Conant Custom Brass Model T-10C large dial thermometer

 This is an 8.25 inch diameter dial thermometer with large easy to read numbers with a pointer that makes it easy to read temperatures. The display can be easily seen from a window, which was our intended use.  It should be noted thermometer temperature readings that close to the house will be influenced by that location.  You would get more accurate temperatures out in the yard in sheltered locations. This particular thermometer may not be suitable for that, depending on mounting location.  

The main housing of the unit is brass, and the dial is covered by a glass crystal.  The temperature display is in Fahrenheit and centigrade.  The thermometer makes use of a bimetallic mechanism which should be accurate enough for its intended use. 

The unit is assembled in Vermont, but the components are made in China. It has a lifetime warranty.

The thermometer includes a brass mounting arm which can be reversed to mount either from the right or left side.  I am sure they think this is adequate, but for our location, mounting from the side did not work out.  For us, it was best to mount the unit vertically.  This meant that I had to come up with a different holder.  I sunk a copper pipe into the ground near the intended window.   I then used the mount arm as a template to mark and drill holes into the end of a ¾ inch flat metal strip which was inserted into the pipe.  I mounted the thermometer to that flat metal which holds the thermometer nicely.  As an added benefit, if we want, we can rotate the unit in this mount so it can be seen from different locations if needed. 

The tricky part of the installation relates to the need to adjust the thermometer reading prior to use.  This requires disassembly of the thermometer to access the mechanism.  Be sure to keep the outer box as it has the directions for adjusting the thermometer printed on the inside. My Conant thermometer read 100 degrees when it should have read 68, so you will likely have to adjust yours.

To adjust, you have to first remove the retaining ring which holds the glass crystal against the main brass housing.  This is easy enough, but I imagine could also be a way to potentially break the glass crystal.  Just be careful. Hold one hand over the crystal and the ring will spring out away from it when you pry it away as instructed.

Carefully remove the dial from the housing.  At this point, I placed the dial back over the inverted glass crystal, just to have a place to set the unit while adjusting it in order to keep the needle away from obstructions.  It is best to do this in a place next to a thermometer you trust as accurate.  It is also imperative that you allow adequate time after an adjustment for the thermometer to acclimate to the true temperature again, as it is fairly sensitive and will be impacted by you holding it during adjustments.  It took several small adjustments and several waiting periods to finally get to a point that my Conant thermometer was stable and in agreement with the source temperature.  When you think you have it right, let it sit for a good long time to make sure.  It is easier to wait then it will be to take it all apart to re-adjust when you realize you did not allow enough time. 

Reassembly is done in the reverse order of disassembly.  You might check the dial prior to closing up as it shows every finger print from any inadvertent touch you made in the adjustments.  Also, clean the inside of the glass if needed.  The tricky part here is getting the retaining ring back in place.  Just start at the bottom as directions suggest, and slowly work it in around the dial.  It requires a significant amount of pressure and dexterity to do this, but it can be done. 

Now the unit should be ready to mount making use of the provided mount and screws, or your own method if needed.   

Otterbox Defender Series Hybrid Case and Holster for BlackBerry 9900/9930 Bold

 When you purchase a smart shone for as much money as the Blackberry Bold 9900 can run you, you start to think about protection of your investment. I will give RIM credit for upgrading the included case to a much more solid feeling and protective case than I have seen in some previous Blackberry phones, but that protection only lasts while the phone is in the case. If you are as inclined to drop things as I am, it can get nerve-wracking any time you have to take the phone out to answer it, or look anything up on-line. That is where a case like the Otterbox Defender comes in pretty handy.  It includes a rugged but nice feeling silicon rubber outer covering, a holster, and a high impact polycarbonate shell.  Also included is one screen cover. One thing I find entirely lacking for this purchase from Otterbox is any type of adequate installation instructions. 

