Clean The Print Head Of An Hp Photosmart C3100

As you print off documents or photos on your printer, the ink cartridge print heads have the tendency to become dirty, which may cause unwanted streaks or even faded prints. There are two separate options for cleaning the print heads on your HP PhotoSmart C3100 all-in-one machine. The software included with the PhotoSmart has the option to run a self-cleaning, or you may instead need to manually clean the print heads.

Instructions

1. Open the "Start" menu, and click "All Programs" and "HP." Click the "HP Solution Center" link. Navigate to the "Settings" tab at the bottom of the screen.

2. Click the button labeled "Printer Toolbox," and navigate to the "Services" tab. Click "Clean Printhead" to start the automatic cleaning process. Wait for the test page to automatically print.

3. Check the test page to see if the text and images are smeared, blurred or faded. Press the power button on the control panel at the left side of the printer if the test page has any problems.

4. Grip the plastic door at the front of the printer, and pull it down. Locate the black and color cartridges at the far left side of the printer. Push down the plastic locks holding each cartridge in place. Lift the cartridges out of the ink cartridge carriage.

5. Wipe off the gold colored contacts on the bottom side of the black ink cartridge with the cloth. Repeat the process on the color cartridge.

6. Wait for the cartridges to completely dry and set them back inside the ink cartridge carriage. Push down the plastic locks and close the front plastic door. Press the power button to turn the printer back on.

Tags: print heads, test page, cartridge carriage, down plastic, down plastic locks, left side

Why Use High Voltage Coupling Capacitor For Input

Reduce noise and overheating with a high voltage coupling capacitor.

Reduces DC Noise in Amplifiers

High voltage coupling capacitors, placed at the input of an amplifier stage, blocks DC current from entering that stage. This prevents the DC current from one stage, from being amplified in the next stage, reducing DC noise.

Reduces Failures in Amplifiers and Power Supplies

Excessive DC currents and high voltage can overheat and destroy a capacitor in a matter of seconds. If this current gets past the input capacitor, it will destroy the next stage of an amplifier or power supply. By using very high voltage coupling capacitors, it's possible to reduce and minimize the affects of these types of failures. Lightning strikes on a power grid during an electrical storm is one situation where a high voltage DC current is introduced into system.

Reduces the Start up Effects of Large Inductive Loads

Large inductive loads such as electric motors draw heavy currents during their initial start up. The inductance of the motor tries to resist the new current flow being established by the new voltage. This heavy current draw period can have negative affects on other machines connected to the same power system. By adding a high voltage coupling capacitor across the load, we can reduce the loading effects caused during start up. During start up, the coupling capacitor will discharge providing the additional power needed to start the load and reducing the affects on the system.

Tags: coupling capacitor, voltage coupling, capacitor will, coupling capacitors, current from

Fix The Tracking On A Camcorder

Older models of camcorder used magnetic tapes to record video

Tracking is a setting on many camcorders and VCRs that dictates the position of the reading heads on the magnetic tape. With the introduction of digital memory cards and DVD camcorders, tracking adjustments have become less of a problem for modern video cameras. Many people still use magnetic tape cameras and will have to adjust their tracking from time to time. Finding adjust the tracking on a particular make of camcorder should not take long.

Instructions

1. Examine the camera and look for a tracking slider or dial. On some basic models, the tracking control is on the outside of the camera. It may be labeled something else apart from tracking, like "Picture." Set the camcorder to playback mode and start watching a tape. Adjust the slider or dial until the picture and sound improves to a satisfactory standard.

2. Turn on the camcorder and look for a "Menu" button. Some camcorders have a semi-automatic tracking function, which can be controlled from within the camera's software. The control is likely to be under a Picture or Playback menu within the camera's menu. Set the camera in playback mode and adjust the tracking to find the best picture and sound.

3. Press the "Menu" button on the camera and look for an auto tracking button. During playback, some camcorders have an auto-tracking facility that, when activated, will automatically adjust the tape heads to the best position. Some camcorder tracking is completely automatic, and when you start playing a tape, it will adjust without the need for pressing any buttons.

Tags: adjust tracking, camcorders have, camera look, magnetic tape, Menu button, picture sound

Upload Photos To Walmart Photo Center

Digital picture taking has taken over the way we take pictures. If you don't like the shot, nothing is wasted but a few seconds of time to delete the shot and take another one. Those of us who still have several canisters of undeveloped film now have pictures stuck on their hard drives. Wal-Mart online has made it easy for the public to get the pictures off of our hard drives and out onto our walls and desks. Read on to learn how.

Instructions

1. Find the location and file names of the digital photos you want to upload. Create a folder on the desktop named Upload Pictures and copy your selected photos to this folder.

2. Go to Walmart.com and select the "Photo" tab. Create an account with your email address and password that you will remember. You will only have to create an account once. Login when you return anytime after that.

3. Click "Add Photos" button to start the Quick Upload process. Pick or create an album that you want to add your digital pictures in. Photos can be separated by dates, people or occasion. Click "Upload to This Album" button.

4. Choose "Yes" to install the Active X Control if the window prompts you. This only needs to be done the first time you use this and if Wal-Mart upgrades their software. The software will install in just a few minutes, depending on your connection speed. It will notify you when it is done.

5. Find and click the button that says "Select Photos." A window comes up that will let you search for your folder with digital pics. On the left side of the screen select "Desktop." Double click your photo folder to show the pictures inside. Click on the box by each of the photos you wan to upload, if you want them all, select "Select All" at the bottom of the window.

6. Select "Upload Selected Photos" to start uploading your pictures. The upload time depends on the speed of the internet connection and the size of each photo. The indicator will let you know when it is done.

7. Choose the photos in the size that you want on the next screen. You can select to pick up your photos from a participating Wal-Mart or have the photos sent to you for if you the pay postage fee. If picking the photos up at a store you can opt to pay for them there and enter a credit card.

Tags: hard drives, screen select, that want, that will, when done

Interpret Land Boundaries Using Aerial Photos & Maps

Topo maps are handy when used with recent aerial photos.

A land boundary is anything that affects the landscape. Examples include glaciers, ice fields, canyons, shifting dunes or cliffs. Land boundaries are represented on topographical (topo) maps like those published and maintained by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), a division of the US Department of the Interior. Aerial photos are those taken from aircraft, satellite or hot air ballon and are used to coincide with topo maps. Aerial photos are one piece of data USGS cartographers use to update topo maps. Aerial photos, when used with current topo maps, are handy references for finding and interpreting land boundaries.

Instructions

1. Spread out the USGS topo map of the area you are studying. Topo maps are available free in electronic form and may be printed out. Paper versions are available through the USGS or most outdoor outfitters. Locate the specific areas on the map you are trying to decipher. If you are unsure, use GPS datum coordinates or a set of latitude and longitude measurements.

2. Set out the aerial photographs that coincide with the region of the map you wish to study. Look on the bottom right hand corner of the aerial photos to find the scale to which the source camera was set; another measurement to look for is the height from which the photos were taken. Use this data to help determine the size of the land barriers on the topo map. For example, if you know the aerial photos were taken 10,000 feet AGL (Above Ground Level), you will use this data to interpolate heights on the topo map. You will also use this information to determine the striation lines on the map that indicate altitudes.

3. Look for canyons, mesas, mountain peaks, rivers, dry river beds and fault lines on the aerial photos. For example, if you look at aerial photos of the Glen Parks Highway in Alaska, you will find evidence of the Denali Fault. The Denali Fault is a natural land barrier that runs north to south, sometimes parallel to the highway. Now find the same land barrier on the topo map and familiarize yourself with the icons and markings used on the map; use this for future interpretations of similar land barriers on maps.

