The Essential Collection - Supports the Site and the Giveaways!

This Ko-fi page helps support my efforts as I travel around Japan searching for MDs! I will see about opening a small shop to sell MD-related finds!

This is my must-have list of technology that helps me get through the day and life, in general.  I'll try to keep it updated as my needs continue to evolve (or as things break!).

With my focus on MiniDiscs, the first section is all about the tools you'll see in my videos that help me get stuff done!

Some (not all!) of these links may be affiliate links that help justify my ability to devote time to this "hobby" =) but will never influence a recommendation.  If I do list something here, I've used it or I'm currently using it.

If you're searching for something on Amazon, please consider searching for it by clicking here to help support the site including more repairs and MD giveaways. Thank you!

Gumstick Chargers

Yes, many of your devices can charge a gumstick inside, but that's just one at a time and if you have multiple different devices and manufacturers (ahem...), there's more plug-contention happening there. I like these two chargers as dual-slot gumstick battery (or 18650s for my big slot-loaders!) chargers. I leave the Nitecore at home and take the EBL with me for travel since it uses a USB-C cable.

EBL Dual Slot charger - can use for standard batteries, but also fits gumsticks and 18650s! Uses a USB-C cable for charging and it's small enough to pack on a trip to Japan =)

Nitecore D2 - Dual slot charger with screen. This dual-slot charger can charge them all from AA to gumstick to 18650 also and has a nice display to show you what's going on. This is my deskside charger to make sure I'm always ready to go! Since it uses a standard 2-prong AC plug, I don't take it with me on trips since I use the aforementioned EBL one. NOTE - this link is for the newer version than the one pictured in my video.

MiniUSB cable for NetMD

I like this coiled MiniUSB cable - there are some other options if you don't like the right-angle, but I've used this one before and gave some away in NetMD sets!

USB 5v charging cable for Sharp models

These little guys were made for charging the old Sony PSP but work great for Sharp 5v units! 

 

Right angle - https://amzn.to/4i381jc

Straight - https://amzn.to/437ZlUo

Tools

To fix MiniDisc devices, you're going to need a good set of tools and here are the ones that I use (you'll see them in my videos):

iFixit Mako Driver kit - these 64 bits and the smoothly rotating handle will get you into whatever device you're working on. The magnetized handle is powerful enough to pass through whatever bit you're using, so you're not going to lose screws either. This is a must-have and a big upgrade from the cheap, hardware store chrome-plated "micro screwdrivers".

iFixit Precision Tweezers - these 3 tweezers are now my go-to since I was too rough on my generic, unbranded tweezers (the tips don't align anymore). As usual they are high-quality and ESD safe since they're coated. This 3-in-one kit gives you angled, pointed precision, and a flat tip with gripping teeth.

Kaisi S-130 Silicone mat - This mat is my main "background" in videos because it's good to protect your desktop as you work, but it also has a lot of handy indentations for putting your screws in as you work.  I like to use the grid to keep track of screws (for example, bottom screws go near the bottom edge, the top lid's screws go on the top, and interior screws go in the middle). It comes in different sizes to cover more area if you need it.

VCT VT-500J - step down transformer for using Japanese 100v devices on US 110/120v outlets. For most Japanese-market devices, especially older ones, you will need something to output the 100v that they're looking for. This transformer is what I use along with some splitters to get more than one device plugged in.  I use this for my MDS-JE700, Onkyo FR-B8, and a bunch of "wall warts" for portable devices. That 2-prong 100v outlet can be stiff, but be patient, and you'll have a steady supply of 100v power to keep your JDM devices happy!

SHNITPWR Universal Power adapter - yes, the name sucks - but the SHNITPWR universal/adjustable power supply comes with all the tips you could ever need and a variable power output to match any device you can think of. I've used this for Sony, Sharp, Panasonic, HHb and other devices for just under $20 USD 

Loctite Threadlocker Blue 242 - I had heard about this, but apparently it does work (for how long? We'll see...) to fix gears that have minor cracks. I fixed a Panasonic SJ-MJ10 with it and I've tested a Sharp gear that I need to find a device for... 

