Wednesday, December 1, 2021

How to of the Day

How to of the Day


How to Remove a Roku Account from a TV

Posted: 01 Dec 2021 08:00 AM PST

This wikiHow article will teach you how to remove a Roku account from a TV. If you are the owner of the Roku account on the TV and are getting it ready to be sold, you can simply unlink your account from the TV using a web browser so the new owner doesn't have access to your account. However, if you aren't the account owner (like your roommate that suddenly moved out) or just want to sign in with a different account, performing a factory reset will clear all the personal data from the TV.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Unlinking Your Account and TV

  1. Go to http://my.roku.com/ and sign in. You can use any web browser on your computer or phone to access this site and unlink your Roku account.
    Remove a Roku Account from a TV Step 1.jpg
    • You'll only be able to use this method if you are the owner of the Roku account.
  2. Click next to the TV. It's under the "My linked devices" header.[1]
    Remove a Roku Account from a TV Step 2.jpg
    • You'll see a confirmation notification when the TV has been unlinked from your account.

[Edit]Performing a Factory Reset

  1. Turn on your TV and Roku. If it's already on, press the Home key on your remote to navigate Home.
    Remove a Roku Account from a TV Step 3.jpg
  2. Go to . Use the down arrow on the directional pad on your remote to navigate to Settings and press the right arrow to enter that menu.
    Remove a Roku Account from a TV Step 4.jpg
    • You'll see Settings at the bottom of the panel on the left side of your screen.
  3. Select . Press the down arrow on the directional pad on your remote to highlight System, which is near the bottom of the menu. Press the right arrow on the directional pad to enter that menu.
    Remove a Roku Account from a TV Step 5.jpg
  4. Select . It's near the bottom of the menu.
    Remove a Roku Account from a TV Step 6.jpg
  5. Select and . It's usually the first option in the menu.
    Remove a Roku Account from a TV Step 7.jpg
    • Read the on-screen warnings here so you understand what the consequences are.
  6. Enter the four-digit code. The code is displayed on the right side of the screen along with a keypad that you can use to enter the digits.
    Remove a Roku Account from a TV Step 8.jpg
  7. Select . Your TV might take a minute to perform the factory reset.[2]
    Remove a Roku Account from a TV Step 9.jpg
    • Many Roku TVs or sticks have a reset button on the back or bottom. This may be an actual button you can press or a pinhole button that requires something like a paperclip to press. To factory reset your TV without a remote, press this button for at least 10 seconds with your TV powered on. You'll see the LED or status light blink to indicate when a factory reset is complete.[3]

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

How to Fix Christmas Lights

Posted: 01 Dec 2021 12:00 AM PST

You're not crazy — those lights did work last year. Christmas lights often burn out the moment you unplug them, so the problem often goes unnoticed. There are several ways to repair your lights, depending on the problem and how hands-on you're willing to get. Start by checking for a blown fuse, a common problem with a quick and easy fix.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Replacing a Blown Fuse

  1. Try this if the entire string goes out. A blown fuse will turn the entire string dark, not just part of it. This often happens when too many strings are connected end-to-end. A fuse can also blow when the wires are accidentally stapled during installation, or when the lights are plugged into a socket with too high a voltage (such as US lights in a UK socket).
    Fix Christmas Lights Step 1 Version 3.jpg
    • If only some of the lights are dark, skip down to replacing the bulbs instead.
  2. Open the fuse case. A string of Christmas lights typically has one or two tiny fuses in the plastic box attached to the prongs. Examine the plastic closely on the side of this box and in between the prongs for a cover you can slide or pry open. These often get stuck, so you may need to use some force.[1]
    Fix Christmas Lights Step 2 Version 3.jpg
    • Do not plug the lights back in at any point during this method.
  3. Check the fuses. Each fuse should be transparent, with an unbroken wire running through each one. If a fuse is black, or if the wire inside is broken, it needs to be replaced.
    Fix Christmas Lights Step 3 Version 3.jpg
    • You may need to remove the fuse and hold it up to a bright light to inspect it.
  4. Pry out the blown fuses. Gently lever the blown fuses out with a thin screwdriver.
    Fix Christmas Lights Step 4 Version 3.jpg
  5. Find an exact replacement. Many Christmas lights are sold with spare fuses for this purpose. If your spares have escaped from the holiday box, take the blown fuses to an electronics store and ask for a replacement. 100-light strings typically use 3A fuses, but it's best to confirm your fuses' rating with a store employee.[2]
    Fix Christmas Lights Step 5 Version 2.jpg
    • Never use a fuse with a higher rating. This can cause a major fire risk.
    • Some LED lights only require one fuse, but keep a second one in the plastic compartment as a spare.[3] If there's a fuse that's not attached to any wires, just transfer it over to the other slot.
  6. Put in the new fuses. Pop the new fuses into the slots and close the plastic cover. Plug the light bulbs in to see if this has fixed the problem.
    Fix Christmas Lights Step 6 Version 2.jpg
    • If the lights still won't come on, try a different outlet in case you blew a house fuse or circuit. If that doesn't work, keep reading for other solutions.

