The RadioShack Pro-2017 desktop scanner supports up to 200 channels. To avoid having to program your frequencies into the scanner's channels one at a time, you can use your computer to upload multiple frequencies into the scanner all at once. With the help of the associated ProLink software, you can import frequency lists to the scanner or put together your own list of frequencies for upload from ProLink.
Instructions
1. Switch off your Pro-2017's power switch.
2. Connect your Pro-2017 to your computer via a 3.5 mm to DB-9 cable. Plug the 3.5 mm end of the cable into the headphone port on the back of the Pro-2017. Plug the DB-9 end of the cable into a serial port on the back of your computer.
3. Download a free copy of the ProLink software (see Resources). Install the program and then launch it.
4. Double-click on the fields in the program's main window to alter them. Key in the frequencies that you wish to program into the fields under the "Frequency" heading. Use the "Description" field to add a brief description of the adjacent frequency.
5. Change the fields below the "Delay," "Lockout" and "Priority" fields to "True" to add delay to the adjacent frequency, lock it out from scanning or set the frequency as a priority.
6. Press and hold the "9" and "Ent" keys on your Pro-2017 until the screen displays "wirED."
7. Click on the "Upload All" button back in the ProLink utility. Click "OK" when prompted.
Tags: your computer, your Pro-2017, adjacent frequency, cable into, DB-9 cable, frequencies into, frequencies into scanner
CCTV (closed circuit television) security cameras typically connect to a security monitor with a special connector called a BNC (British Naval Connector) cable. These monitors are expensive and can only be used in security applications. However, you can connect your TV to your security cameras by using an adapter and a video switcher. The switcher will allow you to switch between four or more cameras.
Instructions
1. Connect your security camera outputs to the inputs of the video switcher.
2. Connect the BNC-to-RCA adapter to the output of the video switcher. Many switchers have two outputs; you can use the second output to record to a DVR or a VCR. Keep in mind you will not be recording all four cameras simultaneously; your recorder will record only what is displayed on your TV. You also can use the second output to display your cameras on another TV.
3. Connect one end of the RCA male-to-male cable to the BNC-to-RCA adapter and the other end to the video input of your TV, which usually is the yellow connection port.
4. Turn on the video switcher.
5. Turn on your TV and use your remote control or menu button to navigate to the menu that allows you to select the video input. Select the input that you plugged the RCA cable into, either AUX 1, 2 or 3 or Line In.
6. Adjust the dwell time, which is how long the switcher displays each camera, or select one camera to monitor.
Tags: video switcher, BNC-to-RCA adapter, Hook Security, Hook Security Cameras, second output, security cameras
People wear a headset to free their hands while talking on the phone. Another reason to wear a headset is to listen to the conversation and hear it with no distractions from the noise in the room. Choose the type of headset most comfortable for your ear and wear it whenever you answer your phone.
Instructions
1. Choose the type of headset you want to wear. There are three basic types, the ones that go over your head, around your ear, or an ear bud that goes inside your ear.
2. Try on the headset before you buy it. You may not be comfortable with an ear bud even though they are convenient.
3. Grasp your headset that goes over the head with two hands. If this headset goes over both ears, hold the headset by the two earmuffs.
4. Pull the earmuffs apart until there is enough room to put it around your head. Place each earmuff completely over each ear. Make sure the headset is not too tight or too loose. Adjust to wear on your head by pulling the band out far enough to fit both ears or sliding the band back to make the fit more snug.
5. Place the earmuff over only one ear if you choose the headset that goes over the head but has one receiver. Grasp the headset by the one earmuff and grasp the other end. Place it on your head and make sure the one earmuff fits directly over whichever ear you want to use. Adjust the band looser or tighter as needed.
6. Take the over the ear headset in one hand. Place the earpiece against whichever ear you want to use. Now take the semi circle attached to the earpiece, and place this around your ear.
7. Select the ear bud type of headset. Pick it up with one hand and insert the bud directly into whichever ear you want to use. Do not force it into your ear but make sure it is in far enough that it will not fall out.
Tags: your head, around your, goes over, that goes, type headset, whichever want
Capacitors serve a vital role in many powerful car audio systems. Capacitors are installed in the power cable that runs between the car's battery and the system's amplifiers, and store power for quick release when the amplifier is running under a heavy load. In systems with multiple amplifiers, it may be necessary to hook up multiple capacitors to provide extra energy to the amplifiers.
Instructions
1. Disconnect the power line running from the battery to your amplifier at the battery end.
2. Cut the power line at the location you'll be installing the capacitors. It's best to install the capacitors within a few feet of the amplifier. Twist a power ring (see additional resources) onto each end of the cut wire.
3. Connect the ends of the wire to the input and output of the distribution block (see additional resources). Loosen the the screws on the distribution block, slide the power rings on and tighten the screws down.
4. Connect a piece of power cable with twist-on power rings on both ends onto the distribution terminals of the distribution block--one cable for each capacitor. Connect one end of the cable to the distribution block and the other end to the terminal of each capacitor.
