The post Razer Valentine’s Specials – big discounts, free shipping, and free gift appeared first on Armchair Arcade.

I’ve had it for roughly three weeks and have logged 100 miles so far. I’m no bike guy, but owning this electric bike has made me want to go out every single day. This is by far the best value in e-bikes I know of, and we’ve already ordered a second one in black. It’s rated for 60 miles between charges, but that can vary depending upon how much you pedal (putting energy back into the battery) versus using just the throttle. With a top speed of 28MPH on pure throttle, it reaches the legal limit in the US for a bike of this type.

Here is a list of the items mentioned in the video or I found work the best:

GoPro HERO9 Black

This is a great 4K-capable action camera that I also use for other filming activities.

AfterShokz Air AS650CR Open-Ear Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones with Reflective Strips

Being able to hear your surroundings while bicycling is critical. That’s why I use bone conducting headphones like these instead of my usual Apple AirPods. I almost always listen to podcasts or audiobooks. It’s very therapeutic and informational on my rides.

Souke Sports Men’s Cycling Padded Shorts

I wanted to swap out the seat, but the bolt is super tight. It’s not a bad seat, but my butt doesn’t like sitting much. These padded shorts definitely help a bit.

ERRLANER Bicycle Rack Rear Carrier Bag

This is a great bag available lined or unlined. It also fits without having to take the padding off on the rear non-seat (it’s only meant for up to 55 lbs, so even though it looks like it can support a second rider, it really can’t).

Lamicall Bike Phone Holder Mount

I’ve tried several bicycle mounts and this is the best one. Because of the ball mount, it will still rotate your phone down on bumps, but it remains locked and secure, even with a bigger phone like my iPhone 12 Pro Max in a MagBak case.

West Biking Bike Mirror Handlebar Mount

This is nothing special, but does work well. While I would also like to mount a mirror on the right side, the configuration of the handlebar and throttle make that difficult. Still, in the US, the left side tends to be the most important to have extra visibility and coverage for.

AVID POWER Tire Inflator Air Compressor

This has a drill-like shape and battery, making it quite portable and versatile.

AstroAI Digital Tire Pressure Gauge

Although the AVID POWER has a digital gauge, it’s always good to get a second opinion about tire pressure. I like to keep my Rattan LF 750W to a little under 30 PSI, but some people like much lower for more assistance with the bike’s suspension system.

The post Video: Review and Ride Along with the Rattan LF 750W Fat Tire Electric Bike appeared first on Armchair Arcade.

We would like to provide accessories updates to our Legends Arcade Family owners for the Legends BitBlaster Light Gun, Legends Pinball Kit, Legends BitPixel LED Marquee, and Arcade Cabinet Art.

Based on your feedback, we have updated the exterior design of the BitBlaster Light Gun, which you can see on the web page: https://www.atgames.us/collections/accessories/products/legends-bitblaster-light-gun-reservation-starts-from-august-14-2020.

If you have already reserved a BitBlaster Light Gun, we will contact you closer to the ship date to collect your pre-order payment if you still wish to proceed with a purchase. At this time, delivery is not expected until after February 2021 (we will provide more specific timing as we receive more information). As a thank you for your patience, we are now including a custom holster (a $29.99 value) with every order for free. This holster can be attached a variety of ways to your Legends Ultimate 1.0 or 1.1 arcade machine, or used independently.

For the Pinball Kit, which is compatible with the Legends Ultimate 1.1 and Legends Gamer series, inventory is available for shipment within 7 – 10 days of order placement. You can see more information on the Pinball Kit on its product page: https://www.atgames.us/collections/accessories/products/legends-pinball-kit-haa320-reservation-1.

For the BitPixel LED Marquee, which can be attached to the Legends Ultimate 1.0 or 1.1, or used independently with other Legends Arcade Family products, shipments are expected to begin the week of January 31, 2021. You can see more information on the BitPixel LED Marquee on its product page: https://www.atgames.us/collections/accessories/products/legends-bitpixel-led-marquee-reservation-starts-from-aug-14-2020.

For the Arcade Cabinet Art, which consists of a selection of Legends Side Panel Art and an Acrylic Side Panel Kit, both for the Legends Ultimate 1.1, we have two different ship dates. For the Side Panel Art, shipments are expected to begin the week of January 3, 2021. For the Acrylic Panel Kit, shipments are expected to begin the week of January 10, 2021. You can see more information on the Arcade Cabinet Art on the product page: https://www.atgames.us/collections/accessories/products/arcade-cabinet-art-kit-reservation.

We will provide additional updates on product availability going forward and contact reservation holders for payment as their products are ready to ship. As always, we never bill you until your order is confirmed and we have the product(s) in our warehouse ready to ship. 

Thank you for being a valued member of the Legends Arcade Family.

NOTE: All posted estimates are accurate at the time of this statement. If warehouse locations experience a Covid-19-related lockdown, estimates may change.

