DIYs AND TIP ARTICLES FOR TAG: WIRINGhttp://2pointhome.com/2Point Home RSS Feeden-us2008 VerizonSat, 11 Oct 2008 16:23:29 CDT5<![CDATA[Basic Soldering]]>http://2pointhome.com/diys/steps/45031Soldering is similar to welding, but on a scale that's much smaller, safer and less likely to make you cry (like when Guru Brian was building the light bar for the Kaczors' Rock-'n'-Roll Playroom -- see episode.)

It's really not that hard when you get the hang of it, and once you can fuse two wires together, there are all kinds of cool do-it-yourself projects you can do...like Brian's Solar Cell Phone Charger, for instance.

Check out this how-to video from Ruralgeek and take your first step on the path to DIY enlightenment!

]]>Jim 2.0Apr 16, 2008<![CDATA[How 2.0: Make a Solar Cell Phone Charger]]>http://2pointhome.com/diys/steps/44638A little soldering is all it takes to make this cool little emergency cell phone charger. Keep it in the glove box of your car, in case you ever get stranded in the woods and start to hear banjo music!

You might be able to find the mini solar panels at a store that sells science or electronics equipment; otherwise you can order them online. Please note, you'll also be cutting the wire on the cell phone charger, so make sure it's not the only one you have! You can often find cheap chargers at discount stores like Big Lots -- it doesn't matter if it's AC or car compatible, since you'll only be using the end that plugs in your phone.

MATERIALS:

  • 1 Altoids Tin case
  • 2 Mini Solar Panels (3V 20mA each)
  • 1 Solder (3")
  • 1 Small Heat Shrink Tubing (4")
  • 1 Large Heat Shrink Tubing (4")
  • 1 Double Sided Tape (3")
  • 1oz Flux
  • 1 Solder Iron
  • 1 Heat Gun
  • 1 Wire Stripper
  • 1 cell phone charger

]]>Guru BrianMar 22, 2008<![CDATA[How 2.0: Embed Speakers]]>http://2pointhome.com/diys/steps/44424

Embed your speakers in the wall or ceiling, to give your home theater that clean, finished look.
]]>Guru BrianMar 21, 2008http://2pointhome.com/articles/tip/holdDec 31, 1969