Avoid Eyeglass Glare

Eyeglass glare can prevent you from seeing properly.

Glare forms on your glasses from intense, or misdirected light. Normally, sunlight scatters, but on certain surfaces like water the intense light can form a glare. This glare can not only inhibit your sight, but can put you in danger when driving or engaging in other activities that can become hazardous. Several different coatings for eyeglasses will reduce glare. You can get these coatings at your local optometrist's office.

Instructions

1. Wear eyeglasses with an anti-reflective coating. Anti-reflective coating is composed of several layers of metal oxides designed to block reflective light on both sides of the lens. The coating will reduce overall eyeglass glare. Your optometrist can apply anti-reflective coatings to your current glasses, or you can purchase a new pair.

2. Wear a pair of polarized lenses. People enjoying outdoor activities on surfaces that reflect direct light are prime users of polarized lenses. For example, skiers will experience a glare on their glasses from the light reflected off the snow. Polarized lenses incorporate a filter that blocks this intense light, thereby reducing glare. You can use polarized lenses indoors as wel l-- next to windows with bright lights or other light-intensive areas. Polarized lenses don't fit every situation. For instance, they can reduce visibility for viewing LCD screens and when you need light to see. Polarized lenses usually come as prescription sunglasses, but you can polarize your current lenses.

3. Wear specially designed computer glasses when working online. The computer screen consists of tiny pixels that are constantly changing, causing your eyes to constantly refocus on the screen image. This can strain your eyes and cause other ailments like headaches and back and neck pain from tipping your head forward toward the screen. Computer glasses reduce the glare on the computer screen, which allows your eyes to refocus on the screen's changing pixels easier.

Tags: your eyes, coatings your, computer screen, glasses from, intense light

Convert 35mm Negatives To A Cd

Archive your 35mm negatives on CDs to save space and preserve memories.

Many seasoned photographers have countless boxes of 35mm negatives stacked in their closets. While these films hold a slew of cherished memories, they take up a lot of storage space and are inconvenient to view. You can have the films converted to CD at your local photo lab, but the processing fee for multiple discs can become expensive. In order to transfer the negatives onto your computer, your flatbed scanner must be able to scan transparent materials, such as film and slides. It should also include a plastic adapter to hold the film in place on the scanning glass.

Instructions

1. Connect the scanner to your computer and install the bundled software.

2. Open the scanner's lid and remove the film adapter. Place the film strip in the holder, close it and return it to the scanning glass.

3. Close the lid and press the "Scan" button. A window with several scanning options such as media type (35mm film, printed picture or document), file type (.PNG, .JPEG) and save location (My Pictures, My Scans) will appear. Make your selections and click "OK" or "Scan" to begin scanning.

4. Insert a blank CD-R into your computer's drive once scanning completes. Choose "Burn Files to Data Disc" from the prompt that appears. An empty disc folder will open after you name the disc.

5. Open the save location you chose in Step 3. Select the images you wish to burn to the CD, and drag them into the empty disc folder.

6. Repeat Steps 2 through 6 for each strip of negatives you wish to transfer to the disc.

Tags: your computer, disc folder, empty disc, empty disc folder, save location

Build A Wireless Antenna

You can use metallic cans such as coffee cans to create a wifi antenna or amplify a previously existing one. It can be useful in places where you don't have access to a boosted signal, and a fun do-it--yourself idea for those so inclined.

Instructions

1. Measure the diameter of the coffee can. You'll need to drill a hole in it for the N-female connector. The placement will depend on the diameter of the can. Use the following measurements as a guideline:

* For a can with a 3-inch diameter,the hole should be 3.75 inches from the bottom.

* For a can with a 3.25-inch diameter,the hole should be 2.5 inches from the bottom.

* For a can with a 3.5-inch diameter,the hole should be 2.07 inches from the bottom.

* For a can with a 3.75-inch diameter,the hole should be 1.85 inches from the bottom.

* For a can with a 4-inch diameter,the hole should be 1.72 inches from the bottom.

Measurements should be as precise as possible.

2. Drill a hole in the side of the can at the point you have measured. The hole should be just large enough to fit your N-female connector in. Usually, either a 1/2-inch bit or a 5/8-inch drill bit should be sufficient.

3. Solder a 1.2-inch length of 12 gauge solid copper wire into the back of the N-female connector. The wire should be 1/4 guide wavelength size.

4. Insert the combined N-female connector and copper wire into the hole in the coffer can. The wire should be on the inside of the can with the N-female connector sticking out of the side. Solder the piece in place.

5. Connect the N-male end to the pigtail to the N-female connector sticking out of the can. Then connect the other end of the pigtail to your wireless network card.

6. Point your new antenna at the proper angle to achieve a signal. Generally speaking, the antenna should be pointed at the same angle as the antenna it is transferring signals to. You may need to determine this through trial and error if you do not know the exact angle of the receiving antenna.

7. Place the antenna on a tripod or similar device to hold it in place once you have determined the ideal angle. It should deliver a 10 db gain at 2.4 GHz or thereabouts.

Tags: hole should, N-female connector, diameter hole, diameter hole should, from bottom, hole should inches, inches from

Program A Uniden Bc148xlt Scanner

The 20-channel Uniden Bearcat 148XLT scanner is pre-programmed with the weather station, but you can program in police, fire, marine, state police, bus transit and city government frequencies into the scanner. Once the scanner is programmed, it will scan 15 channels per second so you never miss anything. You can lock out channels, set a two-second delay or listen to one channel only with the Bearcat desktop scanner, which operates on AC power.

Instructions

1. Select the frequencies for your local area from the frequency list that comes with the scanner or find a list of local frequencies from Radio Reference found in the Resource section.

2. Select a priority frequency for channel 1. This channel works with the "Priority" button on the scanner. When the button is pressed, it goes to that channel and stays there until the "Scan" button is pressed. Use a police or other important frequency.

3. Press the "Manual" button on the Bearcat scanner. Use the keypad to enter the channel number. For instance, if you want to program channel 15, press the "1" and the "5." Press the "manual" button again.

4. Use the number keypad to enter the frequency number, including the decimal. Press "E" to enter and save the frequency.

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 to program every channel with a frequency.

6. Press "Scan" to start scanning when you have the frequencies entered. If you want to listen to one channel only, press "Manual" repeatedly until you find the channel you want. To reactivate scan, press the "Scan" button.

7. Use lockout to block a channel by pressing "Manual" repeatedly until you find the channel. Press "Lockout" and the channel will be skipped during scanning. To reactivate the channel, press "Manual" repeatedly until you find the channel. It will display L/O for lockout. Press "Lockout" again and the channel is reactivated.

8. Add a two-second delay to a channel by pressing the "Delay" button. This will delay scanning for two seconds after the last transmission on a channel.

Tags: find channel, Manual repeatedly, Manual repeatedly until, repeatedly until, repeatedly until find, until find

Black Light Facts

For many people, their knowledge of black light is related to black light posters, which are designed to glow in the dark. However, black light has many more uses, in industries as varied as medicine and banking. In fact, ultraviolet light, which is used in black light products, has been under investigation for more than a century.

History

Robert Wood, a researcher at Johns Hopkins University, invented a filter which would screen out all light which is visible to the human eye. This filter allowed the possibility of ultraviolet photography. Wood also produced the first photographs produced with ultraviolet photography in 1910. However, it would be many more years before the connection was made that the filter invented by Wood could prevent fluorescence from affecting film if placed over a camera lens.

Description of Wood's Lamp

Wood's lamp, which is commonly known as a black light, is an ultraviolet light device fitted with a filter which is opaque to nearly all light rays except those within a specified narrow band. The device is designed to be used in a totally dark environment. It is used to illustrate changes in color and other surface features which are not possible to observe under normal light conditions.

