4K Pro Box ( Video capture for computer)

 This 4K Pro Box Video capture systems came also from AliExpress. To my surprise a nice set of cables is included. (See photo). It needs to be connected to a computer using USB to digitize/capture/show video input from different formats ( HDMI and DVI-D). Software is not included, however it should work with some standard software.

For details see the photo from the short manual. (One side EN the other side in Chinese)

I selected this device as it, besides HDMI also can handle DVI-D (the video output format of my Yaesu FT710).   I did not yet test it with the Yaesu FT710 !

DVI splitter

 On AliExpress i found this cheap 2 port DVI splitter. It can send a DVI signal to two output ports.

I looked interesting, i did not test it yet and don't know if i will work for DVI-D signals. A power supply is included. See below for some more photos.

According to the manual the button is for EDID mode. I don't know how it should work. Here is a link to more info for EDID https://www.extron.com/article/uedid

Streamdeck

One of the items that i did buy end 2024 on AliExpress is a cheap StreamDeck. Below some photos of this item. And i also did buy a second one to give it as a present. What is a StreamDeck? I expect it is possible to fill multiple blog post about a StreamDeck and why you should want one. In short it is an USB hardware device with a display and buttons and some software. Using the software you can assign pictures and functions to the buttons. It is also possible to create a menu like structure to make different pages on the StreamDeck with other functions and pictures on the StreamDeck. 

There are functions for the menu structure, opening and closing programs emulating keystrokes and you can even assign multiple items to one key and add delays between starting these items. The program gices access to a 'playstore' where you can find multiple free functions for several programs. There are also functions for home automation, changing your hue lights and sending MQTT messages.

On youtube you can find several good videos about streamdecks (there are several form factors even with turning wheels) that explain it much better than i can do here in this blogpost.

Mini Compound Bench

 I did get this 'mini compound bench' from AliExpress in a cardboard box. It is to fixate items and accurate move them e.g. for drilling. The bench came relative fast, i expect as it was already in a warehouse in France.

It included is some hardware to fixate your object on the bench. Also two handles for the turning/adjusting wheels are included. 

Also a small instruction manual is included in the box

Unfortunately the picture how to disassemble (and reassemble) the compound bench is not in this manual and only on one side of the box

The two wheels for adjusting the X and Y position have a scale. It is unknown how accurate this scale is. Also one side of the bench itself (the long side) has a scale. According to the manual the units are metric in mm  (or cm). 

Unfortunately this is only on one axis of the bench. Both the adjusting wheels have a scale. However the accuracy of this scale is unknown and should be tested before use. I could not find a marker reference points to read the scale so i want to add them. So some small improvements and testing needs to be done. However for the price ( around 27 Euros) it is a nice tool to have.

Handle for my "outdoor radio table"

 Some time ago i did buy at the local Aldi a nice portable (camping) table to use outdoors with my radio. I used it some time and am very happy with this table. However i found one issue that i wanted to improve : The table only has one handle to carry it on the long side. When storing the table a handle on the short side would be better.

Therefore i did buy this handle on AliExpress and mounted it to the table. 
Now the table is much more easy to store and easy carry it when i want to use it. As it is currently to cold outside i did not yet use it outdoors. Perhaps in a few months i will post a picture of this table in use.

( I am already thinking about some other modifications: a better guide for cables and a [small] antenna mount. ) 

PD1LAB on QRZ (with Logbook)

FYI:  PD1LAB has also a QRZ page : https://www.qrz.com/db/PD1LAB

with logbook:

Mailbag 2024 backlog

 As i was playing with my Yaesu FT710 and some other items i received, and also was busy with some other things i did not give much attention to my blog. So a backlog of items for my mailbag blog grew rapidly. Yes i still did get some items on AliExpress (and also at some other stores). For some items i wanted to create a special blogpost, however here are already some photos of some AliExpress items from end 2024 / begin 2025.

	Probes
	Some flatcable
	Another DVI-D cable
	USB and 12V plug
	I used them on cables from and to my FT710 radio. I already ordered and received another set so i now have some spare.
	Switch with protection cap
	To create another hotspot using a Raspberry Pi. I did not yet use it
	Coax
	Protectors for PL259 coax connectors
	Small car antenna for the 2 meter and 70 cm ham radio band.
	PL259 coax connector
	Adapter to use bits in my drill
	Cheap bag for a porto
	Kenwood type plug.
	Some plastic rings
	Special cable ties. I found these special tie wraps that can be easy opened and reused again.
	Special cable ties. These tie wraps can be screwed on something.

Mailbag October 2024 special mailbag item

Today a special mailbag post about a product that i received today (oct2024) :

It was delivered by a company i heard of just a few days ago when i received an email containing
"We are glad to inform you that VANGUARD LOGISTICA has entrusted us, Nacex Internacional, with the delivery of your parcel."

The package was send as a gift yo me from Spain. For some year i am a happy customer of  "Openbank" a bank based in Spain where you can a have bank account that not only gives an interesting savings account interest rate, you also don't need to pay a monthly fee for your account.

With the debit card you can pay in most countries worldwide or withdraw cash from an ATM (on the internet you can indicate in what counties the card will work). And sometimes you can also win prizes (e.g. by using your bank card [ https://www.openbank.nl/acties ] ). A disadvantage of this bank account is that using iDeal is not (yet) possible and money transfer with a dutch bank normally takes around a half (work) day.

Several days ago i was contacted by the Openbank that i had won a free Sony WH-1000XM5 headset .

At first i did not believe that hat bank had contacted me  so i contacted them using the contact information i had from the bank to verify the message. And yes it was true, i was one of the (if i remember well 27) winners that had won this expensive headset.

And today i received my  WH-1000XM5  ( For more info about this headset see e.g. https://tweakers.net/pricewatch/1815448/sony-wh-1000xm5-zwart.html )

Here some more photos: