Electro-Voice (commonly referred to as EV) is a musical and broadcast device company founded in 1927. Throughout the company's history they have produced more than 50 microphone models, many of which are now considered "classics" in the recording and broadcast industry. Older versions of many models are now highly sought after collector's items.
Types
Electro-Voice has produced a variety of microphone types including ribbon, dynamic, cardiline, cardioid condenser, cardyne and variable response. Various models have been used for applications ranging from broadcasting to recording music.
Features: RE20 and PL20
The RE20/PL20 has been one of Electro-Voice's most enduring models. It is a cardoid condenser microphone that, along with Shure's SM7, is commonly found in television and radio broadcast booths around the world. Certain editions featured a low end cut switch. The RE20/PL20 offers true rejection at 180 degrees, meaning only those sounds spoken into the front end of the microphone are recorded.
Features: 635A
The Electo-Voice 635A is another popular model. It is an omni-directional dynamic microphone, which means it picks up sounds from a wider field than the RE20/PL20. It has long been a popular microphone among singers because it is both rugged and small enough to be held easily. It features a slight frequency increase in the upper register, an area of an audio signal where the human voice falls. Increasing this sonic frequency helps to separate the sound of the singer's voice from the other instruments in the band.
Photo booths are a popular extra service for wedding receptions, birthday parties and other events. Guests enjoy offering their visual best wishes to the bride and groom or birthday honoree, or just clowning in front of the camera. The resulting pictures or videos are priceless. You can set up a photo booth in a separate room or simply in the corner away from the main party. Professional photographers use specialized photo lights with lightbox diffusers and stands to hold the lights and backdrop but a simple, inexpensive alternative comes with using PVC piping, a white or solid-colored sheet and some work lights with compact fluorescent bulbs.
Instructions
Backdrop Stand
1. Cut eight pieces of the 3/4-inch pipe into 1 ½ feet pieces with a hacksaw or PVC pipe cutter. Cut two pieces to about 2 inches long. Lightly smooth the ends with medium-grit sandpaper. Put an end cap on one end of each of the 1 ½-foot pieces but not on the 2-inch pieces.
2. Insert the uncapped end of each 1 ½-foot pipe sections into three of the arms of the two cross connectors. Insert one end of each of the 2-inch pieces into the remaining open arm of each of the cross connectors. Insert each of the 2-inch pieces into a T-connector. Insert one of the remaining 1 ½-foot lengths of pipe into the other end of the T-connector. You now have a base for your backdrop stand which is a large "+" (plus) sign with one slightly longer arm that has a T-connector.
3. Cut two of the remaining 10-foot pipe pieces into a suitable length for the uprights. The length should be slightly longer than the tallest expected guest but less than ceiling height if the booth will be used indoors. A reasonable estimate for most guest lists would be 6 1/2 feet.
4. Cut each upright in half. Re-connect each with a coupling. Cutting it into two pieces, approximately 3 ¼ feet each will make it easier to transport in a bag. Cut the remaining 10 foot piece in half and re-connect with a coupling. This is the crossbar that will hold the backdrop.
5. Insert the open end of each of the uprights into one arm of an elbow connector. Insert the ends of the crossbar into the other arm of each elbow connector.
Light Stands
6. Create two more bases with two cross connectors, eight 1 ½- foot PVC pieces, two 2-inch pieces and two T-connectors.
7. Cut two 5-foot lengths of pipe and insert one end of each into the T-connectors on the bases. Put an end cap on the other end of the pipe.
8. Stand the light stands up and clamp a work light onto each upright. Adjust the tightness of the wing nut that holds the reflector on the light socket so that it will hold the light assembly firmly.
Booth Set-Up
9. Break down the booth parts at home and transport them to the site. Transport the backdrop cloth rolled up on the cross bar pieces. That will help minimize wrinkling. The bags that hold cloth camping or sports chairs are suitable carriers for the booth parts.
10. Reassemble the PVC stands at the site. Drape the sheet or purchased backdrop cloth over the cross bar and secure it to the crossbar with two or more plastic clamps. Smooth out any wrinkles and pull the cloth taut. Secure it to each upright with clamps.
11. Clamp a work light onto the upright of each light stand. Install a CFL bulb in each work light. Plug the lights in, turn them on and adjust their pointing direction to suit the subjects in the booth. Cover each work light reflector with a very sheer cloth secured with a large rubber band or length of elastic to diffuse the light. Use a very light color such as sheer white, soft peach or soft gold to cast a warm and flattering glow on the scene.
12. For a neater appearance, run 2 to 3 yards of one end of the backdrop out on the ground or floor in front. Keep it very flat on the ground so no one trips over it and that there is enough "slack" so that the floor section doesn't pull on the back section. Place any props like a stool, funny hats or toys on the floor section of the cloth.
Tags: 2-inch pieces, work light, cross connectors, each upright, pieces into
Darkness has always represented the unknown, the forbidden, the frightening. So what better way to illustrate the advances possible through technology than by conquering the darkness? Night vision apparatus does just that. Several techniques extend vision into the darkness. Each uses a different part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
High energy gamma and X-rays, ultraviolet light, visible light, infrared light and radio are all versions of electromagnetic waves. Optical and infrared wavelengths are often measured in nanometers (nm), which are billionths of a meter, or in micrometers (µm), which are millionths of a meter. Visible light is roughly the region of the electromagnetic spectrum from about 400 nm to about 700 nm; near-infrared radiation covers the range from 700 nm to about 2 µm. The mid-infrared wavelengths are from about 2 µm to about 5µm, and wavelengths longer than 5 µm are called the far-infrared.
Intensified
The most common, least expensive style of "night vision" uses an image intensifier of some sort. These imagers generate electrons from the small amount of visible light in a dark scene. Some intensifiers take electrons generated by a photocathode and amplify them by accelerating them through a multichannel plate, other versions generate electrons within a charge-coupled device (CCD) and amplify them within the same device, reducing noise. These detectors work with visible and near infrared light, with wavelengths from about 400 nm to about 900 nm.
Active Illuminator
CCD cameras are sensitive not only to visible light, but also to near-infrared radiation, typically responding to wavelengths as long as 950 nm. Active illuminators take advantage of the CCD sensitivity beyond visible wavelengths. They incorporate "flashlights" at near-infrared wavelengths to shine on the scene, and detect the reflection of those waves from objects in the scene. These active illuminators shine and detect light at wavelengths between 750 nm and 900 nm.
Thermal Imagers
Every object radiates energy. The amount and wavelength of the energy depends primarily upon the object's temperature. The sun is about 5,000 degrees Kelvin (8,500 degrees F.) and shines a bright yellow visible light. Much colder objects, like human bodies, have a temperature of about 300 K, which means their peak wavelength is around 9 µm, well out in the low-energy far-infrared. Thermal detectors are sensitive to low energy mid-infrared and far-infrared wavelengths, but they are significantly more complex and expensive than intensified imagers or active illuminators.
Tags: from about, about about, from about about, visible light, amplify them, electromagnetic spectrum, generate electrons
Use a recovery program to recover the data on a corrupted memory card.
A corrupted memory card does not work properly with any device, so you can't open or copy any documents or photos that you may have stored on one. Recovery programs exist that can help you to recover most of the files on a corrupted memory. However, some files can get corrupted beyond recovery, so you must not expect a recovery program to recover all the files on a corrupted memory card.
Instructions
CardRecovery
1. Download and install CardRecovery (see Resources). Open CardRecovery after inserting the memory card into a memory card adapter connected to your computer.
