Crashsite

Pros:

I bought these glasses primarily to use as an 'eye-level' viewfinder for my digital camera and camcorder. For that they work great...almost too good. It's easy to forget that you are looking through the glasses and reach for something that's not where you expect it to be!
The resolution is very good as are the contrast and color.
In the player mode, you can play audio files (only MP3 tested so far). In video mode some files play fine (see cons).
The glasses are reasonably light and comfortable and the A/V module is simple and provides all the inputs and outputs needed.
I really like that you can play audio and video out to a TV set or hi-fi system and all cables and connectors to do every funtion are supplied.
The glasses come with a charger and the batteries will also charge from a USB port. The run-time for the battery seems to be fine.

Cons:

The interocular distance of the right and left eye lenses needs to be adjustable. My eyes are not particularly wide-set and my vision tends to cut off the outer edges of the picture.
The player does not play a lot of video files that it should (ones that play fine on other players in the computer and that use the file extension specified). The player especially seems not to like mjpeg (which have the .avi extension).
Since my primary use is with video in, the player problems are minimal to me but, it would be nice if they worked right, none-the-less.
I don't like the cord between the glasses and A/V module but, for cheaper glasses, like these, it's to be expected.
There's very limited control of settings and functions but, generally the automatic ones are okay...sorta.

Other Thoughts:

The screens in the glasses has the 3 X 4 aspect ratio which makes me think that they may be older stock. I haven't tried them with a 9 X 16 aspect ratio source yet but, assume they will 'letter box' the same way as a TV does.
I have kind of mixed feelings about the 'not-in-the-ear' earphones. They seem to work okay but, the sound can be a little funky at times.
Regarding the review process, I wish there were a catagory between "knows how to use it" and "expert, knows the inner workings". On this product (and usually) I know more than just how to use it but, am not really an "expert". I would say that I know how they work but not to the point I could design a pair.

Bottomline:

I would rate these glasses a good buy for the price but, they are a cheaper price for multimedia glasses and you need to have reasonable expectations of what you'll get.

Pros:

This is a passive switch so all that they had to do was make metalic contacts inside. It does that well. The build quality is good overall.

Cons:

The knob! It's a rather clumsy way to make selections and the detents are not solid so you actually have to look at the position indicator to ensure you've actually selected the port. My installation has the switch in a location that's not easy to see the indicator and, with the flaky detents, makes it tricky to use. Also, the knob works "backward" (rotate clockwise to go to a lower port number)

Other Thoughts:

I'd like to see this switch with a remote control (still mechanical but, with a little solenoid to switch ports and LED indicators on the front). DX has an all electronic switch, with remote, which I bought but the quality is lousy (SKU-15345).

Bottomline:

A good switch if you don't do a lot of switching of your A/V signals.

Pros:

Both the picture and sound are much better than other inexpensive pen/watch type disguised digital recorders. It really does look just like a disposable BIC type lighter.

Cons:

The 1280 X 960 resolution is more of a problem than a blessing. The picture quality (as would be expected from a 2 MP chip)just does not support that high a resolution. It should be 800 X 600. The 1280 X 960 format gives problems with video recordings with no quality benefit. The still image quality also does not benefit from the higher pixel count (it just makes the JPEG files larger).
The lighter is inconvenient to carry since it turns on very easily in the pocket and fills up the memory card and runs down the battery while recording the inside of your pocket! It needs a way to lock the button. I'm looking at the possibility of drilling out the hole on the other side of the USB connector to allow the cap to be installed backwards to prevent it from coming on in the pocket.
The indicator light is difficult to see through the plastic in bright light situations. But, at least it's on the bottom of the lighter so, not visible if the recorder is set on a flat surface.
The first unit I purchased worked for awhile than stopped. DX did replace it and covered return shipping. The replacement unit seems to have a slightly better optical focus (the video I posted on YouTube was from the first lighter).

Other Thoughts:

This is a very small, reasonably high quality digital recorder that is well concealed in a commonly seen object. At less than US$30, it's a good choice for both covert and just convenient uses. But, I sure wish they hadn't tried to make it "too good" by forcing too many pixels resolution for the stills and videos.

