Restoring and cleaning headlights to the original form

Are you struggling to drive your car at night due to milky or foggy headlamps? If so, then you are the target for this article. Yellowing of  headlight lens is a normal process and affects each and every vehicle at some point. However, there are protective measures you can take to slow down or to prevent the process.

I believe that now I got your full attention and you must be wondering what measures am talking about.

1. First, you can visit professionals who deal with vehicle's headlamps cleaning and ask then to install a special clear tint on your lens. This will cost you some cash but it will protect your light for long.

2. If your car is already affected, you can look for cleaning or restoration products such as Turtle wax headlight restoration kit in Jumia, spare shops, Auto Express and supermarkets. This kit is among the best you can get but requires you to follow an elaborate procedure to get good results - it has several sand paper grades to scrub your lens and a specially made base coat and sealing wipes. If unavailable locally, you can source  online and have it delivered.

3. If you want to try out some home remedies, you can try: 

(a) Coca cola (coke) soda. I tried this one and the results were not as expected.

(b) Tooth paste- it does a better job than coca cola soda but still not satisfactory.

4.  Still curious, you can try DW-40, this one you can easily get is in spare parts shops or supermarkets and just by spraying on the lens, your headlights will shine but not for long.

5. The last product that I want to discuss about here is the Turtle Wax HEADLIGHT CLEANER & SEALANT. Out of all the so-called home remedies, this one I can vouch for it - I tried and tested it  myself and the results were spectacular. 

All you need to do is:

(i) Clean your headlights well and let them dry or wipe them dry. 

(ii) Apply this solution on a clean cotton material and rub it on your lens in a circular motion and in moderate pressure. 

Add till the whole lens is covered with it. Give it a few minutes as this product works through de-oxidation  (yellowing removal) and then firmly press it in a circular motion. The more you apply and rub, the clearer the lamps will get. 

(iii) After you are done applying, rinse it well and voila! The magic happens and that's it. Now repeat the process to the other headlight.

I just like it, no sand papering or anything. Within 15 minutes, you are done and the difference is evident.

Unlocking car navigation system with ERC unlocker

Posted: 24/08/2019

Now that you are reading this, you must be or have been a victim of your car stereo having locked itself or perhaps, you know someone who is facing a similar problem and you want to help them. To unlock the system, you will need a special software to generate the ERC unlock code. 

Which models of car radio systems are we talking about here?

Check on the image below to see if yours is one of them but even if it is not there, you can still contact me to see if I can help.

How does ERC serial look like?

Unfortunately, getting this serial can be challenging at times since the radio's default language is Japanese.

Nevertheless, if your system stopped functioning after you disconnected the battery, don't rush into buying a new card thinking the current one has crashed! Just follow the steps given here below. 

See an example of a locked system - this is NSCP-w61:

How to get ERC serial number:

ERC serial is a sixteen (16) digits number.

See the image below:

   (1)To get this code, turn on and off or  flash parking lights 3 consecutive times while pressing the main button or menu of your radio. 

 This will open a new window on the screen. After that, click on the active button  to reveal the code. 

Watch these You tube videos on how to get the code:
https://youtu.be/TQJzBw-Pz2s   or

https://youtu.be/pb65ANkioU8

  (2)  Copy or note the code and put it on the code-generator to generate the unlock key (8 digits).

NB: Free code generating tools are not available online. However, you can get a number of them on Google play store but you will pay a minimum of $10 via PayPal for the code.  Alternatively, you can WhatsApp me on  (+254720338152) to generate the code for you at the rate of $5 (dollars).

You can also engage me on the comment box with your ERC serial (don’t contact me if you don’t have it. Watch the YouTube videos provided) and I will get back to you soonest.

(3 After getting your unlock code, enter it on your navigation player and click ok. The system will restart/reboot itself and unlock all prior locked features.

Why Equitel Line is a Must Have

Updated ---28/07/2019

Equitel MVNO mobile banking is the latest innovation of Equity Bank, Kenya. It has been a real game changer in mobile money transfer technology. Before its entrance into this industry, other players such Safaricom, Airtel, Orange and Yu were already in place.

Equitel has been banking on its huge customer base (about 9 million) to have a slice of the cake.  

