Welcome to Halfmoon TechLabs!
Here we like to experiment with electronic gadgets, brew beer, and play a little ham radio.
You can look forward to a collection of explainer videos, misc repairs, teardowns and modifications, and hopefully some useful tips in these subject areas, as well as anything else of general interest. I'm doing this for fun, but your likes and subscriptions are appreciated, as it will help raise channel visibility to help or entertain others as well. Thanks for coming by!
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Great video. I have an LA145 and it eats those idlers for lunch. I only have 50 hours on the machine and I'm on my third set of idlers. The idlers are spot welded together, but I'm going to try to drill them out. Wish me luck.❤
Be safe, wear PPE, and secure to something before you drill if at all possible. Thanks for watching!
I have 2 capacitors [a 2 wire and a 3 wire], I can't find replacements on line, the mfgr isn't able to help, the mfgr sent me to sources that want $25 each plus $10 shipping. Whaht do suggest ? I can send picture of the 2 capacitors so you can see their uF values.
I found mine at Amazon, under a vendor called HQRP. Just look for "ceiling fan capacitor" under this vendor or just a general Amazon search, and you'll find a ton of choices. Good luck and thanks for watching!
@@halfmoontechlabs Thank you for this information, I also have looked on Amazon. The HQRP supplier is a good source. However, I have 2 separate capacitors with different uF ratings. One cap is prob START the other is RUN. I have not been able to find a 2 wire [red wire and white wire] rated at 4uF with or a 3 wire [brown, purple gray wires] with 6uF ratings. I see a lot of capacitors with 5 wires but don't think i should try to use on of them. So basically I am at a loss.
@@roydunham3384 Sometimes if the there are say, 2 black wires, they can be in fact the same common wire, just internally connected to allow for ease of installation. I can't directly exchange advice or emails with viewers on electrical questions, so I recommend taking the fan or it's capacitors to a local hardware store (a real hardware store) and ask them in person, as they should have someone knowledgeable with electrical on staff. Or, pay the vendor you contacted the $25 plus shipping if you get stuck. Good luck, and thanks for watching.
great
Thanks for watching!
Great video! Thank you for this. You mentioned a way to get just the top piece, but that was not in this video. How can I get just the top portion? Thank you! Susan
Watch my very next video, where I cover this exact topic. Thanks for watching!
@@halfmoontechlabs Thank you so much! :)
Great video!
Thanks for watching!
I'd say that CRC owes you a new can of brake cleaner, since most of what you used, leaked past the spray valve and ran down the side of the can........
Lol, you saw that, huh? Yeah, but got it done nonetheless... Thanks for the laugh, and for watching!
i'm currently nursing a busted nail and cut , or maybe busted fingertip . the bit grabbed , the pulley slipped on drill press table , and i did a quick and expletive enhanced dance around the shop . i now advise clamping the pulley to the table .
Eeek!, Yeah, careful there, and thanks for watching!
Overkill. I've never had a wire antenna yet that I couldn't deploy with my wrist rocket.
Good for you! lol. Overkill is what I do ;)
A very good informative, interesting video I've done many of those. I have been asked if it really worth the time just to change the bearing. Like you said, it makes changing the next bearings much easier and definitely much cheaper. The only time I couldn't do that was one side of the pulley was cracked where the bearing goes. However I did separate and saved the good half just in case I need it. I buy the 10 pack bearings as well
It really is easy if you're even moderately handy with tools, and well worth the effort to save future expense IMO. Thanks for the comment, and the support!
I can't thank you enough . I felt so defeated attempting to follow the EGO instructions that came with replacement head. At a loss of what to do - and there's your video! Excellent instructions and camera angles. Thank you for taking the time to make this for us.
It drove me nuts too, and figured I'd share my results. Thanks for watching!
Great video, thanks. Luckily, I was able to repair my perforated trimmer head with "shoe goo". After very little use, my trimmer head perforated similar to yours, but luckily all the support columns were still in tact. The patio really grinds that thin plastic head down in no time. Anyway, I think the shoe goo is actually an upgrade to a new head, and can be re-applied as it wears. I'll be more careful around the patio in the future too.
It really is thin on that part of the head, where it takes the hardest damage. Thanks for the watching, and the additional info on your solution!
Excellent DIY video !
I appreciate it, and thanks for watching!
Heated grease poured over bearings occasionally... Awesome video..
That's one way to get it in there quick. Thanks for watching!
Thanks so much for all your detailed information!
You are quite welcome, and thanks for watching!
John Deere is pioneering the art of making their equipment difficult to service. (Along with HP, Apple, and many other companies who put their customers last.) I would add that 100 or so hours is terrible service life for a bearing in this kind of service. JD must be using cheaper bearings than the bulk pack you bought. So happy to see this hack.
