techmoan

The Bandai Micro-cartridge

A couple of weeks ago I looked at some of the smallest records ever made, today it’s the turn of the smallest endless-loop tape cart.

https://youtu.be/51ObvFfz3_g

Just like the records, this tiny cartridge was a suitable topic for a short video that I could make before I go off on my travels. I’m still here for another week or so though, so there will be another video uploaded to Patreon before I go…and then after that there will be a couple of Patreon-only videos scheduled to appear while I’m away.

I’ll explain more next time. I trust you’re all well, take care.

DCC in 2023

In this video I’m looking at the latest developments in this long dead format. You may have seen me mention in a Patreon update how I’d met up with Ralf from the DCC museum and he’d dropped some things off - this is the video where I show those things.

This video was moved up the ‘production schedule’ queue after I discovered that one of the items I’d be showing is being unveiled to the public today.

https://youtu.be/GJSlkNbpPsM

It’s been a bit of a rush to get it all done in time while it’s still relevant (as relevant as a dead format gets), but I think I just about made it. Unfortunately though, due to the tight deadline this video is only going to be exclusive on Patreon until lunchtime Saturday when it goes live to everyone.

I should have another video to show you soon here on Patreon though, perhaps mid week. Since I’ve still got the Sony FH7 HiFi video to make public, the next Patreon upload will likely remain exclusive here for a couple of weeks.

Anyway, hope you’re doing well - take care and as always, thanks for being here.

UPDATE:

I’ve re-uploaded to fix a factual error regarding the location of the ITTS data within the tape tracks on a DCC.

The new version is the one embedded and linked to above.

Oddcast September 2023

In the absence of a new video on the channel this week here’s my Patreon exclusive oddcast for September 2023.

https://youtu.be/qaqGFoa3WYQ

Note - this video suffers from brief audio drop-outs throughout. I was testing a new wireless microphone setup. It didn’t pass. I have ordered the new R0DE Wireless Pro mic set which should be arriving any day now and in future I’ll be using that one instead.

During the course of this video I mentioned some music videos - the links for those can be found in the video description over on youtube.

I’m not going to post an audio only version of the video this time as I think there are too many sections that rely on the visuals. I suspect it would be frustrating to listen to this.

As always, thank you for your continued support and encouragement and hopefully this Patreon only video provides you with a smidgen of entertainment.

Take care.

Sony FH-7 The best gets better

In this video I’m returning to the beautiful Sony FH7 Mk2 stereo system. This time I’m showcasing some hard to find optional components that expanded its capabilities.

https://youtu.be/nd69TqFEsb4

After this, due to commitments, I anticipate there will be a week gap with no new regular video produced, but I do hope to be able to post a Patreon update video on here in the meantime.

Take care.

Two can be more than double one.

A sequel to a Bluetooth speaker review - now in stereo

https://youtu.be/fYBEnowdvuw

I felt like I almost veered towards a thought provoking angle during this one - one that  ultimately eluded me. Like one of those seemingly brilliant ideas you feel you had in a dream that dissolves away when you awake. The harder you try to remember what it was, the more elusive it becomes.

The paragraph above is my attempt in a roundabout way to say that this is not a great video. The best I can say is that it is a video. It’s in colour and 4K and it takes up 13 minutes...and it shouldn’t ruin your day (or even affect it in any meaningful way).

Take care.

The Mighty Tiny

A look at ‘The worlds smallest record player’. But is it?

I held off from looking at this device for a long time because I was worried that there just wouldn’t be enough to talk about. Turns out I couldn’t have been more wrong and its ended up making a decent video.

https://youtu.be/mzWaj_vDKBM

As usual there may be the need for re-edits before the video goes live in a week, hopefully not. However I did end up completely changing the end of the chess video after I’d gathered together a few more thoughts about it, so you never know.

Hope you’re all doing well - take care and have a good week.

The return of Ghost Chess

A few years ago I made a video about the Square Off automated chess set.

I shot the video in one day and edited together the next. That video went on to receive over a million views.

Today I’d like to show you the sequel to that video and chess set. This is the Square Off Neo.

https://youtu.be/YzMTmAHx_MA

I recorded this video across a few days, the multi-layered editing was a bit of a multi day headache and given current YouTube trends, this one will be lucky if it gets a fifth of the views of the first.

Times move on, tastes change. it seems it’s not just automated chess sets that are getting  smaller and quieter.

Nevertheless I’m fairly happy with the video and I do like my new chess set. Whether I’ll ever find the time to play it though, I’m really not sure…but at least it fits on a table now.

Have a good week and take care.