[Edit]Finding the Dead Bulb (Storebought Tools)

  1. Buy a christmas light repair tool. Most of these tools include everything you need to find and replace the bad bulb: a continuity detector, piezoelectric sparker (shunt repairer), and light bulb removal tool. It costs roughly $20 US, so this may not be worth it if you only have a couple strings of lights. If you prefer to avoid buying such a specialized device, try the following alternatives:
    Fix Christmas Lights Step 7 Version 2.jpg
    • Get a non contact voltage detector and skip down to tracing the dead bulb. Alternatively, buy a cheaper light bulb tester without the other features.
    • Tackle the project hands-on with a homemade tool.
  2. Use the spark function on your repair tool. Christmas lights are connected in series, meaning the whole string will go dark when one bulb fails. A failsafe called a shunt in each bulb is supposed to prevent this by closing the gap across the burnt-out bulb, but these often don't work properly. (In regions on 230V mains rather than 110V, the shunt usually does its job.) The sparker function on your repair tool will zap the shunt, hopefully succeeding in closing the gap:
    Fix Christmas Lights Step 8 Version 2.jpg
    • Plug the string of lights into the socket on the repair tool.
    • Press the button (or pull the trigger, depending on the model) about 20 times.[4] You should hear a click each time.
    • Plug the string of lights into a normal outlet. If the string is still dark, continue to the next step. If the string lights up except for one or two bulbs, skip down to replacing individual bulbs.
  3. Trace the location of the dead bulb. If the string of lights still won't light up, move on to the detector. This detects the current running through the wires, so you can identify the point where it fails.[5] Here's how:
    Fix Christmas Lights Step 9 Version 2.jpg
    • Tug apart the braided wires to identify the one directly connected to the light bulbs.
    • Place the detector on this wire about halfway along the string, between two bulbs. (If your tool has a small hole for a detector, place a light bulb into the hole instead.[6])
    • If the tool hums or lights up (depending on model), the problem is in the half of the string farthest from the plug. If there is no hum or light, the problem is in the half closest to the plug.
    • Move the tool to the middle of the problem area and test again, narrowing it down to ¼ of the string.
    • Repeat until you find a bulb with current on one side of it and no current on the other. Mark this bulb with tape so you don't lose track, then replace this bulb as described below.

[Edit]Finding the Dead Bulb (DIY)