4. Determine if land barriers have moved or changed since the last updates to the USGS topo maps. Look on the lower left hand corner of the USGS topo and find a date indicating when the maps were last updated. Land barriers change over time due to plate tectonics, earthquakes, erosion and climate changes. Examples include glaciated regions. If you look at the quadrangle for the Dyea Valley of southeast Alaska from over two decades ago, you see a land barrier on Mt. Harding indicating a long valley glacier. Today, that glacier is nearly gone, yet the maps have not been updated to indicate this land barrier change. By using aerial photos of the region in conjunction with the topo maps, land barriers are interpreted for the map datedness.

Tags: land barrier, aerial photos, topo maps, USGS topo, Aerial photos

Connect Samsung Beat To A Pc

Samsung Beat cell phones are great for music lovers. They have a unique style that makes them an ideal on-the-go media player. You can connect the Beat to your home computer to transfer and/or store media, and you can use the Beat to play the media through your computer using Windows Media Player. It only takes a few moments to connect your Samsung Beat to your computer.

Instructions

1. Put the phone in USB mode. Select "Menu," "Settings," "Phone Settings" and "USB Mode." Then select either "Mass Storage" or "Media Player," depending on how you want to use your device.

2. Uncover the USB port on the phone. It is located on the side of your phone.

3. Plug the Samsung Beat USB cable into the phone. You cannot use a regular USB cable. You must use a Beat computer cable from a cell phone store or Samsung store or an online retailer that carries the cable.

4. Plug the USB side of the cable into an open port on your computer.

5. Wait for the hardware to be recognized and the drivers to automatically install. Your Beat will be ready to use after the drivers are installed.

Tags: Samsung Beat, your computer, Beat your, cable into

Clean Cr39 Plastic Lenses

CR-39, is a durable, lightweight plastic first used in bomber planes in World War II and now used for a wide variety of prescription glasses and sunglasses. Lightweight but with excellent clarity, CR-39 can withstand minor chemical splashes and welding sparks, making it the perfect material for safety lenses. Though CR-39 is durable and more scratch-resistant than other plastic eyeglass lens materials, it still requires proper care to maintain a long, crystal clear life. Learn clean CR lenses and keep them like new.

Instructions

1. Rinse lenses and frames with cold water. Gently rub lenses with the pads of your fingers (not your nails) to remove any debris.

2. Wipe frames and lenses dry with a soft, fluffy towel. Just remove the excess water from lenses; don't worry about streaks.

3. Spray CR-39 lenses on both sides with lens cleaner. If you have a non-reflective or other coating on your lenses, be sure you're using a lens cleaner safe for those surfaces.

4. Wipe dry with a soft 100% cotton or silk cloth, using a gentle circular motion.

5. Keep a silk square or pre-moistened lens cleaning tissues in your pocket or purse. These gentle cleaners work to clear your CR-39 lenses when you're away from home, and are a classier option than using the end of your shirt. Blow a few short puffs of air on the lenses before cleaning, to remove any particles of dirt or make-up that might scratch the lens as you wipe.

Tags: CR-39 durable, CR-39 lenses, lens cleaner, lenses with, with soft

Clean A Digital Camera

Digital SLR

Clean a Digital Camera. Digital cameras require consistent cleaning to keep the camera operational and to make sure you take the best pictures possible. Small point and shoot digital cameras have little to clean. The exterior needs to be kept clean with camera cloth or other lint free cloth. The front lens element needs to be cleaned with canned air to keep it dust free. The eyepiece and front lens element should be periodically cleaned with lens tissue and lens cleaner. Digital single lens reflex (SLR) cameras are more complicated. In all cases consult the manual that came with your camera and follow these simple techniques below.

Instructions

1. Thoroughly clean the exterior of the camera with a soft, dry lint-free cloth. These can be purchased at a camera store or you can use any chemical-free soft cloth you have available. Clean the exterior first to prevent dust and dirt from falling into the camera when you remove the lens.

2. Clean the mirror and the focusing screen with canned air. You can also lock up the mirror and clean the sensor with canned air if it is required. Never touch the sensor or use anything on the sensor besides canned air. The sensor is only exposed when the mirror flips up during exposure. While you need to clean the focusing screen and mirror regularly, it is unusual to have to clean the sensor. Since replacing the sensor is very expensive you should take it to a camera service specialist if you are not sure. Usually the camera and mirror will only have dust to clean off. Hold the camera body face down when cleaning to allow dust to fall off rather then back into the camera body. If the mirror is smudged you can use a small amount of lens cleaner and lens tissue to clean it.

3. Clean the front element of the lens with canned air to remove the dust. If the lens is smudged use lens tissue and a small amount of lens cleaner to clean off the smudges. You can use skylight filters to protect the front of the camera lens. Make sure you remove the filters and clean both sides of the filter as well as the front of the camera lens.

4. It is very important to clean the rear element of the lens. The light is more focused when it passes through the rear element and dust on the rear elements will cause more artifacts then the dust on the front element. Clean the rear element in the same manner as the front element with canned air and then lens tissue and cleaner.

5. Clean the camera back and top glass areas. Always clean the eyepiece in the same way you clean any lens. The operating screen and viewing screen are not as critical as the other glass parts of a camera, but I always clean them the same way as I clean the lens. It is very important to be consistent in cleaning your camera. Never use any cleaning supplies that are not manufactured for camera cleaning. Windex and other alcohol-based cleaners will damage camera elements. Facial tissue and paper towels are manufactured with chemicals that could damage camera elements. To be safe, always clean with the same materials that are recommended for cameras.

Tags: with canned, lens tissue, front element, lens cleaner, rear element

Change Image Resolution

Program window

The image resolution of a digital image is the number of pixels it holds and is typically expressed as DPI (Dots Per Inch). The higher the DPI, the better the image quality, especially on printed copies. However, when you're sending such images via email or displaying them on a website, you want to reduce resolution, which reduces the files size and loads the image more quickly.

Instructions

1. Download, install and run an image resolution utility such as the free Picture Resize Genius. (The link is in Resources.) The program window appears.

2. Click on Open Files to display the file dialogue. Search for the image to resize and double-click it. The dialogue closes as the image appears in the program window. The name, dimensions and resolution appear in the File List dialogue at the bottom right.

3. Click Resize Pictures to display the Resize dialogue.

4. Click a check mark into the Change DPI check box. Enter a new number into the New DPI box. This example changes the resolution to 72 DPI, which is the standard for web images.

5. Click the Process button to display the Output Format dialogue. Change any options, such as the destination folder, if needed.

6. Click the Process button to change the file. A dialogue confirms the process and asks if you want to open the output folder. Click the Yes button to display the contents of the folder. Double-click on the new file to open it so you can ensure its quality.

Tags: button display, Click Process, Click Process button, file dialogue, image resolution, Process button, program window

Make High Voltage Using Capacitors

Capacitors can store and discharge electric currents.

A capacitor is an electrical component that stores up currents when you pass voltage through it. When the voltage across the capacitor drops, it discharges the stored current. The more voltage you charge a capacitor with, the more energy it stores. Capacitors don't generate voltage, but each capacitor has a specific voltage rating. The voltage rating indicates the maximum voltage rating that a capacitor can handle before it explodes. You can wire multiple capacitors together to create what is effectively a single capacitor with a very high voltage rating. If you have a high voltage power source you can charge a "capacitor bank" with tremendous amounts of current.

Instructions

1. Calculate the number and type of capacitors you'll need based on the voltage with which you want to charge the capacitors. The voltage capacity of a series of capacitors is the sum of the voltage ratings of the individual capacitors. In practice, you should use capacitors with a higher voltage rating than you actually need. Exceeding the rated voltage of a capacitor can make it explode.

2. Connect your capacitors together in a series, so that they form a daisy chain. If you're using polarized capacitors you need to make sure that the capacitors are oriented correctly. Reversing the polarity of a capacitor can cause it to explode even at low voltages. Connect the cathode of the first capacitor to the anode of the second, connect the cathode of the second capacitor to the anode of the third, and so on.