Swapped out the video - hopefully it’s a tad simpler with slightly less chat and slightly more chess.

UPDATE - A couple of last minute fixes to adjust some edit timings and add on an addendum section at the end.

SL-N25 : (Slightly) unusual early '80s turntable

A video looking at an (ever so slightly) unusual record player.

When I saw this for sale I thought, ‘Hey that’s something I’ve never seen before’.

Whenever that thought occurs, the enthusiasm of seeing something for the first time, often results in me thinking it would be interesting to show in a video.

In hindsight this one was probably not quite weird enough. Nevertheless - here’s that video, all about a forty year old record player, one I certainly hadn’t encountered before.

https://youtu.be/gpN2CN1Eldc

In other news, I’ve been trying to get ahead with making videos before my September/October holiday and so far, if anything, I’m going backwards. I’m going to see if I can create some very short, easy to make videos. But I should let you know up front that there will inevitably be some weeks (from now onwards) without a new video release. If at any point you don’t hear from me for over a week, it (probably) doesn’t mean that I’m dead - it just means I’m working on the next thing and it’s not ready yet.

Hope you’re all well. Take care.

8-Track Boomboxes fixed up (includes uncut Edition) - UPDATED

This week I’ve been attempting some repairs - as well as a Patreon experiment.

Before you click on the embedded video above or the link below - I'd recommend taking a moment to read this post, because there are two different versions of the video here.

Whenever I’m making a video I assemble all the clips I might use into a rough edit. I then tidy things up and make the video snappier by snipping out any extraneous sections that slow things down or don't add value.

When the initial pre-edit version of this video ended up almost 40 mins long I realised I'd be doing quite a bit of cutting. So I thought I’d give you the chance to see the ‘uncut edition’ as well. (UPDATE - this was a bad idea - don't worry, following the feedback this experiment will not be repeated).

Patreon has recently added the ability to upload videos directly to the platform (in 1080p and at a low bitrate). I wanted to *try this feature out* and I thought this would be a good video to use for this experiment. I wanted to see how well the Patreon player worked. What better video to try it with than one that would normally not be seen.

The embedded video at the top of this post is the 'uncut' (Patron only) version. This is not the finished edit. It contains errors.

The snappier (public edit) version on YouTube is linked here. https://youtu.be/_hpLKp4Aaag

Unless you're interested in seeing how the sausage is made, I'd recommend watching the YouTube version.

OK, that’s a big enough wall of text from me. I hope everyone has a great week. Look after yourselves.

UPDATED

I’ve read the feedback about the Patreon video player. There’s no better way for me to discover how well (or otherwise) something functions than trying it out.

This was an *experiment* - that didn't work out and therefore will not be repeated.

Mystery 1960s aviation tape machine - UPDATED

I found a weird tape machine on ebay. I should have left it there.

In the past I’ve mentioned how I’ve abandoned videos when it transpired that there wouldn’t be enough to show. This should be one of those videos, but it’s oft been suggested that I should share these failures. That, and the fact I need to try and get ahead, means that you get to see this less than perfect video.

https://youtu.be/w-nlHWKM1ik

This one does have slightly more meat on its bones that most of my abandoned videos - but whether there’s enough here to hold anyone’s interest, only time will tell.

Take care.

UPDATE:

Reshot everything from 09:13 onwards.

Patreon Update AUDIO Odd-cast July 2023

Here’s the Audio version of this month's odd-cast. RSS links for adding the audio versions as a Podcast should (might) appear under the Membership tab.

The video version is available under a separate post.

Patreon Update VIDEO Odd-cast July 2023

This is the video version of the July '23 odd-cast.

Random and mostly unconnected topics, covered in a loose and unprofessional manner.

https://youtu.be/bTTJtXjxjdU

There is an audio only version of this update available in a separate post.

If anyone has the ability (and desire) to view a 3D MPO format photo taken with the Panasonic DMC-3D1 camera, I’ve attached an example at the bottom of this post.

Take care.

The flashiest ‘Now Playing’ stand.

A short video this week about something utterly pointless, completely unnecessary and not exactly cheap.

So, right up my street.

https://youtu.be/a8OkyJf3J4U

Off screen there’s been a run of obligations, medical, dental, family, birthday (not mine) etc. These things have a habit of converging. As a result  I’ve only had the time to make this rather brief video offering.

A Patreon update video is overdue though, so I’ll get on with shooting that next. I fear it’s likely to get a bit too talky though as I haven’t managed to shoot any extras to break it up, bar documenting a couple of instant lunches. Perhaps I should aim to condense it down more than usual. We’ll see.

Anyway, I hope you’re doing well, take care and I should have another video for you very soon.