The post New BitBlaster Light Gun Design and other Legends Arcade Family Accessories Updates from AtGames appeared first on Armchair Arcade.

(UPDATE 2: PC Gamer’s coverage.)

If you’ve been following along on my previous updates, here, you’ll already be familiar with the backstory for this massive single owner (me!) auction. Long story short, this is primarily an onsite auction of countless hundreds of videogame and computer systems, as well as tens of thousands of accessories, software, literature, etc. Just about all of the big (and small!) names from the past four decades of videogames and computers are present from all regions.

Here’s the latest page from the auction house with the details that you’ll need to get your own piece (or pieces) of this collection: https://www.bodnarsauction.com/may-31-gaming-collection

And the social media text from Bodnar’s Auction: “We don’t think you are ready for the incredible collection that is coming on May 31st. We have a huge single owner collection of “the history of gaming”. This collection includes over 1,000 items including virtually every gaming related item from the 1960’s to present day. Follow this link to check out all of the photos and get more information from this estate: https://www.bodnarsauction.com/may-31-gaming-collection“.

That’s a nice summary, but it really does only hint at what’s really there. The small handful of photos, limited descriptions, and quite incomplete item lists don’t do it justice.

Besides tons of everything else, there are many thousands of boxed games for just about every videogame and computer platform!

The date will be upon us in just a handful of weeks, so if you can help spread the word, I’d be grateful. Thanks!

The post New updates for the massive private vintage and modern videogame and computer auction set for May 31, 2018 in Edison, NJ! appeared first on Armchair Arcade.

Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Comfort Grip – Red

GameStop link

Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Comfort Grip – Red

Marketing blurb:

If you love Nintendo Switch, you’re going to spend a lot of time playing it. The Comfort Grip brings the left and right Joy-Con Controllers together to make one comfortable controller, so you can play as long as you like. Ergonomic, rubber grips will keep your palms happy and your fingers from cramping at home or on-the-go. Simply slide each Joy-Con Controller down the rails until they click, and view the player indicator lights through the front. ProTip: the Comfort Grip stands up on its own and looks great next to your Nintendo Switch Dock.

• Lightweight, ergonomic design for comfortable gameplay anywhere
• Double-injected rubber grips for added comfort
• Easy slide-in design secures each Joy-Con
• Visible player indicator lights
• Available in black or red

Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Charging Dock

GameStop link

Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Charging Dock

Marketing blurb:

The Joy-Con Charging Dock is the easiest solution for charging your Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Controllers. Charge 4 Joy-Con Controllers at a time for multiple players, or keep an extra pair charged for single players to switch out. Simply slide the Joy-Con Controllers down and wait until each charge LED turns green!

• Charges up to 4 Joy-Con Controllers simultaneously
• Individual LEDs indicate charge level for each Joy-Con
• Easy slide-in design connects each Joy-Con to charger
• Weighted base for stability
• Powered via USB

Nintendo Switch Hybrid Cover

GameStop link

Nintendo Switch Hybrid Cover

Marketing blurb:

The Hybrid Cover is a must have for taking Nintendo Switch on-the-go. The wrap-around design features hidden Velcro and a magnetic closure to keep the Switch Console secure, by itself or with Joy-Con Controllers attached. Open the cover and display the Switch Console in 3 different viewing angles during tabletop mode, wherever you go. Includes a screen protector and cleaning cloth.

• High-quality cover with magnetic closure keeps the Nintendo Switch secure
• Multiple viewing angles for playing and watching in tabletop mode
• Includes a Screen Protector and Cleaning Cloth

Nintendo Switch Everywhere Messenger Bag

GameStop link

Nintendo Switch Everywhere Messenger Bag

Marketing blurb:

The Everywhere Messenger Bag stores the complete Nintendo Switch system for easy portability, and features a removable internal case for carrying the Nintendo Switch handheld style. Design, security, and comfort make this bag a must-have for the Nintendo Switch gamer on-the-go. This bag is officially licensed by the Nintendo Switch team, so you can game however you like, wherever you like.

• Stores the complete Nintendo Switch System for easy portability
• 2-in-1 design with removable internal case that carries Nintendo Switch for handheld mode
• Fitted compartments keep all components secure
• Adjustable shoulder strap with padding for added comfort

The post Third Party Nintendo Switch Accessories Already Available appeared first on Armchair Arcade.

Electronic Digital Caliper

Neiko 01409A Electronic Digital Caliper

Electronic digital calipers like the Neiko 01409A Electronic Digital Caliper, allow for precise measurements of both the interior and exterior of items. This is particularly useful when trying to design or fit a 3D printed part, but obviously has uses well beyond that. While I still recommend having a good metal ruler on hand for quick measurements as well, such a product does have its limits compared to something like the Neiko, which is available in various lengths.

