Whenever we arrive at a hotel, holiday apartment, or rental property, one of the first things I unpack is the travel router. I connect it to whatever internet connection is available — hotel Wi-Fi, an Ethernet jack, or, if necessary, a 4G modem.

A couple of minutes later, all of our devices are online without me having to configure every single one.

The reason is simple: the router provides the same Wi-Fi network my devices already know from home. Smartphones, tablets, laptops, Apple TV, and other devices connect automatically.

Special offer

Ubiquiti UniFi UTR router wireless Gigabit Ethernet Dual-band [2.4 GHz/5 GHz] Bianco (Ubiquiti UniFi Travel Router - UTR)*

• Ubiquiti UniFi Travel Router (UTR), USB-C Kabel, Kurzanleitung

−15,20 EUR 115,79 EUR

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Taking Your Own Wi-Fi With You

I usually carry an Apple TV in the same bag as the router. At the hotel, I simply plug it into the TV via HDMI, and it immediately connects to our own Wi-Fi.

No setting up the hotel Wi-Fi on the Apple TV, no logging into Netflix or other streaming services on some unfamiliar smart TV, and no wondering afterwards whether I remembered to sign out everywhere.

Turn on the TV, start the Apple TV, and that’s it.

It becomes even more useful with devices that simply do not work well with hotel Wi-Fi networks. Baby monitors, Wi-Fi cameras, IoT devices, and similar hardware often cannot deal with captive portals — those login pages where you first have to enter your room number, surname, or accept terms and conditions.

For these devices, the hotel Wi-Fi effectively does not exist. They simply see the Wi-Fi network they already know.

An Extra Layer of Security

Another important benefit for me is isolation from the host network.

Our devices are not connected directly to the hotel, apartment, or public Wi-Fi. Our own router sits in between, providing its own firewall and NAT.

On top of that, I tunnel the traffic through an encrypted VPN connection back to my home network.

From the hotel network’s perspective, it mainly sees the travel router. The individual devices behind it and the traffic they generate are largely hidden. The operator of the local Wi-Fi cannot simply inspect which websites we visit or what data we transfer. What they primarily see is an encrypted connection between the travel router and my home network.

The best part is that nobody in the family has to think about it.

No “remember to turn on your VPN.” No VPN profile that needs to be configured on every device. No difference between a phone, tablet, Apple TV, or Wi-Fi camera.

Anything connected to our travel Wi-Fi automatically takes the secure route back home.

Your Home Network, Wherever You Are

There is another major advantage: I can access local services at home from anywhere.

My NAS, servers, surveillance system, and other on-premises services are available almost as if I were sitting at home on my own Wi-Fi.

I do not have to expose individual services directly to the internet or manually establish separate VPN connections on every device.

In a way, the entire network travels with us.

Couldn’t You Just Use WireGuard?

Of course.

On a laptop, smartphone, or tablet, you can install a WireGuard client and establish a VPN connection back home.

But for me, that only solves part of the problem.

First, there are devices such as streaming boxes, cameras, and various IoT devices where running a dedicated VPN client is either impossible or unnecessarily complicated.

Second, you then have to manage the VPN connection on every individual device. Especially when travelling and constantly switching between mobile data, hotel Wi-Fi, and other networks, that can become annoying. Always-on VPN connections can also increase battery consumption and occasionally behave unpredictably on unfamiliar networks.

With a travel router, all of this happens in one central place.

And Then There Are Hotel Wi-Fi Networks…

Some hotels make things even more inconvenient with captive portals, short session durations, or access that needs to be re-authorized every few hours.

This is another situation where the router is extremely convenient.

Instead of five, ten, or even more individual devices having to deal with the hotel network, exactly one device does: the travel router.

As long as the router remains connected, our own Wi-Fi stays available. I return to the hotel room and everything simply continues to work.

So Why Use a Travel Router?

For me, it is not really about carrying yet another router around.

It is about taking my own network with me.

Connect the router once to whatever internet connection is available, and everything behind it works the way I am used to:

My family’s devices connect automatically. Apple TV and IoT devices work without being reconfigured. Our devices are isolated from the foreign network. Traffic can be securely tunneled back home. And my own local services remain accessible as if I were connected to my home Wi-Fi.