Japan’s 1980s 3D Videodiscs

In the 80s it felt like people in Japan were living in the future.  3D VHD is a good example of this. The same year my family bought our first VHS recorder, movie enthusiasts in Japan were watching 3D videodiscs in their homes courtesy of the 3D VHD system.

Better late than never, I’m going to see what I missed out on.

https://youtu.be/PxkNilHB9hc

I might need to take another pass at the editing on this one. But I’m not feeling my best today, so I thought I’ll just get this version out to you now and then maybe take another look at this in a few days.

Enjoy your week and take care.

UPDATE:

I’ve done a re-edit in an attempt to make the video a tad more engaging/interesting. Fixed a couple of errors. Added a section. Somehow it’s ended up pretty much the same length as before - so I must have cut out some unnecessary bits too.

Breakdown or Low Power?

One of the most rewarding aspects of doing this (whatever this is) is when someone gets in touch about something unusual that I can then share with a wider audience. This is one of those videos. A chap called Mart sent me a tape stored away for sixty or so years by his relative.

https://youtu.be/3ENRbOWDXmI

This made me think about how so much of our history has been derived from the artefacts of the past. Objects can tell a story or at least act as a jumping off point for one.

We’re moving towards a time where people are able to live a full life, record hours of video, write journals, take pictures, read books, watch movies, listen to music and yet they'll leave nothing physical behind when they are gone. There's nothing to tell future generations they existed, it’s all in the cloud.

Then again, even if you were to give your children access to your photo stream - there are too many pictures for anyone to want to look through. That and the fact that most of the pictures are screen grabs, photos of food or receipts, that vacuum you saw in Costco and the weird mole on your back.

Then again, I needn't think about it too much, I’ll be dead, so stuff it - it’s someone else’s concern.

Take care and have a good week.

Album wall art that plays itself.

Most wall mounted CD players are hampered by copying a design Muji introduced in the 20th century. The km5 CP1 gets a lot more right by taking a different route.

https://youtu.be/MZyRiHy46FQ

This was something I spotted on Amazon Japan while getting screen grabs together for the Patreon exclusive Yellow Sound Burger video. It took five days to arrive and there was no duty to pay.

Behind the scenes...

Some of my recent videos have felt bloated. As a result on this video I returned to my original shooting style to make this one a snappier viewing experience.

This involved recording everything I might need first, assembling the clips into a densely packed story and narrating over the rough edit while condensing the footage to match. It takes me a lot longer to edit a video this way, so can only be used with simple subjects. The benefit though is that I can really compress a video down in a way that's impossible whenever there's live dialog to incorporate.

Hopefully the end result provides a smidgen of entertainment - take care.

UPDATE 

Did a couple of tiny tweaks to make it visually clearer as to how the CD booklet fits in the front of the case. Adjusted a couple of audio levels etc.

Game Over for the CD?

"An ever diminishing number of households have CD players" I said.
“Don't forget that anyone with a games console can play CDs” they replied.

Citation needed.

Here’s a video: https://youtu.be/tFFMoWSjxcI

This one revealed a shocker about the state of Sony audio in 2023.

There is one (count it), one, current product left in Sony's ‘HiFi Components’ range.

I know it’s a sign of the times and I’m aware it’s all about consumer demand and I understand that they can’t sell things that aren’t profitable just for the sake of nostalgia…but flippin heck it’d be like BMW silently stopping making cars to concentrate on their bicycle range.

This is a bit of a weird video, but you should have seen the state of it before I edited things down. It was such a bloated, rambling, disjointed mess I really feel like I’ve achieved something cutting it down to this…or anything watchable. Especially considering that I edited the whole thing on my laptop while the builder is killing the old bathroom with extreme prejudice.

I’m going to have to a few days off now as I can’t shoot anything new until the house returns to normal. Take care.

UPDATE: I’d forgotten that a PS5 Digital Edition existed - so I’ve added it in via an overlay. The updated video is the one now embedded and linked to above.

UPDATE 2 - Added in a bit about the previous generation of consoles

EXTRA - How I obtained the unobtainable new Yellow Sound Burger

A quick extra Patreon Exclusive video about how I got the ‘out of stock/unavailable’ Yellow Sound Burger delivered in under a week and with a discount.

https://youtu.be/8Mw5bcRTKGY

Why did I buy another? I just wanted to test for myself how long it took and whether I got charged any extras before mentioning this as an option for those who aren’t risk-averse.

Here's a NON-AFFILATED Amazon Japan link https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/Audio-Technica-AT-SB727-YL-Lightweight-Bluetooth/dp/B0C3VWJHK4

Bear in mind if something goes wrong it will be difficult/impossible to resolve, so if that’s a worry, steer clear.