Medical Uses

A Wood's light device is often used in the diagnosis of skin conditions, including sun damage, which can be a precursor to skin cancer. In a darkened room, the medical professional uses the Wood's light on a patient to observe lesions or other changes in the skin surface. The test is painless and noninvasive.

Forensic Uses

Black light technology is also useful in forensic investigations. Old bruises or wounds caused by blows have sometimes been detected by black light technology. Cracks in ceramics and metals which are not visible to the naked eye can also be detected by black light technology.

Uses in Banking

Financial institutions sometimes use black light technology to examine currency which is suspected of being forged. The currency is examined under a black light for inconsistencies. Black light technology is also used to verify signatures.

Tags: black light, light technology, Black light technology, black light technology, detected black, detected black light

Comparing Hdmi Vs Dvi

Upgrading your home entertainment system can be a daunting task. Besides learning about the never-ending options available, you may find yourself drowning in a sea of acronyms. Two popular ones, HDMI and DVI, require extra care, because they refer to connection options that give you a clearer picture than cables used in the past. Read on to learn the similarities and differences of each, so you can decide which you would like to use and possibly what kind of TV to purchase.

HDMI Basics

HDMI stands for High-Definition Multimedia Interface, and is a connection used in electronics (TVs, DVD players, etc) and computers. With one cable, HDMI can transmit uncompressed digital video, surround sound and advanced control information. This type of connectivity is a worldwide standard for TVs and other entertainment equipment manufactured 2007 or later. HDMI is backward compatible, meaning newer versions of the technology will work with older versions. HDMI is a two-way connection, allowing devices to interact with each other (instead of using a separate "in" and "out" port).

DVI Basics

DVI stands for Digital Video Interface and is a connection used mostly in computers but also in some electronics (TVs, DVD players). DVI transmits video signals only but can transmit to both digital and analog devices. This type of connectivity was a standard for TVs and other entertainment equipment manufactured between 2005 and 2007 but was replaced by HDMI. DVI can be single or dual link, as well as digital or analog, but is not cross-compatible. Converters are used to convert digital to analog and so forth. DVI signals are good for up to 5 meters and are one-way only.

Advantages of HDMI

HDMI is easily available on most new entertainment equipment. You only need one cable to hook devices together. Speeds of HDMI signals are up to twice as fast as 1080p, allowing room to grow as speeds increase. Two-way connections means your devices do more than send or receive information, they interact and can possibly work together. Digital signals are clearer and analog signals are slowly going by the wayside.

Advantages of DVI

DVI can work with analog devices, meaning you do not have to replace all your equipment at once. If you buy used electronics, DVI connections will be more common. A computer-based home entertainment system will be easier to hook up with DVI, because most computers do not yet come with HDMI ports standard.

Which Should I Buy?

If you can't afford to replace your receiver, TV and everything else at once, stick with DVI-connected devices. HDMI is good for those who subscribe to cable, because you only need one cable to connect your cable box to your TV. A computer-based entertainment system will be easier to create with DVI connections. If you plan on hooking several devices together, HDMI is the way to go, because the two-way mode can allow you to record with a touch of a button, even if it requires the coordination of several devices (VCR/DVD/DVR, TV and receiver).

Tags: digital analog, entertainment equipment, entertainment system, analog devices, connection used, devices together

Polaroid Pogo Ideas

Polaroid PoGo photos are useful for organizating belongs and identifying people.

The Polaroid PoGo is the latest incarnation of instant cameras that have been around for decades. The PoGo takes digital photos that you can print immediately from the body of the camera. The 2-inch by 3-inch prints are on sticky-backed paper that you can peel off and use as stickers. With some creativity, you can come up with ideas to use the PoGo for more than just photos in your scrapbook.

Back-to-School Night

There's no need for the more traditional name tags on back-to-school night. Teachers can use the Polaroid PoGo to identify which student belongs to each parent in the room. The teacher will need to snap photos of the students during class, print them and have the kids write their parents' names on the photos. When parents arrive on back-to-school night, ask them to find their child's photo and wear it. The photo tags will help teachers identify parents and will also help parents get to know each other better.

Identify Stuff

Being organized at home is a helpful skill. Unfortunately, organizing your stuff in plastic boxes can be difficult, even if you write the box contents on a sticker pasted on the outside. The PoGo can help. Use it to snap a photo of the contents inside the box, then print the photo and attach it to the outside of the box. That way you'll know what's inside the box without having to think about some category you wrote on a label, and you'll be able to find your belongings faster. If you want, you can also write a content category on the photo to make your storage even more efficient.

Preschoolers

For children who are not yet able to read, the Polaroid PoGo becomes a helpful tool. Use the photo stickers to help children identify what's inside plastic boxes for toys and crafts, what's inside food boxes, and what's behind doors. You can also use the photo stickers to instruct children on do certain jobs. For hand washing, for example, print out photos of putting soap on hands, rinsing under water and drying hands with a paper towel. Post the photos near a sink.

Thank Yous

The Polaroid PoGo is a handy tool when it comes to thank you notes, especially at children's birthday parties. Each time your child opens a gift, snap a photo of her with the present. When it's time to write thank yous, print out the photos and paste them onto the notes. You'll have a record of what each person gave your child, which will make note writing easier. You'll also have a way to show the gift giver how much your child loved the present.

Tags: Polaroid PoGo, what inside, your child, back-to-school night, photo stickers

Instructions For Setting A Radio Controlled Wall Clock

Instructions for Setting a Radio Controlled Wall Clock

A radio controlled wall clock or "atomic clock" contains an atomic oscillator, a radio, and an antenna that enable the clock to be regularly synchronized with a true atomic clock. In North America, your clock is synchronized with the atomic clock at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Boulder, Colorado. When you first turn on your clock, it takes a minute or two to detect and translate the signal; then it automatically sets the time in coordination with the Boulder clock. If the time is not being kept accurately, you can try several approaches to correcting the problem.

Check the Time

Confirm the correct time according to the NIST atomic clock by checking their website. You can also call (303) 499-7111. When you call, you may hear a series of clicks or beeps before a voice states that an upcoming tone marks a certain number of minutes after the hour according to "coordinated universal time." You should be able to hear that minute-marking tone at least twice before the call is disconnected.

Off by an hour or two

Many but not all radio controlled wall clocks adjust automatically to daylight savings time. If your clock is incorrect by one or more hours (but telling the correct minutes and seconds), and the clock's failure to "spring forward" or "fall back" by an hour is not an issue, most likely the time-zone setting is askew. Check the clock's instructions to see adjust that setting. The WeatherShack site warns: "Some atomic digital clocks only allow the selection of four different time zones (Pacific, Mountain, Central, and Eastern). Other atomic wall clocks may allow the selection of any time zone, even time zones that are outside the WWVB coverage area." So check the clock's capacity before purchase.

Off by minutes or seconds

If your clock's time is deviating more and more from NIST's official time, it may not be receiving the synchronizing signal at all. In many radio-controlled wall clocks, a displayed icon indicates whether the signal is being received. The clock may also have a button that allows you to hear a series of audio markers (beeps or tones) indicating proper receipt of the signal. If the signal is not being picked up, try "rebooting" the clock by letting it power down fully, unplugging it from the wall or taking out the batteries. Then power the clock up again and see whether it now synchronizes. If run-down batteries might be the culprit, test whether they're functional on another appliance, or just insert new batteries.