3. Calculate the total capacitance of the capacitor series. Total capacitance is the reciprocal of the sum of the reciprocals of the capacitance values of the capacitors in the series. Therefore, the more capacitors in a series the lower the overall capacitance. To increase capacitance, wire multiple series of capacitors in parallel. The total capacitance value of capacitors wired in parallel is the sum of the individual capacitance. The higher the capacitance, the more quickly and powerfully the bank will discharge.

4. Connect the capacitor bank to a voltage source. If you're using polarized capacitors, make sure that the negative voltage terminal is connected to the cathode of the capacitor bank and the positive voltage terminal is connected to the anode. The capacitor will charge up until the voltage across the capacitor bank is the same as the source voltage. The higher the voltage, the longer it will take. For very high voltages (in the tens of thousands of volts) use a neon sign transformer as a power source.

5. Disconnect the capacitor bank from the power source.

6. Connect the leads of the capacitor bank through a resistive load. The capacitor will discharge its stored up current through the load, with potentially explosive results if you're using high voltage.

Tags: capacitor bank, voltage rating, power source, across capacitor, capacitor anode, capacitor will

Troubleshoot A Panasonic Ptlb50 Projector

The PT-LB50 is a series of commercial high-definition projectors from Panasonic. It is capable of accepting inputs from a variety of sources, including most types of computer video outputs. Most of the problems that users of a PT-LB50 projector encounter probably result from either incorrect setup or configuration, and are fairly easy to troubleshoot.

Instructions

1. Check if the projector's lens cap is on. It's easy to forget.

2. Check the projector's power and video cables for loose connections. Firmly reconnect any loose cables. Loose connections are a common cause of power and image issues.

3. Wait for several minutes after using the projector before turning it on again. The projector bulb has to cool between uses.

4. Set the projector to the correct video input source, and ensure that the video source is configured to output video to the projector. Make sure the video source is producing a video format the projector can handle, especially if it's connected to a computer, which can produce much higher resolutions than even high-definition projectors can display.

5. Adjust the projector's focus or placement if the image is blurry. If refocusing the image doesn't help, your projector may be too close or too far from the screen. When placing the projector, make sure it is parallel with the screen.

6. Check how many hours the projector's lamp has logged. PT-LB50 projectors with more than 2,000 hours logged on their lamps will turn themselves off after 10 minutes of use. Replace any lamp with more than 2,000 hours of use immediately.

7. Hold the "Enter" and "Menu" buttons on the projector's control panel for more than two seconds if the buttons are not working to re-enable the control panel, which can be disabled through the menu options.

8. Clear away obstructions to the projector's air intake and exhaust, which can cause overheating. Dirty filters can also cause overheating. Remove the air filter cover from the bottom of the unit, and remove accumulated dust with a vacuum cleaner.

Tags: more than, cause overheating, Check projector, control panel, high-definition projectors

Clean A Nikon D70s Camera

Protect your investment with regular cleaning.

From time to time, you need to clean any camera. If you travel with your camera or use it to take outdoor photos, dust can get into the camera, raindrops can spot the lens and dirt can mar the eyepiece or view screen. Even if you only use the camera indoors, fingerprints can smudge the view screen and blur the lens. Cleaning should be done routinely to keep your camera functioning well. Following these few easy steps will ensure that you keep getting the clearest pictures possible.

Instructions

1. Clean the body of the camera. Use a blower to remove dust and any foreign material that may be on the camera.

2. Be sure to use distilled water for cleaning.

Take one of the cloths and dampen it with distilled water. Carefully wipe down the outside of the camera with this cloth. Be sure not to overdampen the cloth. Once you have wiped the camera clean, gently and thoroughly dry the camera with the second cloth.

3. Clean your lens, mirror and viewfinder. If using an aerosol blower, keep the can vertical. This ensures that any liquid discharged from the can does not accidentally spray the mirror of the camera.

4. Remove any fingerprints from the lens, mirror and viewfinder. Apply a small amount of lens cleaner to a dry, soft cloth and wipe gently.

5. Clean the camera's monitor. Remove dust or lint on the monitor with a blower. Gently remove any foreign material on the monitor by rubbing the surface lightly with a dry, soft cloth.

Tags: camera with, cloth Clean, distilled water, foreign material, lens mirror, lens mirror viewfinder

Clean A Dslr Sensor

The sensor of a digital single lens reflex camera (DSLR) is the device which takes the place of film. This sensor records the light which enters the lens to create the image, which is then transferred to either an internal memory, memory card, or external memory source. Like film, the sensor of a DSLR is subject to dust, which can create a spot or blemish on the image. The sensor of a DSLR is extremely delicate, but cleaning it is possible.

Instructions

1. Remove the lens from the lens mount to expose the sensor located at the back of the camera body.

2. Using the dust free brush, gently sweep along the sensor.

3. Mount the lens to the camera body and take a test photograph (use a solid, non patterned object for your control) or put the camera into "cleaning" mode if available. Examine the resulting photograph for dust. If the dust has not been removed, dismount the lens and continue.

4. Moisten the camera cleaning swab with a small amount of methanol cleaner.

5. Wipe the moistened swab gently across the sensor.

6. Remount the lens to the camera body and take a test photograph. If necessary, repeat the process.

Tags: camera body, body take, body take test, camera body take, lens camera, lens camera body, sensor DSLR

Styles Of Motorola Pagers

Motorola makes pagers for personal, business and emergency response uses. Motorola pagers come in three styles. The Advisor II and the LS355 pagers offer easy use for personal or business contact. The Minitor V pager is a tougher pager and works well for emergency response personnel.

LS355

The LS355 is Motorola's basic, low-cost pager. The LS355 is a one-way pager that displays a call back number on the LCD screen. It can store 16 messages, which are time-stamped. An unread message indicates new messages. The pager can be set to vibrate or sound alert modes. The LS355 handles group or individual pages and has six cap codes. The pager is available in UHF or VHF. It uses wideband channel spacing.

Advisor II

The Advisor II is a more advanced personal pager. It allows alphanumeric text messaging. The pager displays four lines of text and a maximum of 320 characters at a time. A zoom button makes reading lines of text easier. The display screen illuminates for better visibility. The Advisor II stores 52 messages at a time. The pager displays the first line of each message for preview. The pager offers two notebooks--Personal and Mail Drop--to organize messages. The Advisor II handles both group and individual pages and has four cap codes. Users choose from 11 alert settings. The pager contains an alarm clock and an event alarm. It uses wideband or narrowband channel spacing.

Minitor V

Minitor V is Motorola's most durable pager. It is a voice pager that is certified for use in hazardous locations. The Minitor V is designed for emergency services personnel. The pager uses both UHF and VHF. The pager uses both narrow and wideband channel spacing. The Minitor V holds eight minutes of recorded voice messages. The pager has two scan settings--priority and silent. The pager offers 12 alert tones. The Minitor V comes with a charger, a battery pack and a one-year warranty.

Tags: channel spacing, channel spacing Minitor, emergency response, group individual, group individual pages, individual pages

Update An Edge To 3g

On your Edge cell phone, you probably can already make phone calls, send text messages and surf the Web lightly. However, with a 3G network, you can get high-speed Internet, live-streaming television, GPS navigation and the ability to open large emails. You may desire this plan if you find your phone to be slow. You can update your Edge cell phone to a 3G network through your cell phone provider either online or by telephone.

Instructions

By Telephone

1. Contact your cell phone provider. You will find the telephone number on your last monthly bill or on the provider's website.

2. Ask the representative if you can upgrade your phone to 3G. Find out the price of the 3G plan, to help you decide if you can afford it.

