Questions and answers?

I'll keep that in mind, but when you're on long established platforms like YouTube, PayPal and Patreon there's a desire to not rock the boat too much, even if they are getting a bit bloated. The history of Patreon is a useful reference though in terms of the hacking, money laundering, red tape and possible coercion from the finance/media industry they experienced. I get the feeling they had no choice but to censor certain political users at the risk of the rug being pulled from under them.

Big Clive

More a suggestion instead of a question. Some YT creatives are using an alternative to Patreon called Sponsus dot org. Please check it out. I love your video's! Greetings from the Netherlands. P.S. maybe you would like to share an other story of one of you visites to the Hollands? :)

Frank

I'm fortunate that I don't. Although several ex coworkers who were bench carpenters in a shopfitting company had to retire due to hand problems caused by continuous heavy work.

Big Clive

Which is the topic in electronics that you are least comfortable with? And what is your strategy to handle it, when you really have to?

Do you ever get hand pain? How do you deal with it?

Andrew Diamond

For low current lighting loads you can use long cable runs, but very long runs may result in voltage drop where the current is limited by the resistance of the cable. That becomes more of an issue with high current loads. In that scenario it's useful to use local power supplies.

Big Clive

Low voltage lighting question. When remodeling and switching to low voltage lighting, does it make sense to run (ex. 15v) AC all the way to fixtures and then rectify at the end of the line? Why I ask is that I have 900 feet of 9-conductor 18 AWG wire and several large transformers. If I choose to send DC around the house for 12 volt lights I'd have use a lot more 14 guage. Is low voltage AC common?

Jim

How's your pinball situation? Any new games? What all do you currently have? Doing any repair or maintenance?

Just noticed that's more of a request than a question.

Bill Kerr

I've enjoyed playing with solar garden lights since you got me started on that, I always found most of them a bit plain until I realized I had permission to rejigger them in anyway I care to.Now I'm thinking about the upcoming holidays, I will do up some red and green lights with better batteries but it would be nice to add a string or two of LEDs, probably with 18650s. I already have gotten a 10W 12v solar cell good for about 6W really. I could just buy Chinese boards to put it together but it would be more fun to make my own. I have a general idea for how to wire the board and what components to use but it would be interesting to hear your thoughts on the best way forward.

Bill Kerr

Wouldn't making space for that mean you'd couldn't roll up quite as much material, making the capacity a little smaller? Might also be hard to get the battery to come out as a nice round cylinder if the protection PCB wasn't a perfect cylinder too. If it was a normal flat PCB the 18650 might come out looking like someone sat on it...

Berkeloid

What would you use that kind of breaker for?

Berkeloid

He's already answered this one a couple of times in past videos.

Berkeloid

My only really burning question is what does it look like where you normally sit and record videos? Maybe at the end of the video, as a treat to those who have watched until the end, you could pick up the camera and walk backwards out of the room before stopping recording so we can get a quick look at the surrounding area? I know you've said it's messy but that just makes us want to see it even more!

Berkeloid

I normally just solder the headers on myself as they are only a few cents from China. Hold them in place with anything from your fingers to pliers to a rubber band, and solder the first and last pins, then it's fixed in place so you can solder the rest of the pins normally. Soldering bare wires on can be tricky because in my experience the heat normally melts the insulation so the result looks pretty bad. To get the matching connectors to fit neatly onto the headers, search eBay for "2.54mm wire" or "dupont 6p" (if you want a 1x6 connector). You'll probably want a "dupont 2x20P" for the Pi Zero, and if you buy one of the 40P female-female cables you can pop out the number of wires you need with a tiny screwdriver, and fit them to the 2x20P connector, allowing you to easily plug and unplug the Pi Zero with a single connector, so you don't have to remember which wire plugs in where.

Berkeloid

CRT computer monitors certainly weren't robust. Most of the ones I've had over the years (and TVs too come to think of it) had the flyback transformer start "clicking" as the windings arced until eventually there was a loud bang and the display was dead. Sourcing a replacement flyback was a pain, and I only ever did it successfully for a Loewe TV which brought it back to life. But I'm certainly not sorry to see the end of the 50Hz flicker or the low resolution!

Berkeloid

Sitting in my shed has brought another question up. Will you give access to your PCB files, mainly the 58mm x 58mm square ones

Neil Tonks

Another question for your consideration, I have seen several battery chargers claiming to be able to charge regular alkaline cells. Does this work? If so what are the drawbacks/advantages and the technology behind it

Neil Tonks

How are you, generally speaking? Greetings from Greece!

A tip for a new build: how to make an analog DC V and A meter with a few simple components. Would be nostalgia for us old ones and problaby an eye opener for the younger generation.

Hub Rijcks

Actually, the brexit thing is kindof interesting - you said before you didn't think it'd be such a big deal. Anything since changed your mind?

Mark Dennehy

Strangely enough I was just checking out my collection of DIY versions. I should have done that project a long time ago, because the exact ratios of the chemicals are not fresh in my mind.

Big Clive

That will be happening anyway as I build it.

Big Clive

He puts together a project whilst, usually a drink, candy, and questions. Th hey usually are longer videos. So he asks for questions first.