Tags: distribution block, additional resources, each capacitor, power cable, power line, power rings
One-time-use disposable cameras are a useful invention for some quick memories. They are also an easy way for camera companies to make money by selling and reselling digital cameras and charging to download the pictures. You can get around this problem by converting your one-time-use digital camera into a camera that can be downloaded repeatedly--for free--from your home.
Instructions
1. Locate the sticker on the bottom of your disposable camera telling consumers that the camera cannot be hooked up to a computer or television.
2. Peel the sticker off to reveal the camera port underneath it. This is the connector that stores use to download the photos.
3. Take the USB cord with the Type B female connector on the end and cut off that connector with your pliers or wire cutter.
4. Strip about an inch of the insulation off of the USB cord so that four internal cords are exposed; there should be green, black, white and red wires.
5. Solder the wires onto the Palm m100 connector. The male end of the Palm series connector has 10 exposed pins on the outside. They are located on only one side of the connector, so they should not be hard to locate. Holding the connector in your left hand so that you see the pins (they are facing toward you), the top pin will be referred to as pin 1, the second one down will be pin 2 and so on. Solder the black wire of the USB cable to pin 1, the white wire to pin 2, the green wire to pin 3 and the red wire to pin 5 (you will skip pin 4).
6. Download and install PV2 Tools and Clear2Receive on your computer. You can transfer digital pictures to your computer with these two programs. (To download them for free, see the Resources section.) Both programs let you customize how and where you want the pictures displayed on your computer. Make sure to read the directions and installation manuals carefully before installing the files so that you know what they do and how they do it.
7. Take pictures on your camera, and once the camera is full, connect the camera to the computer with your homemade cord. Follow the onscreen instructions for downloading the pictures to your hard drive, and then deleting them from the camera. Once the pictures are deleted, use the camera to take more pictures; you can repeat the process as often as you want.
Tags: pictures your, your computer, computer with, connector that, Disposable Digital, Disposable Digital Cameras
Portable apps can be taken anywhere on a USB flash drive.
Making an application portable means that you're configuring a program to run without the need to formally install it on the computer. You can take the portable apps you create, load them up on flash drives or other removable media and operate them on any computer you choose. To make portable apps, you need the help of a file archiver freeware utility.
Instructions
1. Download the setup or installation "exe" file for a program that you'd like to make portable. Save the file to the desktop directory on your computer.
2. Double-click the setup "exe" file on your desktop to install the program on your computer. Select the desktop directory as the place to save the program's files. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
3. Double-click the program's folder name on your desktop to open it and view the contents. Look for and write down the name of the application "exe" file that runs the program. You can often identify the "exe" file because it may have a "unique" or custom icon. Right-click the file and select "Properties." Look for "Application" in the "Type of file" section to verify that this is the file that runs the program. Alternatively, double-click the file to open it to confirm that the program opens as it should.
4. Open a file archiver program, such as WinRAR, WinZip, 7-Zip or another file archiver utility. In the file archiver window, navigate to and open the desktop folder in which you stored the program's file that you want to make portable. Click each file in this folder, holding the "Shift" key to select multiple files, and click the "Add" or "New archive" option.
5. Type a name for the portable application in the "Archive name" section. Select the option to create an "SFX archive" or "self-extracting archive" to change the file extension to "exe."
6. Go into the "SFX options" section of the file archiver utility. In the "Run after extraction" section, type the name of the "exe" file that runs the program that you're making portable (e.g., program.exe). In the "Modes" section, select the "Unpack to temporary folder" and "Hide all" options. Click "Overwrite all files" in the "Overwrite mode" section. Click the "OK" or "Close" button to close the "SFX options" section.
7. Click the "OK" or "Create" option to create the archive application file.
8. Insert a USB flash drive into an available USB port on your computer. Open "My Computer" or "Computer." Click the archive application file created by the file archiver utility and drag it over the top of the drive letter of your flash drive in the "Devices with Removable Storage" section. This copies the file to your flash drive. Click the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon and click "eject" or "Safely remove" next to the name of your flash drive. Remove the flash drive from your computer.
9. Insert the USB flash drive that contains the archive application file into any computer on which you wish to run the program. Open the "My Computer" or "Computer" section. Double-click the drive letter of your USB flash drive to open it. Double-click the name of the file you created to open and run the portable application.
Tags: file archiver, flash drive, your flash drive, application file, file that
Radio waves travel 186,000 miles in one second (at the speed of light).
Analog radio signals cause characteristic changes, or modulations, in the radio waves that carry them: amplitude modulation (AM) and frequency modulation (FM). An old technology compared to newer digital signals such as satellite and high definition radio, differences that distinguish analog radio from digital radio include signal characteristics, sound clarity and cost.
Type of Signal Transmission
Carrier waves -- invisible forms of electricity and magnetism that travel wirelessly from radio broadcasting stations to radio receivers -- transmit AM, FM and digital HD radio programs. Digital signals transmit via pulses or digits of binary code, a language based on the numbers 0 and 1, before decoding.
Clarity of Sound
FM analog radio signals encounter interference when large objects such as mountains or buildings enter the intended path of travel, and cannot bend, unlike AM analog signals. An interrupted analog signal results in a crackling, unclear radio station. Digital radio signals generally don't experience interference errors, although bad weather can severely affect satellite stations.