Bob Smith Industries (BSI) Maxi-cure Extra Thick glue - I use this all the time for plastics (fix trim, toys, etc.) and I've just tested it on a broken gear. Once I find another Panasonic to test on, I'll follow up!

Computing Devices

I think specific configurations can cause too much variation in terms of models/SKUs but the types of devices I use daily include some old and new things:

Rode VideoMic GO II Camera-mount Lightweight Directional Microphone - Sure, I'm not really camera-mounting this, but I like how it's small, light, directional and it works pretty well. I may invest in a "proper" mic with audio interface at some point, but right now, this works well!

Phones - I still like the "separation of work and life" so I carry two phones.

Google Pixel 8 Pro - the other ones have been retired, so it's these two now... I really do miss the dual screens of the LG V60, but I don't know if foldables are ready for prime-time just yet. I know Google's Pixel Fold was very interesting but some high issue/failure rates have me gun-shy. If anything, there might be a Samsung Galaxy Fold 5 in my future...

Samsung S23 Ultra - I'm a sucker for styluses (stylii?) as you'll see in my other daily-driver devices. I don't love the idea of carrying around two giant phones (a total of three 6.8" screens!), but since my venerable LG V60 has been retired, now I just carry two large-screened phones...

Asus ROG Strix 18 (2024)- Yes, it's a massive gaming laptop with a 13th gen Intel i9, 32 Gb of RAM (upgraded from 16) and an Nvidia RTX 4080. I rarely even have time to play games on it, which is sad, but I do get to create videos!

Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra - This beast of a tablet is a bit of an indulgence for sure, but nothing beats 14.6" of OLED in a razor-thin form-factor! Great for consuming content and drawing in Clip Studio Paint, it's never been easier to carry around a powerful device with such a beautiful display.

Chargers and cables

In this day and age, you can never have enough, can you?  When I was traveling more, I was concerned with portability and power banks, but the pandemic has changed that and now I'm really more concerned with efficiency, power, and flexibility.

UGreen 100W GaN 2-port USB-C charger w/folding plug

OK so this would be great for home or travel! I was looking to get at least two ports of high-powered charging for a laptop or tablet that charges via USB-C along with a phone or other device.  This fit the bill perfectly.  If you're unfamiliar with GaN, it stands for Gallium Nitride which allows for smaller, more efficient chargers.  It's a nice dense brick that will power whatever you need.  The only thing of note is that connecting a new device while it's charging an existing one may cause the charging to be interrupted temporarily while power is reallocated.  For example, you may hear that USB "disconnect" sound in Windows, but just give it a second and you'll be back in business.  

USB-A to 3x USB-C charging adapter 

I honestly stumbled onto this one since it's technically made for charging Rode's wireless mic adapters.  If you have a lot of USB-C devices (yay!) that don't need a ton of power (think game controllers, phones or tablets that can sit overnight, etc.), these are great.  These will let your standard USB-A charger power 3 USB-C devices.  I use them specifically to give me more device density at my "charging station" specifically for things like the kids' electronics (unused overnight) or game controllers (wish I could use them more!).  Yes, they are a bit short, but they really help if you need more device capacity!

UGreen USB-C hub - USB-C to 4x USB-A

I swear, I'm not sponsored by UGreen (but gimme a call, if interested!), but I also love these USB hubs.  I have a few of them and I like to use them by extending harder to reach USB-C ports (behind a laptop or monitor) and allowing me to use the ports up front.  I like how there's one that sticks up.  I like to use that one for a memory card reader or for a dongle that I might take with me between devices.  The cord is long enough to be useful and can be coiled/tucked away to keep things neat.  

INIU USB-A to USB-C 5-pack in varying lengths with green LED

I told you I wasn't sponsored by UGreen!  I love these sturdy USB-C cables since the small light helps me know I'm connected and where the cable is (if it's dark in the room or if it's tucked under a desk).  I've got tons of these in the car, desk, charging stations, etc. and they've been great!