3. Ask questions about the 3G network. Find out how often you can make downloads on your cell phone. In addition, you can ask if the network includes mobile email along with mobile web.

4. Subscribe to the 3G network. Provide account information, such as your full name, street address and telephone number.

Online

5. Open a web browser on your computer. Navigate to your cell phone provider's website. Log in to the website with a username and password.

6. Click "Account," or a similar function. Look over the features of your plan, including how much you pay for each of the features.

7. Select "Upgrade," or a similar function. Find out if you can upgrade your Edge phone to 3G. There, you can find out how much the 3G network costs, and what it includes.

8. Add the 3G network to your current plan, if you desire. Look for the charges on your next monthly bill.

Tags: cell phone, your cell, your cell phone, cell phone provider, phone provider, your Edge

Hd Satellite Tv Installation

Installing an HD satellite dish isn't much more complicated than installing a regular satellite dish, but there are a few key differences, especially in your upfront purchases and your wiring. Especially with the upcoming digital transition, HDTVs are starting to take over, and it would be wise to install your satellite dish accordingly, even if you do not yet have an HDTV.

Considerations

You probably want to avoid the urge to install a satellite dish yourself, because if you are a new customer, or even a current customer upgrading to HD, DIRECTV and the Dish Network will install everything for you for free and even provide you with the equipment for nothing. If you sign up for one of these deals, they generally even throw in a few months of free programming.

Installing the Dish

The dish virtually always goes on the roof like an old-school television antenna. All satellite dishes need a clear view of the southern sky to receive a signal. Satellite dishes come in four parts. The first is the dish mount, one end of which attaches to the roof and the other to the dish itself to hold it in place. The second is the 18-inch diameter piece that looks like a pizza pan. The Low Noise Blocker, or LNB, will contain anywhere from three to five round plastic pieces with screw-on wire connections. The LNB is what actually receives the signal from the satellite and sends it down the wire. Finally, the LNB connects to the satellite dish using the LNB arm.

Outside Wiring

An HD dish requires a satellite splitter, which will receive the signals from the dish and route them to the correct television. This usually gets mounted outdoors near your power transformer. Two wires run down from the dish to the satellite in ports on the splitter. Keep in mind that any wire you use for a satellite dish installation needs to be high-grade satellite wire, or RG-6 cable, and is significantly more expensive than a regular piece of coaxial wire you can pick up at a basic hardware store. Coaxial wiring is that thick wire, usually black or white, with a round screw-on end and a small metal pin sticking out of it.

Bringing the Wire Inside

Unlike cable, each television that receives a satellite signal needs to receive a signal directly from the outdoor satellite splitter. This means running a wire from point A to point B, which also means from outside to inside. This will mean drilling holes unless you want to keep a window or a door permanently open. Getting the wire inside is usually only half the battle, unless you're lucky enough to have your television on the outdoor wall where the cable comes in. To get it there, unless you plan to run the wire across the floor, the wire will run through walls or on baseboards and over doors. This can be a bit unsightly, if not done correctly.

Installing the Boxes

Again, unlike cable, each television that receives a satellite signal needs to have that signal run directly through a satellite box. While televisions and satellite boxes differ, the two things they all have in common are that you need to hook up the satellite wire and you need to somehow connect the box to the television. The good news here is if your HDTV is less than 5 years old, it probably has an HDMI (High Definition Media Interface) port, a wonderful invention that allows you to connect your video and audio at top digital quality with just one wire.

Tags: satellite dish, cable each, cable each television, each television, each television that

35mm Camera Tutorial

35mm has been the most common film size for decades.

The vast majority of cameras that use film take 35mm film. 35mm film was developed as a smaller format than other film sizes, and became the most popular film size for amateur photographers. Today, used 35mm cameras are available at very low prices. Several major camera manufacturers continue to make cameras that use 35mm film.

Point-and-Shoot Cameras

Point-and-shoot cameras are the simplest 35mm cameras. They range in price from free to around $100. They are small and easy to use. Some point-and-shoot cameras have a zoom lens that can range from moderate wide angle to moderate telephoto. Others have a fixed focal length lens. Loading point-and-shoot cameras is easy; many feature automatic film loading and rewinding.

Point-and-shoot cameras use a viewfinder that's cheap to manufacture and helps keep the camera small, but what is shown in the viewfinder may be slightly different from what is captured on the film.

SLR Cameras

Single-lens-reflex 35mm cameras are the most common choice of many professionals who still shoot with a film camera. The image in the viewfinder is the image that is captured on film because the same lens is used both for the viewfinder and for creating the image. Light from the lens is reflected by a mirror into the viewfinder. When the shutter is pressed, the lens flips up allowing the light to pass through a shutter to the film. Of all 35mm cameras, SLRs offer the widest range of interchangeable lenses.

Rangefinder Cameras

Rangefinder cameras pre-date SLRs and in some cases are considered better cameras. A rangefinder uses a viewfinder, like a point and shoot camera, but allows manual focusing of the image through a rangefinder mechanism. Some rangefinder cameras offer optics superior to those in 35mm SLRs. Rangefinders have fewer available lenses but are often preferred by photographers who work in situations where a quiet camera is an advantage. Rangefinders, because they don't have a mirror in the mechanism, are virtually silent. Many street photographers prefer rangefinders because they are less noticeable than SLRs.

Tags: 35mm cameras, 35mm film, because they, cameras that, captured film, film 35mm

Set The Time And Date Stamp On A Camcorder

If you're using your camcorder to record unforgettable memories, wouldn't it be nice to be able to figure out the date and time of the recording when you're sorting through those tapes later? To set the time and date on camcorder can be a hassle, but beneficial in the end.

Instructions

1. Consult your instruction manual. Manuals usually give instructions on set both time and date. (If you can't find the instruction manual, keep reading.)

2. Turn on your camcorder.

3. Push the menu button to enter the main menu. Look around in the menu and find anything dealing with the date and time.

4. Enter the correct date and time on your camcorder.

5. Find the date and time settings. Choose options such as: whether date and time are displayed on your preview screen; whether you want a date and time stamp while recording; and whether the date and time stamp is burned onto the recorded image so it will always be visible during playback.

Tags: date time, your camcorder, date time stamp, instruction manual, time date

Remove The Memory Card Before You Install New Nokia 5800 Firmware

New firmware will help the Nokia 5800 run better.

The microSD memory card in your Nokia 5800 XpressMusic cell phone can hold your music, movies, files and other information, and it would be a pain to lose all of that. The firmware updates for the Nokia 5800 shouldn't touch any information on the memory card, but with so much important information, sometimes it is better to be safe than sorry. If you do decide to remove your memory card before you install the firmware, be sure to complete the right steps to ensure that you remove the card safely. Failure to remove the card correctly could corrupt it, making it useless.

Instructions

1. Press the power button on the right side of the top of the Nokia 5800. Tap "Remove memory card" on the screen.

2. Select Yes when the device asks you if you want to close some applications.

3. Locate the memory card cover in the middle of the left side of the device, just under the SIM card cover. Pull outward on the cover to reveal the microSD card.

4. Push in on the memory card. The card mechanism will push it out of the slot. Grab the card with two fingers and pull it out the rest of the way. Push the memory card cover back down to cover up the slot.

5. Press "OK" on the screen to confirm that the memory card is out of the 5800. You can now start the firmware update process.

Tags: memory card, Nokia 5800, card cover, card with, memory card cover, Push memory, Push memory card

Tell If An Rca Tv Is Digital

The 2009 conversion of television signals from analog to digital has come and gone. If you have a RCA TV that you don't use much, you may wonder if the television is analog or digital. If your RCA TV is analog, you will need to buy and connect a digital converter box and digital antenna to the television before it can receive digital television signals. To tell if your RCA TV is digital, all you need is the television's model number and then visit RCA's digital transition website.