Bottomline:

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Pros:

The shirt itself seems to be good quality and the EL panel is quite bright and does flash to sounds (picked up by an attached electronics box).

Cons:

The description is somewhat misleading. The EL panel looks like a spectrum display but, it's not. It provides an overall sound level pattern that sort of mimics the look of a spectrum analyzer.
The senstitivity of the microphone pickup is not great (althouhg probably fine for loud music venues) and the response is not smooth. There's no response and then suddenly, a lot of activity over a fairly narrow sound volume range.
I find I need to keep the sensitivity control set to maximum.

Other Thoughts:

The electronic control box is easily removed and just clips inside the shirt for use. A flexible ribbon printed circuit strip carries the signals to the EL display. The strip runs up through a cloth tube to keep it from chafing (a detail I like).
The display does NOT remove from the shirt (it's securely glued on).
I removed the controller and ran my shirt through a laundromat top loader washer (on normal cycle) and then into a dryer. But, I didn't let the shirt get too hot in the dryer. After washing and drying, the EL panel still works fine.
Interestingly, the EL panel can be hooked up backward (cable reversed) and it still works but, backward.
If you listen closely to the control box, you can hear the oscillators generating the high voltages for the EL panel as the shirt flashes its display.

Bottomline:

As a simple visual effect at a concert or party this shirt is fine but, I was somewhat disappointed that there is no real "spectrum" display.

Pros:

The battery pack is a direct replacement for the original batteries that crapped out after several years of use. I just plugged the battery pack in and charged it up and my old computer was working on battery power again.

Cons:

I just got it so, as long as it continues to do what it's doing...no cons.

Other Thoughts:

It's easier and, in the long run, probably as cheap or cheaper than trying to replace the Li-ion 18600 cells in the old batterky pack.

Bottomline:

Seems like a solit, well made battery pack and is a perfect fit replacement for the original. Very satisfied.

Pros:

I've been very favorably impressed with the connectors and adapters I've purchased from DX and this little adapter is no exception. Good build quality, works fine and seems reasonably durable (at least it feels solid when the 3.5 mm plug is inserted).

Cons:

No cons.

Other Thoughts:

DX connectors and adapters are a good price to stock up so you have the ones you need when you need them. And, I'm always needing adapters for something.

Bottomline:

A good buy.

Pros:

I carry the light in my pocket to replace the Cree C-30 (SKU 18696). This light is less bulky than the Cree but, without the adjustable beam. The light is bright with a good pattern. The build quality is okay. It has kind of a 'military equipment' feel and coloration to the finish. I like the wire pocket clip. The wire is light and durable and keeps the light from rolling away on hard surfaces.

Cons:

The switch is very stiff and the mode changing is difficult. I have to "stab" the switch quickly with my finger tip to get a reliable mode change. The memory is not reliable and you can't tell what mode it will start in. My light is not giving all modes. I only get, bright, dim and strobe. My light will NOT work with AA cells at all (but, okay with the 14400 Li-ion). It's more hassle to try to return it than it's worth for the effort (and I have had very poor luck with DX returns and credits) so, I'll just keep it.

Other Thoughts:

QC could be a lot better and the build quality is only fair. I've had a lot of small problems with flashlights from DX (three of four I've purchased have had problems...including this one) so I have to wonder....

Bottomline:

For the price, it's a bright flashlight that's easy to cary and has a nice beam. It would be easier to recommend without the problems, however.

Pros:

Just a real nice, well made BNC (male) to RCA (female) adapter. I bought 10 and they were only $0.58 each. Pretty hard to go wrong for such a handy little adapter.

Cons:

The only cons of the adapters themselves is that the BNC part doesn't turn with the same 'feel" on all the adapters but, within reasonable limits. DX puts their SKU lable on each adapter and wraps it around the RCA part so the lable has to be peeled off each adapter individually. I guess they could have bagged the adapters and posted a single SKU lable on the bag.

