Talon was instilled with a passion for cars, engineering, and technology practically from birth. An old home videotape shows him at 2 years old, calling all his Hot Wheels and Matchbox toys by make and model. He's applied this knowledge and enthusiasm to pieces for The Drive, Popular Mechanics, Car and Driver magazine, and now to HowStuffWorks.

Recent Contributions

Radio waves are the backbone of nearly all modern media technology, from TV to smartphones and wireless internet. Yet, they're actually a simple technology.

By Marshall Brain & Talon Homer

Pre-paid cell phones, aka burner phones, are a common way for people to make calls and text anonymously, but can burners really escape detection?

By Talon Homer

We've all used one, and most of us are sitting in front of one right now. Curious to know what's going on inside that ever-present PC? Here's your chance to find out — without prying open your own.

By Jeff Tyson & Talon Homer

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You've probably seen solar panels on satellites, call boxes, road signs, homes and businesses. But how do solar panels work?

By Scott Aldous & Talon Homer

Smartphones can do just about anything these days. But how can we use them to control our televisions?

By Talon Homer

Car wheels spin at different speeds, especially when they're turning. So how does the differential help make them turn with such ease?

By Karim Nice & Talon Homer

If you have a car with a battery that needs replacement, follow the steps outlined in our article. We'll show you how to change your car battery easily.

By Josh Clark & Talon Homer

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Get your extra-large soda and popcorn ready: You'll need them to last during these 10 supersized movies. Which one is the longest?

By Talon Homer

You have your favorites on YouTube but can you download them and keep them? We'll explain when and how.

By Talon Homer

Room soundproofing might not be on your HOA rules, but what if your neighbor's drumming is taking a toll on your last nerve? Here's how to soundproof a room without and make everyone happy.

By Sara Elliott & Talon Homer

Mercedes-Benz hopes to have more than 400 high-speed EV charging hubs online in North America by 2027. That's great for global emissions. Is it great for the electrical grid?

By Talon Homer

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Cars with an automatic transmission use a device called a torque converter instead of a clutch. So what does a torque converter do?

By Karim Nice & Talon Homer

It's raining and your internet went down. Again. Are the two connected?

By Talon Homer

There is something exotic about the traffic lights that "know" you are there — the instant you pull up, they change! How do they detect your presence?

By Talon Homer

Ring lights are not just for social media influencers. They're a quick and easy way to brighten up video conferences for improved image quality. Find out how to set up a ring light.

By Talon Homer

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If your iPhone's home screen is getting out of control with apps, hide some of them. It's easy and your phone will never look better.

By Talon Homer

For your average computer user, operating systems like Windows or the MacOS are par for the course. But what if there wasn't an operating system? Would the computer still, well, compute?

By Kate Kershner & Talon Homer

Email clients like Outlook and Gmail have a handy recall message feature that allows you to delete or edit emails after you've sent them. We'll tell you how to use them.

By Talon Homer

Although the amount of fuel may seem high, when you do the math, it's actually not so bad.

By Talon Homer

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Your car's ignition coil supplies the engine with the high voltages needed to get the car running. But how do you know if the ignition coil is malfunctioning?

By Talon Homer

Casting lets you go from watching a movie or TV show on your mobile device and to watching it on your TV without ever skipping a beat. And Roku devices make it super simple.

By Talon Homer

Our planet's rising temperatures are making it harder for planes to take off at some airports, presenting yet another challenge to civil aviation. So, how does warmer air affect takeoff?

By Talon Homer

Modern PCs and Macs use built-in Bluetooth to easily connect to your phone's AirPods. We'll show you how.

By Talon Homer

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With the cost of new cars going ever higher, how can you save yourself from being taken advantage of at the dealership? Here are some car dealer fees that you may be able to negotiate down or even eliminate.

By Talon Homer

To make their money back, plus a tidy profit, movie studios have to get butts into theater seats. This plan doesn't always work out, and some films become known as massive flops. Which are the worst?

By Talon Homer