I tried finding Hidden Gems on AliExpress AGAIN! (Part 17)
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Date: 2025-12-23
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Comments and reviews: 20
heris30
Last power bank i am using now ower 20years. And only got once melted that bus thats connects bateries to mainboard. But i am heavy user. It works best for my needs. Now they comes with 2. 1 version chip that is better and without a glich but sadly without manual enabling funktion. Old versions had that three push button it enables manual on three pusshes that button it goes off. But never insert battery without a sleeve. Because these batteries from laptops on positive end have shorter contact and without a sleve they easily shorts all pover bank. It is than dangerous. But if you inserting good batteries with their colorfull sleve it is perfect one. Over 20 years i had them 4. But one of them still works around 15years. Sadly with this device there is no way to enter to travel with airplane.
And about these walkie talkies it is bulshit device because it usses only zello and this software cant work without data connection and if you got blackout with celular comunications device will be usseles or only for set of fireplace with battery. And zello soft you can download for a smart phone to. And i am using for a competitions. So in mountain or forest these walkie talkies it is useles because in there is no cellular reception. Othervise that Baofeng with Nagoya antenas works in mountains araund 18km in forests i getting reception around 5km and for me it is perfect. But if i get connection over reapyters i talked with it over 75cm band and it was over 4000km. Of course if you download zello and there is no comunications blackout in your country than you can talk with all around a globe. :) Nice video but this one is strange one. So from this video i only will buy that poer bank. :)
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Last power bank i am using now ower 20years. And only got once melted that bus thats connects bateries to mainboard. But i am heavy user. It works best for my needs. Now they comes with 2. 1 version chip that is better and without a glich but sadly without manual enabling funktion. Old versions had that three push button it enables manual on three pusshes that button it goes off. But never insert battery without a sleeve. Because these batteries from laptops on positive end have shorter contact and without a sleve they easily shorts all pover bank. It is than dangerous. But if you inserting good batteries with their colorfull sleve it is perfect one. Over 20 years i had them 4. But one of them still works around 15years. Sadly with this device there is no way to enter to travel with airplane.
And about these walkie talkies it is bulshit device because it usses only zello and this software cant work without data connection and if you got blackout with celular comunications device will be usseles or only for set of fireplace with battery. And zello soft you can download for a smart phone to. And i am using for a competitions. So in mountain or forest these walkie talkies it is useles because in there is no cellular reception. Othervise that Baofeng with Nagoya antenas works in mountains araund 18km in forests i getting reception around 5km and for me it is perfect. But if i get connection over reapyters i talked with it over 75cm band and it was over 4000km. Of course if you download zello and there is no comunications blackout in your country than you can talk with all around a globe. :) Nice video but this one is strange one. So from this video i only will buy that poer bank. :)
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Slazlo-Brovnik
Hm. I actually have similar powerbank shells - for up to 10 18650 cells. Of course you need to be careful. What I do is I charge all cells to 100% SoC with an external charger (for Li-Io of course) fist and check that they have the same voltage (within 0, 1 volt difference. Then I put them in there one by one. Also I do not use any metal tools to open the shell. For me they work quite well and give all the cells I harvest from broken power tool batteries or broken devices a second live. It'S also best if the cells are about the same age and wear.
So I'd say: If you know what you do they work. And if the 18650 cells are in there all is good, since they are all in parallel they balance themselfs. But yes: Do NEVER put cells with unclear or different SoC in there! And MAKE 100% SURE that the are put in in the right direction! One cell put in in reverse will make you a nice campfire or better.
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Hm. I actually have similar powerbank shells - for up to 10 18650 cells. Of course you need to be careful. What I do is I charge all cells to 100% SoC with an external charger (for Li-Io of course) fist and check that they have the same voltage (within 0, 1 volt difference. Then I put them in there one by one. Also I do not use any metal tools to open the shell. For me they work quite well and give all the cells I harvest from broken power tool batteries or broken devices a second live. It'S also best if the cells are about the same age and wear.
