MattSaysSo

Converting Outdoor Lights to Low Voltage LED

Matt Matty — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:47:15 +0000

Sandra asks…

How do I convert 110 out door path light fixture to low voltage or LED?

I have about a dozen 110 “mushroom” fixturesin my garage (one of those projects that never got done) and two spot lights. I’d like to convert them to LED or low voltage. Does anyone know of any adaptors that will do the job simply without tearing out the wiring, like maybe a screw in base? I’m not very familiar w/electrical fixtures bit since I have invested over $400 in these things, and they are just taking up space in my garage, does anyone have a suggestion? Manufacturer, where to buy etc.
Thanks in advance for your help.

Matt Matty answers:

12 V automotive and RV bulbs are available that had a medium (standard) base. I’ve attached a link to a site which has bulbs ranging from 15 watts up to 100 watts.

My recommendation though is to install these things as originally intended. Properly installed, you will probably have less issues with line voltage lighting than with low voltage lighting, where you will have to deal with greater voltage drop and are limited by the capacity of a transformer.

Since you are not familiar with electrical wiring, I suggest you pick up a book like “Wiring Simplified” and consult the manufacturer’s instructions in order to properly install the fixtures.

LED Lighting Source

Info About Small Benchtop Table Saw

Matt Matty — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 16:10:44 +0000

Michael asks…

Buying a table saw on a budget?

Dear fellow woodworking enthusiasts, I am using an old shopsmith for a table saw right now, but it’s starting to fall apart, and it’s end is near. I am looking to buy a new table saw, but I am on a budget and could probably only afford something in the $400-$500 range. I’ll be using it for building small to medium sized projects, using mostly hardwoods. I would like to buy a cabinet saw but they seem way too expensive. Are there benchtop or contractor saws that will work well for cutting hardwoods? Also, the idea of buying a used cabinet saw has passed my mind. I’m just afraid I don’t know what to check for when looking at a used saw, and I could be getting one thats no good. I’m not looking for the worlds best saw, just one that will work well enough to get the job done right.
Thanks for all your advice
-Brian

Matt Matty answers:

Harbor freight tools have quality tools cheap. For $1200 I could buy every tool I need there, if only i have the space for them. (bandsaw, table saw, drill press, 20 ton press, paint gun, welder, lathe, angle grinder, belt sander/bench grinder combo – 10 tools for $1200. I’d like to see any other store beat that). I also found another site that is completely all about saws. Every saw you could think of is listed here with specs and recommendations as well. You can find it all by visiting The Saw Guy. (I’m just saying)

Help With Converter Box For Old Tvs

Matt Matty — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:12:05 +0000

Helen asks…

How to connect an old tv to a converter box, and dvd player, when the back of the tv, only has for the cable?

This may sound stupid, and I don’t know how to connect older tvs, but please help me with this I have a Daewoo DTV-2023FC, its an older tv, made during august of 1994, I bought a all in one converter box, to connect it to the dvd player Magnavox MDV2100/F7 DVD Player, the back of the tv, only has for the cable, and i am not sure, how to connect the tv, converter and the dvd so it may all work together

Matt Matty answers:

First, get some type of modulator for the DVD player. You can use an old VCR that has an A-V input (yellow-red-white). Connect the A-V output of the DVD player to the A-V input of the VCR. If you don’t have a VCR, you’ll need to buy an RF modulator (example in the first link below).

Then, get an A-B switch (second link below). Connect the output of your converter to the “A” port on the switch. Connect the output of your modulator or VCR to the “B” port. The common port goes to the antenna jack on your TV.

You’ll see the output of either the converter or the modulator on channel 3 or 4. Find more answers on TV-Converter-Boxes.com

Help With Hd Converter And Antenna

Matt Matty — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:32:34 +0000

John asks…

Do I need a HD antenna or HD converter to watch TV?

I live in NYC and I don’t have cable, I only get the local channels ABC, CBS, FOX etc. when I connect the cable to my TV; my TV is HD but I’m not sure If I’ll need a HD antenna or a converter? Would I be able to keep watching the local channels… or what? I’m confused.

Matt Matty answers:

Being in NY city your tv signal should be more then strong enough.

