MadWash

Lifestyle blog for the curious

Fix it

How to solve Alfa AWUS036H Turns On & Off Fix

by

If you cannot make Alfa AWUS036H Realtek 8187L Wifi Adapter work, it can be extremely frustrating. If you’re like me, and trying to install it on Windows 10 then the software provided will not install properly in spite of many attempts. I have even installed it according to the instructions. Nope, no luck!

Reboot, disable and uninstall…what the heck?

I have rebooted, disabled and uninstalled before restarting and reinstalling. Understandably operating systems such as Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 are not compatible for this unit. Though I have a Windows 7 laptop, it does the same thing…it cycles on and off.

I had initially wanted to use this Wifi Adapter along with a Yagi Antenna for my RV. But I quickly learned it wasn’t going to be easy to get working…nevertheless, I was determined to make it function.

As I later found out going from forums to websites and even Youtube videos, this Wifi adapter is extremely power hungry. And the USB’s on my laptops weren’t providing enough electricity to power this sucker.

So here’s how to fix the issue

So after endless failed attempts, I solved my on and off problem. What I did was purchase a USB 3.0 Hub with AC Power Adapter for less than $10 on Ebay. And you know what? It Worked! On both Windows 10 and Windows 7. Make sure however it’s for PC and Laptop use. Some hubs are just charging stations.

Fix Wifi Adapter

Things to consider before buying a USB Hub

Now before you buy a USB Hub be certain to get one that uses a 2.0 AMP AC Adapter. You may run into problems if you purchase a crappy USB hub with a 0.5 AMP adapter. Remember, this AWUS036H is pretty powerful and it needs juice to make it work as it should. Best of luck!

How to Remove Nut HydroBoost Brake Booster GM Chevy Suburban Tahoe Silverado

by

After getting a $1000.00+plus quote for replacing a leaking brake booster on my 2005 Chevrolet Suburban, I decided to tackle the job myself. I was on a mission to save my hard earned money.

For the most part, it was a straight forward job. Remove a clip, some bolts and hoses here and there.

However, I wasn’t prepared for how difficult it was to remove that damn nut behind the mounting plate that holds the hydroboost in place. It was tough!

After miserably failing with a variety of plumbing wrenches and other tools, I came close to tossing the brake booster through the windshield.

But after some brainstorming and the help of my father-in-law, we came up with two things that worked.

Method #1: Use Your Tow Hitch

We realized that the tow hitch to my Suburban was almost the same diameter as the nut. By taping a piece of angle-iron inside the hitch we were able to insert and rotate the booster. However, this is a two-person job. I held the brake booster and my father-in-law used a torque-pipe to rotate and loosen the nut.

Method #2: Build a Nut Socket

This method of course depends on whether you have access to a welding machine or know of someone who does.

Using the nut from the new brake booster, we duct-taped pieces of angle-iron tightly around the new nut. Then tack welded to hold in place and removed the nut. After the nut was removed I strengthened the angle-iron with more beads.

Note: By using angle-iron with holes, it makes it easier grip the torque tool used. In our case we used a heavy-duty screw driver to tighten down the new mounting nut in place.

How to Install4j Wizard Could Not Find Java Runtime Environment World Painter

by

If you’re having problems installing World Painter for Minecraft and getting the error message ” install4j wizard could not find java runtime environment” follow these steps:

1. Uninstall ALL versions of Java from your PC

2. Go to Java.com and manually download and save both Java 32 bit and Java 64 bit

3. First install the 32 bit Java version and reload your browser

4. Install 64 bit Java on your PC

5. Re-try installing WorldPainter

These instructions work even if you have a 64 bit operating system. Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10

How to change camera language from Chinese to English on SJ6000 Sport HD DV WiFi

by

Change Camera Language from Chinese to English SJ6000 Sport HD DV WiFi

Getting a new gadget is exciting. But it can quickly become unpleasant if you are having problems operating it.

This article focuses on the language settings for the SJ6000 WiFi Version 2″ LCD Display 170 Degree Wide Angle H.264 12.0MP 1080P HD 30M Waterproof Outdoor Helmet Sport DV Digital Video Camera. This is the fake, replica or knock-off to the SJCAM. (Note this is not the SJ4000 or GoPro model.)

This Action Cam may be sold under different brand names: Megadream, SunKni, Findway, ABLEGRID, RioRand, LELEC, Puluz and VMATE to name a few.