Cost
Most perks have a catch. Satellite radio plays very few commercials, but there's a subscription fee and you must buy a satellite specific receiver. While free, traditional AM/FM radio and HD radio include commercial advertisements. To hear HD radio, you need a specific HD receiver. Digital HD receivers can play both analog and HD radio stations, but traditional analog receivers can stream only AM/FM stations.
Tags: analog radio, radio signals, radio include, specific receiver
Barrel racing, calf roping and bull riding could not be possible without a place to do it in. Enter the rodeo arena. Although cowboys, cowgirls and ranchers have been on the decline, there remains a steady enough throng of rodeo performers and competitors that the rodeo arena is still going strong. In some areas the rodeo arena is a permanent fixture, while others will set them up and then break them down to accommodate certain events.
Features
The most prominent feature of the rodeo arena is the performance area. This is the large central area, usually oblong and covered in dirt. The performance area is often bordered on one side by a chute for return of an animal without it having to walk back through the arena. Any number of holding pens, roping chutes, chute extensions, stripping chutes and other animal areas can also be attached to the outer edges of the arena. These are usually equipped with doors that can be quickly sprung open when an animal is needed in the central performance area. Bleachers or other seating units may be built up around the sides of the arena so people can easily watch the show.
Identification
The easiest way to identify a rodeo arena is by the smell. The scent of horses, cattle, popcorn and lots of sweat will be wafting through the air. The tromping hooves, screaming crowds and loudspeaker announcements will be other dead giveaways. For arenas that are empty, folks can bet a space that measures at least 100 feet long by 150 feet wide, is covered in dirt and contains bleachers and chutes and pens for livestock is most likely a rodeo arena. Like other sports venues, advertisements, billboards and scoreboards may also be pegged or painted in highly visible areas.
Geography
Permanent rodeo arenas are a staple in the Southwest and other states where rodeo is a big draw. New Mexico, Texas and Wyoming are states where rodeo arenas can be found on many college campuses, fairgrounds and other areas where there's enough space and desire to accommodate them. Folks won't usually find a rodeo arena in places like the heart of New York City, although a temporary one can definitely be set up in areas like Madison Square Garden when the rodeo comes to town.
Considerations
Mobile rodeo arenas are available for use in shows that like to travel. The mobile versions will often be made of a series of metal or other gate-like units which can be set up in any desired location to create a full arena. Mobile arenas can be broken down and packed into the back of a large truck in segments for storage and transporting to the next gig. Pieces of the unit can be left out or rearranged for a smaller or slightly different setup.
Function
Some rodeo arenas can host a variety of different rodeo or even non-rodeo events. These can include beauty pageants, pet shows, animal contests and other spectator sports. Others are set up with specific functions in mind. An example of this is the bull riding arena, which differs from the generic rodeo arena in several ways. The shape of the bull arena is less narrow, creating more of a square than the rectangle found in other rodeo arenas. The bull arena will also have a set series of chutes at one end, where about six bulls can be kept and ready to go.
Bluetooth technology frees your Dell Axim from wires. You can take it almost anywhere and still stay in touch with friends or do business in the car. You can even dance the samba while checking your email. Configuring a Bluetooth connection on the Axim X3, X5, X30 and X50 models is pretty simple. Follow these steps to configure Bluetooth on a Dell Axim X3, X5, X30 or X50.
Instructions
1. Turn on your Axim to access the "Today" screen. Or, when the Axim is on, tap the "Start" button with your stylus. Then tap "Today" to get to the screen.
2. Look at the right-hand side of the lower portion of the "Today" screen. Find the "Bluetooth" icon, which looks a little like an angular capital "B." Tap this icon to get a pop-up menu.
3. Pick the "Bluetooth Manager" from the pop-up menu. Then tap "New" to get connected to another Bluetooth-enabled device.
4. Use your stylus to select "Explore a Bluetooth Device." This will display a list of the Bluetooth devices in range. Find the device you want to connect with on the list and tap its name.
5. Choose the service you want to use to establish the connection. Tap "Finish" to end the configuration process.
6. Find the newly-created connection under "My Shortcuts." Tap "Connect" to bring the connection to life.
Tags: Dell Axim, Today screen, Bluetooth Dell, Bluetooth Dell Axim, pop-up menu, your stylus
All 35mm film processing techniques are done in a dark room.
Building your own dark room at home is a great way to have control over how your film is processed. All processes of developing 35mm film involve submerging the film in a series of chemical baths. The 35mm film developing process you use is determined by what type of film you are using and what outcome you want.
About
When you take a photograph, the shutter of the camera opens for a split second to allow light to penetrate the film within the camera. This light creates a latent image on the film, which the film processing technique then turns into a positive image and makes the film insensitive to light to prevent further exposure. Black and white and color film comes in reversal and negative options. Reversal film creates a positive image on the film when it is developed, creating a slide, while negative film creates a reverse image on the film so that it can be printed onto photo paper.