Instructions

1. Open your computer's Internet browser.

2. Enter tv.rca.com/en-us/AreYouReady.html into the browser's URL box.

3. Press the "Enter" or "Return" key.

4. Enter your RCA TV's model number in the box below the heading "Enter your RCA television model number."

5. Click "GO."

The website will display, "Your antique television doesn't have a built-digital tuner" and "You'll need to pick up a converter box if you want to watch broadcast television after February 17, 2009," if your RCA TV is analog.

The website will display "You're already prepared for the transition" and "Your TV has a built-in digital tuner," if your RCA TV is digital.

Tags: model number, analog digital, Enter your, television model, television model number

Car Stereo Amplifiers

Audio amplifiers are electronic devices that take a relatively low-level audio signal and magnify its strength to a level that can drive speakers. This device is typically the last stage in the signal chain of an audio system that begins with the audio source. The audio source is often referred to as the head unit, and this device is often a combination of a radio and a compact disc player. In a basic setup, the signal from the head unit goes into the car stereo amplifier, which then outputs at least two independent audio channels.

Characteristics

Amplifiers have three main characteristics: power output, power supply regulation and input sensitivity. The kind of speakers that can be driven by a particular amplifier is largely dependent on the maximum power it can put out. A car stereo amplifier's power supply unit is designed to convert the 12-volt DC generated by a car's electrical system. Some amplifiers can regulate this incoming supply of electricity, while others don't. Finally, there is the amplifier's input sensitivity. This feature, together with the amplifier's maximum power output, determine how much the amplifier can magnify an audio source signal.

Speaker Match

Amplifiers should have an adequate power output to match the speakers' capacity. When speakers are driven by an amplifier that has a weak power output, the listener tends to increase the volume to get a bigger sound. The amplifier then quickly reaches its limit and distorted sound comes out of the speakers. Distortion can cause the AC signal being put out by the amplifier to transform into DC, which can blow out the speakers.

Regulated Power

Regulation in an amplifier's power supply unit is an important feature because car electrical systems can sometimes fluctuate below or above 12 volts. An amplifier subjected to voltage fluctuations is easily damaged. With regulation, the amplifier can maintain a steady output despite inconsistent electrical input. Sometimes a stiffening capacitor can be installed in a car's electrical system to keep it consistent. In such cases a car stereo amplifier with unregulated power supply would be sufficient.

Input Sensitivity Level

To set a car stereo amplifier's input sensitivity at the right level, begin by turning the knob that controls this feature all the way down. Then gradually increase the audio source's volume until it reaches the highest possible level without distortion. Now that the audio source is putting out its maximum clean signal, gradually turn up the input sensitivity until it also reaches the highest possible level without distortion. This input sensitivity level is the minimum amount of amplification necessary to produce full volume with the least amount of noise.

Other Features

Secondary characteristics that affect a car stereo amplifier's performance are tri-mode, total harmonic distortion (THD) and pre-amp outputs. Tri-mode refers to an amplifier's ability to drive a pair of high-frequency speakers with two audio channels and still use the same two channels to power one low-frequency speaker (called a subwoofer). THD is the amount of distortion an amplifier puts out at a given power output. It is often stated this way: "40watts @ 0.01% THD"--where 40 watts is the given power output and 0.01 percent is the amount of distortion at that output level. Pre-amp outputs are connections that allow several amplifiers to be strung together without splitting the signal from the audio source. This is useful when several speakers of various frequencies need to be driven by specific amplifiers.

Tags: audio source, power output, stereo amplifier, input sensitivity, power supply, amount distortion

Remove Mobile Office

If you have previously installed Mobile Office or the application was already included on your Windows Mobile phone, you may want to remove the program. Mobile Office takes up a lot of memory space and many versions pre-installed are trial versions that stop working after the trial has ended. To remove Mobile Office, you will only need the USB sync cable that came with your device. Once removed, all of the Mobile Office components, Word, Excel and PowerPoint will no longer be operational.

Instructions

1. Turn on your Windows Mobile device and connect it to your PC using the sync cable. The ActiveSync wizard will automatically pop up once you make the connection.

2. Select the "Tools" menu at the top of the ActiveSync box. Choose the "Add or Remove Programs" menu options. All of the current applications installed on your Windows Mobile device will be populated on a list.

3. Browse through the listing of different applications in order to find Windows Mobile Office. Next to the name, you will notice a box with a checkmark. Remove the checkmark to continue.

4. Find the "Remove" button at the bottom of the ActiveSync window. Selecting this option will remove Mobile Office from both your Windows Mobile phone and PC. Hit the "OK" key to finish un-installing the program.

5. Remove the sync cable and open your phone's application menu. You should no longer see Mobile Office as one of your available applications.

Tags: Mobile Office, Windows Mobile, your Windows Mobile, your Windows, sync cable, Mobile device

Use The Canon 430ex Flash For Bird Photography

Amateur photographers usually only rely on their flash units when their subject is otherwise too dark to be photographed. A more experienced photographer understands that a flash can be used in a variety of circumstances to enhance a photo, even when sufficient ambient light is available.

In bird photography, a Canon 430EX flash can be used as a fill flash to help compensate for an overly bright background or shadows on the bird or to add more light to a frame, which enables a photographer to use a faster shutter speed and freeze a fast-moving bird.

Instructions

1. Meter your ambient light. Most bird photography occurs outdoors during the day when there is plenty of ambient light available. However, the amount of ambient light varies depending on the time of day, the season, the weather and your particular location.

2. Consider the location of your bird. Birds on the ground or in the air have fewer things around them that could cause shadows, and you will not need a strong setting on your 430EX to compensate. Birds in trees, however, are likely sitting in the shadow of the tree, and you will need more fill flash to effectively capture them.

3. Choose either the "Automatic" or "Manual" mode on the backside of your Canon 430EX flash. In automatic mode, the flash can be configured to add only fill flash, but it may overexpose or underexpose your subject if your camera's metering looks at the wrong area of your frame. Manual mode will give you more control, but you will also need to continuously reconfigure your camera as you move between sun and shade.

4. Set your flash to 1 1/3 to tell it to underexpose by 1 1/3 stop of light. This will typically be sufficient for outdoor fill flash, but you may have to adjust up or down between 1/3 and 2/3 stops to find a good balance. Photographing a bird that is more distant will require a more powerful setting. Your Canon 430EX will automatically use the information provided to it by your camera to determine your subject's distance and adjust its power accordingly.

5. Position your flash head directly toward the bird. While bouncing flash or using diffuser heads might be ideal for portraiture, fill flash on distant objects requires unobstructed light.

Tags: fill flash, ambient light, your camera, 430EX flash, ambient light available

Dustless Sand Paint Removal

When using old wood, one of the first steps is to ensure that all the paint is stripped off. A common way of doing this is through sandblasting. Sandblasting is the process of firing abrasives at an object to roughen, smooth, clean or shape its surface. When directed at removing paint, sandblasting has the same effect as using a piece of sandpaper would. It usually creates a faster and more even finish than manual sanding with sandpaper does. Best of all, the dust from sandblasting can be minimized.

Health Impact of Dust

If using the traditional abrasive of sand while sandblasting paint off an object, you will generate a lot of dust. This dust is produced when the sand particles break down in the air. This dust is a very serious health hazard and is what creates the most negative impact of sandblasting. The dust is also why many abrasives have now been developed that don't disintegrate in the air, creating large clouds of dust.

If the dust resulting from the breaking up of sand is inhaled, there is a possibility of developing silicosis. This is a lung disease that, if serious enough, can lead to death. Often, silica sand abrasives used in sandblasting are coated with resin to control the amount of dust produced, but there's always the risk of inhaling the dust and falling ill.