Electric Blower Duster

Metro ED500 DataVac 500-Watt 120 volt 0.75-HP Electric Blower Duster

Whether it’s plastic bits or just general dust in sensitive components, this eco-friendly alternative to disposable dusters really blows (see what I did there?). I use the Metro ED500 DataVac 500-Watt 120 volt 0.75-HP Electric Blower Duster and it’s like having an indoor leaf blower. If something needs to be blown out and this doesn’t get the job done, then I seriously doubt anything will.

Hand Vacuum

Stanley Black & Decker FHV1200W Cordless Mini Canister Vac

Now that you blow, it’s time to suck (I just rolled my own eyes so you don’t have to). The Stanley Black & Decker FHV1200W Cordless Mini Canister Vac is a great handheld vacuum and is a good way to clean up what blowing can’t.

Stainless Steel Scraper

Titan Tools 11508 1-1/4″ Offset Stainless Steel Scraper

Stuck prints or other plastic bits on your print bed? The Titan Tools 11508 1-1/4″ Offset Stainless Steel Scraper is the ideal removal tool.

Dry Packs

5 Gram Pack of 50 Dry&Dry Silica Gel Packets Desiccant Dehumidifiers

If you have multiple spools of filament that you swap between on your printer, it’s a good idea to store them in a good plastic container, or, as you’ll see next, in a good vacuum bag. It’s impossible to keep all moisture out, though, so that’s why you’ll want to add one or more dry packs that you replace frequently. The 5 Gram Pack of 50 Dry&Dry Silica Gel Packets Desiccant Dehumidifiers offers an inexpensive option.

Vacuum Storage Bags

DIBAG 12 Bags Pack Set – Vacuum Storage Space Saver Bags

Options like the DIBAG 12 Bags Pack Set – Vacuum Storage Space Saver Bags are a great way to essentially vacuum seal your filament spools. And depending on bag size, you should also be able to fit more than one. Just be sure to toss in a dry pack or two like mentioned above and then place it all in a good plastic container for the ultimate in protection.

Knife Set

X-Acto X5262 Double Knife Set

No matter what you 3D print, you’re almost certainly going to have to do some clean-up on the object. The X-Acto X5262 Double Knife Set is a great way to cut off edges and other stray bits that a regular snipper (described later) is too clumsy to handle. Just be sure you get a good cutting surface like the one suggested next.

Cutting Mat

Alvin Professional Self Healing Cutting Mat GREEN/BLACK (12×18)

If you’re going to work with blades, you’re going to need a good cutting surface. The Alvin Professional Self Healing Cutting Mat GREEN/BLACK (12×18) is a nice choice. I like the 12×18″ size, but it’s available in many others. If you want a protective work surface that you don’t need to (and shouldn’t) cut on, I like the KuKisheet Silicone Baking Mat 16.25 X 11.5 Inches, which has a tacky surface and lays nice and flat after being rolled up for storage.

Sandpaper

Bluecell Pack of 12 Sandpaper Abrasive Dry/Wet Paper Sheets

3D prints won’t beautify themselves and the Bluecell Pack of 12 Sandpaper Abrasive Dry/Wet Paper Sheets can be a big help with smoothing. For best results, work your way up from a coarse grit to a finer grit. I also like to use files like this Protian set.

Painter’s Tape

3M Scotch-Blue 2090 Safe-Release Crepe Paper Multi-Surfaces Painters Masking Tape

The 3M Scotch-Blue 2090 Safe-Release Crepe Paper Multi-Surfaces Painters Masking Tape is the tape of choice when taping over your print surface for better print adhesion and protection.

Pliers

Stanley 84-114 3 Piece Basic 6-Inch Slip Joint, 6-Inch Long Nose, and 6-Inch Diagonal Plier Set

The Stanley 84-114 3 Piece Basic 6-Inch Slip Joint, 6-Inch Long Nose, and 6-Inch Diagonal Plier Set has the three key tools for 3D printing. The long nose pliers are good for pulling filament, the snippers are good for cutting filament, and the slip joint pliers are good for making machine adjustments. You’ll probably want to expand this toolset in the future, but these three will go a long way when it comes to the specific needs of 3D printing. I also love the enhanced precision of the Xuron 170-II Micro-Shear Flush Cutter, which I’ve pulled for use from my soldering bag.

Wire Brushes

TEKTON 7068 Wire Brush Set, 9 Inch, 3-Piece Set

With the TEKTON 7068 Wire Brush Set, 9 Inch, 3-Piece Set, you can use the brass or metal brush to scrape the bottom of your printer’s hot end, and the softer nylon brush to clean off just about anything else. It goes without saying that keeping the most important part of your 3D printer clean goes a long way towards its longevity.

Conclusion

So there you have it. While I’m sure there are some tools or tricks that I’m leaving out, these are certainly the ones I’ve been using the most. Since I labeled this 2016, I’ll to remember to do one around this same time in 2017 to see if those tools and tricks have changed much. As always, I’d also love to hear about the tools that you make use of, so be sure to leave a comment here, on social media, or via the contact form. Happy making!

The post Essential 3D Printer Tools and Accessories (2016) appeared first on Armchair Arcade.