Black and White Negative Processing
Black and white negative processing is one of the most simple 35mm processing techniques and is taught in beginning photography classes. The film is removed from its spool and placed in a developing container in a dark room. The film is then subjected to the chemical bath process. First the developer is poured into the container to transform the silver gelatin layer into an image. Next the stop bath is added to cease the development process. The film is then rinsed with water or a fixer. The negatives are hung up to dry, cut and then placed in an enlarger to make prints.
Color Negative Processing
Most color 35mm film is processed using the C-41 technique, whether it is processed in a dark room or by a commercial developer. The C-41 begins like the black and white negative technique with placing the film in a developing canister. Developer is then added to the canister, but unlike the black and white developer, the color chemical has byproducts that activate the color dyes to create a color image. The film is then washed in a bleach which functions as a stop bath for the color and negative developing. It is then washed in fixer, then water, and is then hung up to dry.
Reversal Processing
The black and white reversal processing technique follows the same initial steps as the negative processing technique. However, after the stop bath, a bleach is added to the developing canister to remove the negative image, leaving only a latent positive image. The film is then fogged chemically, exposing a positive image, and then processed again using the developer, stop bath and fixer. A similar technique is employed for developing color film. This is called the E-6 process, as it generally contains six steps: developer, stop bath, reversal bath, color developer, bleach bath and finally a fixer bath.
Tags: image film, stop bath, dark room, film then, positive image
RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification, and describes one form of a technology, known as automatic identification and data capture (AIDC), which uses radio frequency signals to transmit information. RFID is used to identify objects, animals and people in applications including agriculture, manufacturing and transportation; motor vehicles fitted with RFID tags, for example, can pass through highway tolls without stopping, reducing congestion.
History
The history of RFID can be traced back to World War II, when it was used by the British to identify enemy aircraft. The technology was first used commercially in the 1970s and 1980s and entered a new era in 1998, when researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology started to investigate how objects could be identified and tracked using radio frequencies and how the information could be shared with business partners in real time.
Components
An RFID system consists of a tag or transponder -- a tiny silicon microchip, less than two hundredths of an inch across, attached to a small, flat aerial -- a reader or interrogator and a host computer. The RFID tag is attached to the object to be identified and contains a unique identification number, known as an Electronic Product Code. The reader sends and receives radio frequency signals to and from the tag and passes the data to the host computer, where it is processed into useful information by specialized RFID software.
Benefits
Radio frequency signals can penetrate many materials, so unlike optical AIDC technologies such as bar codes, RFID does not require direct line-of-sight between the tag and the reader. This means RFID tags can be read quickly, without the need for repositioning of the object to be identified. Furthermore, radio frequency signals can be received effectively over a distance of several yards under normal operating conditions.
Active and Passive Tags
An active RFID tag employs an internal battery to power its onboard circuitry and to communicate with the reader. Active RFID tags can communicate over longer distances than passive RFID tags, but are physically larger and more expensive. A passive RFID tag has no power supply of its own and relies on the energy of the transmissions it receives from the reader for communication. It has a limited operating range compared with an active RFID tag, but is correspondingly smaller, lighter and cheaper; depending on the precise application, the physical size and weight of the tag can be highly significant.
Tags: frequency signals, RFID tags, active RFID, host computer, object identified
Hybrids include a SIM card to connect to Nextel Direct Connect.
Resetting account settings on a Sprint-Nextel hybrid phone is necessary if you are experiencing difficulties and need to do a full reset of your device. Resetting the phone is also necessary if you plan to sell it or give it to someone else in your family. Upon resetting the phone, all contacts and multimedia content stored on the phone is deleted, and the SIM card can be swapped to associate the phone with another Nextel Direct Connect account. Note that these instructions are applicable only to the two Sprint-Nextel hybrid phones: the ic502 and the ic902, both manufactured by Motorola.
Instructions
1. Press the "Menu" button at the center of the navigation keys.
2. Highlight "Settings/Tools" and press "OK."
3. Open the "Settings" menu and then open the "Security" menu. Enter your reset code when prompted. By default, the lock code is the last four digits of your mobile phone number.
4. Highlight "Reset Settings" and press "OK."
5. Select the "Phone Reset" option and press "OK."
6. Press "Yes," which corresponds with the left softkey on the ic502 or ic902.
7. Wait for the phone to reset, after which it reboots to the home screen. Resetting the phone resets account settings and resets the Nextel Direct Connect feature, so you can swap the Nextel Direct Connect SIM card for another one. Note that to remove a Sprint-Nextel hybrid phone from your account, you must dial "*2" to speak with customer service. Although the ic502 or ic902 can be removed from the Direct Connect network by removing the SIM card, the Sprint voice and data services must be turned off by customer service.
Tags: Direct Connect, Nextel Direct, Nextel Direct Connect, ic502 ic902, Sprint-Nextel hybrid, customer service
A plasma TV can make the perfect addition to your home theater system, as well as a focal point in any room in which it is placed. With the many connections available on most plasma televisions, you should carefully plan how you will hook up your monitor. Rather than haphazardly connecting your video devices to your plasma TV, you can strategically hook up your screen so it will be much easier to operate in the future.