Installation is fairly self explanatory, and that is lucky since the instructions from Otterbox pretty much are a short series of small drawings on the inside of the cardboard package.  For an extra installation aide, I recommend searching on YouTube for Otterbox Defender on Bold 9900 installation procedure. There is a video that walks you through it. The installation high points follow: 

Out of the box, you will have the silicon layer stretched over the assembled polycarbonate shell.  Remove the black rubber outer covering.  Then, you will have to separate the top and bottom portions of the polycarbonate shell.  Mine unsnapped fairly easily at the left center of the shell.  

Prior to installation of the case, install the screen cover if desired. My Bold already had one installed so I am saving the included one for later. 

Now place the Bold 9900 into the bottom portion of the shell.  Position the top in place making sure it lines up in the same way as it had been prior to separation of the pieces.  Snap it together again making sure it is firmly together with your Bold inside. 

Position the rubber outer covering around the now enclosed phone.  Make note that there is a ridge around the silicone shell opening that will need to be worked into a corresponding groove in the polycarbonate shell.  This may take some work, but it is the only way the case will stay together in use. As you do this, it is also a good idea to make sure the button covers on the new defender case match the buttons of your phone and work easily.  

Now try to place the case into the holster. I have to agree with some other reviews I have seen that the holster is a potential weak point in this case.  Note that the screen has to be in towards the body, as the Bold in the case will not otherwise be firmly held. There are two spots in the polycarbonate shell that line up with the holster to hold the phone as it snaps into the holster.  Unlike other combination cases I have used, this one has no extra top latch to press to remove the phone. You have to pry the phone away from the holster to remove it.  It can happen when doing this, that the lower portion of the silicone shell will loosen.  This part of the design could be better. 

In use the 9900 is nestled securely in the Defender case combination. There are raised buttons covering the Bold volume up/down buttons on the right side. There is also a raised button over the convenience key on the lower right side, and for the keyboard lock key on the top of the phone.  There are silicone flaps that cover the earphone jack and the USB/charger port on the left side of the Bold.  These allow full function and an extra layer of dust protection.   I have read elsewhere that previous models of the Defender seem to have keyboard covers along with the screen guards. There is no keyboard protection with this particular one, but the camera lense and flash are covered by a plastic shield. 

In use, the Defender does emulate normal case functions of Blackberry provided by use of a small magnet mounted into the holster.  The holster includes a belt clip which is fully rotatable and able to be fixed in any position with a click.  It is suggested that the ratcheting belt clip be used to provide a stand for the phone. I am not sure if that is really a usable feature. It seems a bit out there to me.  

DSC Wireless smoke/heat Alarm WS4916

This is a battery powered smoke detector intended to be used in conjunction with a DSC home alarm system with automated notification of alarms to an off site monitor company.  It replaces an earlier version that had performed fairly consistently over a period of 7 years or so and then had begun to give multiple false alarms. One prerequisite of the replacement alarm would be that it had at least some thought of elimination of false alarms that went into the design. I think the WS4916 meets that requirement.

Our previous detector sent false alarms due to battery age, dust and just out of spite a couple of times, or it seemed. Nothing wakes you up at 2:30 in the morning like a fire alarm sounding in the house. And not just the run of the mill smoke detector beep. This alarm is designed to wake the dead, so you will not end up that way. It is a good thing, but also it is a good thing if you do not have the fire department come by so you can complain to them about your smoke detector not working.

About the WS4916 detector:

This is a wireless detector, and as such it runs on batteries and can be mounted in places that are not reachable by standard wired in detectors (also available from DSC).  This one runs on two (included) CR123A Lithium batteries.  Our original was powered by 6 AA Alkaline batteries, which tended to be somewhat unreliable as a power source over the long haul. (Lithium batteries like these in prior years have powered my 35 mm camera after having been used in my alarm system for 4-5 years.)

This alarm has both a photoelectric smoke detector, and a heat sensor built in. So, if conditions are present that include rapid rise of temperature to a set limit, but not smoke, the sensor will still sound an alarm.