Other Thoughts:

Good adapters to have around. I bought them to use with a video surveillance card I bought at DX but, got extras for the junk drawer.

Bottomline:

Pretty hard to go wrong with this item at the price DX is selling it.

Pros:

There are some real plusses for this little flashlight. It's very bright and the zoom feature is very nice and easy to use. Some might consider the massive-ness of the light to be a plus but, I think it could (and should) be smaller (in diameter) and lighter. The machining and finish are good. I also own a CREE C3 and, this light an the C3 are quite a bit different. This light has very little side spill but, concentrates the light better. For some applications this one is better and for others the C3 is better. I would recommend having both since their respiective optics don't really allow a single light to have both characteristics.

Cons:

The light is a lot fatter than it needs to be and the extra metal also adds unnecessary weight. The battery compartment, for example has some "fins" inside and the battery is still a very loose fit.
My light came with a big chunk of plastic flashing in the head that was stuck to the plastic lens (big enough to cast a dark shadow). I was able to remove and clean the lens and blow out the head and it's okay but, that's just sloppy assembly practice.
The sliding action for the zoom is not real smooth but, it's okay. The threads for the tailcap are also kind of rough but, again, okay.
The zooming lens is plastic and there are NO glass optics so DX should change the item headline to indicate plastic optics.

Other Thoughts:

When I first turned the light on and zoomed to the maximum "throw" position, I couldn't figure out why the light pattern was a square...til I realized that it's actually focussing right on the LED die. That makes the throw very strong and can easily be seen 100 meters away (and, also 3 or 4 meters even in daylight). If the beam is pointed to the night sky it can also be very easily and strongly seen in the air.

Bottomline:

It's a nice little flashlight but, I wish it were a little more compact. When you don't want or need much side spill, this light is a good choice and the zooming feature is very nice.

Pros:

This small little DC/DC converter solves the power loss/heat problems associated with a resistor or series pass type voltage regulator. My use is to drop a 12V battery on my scooter down to about 4V to light a white LED for use as the headlight. My current plan is to use the DX R2 module (350 mA) for the light. In tests, the R2 gets HOT (even at the 5V Hobbywing output). With no heat sink, it gets hot enough to cut in the thermal cutout (LED flashes). Meanwhile, the Hobbywing unit just barely gets warm! I ended up putting a diode in series with the R2 module and it still gets hot but, not hot enough to cut out (although I'll probably need more heat sinking in the scooter light assembly). The Hobbywing is extremely simple to hook up and has a little red indicator LED for operation. It's small and seems to be well-built.

Cons:

The only con I can think of is that there's limited mounting facilities for the unit. The whole thing is enclosed in a plastic sleeve. Oh, yeah, and it's a good hobby shop price but, maybe a little expensive for a DX item.

Other Thoughts:

Probably the easiest way to secure it is with a small clip or clamp. A single hole, drilled through the middle of it so it could be mounted with one screw might be a good design feature.

Bottomline:

To drop some voltage without the heat or power loss, this is a great solution.

Pros:

When I first got this light it had the "blinking problem". I was able to do the repair (see below). The light is pretty good with 2 AA cells but, it's a LOT better when the extension tube is removed and the single, rechargeable 14500 Li-ion battery is used. This is a very bright light and I like the beam pattern. I like the texture on the clicky button rubber cap (makes it easy to feel which end is which in the dark) and the fact that it's recessed to prevent accidental turn-on in your pocket or pack.

Cons:

Has build quality issues. First, it uses solder on the regulator board for contact purposes when the segments are screwed together. Very bad design practice. Second, the barrel barely makes contact to the solder when screwed down tight (the blinking problem). Third, there is no seal between the lens and the body so, as noted in another review, it makes the other O-rings pretty much worthless.

Other Thoughts:

My fix for the blinking was to fabricate a ring from a piece of bare wire (I used stainless bus wire of about 24 gage) that slips into the barrel and forms an interface between the light pill and the screw-in center section barrel and forces a better contact.