I couldn't agree more... Thanks for your comment, and for watching!
Sweet, thanks
You're welcome, and thanks for watching!
Great video, thank you! Explained a lot about buying the correct capacitor. Beautiful fan, by the way!
I'm glad it was helpful, and thanks for watching!
Great info on the bearings, Have you ever replaced the bearings on the spindles on your 54" deck ?
Thanks! No, not yet, but when and if I do, I'll make a vid of that process as well. Thanks for watching!
The lightning zap would have created a temporary over voltage situation causing the cap to short internally therefore causing it to overheat and blister, under voltage would not have done this.
Though I agree that high voltage spikes are more commonly the cause (via perforation of dielectric, leading to internal short), another common cause is excessive heat, especially as caps age and the ESR starts to rise. LOW voltage for excessive periods (especially on highly inductive loads, like a motor) can cause heating (remember power is I²R), because the current spikes abnormally high from continually trying to turn a reluctant motor... power rises, and then the heat, and again, poof goes the cap. Many ways to cook a capacitor, but your point is taken ;) Thanks for watching, and for the comment!
@@halfmoontechlabs certainly, I replaced a cap on a ceiling fan that was beginning to slow down, only had medium-medium-low and was quite noisy too.
Great video, thank you
Glad you liked it, and thanks for watching!
Just finished doing all bearings on John Deere x300R ,lots of ideler's, save heap's with this method.some are spot welded as well must drill them as well.Managed to get 630 hours out of original bearings !!!! Thank You.
Glad it helped, thanks for watching!
Just ordered this same setup from ETRATY for $96 - crossing my fingers I don't get screwed. I'll update anyone interested.
Still loving mine, good luck, and thanks for watching!
Great.... Any suggestions on approaching neighbors for permission to use one of their trees? I have a similar situation. Unfortunately no sizable trees in my backyard but the neighbors behind me beautiful tall firs and birch trees. Would like to set up an end fed Zepp. 73
I did approach one neighbor a while back (who has a couple of great trees, including one that would allow me to upgrade to a 160-OCF, which I REALLY wanted to put up, but he was obviously not in favor even though it's on the back of his property, and out of view... but it's his yard, and so I respect the decision. So an 80-OCF dipole it is. I lucked out, as the former neighbor behind me years ago saw me struggling in the back yard trying to find a fit, and out of curiosity, she asked what all that "stuff" is for. So I went into ham radio ambassador mode, explained the hobby, the public service angle, and that as an FCC licensed operation, it comes with rules for safety, interference, etc... She then asked me "would it help if you could tie off one end to my tree in back that faces your property?" I said yes it would, but I was hesitant to ask, as people are usually either suspicious about the safety aspect, or just don't understand the hobby at all, and defer to "No" out of an abundance of caution. So up it went! Then they moved, and I decided to be proactive and reach out to the new owners "Welcome to the neighborhood, and oh... let me explain that wire in the tree way in the back". They were super cool, and said no problem, steady as she goes... SO if there is a moral to the story, I guess there is no shame in asking, but be prepared for a no, and keep a smile on... because sometimes people will pleasantly surprise you. And you can always go vertical... ugh. Thanks for watching, and for the question!
@@halfmoontechlabs Thanks....! Yeah, I just moved into a new place...fairly decent backyard but no trees high enough to do anything with, There are two neighbors behind me with the tress I want! Trying to build up the courage to just go over and ask. The most they can say is no....I get that! Hoping to the contrary! Plans already in the works for a GAP vertical soon and later to put up my 50' Universal with a 3 element beam. I thought at least if I could get a wire antenna up, that would get me on the air. BTW, if you don't mind, where did you get the canon? 73, K9ALT
@@cannong1728 Check out my other vids, one shows exactly how I built my air cannon! On the neighbor talk thing, another approach is to talk up how the wire is barely visible to invisible depending on situation, and that if you can't find a workable solution, then "I guess I'll have no choice but to put up a tower... I'd rather not, but I'm running out of options", lol. Let them do the math on which they would rather look at ;) Good luck!
Can you add PTFE or Graphite powder to bearing grease?
To be honest, I've heard of it, but have no data at my fingertips on what works, doesn't work, or recommended combinations that are proven winners. Like most lubrication scenarios, it will be application-specific as to what combinations are most effective. Google will have to be your friend on this one ;) Thanks for watching!
@@halfmoontechlabs You're welcome. I'm thinking primarily of loose cup and cone bicycle bearings.
Is it brushless?
Yes it is, and thanks for watching!
Thanks super useful.
Thanks for comment, and for watching!