The alarm tests for smoke or heat every 7 to 8 seconds. During this, it also monitors self diagnostics, tampers and faults.  The red LED light will flash once every 50 seconds or so. It will not go into alarm unless alarm threshold is met and exceeded.  Once threshold drops below alarm level, the alarm will reset.  The old one was not like this to my experience. In order to reset that one, you had to physically remove it from its mounted position and pull the batteries. This is no way to live when the alarm has sounded falsely.  The new WS4916 should reset OK if it ever sounds a false alarm.

One guard against false alarm for the WS4946 is that in order for an alarm to sound, the unit has to stay above the preset threshold of 75%  for two minutes prior to entering alarm mode.  So, in theory, if you are awakened by a repeating chirp, you should have time to determine what is happening prior to the unit actually waking the dead and calling for the fire department. And let me tell you, this alarm by itself is extremely loud even prior to sounding the alarm in the main panel.

Another feature that should prove to minimize false alarms is what they call “Drift Compensation”.  This works as an automatic adjustment to the sensitivity of the smoke detector over time and resets sensitivity as the unit ages and is impacted by dust or other environmental impacts.  This could have saved me at least two false alarms by itself. Once the alarm reaches its limit on adjustments, it will show on your main panel that it has “trouble”.  The unit can then be cleaned by first calling your alarm monitor service and putting unit into test, and then blowing canned air into the easily accessible smoke chamber.  The alarm company should be notified any time you need to service the unit, for cleaning, battery changes or testing.

Removing the unit from its installed position will initiate a tamper alarm and the monitoring company will be notified.  You may have up to 10 seconds to replace the unit once you have tampered with it. My old unit was not so generous about easily made mistakes like this. 

My old unit at least two times, sent a alarm based on batteries being too low, even though they tested at 1.5 volts each. For the WS4916, you should still have up to 14 days of use once the unit senses a low battery level. At that time, it will send a low battery warning to your main panel. If you fail to notice that, after 7 days, the unit will begin to chirp and continue until battery failure. The unit will still send alarms as needed at this point, but the alarm will be preceded by a chirp. 

Installation is simple and if you are at all handy, I recommend you do it yourself.  My alarm company walked me through any special instructions I would need to know about prior to installation, and you should also ask them if they have special requirements.  It is easy to do. The unit has many possible hole mount patterns, so I was able to find a combination that kept me from having to add more holes in my ceiling.  They should also help you in testing procedure after they have programmed the serial number of your new detector.  When it was all said and done, I saved myself at least $100.00 for the service call and installation. 

The smoke detector cost me just under $100.00. You can find them on the Internet in the $60-70 dollar range, but even if you get one of these you may have to pay your alarm company to reprogram your main panel for the new alarm.  

Blackberry Bold 9900

You may be familiar with the iconic look of a Blackberry, and the Bold 9900 fits that standard appearance you might have in mind. But that is where the similarities with this and any predecessor Blackberry stop.  It still has the quality feel of a Blackberry, and the great audio in a call of the Blackberry smart phones I have used. It still has a flash for the camera or video camera built in. It has all the standard buttons for navigation in calls or internet, texting, etc. Then again, it is a new phone, so just what sets it apart from other Blackberry phones? 

First, it has one of the most natural feeling and responsive keyboards of any Blackberry I have used or tried out in a store.  The 9900 is a bit wider and flatter than the previous Bold 9700 at 4.53 x 2.60 x 0.41 inches.  That extra bit of width gives just enough extra room for the keyboard that it really feels larger than the older Bold 9700. 

The screen size is 2.8 inches with screen resolution of 640x480 and has a capacitive touch screen included. The screen is fully visible outdoors, but is not the absolute clearest Blackberry screen I have seen for outside uses.