Other possibilities: Move the clock to a wall perpendicular to the wall that was its original location. This repositioning might improve the antenna's directional ability to pick up the signal. If the clock is near your PC, interference from a computer monitor might be the problem; so move your radio-controlled wall clock to a position between four and eight feet away from any such monitor. If the clock is inside a building with metal walls or siding, like a motor home, metal may be interfering with the signal. Power down the unit, take it outside, power it up again and see whether it now detects the signal.

Tags: atomic clock, your clock, wall clocks, again whether, allow selection, clock time, hear series

The Best Way To Convert Slides To Digital Images

Digitize your old film slides with the help of a scanner.

As the digital format gradually usurps 35mm film as the dominant photographic medium, most people are packing away their old negative slides for good. However, the memories that these slides hold do not have to be forgotten. Sharp, high resolution digital files can be created from your slides with the help of a flatbed scanner and a negative adapter. Before beginning to process your slides, check that your scanner is able to scan transparent materials.

Instructions

1. Clean away any dust or debris from your slides using an air blower and a microfiber cloth. Avoid using canned air as the chemicals may damage the film.

2. Power on the scanner, open the lid and remove the plastic negative adapter from the scanner. Check that the scanner is connected to your computer via USB cable.

3. Open the negative adapter's hinge and place the slides in the individual holding slots. Close the hinge over the slides to hold them securely in place.

4. Place the loaded negative adapter on the scanning glass. Placement on the glass varies among scanners, but there are usually instructive diagrams located near the edges of the adapter. If necessary, refer to your scanner's instructional literature for detailed guidelines.

5. Close the lid and press the "Scan" button on the scanner's control panel. The rest of the scanning procedure will be performed from your computer screen.

6. Select the type of media you're scanning (positive slide film) from the prompt window that appears on your screen. Also choose the desired resolution (measured in dots per inch or dpi) file format (.JPG, .TIFF, .PNG) and location where you'd like the file to be saved. Click "OK" or "Scan" at the bottom of the window to begin scanning.

7. View your digital images by browsing to the saved location you selected in the above step.

Tags: negative adapter, from your, your slides, from your slides, slides hold, slides with, slides with help

Check If Your Ricoh Camcorder Charger Will Work For You

Ricoh camcorders often come with a rechargeable battery. You can remove this battery from your camera and place it into a charger to power it up. If you aren't sure that the charger is functional, you can test it out to see if it works. The easiest way to test this device is to charge your battery. After wearing out your battery by using the camcorder, insert it in to your charger and see if it works.

Instructions

1. Turn on your camcorder and use it to record videos of what's going on around you. Use the device until it shuts down due to lack of battery power.

2. Remove the battery from the camcorder. This process will differ depending on your camcorder model; consult your device's manual if the procedure isn't obvious.

3. Slide the battery into the charger until it clicks in to place.

4. Plug the charger into a power source. An LED should light up to indicate that the battery is charging. If no LED lights up, your charger is not functioning properly.

5. Wait while the battery charges until the charge LED turns off or changes color. Remove the battery from the charger and install it in your camcorder.

6. Turn on the camcorder. If the camcorder works, the battery is charged and the charger is functioning. If the battery isn't fully charged or the device won't turn on, the charger is not working properly.

Tags: battery from, your camcorder, charger functioning, into charger, Remove battery

Connect To Verizon 3g

Verizon has a 3G network available for customers who have smartphones or wireless devices with Verizon services. Unlike normal Wi-Fi, a 3G network has faster Internet speeds at mobile locations, making it ideal for anyone who needs Internet connections while they are on the go. Connecting to the 3G network requires initial setup, but once it is set up, the phone or device should find the 3G network automatically as long as it is within range of a connection.

Instructions

1. Ask for a 3G connection activation at the time of purchasing the phone. 3G only works if Verizon activates the service. If you've already purchased the phone, activate the 3G network by calling Verizon's customer service and requesting 3G activation on the phone.

2. Open the phone's menu. Select "Networks" from the phone menu options and then select "Service."

3. Pick "1X High Speed Data" from the available options.

4. Type in "your-mobile-number@vzw3g.com" for the username. For example, type in "123-456-7890@vzw3g.com" in the username line. Type "vzw" in the password line.

5. Double-check the wireless network to ensure the modem is selected. Type "#777" rather than the phone number under "Phone" and then click "Details."

6. Pick "PPP" as the "Connection Type" and click "Never" for idling time options. Click the checkboxes next to both the "Query" and "IP Address" options.

7. Select "Script" from the phone. Look at the set script for the phone. According to PDA Phone Home, the script should read:

Send: at$qcmdr=3

Send CR:

Send: at$qnqnc=0

Send CR:

End:

If it does not have the values entered correctly, change the script so that it has the appropriate values. Press "OK" twice followed by "Connect." The 3G network should connect.

Tags: from phone, phone menu

Connect To Slingbox Using Udp

The SlingMedia Slingbox is essentially a DVR control device that broadcasts your home cable signal through the Internet for remote viewing. Optimal performance of the remote viewing features across all software platforms requires a TCP connection. A Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) connection is one where two devices are connected during the entire duration of the information transfer to guarantee delivery, much like a phone call. Users who are unable to establish a TCP connection may use a UDP connection instead. User Datagram Protocol (UDP) relies on the hardware in between to correctly send the information to the correct place.

Instructions

1. Install your Slingbox Pro according to the onscreen instructions displayed during installation from the installation disk.

2. Skip the instructions on setting up a port-forward for your Slingbox. The Slingbox will attempt to create a TCP port-forward and will revert to UDP mode if your network, router or firewall blocks TCP access.

3. Connect to the SlingMedia Player from your laptop or desktop and use the software as normal.

Tags: remote viewing, your Slingbox

Upload Digital Photos From A Camera

Upload Digital Photos From a Camera

Uploading digital photos from a camera to a PC requires one of two methods. Either the camera is connected to the PC with a USB or FireWire connector cable and the photos are copied to the PC, or the SD card used for storage in the camera is removed from the camera and inserted into an SD card reader on the PC. The photos are then uploaded from the SD card onto the PC.

Instructions

USB or FireWire Method

1. Insert one end of the USB or FireWire cable into the camera and the other end into a corresponding slot on the computer.

2. Power on the camera. Wait a few seconds while the computer recognizes the new device.

3. Right-click the Windows "Start" button and select "Explore" to open Windows Explorer.

4. Navigate to the camera. The camera will be listed as a removable drive.

5. Navigate to the photos on the camera device. Select and copy the desired photos to a designated location on the computer.

SD Card Method

6. Power off the camera.

7. Remove the SD card from the SD slot. The card is removed by pressing in on the card, then releasing. The card will pop out.

8. Insert the SD card into the SD card reader on the computer. SD card readers are common on newer computers or laptops. However, external SD card readers may be purchased for about $25.

9. Right-click the Windows "Start" button and select "Explore" from the context menu to open Explorer.

10. Navigate to the SD card reader and locate the photos to copy.

11. Highlight the photos to copy, right-click on the files and select "Copy" from the context menu.

12. Paste the photos to a designated location on the computer.

Tags: card reader, button select, button select Explore, card readers, context menu

Install A Home Theater System

Home theater systems can come to bring the movie-going experience right into your living room. Any home theater system is only as good as its location and design. Use this guide to install your home theater system and get the most out of your equipment.

Instructions

1. Plan out your setup. Before you start unpacking speakers and moving furniture, it's a good idea to have a placement scheme in mind.

2. Consider the location of the outlets in your home theatre room. If possible, choose a room powered by a single circuit breaker to reduce the risk of damage due to the overload your home theatre system might cause. Supplement the number of outlets with power strips.

3. Place your TV. The television should be placed where it can be viewed straight on. The center of the screen should be aligned with the eyes of a seated person.