Benefits of Equitel line over others:

1. You can send or receive any amount of money to any other line.  The sending charges is capped at about Ksh. 64 while other lines have graduated charges. Meaning, the more you send, the more you pay.

2. You can pay utility bills free of charge.

3. You can send from your line to the rest. All you have to do is to link your account to the Equitelline .

4. Charges for sending money directly from your line is cheaper than withdrawing from an ATM or bank, load to an Mpesa line and then send it.

5. With a linked account, you can access your money any time. They also have a mobile application that you can install on your Android smartphone or Iphone

6.  Equitel account makes international e-commerce venture possible via its partnership with  PayPal.

Other benefits are that:
1. You can access internet via this line
2. You can voice-call just like with  other lines.
3. If you have a single-line or twin-sim card phone, you can embed a thin-sim on top of   the firsts line, and access it without removing its battery by doing an auto swap.


 

 

ARMCO DVB-T210CX set box

ARMCO DVB-T210CX is another pocket friendly digital set box that coverts analogue signals to digital. With digital migration becoming a reality across the globe, owning a set box is the easiest option to consider. This set box compares well with Samsutech DVB T2 digital set box though it has extra features that the latter doesn't have i.e the 12V DC port.

With fast technological advancements taking place, current TV sets now have DVB T2 set box incorporated but not many can afford them due to their high price but with an ARMCO DVB-T210CX set box, you will no longer have to worry about buying a compliant digital TVs as that old standard TV you have there can serve you just fine. 

This HD digital terrestrial receiver has unique features/specs that makes it one of the best in the market. For example;

1. if you are in  rural areas with no electricity connection, this gadget will come in handy as it has a 12Volts DC port which means you can power it using the ordinary car battery
2. It  has an LCD screen that displays the channels and other functions
3. It up-scales resolution of the standard TV up to 1080P
4. It is fully compliant with DVB T2 standards
5. It supports multi-lingual menu language
6. Through PVR you can record a program on a flash disk play it later
7. It has several editing functions such as delete, move, set favorites, skip, lock etc
8. Supports Electronic Program Guide (EPG)
9. You can enjoy 1,000 radio programs & TV channels
10. Supports multi video and music play formats such as AVI,MPG,MPEG, VOB,DIV, DAT, MPEG layer 1 &2 etc
11. Can support 1080I, 1080P, 720I, 720P, 560I and 560P resolutions
12. Has both QAD and USB software upgrade features
13. You can easily boost its sound with sub-woofers or home-theaters such as Lg-dh4130s.

If you find some channels missing the sound then you need to upgrade your box. You can request it from me in the comment box or write to the sales division on: sales@armcokenya.com or to the service division via: service@armcokenya.com and request for the same.

How to choose a broadband dongle (modem)

Broadband dongle also sometimes referred as to as an internet dongle, internet stick or a USB modem is a small electronic USB device that enables one to connect to wireless internet. Modems have become the preferred choice of many consumers and even for the service providers as they offer more flexibility compared to fixed line connections which can only be used in homes or offices. In fact, the latter is almost being phased out due to its inflexibility and partly due to high maintenance cost involved.

Due to its small size, it can fit well in the pocket and walk around with it. This means if you have a laptop then you can access internet on the go. Manufacturers of these devices are trying to revolutionize it to suit the ever changing needs of consumers. For example, with a 3G modem, you can download or browse pages with amazing speeds but you can even download with super fast speeds if you go for the 4G modems. Currently they are the fastest broadband dongle in the market.

Different internet dongles employ different technologies to access the internet. Some are directly connected to a PC via USB port. They have a plug and play supporting software that allows one to connect the internet while others access internet by themselves and then generate WIFI signals meaning you can connect several wireless devices. So the choice of the modem should be guided by its use. For example, if you want to connect several gadgets at once then go for the one that can generate wireless signals but if you have one gadget only then a standard USB modem will suffice.

Another factor to consider after purchasing a broadband dongle is the data plan to subscribe to. Most service providers have pre-paid and post paid plans. The former offers more control over the budget in that you only subscribe for what you need unlike in the latter where you enjoy the service and then pay later. The problem with this plan is that you can exceed your allotted budget. The other problem is that you pay for the service, whether used or not.

Therefore, when buying for a broadband dongle consider its speed although this mostly depends on service providers and also the data plans available.

