DIY: When Broadband Modem is faulty . . .

The general indications for a faulty broadband modem are
No internet access.
Broadband Modem : No LED display for DSL and Internet.

A note on abbreviations and term:
LED - Light Emission Diode (the green lights as shown below)
ADSL - Asymmetric Digital Subscriber line or DSL in short
NIC - Network Interface Card or Network card
LAN - Local Area Network (or simply network)
ISP - Internet Service Provider
Broadband Modem usually comes with Router/Switch, all-in-one

Based on my own experience, the faulty modem (other than manufacture's defect) is due to surge from lightning even though it may have struck hundreds of meters away from your modem's location especially when it is located near to the open window during the thunderstorm.

Shown below are pix of the Broadband Modem's LED display
[When modem is in order]

Broadband Modem LED display
1st LED - Power- On (left side)
2nd LED - Port#1 - Off (not in use)
3rd LED - Port#2 - Off (not in use)
4th LED - Port#3 - Off (not in use)
5th LED - Port#4 - ON
6th LED - ADSL - ON
7th LED - Internet - ON (right side)

[When modem is faulty]

Broadband Modem LED display
1st LED - Power- ON
2nd LED - Port#1 - OFF(not in use)
3rd LED - Port#2 - OFF(not in use)
4th LED - Port#3 - OFF(not in use)
5th LED - Port#4 - ON
6th LED - ADSL - OFF
7th LED - Internet - OFF

(Port #1, #2, #3 and #4 are where network cables are connected (at the back) which allows you to share broadband connections with multiple PCs using a single modem/router/switch)

Modem's Configuration:
The other is getting the details of modem's configuration. You need to enter these configurations when a new modem is replaced. Get it written down when the modem is in working order. Don't know how? Then do this accordingly.

- open a browser (IE, Firefox, etc); key in " 192.168.1.1" without the quote, at the address bar and hit enter. Refer to your modem's user manual as sometimes they used a different URL. Upon successful login, note and copy the details, such as
- USER- ID (for Streamyx a/c, the format is "username@streamyx"
- Password (if not visible or u have forgotten it,then u have to refer to your ISP)

Network Card:
More often than not, the surge from lightning may also damage the network card too.

Indications for damage of the Network Card (NIC):

# LAN icon at PC's system tray with a red "X" or yellow "!" point. This is located at the bottom right corner next to the clock display.


# LED of port# (one that connects to the network card) would not be lighting-up

This mean a replacement of NIC is required but this can also mean the PC is not connected to internet.

A pix of the NIC, cost about $18 is shown below.

For replacement, there is a need to open the CPU cover and replace it accordingly. If the network card replaced is a different brand, then it is necessary to install the driver, which is usually provided together with the NIC. Shown below is where the network cable is connected between here (NIC) and the modem's. If you are not familiar, it's better that you check with someone who knows or refer to the user manual.

A new NIC require configuration too. While still in working order, it is wise to take a note of the settings.

How to configure the LAN:

Click at the network(LAN) icon, select properties but i would not be going into details as different OS (XP, Vista, etc) has different configurations. The basic is to get the properties correct for the Internet Protocol for its TCP/IP.
See details below. This may be different from your NIC settings.


Precaution:
Taking precaution is the best defence. These are the steps taken whenever there is a thunderstorm and when lightning is heard. On the other hand, if it is raining but there aren't any lightning struck, then i would say it's quite safe surfing the net. If it does, don't blame me ;-)

1. Turn off the switch that connects to the CPU; and pulling out the plug away from the wall socket;
2. Disconnect the phone cable (RJ-11).
There is a couple of ways. It's a matter of preference or a matter of convenience.
#- pull the phone cable from the telephone switch box or wall socket.

[After]

OR
#-pull the phone cable from the back of the modem/router.
[Before]

Note the two network cables (light and dark blue}indicating that the cables are being connected to 2 PCs.
[After]

3. Don't forget to close the window when the modem is located near the windows.

Summary:
1. Assumed cause of the the modem's fault is due to lightning;
2. Check the Modem's LED - DSL and Internet -their lights should not be working
3. Make available modem's configuration such as user-ID and password;
4. Log in to the modem's URL (192.168.1.1) and input the setting as in (3).
5. Check the LAN icon (system tray) to determine whether the network card is damaged
6. Make available LAN's configuration settings.

Cheers!

Quick Meal - Lou Shu Fen (老鼠粉)

A note on the name of the noodle as it is called by other names elsewhere in Chinatown. Locally it is literally called "rat's noodle." Its name is quite disgusting to be called that just because it is shaped like a rat's tail, as you know this animal is associated with disease and dirtiness. In Hong Kong or Taiwan, it is called "Yin Zhen Fen" (or Silver Needle Noodle; 银针粉 ) as they reckon this noodle looks like "silver needle" ;-). Not a good name either. Another name is Short Rice Noodle(短米粉),I think, is more appropriately named as this is made from rice and it is cut shorter compared to other types of Chinese rice noodles which are normally long! Shown below is a sample of the short rice noodles.