4. Place your speakers before you start hooking things up. If there are hearing-imparied people in your household, place the speakers so that someone could sit directly next to at least one speaker.

5. Position your central channel speaker above or below your TV. If you put it on top of your TV, make sure the front edge of the speaker is aligned evenly with the front of your TV screen.

6. Place your front left and right speakers at equal distances on either side of your TV. The height of your left and right speakers should match the height of your central channel speaker.

7. Put your surround speakers at equal distances to the left and right of where you would normally sit and view your TV. Do not point your surround speakers directly at your viewing position. Try pointing them toward the back of the room or toward the ceiling.

8. Place your subwoofer to the side of the room, about halfway between your viewing position and your TV. You can adjust the bass reaction of your subwoofer by moving it closer to a wall to increase the bass, or by moving it away from a wall to decrease it.

9. Connect your speakers and theater system by running flat speaker cables down the length of your baseboard or lower portion of your wall. Consult your owner's manual for exact instructions.

Tags: Place your, left right, your home, central channel, central channel speaker, channel speaker, equal distances

Connect The Sony Dvpc660 Cd/Dvd Player To 5 1 Channel Surround Amplifier

A 5.1 channel surround sound splits the audio into a left and right signal, a center signal, and low-end subwoofer signal. When you connect the Sony DVP-C660 CD/DVD player to a 5.1 channel surround amplifier, you can experience theater quality surround sound without leaving home. Follow these steps to connect the Sony DVP-C660 CD/DVD Player to a 5.1 channel surround amplifier.

Instructions

1. Turn off both the Sony DVP-C660 CD/DVD player and the 5.1 channel amplifier. Find the Dolby digital output section on the back panel of the Sony player and on the back panel of the surround sound amplifier.

2. Get either a coaxial cable or an optical cable with the proper end connectors. You do not need to use both types of cable at the same time.

3. Connect the one end of the coaxial cable to the coaxial output on the Sony DVP-C660 CD/DVD player. When you are using a fiber optic cable, connect to the optical output instead.

4. Run the coaxial or fiber optic cable to the 5.1 channel surround sound amplifier. Insert the other end of the coaxial cable to the coaxial input on the amplifier. When you are using a fiber optic cable, connect to the optical input instead.

5. Make the video connections using S-video, component video or composite video cables.

6. Turn on the Sony DVP-C660 CD/DVD player and the amplifier. Pull up the Audio Setup menu and turn on the Digital Out setting.

7. Turn on the Dolby Digital setting when your amplifier has a Dolby Digital decoder. Otherwise, turn it off.

8. Turn on the DTS if your 5.1 channel amplifier has a built in DTS decoder. Otherwise, leave it off.

Tags: Sony DVP-C660, Sony DVP-C660 player, surround sound, coaxial cable, fiber optic, fiber optic cable, optic cable

How Do Robots Detect Motion

Image Courtesy of http://www.societyofrobots.com/sensors_sharpirrange.shtml

How A Robot Detects Its Own Motion

One of the most important types of movement for a robot to detect is its own. Robots can do this using what is called an accelerometer. An accelerometer measures acceleration with tiny levers. When the robot accelerates in one direction, it moves the lever, which is detected by the circuitry.

This technology can be used by robots that walk upright and have to balance themselves. It can also be used to detect angle and G-force in autonomous aircraft, and many other sorts of robots.

Simple Motion Detection Techniques

The easiest way for a robot to detect motion is by bouncing a signal off anything repeatedly and measuring the difference between two consecutive signals. In theory, the signal can be pretty much anything--a sound, a radio wave, a beam of light. In practice, it should be something easy to produce and measure. It should also not be something like sound that the environment around t produces a lot of, since this will throw off the readings.

One of the most common ways for robots to detect motion is by bouncing an infrared signal off nearby objects. It detects the angle at which the object bounces off the object to determine the distance. A close object will bounce the signal off at a sharp angle, whereas a faraway object will bounce the signal more directly. By measuring the difference between two signals, a robot can see if any objects around it have moved.

Advanced Motion Detectors

One of the most advanced techniques in motion detection is computer vision. Robots can look at images from a video camera and detect real-world objects around them. These techniques require sophisticated computer processing. The robot learns to detect the edges of objects for 3-dimensional representations of its environment and interact in a complex, lifelike way.

Some autonomous robots use all of these tricks and more. A target drone, for example, will compare a global positioning signal with maps in its memory to navigate to its target location. It will also bounce radar signals off the ground and surrounding objects to help it navigate and avoid collisions. During its flight, It will use accelerometers to monitor and control its own movement. When it gets to its target, it may use computer vision to recognize the building it is supposed to attack.

Tags: bounce signal, computer vision, detect motion bouncing, difference between, measuring difference, measuring difference between

Connect The Inside Wiring For My Telephone Jack

Home phone jacks are plugs to which home phones are connected. The basics of phone jack installation involve knowing a little about your phone's wiring, which is fairly basic. There are typically four colored wires inside your phone jack. The red and green wires are the most important since they run your primary line. The yellow and black wires inside your phone jack are only used if you have a second phone line or a fax line. If you do not have either in your home, they do not have to be connected.

Instructions

1. Open your phone access panel outside your house and unplug the test jack by squeezing the plastic tip and pulling it out. If you are uncomfortable doing this, or if your local telephone company keeps the box locked, simply disconnect all phones in your house from their jacks.

2. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the face plate on the phone jack you wish to replace.

3. Tear a sheet of paper into four pieces. Mark them "R" for red; "G" for green; "Y" for yellow and "B" for black.

4. Open your new phone jack and examine the four terminal posts. Look at the old jack while the wires are still attached. Attach the pieces of paper to the corresponding terminals on the new jack so they are color-coded. This will help you to be able to connect the right wires to the right terminals.

5. Use your screwdriver to loosen the terminal screws on the old jack and then remove the wires from them.

6. Use your wire strippers to remove about an inch of the colored, rubber sheathing if the wires are frayed or extremely short. If the wires appear to be in good working order, you may skip this step.

7. Wrap the red wire to the corresponding terminal on the new jack. Twist the wire around the screw several times clockwise and then tighten the screw down with your screwdriver. Follow this procedure to install the green wire, and then the black and yellow wires too if you have a second line or a fax line.

8. Place the faceplate against the wall where it mounts and insert the mounting screws through the mounting holes on the faceplate. Tighten the screws down with your screwdriver.

Tags: phone jack, your phone, your phone jack, your screwdriver, down with, down with your

Make A Panoramic Photo For A Website

The best way to truly capture a moment, whether it's on a vacation or in some other setting, is through a panoramic photograph. A regular photo will not always do the scene justice. Luckily, there's a simple way to compose your own panoramic photos easily and upload them onto your website to show everyone else.

Instructions

Taking the Photo

1. Look both ways and slowly pan your head from left to right to determine the best range and angle for the photo.

2. Place the camera onto the tripod. Keep the tripod in one spot as you take the series of photos.

3. Start from the right side. Take a photo that captures the farthest right end of the panoramic image. Pay close attention to the left side of the frame and find a distinguishing marker such as a light pole or a specific-looking rock.

4. Take the second photo by panning the camera slightly to the left and placing that distinguishing marker on the right side of the frame. At the same time, look at the left side of the frame and find another distinguishing marker.

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the entire area you want your panoramic image to cover, making sure your tripod is still locked into one place.

Editing the Photo

6. Upload the photos into a photo editing software program. Photoshop and MS Paint will both work; there are also plenty of others available online. Open each photo, and open up a new, empty project file. This empty file is where you'll construct the final panoramic photo.

7. Cut the first photo off slightly after the distinguishing marker. Copy and paste the photo into the new project file at the right end of the file.

