The RCA DHG535 EMTA Cable Modem Review

After using this modem for a few years I've found it to be one of the better ones that I've used by my cable company. There is only one problem that I find quite cheap about it from the manufacture. That problem is that it tend to run very hot and has very few vent holes or any heat sink/fan to speak of.

From Left : Power, 2 Telephone Jacks, 1 Ethernet jack, 1 USB port, Cable In.

In the photo's above you can see there are hardly any vent holes to let out the oven like temperatures that quickly builds up inside.

Too my surprise with the high temperatures, this modem didn't have any connection drops or random reboots you would expect from an overheating condition.

But as you can tell you can’t have a high temperature inside any electronic device without some signs of stress as you can see in the photos below.

Front with cover removed.

Close up of the Broadcom chip and circuit board.

Power supply board with signs of heat stress.

In the photo's above you get a better idea of how cramped and tight it is inside and with very few places for heat to get out the modem has been slowly cooking it's self over the years and signs of a capacitor failure is showing.

these 3 capacitors are bulging and the one in the back left has started to leak on top.

 

Surprisingly the modem still works with no problems though I'm sure it's on borrowed time with the 3 caps looking like this.

When they fail it may just go out in a puff of smoke or a bang they are kind of unpredictable when they are in an unstable state. So in my attempt to get more life out of the modem I've removed the cover and left it off so the heat can escape. My internet speed has improved slightly and voice calls are more clear and understandable. 

QZoom

One thing about Apple Mac OSX is the ability to zoom in on things that are really small like thumbnail photo's or really small text. Sadly windows doesn't have a similar feature that is as easy to use.

one program I like for Windows based PC's is called QZoom 

Screen Shot Version 1.5e

QZoom is full screen zoom and operation tool like Mac OS X in Windows XP and Vista.

The animation such as YouTube expands, too and it is possible to see.

QZoom can use for application demonstrations and presentations, Sight assistance, NetBook.

Use the Windows Key is used instead of Apple command key.

Zoom In  : Win + Alt + ^
Zoom Out : Win + Alt + -
Cancel   : Esc
(customizable!)

Mouse Scroll Wheel Zoom In And Out.

Zoom In  : Control Key + Wheel Up
Zoom Out : Control Key + Wheel Down
(It is possible to select and combine it
from Ctrl,Alt,Shift and Win Key.)

you can Download it here :

 CNET.com 

 

Build the Enterprise Now

If your a Star Trek Fan (Like Me) you'll probably already know about this.

An anonymous guy by the name of BTE Dan has a website Build the Enterprise
that he says we have the technical knowledge now to build a fully functional ship that can "Travel to the Moon in 3 day's and to Mars in 90 day's".

If this guy's project can get off the ground, it will give humanity a shot at space and the stars again.

Me personally I would love to see this work

(^_^)  "Live Long and Prosper" - Dr. Spock

A Small Rant (off topic from tech) Earthquake in America

Over the years I've seen all the Earthquake's hit in various parts of the world and I've been thinking why has America been spared (so far) from the major devastating quakes ?

Answer: I don't know

But it seems that the quakes have been getting stronger and more intense in there happenings. I can only think that it's a matter of time before a major destructive earthquake like the one that hit Japan almost a year ago (3/11/2011) will hit American shores or soil soon.

The thought that every day the big quake waits to happen the stronger it will be in magnitude seems to stick with me almost constantly. I'm not making predictions I'm only stating my opinion.

One major concern for me is the New Madrid Seismic Zone since I live relatively close to the fault I figure it's best to be prepared as much as possible just in case anyway.

Back when the 5.9 earthquake hit Virginia and feeling it rattle nearly the entire eastern have of the US got me thinking what would happen if it was larger, like around 9.0 magnitude or larger earthquake?

How much would be left to recover?

How long would it take rescue workers to get to the areas? (There would be a lot)

What kind of shape would the Government be in and how would it affect aid?    

So for me all it's done is leave me with questions of which I have no answer other than to take care of myself and others where I can.

edited to add 

Have a supply of basic needed supplies in-case a disaster of some kind hits like extra non perishable foods. like freeze dried items that can last up to 25 years if stored properly and plenty of water at lest 1 gallon per freeze dried can of food and a gallon of water per person per day for ever how long you think you need.

A first aid kit in a grab and go bag with essential items that is ready at all times in case you need to get out of town quickly. May ad more later but this is just a start to being a prepared as you can for you and your families survival.

 

Decided To Take A Break and Have Lunch.

Got this from my local Taco Bell.  Yum Taco Salad.

Witch reminds me, when your eating food around your PC or laptop try and keep the food away from your keyboard and mice. It make my job easier, quicker and keeps my sanity intact when working on a problems.

If a clients PC or laptop looks like it had food served on it from a garbage can, then I may not work on it or if i do I'll add the cleaning bill to the repair cost and a sticky note with a smiley face saying a clean PC is a Happy PC. 

It's just common sense to keep your stuff clean and make them last as long as they will.

Thank You

Always Back-up your Important Data!!!

Always Back-up your Important Data!!!

Making a habit of backing up all of your important data is a good habit to have. Since you never know when your PC, Hard Drive(s) will suddenly meet there death.

I can happen suddenly without warning or it can give you signs that a failure is eminent.

Here are a few sounds to listen for in the case of Hard Drive failure at this website http://datacent.com/hard_drive_sounds.php

If your HDD is making strange noises when it's been fairly quiet in days past then you should stop what you’re doing and Back up Important files quickly. But keeping a regular back up plan is the best solution in preventing lost data.

I personally back up at least 2-3 times a week so that I'm not left frustrated at the fact I lost a lot of work when it could have been prevented if I took about 30 minutes and back up to either a USB flash drive or a DVD-R. 

Added a Poll

I've added a poll to the blog to help better understand what you want to see the most here.

Please feel free to vote and leave comments in the comment sections and I will answer any questions as soon as I can.

Thank You