  1. Understand the goal. Each Christmas light bulb has a "shunt" that is supposed to close the gap when the bulb burns out. This often fails, but a small surge of current can trigger this and put your lights back on.[7] This will not work every time, especially with this DIY approach. If you're looking for quick results, try the methods above instead.
    Fix Christmas Lights Step 10 Version 2.jpg
  2. Find a lighter operated by button. This type of lighter has a piezoelectric crystal which creates a spark when pressed. Do not use the type with a metal wheel, which creates the spark through friction.
    Fix Christmas Lights Step 11 Version 2.jpg
  3. Empty the lighter of fuel. If the lighter is disposable, just burn the fuel away. If the lighter is refillable, transfer the lighter fluid to another lighter, or to a sealed, clearly labeled fire-proof container.
    Fix Christmas Lights Step 12 Version 2.jpg
    • Never dispose of lighter fluid in a drain or in household trash.
  4. Remove the piezo igniter. Pry apart the plastic cover, then lift out the igniter with a pair of needle nose pliers.[8] The piezo igniter includes a button, and two tiny metal or plastic prongs. When the button is pressed, a spark jumps between these prongs.
    Fix Christmas Lights Step 13 Version 2.jpg
    • The spark is not dangerous, but it will give you a mild electric shock. More importantly, it could ignite fumes and light a small flame. Work over a nonflammable surface and keep your fingers and face away from the sparker during removal.
  5. Zap the prongs of the light string. Position the two prongs of the sparker against the two prongs of the Christmas light plug. Push the button about 10–20 times. You should hear a click and see a spark each time.
    Fix Christmas Lights Step 14 Version 2.jpg
    • If it's too hard to line up the prongs, connect them with insulated wires.
  6. Plug in your lights. If all went well, the lights should now light up. There will be one or two dead bulbs, which should be replaced as described below. Leaving the dead bulbs on will cause the other bulbs to burn out sooner.

Fix Christmas Lights Step 15 Version 2.jpg

[Edit]Replacing Individual Bulbs

  1. Twist the light bulb to check the connection. This is rarely the problem, but it only takes a second to check. Twist the light bulb gently to tighten it in position. If the bulb moved noticeably, plug in the lights and see if a loose connection was causing the issue. Assuming the bulb is still out, continue to the next step.
    Fix Christmas Lights Step 16 Version 2.jpg
    • If you have many lights, buy a string of bulbs of the same brand and type. Keep it in storage and twist off the bulbs to use as replacements when you need them.
  2. Purchase replacement bulbs. If you don't have any replacements, take along the burnt-out bulbs to a hardware store, pharmacy, or home improvement store. Look for bulbs that match as closely as possible. Ideally, check the packaging your lights came in to see what type of bulb is needed.
    Fix Christmas Lights Step 17 Version 2.jpg
    • Some bulbs are flashers, and when installed, will cause lights to flash on and off. There is no need to have two flashers on the same circuit, as they may cause unusual on / off timings.
  3. Remove each of the blown-out Christmas light bulbs. Use your thumb and index finger to delicately put pressure on each of the broken light's plastic base, to remove the fragile bulbs. If you have a Christmas light repair tool, it may come with a small grip for this purpose.
    Fix Christmas Lights Step 18 Version 2.jpg
    • In order to remove a broken Christmas bulb from its socket, find the two copper wires that sit on the base of the old bulb, noting their position on the base.
    • Push both of the copper wires down, so that they are pointing towards your floor, and the bulb is pointing towards the ceiling.
    • Pull upward on the bulb, and it should now be separated from the light's base.
  4. Insert the replacement bulb into the old bulb's socket. Make sure the two copper wires are completely aligned with the holes in the bulb's base. Once the bulb is fully seated in the base, fold the copper wires against the base in the same position as noted above. Plug in your lights and watch them glow.
    Fix Christmas Lights Step 19 Version 2.jpg
    • If you used a continuity/voltage detector tool, and your lights still won't turn on, use the tool again. There may be a second burned-out bulb. These tools can only detect one burned out bulb at a time.
  5. Remove broken sockets. If a new bulb still won't light up, your socket may be corroded or the wire may be damaged nearby. Removing this is not as difficult as it sounds, although each bulb you remove will cause the remaining bulbs to burn more brightly and therefore burn out sooner though removing one or two bulbs should be fine. (Note that a damaged wire or a repair using this method, unless done well, may present an electric shock or fire hazard. If you don't feel comfortable removing light bulb sockets, then you can just leave a light bulb in the socket or cover it with electric tape to prevent an electric shock.) Follow this method:
    Fix Christmas Lights Step 20 Version 2.jpg
    • Unplug the lights.
    • Using wire cutters, cut the wire on either side of the broken socket. (Do not cut the other two wires.)
    • With a wire stripper, strip about ½ inch (1.25cm) of insulation from each cut end.
    • Twist the two strands of wire together.
    • Get a twist connector from an electronics store (a small conical cap). Twist this over the wire, holding it in place.