8. Cut the second photo off slightly to the right of the right distinguishing marker and slightly left of the left marker, so they are both remaining in the shot. Copy and paste the photo into the new project file and overlay the photos, so the first marker on the right lines up perfectly in the two photos.

9. Complete steps 2 and 3 for however many photos you have.

10. Trim the top and bottom of the final photo if, for some reason, the photos don't come out perfectly level. Save the file.

Uploading the Photo

11. Go to your website controls, find the page on which you want it placed, and upload the photo, using the site's controls.

12. Depending on the ability of your website, you may need to compress the file somewhat. If that's the case, save your photo as a .jpg, as that will be the smallest file.

13. Go to the website and make sure the photo has uploaded. If it has not, refresh the browser for a few moments, and it should show up.

Tags: distinguishing marker, project file, side frame, your website, Copy paste, Copy paste photo, frame find

Connect Surround Sound To A Computer

Nowadays, computers are frequently incorporated into home theater systems, allowing computer audio to be heard through the theater speakers. If you watch movies or other video on your computer, hooking it up to the surround sound through your home theater greatly enhances the movie experience. The process of hooking your computer up to a home theater is a simple one.

Instructions

1. Get the right cable. You need a specific type of cable to connect your computer to the home theater receiver. This cable, known as an RCA-to-headphone jack adapter, has a pair of RCA cables on one end and a universal headphone plug on the other. RadioShack usually always has it, and it comes in various lengths.

2. Insert the end of the cable with the headphone plug into the headphone input on the sound card in the computer. Choose a free input on the back of the receiver like "CD" or "Tape," and you will see a pair of red and white RCA inputs. Insert the two RCA adapters on the other end of the cable into these inputs. Put the red plug on the cable in the red input and take the white plug and place it in the white input.

3. Turn on the receiver and switch it to the input the cable is attached to in back. Make sure the volume on the receiver is somewhat low at this point. Set the volume on the computer between halfway to max level and play audio. It is best to always keep the computer volume the same level and turn the receiver volume up or down.

4. Select a surround-sound mode on the receiver, and the computer audio is dispersed to all front and rear speakers.

Tags: home theater, your computer, computer audio, computer home, computer home theater, headphone plug

Start A Photo Booth Business

Starting a photo booth business can be a great opportunity, and many companies have built successful photo booth businesses by providing services at weddings and special events. And because they are a great source of entertainment, there are many marketing opportunities.

Instructions

1. Create a business plan. Creating a business plan for your photo booth business will give you a blue print for success. It will help you focus on key areas such as designing a marketing plan and operations strategies. You can find free templates at bplans.com (see Resources below).

2. Define your target market and determine who you will serve. Many businesses find success serving corporations and wedding receptions.

3. Get a business license. Before you can open the doors to your photo booth business, you need a license. Licensing is typically done through the city in which your business will reside. You will need to fill out an application accompanied by a fee of around $100 or less.

4. Shop for equipment. Shopping for equipment for your photo booth business may be one of the most important components to starting your venture. The company photo-me.com offers both used and new photo booths (see Resources below).

5. Market your business. With a new business, marketing is one of your most important investments. After you define your target market, you can target those individuals and businesses with direct mail, sales visits and phone calls.

Tags: photo booth, photo booth business, booth business, your photo, your photo booth, business plan, business will

Connect Phone Jacks

The phone jack is nearly as common in most rooms of the house as an electric outlet. Phone jacks are used for connecting our wired and wireless phones to our home phone lines, and for computer connections if we use DSL service for our internet. If you need to connect a new phone jack when remodeling, or for extra convenience, don't worry. The wiring will only take a few moments.

Instructions

1. Disconnect your phone line into the house. Your phone line carries a small amount of current It's best to disconnect the line while you're doing the job. Open the phone junction box on the outside of your house by loosening the screw in the center of the box. When the box is open, you'll see a standard phone plug like you'd find on phone in your house connected to a jack. Unhook it and the phone line will be disconnected. Test by picking up a phone in the house; there should be no dial tone.

2. In the junction box there will be two screws, color coded red and green. Loosen them, and slide the red and green leads of your new phone wire underneath the screws. Tighten the screws down.

3. Route the new wire to where you want the new phone jack installed. If you can't run the wire behind a wall, staple it to a baseboard low on the wall.

4. Open your surface-mount phone outlet, and run the wire in through the opening in the bottom. Connect the red and green wires to the red and green color-coded screws. Mount the phone outlet on the wall using the screw hole in the back, then place the cover onto the outlet.

5. Return to your junction box and plug the phone line in. Plug a phone into your new outlet and test operation.

Tags: phone line, phone jack, phone outlet, your house, your phone

Fix Technics Turntables

Despite current trends toward increasingly digitized and synthesized media, niche groups of music lovers opt to simplify music playback with the raw, vintage sound of classic LP record pressings. To get on board with the vinyl resurgence, you will need to find your old Technics turntable. Unfortunately, when hooking up your Technics turntable, you might find that it does not work as well as when you first placed it on that damp, dusty basement storage shelf. Over time, needles break, electronics rust and components bend. Luckily, you can fix many Technics turntable problems right from your home with these suggestions.

Instructions

1. Check the needle. With a bent or broken needle, you will not get high quality sound from your Technics turntable, and you may even damage the record during playback. If the needle is damaged, replace it before using the turntable. Depending on the model of Technics turntable you're using, you'll need a different-sized needle. Visit Vintage Electronics' website (see Resources) to purchase common Technics needles online, or visit a local record store for more obscure models. Needles usually snap or slide into place, making it easy to change out the old, damaged needle.

2. Check the wiring to make sure it is all attached properly. Some Technics turntables have exposed wiring near the bottom, while others require unscrewing a bottom panel to get at the wiring. If you find any loose wires, find the place that the wire jostled loose from by looking for a bare patch of solder; reattach the wire using fresh solder. If exposed wires are rusted, or if wires appear otherwise damaged, replace them with well-insulated electrical wiring from your local hardware store. The black ground wire is most often associated with unwanted buzzing or humming; if you notice any problems with this wire, purchase an official Technics brand replacement wire from the Needle Doctor website (see Resources).

3. Look for bent or damaged parts. The turntable arm is susceptible to bending because it is thinner than the other components attached to the turntable. New Technics arms can be purchased from Needle Doctor's website (see Resources).

4. Note if the turntable has become warped from storage in a hot environment. If this is the case, your best bet is to get professional repairs from a local electronics store. Turntable warping is a difficult problem to correct at home. If you live in the New York area, Technics' website shows strong support for Brooklyn Express Shop by linking directly to the site for maintenance concerns (see Resources).

Tags: Technics turntable, your Technics turntable, from your, website Resources, your Technics

Wire Two Light Lamps

Don't throw the old lamp away. Rewire it.

Rather than throwing away that old two light lamp, restore the lamp by rewiring it, extending its life. Some of the most common issues when a lamp quits working are damaged wiring or damaged sockets. No prior electrical wiring knowledge is necessary when repairing your two light lamp. Once you have gotten the hang of repairing a lamp, you can turn old flea market and garage sale finds into treasures.

Instructions

1. Unplug your lamp from the wall and move it to a sturdy work surface. Remove the lamp harp, the light bulbs and the lamp shade.

2. Peel away the felt or cardboard that covers the wiring inside the base of the lamp. Set the felt or cardboard aside.

3. Pull the socket sleeves from the sockets to expose the interior sockets and wiring. Loosen the screws on both sides of the sockets and remove the wires from beneath the screws to release the interior socket. Loosen the set screw holding the socket base onto the throat of the lamp and untwist the socket base from the lamp and discard all parts of the old sockets.