2. Click "Next" and select the corrupted memory card using the "Drive Letter" menu. Click "Browse" next to "Destination Folder" to select the location to save any recovered files.
3. Click "Next" and CardRecovery will display a list of corrupted files on the memory card. Select the corrupted files that you want to recover and click "Next."
DDR --- Memory Card Recovery
4. Download and install DDR -- Memory Card Recovery (see Resources). Open DDR -- Memory Card Recovery after inserting the memory card into a memory card adapter connected to your computer. DDR -- Memory Card Recovery will fail to open if you don't connect the memory card first.
5. Use the panel to the left of DDR -- Memory Card Recovery window and select the corrupted memory card.
6. Click "Advanced Search" and then click "Next." DDR -- Memory Card Recovery will detect and display any corrupted files on the memory card. Select the corrupted files and click "Next" to recover them.
Zero Assumption Recovery
7. Download and install Zero Assumption Recovery (see Resources). Open Zero Assumption Recovery after inserting the memory card into a memory card adapter connected to your computer.
8. Select the corrupted memory card from the list of drives under "Disks and Partitions."
9. Click "Next." Zero Assumption Recovery will detect and display the corrupted files on the memory card. Select the corrupted files and click "Next" to recover them.
Radio scanners works as a receiver to scan more than one discrete frequency at a time. It then stops when it finds a functioning transmission or continues to scan to find others when the first one stops functioning. The model of the scanner determines how much of the radio spectrum and many of the modulation types covered. Most of the popular ones work on the FM modulation type and cover 30 to 951 MHz radio bands. Generally, radio scanners aren't very expensive and have become more and more portable. With today's technology, there seems to be thousands and thousands of radio waves circling around us every day. From radio stations to TV channels to emergency vehicles' communications, all of this can be accessed with the right radio scanner.
Modes
While operating a radio scanner, there are three different modes that can be set: scan mode, manual scan mode and search mode. Scan mode has a set order that the receiver uses to continually change frequencies until it finds one that is transmitting. In the manual scan mode, the frequencies are found as the user manually goes through the channels one at a time. The last mode is search mode, where the scanner searches for frequencies between two destination points set by the user.
Controls and Features
The radio scanners come with a set of different features and controls. Some scanners are portable and come with rechargeable battery packs. These have become increasing popular amongst NASCAR fans that are looking to hear communications between drivers and their pit crew. Other scanners have to be plugged into another device such as a vehicle or a personal computer. The common controls that are attached to radio scanners are the volume control, numeric keypad, WX button and squelch control. The volume control is self-explanatory; it controls the volume at which the transmitting frequency will play. The numeric keypad makes it possible to enter in frequencies or to put a range of frequencies for the search mode. The WX button is for doing scans of pre-programmed frequencies. The squelch button works as a mute button to get rid of the white noise when no frequency has been established. Other controls are for the search, manual and search modes.
Picking Up Frequencies
The scanner may come with two different antennas. These are what are needed to be able for the scanner to pick up frequencies. There will be an external antenna and an internal antenna that is already attached to the inside of the scanner. Not all types of information are able to be picked up by radio scanners. Cellular and cordless phone conversations are protected by law and cannot be picked up by regular radio scanner. Several branches of law enforcement take use of scrambling technologies so that their conversations are also blocked from scanners.
Getting Started with New Scanner
After you have purchased the scanner, read the manually thoroughly for instructions on connect and get it working properly. Then familiarize yourself with the different controls and buttons on the scanner. While trying to use a radio scanner, the first thing that needs to be done is to find a frequency. Some are already programmed in your scanners, and others can be contained from a list from the Internet.
Internet Radio Scanning
A cheap and quick way to take advantage of the radio scanning technology without having to buy a scanner is from Internet radio scanning. Sites like the DXZone list several different resources to go to listen to feeds from scanners. This is a good way to familiarize yourself with the type of communication that comes through a radio scanner before deciding to purchase one of your own.
Tags: radio scanner, come with, radio scanners, search mode, with different
Some scanners have a slide insert, allowing old slides to be digitized. These images can then be imported into slideshow programs.
A slideshow is a great way to share information, videos or a collection of pictures. Software programs, free and built into the Windows and Mac OS operating systems, make creating informational and multimedia slideshows easy for anyone. All of these programs have the advantage of displaying the slideshow on a television set. The Windows and Mac programs burn the file to a disc, while PowerPoint requires a computer-to-TV connection.
Instructions
Using iMovie to Create a Slideshow
1. Open iMovie from the Apple dashboard.
2. Resize the iMovie program so it takes up about half of the screen. Use the other portion of the screen to open the folders that contain the pictures to be used in the slideshow. Drag these pictures from their folders into the square media box within iMovie. This is also the timeline.
3. Use the gears button above each picture to change video effect, clip duration, colors or to crop. There is also a button for cropping below the preview monitor.
4. Push the "T" under the preview monitor to bring up the Title Menu. Choose a title slide and drag it ahead of all the pictures in the media square. Click the text to change the title. Use the menu above the clip on the project window to change the title's duration. A title can also be inserted between pictures to create a text slide within the slideshow.
5. Push the transitions button below the preview monitor. Drag a transition between two clips. Click the transition to change its duration, type or how it overlaps.
6. Export the file. Click "File" at the top of the program and then "Finalize Project." Choose a name for the file and a location for it to be saved. Click "Save."
7. Open iDVD from the Apple dashboard. Click "Create a New Project." Then, give the project a name in the next window.
8. Drag the exported iMovie file into the preview DVD menu within iDVD. This will create a clickable element that will launch the video slideshow when the disc is put into a DVD player.
9. Click the "I" button to change the menu background, style or music.
10. Put a recordable disc into the DVD tray of the computer. Click the disc button to burn the project to a DVD. When finished, put the disc in a DVD player connected to a TV to view the video slideshow.
Using Windows Movie Maker to Create a Slideshow
11. Push the "Start" menu button and type "Windows Live Movie Maker" in the search box.
12. Resize the Windows Movie Maker program so it takes up about half of the screen. Use the other portion of the screen to open the folders that contain the pictures to be used in the slideshow. Drag these pictures from their folders into the square media box within Windows Movie Maker. This is also the timeline.
13. Push the "Title" button along the menu bar to insert a title. Click on the text to change what is written on the title page. This can be put at the beginning of the slideshow or can be put in between pictures as written slides.
14. Add music. Push the "Add Music" button on the menu toolbar. Select the "Add Music from Folder" option. Select a file and click "Open." Drag the song along the timeline to have it start or end at different points in the slideshow.
15. Add transitions. Click on the "Animations" button on the top menu bar. Select a transition and drag it between two pictures or written slides. Select the transition duration time from the drop down menu.
16. Burn the movie to a DVD. Place a recordable DVD disc into the computer. Navigate to the drop down menu in the upper left corner of Windows Movie Maker and then select "Save Movie." Then, select Burn to DVD. Type a file name, choose a location to save to and then click "Save."
17.Wait for Windows Movie Maker to save the file. A DVD menu will then appear showing the files that will be burned to DVD. Type a name for the disc in the field in the bottom window and click "Next." Click "Menu Text" and "Customize Menu" to adjust the background music and text that appear on the DVD menu. When done, click "Burn." This will create a DVD containing the video slideshow that can be played back in a DVD player.
Using PowerPoint to Create a Slideshow
18. Open Microsoft PowerPoint. Click on the "Start Menu" and type Microsoft PowerPoint in the search box. Otherwise, go to "All Programs," Microsoft Office and PowerPoint.
19. Begin typing text in the first slide to start the slideshow. If the default layout is unfitting, click the "Layout" button on the menu bar to select a new slideshow layout.