Bottomline:

Now that the flashlight is stable and I'm using the 14500 battery (protected cell), this is a kick-a** little light. I'm still trying to figure out an easy way to put a seal between the glass and the barrel to completely seal the light up. I get about half an hour of steady light from the 14500 battery but, it's rechargeable so, I keep the second one charged and and ready so it works out fine.

Pros:

This is a tiny, simple tuner that clips onto the headstock of a guitar. Since it uses vibrations transmitted through the guitar rather than a microphone (like most tuners seem to be), it's not affected much by ambient sounds.
When you turn it on, the LEDs cycle which gives a nice operational check.
The tuner comes with a CR1032 battery which seems to last well and is cheap and easy to find. The Dollar Tree, here in town sells the 3-pack for a buck and DX sells them even cheaper.
Actually, it's not often that I give such high marks to DX products but, this little guy warrants it.

Cons:

Sometimes I need to reposition the tuner on the guitar when tuning some strings. A minor thing.

Other Thoughts:

The tuner has a switch to tune a semitone flat. Not sure what the usefulness of that is. Perhaps it's good for tuning a guitar for people who sing off key???

Bottomline:

I never put my guitars away. I just lean them against something when I'm done so, it's convenient for me to leave the tuner (and, usually) the capo (KKU 01233) clipped onto the headstock.

Pros:

I had purchased the charger and had omitted a set of 14500 batteries I had intended to buy. I ordered 14500 (00975), 18650 (05790) and LIR123A (00822) batteries (which arrived today so I was finally able to try out the charger. The 14500 and 18650 batteries fit okay (although the protected 18650's were a tight fit) and they seem to charge in a reasonable time. I don't know if the protection circuits in the batteries or the cut-off in the charger stopped the charging.

Cons:

The LIR325A batteries are too short for the charger and wont make contact. Also, the contacts for the "crosswise" batteries were recessed so I'm not sure what the thinking was in the design of this charger. The user photo shows the contacts bent out to connect to the batteries. I guess I don't know why an LIR123A and CR123A would be different lengths but, the charger spec says it will charge CR123A but the LIR123A is substantially too short to bridge from one contact to the other. Rather disappointing that the charger wont handle all the batteries (the user photo showed a different battery).

Other Thoughts:

The overall build looks decent enough but the "crosswise" connectors seem fragile and, as noted, not sure why they are recessed. Also the crossways contacts are not marked for polarity. Again, I notice that one user marked his unit with a felt pen in the user photos.

Bottomline:

I probably would have ordered the cheaper charger if I had known that it wouldn't fit all the batteries.

Pros:

Really good, bright little self-contained LED module. These single, high-power lights are orders of magniude brighter than the multi-LED lights...no matter how many LEDs they have. This module operates over wide voldtage range (current about 400 mA). With the deep, textured reflector it makes a good bright spot with a nice side spill.

Cons:

Only tried it up to about 13 V (vehicle battery) and it gets pretty warm. Question operation at 18 V unless there's a very good heat sink. There's limited mounting options for applications other than as a 'drop-in' for a flashlight but, with a little thought, not too bad.

Other Thoughts:

If DX keeps lowering the price on this module, how long before they start paying US to order it??? I sent one to my uncle and, while dinking around with it, applied 12 V with wrong polarity to it and now the light is dim when used at 12 V (but, still full power at 6 V). I guess something must have blown up in the regulator...be careful about polarity!

Bottomline:

We want to try putting a couple in series for 12 V operation to try to keep the heat down on each module (while giving more light). We're hoping the regulators will allow the series connection without any problems.

Pros:

For about $16 ($18 and change when I bought it), the EasyCAP is an excellent bargain for those who just want to display up to 4 video cameras plus an audio channel and have some sort of capture capability for both the video and still pictures. It also provides a time stamp and a user customizable channel identifier. The EasyCAP also includes both video signal loss and motion alarms that actually work very well (and have adjustable sensitivity).