The touch screen is integrated with the standard touch track pad, and for most applications, this is seamless. Use one, use the other; it is up to you what you are comfortable with. One application that is still a bit of a chore for me is the web browser.  It seems like the touch screen wants to be used for that, and trying to use the track pad just confuses things. It may be that there is just a learning curve for touch pad applications. And since this is my first touch screen smart phone, I definitely need practice.

The phone is shipped with RIM Operating System version 7. For the most part, this is version 6 with touch added. There are other things I need to get more used to that may come easier to those more familiar with touch screens.  For example, earlier I noticed that my standard group of 6 most frequent used apps had disappeared and the screen was displaying either all apps at once, or none.  I finally discovered that at some point I had inadvertently touched and dragged the display which caused the size to adjust making the line of six disappear. It turns out you can drag the border to adjust to 6, 12, or whatever you want to include on your most used home screen apps. You can also manage panels included on your home screen, selecting all, favorites, media, downloads or frequently used apps. 

My version of the phone is for T- Mobile and is their version of 4G.  I will not comment on this further since there doesn’t seem to be any industry standard as to what 4G means to any one carrier. All I can say is that presently it says 4G. 

The phone also has the usual Wi-Fi connectivity which is extremely easy to maneuver.  Bluetooth is equally fast. I had been a bit concerned if I would remember how to set up Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on a new phone, but it is painless. 

There is one drawback at this point as far as the usually included and standard T-Mobile Wi-Fi calling feature.  This has been included on all Blackberry phones in the T-Mobile network before, and utilizes UMA protocol to enable you to make calls over Wi-Fi either at home, or in places that have no network signal.  As the 9900 is currently configured, there is no Wi-Fi calling.  T-Mobile suggests that at some unknown future point, there will be a software upgrade to include UMA and Wi-Fi calling. 

One other thing that you may want to know is that there is only one convenience key, located on the right.  This may or may not matter to you, but that is the case. For me, I never knew what to do with the second one anyway.

Otherwise, the buttons are very sleek feeling and recessed against the chrome outer rim of the phone. 

There is now a 5 megapixel camera with a high definition video camera with image stabilization, digital zoom and some special effects. 

Among the preloaded apps, many of which I do not use and have since deleted, RIM now includes Documents to Go at no additional cost.  This includes Word, Excel and Power Point.

Generally, after a bit more use I am still pleased overall with the performance of my new Bold 9900, but I have a few things to point out to the potential consumer.

In calls, I find that in the usual places I have made calls before, the Bold 9900 seems to be more stable than its predecessor Bold 9700 with the same carrier. I am not sure if this is due to slightly better coverage on 4G, but it easier to hear and has fewer signal drops as you walk around in concrete lined buildings than with the 9700. 

That being said, it comes down to the battery life being good for you. With my Bold 9900 loaded with the same basic apps my 9700 had, the battery may not be the best. I know what the specs say (see below), but the 9700 was running me about a 10% drop per 12-14 hours of use in battery life. For the 9900, I am now about 6 hours through the day, and it has already dropped to 89%.  Maybe the faster processer is more of a drain on the system? Increased speed has a price.

Related to that, the battery recharge time seems relatively quick. I ran my batter down to 9%, and after the phone reminded me to charge it soon, I plugged it in and was surprised that it reached full recharge in around 3 hours.

Waking the phone up is pretty fast since it bypasses the carrier splash, and opens to the home screen. Also, a change is that when you wake the phone, the screen stays dark unless you hit a key. This might save a bit of battery life. The network connects much faster than in the previous version Bold 9700.

Also, a bonus of the faster processor comes to light when you do a reboot or do a battery pull. I used to dread rebooting and having to wait for the system to reload. It seemed like it took forever with the Bold 9700. With the Bold 9900 the system reloads in 90 seconds from battery in to splash screen. 

The battery at 1230 mAH is a bit weak when it comes to all the increased speed of the processor in this version of the Bold. For best results, use the included charger to recharge the battery. The older ones still work in a pinch, but may not charge to 100%.  