So I'd say: If you know what you do they work. And if the 18650 cells are in there all is good, since they are all in parallel they balance themselfs. But yes: Do NEVER put cells with unclear or different SoC in there! And MAKE 100% SURE that the are put in in the right direction! One cell put in in reverse will make you a nice campfire or better.
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heatherryan9820
I love this series, and I'm really happy that you have kept it going for so long. There's just so many items that it's hard to know what you can trust and what you can't, so thank you again.
I will say though, about the 18650 power bank, I actually have one (a similar one, probably not from the same retailer, but I'm pretty sure I did get it from Ali Express) but mine is black, and you're right about the display not being very accurate, but other than that I have had mine for over 2 years now and I keep it in my backpack which is always with me. I've had to make a slight repair once that involved a little soldering (one of the internal metal pads came off and it made it so the whole thing wouldn't work. So I just reattached the pad with a small dab of solder and it works like a charm again.
I would say that for the price that I paid for it, it was definitely worth it in my opinion.
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I love this series, and I'm really happy that you have kept it going for so long. There's just so many items that it's hard to know what you can trust and what you can't, so thank you again.
I will say though, about the 18650 power bank, I actually have one (a similar one, probably not from the same retailer, but I'm pretty sure I did get it from Ali Express) but mine is black, and you're right about the display not being very accurate, but other than that I have had mine for over 2 years now and I keep it in my backpack which is always with me. I've had to make a slight repair once that involved a little soldering (one of the internal metal pads came off and it made it so the whole thing wouldn't work. So I just reattached the pad with a small dab of solder and it works like a charm again.
I would say that for the price that I paid for it, it was definitely worth it in my opinion.
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atsa1
About that powerbank. Yes, it is dangerous if batteries are different voltage. I charged them up separate and then inserted them into this. One cool feature i discovered from that powerbank is that when internal battery is full it still can deliver power out from USB-A ports but directs power from charger. When charger is disconnected it then switches over to internal battery. Basically it is acting like UPS. Downside is the switching takes half a second and some devices like Orangepi Zero 2W turns off in that time. But my home security camera stays on durning this time. SO i think by adding some capacitor to output pin would help keep devices alive durning switchover and it would make great UPS for low power devices as charge current is not enough to keep 2 cellphones charging at same time even when my 65w charger was connected.
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About that powerbank. Yes, it is dangerous if batteries are different voltage. I charged them up separate and then inserted them into this. One cool feature i discovered from that powerbank is that when internal battery is full it still can deliver power out from USB-A ports but directs power from charger. When charger is disconnected it then switches over to internal battery. Basically it is acting like UPS. Downside is the switching takes half a second and some devices like Orangepi Zero 2W turns off in that time. But my home security camera stays on durning this time. SO i think by adding some capacitor to output pin would help keep devices alive durning switchover and it would make great UPS for low power devices as charge current is not enough to keep 2 cellphones charging at same time even when my 65w charger was connected.
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greenaum
Yeah not happy if I have to install random bits of Chinese software just to use hardware that ought not need any. You know they're desperate to get ahead with R&D, right So whose PCs would they most like to spy on You know, all Chinese companies above a certain size, have to have members of the Chinese Communist Party on their board And those members have a say above all else. Similarly, if the Chinese intelligence agency requires a citizen, or company, to do something, then they'd better do it. There's spyware in all sorts of things. You shouldn't need software just to run a Bluetooth serial dongle. Nor any sort of app on your phone. Just no. If you say yes to anyone who wants to install something on your PC, what's the point of having security software
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Yeah not happy if I have to install random bits of Chinese software just to use hardware that ought not need any. You know they're desperate to get ahead with R&D, right So whose PCs would they most like to spy on You know, all Chinese companies above a certain size, have to have members of the Chinese Communist Party on their board And those members have a say above all else. Similarly, if the Chinese intelligence agency requires a citizen, or company, to do something, then they'd better do it. There's spyware in all sorts of things. You shouldn't need software just to run a Bluetooth serial dongle. Nor any sort of app on your phone. Just no. If you say yes to anyone who wants to install something on your PC, what's the point of having security software
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Dennis_M1DLG
Those large battery packs holding 3 or more 18650 cells are great for projects using raspberry pi boards. I use them often with 2 cells matched in capacity, age and charge level, the prongs and bus bars are trimmed back to the size needed and glued down. I add a small switch and glue in place with hole to ensure easy access. I then add a buck converter if needed (some boards have 4. 2, 4. 7, and 5. 0V outputs available depends on board design as they vary often. I don't always need the buck converter though. I have 3 Pi-Star's made this way and several other projects such as a GPS logger and a time lapse camera made using this method.