[Edit]Tips

  • Replace all burnt out lamps in the comfort of your living room before hanging outside.
  • Every year when taking out your lights for reuse, always inspect light strings for damage before connecting to power. Do this under good light conditions so that you can easily see frayed cords, burnt out bulbs, bad connections, etc. Be alert for any chewing of cords that may have taken place during storage.
  • Before discarding a damaged string, remove working bulbs to use as spares.
  • Replacement Christmas lights are much cheaper right after the winter holidays.

[Edit]Warnings

  • Hang sections of lights while they are disconnected from a power source, and briefly check periodically as you go to prevent accidental shock.
  • Use light strings outdoors only if they are labeled for Outdoor or Indoor/Outdoor use.
  • If a cord has damaged insulation with visible copper wire, do not use the lights.
  • Electrical outlets on the exterior of homes should have weatherproof bubble-like covers that prevent water from entering even while a cord is connected.
  • The National Electrical Code (USA) prohibits any holiday lighting to remain in place for more than 90 consecutive days. State and local codes however, may modify the length of time allowed.
  • Use non-conductive supports designed for light strings to prevent accidental energizing of metal gutters, downspouts, railings, trim, etc.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

[Edit]Fuse Replacement

  • Screwdriver
  • Replacement fuses

[Edit]Finding the Dead Bulb

  • Christmas tree repair tool or non-contact voltage detector

[Edit]DIY

  • Button-operated lighter

[Edit]Light Bulb Replacement

  • Replacement bulbs
  • Rarely:
    • Wire cutters
    • Wire strippers
    • Twist connectors

[Edit]Related wikiHows

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

How to Recover from Jet Lag from Europe

Posted: 30 Nov 2021 04:00 PM PST

Traveling to Europe and back is certainly an adventure, but flying across several time zones can lead to jet lag, leaving you feeling foggy and fatigued. So how can you make the most of your European vacation and quickly get back on schedule when you return home? There are actually tons of things you can do before you leave, on the plane, once you arrive, and once you get back home so you don't end up feeling like a zombie. We've done the research for you and have listed the best tips and tricks for beating jet lag below.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Go to bed early in the days leading up to your flight.

  1. Unfortunately, jet lag is worse when you're traveling east. To help mitigate some of the issues connected to jet lag, adjust your sleep schedule before you leave. Go to bed 1-2 hours earlier than you normally would to help yourself adapt to the local time zone.[1]
    Recover from Jet Lag from Europe Step 1.jpg

[Edit]Adjust your mealtimes to better match the time zone you'll be in.

  1. Stomach upset is a common jet lag complaint, but you can prepare ahead of time.[2] If you're traveling from the U.S. to Europe, try eating your meals a few hours earlier than you normally would. This can help your body adapt to the local time zone, and meal schedule, more easily.
    Recover from Jet Lag from Europe Step 2.jpg
    • You can do the same thing before you head back home. Eat your meals a little later than you normally would to help yourself adapt to your regular time zone at home.
    • Stick with foods you know and like. Now's not the time to try out a new Tex Mex fusion restaurant or eat spicy curry for the first time.[3]

[Edit]Stay hydrated and eat well on the plane.

  1. Long flights often cause dehydration, which can make jet lag worse. Drink plenty of water during your flights to help your body stay in tip-top shape. Eat healthy meals and snack on fruits and veggies to avoid digestive problems associated with jet lag. Steer clear of heavy, fatty foods or calorie-rich snacks.[4]
    Recover from Jet Lag from Europe Step 3.jpg
    • Avoid alcohol and caffeine, both of which are stimulants and can further disrupt your sleep patterns.[5]
    • Keep drinking lots of water once you arrive in Europe as well as when you get back home—it'll help stave off that dreaded jet lag.

[Edit]Move around and stretch when you can.

  1. Take advantage of times when that seat belt sign is off. Sitting for the entire flight can make you feel sluggish, and also increases your risk of blood clots. Take time to stretch, stand, and walk about the cabin when it's safe to do so.[6]
    Recover from Jet Lag from Europe Step 4.jpg
    • Getting a little movement in can give you more energy, too!