That is why a UniFi Travel Router has become a standard part of our travel setup.

Internet at the destination goes in. Your home Wi-Fi comes out.

Der Beitrag What Do You Actually Need a UniFi Travel Router For? erschien zuerst auf Pixelfriedhof.

We apply the changes and now call up this new link.
The window should now open in dark mode.

I now recommend adjusting the light font colours once under File/Settings/Colors so that they are easier to read. I have highlighted all fonts in black.

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I was amazed when I used an MX Keys from Logitech * for the first time at work. I connected the device to my tablet and two PCs via Bluetooth, and using the quick keys on the keyboard, I can directly select which of the devices I want to use for text input. Switching between the devices is done within milliseconds without me having to constantly re-pair a device.

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Logitech MX Keys Kabellose Tastatur*

• Tasten mit perfektem Anschlag: Die kreisförmigen konkaven Tasten sind auf Ihre Fingerkuppen zugeschnitten, für ein durchgehend...
• Komfort und Stabilität: Tippen Sie mühelos auf der auf Komfort, Stabilität, Präzision und Strapazierfähigkeit ausgelegten...

−5,00 EUR 114,00 EUR

Amazon

This makes for a tidy desk and high ease of use. I use this keyboard on the iPad or iPhone, for example, or alternately with my Windows computer and MacBook. Another benefit: The keyboard has a high-quality white backlight, as known from the MacBook or other high-end notebooks. The feel and feedback of the keys are very pleasant, but that is certainly a matter of taste.

* All links marked with an asterisk are Amazon affiliate links. We receive a percentage of purchases made through them. Nevertheless, our recommendations are honest and sincere.

Der Beitrag Use one keyboard for three devices at the same time: MX Keys by Logitech erschien zuerst auf Pixelfriedhof.

Fortunately, there is an open feature request on Microsoft’s User Voice forum to add a person picker function to Microsoft Forms. This feature would allow users to select the people they want to share their form with from a list of contacts, rather than having to manually type in each email address. This would make the process much more user-friendly and efficient, especially for users who need to share their forms with a large number of people.

The person picker feature would also be beneficial for users who are creating forms with sensitive information or confidential data. With the person picker, users can easily control who has access to their forms, without the risk of typos or accidental sharing.

It is important to note that Microsoft actively listens to the feedback from its users and has a history of implementing new features based on user requests. By voting for the person picker feature on Microsoft’s User Voice forum, users can help prioritize this feature and make it a reality.

Here is where to vote for it: https://feedbackportal.microsoft.com/feedback/idea/f43a5bf4-c2b2-ed11-a81b-000d3a0450e3

To vote for the person picker feature, simply visit the Microsoft Forms User Voice forum and search for the feature request. Once you find it, click on the “Vote” button and add any comments or suggestions you may have. Sharing the feature request with colleagues or on social media can also help garner more votes and increase the likelihood of it being implemented.

In conclusion, the person picker feature would be a valuable addition to Microsoft Forms, making it easier and more efficient for users to share their forms with others. By voting for the feature request, users can help Microsoft prioritize this feature and make it a reality.

Der Beitrag Vote for a people picker function for Microsoft Forms erschien zuerst auf Pixelfriedhof.

Thermo-electrical ventilators are typically small, fan-like devices that are placed on the surface of a fireplace or oven. They work by harnessing the heat generated by the fireplace or oven and converting it into electrical energy, which in turn powers the fan to circulate air around the room. The aim of this process is to improve the distribution of heat, making the room feel warmer and more comfortable without the need of an external power source.

To test the effectiveness of thermo-electrical ventilators, we conducted a series of experiments using one fireplaces – once with a thermo-electrical ventilator and once without one. We used a thermometer to measure the temperature at various points around the room and timed how long it took for the room to reach a comfortable temperature of 20°C.

For our test we used two fireplace ventilators from manufacturer Boiphek *, which we could integrate into our oven, as they are only 19cm high.