Alternate Abrasives

Many abrasives have been developed that don't generate as much dust in the sandblasting process as standard silica sand abrasive does. Also, if dust is generated, it isn't as hazardous as silica dust which causes silicosis.

Metallic, synthetic and mineral abrasives are slowly growing in popularity. Although they are slightly more difficult to make, they create much less dust in the sandblasting process and also reduce the waste generated by sandblasting. However, it should be noted that using these abrasives doesn't eliminate the dust factor entirely, only reduces it.

Organic abrasives are also being used nowadays, typically made from ground nut shells, fruit kernels or baking soda. They are soft abrasives and therefore may not be as effective at removing paint, but the dust that they generate in sandblasting is much less hazardous to human health.

Vacuum

Sometimes you can get sanding and sandblasting equipment with vacuums attached, or vice versa. This type of setup tends to minimize dust generation because as the dust is created, the vacuum sucks it up to where it cannot harm anyone from inhalation.

The size of vacuum you use will depend on the size of your sanding job. In general, the larger the job, the larger the vacuum. The most important thing is to ensure that your vacuum possesses a fine dust collection bag. Without this, the dust will clog up your vacuum and you will lose suction, making the vacuum useless.

Tags: abrasives have, abrasives have been, been developed, been developed that, developed that, dust produced, dust sandblasting

Choose The Right Digital Camera For You

Purchase a water-resistant camera if you plan to take many photos near water.

Many people rely on digital cameras rather than 35 mm models to capture life's precious memories. With the increasing number of digital cameras gracing store shelves, selecting the right model requires careful thought and consideration. Knowing how you plan to use the camera helps determine the type of zoom you may need and the additional features you may require. Take the time to research the different camera manufacturers and models available before making your digital camera purchase.

Instructions

1. Know your budget. Determine how much you have to spend on the digital camera before researching models. This allows you to review the models that fit within your price range and helps avoid the pitfall of falling in love with a camera you cannot afford.

2. Assess what you plan to photograph and in what conditions. Knowing this allows you to make informed decisions about what you need, such as the level of zoom necessary. If you plan to take photos for your family albums, then a standard digital camera will suffice. If you plan to use the camera to take professional images, then you may require a high-end model with multiple zoom lenses. Keep your budget in mind when determining the features you actually need versus the features you want.

3. Consider the compatibility of the equipment you already own. If you have accessories from another camera, purchasing your new camera from the same manufacturer may allow you to reuse items such tripods, docks and cables. Other items your new camera may reuse include camera cases and memory cards.

4. Research the available models that meet your basic criteria and read reviews to learn about other people's experiences with the camera. Find this information online, in brochures or by contacting camera retailers.

5. Visit a local retailer to touch and test the different models. A camera may seem like a perfect fit when viewed in print but you may find it awkward or heavy to hold. Avoid disappointment by taking the time to hold the various models to determine which one feels best in your hands.

Tags: digital camera, digital cameras, models that, plan camera, plan take, with camera, your budget

Change Sizes Of A Picture In A Sony Cybershot Camera

Sony's CyberShot digital cameras have several functions and options that allow users to make changes to the camera's settings. One of the available settings is picture size. If the photographer wants a higher quality photograph, he can change the camera's image size setting. Photographers can also conserve memory card space by decreasing the size of the photographs, allowing them to take more pictures.

Instructions

1. Turn the mode dial on the camera to one of the still picture shooting modes. The mode dial on most CyberShot cameras is located on the top or back of the camera. Many photographers prefer using the still picture shooting mode that automatically adjusts the shutter speed and exposure, as indicated by the camera icon.

2. Press the "Menu" button to bring up the main menu and use the navigation arrows to select the image size setting. Some CyberShot cameras have a button on the back of the camera to automatically enter the "Image Size" settings. The icon next to the button is a trashcan. It is the same button used to delete pictures when in playback mode.

3. Scroll through the sizes using the up, down, left or right navigation buttons. The menu system on some CyberShot cameras requires the up and down navigation buttons, while the menu system on other CyberShot cameras requires the left and right navigation buttons.

4. Save the setting by pressing the "OK" or "Set" button. The button is located in the middle of the navigation buttons.

Tags: CyberShot cameras, navigation buttons, back camera, cameras have, cameras requires

Run Outlook On An Iphone

With iPhone, you are able to check your email using Outlook. With this option, you can check your email anywhere you can get phone reception. The iPhone allows you to get notes, contacts and other vital information you have saved to Outlook available in the palm of your hand.

Instructions

1. Back up all of the iPhone's data before beginning. If you are not aware of do this, consult the iPhone instruction manual.

2. Install iTunes 7.3 or higher on your iPhone if you do not already have it. Connect the iPhone to the computer. Open the iTunes software. Find "Devices" in the left hand menu. Choose iPhone from the devices.

3. Click on "Automatically Sync When iPhone is Connected" in the summary tab. Go to the "Info" tab. Click "Sync Contacts From" and select "Outlook" from the options given.

4. Install the "Companion Link" and run the Companion Link setup. If you already have the Companion Link installed, skip to the next step.

5. Open "Companion Link." In the "Settings," select "Apple iPhone through Outlook." Select "Next" and then click "Configure."

6. Find the "Purge and Reload" tab. Change the settings on the Outlook if you wish. The settings include when to check mail, whether to leave a copy on the server and other personal settings such as signatures. Click "OK" and "Next" to finish.

Tags: Companion Link, already have, check your, check your email, your email

Get A Cheaper Deal On Comcast Cable

Comcast is a leading provider of digital cable and broadband Internet. The best time for getting cheaper deals for Comcast cable is during the summer, when people are moving. If you can change your current cable plan, you should always take advantage of deals that can save you money and perhaps provide service upgrades.

Instructions

1. Go to the Comcast website and find the latest deals and offers that Comcast is offering (see Resources). Typically, you'll find the newest offers under the Featured Offers heading on the main page of the website. Go to other cable websites and write down their deals.

2. Call Comcast and find out what deal you can get. Let them know if you can get a better deal with another company than what they offer. It's possible that the Comcast representative will try to beat that deal and stop you from going with a competitor.

3. Check the insert and advertisements in newspapers for any Comcast ads, which can offer discounts and coupons for special packages. There is usually a Triple Play package that includes phone services, digital cable, and broadband Internet. These packages are ultimately cheaper together than getting Internet from one provider and just cable from Comcast.

4. Turn in your old satellite or cable box from a competing company to Comcast to get $25 off your bill for 16 months. All you need is a satellite or cable box to turn in; you don't have to have that competitor's service currently.

5. Call Comcast and let them know if you don't like the cost of your cable or if you're having trouble affording it. Tell Comcast that you can't afford its service and that you will go somewhere else if there is a better deal with another provider. Quote the deal with the other provider, and chances are that Comcast will match or beat the competing offer.

Tags: deal with, that Comcast, better deal, better deal with, broadband Internet, cable broadband, cable broadband Internet

Rate Canon Slr Cameras

Find the right camera for your needs.

Canon, a standard name in camera production, provides both consumers and professionals with a varied line of single lens reflex cameras to choose from. Otherwise known as SLR or 35mm cameras, this equipment ranges from basic consumer entry-level models to high-end units for accomplished artists or photo-journalists that start near $7,000 in price. However, not every camera works for every person. Picking the right camera means using the right criteria to rate which one works best for your needs.

Instructions

1. Establish criteria for what you want in a camera. Detail out general categories you are sensitive to, including performance, price, equipment accessory range, compatibility with prior equipment, weight, capabilities and quality image production. Use a computer to establish these criteria on a grid using an office software spreadsheet program. At the top of the grid, horizontally list all the Canon cameras to be reviewed. On the left side of the grid, vertically list all the criteria.

