Friday, September 30, 2016

Why We Use Coffee K-Cups Pods

Fig.1 5-lb coffee
By Gary Boutin

Tools and Supplies:
Creamy Hawaiian Hazelnut Coffee
Keurig™ K55 Single-Serve Coffee Maker
Ground Coffee
Poly Flow K-cups 
Scissors 

K-cups are all the rage if your talking about individual size serving. This post shows what we used to drink and what we drink now and why.

This post shows the four steps to show the difference between drip coffee and Keurig™ K55 Single-Serve Coffee Maker using K-cup. 

Step 1: Fig.1 through fig.3 shows that this creamy Hawaiian hazelnut coffee that we used to drink everyday. We purchased it at Sam's Club and it made our day. We used to brew a 12-cup (2.838 liters) carafe every morning until we received a Keurig™ K55 has a gift from our family. Fig.2 and fig.3 shows our coffee of choice and we used a cup of ground coffee per day.
Fig.2 Ground coffee

Fig.3 Measured

Step 2: Fig.4 shows a reusable Eco-Fill™ K-cups which is BPA free. Fig.5 shows that this K-cup uses a poly-flow technology. You must decided if its worth your warranty. If you read your manual you will find that Keurig K55 Single-Serve Coffee Maker state that only approve K-cups but Keurig™ also sell its own filter than your warranty would be covered. Fig.6 shows an 1/8 cup of grounds per cup to be used. Fig.7 are the reusable K-cups with your own coffee. They come in brown for regular coffee and green for caffeine free.
Fig.4
Eco-Fill™ K-cups
Fig.5 Eco-Fill™ Directions
Fig.6 - 2 teaspoons
= 10 grams
Fig.7 Brown and green
Step 3: Fig.8 through fig.10 shows the process of filling the coffee Eco-Fill™ K-cups. Fig.11 show that the Eco-fill™ package contains two regular and two caffeinated K-cups.
Fig.8
Fig.9
Fig.10
Fig.11 All
Eco-Fill™ K-cups
Filled with Regular Ground coffee

Step 4: Brewing. Fig.12 through fig.15 shows each serving of coffee pods fill one cup with delicious coffee.
Fig.12
Keurig™ K55
Fig.13 K-cup pods
Fig.14 Starbucks™ Coffee cup
Fig.15 Delicious coffee
Step 4: Now why we changed. We enjoy our coffee pods, we use less coffee and make less of a mess. We started purchasing our creamy hazelnut coffee at Sam's Club. Eventually Sam's Club stopped carrying our brand, so now we purchase it from the Internet. We pay about 34-cents per cup and for us this fits our budget. 

Our Math: We used to purchase Copper Moon World Coffees, Hawaiian Hazelnut (2.5 lb. = 1.134 kg) $15.00 which made over 21 pots of coffee.
  • 2.5 lbs of coffee =  40 oz = 205 cups / 12 cup carafe = 17.1 pots of coffee. Our coffee lasted 3-weeks. So we made it weaker than this table states.
  • Each approved Keurig K-Cup Pods = 2 teaspoon = 10 grams for a 6 to 8 oz of brewed coffee. 
  • Regular grocery ground coffee costs about 5-cents per cup and paying 0.35 cents Gaza Trail™ Creamy Hazelnut coffee K-cup pods.
  • So maybe we are paying 30 cents more for our special brew of coffee, but for us it is worth it.
  • Each brand of K-cup have different quantity of coffee. You have to decide what your budget is to determine if you have to drink 5 cent coffee or spoil yourself and spend 35 cent coffee.

Fig.16 shows Gaza Trail™ Creamy Hazelnut coffee K-cup pods is what we both drink now for our daily coffee. It is a treat everyday.
Fig.16
Gaza Trail™
Caza Trail Coffee, Creamy Hazelnut 
  • Single serve cups compatible with Keurig 1.0 K-Cup Brewers 2-teaspoon, each box has 100 serving.
  • From Latin America
  • Creamy, nutty flavored light roast with a delicate body, mild acidity and sweet aroma
  • Kosher certified

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Note: The DIY Advisor assumes no liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any jobs. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed contractor if in doubt about any steps on these posts. All names were changed to protect client's privacy. DIY Advisor. Reproduction of site content including photos without permission prohibited. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2011-

Victor Electronic Rat Trap that Produces a 7000 Volt Charge Per Rat

Victor® Electronic Rat Trap
By Gary Boutin                 

Supply and Tools:
Batteries 4 "C"
Q-tip for bait
Toothpick for bait
Victor® Electronic Rat Trap

Kenneth tried everything to get rid of his front yard mole and rats. He hired my Service to set up an electronic rat traps. Then Kenneth tried the Victor® Electronic Rat Trap.#1 

This post summarize the three steps on Victor® Electronic rat trap.