Cons:

This product suffers the same shortcomings as most products of this nature. The hardware is excellent but, the software package is weak. The EasyCAP connects easily to both the computer and video/audio devices. The software basically does its job but, is poorly thought out and tested. As a result, beyond doing the basic tasks, the software either doesn't support what you want to do or its features simply don't work.
One feature that's touted but does not work is the e-mail notification feature. I can't get it to connect to my ISP's mail server (I use a local ISP rather than one of the internet big boys so, it should work).
The user guide is okay for the initial setup but is essentially worthless for explaining usage of the EasyCAP. It does little more than parrot the words you can see in the various panels on the screen.

Other Thoughts:

Unless someone can track down, kidnap and chain, zhong kai ran to a desk and convince him(?) to continue refining the software, I suspect it will never improve. The software has the look and feel of a quickie, contract job by some free-lance programmer or perhaps a computer science major doing a side job for tuition. There are even typos in the software seen on the screen and the usual "Asian English" we've become resigned to.

Bottomline:

Is anybody out there continuing to update and support this fine little piece of hardware with some better and more useful software?

Pros:

This is essentially the same light I spent $15 for about 10 years ago. It's so simple it's hard to improve it. The button on the outer case pushes the LED leads against the battery inside to light it up. The natural apring of the LED lead breaks the contact when the button is released.

Cons:

One of the 10 lights came weak. Don't know if it's the LED or the battery. Will discard the defective one and they rest are still only 50 cents each.

Other Thoughts:

I just like having a light close at hand and the way I do this is to have lots of cheap lights all over the place. That's where these are. If you've an "orderly" person, you may not find that a very satisfactory solution but, for us slobs...it's gread.

Bottomline:

Hard to beat this light at 10 for less than $5 (not to mention the free shipping). Good party gifts and stocking fillers.

Pros:

Basically works. USB drive function a big plug and no drivers needed. Has a solid feel. I think some users are missing the point with the blud recording LED. It's on the opposite side than the lense so unseen. But, I find it handy when holding the pen up since I use it as sort of a "viewfinder" to tell me where the lense is pointing on the other side of the pen. The full-size USB connector at least allows a general purpose cable to be used and allows the pen to be plugged directly into USB ports.

Cons:

It is reather fat but, not unreasonably so. It does again bring up one of my pet peeves. I thought the whole idea of AVI was to provide a generic, interleaved AV stream that could easily be read by anyone. Instead, it seems like everybody and his dog is using the AVI extension for every AV stram permutation they can come up with (MJPEG, compressed AVI (in this pen), etc.). Of course only the audio stream played until I downloaded the codecs recommended by another user. I believe the sound issues are in the digitizer (other opinions?). Sompler sounds record clearer and cleaner than complex ones. It's a fatal flaw since we can't control that aspect.

Other Thoughts:

The frame rate is slow. Again, there are supposed fixes but, I haven't tried them yet. I did download the K-Lite codec pack, recommended by another reviewer and can see both video AND hear audio now. There needs to be more direct info given to buyers, by DealExtreme, about these fixes. I see the price is down $3 from when I ordered it a month ago...wonder if there's a price guarantee......

Bottomline:

It's still a fun toy for about $20. I've spent more for less but, still I do wish it was a little more "complete" (came with all the codecs and upgrades, etc. needed).

Pros:

For an item with a per-unit-cost of about a buck and a quarter, this is a pretty nicely made little item. All metal and the buttons have a solid feel (and work). The laser, while not a real tight beam, is pretty strong. The LED is okay for close work. The unit is smaall and compact.

Cons:

The LED is physically quite small and suffers in brightness. For example, the LEDs in the 10-oack of keychain lights (SKU 1253) are much brighter.

Other Thoughts:

Unfortunatly, due to the laser, this item would tend to be a great gift for the very kind of jackass that's most likely to abuse it but, it's still a fun little item.

Bottomline:

At least as good as a tie for dad's birthday and, with the free shipping, a cheap gift for dad AND just about any 3 other friends or relatives that seem to like to fidget with stuff (more likely, 2 for friends plus one for yourself, right?).