2. Begin research by examining the current offerings available from Canon. Use each model and collect the data available from Canon, including price, shutter speed, image size capability and any other criteria that help evaluate the performance of the specific camera model. Take this raw data and begin to enter it into the categories of your spreadsheet grid.

3. Take into account third-party reviews of the same Canon camera models. Carefully review their field test data as provided and incorporate this information into your rating grid, as well. Use the Internet to find third-party review sites and focus on the ones that provide significant testing data.

4. Get realistic pricing data from large inventory vendors (they tend to mark up less, as they move more inventory). Again, use the Internet to access these vendors and their online catalogs. Take into account what bonus equipment comes with each camera model in the form of sale bundles (i.e. lenses, bags, etc.).

5. Finish the grid and highlight the rows of criteria that matter most to you. Use a different color for the top three or so priorities. Use the grid to identify which camera model has the best features meeting your priorities. Visit a camera retailer and to examine and test out this top-choice camera, as well as the second- and third-choice models.

Tags: camera model, available from, available from Canon, criteria that, from Canon, into account

Shoot An Hd Documentary For Under $300

Modern HD Camera available for about $115 at time of writing

You don't need a barrel of cash to shoot a high-quality HD documentary. Learn how do do it for under $300.

Instructions

1. Sit down and decide what angle to take. In this example, let's say that firefighters in your community on strike for better pay. How will you tell the story? Why are you concerned? Any good documentary must answer five basic questions: who, what, when, where, and why.

2. Do some research. Go to the library and dig up any information on the fire department. Go to City Hall and interview the mayor, the head of public works - anyone who may know something.

3. Get your equipment together. The two important things that will sett your film apart are lighting and sound. If you shoot inside, set up a floodlight. If you shoot outside, do it in good sunlight. Make sure to record all audio separarly, using your microphone on a digital recorder. It's good to have a friend for this.

4. Start shooting. No one will mind if the camera shakes a bit, or if the lighting is slightly off. The important thing is to get the shot. Go to the fire department. Talk to the manager. Interview the officers on the ground. Most people will be happy to talk. Don't forget to shoot "B-Roll" of cars going by, people talking, and other stuff that adds to the basic picture.

5. After you assemble all your raw material, it's time to storyboard. Watch everything you have. Decide which shot goes where. Then write a script for your narrator (if you have one). Begin the process of working the video into a story. Make sure to take the audio you recorded separately and match it to the video.

6. Do some post-production. Burn it to a DVD and have a nonbiased friend watch your documentary. Make sure it all makes sense, and that every second of video propels the story forward. Any extra stuff gets cut.

7. Release your docu to the world! Save it to a high-quality format and upload it to YouTube. Take it to class on a DVD or flash drive.

Tags: Make sure, fire department

Choose Paper For Printing

Today's home printers are sophisticated machines that can print on a wide array of media, such as glossy photo paper, matte card stock, colored paper, and transparencies. Most printers generally do an excellent job, but you should be sure to indicate the type of paper, or "profile," you will be printing to. A profile tells the printer things such as how thick the paper is (so the printer can adjust its platten), how close or far from the surface to place the printer head (ink spreads differently on different paper surfaces), how quickly or slowly to move the paper through the printer (ink dries differently on different paper surfaces), etc. Luckily for us, most home printers come pre-programmed to handle many different paper profiles.

Instructions

What is your Printing Project?

1. Think about the file you are about to print. Different types of projects look better on specific types of paper. For instance, if you are printing a written document or a spreadsheet, you can easily and cheaply print on plain paper. But if you are printing a photograph that you intend to frame and hang on the wall, plain paper will not provide a high enough quality of reproduction; you will need to use premium quality photo paper instead. Similarly, if you want to print business cards, you will want to use a heavier weight paper, often called "cardstock" or "cover weight," or a pre-pressed cardstock with an adhesive backing so you can peel off your business cards.

2. If you are using white paper, check the paper's brightness rating. A paper's brightness refers to how well it reflects light. The higher the rating, the brighter anything printed on the paper will look. Plain, inexpensive paper may have a rating of 80 and graphics printed on it will look fairly dull. The exact same image printed on a paper with a rating of 100, though, will look much better and more vibrant.

3. Check the paper's weight. Standard printing paper in the U.S. is usually 20-24 pound paper. Heavier weights will be thicker and more suitable for certain projects. If your project requires that the paper will be handled a lot, choose a heavier paper. If the project is going to be used once or twice or inserted into a sheet protector, then a light-weight paper will work just fine.

4. Determine the type of surface you want or need. Most photos are printed on glossy paper, but some people prefer a matte finish. For fancy invitations, some people like to print on vellum. Other surfaces, like egg shell and canvas, are also available.

5. Think about how long the print needs to last. Ink quality is the main determinant in longevity, but paper quality can help with longevity, too. If you intend for your prints to last many years, make sure whatever paper you choose is listed as "archival."

Tags: paper will, different paper, will look, business cards, different paper surfaces

Invert A Camera Lens

Macro lenses are often as expensive as a zoom lens to purchase; however, reversing a lens is affordable and easy.

Macro photography is revered by many as the means to gain incredible details and photos of the most ordinary objects. However, macro lenses are expensive and do not have the versatility of their prime or zoom counterparts, for they can only be used for close shots. Reversing a regular prime lens allows a photographer a cheap and easy means of gaining beautiful macro photographs. This works with any SLR camera, as long as the right prime lens and reverse mount are used.

Instructions

1. Remove the lens or cap from the front of the camera. Screw on the reverse ring so it locks into place.

2. Take the lens cap off the front of the lens. Attach the lens to the reverse ring with the back of the lens facing outward.

3. Move the camera closer and farther to find the focus you desire, as the autofocus will not work with the lens inverted.

Tags: lens reverse, prime lens, reverse ring

Choose Camera Phones

Camera phones, much like this one, are now a part of daily life.

Camera phones have come a long way since the era of grainy cameras and low resolution screens. The latest offerings give you the ability to take a picture at print quality, make a few adjustments on your device and send it to a friend or share on the web in very little time. The convenience of having a high quality camera incorporated into a mobile phone is now a reality, and manufacturers have responded with a range of high-quality camera phones.

Instructions

1. Avoid buying a camera phone based solely on megapixels. The quality of the camera’s sensor will dictate image quality, more megapixels simply increases the image size. Once the 3.2 megapixel mark has been hit, quality is not dictated by resolution (megapixels), and you may find that you have no need for such large images on a mobile device. Research the quality of images produced by the device, and base your decision on sample photos.

2. Choose a phone with better optics for a better image. A poor quality lens will result in a poor quality image, often soft focus. Deciding on a camera phone with an improved lens will drastically increase the quality of images. Look for mobiles with "Lens by…" followed by a specialist on the back or side. Examples include Nokia’s N97 and X6 which uses Carl Zeiss optics, and LG’s Renoir which uses Schneider-Kreuznach lenses.

3. Buy directly from your network provider for the best price. Network providers subsidise the cost of the latest handsets within contract packages, meaning that your handset could be completely free. The best models can cost three to four times as much from the manufacturer as buying a model direct from your service provider.

4. Choose a model with a flash if you will be taking a lot of pictures in low-light situations. You can choose between a basic LED flash and the more advanced Xenon bulb. An LED provides basic constant light making it useful for video recording, whereas the Xenon bulb "flashes" like a standard camera flash. There are a limited number of models with this advanced flash, but some phones include the Sony Ericsson Satio, LG KU990 and Nokia N82.

5. Purchase a phone with a multiple shot feature, like Sony Ericsson’s BestPic to combat shutter lag. Camera phones still have a considerable amount of lag between pressing the shutter and the camera taking the picture. Practice taking a photo with any phones you are thinking of purchasing to see how the shutter lag affects the camera. BestPic is a feature on Sony Ericsson phones like the C903, C905 and Satio which takes 9 pictures in succession and allows you to choose the best one to keep.