20. Click the "New Slide" button to add a new slide to the show. Click the "Layout" button to change the style of the slide. Alternatively, click the "Design" tab to change the appearance of the slides in the slideshow.
21. Add text by typing in the supplied text boxes. To add additional text boxes, click "Insert" on the top menu bar and then "Text Box." To change the size, color or style of the text, highlight the text and use the font options under the "Home" tab to modify.
22. Add Images. Click the "Insert" button on the top menu bar and then click on "Picture." Select the image and then click open. Click on the image and hold down the left mouse button to drag it to a new area on the slide.
23. Add transitions. Click on the "Animations" tab on the top menu bar. Select the transition to be used between slides. Adjust the speed of the transition and whether the slides automatically transition or switch with a mouse click -- these options are found under this tab on the right part of the menu bar.
24. Set up the show. Click the "Slide Show" tab on the menu bar. Then, go to "Set Up Slide Show." In this menu, timing behavior can be set up for the slideshow.
25. Save the slideshow. Click on the Office button in the upper left corner of the program and click on "Save." Choose a directory to save to, type a file name and then click "Save."
26
Keep the PowerPoint slideshow open or transfer the file to another computer that can be connected to a television set. The television should have a VGA or HDMI connection -- this allows the image on the computer to be displayed on the TV.
27
Connect the computer to the television using a VGA or HDMI cable. Change the TV to VGA or HDMI mode -- this can usually be done by pushing a "Source" or "Auxiliary" button. The computer image should now appear on the TV. Click the "Slide Show" tab in PowerPoint and then click "From Beginning." This will display the slideshow from the beginning.
Tags: Movie Maker, then click, Windows Movie, Windows Movie Maker, button menu, between pictures, Click Slide
If you just got your Blackberry Pearl 8130, you may want to change the ringtone. You're not very familiar with the menu options and just need to change that irritating ringtone as quickly as possible. While it's not difficult, it can be a little tricky for a first-time user. Fortunately, you have a few quick options to select the ringtone you prefer.
Instructions
1. Go to "Profiles" in the main menu. Select by pushing the roller ball.
2. Scroll down and select "Advanced."
3. Scroll down and click on the selection labeled "Active."
4. Scroll down to "Phone." Click with the roller ball. Note: You can also select other devices, such as Messenger and SMS, from this menu and change these ringtones in the same manner that follows.
5. Scroll down to the "Ring Tone" selection, which will display the ringtone that is currently set. Click the ringtone name with the roller ball. This will bring up a list of other available ringtones. Scroll and highlight a ringtone to listen. Click to select.
Select Music/Media Files
6. Go to "Media" on the main menu. Click with the roller ball.
7. Select "Music" or "Ring Tones."
8. Select the desired folder and scroll through the files. Highlight the desired file and click with the Blackberry menu button (the button with seven dots, to the left of the roller ball).
9. Scroll down and select "Set as Ring Tone."
Add Custom Ringtones for Contacts
10. Go to the "Address Book" in the main menu. Click to select.
11. Scroll to the desired contact for which you wish to change the ringtone. Hit the Blackberry menu button to select.
12. Scroll down to "Add Custom Ring Tone." Select it with the roller ball.
13. Scroll through the ringtones and click with roller ball to set.
Tags: roller ball, Scroll down, with roller, with roller ball, ball Scroll, main menu, Ring Tone
Camera tripods are a common tool used by professional photographers. They come in many different styles and can help to stabilize an otherwise blurry image. Now it is much more common for amateur photographers to use tripods as well as they come in more compact and lightweight sizes. Setting up a tripod can take some time and energy to set up correctly; however, when using a tripod, you can achieve clearer photos that can be taken in lower light and be printed in larger sizes.
When to Use a Tripod
You should use a tripod while taking pictures when your pictures would otherwise be blurry. Tripods help stabilize your camera when you are shooting in low-light or long shutter speed situations. They are also helpful if you are using a longer lens that is harder to hold steady while taking photos.
Types
Tripods come in many different varieties. Most photographers use full-sized tripods, though they can be fairly heavy to carry around. For this reason, many also choose to have a more compact or travel version. These provide less support and sometimes are much smaller and should only be used on a table-top or another raised surface. Tripods can also come with different head types -- either a pan and tilt head, a ball and socket head, or no head attached at all. The two offer different ranges of motion, the pan and tilt with strict up and down or right to left ranges of mtion, and the ball and socket version is more fluid. Decide which head type is best for you and your camera and the photos you are going to take before purchasing your tripod.
Set Up
While setting up your tripod you should try to find a flat surface to put it on. If you need to set up on a hill, make sure that you put two of the tripod's legs on the downhill slant. Begin by undoing the locks on the tripod legs and spreading the legs apart. Then, let the legs fall until the tripod is at the desired height for your shoot.
Make sure that the feet of the tripod are pressed into the ground so that the tripod is stable and that the head of the tripod is at the level and correct height. Adjust the spreaders on the legs if your tripod has them. Make sure to lock and tighten all the knobs and locks on your tripod before attaching your camera to the head. If your tripod has a center pole, then adjust this height next before attaching your camera.
Finally, attach your camera to the head of the tripod; this should require a plate that screws into the bottom of your camera. Finally, you can use the pan/tilt handle of the tripod to adjust the angle of the camera up, down, right or left. Usually this adjustment is done with the right hand while the left hand adjusts the camera and you find your shot.
Tags: your camera, your tripod, attaching your, attaching your camera, ball socket, before attaching
The traditional rabbit ears placed on top of a TV may not be sufficient for proper reception in remote areas with a lot of interference. If you want to watch television in such locations, you'll either need to shell out for cable or purchase a more expensive antenna to cut through the static. However, you can built your own television antenna that works very well in out-of-the-way locations, using common items found around the house.
Instructions
1. Measure along one side of a 1-by-3 board for four rows of screws. Each row should consist of two screws, spaced 1 inch apart. The first row should be 2 inches from the top of the board, the second 5 1/4 inches below that, the third 5 1/4 inches below that and the fourth 5 1/4 inches below that. Mark each location with a felt marker.
2. Screw in a series of screws and washers at each point you have marked. Make sure they're screwed in firmly, but don't screw them all the way in just yet. You'll be adding a few components first.
3. Straighten a set of eight metal coat hangers so that they each forms one long wire. Bend the wire in the middle to form a V. Clip the ends off of the wires so that each side of the V measures exactly 7 inches and the tips are exactly 3 inches apart.
4. Place one V on each screw with the washer between the metal and the wood of the board. The Vs should extend straight out past the edges of the board with no tip touching any other tip.
5. Run two lengths of copper wire from the top row of screws to the bottom row of screws. The first wire should start on the left-hand screw, then cross over to the right-hand screw before the second row, continue to the right-hand screw on the third row, then cross back to the left-hand screw on the fourth row. The second length of wire should start on the right-hand screw, cross over to the left-hand screw on the second row, continue down to the left-hand screw on the third row, then cross back to the right-hand screw on the fourth row.
6. Mark the location where each length of wire touches each screw and strip the insulation from those points. In addition, strip a 1/2-inch piece of insulation from each length of wire in the middle, between the second and third row of screws. The wire needs to be insulated, except at the points where it touches the screws and the ohm connector, which will be attached later.
7. Tighten the screws into position with the copper wire and the Vs in place.
8. Turn the board over and attach a pair of metal 9-by-15 reflective metal grids (such as those used in barbecue grills) with a pair of screws and washers. You may need to use extra screws, depending on how light the metal is. The grills should perfectly flank the Vs on the other side: 4 Vs to each grill.