Instructions
Prepare Your Plasma TV for Viewing
1. Mount your plasma TV. You can use the desktop mount included with your plasma TV or purchase a wall mount to hang your plasma TV. If you use wall-mount hardware, make sure you mount the brackets to the studs in the wall. Your television will immediately fall if you don't screw the mounts into the studs.
2. Connect the necessary video cables to your plasma TV to hook the TV up to each of your audio and video sources. Many of these sources offer multiple types of connections. Choose the option that will allow you to simultaneously connect as many of your video sources as possible.
3. Hook the video cables up to your video sources. This will ensure that the video sources and plasma TV are close enough for the cables to reach.
4. Plug in the surge protector to connect your video sources and plasma TV to the electrical outlet. In addition to providing you with additional electrical outlets, a surge protector can shield your video sources and plasma TV in the event of an electrical spike.
5. Turn on the power for your plasma TV to test your video connections. You should cycle through all of the video connections to ensure that each device is hooked up correctly.
Tags: video sources, your plasma, your video, your video sources, sources plasma, video sources plasma, cables your
The TomTom GO 910 is truly a premier in-dash GPS product from a company that leads in GPS retail. The GO 910 model combines the power of GPS for mapping with convenient extra features for communicating and file storage that will make your drive a whole new experience. The TomTom GO 910, with its touch-screen interface and bluetooth connectivity, gives you a nearly hands-free way of multi-tasking on the road.
Instructions
1. Navigate Canada, the United States, and Europe with TomTom's extensive mapping system. Door to door maps come packed onto the model's hard disc. Use the touch screen to access them, or let the voice-driven navigator dictate directions to you.
2. Customize your model's voice. With 50 voices in 36 different languages, it's a pretty sure bet the TomTom can give you instructions for the North American and European regions in a way you'll understand. The voice-driven element has the capacity to rattle off street names or read your text messages to you.
3. Use the TomTom GO 910's hands free calling feature to send and receive calls as you drive. This feature provides more safety for those who have to do their calling from the road. Use bluetooth connections to set up this feature of the device.
4. Use the extra storage (20 gigabytes) and built-in mp3 player to get a soundtrack for the road. The TomTom GO 910 can hold all your favorite songs as well as pictures and other files for on-the-go use.
5. Get extra features like "Real-time traffic." This option, available for an extra fee, gives up to date information about roadway status. Other options include "real-time weather" forecasts for the days ahead.
The Digital Conversion Act ended the transmission of analog television signals in 2009. A high-definition antenna is designed to pick up high-definition video and digital signals over the air. Digital and HD channels have the advantage of looking clean and crisp. You can receive digital signals on any TV that has digital or HD capabilities. However, if you have an older TV you will need a digital conversion box before you can receive digital TV from your DTV antenna. A high-definition antenna can work only with a digital or HD television.
Instructions
1. Locate the coaxial connection on the back of the TV. This is a round, threaded metal connector.
2. Screw the coaxial connector on the high-definition antenna into the port on the TV. Inset the small wire protruding from the end of the cable into the tiny hole. With your fingers or pliers, tighten the connection.
3. Plug the hi-def antenna into an outlet if necessary; some HD antennas need electric power and others do not. Check your manual or inspect your HD antenna.
4. Turn on the TV. Channel-surf to check signal strength.
5. Adjust your DTV antenna to receive the strongest signal. Some high-definition antennas have knobs to modify the signal. Others may have "rabbit ears" or another regulating device. Check your specific high-definition antenna model and adjust accordingly.
BWMR2
Tags: high-definition antenna, your antenna, antenna into, Check your, digital signals, receive digital
You can find photography equipment in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer to shop at a retail store, or look for bargains online, finding photography equipment doesn't need to be difficult. Watch for legitimate offers, and quality products by sticking to these tips for finding photography equipment.
Instructions
1. Visit your local photo processing lab. Ask the associates if they sell photography equipment. Often mini photo labs offer a limited amount of equipment as a service to their customers. Purchasing batteries, camera straps, film and media cards at photo labs should be easy. A few cameras, lenses, cleaning supplies and instructional books are usually available at larger photo labs.
2. Read trade magazines. Photography related journals and magazines offer advertising to photography equipment retailers. Filling the pages of these magazines are offers for a variety of equipment from lighting, to camera bodies, props and photographic services. Look at the back of the magazine for a collection of ads with new and used photography equipment for sale.
3. Go to the Internet and search online photography retailers. Many brick and mortar stores also offer an online version of their services and products. Many of these websites list their available merchandise and offer online ordering. Finding photography equipment on these websites is easy, because it is categorized and well organized.
4. Browse online auction sites to find used, and new, photography equipment. Private parties and retailers often use this method as another way to sell their equipment. Watch for return policies, U.S.-based warranties and customer service contact information.
5. Check your local newspaper. Professional photographers, college photography students and hobbyists need to sell and upgrade their equipment on a regular basis. Find photography equipment for sale by local people in your hometown newspaper.
6. Visit local pawn shops. Surrendering high valued electronics, such as photography equipment, is common, at pawn shops. Check the equipment over for damage, and ask if it works. Ask if there is a return policy in place if the equipment malfunctions.
7. Call local colleges. Ask for the art and journalism departments. Talk with the photography instructors. When a class ends, students that don't continue on with their photography often look for buyers of their used equipment. Usually this equipment has not been used much, and can be a great value.