Never ever pry off the seal from the inner race. Use the pick adjacent to the outer race. The nitrile or neoprene seal will be in contact with the rotating inner race and sealing it. Any imperfection in the seal will destroy the bearing. The outer race is stationary relative to the nitrile or neoprene seal, and hence pry off from the outer edge adjacent to the outer race of the bearing. This advice is for those seals which are in contact with the rotating inner race of the bearing.
Good to know, and thanks for watching and commenting!
I got same irrigation valve and it says on mine valve input voltage : 24VAC , is your DC?
Most are 24vac, but the coil can be fired momentarily with DC as well, it just requires a lower voltage... hence the 9 to 18 vdc requirement when using an ac valve. Thanks for watching!
Do you have a wiring diagram for the switches for the valve? And what are ypur lengths of pipe? thanks
The lengths are customizable for your purpose, but as mentioned in "Bill of Materials" section of video (chapters are marked) for my build, approx 5 feet of 2" PVC for "tank" which is on bottom, and approx 5 feet of 1-1/4" PVC for actual barrel as well. Firing circuit is a simple series circuit, in other words the circuit that I built goes from 9v battery through 2 switches in parallel (one a toggle, one a momentary pushbutton) to one valve wire. Last, the second valve wire goes back to second terminal of 9v battery, completing the series circuit loop. Some valves are finicky and want slightly more than 9v. If that's the case, then use two 9v in series. Note that this smaller 9 or 18 volts DC pulse is all you will need to fire a 24v sprinkler valve coil normally intended for AC use. Thanks for watching!
Is wheel bearing grease a good option for regreasing these?
The nice thing about greasing your own bearings is that you can decide what grease to put in based on the service requirements. Wheel bearing grease would be fine for some types of service (such as wheels, lol), but you can pick the bearing grease based on the type of perils that your device may be subjected to. Need more heat resistance? Need something that can operate submerged? High RPM? Extremely cold duty? Pick the type that is optimal for your type of use. Good luck, and thanks for watching!
Outstanding brewery and professional DIY jobs! Would love to know what you did inside the Inkbird to make it 240V-capable.
I should probably do a video on that. I did publish details a couple of years ago on the "Fermenters and Distillers" page (detailed pix and writeup). Search for "Thunderbird" mod to Inkbird, it's still there. Inkbird actually liked my post, then basically copied the design a short while later. It's now commercially available as the model "IPB-26". Thanks for watching!
Great video. I replaced the capacitor on my Hampton Bay today after I watched the video. All went as described. Toughest part of the job was packing everything back in to get the cap back on.
Nice work, thanks for watching!
I did NOT get such luck using a hair dryer to remove my buddy and had to get 91% isopropyl alcohol to hopefully remove it. It as the stock samsung battery. Thankfully my phone still powers on and works fine, but need to continue repairs in the morning. UPDATE: Got my 90% isopropyl alcohol and finished my repair, your video was VERY helpful towards the end of the repair! Thank you! Will use again in future if I need to do this again which I hope I don't!
I'm glad it was useful for your repair! Thanks for watching.
@@halfmoontechlabs You're welcome! The part that confused me, though using some mental logic I figured it out, was where and how to apply the adhesive, but I looked at the markings from the adhesive I had removed the day before and figured out which side to apply it too. Otherwise, very solid repair guide video. I wish iFixIt had done a video like this instead of leaving one confused from pictures and not explaining how to put everything back into place.
@@Grid21 Hard to cover all possibilities in one video, but I try to cover what I know, or have learned as I go through a repair myself, and then try to pass it on to help others in the same predicament. Again, glad it was useful, and thanks for watching!
@@halfmoontechlabs Totally understand and I'm glad I figured it out myself too! Thanks man and keep up the great work of Right To Repair!!
Hi! Can I get a link to the replacement battery you bought? Thanks
Great idea, but wish you provided links to your components. Can’t locate anything resembling the 3/4” bushing used with a nipple for the pressure gauge.
All pvc and related plumbing components were Lowes and Home Depot purchases. Just make sure you adhere to pressure ratings needed for your intended use, with an adequate safety margin. Thanks for watching!
My design I tried to make the trigger a little safer; I used 3 pushbuttons, two on one side and one on a end. You have to press all 3 simultaneously for it to fire.
Okay, after thought, not simultaneously but all 3 have to be depressed for it to fire.
That works. I have some small key switches too... might make for an alternate arming switch, though something else to lose, lol ! Thanks for watching.
Cheers to home brewed beer we just subscribed after your video found us. We love to brew beer grow some hops make wine and different meads and others on our channel . Stay thirsty friend and make,drink, can good beer.
Thanks @StoneyardVineyards , sub'd back'atcha! Brewing again here on Sunday (colab with friend) , Vienna Lager this time, split 17 gallon batch with traditional lager yeast and temps at friends house, and other half will be Pseudo-lager using Kviek at my location (Voss-Loki). Should be a cool side by side. Thanks for sub and for watching!