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Those large battery packs holding 3 or more 18650 cells are great for projects using raspberry pi boards. I use them often with 2 cells matched in capacity, age and charge level, the prongs and bus bars are trimmed back to the size needed and glued down. I add a small switch and glue in place with hole to ensure easy access. I then add a buck converter if needed (some boards have 4. 2, 4. 7, and 5. 0V outputs available depends on board design as they vary often. I don't always need the buck converter though. I have 3 Pi-Star's made this way and several other projects such as a GPS logger and a time lapse camera made using this method.
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sgta
I've had one of those Android PoC radios for a while now but the overall experince is not great, IMO. Instead of the nearly useless keyboard, they should have included a larger screen. There is also no OS support whatsoever. My handset runs Android 5. 1 which is nearly useless today.
There are Android-less PoC radios out there that I assume work somewhat better but all of them require some sketchy PTT services where someone could be listening in on all your convos. So far I have not seen a free (or paid) server software that would enable you to roll your own private PTT server. That would make these walkie-talkies much more interesting.
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I've had one of those Android PoC radios for a while now but the overall experince is not great, IMO. Instead of the nearly useless keyboard, they should have included a larger screen. There is also no OS support whatsoever. My handset runs Android 5. 1 which is nearly useless today.
There are Android-less PoC radios out there that I assume work somewhat better but all of them require some sketchy PTT services where someone could be listening in on all your convos. So far I have not seen a free (or paid) server software that would enable you to roll your own private PTT server. That would make these walkie-talkies much more interesting.
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pastek957
8: 37 I bought one of these (without the display, and the BLE characteristics are not encrypted or anything.
With some reverse engineering (partly myself, partly some guy online) I wrote some code for a pet robotics project of mine using an NRF52
Basically my microcontroller asks the ring to poll sensor data, so I could use the accelero of the ring to pilot the robot with my hand, and heartrate sensor to detect whether I'm wearing it or not
Granted the values of the accelero are wonky, as it only updates if the ring moves enough, and the battery drains fast, so it's not good, but really fun nonetheless and for very cheap
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8: 37 I bought one of these (without the display, and the BLE characteristics are not encrypted or anything.
With some reverse engineering (partly myself, partly some guy online) I wrote some code for a pet robotics project of mine using an NRF52
Basically my microcontroller asks the ring to poll sensor data, so I could use the accelero of the ring to pilot the robot with my hand, and heartrate sensor to detect whether I'm wearing it or not
Granted the values of the accelero are wonky, as it only updates if the ring moves enough, and the battery drains fast, so it's not good, but really fun nonetheless and for very cheap
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vividexplore
I have a different 18650 case. Mine is almost impossible to open so you can’t short it. Also it has 6 batteries in parallel. Often when a battery fails I take it apart and find 18650 flat top inside. Most though I’ve ever seen is 4 in parallel though. 8 is really taking the piss. Even 6 as mine has is OTT, but as mentioned it is almost impossible to open so I don’t think I have any with 6. Take your tool batteries apart when they die. There will be some parallel cells. Never 8 though. To deliver the high current needed for tools they have some parallel design.
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I have a different 18650 case. Mine is almost impossible to open so you can’t short it. Also it has 6 batteries in parallel. Often when a battery fails I take it apart and find 18650 flat top inside. Most though I’ve ever seen is 4 in parallel though. 8 is really taking the piss. Even 6 as mine has is OTT, but as mentioned it is almost impossible to open so I don’t think I have any with 6. Take your tool batteries apart when they die. There will be some parallel cells. Never 8 though. To deliver the high current needed for tools they have some parallel design.
