Portable Gizmos for System Builders

In this TechBuilder Recipe, I&ll introduce you to 13 of my favorite system-building tools. I'll also explain how and why they can make your job easier--and make you more efficient.

Ethernet Crossover Adapter

System builders who diagnose networks or transfer data from one PC to another are familiar with the standard three-foot crossover cable. But sometimes when you&re on-site, these necessary cables are not readily available.

The solution: ThinkGeek's Ethernet Crossover adapter. For less than $6, this device converts any standard Ethernet cable into a crossover cable. Plus, it's small enough to fit on a key chain. Here's a look at this handy, pocket-sized tool:

Ethernet Loopback Jack

Speaking of networking, if you ever need to check a network cable for continuity, or locate which port on a switch corresponds with a particular wall jack, this little gadget can help: the Ethernet Loopback Jack. It's a small RJ-45 modular plug like the ones found in a wall jack, except that it actually fits on a key ring.

You simply connect one end of a network cable to a port on a network hub/switch/router, and the other end to the loopback jack. If the cable is good, you'll see the link light on the hub/switch/router light up.

You can also connect the loopback jack to a wall outlet in the same manner. This allows you to easily match up a wall jack with a switch port back in the server room. The Ethernet Loopback Jack is cheap, too, less than $6. Check out the minimalist design:

A Wireless Router for Dial-Up Users

Do you have SOHO customers that are still using dial-up, but want the ability to share wireless access in other offices or in areas not readily-equipped with phone jacks? If so, a great solution is to install Always On Wireless'WiFlyer.

The WiFlyer is about the size of a PDA and extremely portable. It's an 802.11b wireless router with a built-in 56k modem. The WiFlyer is compatible with every ISP I&ve tested, from AOL to NetZero, and even some obscure local providers. Installation is simple: Plug it in. Enter your ISP&s phone number, a user name, and password. Now you&re ready.

Also, dial-up customers can use WiFlyer to share files and printers between their computers. WiFlyer&s built-in firewall provides top-notch security. And for a few dollars more, AlwaysOnWireless offers accelerator software that speeds dial-up browsing. What's more, with a couple of configuration tweaks, you can upgrade WiFlyer for broadband access. The picture below offers proof-positive that good things come in small packages:

USB Data Transfer—Without a PC

If you ever need to send a data file, but find all the computers are either tied-up or otherwise unavailable, I have a gadget that will solve the problem for you. The USB SyncBox lets you transfer data from one USB device to another without a computer.

For example, let's say your client needs to transfer photos from a digital camera to a flash drive. Or, let's say they want to move files from one flash drive to another. The $50 USB SyncBox lets you to do this with the simple press of a button. You can also copy files from one MP3 player to another, from an MP3 player to a flash drive, or even from one flash drive to another.

SyncBox supports both USB 2.0 and USB 1.1, and it supports only FAT and FAT32 formats in source and target USB storage devices. The SyncBox uses three AAA batteries and is very portable, as you can see here:

Power-Supply Testing

Diagnosing a computer with a bad power supply can be difficult for any system builder. But with Cyberguys' $15 ATX Tester Green Board, you can quickly determine if a power supply is the culprit of a PC's problems. Simply plug the unit in to the PC's 24-pin motherboard connector of your power supply, and you&ll have your answer instantly.

Please be aware that the ATX Tester Green Board requires a converter to test 20-pin PSUs. The good news is that the ATX Tester Green Board is very easy to use, and is small enough to carry around with you, as shown here:

Light Flashlight, Long Life

Every system builder needs a good flashlight for working inside or behind a computer. Flashlights don&t come much smaller or brighter than Cyberguys' Pak-lite Glow Top LED Light.

This $25 flashlight cleverly uses a common alkaline 9-volt battery as its body. Two high-intensity LEDs do the lighting. And this baby can run for as long as 600 hours in low output mode, or 75 hours on high:

100base-T Line Splitter

Another great networking troubleshooting tool for on-site system builders is the 100base-T Line Splitter. Using this splitter is an inexpensive ($11) way to quickly and easily convert a single LAN jack into two.

We all know that LAN cables have four pairs of wires, but computer networking only calls for two of those pairs. Instead of pulling another cable, why not just use the other two pairs of wires already in the cable? Simply plug one 100base-T Line Splitter into each end of any pre-existing LAN jack, and you've created another LAN connection. This gadget is also extremely portable, as shown here:

Flash Memory in a Pocket Knife

Ever find yourself on-site with a customer, only to realize you&ve left your USB flash drive at the office? Here's a clever solution to that frustrating problem: the compact SwissMemory knife from Victorinox.