[Edit]Sleep on the plane if your flight is at night in the local time zone.

  1. To adapt to the local time, sleep when it's nighttime in your destination city. This might be tough if it's mid-day in your local time zone, but hey, there's no better way to pass the time on a plane than by sleeping![7] Wear comfy clothes, take off your shoes, and curl up with a blanket and pillow. You can even put on an eye mask and noise-canceling headphones to help you block out your surroundings.
    Recover from Jet Lag from Europe Step 5.jpg
    • Skip the in-flight movie and resist the urge to scroll social media—blue light can disrupt your sleep, so avoid screentime if you're hoping to nap in-flight.
    • If you can, book your flight so it lands in the afternoon, local time, to help mitigate jet lag.[8]

[Edit]Adapt to the local time as soon as you land.

  1. Change your watch and take your meals at the normal time for your destination. The best way to beat jet lag is to adjust to the local time zone as soon as you can.[9] Most overseas flights will deposit you in Europe in the morning, so ignore the fact that it's probably 2 am back home. Follow the local time zone and take your meals and sleep when locals do.[10]
    Recover from Jet Lag from Europe Step 6.jpg
    • The same is true for your return trip. Eat your meals and go to bed at a reasonable hour in your local time zone to beat jet lag faster.

[Edit]Do something active outdoors to reset your circadian rhythm.

  1. Getting outside and doing some light exercise during the day can help your body adapt. Spend some time in the sun, especially in the morning, to help your body recognize the local time zone.[11] Some light exercise like walking, especially during the daytime, can help your body adjust its circadian rhythm so you sleep better at night.[12]
    Recover from Jet Lag from Europe Step 7.jpg
    • It might help to book a particularly exciting tour or adventure for a few hours after you land in Europe. This will give you an incentive to stay awake and give you something to look forward to—it's a win-win!

[Edit]Stay awake until it's nighttime if you can.

  1. Resist the temptation to crash when you arrive at your destination. Going to sleep when it's daytime won't help you beat jet lag or adjust to the local time. As hard as it might be, do your best to stay awake until a reasonable bedtime hour in the city you're in.[13] Hopefully, you'll awake the next morning feeling refreshed and ready to go![14]
    Recover from Jet Lag from Europe Step 8.jpg

[Edit]Take a power nap if you must.

  1. A 15- to 20-minute nap can help you get through the rest of the day. If you're feeling super sluggish and need to rest, it's okay to lie down for a bit. Just don't sleep for too long, or you'll end up being even more tired. Keep your nap to 20 minutes or less so you don't further disrupt your nighttime sleep patterns.[15]
    Recover from Jet Lag from Europe Step 9.jpg

[Edit]Take melatonin or a sleeping pill before you go to bed.

  1. Traveling across time zones can make it hard to fall asleep, and medication can help. When it gets dark in your destination, take 0.5 mg or less of a short-acting melatonin supplement. If you need something a bit stronger, ask your doctor to prescribe a sleep medication. You can take it at night for the first 3 days you're in a different time zone to help combat jet lag.[16]
    Recover from Jet Lag from Europe Step 10.jpg
    • Before you take any supplement or medication, talk to your doctor to make sure it's safe for you and won't interact with any medications you're on or health conditions you have.
    • Some common medications that doctors prescribe for jet lag include Restoril (temazepam), Ambien (zolpidem), and Imovane (zopiclone). It's best to take a low dose and limit it to just a few days.[17]

[Edit]Get up early the next morning.

  1. Set your alarm for no later than 9 am local time. While you might be exhausted and tempted to sleep in late, you won't be doing yourself any favors. To get your body's circadian rhythm adjusted to a new location, you've got to follow the local time zone. Plus, getting up early on your first full day in Europe means you'll have an easier time going to bed that night. By the second day, you should be fully acclimated to European time![18]
    Recover from Jet Lag from Europe Step 11.jpg
    • The same is true for your return trip! Get up early the day after you arrive home to better adjust to the local time.

[Edit]Tips

  • If you're traveling to Europe for an important event, arrive 2 days early to give yourself a chance to adjust to the new time zone.[19]

[Edit]References

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