Speaking of batteries, there is a higher capacity 1500 mAH battery in the works.  Currently, there are websites that claim to sell a 1500 battery for the Bold 9900. Problem is that they say it also fits the previous Bold and half dozen other Blackberry smart phones, and that is highly unlikely. Trust the source of any battery upgrade you make. This is a very thin phone and takes a thinner battery than the previous Bold.

Other Specs follow:

Memory: 768MB RAM, 8 GB eMMC

Expandable memory: Up to 32 GB uSD card(optional)

1230 mAh removable/rechargeable lithium-ion battery

GSM Talk Time: up to 6.3 hours

GSM Standby Time: up to 12.8 days

UMTS Talk Time: up to up to 5.9 hours

UMTS Standby Time: up to 12.8 days

Audio Playback Time: up to 50 hours

Video Playback Time: up to 7.4 hours

3.5mm stereo headset capable

Integrated hands-free speakerphone

Wi-Fi: 802.11 2.4 GHz b/g/n, 5GHz a/n

Wi-Fi® access to BlackBerry® Enterprise Server

Wi-Fi access to BlackBerry® Internet Bundle

Direct IP web browsing over Wi-Fi

Integrated GPS

Includes BlackBerry® Maps

Rain Bird 12 station easy to set timer

I had a bit of bad luck with a 12 station Orbit timer already reviewed elsewhere. This one by Rain Bird is similar to that in that it has 12 stations. But so far, that is about all it has in common.

The Rain Bird 12 station automatic sprinkler timer comes with an attached outer door that is “lockable” in that it has a place a lock can be attached (supplied by user). This door is heavy plastic, so it is not much of a secure lock. But then again, it is only a timer. They say this is suitable for outdoor use, and who am I to say otherwise? One thing, on this as others I have seen, there is no gasket on the door to ensure moisture will stay out. But, mine is mounted inside, so that is no concern for me.

The transformer is built right into the enclosure so it is as secure as other components. The transformer can be seen by pulling the cover plate from the lower part of the timer below the display and control panels. Inside you will also find the terminals for 12 sprinklers, including two common connectors and a rain sensor (purchased separately). This also has an extra terminal for a master valve-pump start also not included. Those are not used in my setup. I want to mention though that there is another version of this timer that includes a weather sensor to over-ride settings based on current conditions, but it is a bit more expensive than I wanted to do now.

One reason I chose this brand over a replacement Orbit controller is that Rain Bird unit says it has superior surge protection. My thought is that my house has issues with surges, so I want all the protection I can get. One other improvement over the previous controller I tried is that the Rain Bird claims to have complete back-up of all settings with no extra battery needed. Many other units I looked at have a battery back-up only, and those can fail. They say it "timer settings are stored indefinately" with no battery needed.

Sprinkler wires are easily connected to push-in terminals. You have to be sure you have stripped enough insulation, or connection may not be secure. Also you should use a needle nose pliers to push in wires as the terminal connectors are much closer packed than in other units I have tried.

This is pretty easy to set up using the main selector dial to set the clock time, date, and individual valve time positions. To increase or decrease values you use two up-down arrow buttons. There is a button for each day of the week to set up watering, and select frequency of watering. You can select one zone to water manually, or another for all zones. If you select one zone to run, you will have to re-set the unit to run all automatically. Rain delay can be set manually up to 72 hours. And there is a seasonal adjustment to add or shorten pre-set run times depending on seasonal needs from -90% to +100%. There is an Off selection to turn off all functions.

Display screen is a bit small for my taste, but it still is easy to see and readable. In use, screen will display current time and next zone scheduled to water. In rain delay, screen shows current time and remaining hours until schedule resumes. While watering all zones, display will show current time, which zone is ON and how long left on that zone. If you have an electrical problem in the system, the unit will tell you which station has a potential problem.

Note that this is a single program unit, with individual set start times for each valve, and with multiple possible watering times per day. If you need a unit with more than one possible program, this is not it.