9. Attach an 75-to-300 ohm converter to the uninsulated points in the center of the copper wire. (These devices have a pair of metal prongs on one end and a coaxial outlet on the other; they're available at any electronics store for a few dollars.) Connect one prong to each wire, and make sure the prongs don't touch.
10. Place your antenna somewhere out of the way where it will get good reception. You can prop it up against a wall or stabilize the base with bricks so that it stands straight up. The attic works well, as does anywhere close to a window.
11. Connect one end of a coaxial cable to the end of the ohm converter and the other end to the "In From Antenna" jack on the back of your TV. Turn on the TV and enjoy your favorite shows as normal.
New technologies can add efficiencies, but they can't replace old methods of teaching.
Technology has revolutionized the classroom but is not without its disadvantages--not in its use, but in what its use replaces. Many classrooms are being retrofitted with Smartboards and computers but they cannot replace old methods of teaching.
Potential
The technology available today has made a wealth of knowledge available to students, which offers great potential for the speed and style of learning. Information is presented in so many ways that any type learner, whether gifted or disabled, can find and use the necessary material. This fact relates not only to the Internet, but to all the many technological improvements in learning, from smart boards to handheld dictionaries.
Loss of Skills
With this increased access to knowledge also comes a probable loss of communication skills and interactive abilities between students and teacher, and students to peers. These skills are not as necessary in a classroom of computers, where individuality is a component of learning and is encouraged. Aside from learning, conflict resolution and socialization used to be two prominent reasons children came to school. The emphasis now has shifted away from these areas.
Access to All
Education is no longer the elitist privilege it once was. The information on the Internet is there for all who have access, without discrimination. People of all social strata are able to use technological advances, which is a fairly new academic development in America.
Poor Remain Poor
While general access is not denied, some children may not be exposed to computers and other technology because of socio-economic status. A child may live in a home without a computer, and chances are he will attend a poor school district with limited numbers of computers available. A student may get to use a computer for a short time, or only as a once-a-week activity instead of a regular class period. This puts these children at a disadvantage in learning technological functions. Poor districts are also most likely not to be the recipients of other technological modes of learning.
Advantages vs. Disadvantages
The computer age is here; this cannot be debated. Is it better for children to have access to computers with all their data at the loss of interpersonal skills? Is it acceptable that a student can talk to someone halfway around the world via instant messaging but not be able to get along with the student sitting next to her in a classroom? Technology can enhance traditional methods of learning but cannot replace the human touch. Ultimately, the quality of the class will depend solely on the quality of the teacher and not the presence of technology.
Soldering requires a steady hand and many attempts before mastery.
If you want to make something that glows in reaction to an electrical current without using a filament, you may consider using electroluminescent (EL) wire. Soldering EL wire, much like soldering small electronic components, requires plenty of practice and a steady hand. If you have little or no experience soldering, you should master soldering copper wire before beginning to solder EL wire. The process, though similar, has a few differences which might intimidate you.
Instructions
1. Strip the electrical insulation around the wire up to the point where you would like to solder the wire. Use a wire stripper for the most convenience. Pull the two small wires near the core wire out of the way and twist them together into a braid.
2. Strip the coating around the core wire to expose the copper. Using a knife or other blade is best.
3. Strip the insulation from your inverter's main cable. You will notice two smaller wires inside. Strip the insulation from those wires as well. Remember, you should only strip the amount of cabling you want to solder.
4. Place the two cables you would like to solder on a two-arm wire holder and put a quarter-inch of shrink tubing around the EL wire and a bit of a one-eighth-inch shrink tubing around the red inverter wire.
5. Twist the red inverter wire around the EL wire's main copper conductor.
6. Hold a thin piece of solder around the conductors and heat it with your soldering gun, allowing the solder to cover the conductors.
7. Slide the quarter-inch shrink tubing to the area you just soldered and heat with a heat shrink gun.
8. Solder the small conductors you put aside from the EL wire to the white --- sometimes black --- wire from the inverter using steps five and six as a reference. Slide the one-eighth-inch tubing around the soldered point when you finish and shrink it with a heat shrink gun. Your EL wire will illuminate as soon as electrical current hits.
Tags: around wire, shrink tubing, tubing around, core wire, electrical current
Recent technologies have made home theater projectors more readily available and somewhat more affordable. A home theater projector can recreate more of the atmosphere of the silver screen and make a family room actually feel like a mini-movie theater. There are several different basic designs of protectors, so you need to know a little bit about them to pick a home theater projector for your needs.
Instructions
Pick a Home Theater Projector
1. Decide how you'll be using your projector and set a budget. The highest quality projectors can go for as high as tens of thousands of dollars, but these projectors are not portable. You'll also need to budget for quarterly maintenance of the projector to keep it in good working order.
2. Consider different brands of digital-light projectors if you want to add one to your theater but have a tight budget. Be sure to test one of these machines in a quiet environment, because some models have very loud cooling fans.
3. Look at cathode-ray tube projectors if your budget is limitless. These large projectors often provide some of the best image quality once they are properly set up and adjusted. Additionally, CRT projectors have very low maintenance costs and probably will only need service every 3 or 4 years.
4. Try to test several projectors side by side in the same lighting conditions. Using the same video sequence, you'll want to compare the contrast of light and dark colors and note how well the projector displays very dark scenes. Some stores may have a few projectors set up for you to see how they differ.
5. Double check the brightness rating on projectors to be sure they'll be bright enough for home theater use. Brightness is rated in units called "lumens" and a home projector should have a rating of at least 1000 lumens.
6. Look for projectors with high resolutions if you want to play high-definition movies. A 720p HD movie needs a 1280 x 720 resolution while a 1080i signal requires a 1920 x 1080 projector resolution. You'll also need to pick a projector with an HDMI or the appropriate input for your high-definition signal.
Tags: also need, have very, home theater, Pick Home, theater projector, Theater Projector
A flash can often add a professional look to image.
The METZ 54 MZ4i Flashgun is an external flash unit. Flash units are used to add more dynamic lighting to an image, and, if used correctly, make a subject "pop" from the background. Almost all units attach to the camera's hot shoe, which is an electrical contact point on top of the camera. This allows the flash unit to work cooperatively with the camera and fire automatically. Before connecting the flash unit, check your camera's manual to see if it is compatible.
Instructions
1. Slide the flash unit into the camera's hot shoe bracket with the LCD screen facing the rear of the camera.
2. Rotate the locking dial on the flash to firmly attach it to the camera.
3. Turn on the flash unit by pushing the switch to "ON." Then turn on the camera.
4. Press the "Mode" button until an "A" icon appears on the flash LCD. This will set the unit to automatic mode.
5. Press the button on the side of the flash head to rotate the head and aim the flash in the direction your prefer.
6. Press the camera's shutter button fully to take the photo. It will automatically fire the flash.
Bull riders have long used a bull barrel to simulate the actions of a bucking bull for practice. With the explosive growth of the sport, several manufacturers now offer practice barrels for sale but at an average of $1,000. For many competitors, building their own barrel is a more cost-effective solution, granting them the freedom to design the barrel to suit their needs, and the ability to practice even without assistance. Though many styles are available, a barrel designed on three car springs attached to a hub most closely resembles all the elements on which a real bull will test the cowboy, according to Allan Jordan, a former bull rider and teacher with Leffew Bull Riding Schools.
Instructions
1. Build a frame for your practice barrel. Weld the channel iron into a 4-foot-by-6-foot rectangular frame. Weld two cross braces into the middle, leaving just the width of the car hub between the braces.