Ofenventilator mit 5 Flügeln, Kaminventilator Ohne Strom Geräuscharmer Betrieb, Hitze Powered Kamin Ventilator, Ofen Ventilator...*

• ✨【Upgrades 5 Blättern Kaminventilatorsr】 Der 5 Blättern Heißluft ofenlüfter kann mehr warme Luft erzeugen und die...
• ✨【Energiesparen Ventilator】 Keine Batterie oder Strom erforderlich. Es wird durch die vom Kamin oder Kaminofen erzeugte Wärme...

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In our first test, we used our traditional wood-burning fireplace without a thermo-electrical ventilator. It took approximately 60 minutes for the room to reach the desired temperature, and the temperature was not evenly distributed throughout the room. Some areas of the room were noticeably cooler than others, indicating poor heat distribution.

In our second test, we used the same fireplace but this time with a thermo-electrical ventilator attached. The results were impressive – the room reached the desired temperature in just 45 minutes, a full 15 minutes faster than without the ventilator. You can even feel a slight wind from the ventilators. Furthermore, the temperature was evenly distributed throughout the room, making it feel much warmer and more comfortable.

In conclusion, our tests have shown that thermo-electrical ventilators can significantly improve the efficiency of fireplaces and ovens especially in smaller rooms. By increasing air circulation, they improve heat distribution and help to heat up a room faster. If you have a fireplace or oven in your home, investing in a thermo-electrical ventilator could be a worthwhile purchase to improve the comfort and warmth of your living space.

If you want to heat up larger rooms with more volume, you will feel the benefits in the nearer area around your fireplace, but do not expect the fans to reach the last corners of very large rooms. The harvested thermo-electrical energy is not high enough to power the fans in such a way that a very strong airflow will blow through a large living room, even if it helps to warm up the air a little faster.

* All links marked with an asterisk are Amazon affiliate links. We receive a percentage of purchases made through them. Nevertheless, our recommendations are honest and sincere.

Der Beitrag Test: Do thermo-electric fireplace fans really work? erschien zuerst auf Pixelfriedhof.

At the same time, however, we want to remain reachable under our mobile numbers and therefore don’t want to constantly swap the SIM cards of our iPhones. That’s why we use a small router that fits in any pocket and supplies our iPhones with non-EU Internet via WLAN.

We decided at that time for the TP-Link M7200 * , because it is small, handy and equipped with an integrated battery. Nevertheless, we did not find an answer to some of our questions at the time and hope to be able to help others with our experiences here.

TP-Link M7200 mobiler WLAN Router (4G/LTE bis zu 150Mbit/s Download/ 50Mbit/s Upload, Hotspot, 2000mAh Akku, kompatibel mit Allen...*

• Arbeitet mit allen gängigen europäischen SIM Karten: Telekom, Vodafone, O2 m Swisscom etc. Wenn Sie es im Ausland verwenden möchten...
• Support des Mobilfunkstandards 4G/LTE mit bis zu 150 Mbs im Download und 50 Mbs Upload Geschwindigkeit. Das WLAN ist 300Mbit/s in...

49,89 EUR

Amazon

How to enter the SIM PIN?

For example, when I buy a SIM card in Albania, it comes with a PIN. But how do we enter it into the router? Or can the router only handle PIN-free cards? That would be bad, because then I would always have to insert the foreign card into my cell phone and deactivate the PIN there.

The answer is simple. When I connect my smartphone or tablet to the mobile router, I can access the router controls via web interface. Here I can simply enter the PIN for the inserted SIM card.

Which SIM card sizes (Nano-SIM, Micro-SIM, Standard-SIM) fit into the router ?

An adapter is included with the device. All SIM card formats fit into the router. So you don’t need to worry about the form factor of your SIM card when you’re abroad.

How many devices can I connect simultaneously to the router?

Up to 10 devices can connect to the router at the same time. More than enough for our travels.

How long does the battery really last?

Our router is permanently powered in the Defender because we have it connected to our battery storage. However, when we move away from the car, we can take it with us. Thanks to a built-in 2000mAh battery, that’s no problem. But how long does the battery last under real-life conditions?

If we sit in a café somewhere with two connected devices, edit photos and upload them to the Adobe Cloud, write our blog in parallel and upload photos there as well, the battery lasts about 6 hours. That is OK because the mentioned application areas really already consume a larger amount of data volume.