I used Rain Bird timers almost 30 years ago in a retail nursery, and this has a similar feel to it even though technology is quite advanced from that earlier totally mechanical timer. Rain Bird has been around for a long time, and that has to be significant.

Orbit 12 station Easy-set Sprinkler timer model 27892

This unit replaces two now ancient (by sprinkler timer standards) 6 valve timers from different companies and eras. And that is one reason for the replacement. It is much easier to program one unit than to remember how two from different decades are programmed. And this is a good unit for easy programming. Basically, once it was wired, I programmed it without instructions.

Out of the box the Orbit easy set 12 station sprinkler timer is a hefty solidly built timer. Of course it has been a few years since I had to purchase a timer. The ones I have experience with are light weights compared to this. It comes designed to be mounted either outside or inside and has a lockable exterior door to keep others (hopefully) from gaining access to programs if that is something you need. I plan to leave mine unlocked, but it is nice to know I can lock it if I decide to.

The unit has a built in transformer with plug, but this also can be hard wired to existing 120 AC if desired. The transformer can be accessed through opening the swing out display panel. Once you open the door, you also have access to the wiring panel for up to 12 sprinklers, a pump start/master valve and optional (rain sensor purchased separately) rain sensor connection. The connections are by insertion of the wires directly, and they can be disconnected by easy insertion of a small screw driver on a plastic tab.

Program selections are seen on an easily visible LCD screen. Programming can include 3 separate programs of up to 12 sprinklers with up to 12 start times of up to 240 minutes run-time. Programming can be done with a large rotary dial to select individual functions and several “plus” and “minus” and “continue” buttons to advance to next station, or add to or decrease watering times or days, etc. Individual days of the week can be selected for each program selected, or you can select even or odd days, or every other day. Programming has so many variations, I am sure I never will utilize as many as are included. Like I said, I originally programmed mine without directions, but the directions are easy to use also, and include an easy start sheet to post near installation site for reference if anything goes wrong.

Unit also has an extra “Budget” program selection so you can add to, or decrease all watering times without resetting individual time entries. For example, if you have a time set for 60 minutes at default 100% entry and it is spring you can decrease the time to 30 minutes by entering 50% in budget selection. Range is 10% to 200% in increments of 10%.

Rain delays can be set for 12, 36, or 72 hours. If you need more time than that in rain delay, timer can be turned OFF. Or if you use the optional rain sensor, it would track all of that for you. All stations can be run manually, or you can choose any one station in any program to run manually. But, if you do this, remember to return unit to automatic running afterward. If not, it will stay on the last manual setting. This is one thing I would change. It would be nice if it returned to auto on its own after a manual run.

Unit has a battery back up to maintain program settings only. This is an easily obtainable (CR2032) lithium battery that has been used for years in many devices. You may have them already for watches or remote controls. They suggest replacement every year to avoid loss of programming. But, if unit loses program, it should return to a default setting of daily ten minute watering of each station until reprogramming is completed.

Warrantee is for six years from date of purchase

Note, I had trouble with my timer which may have been due to AC line surges. It has been replaced. See next entry.

Fan of generic drugs. . .

This technically is not a review as much as a comment on the cost of medications for those who need them to continue some part of a normal existence, such as your eye sight. Just one example that impacts me is Xalatan.

This is an eye drop to control ocular hypertension and glaucoma. Until now, I have been paying $93.00 for 2.5 ml, which barely lasts a month. In fact, it runs out in less than a month, but I am trying to convince myself it lasts a month just to feel better about the high cost.

When I picked up my prescription just now, I thought the pharmacist had the price wrong. It turns out that since I last filled the prescription, they had gotten in the generic version of this medication. Instead of Xalatan priced at nearly $100.00, it is now marketed as Lantanaprost and costs $12.00. That is a huge drop. An unbelievable drop. I get it that the folks who develope medications need to recover development costs of drugs, but I am not sure I get how they can justify the previous regulated cost of Xalatan.