on the bench

TaoTronics Humidifier Model TT-AH006

Today’s fixit is the humidifier, worked faithfully during the winter months when the air is dry. Even though it has a large tank it required filling practically ever day during dry spells. Usually I set it at 45% . It also has a heater warm mist function which I don’t use

It stopped producing vapor, the float and water valve was ok so it’s was time for a disassembly, something I haven’t done ( can you believe it?) since I received it from an auction at the Goodwill site. Just a cleanup from time to time for the water passages in the base and filling was all that it required. It does also have a hepa type filter in the air input and a small pullout drawer for a smell well type essence..

One of the LED segments of the humidity readout is non functioning. But you can still figure out the display and for some other reason the ability to change the temperature reading from Celsius to Fahrenheit does not function. None of these impairs function. Item is a Taotronics , now to the bench….

disclaimer: be careful, if you follow, you repair at your own risk.

bottom cover removed

circuit board removed

ultrasonic driver board and transducer

, transducer and cover removed, aha! solder pad and wire lifted from transducer

blower motor and fan assembly removed for cleaning, also most of the white residue seen on the components was brushed away.

reed switch, (mates with a magnet on the removable water tank) , and led water level indicator board, a novel design the led shines up through the water tank to indicate level to the user. But why have a plain old single color LED?

now a color changing LED for my hack….

Solder pad on the traducer was repaired and the attaching wire soldered to return the humidifier to service. Used much less during the summer months , it will still monitor the humidity level and even with air conditioning will cycle to keep the humidity level set to user setting. But of course can’t de humidify and bring the humidity level down.

NEXT…….

limoncello

Adapted from https://ice-cream-magazine.com/2013/07/14/lemon-sorbet-and-limoncello/

at first I though the spelling was lemoncello, but anyways, It was a spur of the moment recipe as I like some citrus flavor to add to water. Usually I just micro plane some lemon and orange peel , with the juices and pulp and bottle it for addition to orange juice , lemon juice or lime juice as a beverage to flavor water with the addition of sugar sometimes. Also as a kombucha flavoring.

This recipe steps it up a notch as a lemon liquor such as an after dinner cordial or as a palate cleanser. Surprised as to the ease of making this as one would probably have to search the liquor store or online offerings to see it it was available. Also it didn’t require a long term infusion.

I scaled back on the quantity and used a resealable bottle the EZ cap 16 ounce version for (ECO friendly) storage.

Usually I have simple sugar stored, available for my coffee, that is, equal amounts of sugar and water heated and dissolved for my coffee which blends smoother than granulated sugar. (try a brown simple sugar as it adds a different caramel type dimension)

This base is a vodka simple syrup. I combine the liquid, vodka,the grated peel and the sugar together and then gently heat just till the sugar dissolves. Add , juice and pulp. The mix was also a 3 lemons to one orange blend. Place the bottle in the freezer for several hours and then store in the refrigerator. The trick of running the fruit in the microwave for a few seconds does work for me as it softened the fruit for squeezing.

don”t boil the liquid

that’s a hinged orange press

bottle in freezer