WhatsApp for Java & Dual Phones

Whats App has become the top social networking app in the world but unfortunately, not all java phones can install Whats app. Some of the unsupported smart phones are Nokia 3500c, 101, 110, 112, C2-03, C2-06, X2-02, and Nokia Asha 202, 301, 305,308, 310 among other dual phones. 

 If you have one of these models, you can still install Whats app if you follow the following procedure.

Step 1: Click these links to download java Whats app installation files here

(a)    Zip file  

(b)   Jad file  

Step 2: If possible download the two files using a computer and then copy them on a micro SD card using a USB cable but not on the phones memory as copying will not complete. You can also download using another phone and send them to your memory card via Bluetooth.

Step 3: Create a folder and name it Apps & games or if you already have one copy the two files there. After this connect your internet and then touch the option button of the larger file but do not open it yet. On the options, select ‘update’ to get the latest java Whats app file.

Step 4: After downloading is complete, run the file and you will see the notification enabler updating. Wait until the sign up page appears.

Step 5: Enter your phone number ignoring the first zeros such as (0)722... If successful it will verify your line by sending a verification SMS. So make sure your line is in use.

Step 6: You will also be asked to put the name that people will be seeing to recognize you. After that you will see on the screen that you have been given 12 months of free service and thereafter you will have to pay a few dollars to continue enjoying the service.

Step 7: Then Whats app will access your phone to get all contacts saved and will list the numbers of those already on whats app as ‘FAVORITES’ and the rest will be listed under ‘ALL’ category. 

 That is it. Now go ahead and enjoy chatting with friends.

Samsutech DVB-T2 Free To Air Set Box

Samsutech DVB-T2 is a free to air set box video receiver that converts analogue signals on standard TV set to High definition digital signals. This is in response to the global analogue migration to digital platform switch off deadline which is 2016. You can also consider buying ARMCO DVB-T210CX  Free To Air decoder which to me isn't a bad deal either.

For you to receive digital signals on your standard TV you need to  a digital set top box. There are two types of set top boxes; that is subscription and free-to-air. This Samsutech DVB-T2 set box I am talking about here is a free to air set box which means that you do not have to subscribe or pay anything to watch your favorite programs.

Features and specs of Samsutech DVB-T2

1. With it I am able to receive several digital TVs stations in excesses of 30  as well as a number of radio stations and the list is growing.
2. It has a USB port through which you can play videos, photos and audio music stored in portable devices such as Flash disks, Micro SD cards, mobile phones, external hard disks etc
3. Through the same USB port you can record and save your favorite TV program, video or music on a Flash disk and play it later through the PVR function.
4. This set box can play most types of audio, photo and video formats such as Mpeg 1/2/3/4, MKV, AVI, WMV, DAT, VOB, JPEG, GIF, BMP, PMG among others however, I found it unable to play FLV  but still you can convert those files to compatible ones.
5. With its the up-scaling technology your low resolution videos will be turned into a high resolution file of up to 1080 pixels. 
6. You can out-put to your HDTV through its HDMI port using a HDMI cable.
7. With the help of the Electronic Program Guide (EPG) feature, you can preview all the electronic program line-up right on your TV screen.
8. It also has a parental control lock where you can rate or set certain TV programs as suitable or unsuitable for children using a password lock. 

The only challenge is that the whole country is yet to be fully covered digitally. To be on the safe side, do not wait till you see a blue screen after analogue signals cut-off. Save some coins and buy yourself a Free To Air (FTA) set box to enjoy digital TV. 

Effects of Skin breaching

Simply, I do not know what has gotten into the minds of some Kenyan ladies. Skin breaching has all of a sudden become trendy and girls have gone mad about it oblivious of their massive side effects of skin breaching and the fact that quality of these breaching agents are not regulated by the government. 

Nonetheless, this business has been booming in Nairobi especially in River Road where it happens under the watch of ignorant law enforcers who are often compromised to look the other way. Some of side effects of skin breaching are lethal and irreversible. According to a Harvard trained dermatologist Dr. Pranav Pancholi most of them contain Alpha Hydroxyl acid which is not only corrosive but also has the potential to destroy your body tissues.

