Tag: gadgets

July 25, 2010

Taking the Temperature

Following on my last BBQ experiment, I did a google on how feasible it is to retro fit my Weber Kettle with a grill thermometer. Note that I already have a meat thermometer, but the idea of the grill meter is to measure the actual temperature of the grill when using it with the lid on.

The current version of my grill comes with this fitted, and it seems there are lot of people who are drilling the lid of their old models and fitting a part obtained from Weber’s spares dept, or similar. However this means drilling through steel coated on both sides with porcelain enamel. As a result many people choose not to drill, but merely place the thermometer loosely clipped in the top vent hole. As the top vent is usually used only to put out the grill (temperature is controlled by opening and closing the bottom vent), this isn’t too bad a compromise.

Read the Post <span class='p-name'>Taking the Temperature</span>
June 8, 2010

An apology

To anyone who I have looked strangely or yawned at when they have been raving about their iPhone, Nokia N97 or Blackberry. I’ve always thought it odd to get that passionate about a phone – after all, all you need it to do is make calls, and perhaps send texts. What’s the big deal?

My employer has just switched mobile contracts, and as a sweetener, we have all received HTC Desires.

Read the Post <span class='p-name'>An apology</span>
May 17, 2010

Camera mounts, expensive and cheap

When I bought my Kodak ZI8, the first thing I thought of was how I was going to mount it. As well as being a fun thing to take with me and film things like the Gadget Show, I am planning to do some home music videos (performance, not arty) and also do some filming in the kitchen; and although my camera tripod will do the former, it wouldn’t do the latter, where I would want a view down on a kitchen top.

So I needed a flexible mount that is compact but versatile. I was persuaded to buy a Gorillapod, which cost me upwards of 30 quid. I’ve had it a couple of months, and I am still nervous of trusting my camera to its tenuous rubbery grip. It seems to work quite well wrapped around a gnarled tree branch or fence post, but not so good on a melamine kitchen shelf.

Read the Post <span class='p-name'>Camera mounts, expensive and cheap</span>
May 17, 2010

Camera mounts, expensive and cheap

When I bought my Kodak ZI8, the first thing I thought of was how I was going to mount it. As well as being a fun thing to take with me and film things like the Gadget Show, I am planning to do some home music videos (performance, not arty) and also do some filming in the kitchen; and although my camera tripod will do the former, it wouldn’t do the latter, where I would want a view down on a kitchen top.
So I needed a flexible mount that is compact but versatile. I was persuaded to buy a Gorillapod, which cost me upwards of 30 quid. I’ve had it a couple of months, and I am still nervous of trusting my camera to its tenuous rubbery grip. It seems to work quite well wrapped around a gnarled tree branch or fence post, but not so good on a melamine kitchen shelf.
Then when I was in Brighton, I saw one of these in Maplins. It is simply a camera screw-mount, on a flexible stalk attached to a whopping big (rubber-lined) sprung clip. When it is attached to anything – door frame, kitchen cupboard, spare mike stand – it stays attached. While not pocket sized, it is small enough to not be a problem to carry about.

Read the Post <span class='p-name'>Camera mounts, expensive and cheap</span>
April 9, 2010

Gadgeted

Well I made it to the Gadget Show Live, and I made it back again. There were a couple of times that my chest got bad, but not at any critical moment, so I just went and sat down until I was better.

I’ve been out since 8am, and was at the show from about 10am to 5:30, so I am exhausted. I’ll post more over the weekend.

Read the Post <span class='p-name'>Gadgeted</span>