The $60 knife actually includes a built-in USB flash drive, available in 64 MB, 128 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB and 1 GB capacities. This little gizmo also has a red LED to use as a flashlight, nail file, screwdriver, scissors, and ballpoint pen. Check it out:

Cordless Anti-Static Wrist Strap

Most system builders know that static is a constant problem when working on the innards of a PC. But trying to work with your wrist tethered by a ground wire can be even more of a nuisance.

Cordless Anti-Static Wrist Strap to the rescue. This gizmo prevents static, yet lets you enjoy the freedom of being cordless for under $13.

This wrist strap works by using something called the Corona Principle, which has to do with your body&s corona or electrical discharge. Basically, the strap dissipates your body's static before it can damage electrical components.

Just make sure the cordless anti-static wrist strap&s stainless steel back is in contact with your bare skin for at least 15 minutes before you handle any static-sensitive equipment. It takes that long to do its work. But that shouldn't be too much of a problem: The wrist strap is not much larger than the average watch, as shown here:

How Hot is that PC? Heat-related system problems can be difficult to diagnose. The MiniTemp offers a great way to handle those situations. Simply aim the MiniTemp&s laser-guided pointer at the source of the temperature you want to check. You'll soon know if the processor is running too hot, within a range from 0 to 500 degrees F. and an accuracy of plus or minus 2 percent. This $100 gadget works by reading infra-red emissions and displaying the temperature on a backlit LED display. It can be easily read while being held in a dark, enclosed computer case. Plus, it's not much bigger than a penknife:

Quick-Cooling Soldering Tool

Performing even minor soldering on-site can be a dangerous task, as many soldering irons can cause burns and even damage equipment. Plus, conventional soldering irons take time to heat up and cool off.

ThinkGeek&s Cold Heat Soldering Tool is not only safer to use than a standard soldering iron, but it&s also cordless and extremely portable. The tip reaches 500 F. in less than one second, then cools to the touch just as quickly after you turn it off.

This $20 tool works with 18- to 25-gauge solder and 18- to 24-gauge wire. It is best used for light PCB work, such as motherboard repair. The Cold Heat Soldering Tool operates on four replaceable AA batteries and includes a bright white LED near its tip to illuminate the soldering area, as shown here:

USB-Powered PC Lock

System builders running small shops are constantly bothered by customers who wander around the shop and play with the computers. The only solution for this problem has been to activate a protected screensaver every time you walk away from a system. But I&ve come across a much easier solution for protecting your systems from wandering clients.

ThinkGeek&s USB locking device lets you lock a PC as soon as you step away from it. The solution comprises two components: a USB receiver dongle, and a battery-powered access transmitter. Plug the USB receiver dongle into the PC, then click the battery-powered access transmitter (which you can carry in your hand or pocket). As soon as you move more than two meters away from the enabled PC, the security dongle will disable all access to the system. Once you return within two meters of the PC, access is restored.

If the battery should die or the unit should cease functioning for any reason, there is a password override that can unlock the PC. One limitation: This $30 device is not designed for dual screen systems. But it is pocket-friendly, as seen here:

A Keyboard for Uber-Geeks

Want to let your customers know you&re an uber-geek? Or just looking for a further deterrent for unauthorized users accessing the shop PC? Then consider Das Keyboard. The keyboard is entirely black, with no lettering at all on any of the keys.

What's more, Das Keyboard also has individually weighted key switches. Most keyboards are set to require the same amount of pressure on every key, typically 55 grams. But the Das Keyboard keys are divided into five groups, each of which are weighted differently. Some keys require as little as 35 grams of pressure. Others require as much as 80 grams. According to the keyboard's manufacturer, this makes typing extremely easy, fast, and comfortable.

The $80 Das Keyboard connects via USB; is compatible with Windows, Linux and MacOS; and is rated to withstand 30 million keystrokes.

In fact, I wrote this Recipe on a Das Keyboard. Does that make me an Uber-Geek?

CAREY HOLZMAN is a freelance writer, an instructor at Glendale Community College, a co-host of the nationally syndicated radio talk show Computer America, the owner of a computer-repair business, and the author of The Healthy PC and Home Networking: Right the First Time. He enjoys sleeping in his free time.