PS My wife loves your accent.

Demolished Man

Supplementary question at the risk of being too personal. How did you end up on an island in the middle of the Irish Sea and what are you thoughts of the Brexit border potentially cutting your home in half. :-) Note Answer not required

Demolished Man

I vaguely recall you mentioning that you wanted to investigate the weather forecast abilities of the Fitzroy Storm Glass. Did I mishear? I have one purchased from ebay which did nothing at first but after many cycles of warmth and vibration it now produces wonderful crystals, but nothing I would stake my umbrella on.

Demolished Man

Can a plant power a selfie? London apparently has the world's first and it is getting glowing reviews ^8-) Have you had a chance to do any pepper's ghost effects in your work with theme parks?

Some in-depth discussion about how and why you chose the exact components would be nice.

What do you think about "green" sources of power in general? Wind/solar or some might even say nuclear? Over here is Australia, we're burning coal like crazy with no real plan for when our reserves run out.

Andrew Mmmm

That's a really polarizing subject to have an opinion on. If you look at the scientific and medical side however, there is almost no reason to do it. I had to try hard to resist giving my opinion on it - I will leave it there :)

Andrew Mmmm

Could it be possible to throw an oscilloscope in, now and then? That would be usefull for LED lightings (flickering).

Hub Rijcks

Honest question: what are your favorite colours?

Miranda Kwee

The next generation of diamond lamp. What happened to it. Will it get another try. Will we ever get to see a shop tour? What do you do with all the stuff you take apart. Other than YouTube and Edinburgh, do you still work elsewhere. How do you sleep at night knowing your love of electronics is spreading, and the quite frankly where my obsession of LEDs came from. And perhaps a more personalble one. Do you have any other family apart from Ralfy that you see.

Neil Tonks

Dear Clive, I am learning about Solar installation via my own self build on an ancient Campervan. 285W Panel; 30 Amp MPPT; 12V 160AH Battery. Also integrating a Raspberry PI into the mix with something called Venus developed by Victron. So I have done fit and wiring and monitoring. I am 52 years old with no Formal Electrical qualifications and would like to go more into the Solar field and hopefully make some money. What to do, cheapest and best route ?

Robert

I'd suggest keeping the system simple. A row of sensors and lights where any sensor will bring on all the lights. I'd suggest a single colour that suited security and garden recreation. The light alone will often scare off intruders and making things too complicated just results in lower reliability.

Big Clive

Hiya Clive, I want to install some security lights in my garden at the back of the house, and the driveway at the side of the house. I also want to put several sensors around the place where any one single sensor will switch on all lights for a set time period, but only if it’s dark. My crazy idea is i think it might be fun to go a step further and get some DMX controlled RGB floods instead of security floods, rig them up some how using DMX over Ethernet to my home WiFi network, and then run QLC+ or similar free DMX software to control them on maybe a raspberry pi or some old computer. And then make my own proximity sensors that work as inputs to the control software. I can then mix a nice warm light when I want to use the garden in the evening, a strong bright harsh white when a sensor is triggered, or a blue/red flashing sequence to simulate a police car when multiple sensors are triggered. My question, or topic for discussion is how would you go about doing something like this? As cheap as possible. Designing and making bits of it myself, and any ideas for further additions to the DMX universe, maybe for Christmas lights etc. Also recommendations for the RGB floods, can you get waterproof versions of standard stage floods? It would be great to find some with barn doors as well so I can shutter them down not to spill into my neighbours garden.

What's the trick to soldering small leads on PCBs? For example the GPIO pins on the Pi Zero come unsoldered in the $10 Wireless model here in the states (I now know that they have a $17 version with headers). Mine work but they are very messy.

Ryan Coleman

Hey Clive, Do you have any experience with old CRT televisions? I've recently swapped all of my tv's over to CRT and found them to be really robust with what they can handle and well made inside. Also, have you had any experience with electronics lasting far longer than they have any right to?

Boxers or briefs? Also, is solar power really viable in dull places Ireland/IOM/Northern UK? And is solar the way of the future?

John Carr

Do you think circumcision is a good or bad thing? (Hey, you said we could ask anything)

Mark Trombley

So you think the current environment of political correctness is doing a disservice to our young people? I just can't imagine being an 18 year old snowflake apprentice turning up to the first week on the job.

Steve Lemon

Surely that depends on what he's ironing - he can't iron his silkies flat out.

Steve Lemon

Q4: Why don't rolled li-ion batteries like 18650s have protection, thermal protection, up the center of the roll?

Nani Isobel

Q3: Does using non-gendered plugs sound like a good idea for power distribution?

Nani Isobel

Q2: Over the years we (humans) have tried a lot of different residential plugs and sockets. We might have learned a few things. What would be your design for a new set of plugs and sockets based on what we've learned?

Nani Isobel

I have so many questions, mostly inappropriate. Q1: What do you think of the idea of a power-factor breaker? It pops if the power factor of the load goes below a preset value.

Nani Isobel

What is your biggest annoyance with people?

Clive what is the most expensive machine or device you have killed/destroyed/nuked even accidentaly and did you blame someone else.