* All links marked with an asterisk are Amazon affiliate links. We receive a percentage of purchases made through them. Nevertheless, our recommendations are honest and sincere.

Der Beitrag Mobile Internet abroad – tiny router accepts any SIM card erschien zuerst auf Pixelfriedhof.

The electrical component that is connected to the circuit board of a rotary control is called a potentiometer (or poti for short). Over time, moisture, abrasion and other influences can cause oxidation to form on the components, which then leads to values no longer being able to be set accurately, or to scratching when operating the potentiometers on hi-fi equipment, for example on volume controls. Perhaps you have observed something like this before.

Lösen kann man das Problem oft durch ein Kontaktspray. Ich benutze immer “Kontakt 60” aus der Sprühdose *. Dieser Reiniger ist unbedenklich für elektrische Platinen und oxidlösend. Dieses Zeug braucht ihr.

The problem can often be solved with a contact spray. I always use “Kontakt 60” from the spray can *. This cleaner is safe for electrical circuit boards and dissolves oxide. You need this stuff.

Kontaktreiniger Universal 100 ml, KONTAKT 60 ist ein oxidlösender Kontaktreiniger mit (973977013314)*

• K60-100ML
• Kontakt 60 starker oxydlös. Kontaktreiniger 100ml

10,95 EUR

Amazon

But how do we get the noble juice to our knobs? Relatively simple: We remove our controller from the heater, unscrew it, take out the circuit board and then spray some contact spray into the potentiometers. But step by step. However, there are two crunch points (if you are not careful in the truest sense of the word) when disassembling and reassembling the controller. I will mark these for you in the following (YELLOW).

We remove the controller from the heater and (ATTENTION) turn both temperature regulators to the far right. Then we pull the regulators forward out of the controller. On the back of the controller housing there are small lugs that we can press in with a screwdriver to open the housing.

We can now see the circuit board. The circuit board has two levels. We loosen all the small screws with which the boards are screwed into the housing and then carefully pull out the first board so that the board with the display remains in the housing. On the front we now see the potentiometers.

We give a short spray (like nasal spray) from below into the holes of the potentiometers. Then we put everything back together:

(CAUTION) When we put the control board back on the display board, we have to be careful not to break the fine contacts of the large, wide connector. This requires a delicate touch. Then screw both boards back on.

Now we close the case again by pressing the back with the lugs back into the front of the controller.

Now we put the knobs back into the controller from the front. (ATTENTION) We had turned them all the way to the right, so put them back in with the pointer position all the way to the right.

Now comes the most important part. You now move each cleaned knob back and forth several times (about 20 times – but more is better) so that any oxidation and abrasion in the potentiometer planes away.

This will most likely solve your problem. If that doesn’t save your potis because they are already too dirty, you can simply desolder them and replace them with new ones. But as a rule, contact spray should be enough.

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From “GrabbeIT” there is a perfect Fritzbox mounting option for 19″ server and network cabinets * made of 1.5mm thick powder-coated sheet steel. Thanks to laser-cut openings on the bottom side, the cooling of the Fritzbox is also guaranteed. On the front side of the bracket there are cutouts for Keystone patch connectors, thus the connections of the Fritzbox can be routed to the front.

This mount is a universal mount for the following models:

• AVM Fritzbox 3490
• AVM Fritzbox 5490 FIBER
• AVM Fritzbox 5491 FIBER
• AVM Frittzbox 6490 Cable
• AVM Fritzbox 6660 Cable
• AVM Fritzbox 6890 LTE
• AVM Fritzbox 7490
• AVM Fritzbox 7590

GrabbeIT V2 Rackhalterung AVM Fritz!Box 7690, 7590, 5590 Fiber, 6890 LTE Black Edition*

• Wie verbessern unsere Produkte auf Kundenanregungen. Daher haben wir der neuen Halterung KeyStone kompatible Löcher gegeben, welche es...
• Passend ind Standard 19" Netzwerkschränke

Amazon

* All links marked with an asterisk are Amazon affiliate links. We receive a percentage of the purchases made through them. Nevertheless, our recommendations are honest and sincere.

Der Beitrag Mount Fritzbox in rack with Fritzbox Rackmount bracket erschien zuerst auf Pixelfriedhof.