Step 1: Fig.1 through fig.4 shows the Victor® Electronic Rat Trap. Fig.1 show the Victor® electronic rat trap box. Fig.2 shows the top view of the box. Fig.3 shows the rat back view. Fig.4 show the front were the rat goes into. The box appears to be well made. Just do not put your hands inside.
Fig.1 Victor® Trap
Fig.2 Top view
Fig.3 Back end
Fig.4 Front view
Step 2: The Victor® electronic rat trap kills at a rate of one rat per setting, and can kill up to 50 rats per set of batteries. Assuming that the batteries are of good quality. Fig.5 through fig.6 house the 4-C batteries that power this trap. Fig.5 is the battery cover, fig.6 is where the battery are house, fig.7 shows all 4-batteries. Fig.8 show the battery case is ready and fig.9 is the on/off switch.
Fig.5 Battery housing
Fig.6 Battery base
Fig.7 Batteries

Fig.8 In use

Fig.9 On
Step 3: This trap appears to work well, except a rat was never with this product. Victor Rat Trap does use many batteries. However, the Tomcat Mole Trap® did catch rodents. If your interested check out this post. That one product that more than paid its weight in rodents.

#1 The information about this rat trap was obtained by Victor® Electronic Rat Trap, and my personal experience.


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Note: The DIY Advisor assumes no liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any jobs. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed contractor if in doubt about any steps on these posts. All names were changed to protect client's privacy. DIY Advisor. Reproduction of site content including photos without permission prohibited. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2011-

How to Solve the Ninja Cooling Fan Power Cord Problem

This is the Ninja laptop cooling fan
Fig.1 Ninja Cooling Fan
By Gary Boutin

Tools and Supplies:
Radio Shack Adaptaplug M
Radio Shack AC-to-DC Power Adapter 5voc to 3.5A 

The Ninja Cooling Fan works very well. The body is an all aluminum and has two cooling fans that provide enough air to cool down this laptop. The one problem is with powered by USB (Universal Serial Bus) via provided T-adapter cord. The T-adapter breaks during constant use. The T-adapter can be purchased for $7 but if it keep breaking than this is not a solution. Once the T-adapter can be ordered but it comes from China. The solution is to plug the power cord directly from the back of the cooling fan and not use a USB port. 

In this post another alternative use of the power outlet adapter instead of the USB T-adapter port plug. 

This post shows the four steps to power the laptop using an Radio Shack AC-to-DC Power Adapter and an Adaptaplug-M.

Step 1: Fig.1 shows the Ninja cooling fan. Fig.2 shows RadioShack AC-to-DC Power Adapter 5voc to 3.5A Power Adapter. This is the alternative power supply to the T-adapter cord. Fig.3 shows the base of the adapter with the cord wrapped around it body. 
This is the solution the RadioShack power adapter
Fig.2 Adapter 
$32 US Tax included

The body house the cord that supplies the power to the cooling fan
Fig.3 Body 
with USB port
 Step 2: Fig.4 and fig.5 shows shows the adapter outlet plug can be folded away for travel. 

Fold up to use
Fig.4 Flip down
Fig.5 Flip up


Step 3: Adapter Specification: 
RadioShack 5V 3.6A AC Adapter with 1 USB (Black) Catalog #: 2730928

This adapter can provide 3.6A total power:
  • Cable output - max. 1.5A
  • USB output - max. 2.1A
  • Aggregate - max. 3.6A
Product Specifications:
  • Input: 100-240Vac, 50/60Hz
  • Output: 5+/-0.3V 3.6A
  • Cable spec.: UL1185 straight cable/ OD3.5mm/American wire gauge (AWG). #18/ 6ft/ Black
  • Green Power LED
  • With input over current protection/ output over current protection/ output short circuit protection
  • In case of overload: LED will flicker to signify overloading & unit will stop charging end devices until at least one of the devices is being unplugged. 
Plug size: Adaptaplug M conversion size: O.D.: 5.5mm, I.D.: 2.1mm.
Parts Warranty: 90 Days

Step 4: Fig.6 show the Radio Shack Adaptaplug M. Fig.7 shows what the plug looks like. Fig.8 shows what the Adaptaplug M plugs into the end plug of the AC Adapter. Fig.9 show how the Adaptaplug M plugs two prongs plugs into the AC adapter. Now push it in all the way. The chrome ends plugs into the laptop.
This free plug comes withe the power adapter
Fig.6
Adaptaplug M
The body is white with two prongs on one end and chrome on the other
Fig.7 White plug
This is the power adapter plug
Fig.8 Charger side
Pusht the adapter down into  the cord
Fig.9 Push in

Step 3: Fig.10 show the back of the Laptop cooler. Fig.11 shows the two DC fans with no power. Fig.12 shows the ac adapter plug into the wall socket and the laptop. Now the fan is working. Fig.13 shows the top of the cooling fan.