Nuon/off/on-again (updated)

A few years ago I thought it might be fun to make a video about Nuon enhanced DVD players. In hindsight, I’ve probably had better ideas.

https://youtu.be/JN_XeVSKqSY

Hope you’re doing well. After spending the week in front of the computer, I intend to spend what little is left of the weekend taking in the unusually pleasant weather we’re encountering in this part of the world. Take care and thanks again for all the help and support.

UPDATED: Changed the outro (Thanks to Andre for the suggestion). Also added a brief section making additional reference to the links to Nuon resources provided in the video description. General tidying up.

The updated version is the one embedded and linked to above.

Hopefully this is the final version with all errors fixed.

Pure Elan Connect+ Internet Radio REVIEW (Updated)

In this video I test out a budget Internet Radio that might prove to be a bit of a bargain.

https://youtu.be/7tkozYf9JzY

If you’re in the UK or Germany and fancy picking one of these up from Amazon there are affiliated links in the description on Youtube, alternatively you can find this with a regular search.

If you’re elsewhere in the world then sorry if the deal isn’t relevant, but if this kind of functionality appeals then perhaps you can find a similar device locally.

That’s it - I’m taking Sunday off. Speak again soon. All the best, take care.

UPDATE: I sorted out my FM tuning problem - it was the LED  panel studio lights generating interference that was misidentified as broadcasts by the radio. I’ve gone back and re-shot the FM section to make it more accurate.

I’ve added in a new section about connecting this device via the Undok app as quite a few people mentioned this.

I also used the opportunity to tidy up a few sections and add some new overlays in.

The updated version is the one embedded and linked above.

I’ll likely put this one out on Wednesday as hopefully all the discounted deals won't have disappeared by then.

Patreon Update AUDIO Odd-cast May 2023

Here's the audio version of the May 2023 update/chat. The video version is available under a different post.

You can also play this audio version as a Podcast - I believe the RSS link for this can be found on my Patreon Homepage under the Membership tab which should be located towards the centre of the screen.

Patreon Update VIDEO Odd-cast May 2023

This months Patreon update chat is based around three sections, the last of which lasts around 45 minutes. There are chapters over on Youtube if you need to jump around.

https://youtu.be/LT8Fj4hyUaE

There's also an audio/podcast version of this available under a separate post.

Micro HiFi - Third Time Lucky?

This week I’m finishing off the Micro HiFi Mini Series with a Denon CEOL N11 - Denon’s latest (and I suspect, last) device of this kind.

While shooting this I discovered that the only thing more difficult than making an interesting video about something that doesn’t work - is making one about something uninteresting that works perfectly fine.

You’re aware I like my spinning reels, flashing lights and bouncing needles, partially because it’s just something that I can show moving while talking about the device. Well there’s none of that going on here and there’s a lot of features to cover. I tried my best to keep things moving along, but this 40 minute video really stretches the viewers patience.

https://youtu.be/GWTUmwOo088

In other news I’m looking forward to being disappointed the new Sony ZV-1 camera update announcement on Tuesday. I use a ZV-1 for my hands-on shots. When I bought my camera back in April 2021 I was in two minds as to whether to hold on for an update as it had already been on sale for almost a year. It turned out the wait for a successor was far longer than I could have anticipated.
I do have a list of updates I’d like to see on a new version, but I have my doubts how many of these will appear. Based upon camera manufacturers’ recent form it’s far more likely to be a mediocre effort, with the biggest new feature being a massive price increase.

In order of importance for my requirements I’d like 4K60, a closer minimum focal distance, headphone socket, USB C power, relocated SD card door and no overheating while charging. I'm not holding my breath.

Anyway that’s all I’ve got going on here, I do need to try and catch up on emails, comments, messages, posts as they’ve all fallen behind this week while I finished this long video. Apologies if anyone is waiting on a reply.

Take care and enjoy your week.

UDPATE: I found the remote batteries in the bottom of the box when I was packing this up, so I've snipped out the bit about there being no batteries because it was just a bare faced lie.

Also despite the video being 40 minutes about something that no one wants to buy, there appeared to be a demand to see some of the redundant sections I snipped out, so I’ve added some of them back in. Now it’s an even longer and duller video about something that no one wants to buy.

Micro Systems Part 2 - The naughties

Last week I demonstrated that a HiFi Micro System from the late 1970s might end up being more of a restoration project than a turn-key (press button) way to enjoy music.

In this video I’m looking at another Micro HiFi, but one that reflects almost a quarter of a century of additional technological development. Surely a fully loaded music system from 2003 will turn out to be a better option for the average person.