4. Disconnect the wires in the base of the lamp by untwisting the wire connectors holding the wiring together and pulling the lamp wires apart.

5. Measure and cut two lengths of lamp cord to fit your lamp. Tape the new lamp cords to the old lamp cords at the top of the lamp using electrical tape. Grasp the lamp cords in the base of the lamp and pull them from the lamp. As you pull the old lamp cord from the lamp you are threading the new lamp cords into the lamp. Remove the electrical tape from the lamp cords and discard the old lamp wires.

6. Grasp the old plug and cord from the exterior of the lamp and pull it from the base of the lamp. Thread a replacement cord set through the hole in the lamp base. A replacement cord set consist of a prestripped lamp cord with the plug connected.

7. Slice through 3 inches of the membrane holding the two wires of the lamp cord together using a utility knife inside the base of the lamp. A lamp cord consists of two wires fused together with a thin membrane of rubber insulation that encapsulates both wires. Strip the ends of the lamp wires using a wire cutter/stripper and removing 3/4 inch of insulation from each lamp wire.

8. Feel the two wires from the lamp cord. One wire feels smooth down the entire length of the cord while the other wire feels ribbed down the entire length. Twist an orange wire connector onto the smooth wire from the replacement cord set and the two smooth wires from the lamp throat, connecting them. Repeat this connection for the three ribbed wires.

9. Thread the two lamp cords at the top of the lamp through the replacement socket bases. Screw the replacement socket bases onto the lamp and tighten the set screws holding the socket bases in place.

10. Tie a knot in each lamp cord to avoid having the cord pulled from the socket base. Separate and strip the lamp cord as you did in a previous step.

11. Wrap the smooth wires around the brass screws on the side of the interior replacement sockets. Wrap the ribbed wires around the silver screws on the opposite side of the replacement sockets. Tighten the screws to secure the lamp wires onto the interior sockets.

12. Slide the exterior socket sleeves over both replacement interior sockets, pushing them down firmly into the socket base. Glue the felt or cardboard back to the bottom of the base of the lamp and allow the glue to dry. Replace the lamp harp, light bulbs and lamp shade.

Tags: lamp cord, base lamp, from lamp, lamp cords, lamp wires

Test A Video Capture Card

Capture cards attach through the PCI or PCI express ports on the motherboard.

Video capture cards allow the recording of live TV as well as home videos and even footage from video games. The devices themselves can be very useful but, as with all computer hardware, can come with frustrations. When video capture cards are not working, there may not always be a clear solution to the problem or problems. Before packing your capture card up and returning it to the store, there are a few things to try.

Instructions

1. Install the video capture card based on the instructions from the manufacturer. Capture cards are installed within the computer and must be plugged into a PCI or PCI express port.

2. Install the included software and drivers for the capture card.

3. Connect a compatible device to the capture card. Turn on the device and run the capture card software. If no picture displays, make sure all connections are tight and completely plugged in. Go to the capture card manufacturer's website and verify that you have the most up to date software and drivers.

4. Run "Windows Update" (found in the start menu) to verify that your computer meets all requirements and Windows is up to date.

5. Update the drivers for your video cards. The drivers can be downloaded from your video card manufacturer's website.

6. Remove the capture card and install it into another computer. If the capture card does not work in the other computer, it may be broken.

Tags: capture card, capture card, card manufacturer, card manufacturer website, device capture, device capture card, manufacturer website

Make Digital Photos Look Like Lomo Photography

Make Digital Photos Look Like Lomo Photography

A few adjustments in PhotoShop can take digital photos from ordinary to intriguing by creating fakes that mimic the classic look of the Russian Lomo camera. Give your digital photos a Lomo look by creating a fish eye effect, a sharp center, dark distorted edges, and color over saturation.

Instructions

Bump Up the Color

1. Open the digital photo in Adobe PhotoShop by selecting File>Open from the menu, selecting the photo and clicking "Open."

2. Increase the contrast of the photo by going into the menu and choosing Image>Adjustments>Brightness/contrast and increase the contrast by 20.

3. Increase the saturation by going into the menu and choosing Image>Adjustments>Hue/saturation and increase the saturation by 20.

4. Blend the edge layer with the one below it by selecting the "Overlay" blend mode from the drop-drown menu in the layer window.

5. Duplicate the layer by going to the menu and choosing Layer>Duplicate layer.

Create the Distorted Dark Edges of a Lomo PhotographInverse.

8. Now that the outer edge of your photo is selected create a new layer by choosing Layer>New fill layer>Solid color. Click "OK" to create the layer. Click "OK" again to choose black from the color picker.

Give the Photo a Sharp Bright Center of the Lomo EffectNew layer from the menu.

10. Change the fill tool to gradient, gradient type to spherical and gradient shading style to foreground to transparent. Select white as the primary color. Click the center of the picture and drag the line out to the far top or bottom edge for a portrait or the left or right edge for a landscape.

11. Select overlay as the blend mode for this layer and change the opacity to about 80 percent or whatever works best with the photo.

12. Flatten the image by selecting Layer>Flatten image.

Add the Fish Eye Effect of a Lomo Photograph

13. Duplicate the background image by selecting the background layer then choosing Layer>Duplicate layer from the menu.

14. Select the new layer and choose Filter>Blur>Radial blur from the menu. Blur amount should be set to 5, method to zoom, and quality to best.

15. Flatten the image by selecting Layer>Flatten image from the menu.

16. Use "Save as" to save the fake Lomo photo as a .jpeg and keep your original digital photo intact.

Tags: from menu, image selecting, menu choosing, blend mode, choosing Layer>Duplicate, choosing Layer>Duplicate layer

Connect Components To A Digital Mitsubishi Television

There are a wide variety of different digital Mitsubishi televisions available on the market, and if your particular model has been made within the past few years, it probably has component ports on the device. These component ports are upgrades from the standard RCA cables. So, if you are connecting a newer device to the television (such as a cable receiver or a DVD player), you can connect the two devices together via component cables.

Instructions

1. Plug the component video cables into the "Component Video Out" ports. Instead of the standard red white and yellow colored video ports typically found on the RCA ports, you are going to see a green, blue and red colored port.

2. Connect the other ends of the component video cables into the "Component Video In" port on the back of the Mitsubishi television. Make sure the cables are plugged into samilar colored ports.

3. Connect the red and white RCA audio cables into the "Audio Out" port found next to the component cables. Plug the other end of the cables into the "Audio In" port on the back of the television.

4. Power on both the digital Mitsubishi television and the device you are connecting to it.

5. Press the "Video" button on the digital Mitsubish television until the TV is connected to the "Component" device. Once connected, you are able to view the content from the other device on the television.

Tags: cables into, Audio port, cables into Audio, cables into Component, component cables

Connect Closedcircuit Cameras To The Internet

Closed-circuit cameras can be viewed from a remote location using a static IP address.

Closed-circuit cameras typically are connected to a router with an ethernet cord. Computers connected to this router can view the camera feed using a standard web browser. This functionality can be extended to any computer on the Internet with a few adjustments that enable users to access the camera feed by pointing their browser to the camera's IP address.

Instructions

1. Contact your Internet service provider and request to have static IP addresses on your account. This will allow your cameras to have a permanent IP address instead of a randomly allocated address.

2. Set the camera to use one of the static IP addresses your provider approves for you.

3. Determine which ports the camera uses to send and receive information. Check the camera's manual or contact the camera manufacturer for this information. These are virtual port numbers that can be anywhere from 0 to 65535. Most cameras will use only one or two of these ports.

4. Open the required port number in your router's firewall settings. This is also known as port forwarding or creating a pinhole.