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apoorvakelkar3994
Great video! Very helpful. For the UPS switch-over time, are you sure that the scope was triggered properly Those Keysight scopes are sometimes need a good resolution on the volts/div to be able to trigger close to the average voltage. Since the UPS battery is bypassed when AC is present and only switches when AC is removed, I would expect the switchover to have at least a few ms of time delay. If there was no glitch in the 12V output, then the battery might have been in the circuit all along. I could be wrong. Anyways, good job!
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Great video! Very helpful. For the UPS switch-over time, are you sure that the scope was triggered properly Those Keysight scopes are sometimes need a good resolution on the volts/div to be able to trigger close to the average voltage. Since the UPS battery is bypassed when AC is present and only switches when AC is removed, I would expect the switchover to have at least a few ms of time delay. If there was no glitch in the 12V output, then the battery might have been in the circuit all along. I could be wrong. Anyways, good job!
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Grosserracker
I have one of those DIY powerbank boxes which only seems to differ a bit in how the screen looks and how it closes (mine has 6 screws instead of the clips.
It is really hard to recommend, since only a few chargers seem to work and it's also pretty big.
Mine has 2 LEDs as a flashlight aswell, but when I put it in a backpack, those just turn on at random (doesn't need much force in the button) which very likely leaves me with an empty powerbank once needed.
Seriously, just get a proper one and you'll be much happier
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I have one of those DIY powerbank boxes which only seems to differ a bit in how the screen looks and how it closes (mine has 6 screws instead of the clips.
It is really hard to recommend, since only a few chargers seem to work and it's also pretty big.
Mine has 2 LEDs as a flashlight aswell, but when I put it in a backpack, those just turn on at random (doesn't need much force in the button) which very likely leaves me with an empty powerbank once needed.
Seriously, just get a proper one and you'll be much happier
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a-r-user
Great videos as always. It'd be nice to see how devices behave under regular use for longer times, and stress test for shorter times, especially any devices handling power, say ups, pd-boards, buck or boost converters, because I feel like the ratings can be very unreliable most of the times, in terms of amps it can handle, or in terms of power something can deliver, while not burning itself and everything around it. Would love to see that. Thanks for the great work, we appreciate it: -)
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Great videos as always. It'd be nice to see how devices behave under regular use for longer times, and stress test for shorter times, especially any devices handling power, say ups, pd-boards, buck or boost converters, because I feel like the ratings can be very unreliable most of the times, in terms of amps it can handle, or in terms of power something can deliver, while not burning itself and everything around it. Would love to see that. Thanks for the great work, we appreciate it: -)
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myke_and_stuff
For Folks in the EU: Starting from july 1 2026 we are going to pay additionally at least 3 more of customs PER ITEM CATEGORY (= per different HS code) from outside the EU for all parcels regardless of it's value. If you buy 3 t-shirts you are going to pay 3 for the whole but if it is 2 T-shirts screwdriver it would be 6 more. It could add up quickly. But this is only temporary: from 2028 a new customs duty system would be implemented and be probably even worse.
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For Folks in the EU: Starting from july 1 2026 we are going to pay additionally at least 3 more of customs PER ITEM CATEGORY (= per different HS code) from outside the EU for all parcels regardless of it's value. If you buy 3 t-shirts you are going to pay 3 for the whole but if it is 2 T-shirts screwdriver it would be 6 more. It could add up quickly. But this is only temporary: from 2028 a new customs duty system would be implemented and be probably even worse.
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MightyRude
I have an expensive OEM rebranded smart ring (by the same people who run Hume, and the only thing it seems to do right is temperature monitoring, step counter counts just 50% of steps (I stand 14 hours per day and the ring always shows around 10. 000 steps, heart rate sensor shows 200bpm at rest and the spo2 always shows an average of 99% (while my RingConn gen2 and a medical grade pulsoxy meter shows an average of 95%.