Well...

https://youtu.be/gZO5ftu1CPk

I was unwell for a good (bad) part of the week - so I’m happy that I finally managed to move this video along to a viewable state. I’m also pleased that I chose to showcase this second Micro HiFi as part of this series - it really wouldn’t have worked out on its own. You’ll understand why having a running narrative thread behind the video helped.

Due to time constraints I’ve had nothing else going on, so I’ll keep this post short…the video makes up for any brevity. Take care.

Micro HiFi - Aiwa system 22

Here’s a new video about an old Micro component system.

I have the vaguest of vague memories of seeing one of these in a shop window in the early eighties and thinking that due to its size it must be a HiFi for kids. In fairness I didn’t have a clue what was going on back then. Some things never change.

Here’s the video - https://youtu.be/TMtqWGsvLaU

It was a bit of a struggle getting this one made. It seemed to take forever to get started although the editing side of it went smoothly. It’s hard to pin down exactly what the problem was but I definitely wasn’t firing on all cylinders. I think you can see this in the end result.

Just one extra thing to mention - if anyone has bought one of the new metal mugs from the merch store, they tell me that just to be on the safe side rather than using a dishwasher, you’re probably better off hand washing them.

So that’s it, a bit of a shambles this time but I’ll start over again fresh with a new slate on Monday.  Take care and have a great week.

UPDATE: A couple of tiny edits. Video has been re-uploaded.

Patreon Update AUDIO Odd-cast April 2023

Here's the audio version of the April 2023 update - not much to see here, but plenty to listen to.

The video version is available under a different post.

Patreon Update VIDEO Odd-cast April 2023

Hello there - it's time for another Patreon exclusive video.
A bit more extra stuff in here than usual, so I hope you enjoy it.
https://youtu.be/Fekw1HTQpks

There's also an audio podcast version of this available under a different post.

Oh and here's that link for the mugs if anyone is interested https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/nerdkeyz?section_id=42616296

The Sony RK-TXT1

After a couple of unfortunate false starts (old tech is getting very unreliable) I finally managed to finish a video.

While this wasn’t my first (or second) choice to showcase this week, it is something I’ve been interested in taking a quick look at for a while.

So here’s a video about a 0.5m cable that hardly anyone used or even remembers.

https://youtu.be/Wg2Si7D3JS0

I’m aiming to get straight onto the next video project on Monday - I’m also planning to have a new Patreon update video ready soon. I already have a few segments recorded for it so it might not take long.

Hope everything is good with you and yours - take care of yourself and as always, thank you for being here.

UPDATE

I’ve made a few tiny fixes. Version 2.0 is the one now embedded and linked to above.

UPDATE 2

A quick fix to remove an accidental flash frame during a transition at around the 8 min mark.

UPDATE 3

Final re-upload to remove a few seconds of apparently erroneous information about ITTS sourced from the net. Thanks to Jac for the info. 

the CityRadio - Passo falso

I made the mistake of assuming the CityRadio was one thing, but it turned out to be something less.

Here’s the video. https://youtu.be/s0y1pUtPGQk

Behind the scenes it’s been one of those weeks and as a result all I have to show you is this rather meagre offering.

All being well I should now be able to get cracking on with some more worthwhile video projects.

Hope you’re all doing fine, have a good one. Till next time.

Stereo dongles…and stuff

If you’ve ever subjected yourself to one of my Patreon update videos you’ll be aware that I can wander off on tangents (and tangents of tangents).

This can be an issue for a regular YouTube video where the majority of the audience expects a simple premise summed up by a descriptive title.

An example of a good clear title would be “I review the new iPhone 28 - is it marginally better than the almost identical iPhone 27se+2a ?”

I'd imagine that a YouTube audience would be annoyed if at some point during that video I’d moved on from reviewing a smartphone to talking about my favourite kind of instant noodles.

I only mention this because while this latest video starts off talking about a dongle, exploring that subject caused me to wander off into satisfying a tangentially related curiosity about headphone outputs.

I do feel the wander was worthwhile, the only issue now is that the video can’t be summed up neatly in a snappy YouTube title or thumbnail. So I haven't attempted it.

With all that said - here’s my latest video about some loosely associated things.

https://youtu.be/KDY7HVqM6ew

Oh and thanks again to Duncan for the inspiration.

Have a good remainder-of-the-weekend and if you’re somewhere where you get Monday off - enjoy the mini break.

UPDATE: The usual re-edit to tidy up and correct a few things. The updated version is the one now embedded and linked to above. I’ve deleted the old one.