Ingredients for 4 servings:
Meat(minced): 200 gm (chicken or pork)
- marinate with a tbsp light soy sauce, a tsp corn flour, 1/2 tbsp sesame; and set aside for a few minutes.
Red shallots (or small onions): medium size (or about 40 g)
Garlic: about 30 g
Tomato: 1 medium size
Dark soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
Cooking oil: 2 tablespoon

Short Rice Noodle: 1 kg or more

Chicken stock: 4 bowls
some green onions and mint leaves
salt and pepper to taste

Method:
(1). Heat up a non-stick pan, add in oil, garlic and red shallot, fry till fragrant. Add in the marinated meat, slice tomato, stir fry for a minute; add in dark soy sauce; and stir fry until cooked. Set aside.


(2). Heat up 4 bowls of chicken stock until it boils. Add in salt and pepper to taste.

(3). Heat up a pot of water (about 2 litre). When boiling, add in the noodle. Then switch off the fire in order not to overcook the noodles. Drain and dish out to the serving bowls.

(4). Finally, dish out the cooked marinate meat to each bowl; and ladle the soup as prepared in (2). Garnish each with spring onions and mint leaves. Serve hot.



Cheers!

Amazing Coincidence, Part 2

Oh là là! It's not based on third-party references or external links but my own encounters within the last few months. Things at my home seems to be breaking down one after the other - the most recent(major) being the ceiling fan's switch, roof-leaks and toilet stuck - as if these non-living things seem to have "sensed" that we are leaving them behind in this home of 20 over years. Some can be explained like the recent roof leaks which normally require maintenance every 4 or 5 years but some gave way during this period coincidentally although it normally can last 2 or 3 decades, if not a generation-long ;-)

The list of things, in this order, which normally does not require yearly maintenance, that gave way recently:

1. Bathroom Mirrors (20 years +)
It just dropped off on the floor shattered without any prior noticeable sign.

2. Cooking Gas Cylinder Valves (20 years +)
The sudden gas leaks (indicated by hissing sound) from the valve frightened the maid thinking that it might explode and made her run out of the house for help!

3. Fan Ceiling Switch (20 years +)
No warning at all. This is highlighted in the blog recently how i DIY to replace the switch.

6. Toilet Cistern's Float (20 years +)
Float mechanism gave way.

7. Kitchen Sink's valve (20 yrs +)
This is the valve that seals/connects the sink opening to the drainage pipe below. Rarely leaks (first ever occurrence) but it happened recently.

8. Kitchen sink cabinet (20 yrs +)
Normally located below the sink is a layer of wooden blank that holds many miscellaneous items. The wooden blank broke into two last month.

9. Bathroom Rail/hanger (10 years +)
Broke away from the wall.

10. Kitchen Roll Holder (10 years +)
Broke up into two while replacing the paper roll.

11. Window Blind (sitting room area)
The connecting rope snapped after more than 5 years in use.

12. Frying Pan (non-stick)
For this type, no one would expect it to last long but the "handle" just broke off into two from the pan unexpectedly.

13. Computer Chair ( 5 yrs +)
Its armrest gave way.

14. Personal Cup Glass (5 yr +)
It could just be my carelessness that i broke my personal cup glass last night. Have used this for as long as 5 or 6 years. Sigh! (this incident made me want to blog about this so-called coincidences!!)

15. Roof Leaks
The quality of the gutter, unlike the roof, was not built to last a life time. This one requires regular maintenance every 4 or 5 years.

16. Toilet Stuck
It just got struck a couple of days ago, after the two "DIY" mentioned in the blog recently. This unpleasant thing usually happens once in a while whatever the cause. If this occurs outside your premise, then the local "Indah Water Konsortium" would be responsible for its clearance. Calling them for this job would cost $180 while others, less "professional", would be a hundred or two less. Still it's an expensive service considering the job to clear them is just less than 5 minutes. No joke. But acquiring the drainage tools (imported) from a local hardware shop, is a bit expensive though but it's worth it as this tool can last a life time. Pics of the tools and where the location of the underground's sewerage tank is shown below.


Tools; about $40 each; and it is sold in a set of 20.


Close up of the tube which adjoins to the next tube by its interface.


Normally located outside the premise but most locals would have renovated to include this outside premise as part of expanded kitchen.


Then the metal slab covering the manhole would be underneath the cement layer.

So many coincidences but one tend to believe these things have "feelings" to show they are being abandoned soon. Ha ha!