All it “Squid Stout”
I still like "Halfmoon Heavy", but thanks for the suggestion :) Thanks for watching!
Fantastic stout!
Thank you! Cheers!
Sorry, I forgot to ask you this question when I first watched your informative video. My question is about the pulleys that you were using to hoist the antenna into the trees. What type of pulley are using for this project stainless steel or zinc type. The other question is did you get from a brick and mortar store or Amazon purchase? Thanks for your reply.
I usually use medium sized zinc, but preferably chrome plated brass. Usually just a Lowes or Home Depot type with a riveted axle will do. I let down and inspect usually in spring and fall, with no problems after using these for years. Good question, and thanks for watching!
Ok, thank you. I used my version of an air cannon to get my ropes into some pine and hardwood trees in the backyard. All I can tell you is I didn't use alot of PSI pumped into the air tank of the cannon to put a projectile into any tree. 10 PSI was the least that I used this time.
@@kd4baoc612 It really takes very little pressure if you have a decent fit with projectile & barrel. I find 50 PSI will burn through a good canopy and small branches, no problem :) Thanks again for watching!
Cant wait to taste!
Just tried it last night... it really came out nice! If you are at next meeting, you can try it too!
The "Firing system " I have used has been a PVC ball valve. My son has a solenoid in the shop out backthat he isn't using SO, I just may appropriate it for my next "LAUNCHER project. I'm also a Ham and shot a PVC projectile well over a 100 foot pine tree on Winter Field Day. Wow have had the gang accuse me of 1. Shooting the satellite down😂😂 2. Putting a hole in the GOUCERY store 2 miles away. 😅 3. Mak I ng the most perfect shot over a tree for our 80 meter EFHW antenna. 😊 Had fun what can I say.
They are more powerful than folks realize. I saw another ham accidentally fire one into the side of a pickup truck, left a serious dent for sure. They are fun though, you just have to treat them with the same respect as you would a firearm, careful around people, pets, property, etc. Thanks for stopping by!
How do you add finnings with out adding oxygen ?
I use a couple of ways...one way is to prepare your fining solution and inject it into the corny by co2 pressure. Another is to simply pop the corny top and quickly dump it in and re-close. I know what you're thinking... after going to all that trouble to keep air out? Remember that the corny is now filled nearly to the brim with beer and CO2, so the remaining headspace volume is VERY small. However, after re-sealing keg (and BEFORE agitating), I simply plug the CO2 back into the gas post, and "burp" the check valve several times to flush out any air that snuck in for that few seconds it was open. It works great, and the contact time and volume extremely (and CO2 is heavier than air), so a quick "peek" inside as long as you quickly seal and flush out with CO2 has always worked great for my cornies! Great question, and thanks for watching!
Can you please tell me how the projectiles are made?
For this build, I made a handful of projectiles by using 3/4" PVC pipe sections (3 to 4" long each), with the appropriate end-caps glued onto each end, but you may have to experiment depending on your barrel choice. I use pennies as the weights, and find 150g of total weight worked well for my use. I used a sander to gently remove the "nubs" on the outside edge of the PVC end-caps to ensure a proper fit. The finished projectile should easily slide down bore, not snug, but not loose either. Hope this helps, and thanks for watching!
Great video Mr.Techmoonlabs! Excited to see what you post next 👍
Thanks for watching! "Mr.Techmoonlabs"... I like it!
Nice brewery. From .50
Hey .50! Thank you :)
Nice setup, been getting into porter ale lately. need follow up taste test!
Hey Syle, I will keg and/or can in about a month... I'll let you know ;) Thanks for watching!
Excellent information and video, it will definitely save me some money. Thank You...
I hope it helps! Thanks for watching.
Excellent idea/job, i salute your choice of the black oxide hardware, not only is it totally functional, but also presents an aesthetically pleasing appearance against the gold surface of the pulley. It is truly a work of art that works. Thank You...
It did come out nice. Thanks for watching!
I've construsted several air cannons using the sprinkler valve solenoid electrical triggering method, pneumatic keying method with sprinkler valves, and PVC ball valve method. But I haven't ever constructed one with a barrel that long.
As have I... And I find that the electronically controlled valve offers greater control and repeatability vs. the manually operated ball valve method, where there are far more opportunities for variability due to the tendency to twist or move the whole unit off axis during the shot. The speed at which you manually open a ball valve also drives how fast the air is released, which has a HUGE effect on the power delivered during each shot. Thanks for the comments, and for watching!
If I don’t have a drill press could I use my wife’s mixmaster?
I think that odds are better that a drill press could double as a Mixmaster more easily than visa versa, lol. Thanks for watching ;)