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. )