5. Test the camera by attempting to access from a computer outside the local network using the static IP address in a web browser. If this test fails, disable the router's firewall for the camera to prevent the firewall from blocking the camera.

Tags: addresses your, camera feed, Closed-circuit cameras, router firewall, static address, static addresses

Develope Kodak Hie Film

Example of an infrared photograph

Kodak Hie film is a special type of infrared film. These films are used in infrared photography, which is applicable for most scenery, fine art and high-contrast black and white photos. This specific film has a sensitivity to light wave lengths up to 900 nanometers. Because it is infrared film, this requires special care and handling. It must be loaded and developed in absolute darkness, due to its high sensitivity to light. In 2007 Kodak announced the discontinuation of this specific film.

Instructions

1. Mix the developer and fixer in the first two trays per the manufacturer's specifications. Fill the last tray with water.

2. Turn off the lights in the darkroom. Make sure the darkroom is pitch black. Painted windows or covers can still let in small traces of light that can ruin the film.

3. Place the film into the developer. Agitate the film to speed up development time. Leave the film in the developer for only as long as the manufacturer's specifications state.

4. Quickly remove the film and place it into the fixer. Again agitate the film to quicken development, and only for as long as the manufacturer specifies.

5. Transfer the film to the last tray. Thoroughly rise the film to remove all excess chemicals.

6. Hang the film to dry, or place it into a film dryer.

Tags: film place into, infrared film, last tray, long manufacturer, manufacturer specifications

Connect A Vcr To Tv

As outdated as it may seem, there are still quite a few reasons to not only have a VCR, but to have one hooked up. It's not difficult to connect a VCR to a television, and if you have hooked up any other aspect of an entertainment center, then you should be able to connect a VCR quite easily.

Instructions

1. Lay out your items where you want them to stay. Hooking up a VCR and then not being able to fit it where you want it is a bit frustrating. Put the VCR where you will want it to stay and make sure that your cables are long enough to reach from the VCR to the television. Be sure to have the TV angled how you will watch it so that the cables can be measured appropriately.

2. Connect your signal in from your source to the VCR. Whether it's cable or satellite, connect your source to the VCR through the coaxial cable input. This is often labeled as CABLE IN, but it's the same jack for a satellite signal as it is for cable. If you are using cable, you can run the wire right into the VCR or through a receiver. If you are using satellite, you will have to run the cable through a receiver.

3. Connect your VCR to the television with an RCA cable. To do this, run an RCA cable from the VCR OUT to the television IN.

4. Check your settings to be sure that the signal reaches the television. If you are connected through a receiver that will change the channels, you will have to set your VCR to either channel three or four to send that signal to your television.

5. If you have other sources you want to use, either before or after the VCR in the signal flow, you can add them as needed. It's possible to connect two VCRs or connect a VCR to a DVD burner for archiving purposes. To do this, you'd simply run additional cables either IN or OUT of the VCR, corresponding with the appropriate IN or OUT of the other device. As long as your signal has a starting place and a final destination, you can set up all of your equipment how you'd like in the middle.

Tags: through receiver, from television, have hooked, sure that, television have, that signal, where want

Use The Motorola Microsd Adapter

The Motorola MicroSD Adapter allows cell phone users with memory cards to transfer images and video from their cell phone to their computer. It's as easy as removing the card from your phone, inserting it into the adapter, and inserting the adapter into your computer.

Instructions

1. Ensure that all the images and/or video you want to transfer are saved to your memory chip. You can check this via your phone's memory settings, under the Tools menu.

2. Remove the chip from your phone. To remove, gently push the chip into the slot. This will trigger a release mechanism and the chip will pop out of the slot about halfway and then can be safely removed.

3. Hold the adapter firmly in one hand, and gently insert the chip into the adapter. Note that your memory chip has copper bars on the back. Insert the chip with these bars facing down. The chip should slide easily and lock firmly into the adapter.

4. Insert the adapter into your computer (if your computer has the right slot). Alternatively, you can take your adapter to any photo machine and print off the photos directly from the adapter.

Tags: into adapter, your computer, your phone, adapter into, adapter into your

How Accurate Is The Gps System

In order for a GPS system to find a target, that target must emit a radio signal to allow the satellites to pinpoint its position. Manufacturers of GPS devices advertise mapping, displays and routes, but the accuracy of GPS depends on factors like movement of the device, weather, satellite positions and signal noise.

Function

The GPS system works by receiving a signal from the GPS device and then using three satellites to triangulate the position. By factoring in the time difference from each satellite, the GPS system can map out a geographic location.

Errors

Errors in accuracy can be attributed to mountainous terrain, trees and tall buildings. However, noise, static and interference can also contribute to errors.

Accuracy

Garmin, a manufacturer of GPS receivers, puts the accuracy of their devices within 15 meters on average. With the addition of the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS) the accuracy can be improved to within three meters on average.

DGPS

Differential Global Positioning Satellites use a fixed position on the ground to help pinpoint a GPS device. Any difference in the fixed position and satellites is adjusted for, resulting in better accuracy.

WAAS

The Wide Area Augmentation System works the same way as DGPS but covers the entire continental U.S. and parts of Alaska.

Tags: Area Augmentation, Area Augmentation System, Augmentation System, fixed position, meters average, Wide Area

Download Pictures To A Computer From A Camera

Cameras can export pictures to a computer for free.

Computers and the Internet have made it easy to share large numbers of pictures and videos with other people. Windows allows you to import pictures from a digital camera almost as simply as copying any other type of files to the hard disk. If Windows' bare bones import tool is not enough for you, check out other free tools. Use the Picture Library to manage your pictures after you copy them and use Photo Viewer to view them. Download and install Windows Live Photo Gallery for more organization features.

Instructions

Windows AutoPlay

1. Connect the camera to the computer by USB cable. Turn on the camera. Refer to the camera owner's manual for instructions if you are not sure do this.

2. Click "Import pictures and videos using Windows" in the "AutoPlay" dialog box that appears.

3. Type a descriptive word for the pictures in the "Tag" box.

4. Click "Import."

Windows Explorer

5. Connect the camera to the computer and make sure it is turned on. Click "Computer" in the "Start" menu or Desktop.

6. Right-click the camera among the list of drives.

7. Click "Import pictures and videos."

8. Enter a tag for the pictures if you wish.

9. Click "Import."

Tags: Click Import, pictures videos, camera computer, Click Import pictures, Connect camera, Connect camera computer, Import pictures

Connect A Strobe Flash Light To A Camera

Strobe flash lights are used in studio still photography. Unlike a built-in flash, these devices must be connected to the camera either through cable or wirelessly. The camera tells the flash when to fire through this connection. At the moment the shutter is pressed, the flash will fire. Under the right conditions, strobe flash lights provide a brighter effect than built-in flashes do. Depending on the camera being used, the connection can be as simple as a matter of connecting devices.

Instructions

1. Check your camera to see if it has an external flash mounting socket. If so, connect an external strobe to this socket via wire. Depending on the model of camera and strobe, an adapter may be necessary, but you can still make the connection.

2. Check to see if your camera has a PC terminal. If it does, connect the strobe or flash via synced cable.

3. Configure a wireless remote flash. Attach a master flash unit to the mounting socket of the camera. Configure it to tell the other external strobe and flash units when to fire. Using a wireless transmitter in the same mounting socket will have the same effect.

Tags: mounting socket, Check your, Check your camera, external strobe, flash lights

Kodak Z760 Camera Instructions

The Kodak EasyShare Z760 is a 6.1 megapixel digital camera that comes equipped with a 3X optical zoom, 4X digital zoom and a 2.2-inch LCD screen. The camera also contains the Kodak color science chip, a small processor that Kodak claims enhances the camera's image processing to achieve higher performance. Operating the Kodak Z760 is similar to operating many other digital cameras. You can take pictures in auto mode, select a "scene" mode and record digital videos.