The App Store is one of the fun things about owning an iPhone, iPod touch or an iPad. No matter what your interests, there is almost certainly an app available--more than 100,000 and counting. The good news is many apps are free...from simple word processors and games to utilities to simplify your life.
Instructions
1. Create an Apple ID. If you have never downloaded an app before from the App Store, you will need an Apple ID to access the store's content. Visit the Apple "MyInfo" page online (See "Resources") and click the "Don't Have an Apple ID?" link. Enter your name, address and a user name and password. You will must provide a credit card.
Note: Even if you are downloading a free app free, credit card information must be on file to register the Apple ID. Your credit card will only be charged if you download a paid App.
2. Go to your iPhone/iPod Touch's home screen and press the "App Store" icon.
Note: if you are using an iPod Touch, you will need a Wi-Fi network connection to access the store.
3. Search for free apps, which you can do in several different ways.
Press the "Top 25" button in the App Store and then press "Top Free" at the top of the screen to browse the most downloaded free apps. You also can use the search option to find a specific free app (type in the topic + free) or just type "Free" in the search box and all the free apps will come up for you to browse.
4. Tap an app to view more information. If you want the app, press the "Free" button, followed by the "Install" button to initiate the download. A pop-up window will appear, asking for your Apple ID and password. Enter the information and press "OK". You will be redirected to your iPhone/iPod Touch home screen, where an icon will appear for your free App. The status bar shows when the download is complete.
A dual ohm subwoofer, more commonly called a dual-voice coil (DVC) subwoofer, allows the user to select from one of two different wiring patterns to create a subwoofer with differing impedances. A DVC subwoofer wired in parallel will yield an impedance that is half of the impedance of the individual voice coils. When wired in series, it will present an impedance of twice that of the individual voice coils. For example, a dual 4-ohm voice coil subwoofer will yield an impedance of 2 ohms when wired in parallel and 8 ohms when wired in series.
Instructions
Wiring a DVC Subwoofer in Parallel
1. Cut two lengths of speaker wire. The first must be long enough to reach from the amplifier to the subwoofer, and the second must be long enough to reach from the subwoofer's first set of speaker terminals to its second set.
2. Connect a length of speaker wire from the outputs of the amplifier to the first set of terminals on the subwoofer. Connect the positive terminal of the amplifier to the positive terminal of the subwoofer, and then the negative to the negative.
3. Connect a second length of speaker wire from the first set of speaker terminals on the subwoofer to the second set. Connect the positive terminal to the positive terminal, and the negative to the negative. This completes wiring the DVC subwoofer in parallel.
Wiring a DVC Subwoofer in Series
4. Cut two lengths of speaker wire. The first must be long enough to reach from the amplifier to the subwoofer, and the second must be long enough to reach from the subwoofer's first set of speaker terminals to its second set.
5. Connect a length of speaker wire from the outputs of the amplifier to the first set of terminals on the subwoofer. Connect the positive terminal of the amplifier to the positive terminal of the subwoofer, and then the negative to the negative.
6. Connect a second length of speaker wire from the first set of speaker terminals on the subwoofer to its second set. Connect the positive terminal to the negative terminal, and the negative to the negative. This completes wiring the DVC subwoofer in series.
Compact audio CD players emerged on the market designed to replace the ever-popular Sony Walkman audio cassette player. CDs did not break or become damaged in CD players and the sound quality was exceptional.
Audio Quality
CD quality music far exceeded the quality of audio cassettes, which boosted the popularity of portable CD devices.
Size
The first portable CD players, introduced by Sony, were large and bulky. Portability was an issue.
Skipping
Compact CD players use lasers to read the data contained on the CD and play the music. When the device was jostled or bumped, the laser would skip or fail to read at all, making compact CD players unreliable. Buffer technology attempted to correct this.
Battery Consumption
Battery consumption made compact CD devices impractical to use long-term. Most ran on AA batteries, which were drained quickly, making the device difficult to use in remote locations.
Data Storage
CDs were not able to hold much more data than a standard cassette, making it difficult to carry a music library. It was this issue that ultimately killed portable CD technology and gave birth to the MP3 device.
Over the course of a Palm TX's life, you should never have to remove the battery. However, after the warranty has expired you might want to replace the battery yourself. This difficult task requires you to follow in-depth instructions. Once you have removed the battery, follow these steps to insert a replacement.
Instructions
1. Determine whether it's worth it. Opening your Palm TX voids your warranty. If anything goes wrong, you will have to pay the company to fix it. If your Palm TX is still covered by warranty, let Palm fix it.
2. Consider your usage. Your battery life will degrade over time but that's not the only reason your battery won't last the five days advertised. Using lots of applications and Wi-Fi will drain the battery significantly faster. Only open up your Palm TX if you are in dire need of a replacement battery.
3. Get a kit. You can buy a replacement battery alone, but it's unlikely you'll have the know-how or the tools to install it. You can get the kit online by doing an internet search on, "replacement battery" using Google or Yahoo!. Order a kit that has a battery, tools and detailed instructions.
