Safescan 50 UV Counterfeit Detector

Nowadays we do not use much of bank notes in our daily transaction but instead moving forwards into digital payment. However, cash is still relevant in the event of emergency where the digital payment system don't work at certain time.

I don't hear much news about counterfeit currency of late but it could make a comeback as we are pretty much in a great depression now.

With that in mind, I decided to invest in a quality UV counterfeit detector. After shopping around and some research, I opt for Safescan 50 UV Counterfeit Detector (RM 175). Their product was designed in Europe but made in China. This type of detector can be used to verify currency, passport, travel visa, credit card and identification card.

Inside the packaging is the main unit itself with the manual. Interestingly, there is a UV-lamp removal tool at the bottom of the unit and the manual clearly shows how to use it.

It was way smaller than I initially thought. It is compact (20.6 x 10. 2 x 8.8 cm) and light (625g)

It comes with a 2 year warranty with additional 1 more year if you register the product online within 30 days from the date of purchase.

It is quite straight forward on how to use it. Just plug it to a power source and then just turn the on switch. The UV-lamp will light up instantly.

Verifying the currency under this detector is like watching an amazing light show with the security thread and fibres illuminate in multiple colours. Here is how Malaysian currency looks like under the UV light.

Same goes with other currencies such as Singapore Dollar, Thai Baht, Euro and Chinese Renminbi. Such a beauty.

I also discovered our Malaysian passport has so many security features embedded to it when viewing it under the UV-light. The same goes to our identity card.

I remember a few years ago when I travelled to China the officials were verifying my travel visa under the detector. Now I know what they are looking for.

Even though I might not use this counterfeit detector for verification purpose in the future, it is still fun to see the beauty and learn more about the security features incorporated into the currencies and official documents.

AKIE Burger @ Putrajaya Presint 6

Malaysian are used to see Ramly Burger kiosk but I started to see AKIE burger kiosks mushrooming in some areas. One of the latest kiosk is located at Jalan Kajangan P6, just outside Apartment 5R1 in Presint 6 Putrajaya. The surrounding is clean with a park behind this kiosk.

Little did I know this franchise had its footing back in 2009 in Kuantan and had expanded to west coast of Peninsular Malaysia since then.

The kiosk here is manned by 2 friendly and hardworking guys. They open around 4pm until whatever time been allowed by the authority from the current standard operating procedure.

AKIE burger menu is pretty much standard and didn't differ much compare to the other street burger stalls. What set it apart from the others is probably the exotic meats which are the deer, rabbit, lamb and ostrich.

They still don't have any QR code for online payment as they don't know how to prepare it. Nevertheless, they display their Maybank account number for online transaction. I'm sure they will get better and have a QR code on display for online payment in the near future.

The packaging is just like any street burger stall. I ordered a beef burger special (RM4.50) and lamb burger (RM 4.50).

Eating a street burger is always a messy experience. So, expect the same here. The burger size will probably won't be sufficient to satiate an adult.

Inside this lamb burger is the lamb patty, lettuce, cucumber, mayonnaise and chili sauce. I wish they had add some slices of tomato into it. The lamb burger is satisfying. The lamb patty was not overwhelmed by the lamb smell. For those who crave lamb, this would be the burger to go to.

For beef burger special, they wrapped the beef patty with egg. The other ingredients that went into it is the same as the lamb burger except with the addition of seasoning sauce added to the egg which enhance the overall taste.

I will definitely fancy my chance to try their dear, rabbit and ostrich burger in the future.  

DoorJammer

My house was burglarized few years ago when we went on a holiday via a forced entry through the kitchen door. Since then, I always on the look out for effective and innovative way to reinforce the door whenever I can.

I get to know DoorJammer for sometime now before finally decided to commit in buying one from a local online platform for RM 117.70

Opening up its packaging, it comes with a pouch, extension foot and manual. It definitely looks smaller than I thought and I initially had doubt on whether it can withstand any attempt to break down any door.

The unit (with the extension foot) weighted at 251.5g which is quite light and ideal when travelling too.

It is about 120mm in length. The size is manageable and is quite convenient to be packed inside the bag.

The design of the unit is made up of a bottom flange, vertical piece, angled leg, ball joint and swiveling foot. It is designed in USA & UK but was manufactured in China. The manufacturer guarantee it against manufacturing defects for 12 months. The built quality is acceptable and the material feels strong enough to withstand any abuse.

To install it, insert the bottom flange into the gap under the door. It should be placed directly under the door knob. If the door has a high threshold, use the given extension foot. Twist the bolt clockwise until the foot is secured to the floor. I had given a few hard pushes to the door and the DoorJammer stood its ground pretty well.

DoorJammer works by directing the horizontal forces exerted on the door to the angled leg which will transfer the force to the floor and also the bottom flange which will be converted into vertical force to the door. This combination of force dispersion keep the DoorJammer onto the ground.

With its portability and strength, it can be used at home or while travelling for extra peace of mind.

The only drawback is the door need to have a gap of at least 5mm under it as the bottom flange is about 4.88mm thick.

The manufacturer also has another version called the "Lockdown" which is more robust, bigger and heavier for added security for residential and commercial properties

Ogon Big Stockholm Wallet

Ogon is the first wallet  brand which makes me aware of RFID protection. It is consider a minimalist wallet and made in France.

Ogon's wallet design is pretty much the same. The wallet is made up of anodized aluminum case with PVC pockets inside. With the cards fully enclosed in the aluminum case, the cards are fully protected from RFID skimming.

There are a few designs to choose from Ogon and I started off with the Ogon Big Stockholm (RM 170.10). This is the bigger version of their standard size wallet. Ogon offers a wide selection of colours and I have a hard time to decide before settling for a purple.

As for size, it is measured at 118mm x 93.7mm x 18.6mm which is quite big for a minimalist wallet I am used to. However, the size did offer some advantages which I will explore later.

Here is the size comparison of the Ogon Big Stockholm with my other minimalist wallets from Grip6, Trayvax. Akeeni and Dango.

On the digital scales, it weighted around 94.5g. In the hand, it feels really light and solid.

It can be easily accessible with a hand. Inside there are 7 PVC pockets to hold cards and cash. The PVC material is sturdy and thick. The wallet also offers some watertight integrity due to its polycarbonate lining surrounding the opening of the wallet shell. 

Although the manufacturer stated that the wallet can hold 12 cards, I would recommend to carry around 10 cards as putting more will stretch the wallet and its fastener which is made of polycarbonate. 

With Ogon Big Stockholm, you only need to fold your cash once and inserted into one of the pocket. With other minimalist wallets, usually the cash would have to be folded more than once. In fact this wallet is capable to accommodate a few coins too in my testing.

Swiss Franc from the 8th series is one of the biggest note I have at the moment. The 200 note is able to just fit into this wallet by just folding it once.

I had my reservation of this wallet on whether it will able to fit comfortably into my pocket. It is able to just fit into my shirt front pocket and trousers front pocket. 

This wallet definitely have a few advantages on its side. It can carry cards, cash and coin without much issues. It doesn't have a lifetime warranty like my other metal minimalist wallet but it should last a number of years with normal and careful use.