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I have an expensive OEM rebranded smart ring (by the same people who run Hume, and the only thing it seems to do right is temperature monitoring, step counter counts just 50% of steps (I stand 14 hours per day and the ring always shows around 10. 000 steps, heart rate sensor shows 200bpm at rest and the spo2 always shows an average of 99% (while my RingConn gen2 and a medical grade pulsoxy meter shows an average of 95%.
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Chickenbreadlp
As for the Walki-Talkis & Smart-Ring: Pure privacy nightmare. You don't know where that data is landing.
As for the UPS: I don't think that thing will last very long. Lithium cells really don't like being held (or being charged) in the upper 20%; hence why pretty much every name brand UPS uses Lead-Acid batteries. Nifty idea tho for a powerstation with a built-in battery: D
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As for the Walki-Talkis & Smart-Ring: Pure privacy nightmare. You don't know where that data is landing.
As for the UPS: I don't think that thing will last very long. Lithium cells really don't like being held (or being charged) in the upper 20%; hence why pretty much every name brand UPS uses Lead-Acid batteries. Nifty idea tho for a powerstation with a built-in battery: D
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grzewikpl8562
I am really not a huge fan of those cellular radios. They arent more than just a cheap chinese android in a walkie talkie shape.
These days getting licensed for ham radio isn't that hard, and if you don't want to get one you can always use the PMR walkie talkies. Granted, they are really handicaped when it comes to power and have only builtin antennas.
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I am really not a huge fan of those cellular radios. They arent more than just a cheap chinese android in a walkie talkie shape.
These days getting licensed for ham radio isn't that hard, and if you don't want to get one you can always use the PMR walkie talkies. Granted, they are really handicaped when it comes to power and have only builtin antennas.
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wladius
honestly, I'd stay away from anything regarding communication from AliExpress. Unless those walkie talkies work in p2p mode, which I doubt, they will be connecting to some chinese server and the chinese big brother would be dumb not to use it,
Recently I read and article about a KVM switch with undocumented microphone which was streaming the sound to China.
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honestly, I'd stay away from anything regarding communication from AliExpress. Unless those walkie talkies work in p2p mode, which I doubt, they will be connecting to some chinese server and the chinese big brother would be dumb not to use it,
Recently I read and article about a KVM switch with undocumented microphone which was streaming the sound to China.
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WGG25
for whomever may see this:
speaking of bluetooth, is there a magical usb bluetooth dongle with a good range and wall penetration i have an asus usb bt500 however it occasionally dies for no reason (have to unplug-replug, and my phone has a significantly better range than the dongle.
or do i have to attempt to make my own while not breaking any radio laws
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for whomever may see this:
speaking of bluetooth, is there a magical usb bluetooth dongle with a good range and wall penetration i have an asus usb bt500 however it occasionally dies for no reason (have to unplug-replug, and my phone has a significantly better range than the dongle.
or do i have to attempt to make my own while not breaking any radio laws
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VeraArt-wt4nl
Can anyone help me on a project
I'm making a motorized lineer potentiometer (aka fader) with custom lengths. I need to use 'Absolute Positioning'. So i need a piece of 'resistive and conductive' ribbon. I cant find that kind of product on internet. Ive tried grafit with pencils etc. but it couldnt work. How can i make or find that kind of product
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Can anyone help me on a project
I'm making a motorized lineer potentiometer (aka fader) with custom lengths. I need to use 'Absolute Positioning'. So i need a piece of 'resistive and conductive' ribbon. I cant find that kind of product on internet. Ive tried grafit with pencils etc. but it couldnt work. How can i make or find that kind of product
reply
johnt. 848
The attraction of Walky Talkies is one payment to purchase, and no ongoing subscription fees. Having to use a SIM card defeats that and the only benefit is longer range, IF you get reception. If you are going to travel in mountainous or extremely remote regions, you are better off getting a satellite phone.
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The attraction of Walky Talkies is one payment to purchase, and no ongoing subscription fees. Having to use a SIM card defeats that and the only benefit is longer range, IF you get reception. If you are going to travel in mountainous or extremely remote regions, you are better off getting a satellite phone.
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