Power from the laptop is provided by the adapter
Fig.10 Laptop power plug
This picture shows no power the fans are not turning
Fig.11 Two fan
The cooling fan is pluged into the wall
Fig.12 Power on
Now the Ninja fan can be powered without using the T adaptert
Fig.13 Laptop side
See other Ninza post: 

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Note: The DIY Advisor assumes no liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any jobs. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed contractor if in doubt about any steps on these posts. All names were changed to protect client's privacy. DIY Advisor. Reproduction of site content including photos without permission prohibited. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2011-

How to Caulk a Common Patio Lamp

Common patio lamp with large gap
Fig.1 Lamp
By Gary Boutin

Supply and Tools:
Caulking clear
Dynaflex 230 sealant
Manual caulking gun

Fig.1 shows a common patio lamp, it had a large gap of over 1-inch wide between the lamp and the stucco. The average annual precipitation for Napa California is Napa 27.7 inches (704 millimeters). If this lamp had been in Napa, California were it rains then a real problem could exist. Water would rust out the electrical components and would blow a fuse or worse the lamp could electrocute a person.

This post shows three steps to repair this problem.

Step 1: Fig.2 shows Dynaflex 230 is an affordable indoor and outdoor Sealant. Dynaflex 230 is a "...paintable, durable sealant can fill gaps up to 1" wide... (25.4 millimeters) ... and the cured sealant is mold and mildew resistant"#1
Dynaflex 230 is an affordable indoor and outdoor sealant
Fig.2 Dynaflex 230 Sealant
Step 2: Fig.3 shows a manual caulking gun and a tube of silicone pressing sealant into the gap of the lamp. The sealant will act as a barrier to keep out water and moisture from damaging the lamp or blowing a fuse. This sealant is paintable and can match either the lamp or the stucco color.
Use any caulking gun with silicone sealant to protect the lamp
Fig.3 Caulking bottom
Step 3: Fig.4 and fig.5 shows the sealant has been applied to both sides of the patio lamp. Do not forget the top and the bottom of the lamp. All that remains is painting the gap. The customer decided they would take on this project themselves.
Caulk the left side of the lamp
Fig.4 Caulking left
Here the right side of the lamp is caulked
Fig.5 Caulking Right


#1 The information about Dynaflex 230 was obtained from their website.

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Note: The DIY Advisor assumes no liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any jobs. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed contractor if in doubt about any steps on these posts. All names were changed to protect client's privacy. DIY Advisor. Reproduction of site content including photos without permission prohibited. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2011-

Thursday, September 29, 2016

How to Clean a Kitchen Trash Can

This is an ordinary black kitchen trash can
Fig.1 Trashcan
By Gary Boutin

Tools and Supplies:
ARMOR ALL Protection
Dirty trashcan
Sink with water
Sponge with green scrubber
Soap

Most of my post are about cleaning items in the kitchen and around my home. We spend most of our lives cooking for our families. This post is about cleaning a simple kitchen trash can. Many people have a dirty trash can and they just throw it out in the trash. Normal kitchen trash cans cost around $5 and maybe that is the reason why so many usable items are in the landfills. 

This post shows the five steps for cleaning an ordinary kitchen trash can.

Step 1: Fig.1 show the kitchen trash can being cleaned. This was done using a large laundry sink with soap and a sponge. Fig.2 shows the trash can is being cleaned first on the inside.
To clean the trash can use a landry sink with soap and water
Fig.2 Inside cleaning
Step 2: Fig.3 through fig.5 shows that even though the trash can is clean the shine is gone from its side. Though the trash can is clean it is also dull. A clean white bag will go over its edges and not one will ever know there a dull trash can there.
This trash can is clean but the finish is dull
Fig.3 Dull
This trash can has a little shine from the drying the can
Fig.4 Dull shine
This trash can is ready for service
Fig.5 Clean but dull
Step 3: The main reason for cleaning the trash can is to remove dirt and grime. Fig.5 shows the ARMOR ALL Protection that will give the trash can a fighting chance against grime. It provides a protective coat that will repel the grim but will also prevent cracking, fading and discoloration. This will add years of wear and tear to a kitchen trash can. ARMOR ALL also "revitalize vinyl, rubber and plastic parts." #1
Armor All was used and it polished this trash can
Fig.5  
ARMOR ALL
Step 4: Fig.6 through fig.8 shows the trash can sides have a polished sided. This job is done and the trash can has a better chance against dirt and grim than a others going to the landfills.
Apply the Armor All to the trash can using a clean polish towel
Fig.6 Apply ARMOR ALL 
The polish helped this can because it shine on all sides
Fig.7
This trash can is ready armed with a coat of Armor All agaist dirt and grime
Fig.8

#1 All the information for this post was obtain from Armor All Protection web site.

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Note: The DIY Class-A Drivers License Tests assumes no liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any driving tests. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, and follow current driving regulations that may apply for each test. All names were changed to protect client's privacy. All rights reserved. © Copyright 2011-