Issue With Node-Red node-red-contrib-whatsapp-link

I’ve recently installed Node-Red on my home server, which is a good tool for simple automation. I’ve used it to configure some automation to send out Whatsapp messages in some Whatsapp groups as reminders for the members of the groups.

To enable Whatsapp in Node Red, I install this additional Node called node-red-contrib-whatsapp-link. One major reason for me to use it is because it does not require any third party APIs or any subscription to use it. It can simply link to your whatsapp account and you can use Node-Red to decide what to do with the message received, or to send out any message to a person or a Whatsapp group.

However, while using this Node, I face a few issue, and I will share on how I solve each of the issue in this article.

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Sony NW-A105 Battery Mod

Sony NW-A105 is a very well-known Android DAP that was released around the end of 2019. As discussed in many forums (head-fi forum) and reviews, a significant downside of this Android DAP is the Battery life. Some members in the forum even shared steps to disable background services and run the DAP in airplane mode which helps improve the battery life, but it is still mediocre.

In this article, I will share on how I mod the battery on my A105 to increase the battery capacity.

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Chord Mojo Bluetooth Receiver

I have recently purchased a 2nd hand Chord Mojo and for me, it sounded great and definitely an upgrade over my Galaxy Note 9 3.5mm jack.

However, there are 2 major complaints/issues that I have with Chord Mojo:

  • The lack of Bluetooth receiver function. It requires Chord Mojo to be always connected through wire to either my Android phone or my PC/Laptop.
  • The use of Micro USB port that is outdated for the DAC and charging. All my other device charge through USB C.

In this article, I will share how I upgraded my Chord Mojo to solve both my Bluetooth receiver and Micro USB port problem.

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Bypass Google Drive Download Limit

This article will explain the step by step in bypassing the google drive download limit for shared file.

Normally if a Google drive file is being shared publicly and it has been downloaded for multiple times, Google will prevent future download of the files, as Google drive are not meant for file sharing platform. If you tried to download the file that has exceed the quota, an error will pop up:

Clicking Download button will direct you to next page

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DIY Water Tank Handler

I recently purchase an instant hot water dispenser by Xiaomi Viomi, from Lazada (link). The dispenser works very well as advertised. It really instantly dispensed hot water, I guess near to boiling level (100 degrees). The only complaint from me is that it produces quite a loud pump and boiler sound when it dispenses water. I guess that is fair as the boiler is capable of heating the room temperature water to 100 degrees in a matter of a few seconds.

One very good advantage of this hot water dispenser is that the water is kept in the water tank at room temperature. It does not heat up the whole water in the tank like the conventional electric Thermo pot that actually wasted a lot of electricity in keeping the temperature at a desired level. The boiler in this machine only starts to boil the water when you press the dispense button. Another advantage of this type of hot water dispenser is that you don’t need to wait for the whole water tank to be boiled before you can enjoy a cup of coffee. After you’ve refilled the water tank, pressing the dispense button gives you instant hot water for your coffee.

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Free Upgrade to Windows 10, Still

I recently purchased a second hand PC, that it came with Windows 7 preinstalled. I have already upgrade the OS in my laptop from Windows 8 to Windows 10 and I am quite used to Windows 10 features, especially the mouse scroll feature that doesn’t require the windows to be on focus. This feature is not available in Windows 7 which really bother me dealing with multi windows.

Microsoft did offer Windows 10 free upgrade for Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1 user but I missed that window that ended on 29th July 2016. Searching for alternative way for Windows 10 free upgrade, it brought me to a few page saying that the free upgrade is still possible now (end Dec 2016) by accessing this page (link)

Windows 10 Upgrade Page

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Whatsapp Tips & Tricks

1. Hide Whatsapp Images and Videos from Gallery -> Android must be rooted <-

Step 1 : Install ES file explorer   ->  Google Play

Step 2 : Open ES File Explorer

Step 3 : Navigate to internal SD Card

Step 4 : Select Whatsapp folder by pressing the icon for a few seconds

Step 3 : Click 3 dotted but on right bottom

Step 6 : Click hide. Voila!!! Check your gallery.

2. Backup Whatsapp for formatting or change ROM

Step 1 : Go to Whatsapp

Step 2 : Get into Whatsapp Menu

Step 3 : Click Chat settings

Step 4 : Click Backup

Step 5 : Open file explorer

Step 6 : Copy Whatsapp folder from internal memory and keep it in extrenal sd card

Step 7 : After formatting install Whatsapp

Step 8 : Do not open Whatsapp

Step 9 : Copy back Whatsapp folder to Internal SD card again

Step 10 : Open Whatsapp and follow on screen

Step 11 : Select restore when whatsapp show there is back up file available.

3. Silent a particular group notifications

Step 1 : Open the conversation of particular group

Step 2 : Click 3 dot at top right.

Step 3 : Click Mute from  the menu

Step 4 : Select how long to mute and the notification

Step 5 : To restore back open the menu again and click cancel mute.

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Upgrade Arduino Wifi Shield

When you first bought an arduino wifi shield you might face some problems in making wifi webserver. This is due to the firmware on the wifi shield not supporting the webserver.

A latest firmware upgrade should make this work. But upgrading the firmware is quite a process for a begineer.

Let me show you a simple and step by step to upgrade the firmware.

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