Instructions

Charge the Batteries

1. Insert the rechargeable Lithium-ion camera battery into the charger.

2. Insert the plug used to charge the battery into the charger.

3. Plug the charger into an electrical outlet. Wait until the indicator light turns green. Unplug the charger, remove the battery and insert it back in the Kodak camera.

Take Pictures and Videos

4. Press the round Mode dial lock button on the camera and, at the same time, turn the dial to "Auto" mode (the camera icon), "Video" mode (the video camera icon) or to "SCN" mode for the "Scene" mode.

5. Press the camera's joystick towards the left or right if using "SCN" mode to display Scene mode descriptions. For example, you can scroll to "Portrait," "Sport," "Landscape," "Night Portrait" and 12 other Scene modes. Press "OK" to select a Scene mode.

6. Look through the camera's viewfinder to frame your subject or the scene you want to capture. Or press the "Display/Info" button to turn on the camera screen.

7. Pull the zoom button toward you to zoom in on the scene or subject. Release the zoom button and pull it again to use the digital zoom and get an additional magnification of the scene. Push the zoom button away from you to zoom out and get a wider view of the scene.

8. Press the flash button on top of the camera if you're taking a picture and want to set the flash. Press the flash button multiple times to scroll through the flash options until the mode you want is displayed on the screen. You can set the flash to "Auto Flash," "Fill," "Red-eye" or "Off."

9. Press the Shutter button halfway down and hold to set the camera's auto-focus if you want to take a picture and are looking through the camera screen. When the green framing marks turn red, press the Shutter button the rest of the way down to take the picture.

10. Press the Shutter button all the way down and release it if recording a video to start the recording. Press and release the shutter button a second time to stop recording.

Review Pictures and Videos

11. Press the "Review" button on the camera.

12. Press the camera's joystick toward the left or right to scroll back and forth through the videos and pictures you've taken. Press the joystick downward to display rows of thumbnails of pictures and videos; press the joystick left or right to scroll through individual thumbnails.

13. Press the "OK" button while viewing thumbnail images to display the selected picture or video. Press the "OK" button to play recorded videos. Move the camera's joystick up or down during video playback to adjust the volume; move the joystick to the left to return to the beginning of the video during playback.

14. Press the "Display/Info" button to display picture or video information on the screen. Press the "Display/Info" button again to turn off information icons.

15. Press the "Delete" button while a video or picture is displayed on the screen or highlighted in thumbnail view. Move the joystick up or down to highlight "Picture or Video." Press the "OK" button to delete the picture or video. Move the joystick up or down to highlight "All" and press "OK" to delete all pictures and videos from the camera. Move the joystick to highlight "Exit" and press the "OK" button to exit the "Delete" screen.

Tags: button camera, camera joystick, Display Info, Display Info button, Info button, joystick down, left right

Connect A Slingbox To A Wifi Phone

If you travel frequently or can't stand missing an episode of your favorite show, you can keep on top of television programming with a Slingbox. The Slingbox lets you stream the audio and video from your television to any computer or WiFi phone. You can change the channels, adjust the volume and even control a DVR using a Slingbox and your WiFi phone.

Instructions

Set Up Your Slingbox at Home

1. Connect your Slingbox to your video sources. You will need to unplug the audio and video cables from your television and then plug them into the Slingbox. Use the included audio and video cables to connect your Slingbox to your TV.

2. Connect your Slingbox to the Internet using the included network cable. You will need to connect your Slingbox to your router so that you can configure the Slingox using a computer connected to the same LAN.

3. Set up the Slingbox using the included software. Follow the instruction manual to configure the Slingbox so that it can be accessed over the Internet. This will install the SlingPlayer software on your computer, which allows you to watch television on your computer.

4. Test your control of the Slingbox. You should be able to change channels and adjust the volume while using the computer on which the SlingPlayer software was installed. Depending on the video sources you are installing, you may need to install the included IR blaster cables.

Configure Your WiFi Phone to Access Your Slingbox

5. Download the appropriate SlingPlayer Mobile software to your WiFi phone (see Resources below). Different versions of the software are available for WiFi phones using Windows and Palm operating systems. A free trial is included with the software, but you will need to purchase it to continue using it after your trial.

6. Set up the SlingPlayer Mobile software. You will need to enter the Finder ID that identifies your Slingbox and the password that you chose for your Slingbox.

7. Access the Internet using your WiFi phone. You may need to enable the WiFi connection and connect to an available wireless Internet connection.

8. Launch SlingPlayer Mobile on your WiFi phone.

Tags: Slingbox your, will need, your WiFi phone, audio video, SlingPlayer Mobile, WiFi phone, your Slingbox

Copy Videos From A Camcorder To Cds On A Jvc

Copying videos from your JVC camcorder is an easytask that almost anyone can do.

Copying videos from your JVC camcorder to a CD is quite a simple task that almost anyone can do. No matter what model number your JVC camcorder is, it should have come with a USB cable so it can be connected to your computer. If you do not have the USB cord, you will have to order a USB for your particular JVC camcorder model. Once you have the USB cable, you will need to first use the free software program Windows Movie Maker that comes with the Windows operating system to import the video to your computer.

Instructions

1. Launch Windows Movie Maker by clicking on the "Start" menu, "Programs" and then "Windows Movie Maker."

2. Connect the USB cable from your JVC camcorder to your computer. Once you've done this, Windows Movie Maker will recognize that a camcorder has been connected to your computer.

3. Click on the "Capture" option that is located on the left-hand side of the screen, and then "Capture from video device."

4. Click "Browse" and select the location for your file to be saved, such as "My Videos." Once you've selected a location, type in a file name for the name of your captured video. Click "Next."

5. Select "Best Quality" under the "Video Settings" menu, and then "Next."

6. Select the "Capture Method" as "Capture the entire tape automatically." Click on "OK" to begin the capture process. This will import your JVC camcorder video to your computer and automatically into Windows Movie Maker.

7. Click on "File" and then "Save Project to Disk" once your video has been captured and imported into Windows Movie Maker.

8. Type in the title for disk and then click on "Next."

9. Insert a blank writable CD into the CD/DVD-ROM drive of your computer. Click on "Save to Disk" for the burning process to begin. If your video file is too large, you might consider burning your JVC camcorder video to DVD instead of a CD.

10. Click "Done" once the burning process has been completed.

Tags: Movie Maker, Windows Movie, Windows Movie Maker, your camcorder, your computer

Transfer Pictures From A Sanyo Cell Phone

Most cell phones come with a built-in camera. Having a camera built into your phone allows for all sorts of photo opportunities when you would not otherwise have a camera on you. However, with the exception of sending pictures through a text message, the photos on your cell phone do not do a whole lot of good staying on your Sanyo cell phone. You need to move them to your computer if you intend to do anything with them. To remove photos from your cell phone and transfer them to your computer, you will need to purchase a data cable and data managing software, specific to your phone, which can be found at any cell phone retailer.

Instructions

1. Install and run the data software on your PC. (SnapMedia is one example of a program that can do the picture transfer.) To do this, place the CD in your disk drive. Click "Install" when prompted. Follow the on-screen instructions, which will vary, depending on the software, to complete the installation.

2. Connect the data cable to your phone and connect the USB end into the USB port on the computer. Check to see if the computer recognized the device. It should prompt you automatically to ask what you want to do.

3. Locate the pictures in your phone, using the software you purchased and download them to your computer.

4. Disconnect the data cable from the computer and then your phone, when you are finished.

Tags: your phone, data cable, them your, them your computer, your computer, cell phone