2. Weld the car hub to the frame, centering the hub in the middle of the frame between the cross braces. While the lug bolts on the hub can be placed up or down, it is easiest to place the hub with the bolts down.
3. Attach the three car springs to the hub in a triangular pattern using three of the U bolts. Be sure to place two springs toward the back of the frame and one toward the front. When the bucking barrel is finished, this will simulate the kicking action of a bull with his hind feet as well as the dropping action of the front end.
4. Again using the U bolts, bolt the springs to a piece of channel iron that has been cut just big enough to cover the springs.
5. Weld the barrel to the channel iron, centering its weight over the three springs.
6. Place the bull rope around the center of the barrel and begin practice. The barrel will begin to move with the rider, allowing the rider to practice without assistance. While the springs will simulate the kicking and dropping action of the bull, the hub will turn with the rider's movements, simulating a final element of bull motion: spin.
Tags: channel iron, three springs, action bull, Bull Riding, bull will
Sometimes, the hardest part of operating any gadget is turning it on or off. When it comes to the i-mate JAM Pocket PC phone, the hardest part is finding the power button.
Instructions
Turning Off the i-mate JAM
1. Locate the power button. It is on the right side of the phone. It is the same color and texture as the side of the phone, and is not recessed or raised. If not for the tiny power icon on it, you might not know it's there--except for the slight breaks in the casing around the button.
2. Press and hold the button. If you do not hold the button, you will merely turn the backlighting on or off.
3. You can press this button again to turn the JAM back on.
4. If there is a problem with the JAM and it will not shut off, you can force it to shut down by removing the battery. Slide the red battery lock button to release the battery, then lift it out with your finger. Once the battery is disconnected, it will shut off.
5. You can also do a soft reset of your phone by using your stylus to press the reset button on the bottom of the device, near the earphone plug.
Tags: hardest part, hold button, power button, side phone, will shut
While photographers can mix-and-match mechanical components like lenses with relatively little worry---provided the tools can physically fit together---swapping electronic components can be a bit riskier. Because voltage ratings are not standardized among flashes and camera bodies, a savvy photographer must verify that his equipment will work together properly before connecting everything. For this reason, it is typically easiest to buy like-named electric accessories. However, photographers who switch camera body brands might find themselves with old equipment that they would still like to use. If this is the case, it is still possible to use a Canon flash on a Nikon body.
Instructions
1. Verify that your flash's strobe trigger voltage matches your camera's. A strobe voltage that is greater than the voltage for which your camera's hot shoe is rated could damage your camera. Consult the manuals for each product or, if they cannot be located, check online to find the information.
2. Tape the four auxiliary contacts on the bottom of the flash (the part that connects to the hot shoe) with electric tape. These contacts have no corresponding contact on the Nikon hot shoe and would not function even if uncovered; covering the contacts helps to protect them from being damaged or short-circuiting the flash or camera. Make sure you leave the center positive contact uncovered, since this is the connection point your Nikon camera will use to trigger the Canon flash.
3. Switch the flash to manual mode. The Nikon camera will not be able to utilize the Canon flash's E-TTL (Evaluative-Through The Lens) flash exposure system and will not operate in an automatic mode.
4. Slide the Canon flash into the Nikon camera's hot shoe as you would normally attach the flash to a Canon body. The locking pin can usually not be screwed into place, but the flash should still connect snugly with the hot shoe.
5. Use the flash as you normally would, remembering to manually edit settings if you need to. The Nikon will use its on-body auto-focus assist lamp and will not use the lamp of the Canon flash.
Tags: Canon flash, Nikon camera, your camera, camera shoe, camera will
Two-way radios can be convenient way to chat with those who are within a two-mile radius, such as during a hike or at a shopping mall. Unlike a cell phone, two-way radios, such as Cobra Microtalks, do not charge a monthly fee and do not require dialing a phone number. Instead, the radios rely on channels set up by the Federal Communications Commission. Tuning the receivers into the same channel will allow those holding the receivers to talk with ease.
Preparation
Before using the radios, verify that charged batteries are installed. If necessary, remove the back cover and insert four "AAA" batteries. To turn on the radios, press the "power" button for two seconds and release. Next, press the "max range" button to determine the distance range of the radio. Select a channel by using the up and down "channel" buttons on the side of the radio. There are 14 channels to choose from. Pulse through the stations until you hear one that is clear. The radios must be set on the same channel to receive and emit communication.
Calling
In order to call another party, press the "call" button and release. The radio you are trying to reach will emit a ringing tone. To answer a call, press the "talk" button. Once you have pressed the "talk" button and until you press it again, you will only be able to transmit sound, not receive it. Press the "talk" button again in order to receive messages from another transmitter. When you do this, you and the other party will hear a "beep" tone that alerts the other party that you are through speaking and the line is clear for them to respond.
Operating Tips
If necessary, you can adjust the volume of the incoming messages using the "up" and "down" volume buttons on the side of the phone. Ear phones can also be attached to the radio for hands-free operation. Simply open the tab at the top of the phone and insert the ear phones into the speaker jack. For best operation, do not expose the radio to extreme temperatures and never allow near water.
Tags: talk button, buttons side, other party, same channel, using down
If you're only making one or two cups of coffee, there's no sense firing up a whole coffee-pot full. Besides, automatic coffee makers are notorious for nasty build-up that over time taints the flavor of your cup of joe. Brewing coffee with a single-cup, manual drip method not only ensures a great-tasting cup every time, but takes the waste out of the process.
Instructions
1. Fill the coffee mug with water and empty it into a small saucepan or tea kettle.
2. Turn one burner of the stove on high and heat the water until it is boiling.
3. Place the single-cup coffee drip over the mouth of the mug while the water is boiling.
4. Place a single-cup filter in the drip and scoop the desired amount of coffee. For a strong cup, use 3 heaping teaspoons for one 12-ounce cup. For a weaker brew, use less.
5. Pour the boiling water slowly over the coffee grounds.
6. Continue to pour the water in, washing the grounds that gather on the sides of the filter down to the bottom.
7. Add half and half and sugar to taste once all the water is emptied from the saucepan.
Tags: boiling Place, boiling Place single-cup, coffee with, Place single-cup
If your 8mm tape isn't playing properly, chances are the heads need cleaning. The head converts the fluctuations in the tape's magnetic field into electrical waves. So when this head can't read the tape, the tape player has no information to play. The good news is that you can keep your 8mm tape working perfectly by periodically cleaning the heads. There's very little technical knowledge needed and the whole process can be completed in a limited amount of time.
Instructions
1. Moisten your microfiber cloth (available from any computer store) with rubbing alcohol, but be careful not to soak it to the point that it is dripping.
2. Locate the head on your machine. If you are cleaning the head of a camcorder, it will be in the compartment where you insert the tape. If you are working with a tape player, it will be in the slot where you insert the tape. If you need to disassemble your machine to access the head, consult the user guide.
3. Clean all of the tape path, including any rollers and pins that are near the head. Be sensitive as you wipe these components, as they are movable parts that can damage or break. Moisten a new microfiber cloth when done.
4. Wipe the metal, cylindrical tape head thoroughly with your new cloth until you have covered its entire surface. Wait a moment or two for it to completely dry and you are done.
Although, cell phones have largely taken over our daily communications, sometimes the reception and clarity of a land line is preferable. On the other hand, you don't always want to sit or stand in one place to have a phone conversation. The cordless phone makes using a phone around the house as convenient as possible, allowing you to travel anywhere within range and keep up with the other tasks in your life while talking on the phone. If you've ever wondered how the cordless phone is able to clearly transmit your conversation, here's a look at the process.