The WiFi Sports Cam we received was set to Chinese language and it was painfully difficult to know exactly where the language settings were. The instruction manual that came in the box was no help to us either.

Hopefully with the picture and help below, you’ll be able to change the language on the SJ6000 Sports HD DV WiFi camera from Chinese to English.

Once the camera has been turned on, press the button on the front of the camera to find the settings page. Then use the buttons on the side of the camera to move up or down. Continue this until you see the wrench symbol highlighted in yellow. Now scroll until you reach the 2/5 page. The button in the middle is your language settings page, click OK button on top of the camera. (Note the bottom button on page 2/5 may read as PAL or NTSC)

Once on the language settings page navigate to English (highlight in yellow) and PRESS the OK button on top of camera.

This should set the camera from Chinese to English.

How to fix Lenovo Ideapad U530 Broken Hinge on a budget

by

Lenovo Ideapad U530 Broken Hinge Cheap Fix

When my Lenovo U530 laptop hinge broke I was a bit baffled. I rarely move it and since it sits on my desk, I hardly ever close the lid, I just let it go into sleep mode. And of course, it breaks as soon as the warranty expires.

It usually starts with the laptop making popping or cracking noises when closing the screen-lid. In time, the bottom black cover below the screen begins to pop loose.

It’s all due to poor design and cheap (plastic) parts. I will show you and discuss what worked for me and what didn’t.

Access to the hinge is pretty easy. Using a pry tool begin by removing the bottom hinge cover from one of the corners and pull upward to loosen the snaps. For me, it was easy since it had already begun to separate from the hinge being broken.

Next, I removed the three hinge screws from both sides (6 total) and the 4 silver screws that hold the touch-screen in place.

My first step was to glue back the plastic piece that holds the hinge screws. This method has worked for some people but ONLY if the plastic is not in bad shape. I applied JB Weld Clear Epoxy using toothpicks and I let it set and cure for the recommended time. After reassembling it, the hinge popped loose again. The plastic that held the screen screws was so deteriorated and brittle that I had no choice but to do the following repair.

My solution (and that of many others) was to drill holes through the aluminium lid and attach screws and nuts. I use my laptop for work and couldn’t wait for an expensive and lengthy repair. This method was a cheap fix.

I was able to find same width screws and nuts that were the same diameter but longer at my local Ace Hardware Store; Home Depot did not carry them. Once secured I soldered the screw threads. I have worked like a champ and I’m able to completely close the lid on my Lenovo U530 laptop. My total cost was $5.78 for the screws, nuts and drill bit.

How to Remove Broken Glass from Garbage Disposal

by

It could happen to anyone at anytime. Busy washing a sink full of dishes and a small glass cup falls into the grinding chamber without you noticing. You may not see it due to the rubber splash guard or sink full of dirty water.

The water from the sink drains slowly and you turn on the disposal thinking there’s food in the grinding chamber. Before you know it you’re grinding glass or porcelain in the disposal.

Safety First – Turn OFF the garbage disposal.

1.) Make sure that the only person handling the removal of broken glass is in charge of the on/off switch.

2.) Use thick rubber or work gloves before attempting to insert your hand in the grinding chamber. Broken glass can easily cut your hands or fingers without proper protection.

Here are Tips on How to Remove the Broken Glass:

Play-Dough: You’ll need golf-ball size pieces for this method. Have several pieces readily available since you’ll be throwing away each used one. Now press on the sidewalls of the grinding chamber. Pull the play-dough out and discard. Work your way around the inside of the grinding chamber.

Continue this process until you no longer see glass on the play-dough. If you don’t have play-dough modeling clay works as well.

A Potato: Cut a potato into golf-ball size pieces. Just like the play-dough process above, work your way around the inside walls of the garbage disposal with the potato pieces until you don’t see any glass on the spud. Make sure to discard properly to avoid any injury.

Wet/Dry Shop Vac: If you have a wet-dry shop vacuum you can use it suction out the broken glass from the garbage disposal. It is recommended to still use proper safety gear when performing this task.

Tiny pieces glass should wash away next time you use your disposal. If a large piece of broken glass becomes lodged on the blades, you can try using needle-nose pliers and a flash-light.

Never hesitate to call a professional plumber if you feel uncomfortable performing any of these tips or have the slightest doubt about your safety.

The article here is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee a complete fix.