4. Pay someone to do it. For about $10 you can usually find a vendor that will install the battery for you.
5. Send it into Palm. You can still get a battery replaced from Palm after your warranty expires, but the company will charge you.
Tags: replacement battery, your Palm, Palm still, your warranty
Hook up a Canon E53 to a PC with composite cables.
The Canon E53 is an 8mm analog camcorder manufactured in the early 1990s for the consumer home video market. The camera uses standard 8mm videocassettes to record picture and sound. The outputs consist of a an RCA-type video jack and a mono audio jack using standard composite AV cables. The E53 can connect to a computer video card with a set of these cables. The PC must have video recording software installed to copy the footage and store it on the hard drive.
Instructions
1. Plug the yellow video cable and the white audio cable into the matching color AV jacks on the side of the Canon E53 by lifting the protective cover off the jacks with a thumbnail. The red audio cable is not used because the E53 records in mono.
2. Insert the yellow video plug on the other end of the cable into the "video IN" jack on the computer's video capture card located on the back of the computer.
3. Connect the white audio plug to the matching audio jack on the computer.
4. Turn on the Canon E53 and the computer. Launch the recording software by double-clicking the name of the program on the computer.
5. Play back an 8mm tape on the E53 by turning the slide switch on the camera to playback from record, then click the "Record" button on the computer software.
Unlike traditional film-based cameras, both Polaroid instant cameras and digital cameras are able to produce instant results, making photography quick and easy. However, the two formats have many important differences. As digital photography continues to increase in popularity, Polaroid instant cameras are becoming a rare sight.
Quality
In terms of image quality, most consumer-level digital cameras surpassed the clarity and color reproduction of Polaroid instant cameras sometime in the early 2000s. While the earliest digital cameras produced low-quality images, the continued advancement of the design of image sensors had led to ever-increasing megapixel resolutions. Digital cameras also allow users to perform a number of adjustments, unlike the simple controls on a Polaroid instant camera. Digital photos can be further enhanced by using image-editing software.
Cost
Even the most basic digital cameras are likely to cost more than a Polaroid instant camera, though digital camera costs are frequently being lowered as new models are made available for sale. Another key difference between the formats is the need to constantly reload film in a Polaroid camera, whereas a digital camera with even a modestly sized memory card is capable of storing dozens of images. The cost of film may make a Polaroid instant camera more expensive to use than a digital camera over long periods of time, even if you turn digital images into high-quality prints.
Availability
Perhaps the biggest difference between Polaroid instant cameras and digital cameras today is the availability of media. Polaroid instant film is no longer manufactured by Polaroid itself, and finding it can be a difficult and expensive proposition. Meanwhile, the price of SD memory cards has plummeted in recent years, making digital photography more affordable than ever. New printers and digital display solutions make digital photography an even more appealing replacement to Polaroid.
Use By Artists
The availability of professional digital camera models has led many art photographers to make the transition from film to digital, though few of these artists would have used Polaroid instant cameras in the first place due to their low level of image quality and the lack of a photographic negative for making multiple prints. Some artists today use Polaroid instant film as a reference to amateur, low-fidelity technology that is already somewhat archaic or nostalgic. One advantage Polaroid still holds is the archival quality of its instant prints, which may last far longer than even good-quality digital prints before colors begin to fade or the paper deteriorates.
Potential
The limited availability of Polaroid instant film makes digital photography a far more convenient, inexpensive solution to picture taking for the vast majority of photographers. Polaroid photography has developed a dedicated Internet following, producing numerous petitions aimed at getting Polaroid to reinstate its instant film production. Meanwhile, third-party manufacturers have made plans to produce the film but none have done so on a mass scale able to supply photographers sufficiently. New digital cameras with instant printing capability, including one from Polaroid itself, may be the near-future replacement that sees digital photography take on yet another new task.
Tags: Polaroid instant, digital photography, instant cameras, Polaroid instant cameras, digital camera, instant film
BlackBerry phones are handy in many ways. Besides being a phone, a BlackBerry provides access to email, Internet, personal calendars and more, so the battery can wear down quickly. Learn to charge your BlackBerry on a computer and add just one more convenience to the device's already wonderfully long list of benefits.
Instructions
1. Make sure you have a computer with either a full power supply or one that connects directly to an outlet. The BlackBerry will eventually draw its charge from the computer, draining its power supply if limited.
2. Get a USB cord and make sure it fits securely into the BlackBerry and the computer slot.
3. Install the USB Drivers using Windows Update if you have not already done so. To check if you have drivers installed, look in the "Device Manager" folder by going to "My Computer" and right click to bring up a small sub-menu.
4. Choose "Properties" and click on the "Hardware Tab" where the first section is "Device Manager." Click the large button, find "Universal Serial Bus" controllers and verify that you have the driver installed.
5. Plug the BlackBerry into the USB cable, and then connect it to the computer. Wait for the computer to automatically detect that you connected a new device. If the driver isn't on the computer, it will ask if you would like to install the appropriate drivers.
6. Complete the installation of the drivers if necessary and leave the BlackBerry plugged into the computer. Check the screen and the battery icon for the lightening sign that indicates charge of power going to the BlackBerry.