Sound
Sound is transmitted through sound waves. In a traditional hardwired telephone, the voice of the person you're speaking with is converted into sound waves by a microphone and then sent via electrical current through the phone line and into your phone where a speaker converts the current back into audible sound waves that allow you to hear the person's voice. A cordless phone performs this exact function; however, since there is no wire to connect your phone's receiver, a radio serves to bridge the gap between the base and the handheld receiver.
Transmission
The two main parts of the cordless phone are the base and the handset. The base is plugged into the phone jack and electrical outlet. It receives the signal from the phone jack, and then a radio transmitter in the base sends the signal via radio wave to the handheld receiver and vice versa when you talk into the phone. This happens for both the ring and the actual phone conversation. The radio transmitter pushes current up and down the antenna until it creates an electromagnetic field that sends radio waves out. You've probably noticed that cell phones come in varying frequencies. These relate to the frequency of the radio wave that the phone transmits.
Reception
The radio waves are picked up by the handset's antenna and are then sent to the speaker on your phone allowing you to hear. When you speak, the headset transmits radio waves to the base, and the base then sends through the phone line and back to the person you're speaking with. Cordless phones use a duplex frequency, which allows them to transmit and receive at the same time (as opposed to a radio, which only receives).
Tags: cordless phone, radio waves, sound waves, your phone, cell phones, handheld receiver, into phone
It would be a considerable understatement to say that technology has revolutionized gaming. Game graphics are a perfect illustration of this maxim. Within a single generation, games graphics have evolved from tiny pixelized game elements to full-blown 3D, even on devices as simple as cellular phones. One of the new challenges to game designers is to create realistic 3D objects. While a good model is a important start, even more vital is creating textures that flesh out your model and look true to life. With some effort, you can create textures to accent any model.
Instructions
Acquiring Textures
1. Travel to a location where you can find varied terrain and surfaces that might be found in your game. For woodland textures, a city park may suffice, but for specialty textures such as chrome, rust, or brickwork, you may have to scout out places such as scrapyards or demolition sites.
2. Photograph items and areas that contain a texture you could use. Make sure that your subjects are well lit without being overly saturated. Also critical is to take pictures as close to the item as you can and still maintain focus. Always line up the shot so you view the subject face-on. If the target has multiple and varying faces, you will need to take photos of each one, face-on.
3. Move the photographs from your camera to your computer with the digital transfer cable. Place them in a folder for easy reference.
Cleanup
4. Load your photos in Adobe Photoshop.
5. Click on the rectangular marquee and select the region you want to keep.
6. Click on the Image tab, then select "Crop" from the menu. This will remove the extraneous parts of the photo, leaving only those that contain the texture you will use.
7. Type CTRL+L and adjust the image levels. A dialog box will pop up with sliders to allow you to tweak the various levels. If the image is too bright or dark overall, use the default RGB selection and slide the left-most or right-most slider bar.
8. Adjust the channels by color if needed. If the picture contains too much or too little of just one of the colors (such as a texture that appears saturated with red), select Red, Green, or Blue in the "Channels" drop-down selector at the top of the box, then adjust the left or right-most slider bars until the image reaches the desired look.
9. Left-click on the toolbar for burn and dodge tools, hold the button down until the drop-down menu appears and click again on the tool you need. Make sure to use a brush large enough to cover the areas you need to adjust but not so large as to affect other areas. Keep the exposure level low (below 20 percent). Use the dodge tool to lighten areas that are too dark, and the burn tool for areas that are too bright. You should apply the tool sparingly in small strokes.
Seamless Texture Formatting
10. Type ALT+CTRL+C and set a canvas size that is equal in height and width. You will crop some of the image, so make sure to choose the section that contains the best parts of your texture. You can do so by clicking on the region tool that pops up with the canvas-size dialog and picking the part you want to keep.
11. Select the Filter tab and Select "Other" and then "Offset." The offset tool will move the image content in relation to its original location, wrapping edges as you do. Adjust the offset sliders until you relocate the edges of the image to the center of the window. This will create visible seams that need to be removed.
12. Click on the Clone Stamp Tool and select a region in the picture that is above the seams in the center. ALT+Click on the area you want to copy.
13. Release the ALT key and then paint with your clone brush along the middle seams. Ensure you are using a brush size that covers the offensive seam without looking overly processed. Repeat the process until the horizontal seams are gone.
14. Hold down the ALT key and click on a seam-free area to the left of the vertical seam. Use the clone brush to paint horizontal strokes over the seam until it is gone.
Testing Your Work
15. Load your 3D modeling software.
16. Add a simplified model to your rendering pane that is similar to the final shape of your complex model. This sounds complex, but is really simple. Most packages have a one-click method to add primitive shapes. Pick a sphere, cube, cylinder, cone or torus shape that best matches the overall shape of the item you are going to model. You could map a wall, for example, on a cube and approximate the final result.
17.Load your seamless texture and apply it to the surface of your primitive.
18. Rotate the model with the texture applied and preview it through all three dimensions, scanning for unrealistic or awkward areas. If there are any trouble spots, jot them down so you can repair them in Photoshop as needed.
In 2009 American broadcasters completed the transition from standard analog television broadcasting to all-digital broadcasting. This process was highly publicized, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) spent millions of dollars educating the public on the change and what was needed for consumers to continue to receive television signals. Digital TV broadcasting has had several wide ranging effects in less than a year of existence.
Enhanced Quality and Service
The picture and audio delivered via digital broadcasting are significantly superior to analog television broadcasting. Besides higher-resolution images and higher-quality audio, digital TV signals are less prone to static interference and are more directly compatible with digital video recorders. In addition to high definition (HD), broadcasters can now also offer multicasting--the broadcasting of multiple standard definition (SD) programs at the same time, which gives consumers increased viewing options, and digital facilitates interactive programming, as more information can be transmitted via a digital signal than an analog one. For many viewers with state-of-the-art televisions or audio systems, the improved quality has allowed them to take full advantage of the capabilities of their existing equipment.
Freer Airwaves
One of the primary reasons for enacting the transition to digital broadcasting was to free the airwaves for other uses. By ceasing the broadcast of analog signals, television stations returned a great deal of broadcasting space to federal control and to public safety communications such as fire, police and emergency/rescue operations. Some of the space was auctioned off to telecommunications companies to provide new services such as broadband wireless Internet service and advanced cell phone networks. The additional space saved by digital TV broadcasting is being held for future use as communications needs increase.
Digital Tuner Sales
Another effect of digital TV broadcasting is the sale of many digital tuners. These devices can convert a digital broadcast signal into an analog signal, which allows digital programming to be shown on a traditional, analog television set. For a period of time in 2008, the U.S. government made vouchers available to Americans who wished to buy a digital tuner and continue to use an older television. These vouchers reduced the expense incurred by consumers, and retail sales of tuners skyrocketed for a brief time.
Digital TV Sales
For some customers, the transition to digital TV broadcasting justified the purchase of an entirely new digital television. Flat-screen televisions were one of the best selling items of the 2008 holiday season and sales remained at elevated levels through the digital TV transition period. While this meant increased business for electronics manufacturers and retailers, it also resulted in a glut of used analog televisions on the secondary market, driving prices down and sending many of the oldest televisions to garbage heaps.
Tags: digital broadcasting, analog television, analog television broadcasting, television broadcasting, transition digital
As of 2009, streaming live video has become a powerful tool that's accessible to virtually anyone. Besides having a grasp of how websites work and an understanding of fundamental concepts of digital video, all you need to stream live video is broadcaster and streaming software and a video-recording device.