Tags: phone with, camera phone, Camera phones, from your, lens will, poor quality

Use A Nikon Sb600 In Wireless Mode

Nikon's CLS allows for elaborate lighting with minimal equipment.

The Nikon Creative Lighting System brings intelligent flashes and camera bodies together in a multitude of ways to ensure great lighting for every photograph. The SB-600 works wirelessly with a range of Nikon's camera bodies, which in turn works as a separate, off-camera strobe operated by the camera's flash. To use the Nikon Creative Lighting System, you will need a camera with a built-in flash or an additional flash head to use as the trigger for the SB-600.

Instructions

1. Set the SB-600 to wireless slave mode. Hold down the "Zoom" and "-" buttons simultaneously, then press "+" or "-" until you reach and highlight the wireless control icon. Press "MODE" to finish the setting.

2. Position the flash within sight range of the camera. The flash from the camera triggers the wireless flash.

3. Pop up the flash on your camera body or slide the protector out of the hot shoe mount guard and mount a hot shoe flash. Turn the flash on.

4. Set the flash to "Commander" mode if necessary, such as on the D300 or D70. This process varies based on your camera model; check under the CSM or "Pencil" menus for this option.

5. Compose the photograph and press the shutter button. The camera's flash triggers the wireless slave flash. If the flash does not trigger, move the flash and camera closer together and try again.

Tags: camera flash, flash flash, camera bodies, Creative Lighting, Creative Lighting System, Lighting System, Nikon Creative

Charge A Nimh Battery

There is an appropriate way to charge a NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) battery. The process is moderately simple, but requires some familiarity with the manufacturer's instructions. While most chargers are easy to handle and operate, overheating can occur if special attention is not paid or proper use of the charger is not observed.

Instructions

1. Understand the efficacy of charging NiMH batteries. The coulometric charge potential for NiMH batteries averages just below 70 percent. This means that, on average, one NiMH battery requires 150 amp hours to produce 100 amp hours of energy.

2. Pick a charger. The Ultra Fast AA/AAA Battery Charger is manufactured by High Capacity, has a 4- to 6-hour charge time and can charge up to four batteries at a time. The 8- to 10-Hour AA/AAA Battery Charger is manufactured by Duracell and charges up to two batteries at a time.

3. Prepare the charge. Plug in the charger, then select the charging cycle; options can vary from "fast charging cycle" to "slow charging cycle" (see the manufacturer's instructions). Place the appropriate number of NiMH batteries into the charger and start the start timer. Finish by setting the safety timer backup termination feature, if applicable. Allow NiMH batteries to charge completely before removing.

4. Monitor the charge. The voltage in NiMH batteries will dip slightly when they are fully charged. An internal sensor will then signal a drop in voltage and end the charging. If this does not occur, or the device is faulty, monitor and check the battery for overheating at the end of the specified charge time. For example, when using the 8- to 10-Hour AA/AAA Battery Charger, be sure the termination technique has stopped all charging at the 8-hour mark or between 8 and 10 hours. Avoid allowing the battery to charge beyond this period.

Tags: NiMH batteries, Battery Charger, charging cycle, 10-Hour Battery, 10-Hour Battery Charger, batteries time

Fix A Wet Camera

Rice absorbs water well and can save your camera from water damage.

Water damage can ruin a camera and cause you to have to spend money on a repair or replacement. Fortunately, it is easy to save a camera from water damage by drying it out before the water can damage the internal parts. This can be achieved using rice -- rice is very absorbent and can be used to dry out your camera completely. Simply submerge the camera in a bag of rice and give it time to dry.

Instructions

1. Towel-dry the camera and remove all removable parts such as the battery, memory card and SIM card. Keep the doors to these parts open. If the camera is an SLR, remove the lens and place the body cap on the body.

2. Fill a plastic bag with enough rice to cover the entire camera and its removable parts, then place the camera and camera parts in the bag.

3. Check the rice after a few days to see if it is wet. If it the rice is wet, remove the camera and parts from the bag and replace the rice with dry rice. Allow the camera and parts to stay in the bag until the camera is completely dry.

Tags: camera parts, camera completely, camera from, camera from water, camera remove, from water, from water damage

Make A Soft Box Light

Shooting an electronic flash without a soft light box gives harsh lighting results.

An electronic flash can add light when there is not enough natural light to illuminate a face for portraiture work. Making a soft box light will soften the effect of the electronic flash to highlight, not overpower, the person's face. A few supplies from a craft store and some household items are all you need, along with an electronic flash to use with the soft box. Your soft box can be removed from the electronic flash at any time and does not violate any warranties it might have.

Instructions

1. Put a sheet of newspaper on a table, with the cardboard on top.

2. Measure an inch in from one edge of the cardboard and make a dot, repeating several inches along the edge, and then do this on the other three edges of the cardboard.

3. Draw a rectangle on the cardboard by connecting each set of dots, extending the four lines until they meet.

4. Cut out the rectangle on the cardboard with the utility knife. Discard this inner rectangle.

5. Put the linen muslin on the newspaper with the 4-inch edge facing you.

6. Put the cardboard on the center of the linen muslin. Tape the sides of the cardboard to the linen muslin with duct tape.

7. Stand a wooden dowel on each corner of the cardboard. Tape the wooden dowels to the corners of the cardboard with duct tape.

8. Place the electronic flash on the newspaper with the lens at the front end facing up.

9. Tape the ends of the two wooden dowels on the left side of the cardboard to the top and bottom of the left side of the electronic flash.

10. Tape the ends of the two wooden dowels on the right side of the cardboard to the top and bottom of the right side of the electronic flash.

11. Pick up the electronic flash. Put the bottom of the electronic flash into the hot shoe of the digital camera.

12. Drape the folds of the linen muslin over the cardboard and the wooden dowels so as to form a tent over and around the electronic flash. Turn on the electronic flash. The soft box light you have made is now ready to be used.

Tags: electronic flash, linen muslin, wooden dowels, cardboard bottom, cardboard with, duct tape

Choose A Microphone For Podcasting

Choose a Microphone for Podcasting

Podcasting is becoming all the craze these days, with so many simple and self-explanatory methods to create one for yourself. If you are someone who feels he or she has something to say, the draw might become too tempting. Before you embark on sharing your voice with the world, you want to have good equipment to ensure the quality of your presentation. First up, microphones.

Instructions

1. A microphone is what gets your voice onto the audio file. You can always use the built-in microphone on your computer, but if you want something with higher quality, you might want to look into an external device. First, decide if you want a condenser microhpone or a dynamic microphone.

2. A condenser microphone captures sound using a capacitator, as the capacitator plate moves in response to sound waves. This type of microphone requires a battery or other source of power to work, but it has a very broad frequency response.

3. A dynamic microphone takes advantage of electromagnetic effects. They are usually cheaper and have the capability of coming in a more miniature, convenient size. However, the downside is that the sound quality is inferior because the frequency isn't as good.

4. Another option to consider is whether you want your microhpone to be omnidirectional or cardoid. Omnidirectional means that the mike picks up sounds from all directions; cardoid means that sound is mostly picked up from right in front of the microphone. Cardoid microphones are usually used for radio, but omnidirectional ones could be great for podcasting, especially if there are several people speaking at once, using one microphone.

5. Some people recommend buying one of those microphone headsets. If you get one with a USB connection, it's super convenient, as you just put it on your head and plug it into your computer.

6. After you've taken into consideration all your options, go onto the internet and do some price comparisons. That way you can find the best deal for your new microphone. Basically, as with all shopping, you want to find the best quality that you fits within your ideal budget.

Tags: Choose Microphone, Choose Microphone Podcasting, dynamic microphone, find best, means that, Microphone Podcasting, that sound