13 KMSB Fox 11, Andy Taylor visited with Tyler Butler and shared a couple of new Laptops for Productivity, Creating and Learning. First off is the Asus Zenbook S 14. 16GB and 1TB SSD This could be great as you may be thinking about Gift Giving for the Holidays. The Size is amazingly thin and super lightweight. While Everything under the hood is impressive, the design itself is amazing. Asus uses a process called Ceraluminum coating that is scratch and fingerprint resistant. This is a combination of Ceramic and Aluminum. The ZenBook S 14 is powered by a 72Wh Battery which not only can last throughout the day but charge quickly.

Inside it the ultra-fast Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 Series 2 processor with a dedicated AI NPU (Nueral Processing Unit) with Microsoft Copilot+ all with the power of AI unleashed through the dedicated Copilot key on your keyboard. Also the screen is amazing and bright, The ultra-vivid 3K 120Hz ASUS Lumina OLED display – This Powerhouse retails for about $1499

Also on deck is the New Asus ProArt PZ13 – Tagged – “Where your Story Begins” This Two in One, Meaning a Tablet and Connected to a Keyboard, It weighs Less the Two Pounds is perfect for creators, Another 3k Bright Vivid Screen and and it’s powered by Snapdragon® X Plus processor – Looking for a way to easily organize your Content? 16GB of Memory and 1TB SSD It comes equipped with the ASUS exclusive AI-powered Story Cube app that helps you manage your photos and videos – To see the many different applications, check out https://www.asus.com/us/proart/ It Retails for about $1099

We had a great time looking at these devices with Power and Function!

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Episode 423 – We Think He Really Likes this Keyboard?

In this Week’s TechtalkRadio Show, Andy and Shawn want to find out about Matt’s new studio setup which looks like it came out great! Matt shared his recent transition to a rack-mounted case, which he found to be more efficient and better for airflow. He also discussed his use of a Sony ZV-10 mirrorless camera as a webcam, which he found to be effective for blogging and vlogging. Last weeks show had a listener ask about Mechanical Keyboards which Matt explained and discussed his mechanical keyboard, the Keychron v1 Max, which he found at Micro Center. He highlighted its features, including a 75% keyboard layout, mechanical switches, USB-C and USB-A ports, a rechargeable internal battery, Bluetooth compatibility, and a switch for Mac or Windows. Matt also mentioned the keyboard’s customizable firmware and the ability to change keycaps for different layouts. He noted that the keyboard lights up and has a tactile feel, making it the quietest mechanical keyboard he has ever used. Take a look at the Company Website at https://www.keychron.com

Shawn found a great deal and decided to buy in for a Dji Power 1000, a solar generator that can charge devices and potentially run small appliances like an air conditioner. He bought it at a 48% discount from Amazon, using a code from Dji’s Black Friday email. Shawn plans to use it for camping and when out grabbing photos for astrophotography. The group also discussed other portable power brands like Jackery and Anker, and the possibility of using solar panels to charge the generator. Andy suggested that listeners might benefit from joining Dji’s mailing list for potential deals.

After a listener question from Allan, Matt and Shawn discussed the pros and cons of upgrading to Windows 11. Matt and Shawn expressed their dissatisfaction with the bloat and ads in Windows 11, while the listener sought advice on whether to upgrade now or wait until October when Windows 10 support ends. Matt advised Allan to pull the band-aid and upgrade, as Windows 11 will receive security patches and updates, but warned about the potential annoyance of ads and recommendations. Matt also advised Allan to back up his files before upgrading his operating system and to use a disk cleanup tool to remove previous Windows installations after a certain amount of time. Andy also shared a question from Dave about recovering data from an old IDE hard drive, and Shawn suggested using a USB to IDE adapter to connect the drive to a computer stating they aren’t to bad in price and easy to use. Shawn found one on the Micro-Center Website from Vantec. Another listener question handled the subject of Black Friday/Cyber Monday TV Deals and how to tell differences between some of the screens. All this and more featured in this week’s TechtalkRadio Show,

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New Show – Zip Ties, Velcro and a Whole Lot of Cables

For this Week’s TechtalkRadio Broadcast, Andy, Shawn, and Justin discussed various topics related to technology and personal experiences. They talked about Matt’s computer issues, with Justin mentioning that Matt had moved his gaming computer into a rack mount chassis and was experiencing problems. They also discussed the importance of cable management, with Shawn emphasizing the need for flush-cutting zip ties to avoid injuries.

In the Photos, What a Non Flush Cut Zip tie looks like. Matt shared the Rack and then System with componants installed, then the finished product. The conversation then shifted to the topic of retro computer cases, with Andy sharing an article about Silverstone’s retro beige PC case. The team also reminisced about the past, discussing the effects of smoking on electronics and the challenges of cleaning them. The conversation ended with Justin showing off his new camera, The Sony A7 Mark IV camera. Justin explained the camera’s features, including its ability to shoot raw images, 4K video at 60 frames per second, and its built-in eye tracking feature. Justin also discussed his experience with Adobe Lightroom, a software he used to edit the photos he took with the camera. Andy and Shawn praised the camera’s quality and the benefits of using Lightroom for photo editing.

Another Project that Justin recently completed was installing permanent outdoor holiday lights. Justin shared his research on the company Jellyfish deciding to go with EnBrighten, in Justin study a more affordable option. EnBrighten lights come in 100-foot strings and can be individually controlled, allowing for various color effects and preset modes for different holidays. Justin also mentioned hiring a professional to install the lights, which cost him around $380.

A listener question came in regarding a request from the writer’s son for a Mechanical Keyboard. Justin explained the differences between budget keyboards and what can be found with a mechanical. Andy, Shawn, and Justin discussed their experiences with the Tyson-Paul boxing match and the issues they faced while trying to watch it. They shared their attempts to stream the fight, with Shawn mentioning that they eventually found an illegal stream to watch it on Discord. Justin revealed that he watched the fight somewhat legally through a live stream on X, which had 9 million viewers at its peak. The conversation then shifted to social media platforms, with Andy and Justin discussing their experiences with Twitter and the new platform Blue Sky. They expressed their dissatisfaction with the political nature of these platforms and their desire for a more curated feed. Justin mentioned that he has successfully curated his X feed to avoid political content. The team also discussed their presence on Facebook and Blue Sky, encouraging listeners to connect with them on these platforms.

Another listener question is handled, and it involved digitizing old VHS tapes and putting them of DVD. Shawn recommended not burning them to DVD. Shawn recommended using Legacy Box for digitizing old VHS tapes into a digital format, as DVDs are just taking up space. Justin suggested that the digitized content could be played on a TV via a USB slot. Shawn also suggested checking out the service’s website for a sale currently running at $8 per tape. In a segment from a couple of weeks ago, Andy mentioned his experience with the Epson FF680-W photo scanner and has found that Visioneer has a similar scanner and will work to check it out and compare its performance.