Share your vision with a few close friends or with the world. Streaming live video to your website has never been easier.
Instructions
Streaming Live Video
1. Attach the media-recording device that will capture your video content to your computer. It's important to make sure your computer recognizes your webcam or video camera. Your computer should have 1 GB of free RAM memory, a processor speed of at least 2.4 GHz and a video card.
2. Install broadcast software on the computer that will capture and encode your video content. QuickTime Broadcaster has several preset configurations that will make your setup quick and easy. Media Encoder can be used for a Windows-based system.
3. Broadcast your content by using another computer with streaming software installed as your server. Apple's Darwin streaming server software can be downloaded for free.
4. Choose a network deliver option to stream your media. QuickTime broadcast can serve the session with a multicast network, but this option requires dedicated bandwidth. A unicast stream is reliable and connects each viewer to the server. Turn on your relaying settings to increase the reach of your stream.
5. Follow the encoding software wizard to initiate a Session Description Protocol (SDP) and begin a streaming connection to your server. To connect the computers, enter the server port number and IP address. QuickTime Broadcaster preset settings will suffice for most broadcast needs.
6. Export your SDP file to the media directory on your streaming server.
The viewer will click on a link in your website to receive your broadcast and you are streaming live video.
Tags: live video, that will, Live Video, QuickTime Broadcaster, streaming live, streaming live video, streaming server
You don't have to pay thousands of dollars for a big-screen projection TV set. You can convert your own TV into a homemade projection version with a few cheap items. To do this, create and surround the TV screen with a tube-like box that completely contains the TV's picture image. You also need a fresnel lens (like the type used in stage spotlights) to capture and focus the image. This will project a large-scale image on the wall and give you your big-screen equivalent.
Instructions
1. Measure the length and height of your TV screen. Measure only the screen itself, not the frame surrounding it.
2. Cut out four pieces of cardboard or other sturdy material. All four should be 45cm long. Make two pieces as wide as the TV screen's width and two as wide as the screen's height. Cut one more piece to the same size as the screen and cut a hole in it that is centered and 17cm in diameter.
3. Paint all of the cardboard pieces black on all sides. Wait for the paint to dry.
4. Tape a fresnel lens to the screen-size piece, making sure it covers the entire hole. You do not need to trim the lens. Attach duct tape to opposite ends of the piece to make "tabs," folding the tape over itself so the tabs are non-adhesive.
5. Assemble the other four pieces into a box that is as high and wide as the TV screen and has openings in the front and back. Use duct tape to connect the pieces. Make sure every part of the connecting edges is covered in tape.
6. Tape the box to the TV screen so it protrudes from the screen like a tube. Use enough tape to make a light but tight seal around the screen. Every bit of light from the TV video image must travel through the box.
7. Run more duct tape from the far edge of the box all the way to the top and bottom surfaces of the TV, so gravity won't pull the box off the set. Turn the set upside down, as the lens you'll use flips the picture image.
8. Place the lens piece within the box through the opening, sliding it until it is in the middle of the box. Insert it so that the smooth side of the fresnel lens is pointed toward the screen. Keep the two "tabs" pointing toward the outside so you can grab them and pull the lens back.
Getting the Picture
9. Place the TV on a table about 2 inches from a blank white wall or one covered by a white sheet. Turn off all lights in the room and cover all windows.
10. Turn on the TV to project a picture onto the wall. Move the table and TV back gradually until the picture is large enough for your liking.
11. Adjust the lens by pulling it back and forth within the box until you get a clear picture. If you can't get one, remove the lens and and flip it over, to see if it works better with the rough side of the lens facing the screen.
Geocoding helps provide an accurate spatial reference point for a physical location.
Geocoding refers to the process by which a physical location is described in geographical coordinates such as latitude and longitude. Your street address, for example, can be geocoded into a latitude and longitude that will provide a precise location for your home. Geocodes are useful in hobbies, such as geocaching, where individuals use geocodes to find hidden objects. Businesses, such as insurance companies, may use geocodes to provide a more accurate location for a claim or incident. Essentially, geocodes help people find a place.
Instructions
1. Open your web browser to a map website, such as iTouchmap, or use a GPS device and choose to set a new location.
2. Type the latitude coordinates into the latitude box. An "N" or an "S" (for North or South, respectively) precedes the latitude coordinates.
3. Type the longitude coordinates into the longitude box. An "E" or "W" (for East or West, respectively) precedes the longitude coordinates.
4. Press the "Enter" or "Input" button, and allow the map program or your GPS device to orientate itself and find the geocode. Travel to the location by mapping out a course or using your GPS to provide you with directions.
Tags: coordinates into, into latitude, latitude coordinates, latitude longitude, longitude coordinates, physical location, respectively precedes
Unlocked Motorola phones may encounter problems when you try to send picture messages (also known as MMS) on your mobile provider's network. The unlocked phone does not have the proper settings that allow it to connect to your provider's messaging network. You can add these settings yourself to set picture messaging to work on the Motorola. The verbiage for screen selection varies slightly based on your Motorola model.
Instructions
1. Press the "Main Menu" key on the main screen of the Motorola.
2. Select "Messages" or "Messaging" and then select "Menu."
3. Select the option for "Message Setup" or "Inbox Setup."
4. Click the selection for "MMS Message Setup" and then select "Change."
5. Click the option for "Server Info" or "Service Info."
6. Clear out any entries that currently appear in the fields. To delete, select "Menu" and then "Delete."
7. Select "New Entry" and then "Service Name."
8. Enter the name for your mobile provider (such as Sprint).
9. Select "Server Name" and enter your provider's server name, such as "http://mmsc.cingular.com" for AT&T.
10. Select "Done" or "Save."
11. Select "Menu" and then select "Set Default" to finalize the MMS setup process.
Tags: then select, Menu then, Message Setup, mobile provider, select Menu
Garmin's eTrex Venture is a mobile GPS device that allows users to find their destination almost anywhere, whether they are camping, hiking or boating. Software updates are occasionally needed to get the best performance from the Venture. Updates may add features, such as new languages, and fix problems such as freezing or glitches. After downloading the software update from the Garmin website, it can be loaded onto the Venture using a brief application process.
Instructions
1. Disable your computer's screen saver to avoid interruption of the update process. Disrupting the process may permanently damage the Venture.
2. Double-click the update file folder that you have downloaded to your computer. Click "Un-Zip." When you are notified that the unzipping process is complete, click "Close." Open the folder containing the update, and click "Updater."
3. Connect the Venture to the computer using a Garmin PC interface cable. Turn on the Venture, and place it in Demo mode. Go to the "System Setup Page" from the Venture's main menu, and select "GPS," then "Demo mode."
4. Select "Interface mode" from the Venture's main menu. Change this setting to either "GARMIN," "GMRN/GMRN" or "Data Transfer/Host mode."
5. Click "OK" on the Garmin Updater. The software update is transferred to the Venture.
Tags: from Venture, Demo mode, from Venture main, main menu, software update
The Canon AE-1 is a 35 mm SLR camera released in 1976 and manufactured through 1984. The AE-1 supported interchangeable lenses and was the first SLR camera to use a CPU microprocessor. The camera was a big seller for Canon as it was reasonably priced for a higher end camera. For many new photographers of that era, the AE-1 was the first SLR camera they used. While a little more complicated than many consumer point and click cameras, the AE-1 can be used out of the box after a short setup.