Sounds like you already have a digital tv so all you really need is a set of rabbit ears or a digital antenna.

You can find a nice selection here: http://www.tv-converter-boxes.com/dtv-antenna/comparisons-review.html

What Is A Smart Antenna

Matt Matty — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 17:40:23 +0000

David asks…

What is the difference between a smart antenna and a regular one?

Matt Matty answers:

A regular antenna is usually omnidirectional. That is, it picks up signals equally in strength from all directions simultaneously. Some regular antennas (like aerial TV antennas on top of your house) are somewhat directional, which means they pick up signals better if they’re pointed in a certain way at the broadcast source. But, they are installed facing in the direction where they pick up the best TV signals and then they’re fixed in place.

A smart antenna is a directional antenna that has a servo motor in it. This antenna sweeps around and stops when it’s pointed in the direction where the signal it’s picking up is the strongest.

If you’re going to be watching a lot of over-the-air programming and you have the TV signals coming from different directions, a smart antenna might be worth the purchase. But, if you get good reception with a fixed antenna, don’t bother with the extra expense.

Help With Hd Digital Converter Box Hdtv

Matt Matty — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 17:22:30 +0000

Michael asks…

Will a 40-46″ hdtv look ok connected to a digital converter box?

I plan on getting my first hdtv soon. I am thinking of getting a 40-46″ and leaning towards a 46″ if I see a good deal. The thing is, I do not have any way to connect it for tv programs except via a digital converter box. I do plan on hooking it up to my pc to play my hd movies. My question is though, will it be unbearable to watch regular tv on an hdtv via a digital converter box, and would a larger size hdtv make the experience worse? I know it will not be in hd, but i just hope it can be as good as the old crt it will be replacing. Thanks!

Matt Matty answers:

You don’t use converter boxes with HD tvs. They are already digital and the box is to convert digital to analog for older tvs. So it’s worthless for your new tv. You can try an antenna for tv reception and you may be able to pick up local stations that way, any in HD will show in HD. The larger the tv, the worse it will look with SD shows, but if you can pick up HD it will look good.

You can find a good selection of digital and smart antennas here: http://www.tv-converter-boxes.com/dtv-antenna/comparisons-review.html

Help With Converter Boxes That Work

Matt Matty — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:41:58 +0000

Lizzie asks…

What DTV converter boxes work with a 16:9 wide-screen TV?

I have a 16:9 HD TV without a digital tuner. I purchased a converter box, but the wide-screen setting does not have the proper aspect for my TV (The image is squished a little), so I have to set my TV to a “zoomed” view to have a decent picture.

Is there any converter box that works with a 16:9 TV in the native 16:9 format?

Matt Matty answers:

If you have hd tv, don’t use a converter box. Converter boxes CONVERT hd channels back to sd analog signals.

What you need is a external digital tuner like this one: Digital-Atsc-Box-Tuner-HDtv

Instead of converting the picture, this will display the digital signal the way it was intended to be seen on your hd tv.

Hope this helps.

Help With Hd Converter Box

Matt Matty — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:53:14 +0000

Charles asks…

How much extra does it cost to upgrade to a HD converter box with Comcast?

If you already have a digital level of service and a standard (non-HD) box, how much extra does it cost to upgrade and get a HD box? What about if you want to get a HD-DVR box?

Do the Comcast HD boxes support HDMI output, or is it just Component video output?

Matt Matty answers:

$10 extra in my area, but you get the DVR too, and yes it does support HDMI

Best Mac Compatible Printers

Matt Matty — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:29:58 +0000

Joseph asks…

What is the best printer for printing high quality images?

That also uses relatively cheap ink, Mac compatible?

Matt Matty answers:

Have a great site for you to visit that answers your questions and more. Find reviews and recommendations too.

Best Printers for Macs and iPads

Starter Metal Detector

Matt Matty — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:24:46 +0000

Michael asks…

I live on the beach and i am looking for a good starter metal detector for treasure hunting in the sands?

I just want to look for coins and ect. on the beach in white sugar sand, but i dont want to get ripped off or some kind of detector that is way out of my price range .

Matt Matty answers:

Garrett ACE 250 works great for me, is very user friendly and the price is very reasonable. I just bought one and really enjoy it.