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PI Gadgets, Gimmicks
Tricks of the Trade By Julius “Buddy” Bombet
Fob Code Copier
The remote control copier will copy the codes from most remote control key fobs used for cars, garage doors, etc. and kept as a spare. This is a four button key fob that will read and memorize up to four button codes in only a few seconds. The duplicator is placed next to an original remote and the buttons depressed. Within a few seconds, it will have memorized and copied the same code. This device works on up to 90 percent of car remotes but will not work with remotes that use a hopping code. The gadget sells for $49 at www.spymodex. com/remote.htm
E-Verify, formerly BPEEVP E-Verify (formerly known as the Basic Pilot/ Employment Eligibility Verification Program) is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees. E-Verify is free and voluntary and is the best means available for determining employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers. As of May 5, 2008, the E-Verify system includes naturalization data, which will help instantly confirm the citizenship status of naturalized U.S. citizens hired by E-Verify employers. Naturalized citizens who have not yet updated their records with the Social Security Administration (SSA) are the largest category of work-authorized persons who initially face an SSA mismatch in E-Verify. Register at https://www.vis-dhs.com/EmployerRegistration
“DS” is “D” Best Karen DiCarlo is the owner/operator of PC Transcription, Inc. They provide support to investigators and insurance adjusters nationwide including a web application to its transcription clients (free of charge) which houses, catalogs, and manages all of their related audio and reports/ statements files. According to Karen nearly all of her clients use the Olympus digital recorders. So, a word of caution to you if you are considering a digital recorder: Karen does not recommend purchasing anything other than the “DS” series. Best Buy, Office Max, and the like sell low-end versions that create WAV files. The files are huge and very difficult to transmit and the recorders themselves are not designed to easily download the audio. You’ll pay a little more for a DS series recorder and it’ll save you some time. The Olympus DS-2300 sells for $189.00 at www.startstop.com/digital. asp#2300. Thank you Karen DiCarlo, PC Transcription, Inc., phone 800-635-1153, email: karen@pctranscription.com.
Now Playing Everywhere The Slingbox™ AV allows you to watch and control your favorite TV source from anywhere in the world on your laptop or cell phone. I bet the PIs out there can not only find some leisure time use for this “gadget” but could also find some professional uses as well. You can watch your DVR, digital cable, satellite receiver, or DVD player wherever you see fit. Now, with the Slingbox AV, you’ll never have to be separated from your favorite TV shows and sporting events again. Take a look at the various models at www.slingmedia.com/go/slingbox.
Away, Blind Spot
Want a great rear view mirror used by police officers and professional racecar drivers that eliminates blind spots? The patented, seamless mirror offered by Hammacher Schlemmer has a 180° field of view (standard mirrors offer only 52°) that provides a distortion-free reflection of rear traffic across an entire five-lane highway, and it allows continuous monitoring of adjacent vehicles from the moment they begin to pass until they are visible in your peripheral vision. The mirror automatically reduces the headlight glare of trailing vehicles by 50 percent clamps to your existing rear view mirror without requiring the use of tools or adhesives, and is entirely shatterproof. Check it out at www.hammacher.com/.
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PI magazine
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September/October 2008
Power Squid
I always travel with an extension cord but the Power Squid makes better sense and model PSOM100631 is only $16. The outlet multiplier is an easy and convenient way to convert a grounded wall outlet to five grounded adapter-compatible outlets with far more flexibility than a standard power strip. It accommodates bulky transformer plugs with ease. No more problems looking for a way to plug in your computer, chargers, etc. in your hotel room. The model does not provide surge protection from electrical spikes or power surges but other models are available at www.powersquid.com/.
September/October 2008
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www.pimagazine.com
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