Hey Clive, where do you run your iron typically? - hottish or more medium?

Michael Thompson

Hi Clive. What are your thoughts on the future of energy production? Sustainable energy, fossil fuels, fission, fusion.

Wim

Hi Clive, could you explain things to look out for when using “imported” electronics? Like with the soldering station with the loose earth lead. Want to stay safe whilst playing on a budget, only a suggestion though. Thank-you again for the time you dedicate to your fan following!

I've seen the results of you making PIC microcontroller software for things like LED strings. Do you know more programming languages and if so what are they and what are some projects you've done with them?

How Did you meet your fellow nutters and form the MBC?

Jono Harley

Three questions. Are there any good pubs on the Isle Of Man? Is there any good fly fishing on the Isle Of Man? If I do get to go there, can I buy you a beer?

Ignoring effort and expense, what would be your ideal meal?

Anonymous

Three questions;

Something of a personal question not at all related to technology or electronics, but i'd be super intrested in your thoughts on it! How much do you value personal relationsships, especially those of the romantic nature?

Daniel Rotskas

I'd be interested in hearing how the whole Fannie Flambeau / Smoking Hot P Gang concept came to light. :) Where did the idea come from? How did you keep such a straight face?

Benjamin Hall

I need a good engineer to work with window control systems, want a job??? 😄 But seriously, if you know anyone back home who's looking let me know.

The Tinkering Shed

Hi Clive. I have 3 questions. 1. What will the minimal input power and amp's will the device support to drive it? 2. What is the maximum output power and how many LEDs per channel will it support? Knowing it varies depending on the type of LEDs you use. 3. Will you be releasing these as kits in the near future? Thanks Clive. Keep up the great work.👍

Is neon bending a nice job? You mentioned you had friends who were neon benders, how did they start out? Is it even possible to work in such a niche (and presumably low demand) market?

How do you carry out safe isolation? Im training as a gas engineer and ive been taught to sweep with a non contact volt pen then do dead live dead check with a 2 pole voltage/ continuity tester, whats your thoughts?

The 4th of my 3 questions: Your Isle is popular in germany for "stealing off" tax money from other european countries, many airplanes/companies are registered there. What is the main economic pillar of the IoM, it is not electrics, is it?

L3P3

Third and last question: Do you have any dreams that could be fulfilled with a bit more of money? Would you behave any different, would you invest your time into anything different if you had a lot more money?

L3P3

As a budding hobbyist repairperson, is there a standard logical series of diagnostic procedures that could test for, say, the top 5 most common faults in basic household electrical items?

And I wonder: Is there any technical area you are especially interested in? And what were these interests in different ages? For me, it is trains and computers. I don't really give a shit about blinky LED gadgets — and cars... meh... But I still watch videos about these topics if they are recorded by you.

L3P3

Oooh we get to see the firework launching stilophone lookalike controller being built, in the words of the great Clive himself that's intreasting

<-- This

Chris Muncy

BOO!!! Happy Holloween

What's it like splitting your time between two homes, and have you thought about focusing on just one or the other as your travel between the two has taken turns for the inconvenient in recent years?

Mike O'Keefe

Whats the biggest electrical equipment you've ever worked on. Both power rated and actual size. I am sure you've spoken about it before as we know so much about you but I just wanted to take the chance to ask a question

Did you try the "Poundland kitty treats" ? Which ones are your favorite? Also, why don't you have a cat yourself?

JD

Because he is not an actor.

L3P3

And Lastly, But Not Leastly...Sex Robots...Whats Up With That!!?

I actually did the latter, but still want him to explain it.

L3P3

I like to see what kinds of products and technologies people come up with. Many products you take apart are upright trash and a waste of all kinds of ressources, including lifetime. Do you see or even imply any political message going along with your videos? You are neither religious nor someone really missioning for anything but are you hoping that this insanity of trash being shipped all around the world (primarily to keep the business man from turning into homeless) will stop one day? And do you think your reviews help the one side or the other? Greetings from Hamburg

L3P3

do you like Lego

God 420

Energy Storage...Where's It Headed?

Viable Plastic Replacement...Any Ideas?

The beard. Origin, management and what was the maximum length. Ever thought of shaving it off to confuse people?

Phil Collins

I am interested to know if anything came of the experiment you ran a few months ago of any correlation between a persons eye colour and their type of work. It sounded interesting at the time.

John Russell

Yes, Please Sir If You Could Tell Me..."Why Not Wye?"

2) why do we use solder connections for "electronics" but not for residential wiring?

1) why is Big Clive so awesome?

Have you ever considered doing a full walk through of all the various equipment you use at your bench, including model numbers and why you find it worthy to use? I've been watching long enough to have spotted a few things that I puzzled out and bought, my UNI-T 210E just arrived from China, but I don't recall you ever doing a full overview of everything. :)

General question: How did you get started on YouTube? Why does your channel exist? Keep up the good work and looking forward to seeing the video!

NotMyRealName

I've said this before but you're such an open book that it's hard to think of something we don't already know about you.

Say whaat!?? I like the sound of it, but I’m not quite sure what that is…

Bo Holbo Rasmussen