Push up on the end to get it to snap out of the hook
Read instructions
Unroll the guide and cut around the outside lines
Cut the interior box as instructed
Locate the portion of the trunk door interior where it’s going to go, then tape the template onto it
The trim panel in the middle is so useful to have. Just line the paper up with it, words legible. I put the painter’s tape up and creased it out of the way for easy access because the paper keeps wanting to roll up on you.
Find the little alcohol packet that comes with the kit (I didn’t even realize it came with one. D’oh!) and wipe the area within the cutout in the middle
Pay attention to the instructions here! Locate the mount and orient it correctly within the middle cutout. Tab to the LEFT (otherwise your badge will be upside down)
Peel off the adhesive backing, fit it into the cutout, and press firmly along the length of the mount for at least 60 seconds
Boom, baby! Ehh, it’s a little off-center, but that’s okay.
Remove the template
Now for the hardest part of the install: connecting the light, itself
Look at the bottom of the badge light and note the rectangle where that will fit in the tab that needed to be pointed left. You have to first push that into the tab and then press firmly so that the horizontal lines snap into the grippers on the mount. You need to hear a bunch of clicks (Notice that it uses CR2450 x2 batteries)
This is a little bit easier to say than do (at least for me), so I employed the use of the painter’s tape to give me a general idea of where the tab was+
Several clicks later, VOILA!
Peel off the protective film and enjoy your new badge light!
Outside and inside view. I wonder if the glare will bother me…
DIY fountain with small water pump for moving water
Why
Water aeration not only prevents stagnation but also kills mosquito larvae. Birds and other wildlife enjoy drinking and occasionally bathing in it
I already had the paint, brushes, Mod Podge, and submersible pump, plus a coupon, so my total cost is different than the total cost of supplies
Other Supplies: Driver, Drill Bits, Rock(s)
*Optional or In-Place-Of: 3D Printedbowl and/or trayis the easiest and cheapest method if you happen to have one
Total Cost: $98.94
My Cost: $56.36
Bird Bath Holder options:
Pole-mount dish
In-ground dish holder
Deck rail-mounted dish
Free-standing holder
Or just on the ground
Process
This originally started as a birdbath, but not only was it too small to be a birdbath, but none of the animals used it as that. They were more interested in drinking the water, so now it’s a Wildlife Waterer. Occasionally, the camera aimed at it will catch a bird bathing in it
Schematic
Drill Holes in Upper Tray
Drill Holes in the plastic bird bowl (smaller holes for water passage, big for the tube), and a notch for the power cord.
You can place the water hose in the center or offset depending on your preference
*3D Printer
Easiest and cheapest method if you happen to own a machine
If using 3D printer, I’d recommend this BOWL customized to your specifications (reduced the thickness). You can add a little notch for the power cord.
When in doubt choose a dark color (prevents light penetration which allows algae to grow). My design allows for the system to be easily taken apart and cleaned. The reason there’s a reservoir of water that houses the pump underneath the tray is that offering animals toxic algae or fungus-infected water can kill them.
The little tabs are optional
The tray had broken over the winter just enough to allow the cord to pass through.
Paint
If using clear saucers/bowl, paint outer layer (use 3 or 4 layers as they are so thin). Darker are better colors to prevent algae.
Note: Apparently, birds are attracted to either their own plumage colors or for the shy birds, neutral colors like drab green, gray, and brown. Birds supposedly dislike white.
Assembly
Because I was using cheap saucers, I stacked them 3 or 4 deep (for strength). Then, the submersible pump goes on the bottom. On top of that, place the drilled bowl to create separation from the motor, passing the tube and cords through their respective holes
Fill with water
By the Power of the Sun
Connect the male USB of the submersible pump to the female USB on the solar panel (or however your power hookup is) and test out the water flow.
Interesting Note: there must be enough light to start the motor, but subsequent power requires much less (physics!). Meaning, even though direct sunlight is needed to start the pump, indirect sunlight (part shade) is okay for continuous operation
Connect the cables
Power!!!
Starting ‘er up!
Sun on! Sun Off!
Tube Orientation Options
Cut the tube shorter
Place a little aerator on the end and drill small holes in the top of the tube to create a sprinkler effect
No tube, just pure aeration
Long Tube — water current
Without Tube — lots of bubbles
Short Tube
I was testing stuff out on a heated waterer I bought later after making mine
Aerated Short Tube
The aerator is just a random thing I found outside on the ground while walking the dog. It just so happens to be the right size and flexibility for the hose. If you look up “Rubber Silicone Round Plugs” you’ll see several of them. Like THIS
Additions
Place decorative rocks or plain rocks so that bees and smaller birds can perch safely
Get (or 3D print) fountain nozzles for fun sprays
Cleaning!!!
You MUST clean these! As stated above, algae blooms are toxic to animals. Similarly, if too much debris rots in the waterer, fungus can also infect the animals. Warm water and soap. If using rocks, I’ll brush them with a brush. Let them air dry, then return them to the critters
Nasty algae. When cleaning, my paper towel turned red. Red algae blooms are extremely toxic. Not just for the wild critters, but also my dog who likes to lick stuff all the time