Quick Meal - Cantonese Fried ( 广府炒)

This quick meal was not to be for today's dinner but a last minute decision to eat in. We just took whatever ingredients were available. Well it turned out that the meals were deliciously done. Ahem!

Decided to blog it sharing with friends/visitors how to prepare a delicious noodle meal.

Cost per serving is about a dollar plus, and more important we know what things go to the meal. The only drawback for this Cantonese version of frying rice-vermicelli is that a lot more cooking oil is used compared to other noodles done in this blog earlier.

Ingredients for 4 servings:
1). Rice vermicelli (米 粉) noodle: 400g - soak in water for a few minutes or until the noodles are soften. Drain the noodles. Good to store extra packets as it can last weeks compared to wet noodles.
2). Tomato: 1 or more (sliced)
3). Old Ginger: about 40 gm (removed skin & thinly sliced)
4). Fresh Garlic: 30g (removed skin & minced)
5). Cooking oil: about 4 or 5 tablespoon
6). Meat (boneless): about 50 gm per serving. Any type of meat will do. In our case, we use chicken meat, prawns and some beef. Marinate them with a table spoon of soy sauce.
7). Water: about 400 cc (or chicken broth)
8). An egg: Beat it for a minute with a fork
9). A cube of chicken stock (optional for the stew)
10). Tapioca Flour: 1 tablespoon, mixed with a bit of water (for thickening the gravy)
11). Black Vinegar(黑醋): 1 tablespoon (optional - the idea is to make the gravy a bit sourish; ordinary white vinegar can be a substitute too)
12). Salt and pepper to taste
13) Mint leaves (optional)

Method:
Making stew

Use a non-stick pot so that cooking oil can be minimised. Heat (medium) up the oil, then put in the ginger and stir for a minute, followed by the minced garlic, until they are light brown. Put in marinated meat, slice tomatoes; stir them for a few minutes; then finally add in the water (leave some water behind, about 100 ml). Stew it for about 15 minutes. Finally add in the balance of the water, chicken stock, egg, starch paste, vinegar, salt and pepper to taste. Turn fire to low and leave aside.

Making fried noodles

Here use an ordinary frying pan (do not use non-stick pan) so that noodles can be easily burnt slightly on both sides. Put in tablespoon (15ml) of oil and heat it up; then add in about 100 gm of the thin noodles, and spread the noodles evenly over the pan. Stir occasionally until it is slightly burnt. It should be like those shown (pix). Then turn over the noodles, and add in another tea-spoon of oil. Turn the noodles around. Take out when ready and place it on a serving plate. Repeat the rest of the noodles.

Mamma Mia!

Pour the boiling stew over the noodles. Place mint and serve hot.

Yes, we can!

DIY: Repairing Roof Leaks

Another DIY so soon!! Well, it's just a coincidence for another DIY and since it required repair urgently as it rains almost daily these days. Based on the previous encounter, I suspected it's due to the rain-gutter, especially at its joint. Over time they tend to loosen and this gives way to leaks. Like in the previous case of DIY, I took this opportunity to record the repair procedure.

A word of caution. Working on a roof can be dangerous. It should be done when the roof is completely dry. A wet roof is slippery and very risky. Wear a rubber-soled shoes as it provides the best traction when working on a roof. If you are not handy enough, your best bet is to call a roof-repairer! Ha Ha

Tools and material required:
A tin of roof-tar (about 500g would be sufficient for a simple leak)
A screw driver for opening the tin;
A spatula for spreading the tar over the leaks;
A piece of used cloth to cover the leak area;
A piece of aluminum foil to be double folded - normally use for baking cakes or browning, etc;
A pair of scissors to cut the above two items when on the roof to required size;
A brush and some rags to clean up the area, if there is a need.


The scene of a roof


The couple of tiles removed. Most of the roofs in local houses are just overlapping each other, so it's quite easy to remove. It's a matter of pushing up one tile, then lift the adjacent tiles and letting it slide down carefully. Small wonder these days burglars make their ways using this method. Maybe consider nailing the tiles to the roof with such feature for additional security!


The location the leaks is covered with dirt. Need to clean this up.


Put a layer of tar over the overlapping metal sheets. Then, lay down a piece of cloth over the tar layer. The piece of cloth helps to secure the tar over the metal sheets.


Apply another layer of tar over the cloth.


And finally, a piece of aluminum foil is to be pressed down to the tar using some cloth to smoothen it.

Job done.
Hip Hip Hooray!!

PS: There was rain 6 hours later. Despite the heavy pour, there was no dip from the roof/ceiling. And it looks like the batch over the leak was successfully done.

Je peux, Vous pouvez et Tout le monde peut ;-)