Attach Lens
The AE-1 supports interchangeable lenses that must be attached to the camera before shooting pictures. To attach a lens, remove the rear lens cap from the lens by holding the rear side toward you and twisting counterclockwise. Next, pull off the lens cap on the body of the AE-1. Locate the red positioning mark on the lens and line it up with the red dot above the lens mount on the body of the camera. Turn the lens clockwise until the it stops moving and the "Lens Release" button on the side of the lens pops out. If the "Lens Release" button does not pop out, the lens is not attached correctly and pictures taken with the AE-1 will be distorted. Remove the lens and try again.
Load Film
The AE-1 supports both color and black-and-white 35 mm film. The film comes in cartridges that are placed in the back of the camera. Before loading the film you need to set the ASA of the film you are using. The ASA is usually located on the packaging that comes with your film and must be matched to your camera for correct exposure. To set the ASA, lift the grooved ring around the "Shutter Speed" dial on the top right of the camera and turn it until the number matches the ASA number of the film.
To load the film, pull the "Rewind" knob on the top left of the camera up until the film cover pops open. Place the film cartridge in the left side of the compartment with the smaller round area on top of the cartridge pointing down and the opening where the film is located facing right. Pull the film leader across the compartment to the opposite side of the camera and place it in one of the slots of the spool. The spool is what will pull the film through the camera so that it can be exposed.
Press the "Film Advance" lever on the top right of the camera once and check that the holes in the film are caught in the raised teeth of the spool. This is to ensure that the film moves through the camera correctly and does not create bad photographs. Make sure the film is pulled tight. If there is slack in the film, turn the "Rewind" knob clockwise until it is tight. Close the compartment cover once the film is loaded.
Before you can take pictures, you have to advance the film past the leader so the pictures will be recorded. Press the shutter button and advance the film keeping an eye on the frame counter located next to the "Film Advance" knob. Continue to shoot blank pictures and advancing the film until the counter is pointing at the small white dot between the "0" and "2." You are now ready to take pictures.
Take Pictures
Before taking a picture, set the shutter speed on the camera by turning the "Shutter Speed" dial. The smaller the number, the longer the shutter stays open. In general, you should use shorter shutter speeds in bright conditions and longer shutter speeds in lower light conditions. Look through the viewfinder and press the shutter button halfway. You will see a meter on the left. If needle is high in the red area, decrease the shutter speed. If the red light blinks, increase the shutter speed.
Point the camera at the subject and frame it in the viewfinder. Turn the focus ring on the lens back and forth until the subject appears clear and sharp in the viewfinder. Press the shutter button completely to take a picture.
Tags: shutter button, advance film, AE-1 supports, clockwise until, Film Advance, first camera
Home phone plans can be costly and waste money depending on usage.
Home phone service can be expensive to maintain. However, it is possible to cut costs without sacrificing service. There are several low-cost home telephone service options to fit every budget and need, including international phone calls, that require little if any new technology beyond a computer.
Voice Over Internet Protocol
VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is phone service that uses a pre-existing broadband Internet connection. Traditional phone service uses an analog signal. For VoIP to work with your home phones, an Analog Telephone Adaptor (ATA) must be plugged into the computer. The voice signal will be converted into digital data and sent using the Internet connection. There are several VoIP providers that provide low monthly fees and various rate plan choices. Many services allow you to call another person who uses the same VoIP connection for free. VoIP connections also work for international calls.
Computer Software Applications
Downloadable computer software is another cheap telephone option. Different from VoIP where a traditional phone can still be used, computer software such as Skype requires the user to sit at the computer. Essentially, the computer itself is converted into a phone. Skype and other computer telephone software also allow video chat and instant messaging. Skype-to-Skype use is free, and monthly rates are available for domestic and international phone calls.
Analog Telephone Service
Analog, or traditional, telelphone service is the only option for those who do not have a home computer with a broadband connection. However, there are several service providers offering combined local and long distance service for low rates. Use online resources, such as Whitefence.com, to help identify the best rate plan based on yur location.
International Phone Calls
Tel3 is a prepaid international phone calling card service. It can be used on both home and cell phones. There is no signing fee or contracts, and users complete activation through a cell phone or by dialing one of the service's activation numbers. Tel3 offers a rewards program, allowing users to earn and redeem extra minutes.
Tags: international phone, phone service, Analog Telephone, converted into, Home phone, international phone calls
The Canon XH A1 camcorder enables you to have more control over the sounds being recorded by using the Microphone (MIC) Terminal for adding an external microphone. Use the following steps to effectively use the MIC Terminal.
Instructions
Using the MIC Terminal on the Canon XH A1
1. Open the menu, and select audio Setup.
2. Select XLR input, set it to On-XLR, and close the menu.
3. Connect the microphone to either the channel 1 (CH1) or channel 2 (CH2) XLR terminals located along the right side of the camera towards the front. Connect the microphone first before adjusting the following settings.
4. Set the Input channel selection switch, located on the top right of the camera above the channel terminals, to either CH1 or CH1-CH2.
5. Adjust the LINE/MIC switch, located just above the Input channel selection switch, to either the CH1 or CH1-CH2 position, depending on the input signal you selected in Step 4. You can now use the microphone.
6. Note that when you connect the external microphone, the built-in microphone automatically turns off. If you want to supply phantom power the microphone, after plugging it in, set the +48V switch at the front of the camera, next to the channel switches, to the corresponding switch. Keep the microphone plugged in when turning off the phantom power. If needed, you can turn on the microphone attenuator by setting the XLR MIC ATT switch, located above the channel input terminals, to ATT. The nearby Line/MIC switch needs to also be set to MIC.
Thermal imaging cameras and surveillance systems detect heat patterns and temperature changes in objects. Unlike standard cameras, they do not require visible light to record an image. Instead, these devices use platinum silicide (PtSi) sensors to detect and monitor the movements of human subjects in poorly illuminated areas. Not surprisingly, the CIA uses infrared technology extensively. However, thermal imaging may also be used by criminal elements for burglary, extortion and even murder. While there is no foolproof method of preventing thermal imaging surveillance, a few measures can thwart detection.
Instructions
1. Perform a "sweep" of your home, office and car with a counter-surveillance radio frequency (RF) detector. Counter-surveillance devices can be purchased online or locally from security equipment vendors. Like other hidden cameras, infrared devices emit radio waves that can be picked up by standard radio-frequency detection equipment. Since IR cameras cost quite a bit more than normal light-based video cameras, look for thermal imaging sensors in any dark places where they would be required for recording activity such as your backyard or garage.
2. Secure the perimeter of your home, office and car. Purchase surveillance equipment of your own that allows you to detect anyone that enters or comes near these locations. That would include surveillance cameras and motion detectors on and around your property. Consider purchasing a home security system to prevent break-ins that allow the installation of thermal imaging surveillance equipment. Bear in mind that even with high-level security, you may not be able to prevent thermal imaging surveillance of your domicile. Many infrared video cameras can detect movement as far as 1,200 feet away. The only way to avoid this kind of surveillance is to travel to unfamiliar locations and shake off any physical surveillance. Even then, you may be tracked from the air undetected.
3. Evade aerial thermal imaging surveillance by going inside malls, transit stations, or other buildings with multiple exits and large crowds to shake off tails. In rural areas, bridges, drainage pipes and thick forest can help obscure your movements.
4. Maintain vigilance by conducting regular "sweeps" of your home, office and car. Further, avoid regular travel patterns in your daily activities, such as when you arrive at the office and how you get there. Unpredictable behavior makes it much harder to tail you as well as to break into your home in order to install thermal imaging and other surveillance equipment.
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