Many ladies erroneously belief that Kenyan men love light skinned women but this is not the case and I can attest to this. It is a baseless generalization. This habit is most common to celebrities and other rich people as not all can afford it as is costs up to $70. Recently, a Kenyan socialite, Vera Sidika reportedly spent millions of Kenyan shillings to breach her skin but rumors are now going around that something went wrong as her skin as her skin later turned pale. 

Skin lightening agents should be applied topically but some customers go against this and demand for injections for faster and effective results. Probably this is why the process ends up being irreversible. According to a beautician operating in River road in Nairobi, an injection makes old women look six years younger. That is how strong these chemicals but what is more worrying is that if something goes wrong, you may end up looking like an Albino

My take on this is that people should not try to change how they look. They should just be contented with their skin complexion. If you are light skinned or dark skinned or otherwise, stay that way. Skin breaching is not and will never be a solution to your problems. It is against this backdrop that one should consider the side effects of skin breaching before applying.

Equity Bank's Newest Strategy - MVNO

With the licensing of Equity Virtual Mobile Operator by Kenya's financial regulator and also the Communication Authority of Kenya, Equity bank is definitely set for greater financial heights when it will finally roll out this platform. 

Safaricom is the biggest mobile operator in kenya and is also the  leading mobile money transfer company in the world with its M-Pesa technology and the use of Virtual Mobile Operator by Equity bank is one of the latest strategies to have a a slice of the huge mobile money transfer returns. The question whether Equity will succeed, nobody knows. We can only wait-and-see.

Equity bank which is the largest bank in Kenya in terms of customers is banking its hopes on its huge customer base to succeed. It is said to have about 8-9 Million active customers. Each of these customers will be issued with a ultra slim sim-card which will be embedded on the existing mobile sim-cards although Safaricom is protesting this move. 


With Virtual Mobile Operator, Kenyans will not only have a cheaper and effective alternative of sending money but they will also be able to send huge amounts of money through their phones without limits as it is the case with the current service providers. Currently customers are charged by telecommunications 16% of the amount they are sending but Equity will only charge 1%  and the total transaction charges will be capped at Ksh. 25. 

According to the bank’s CEO James Mwangi, Kenya’s success will act as a springboard to other East African states such as Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and South Sudan where they have financial branches.

Safaricom has been resisting the move to open its infrastructure to its competitors claiming they have invested heavily in building their systems to allow their competitors to access the same just like that. Luckily, Airtel has partnered with Equity and allowed the latter use its infrastructure and thus it will not require much investment to roll out the Virtual Mobile Operator. 

For more information about this, you can visit Equity bank's page here.

LG DH4130s Home Theater Specifications

Are you looking for a classic LG home theater that will give you value for every cent spent on it? Then, LG DH4130s is a fair deal and will only cost you about 16,000Ksh or approximately $ 186 US dollars. You can look and buy it from online shops such as eBay, Amazon, Hotpoint, regional LG’s online shops among others.

LG DH4130s Home Theater

Features of LG DH4130Ss

1. This LG DH4130S home theater is equipped with a DVD player that can play almost all known DVDs and CDs.
2. It has 5.1 sound channels that is 5 speakers and a sub-woofer all totaling to 330 watts (RMS). The system emits high definition sound waves to different directions that turn your room into a real cinema hall. 
   
3. Is equipped with a HDMI port that you can use to connect it to your LCD, LED or HDTV. 
4. Has a USB port where you can play MP3 and WMA formatted music and video contents from external storage systems such as flash disks, iPods, external-hard disk among others.
5. You can also record your favorite music while playing it on CDs or FM radio station through USB record and playback feature and then play it later. 
6. You can also play content from your phone by connecting it through a Portable in port. Just select a playlist, connect the portable in cable and sit back and relax to enjoy your music.  
7. Equipped with a Karaoke feature, you can sing along to your favorite music and compare your singing with the original one as it gives its rating to know how well you are singing. 
   
8. With LG DH4130S’ Full HD up-scaling feature, a simple HD image is turned into a Full HD by up-scaling it to 1080P. With this feature in place, you can confidently play low resolution contents from DVDs or from the internet and be assured of high definition quality.
   
   Having highlighted the features to expect from this LG DH4130S home theater then, you can go and hook yourself with one if it has met your expectations. For more information you can visit LG’s website.