Tags: BlackBerry computer, Device Manager, power supply
Increase your Rogue's memory capacity with a new microSD card.
The microSD card is typically not included with the Samsung Rogue and needs to be purchased separately. If your Rogue did come with a microSD card, it may have a reduced storage capacity. Purchasing your own microSD card greatly increases the available memory on your phone, providing more space to store your pictures, music, videos and so on.
Instructions
1. Turn off the phone. When inserting or removing a microSD card with your Samsung Rogue, it is advisable to turn off the phone. Hold down the power button and turn off the Rogue before proceeding.
2. Remove and rotate the microSD card cover out of the way. The cover is located on the right side of the phone (when viewing the screen) toward the bottom.
3. Insert the microSD card into the phone. It is critical to ensure that the "microSD" logo on the card is facing up (same side as screen). Press in the card into the slot until you feel it lock into replace.
4. Replace the card cover to keep dirt and debris out of the device.
5. Reverse the directions to remove the microSD card from the Samsung Rogue. Note that after removing the card cover, you will need to press in on the microSD card to get it to eject from the phone.
Tags: microSD card, Samsung Rogue, card cover, card into, with microSD, with microSD card, your Rogue
The right settings can freeze a fast-moving subject.
Fast moving objects provide an interesting dilemma for amateur photographers who aren't accustomed to tinkering with the settings on their cameras. While the default settings might produce acceptable quality, the image will turn out much better if you are able to adjust the shutter speed, ISO and aperture to the optimal settings. The Nikon D40X features a robust menu system you can use to easily tweak your camera to give you the best possible image.
Instructions
1. Turn the power switch on the D40X clockwise to turn on the camera. The power switch is located above the shutter release button on the right side of the camera.
2. Push down on the flash chamber, at the top of the camera, to close it. As long as this chamber is closed, the flash will not fire. If the chamber was already closed, continue on to the next step.
3. Turn the mode dial, located on the right side of the camera at the top, so that the "M" is next to the line on the left side of the dial. This will put the camera into "Manual" mode and permit you to alter the image settings on your D40X.
4. Press the "Info" button, just under the shutter release, to bring up the shooting information display on the LCD.
5. Turn the command dial, located near the top of the camera on the right side, to adjust the shutter speed. The shutter speed is listed in the middle of the LCD, just to the right of the large shutter circle. Rotate the device until it reads "500," which represents a shutter speed of 1/500 of a second. The D40X can go down to 1/4000 of a second but you will need bright light on the subject for the image to come out at that speed. If you are in good light, consider reducing the shutter speed to freeze fast motion better.
6. Press and hold the "+/-" button, just below the shutter release, while you turn the command dial to change the F/Stop setting on the D40X. This number is listed to the right of the shutter speed on the LCD. Choose "F/1," which is the largest aperture setting on the D40X.
7. Press the magnifying glass, on the left side of the LCD, to access the menu on the right side of the display. Scroll down to "ISO" and press "OK." Scroll down to "1600" and press "OK" to set the ISO. The ISO determines the sensitivity of the camera's sensor; higher numbers mean a more sensitive sensor.
8. Point the D40X at your subject. Press the shutter release halfway down to focus on the subject, then push it the rest of the way to take your picture. With fast-moving subjects, ensure that not much time passes between when you half-press the shutter release and when you take the picture, as the subject can move out of focus.
Understand important digital camera features before you purchase your next camera.features
Whether you want a $300 point-and-shoot compact or a high-end $2,000 dSLR digital camera, there are a few things you should know before you make your purchase. Most digital cameras have similar features. Three important factors to consider when buying a digital camera are megapixels, zoom capability and automatic control.
Megapixels
A pixel is a dot of information, and a megapixel (MP) is one million pixels. The megapixel designation is the number of individual image pixels that the largest-size image will contain. For example, 6-MP cameras will produce images that consist of six million pixels. The average consumer usually thinks that the more megapixels a camera has, the better the picture quality. This is not exactly true, but megapixels are important. They are important in print quality, especially if you want to crop a digital photograph. Cropping a photograph removes hundreds of thousands of pixels from the original image. Cropping also rearranges the megapixels and spreads them out over the original size of the photo, which reduces the image quality. For most consumers who will print photos up to 8x10 inches, a camera with 5 or 6 megapixels will be sufficient. If you will be printing images larger than 8x10 inches, then you will want to buy a camera that has 8 to 10 megapixels.
Zoom Capability
Optical zoom magnification is achieved by a physical orientation of the camera lens. Optical zoom does not diminish the quality of the photograph, because the full capacity of the sensor is used. Digital zoom is magnification of the center of the image, but it does not increase the detail of the photograph. As you zoom in closer using the digital zoom, an increasingly small portion of the image sensor is used to record the image. This means that using digital zoom on a 3-MP camera focuses on the center of the image and will magnify only those pixels. The greater the digital zoom factor, the lower the quality because fewer pixels are used create the photograph.
Most compact cameras have an optical zoom factor of 3X, and some of the more expensive models have an optical zoom up to 7X. The difference between the two zoom factors is that a 7X zoom provides a much closer and more detailed photograph of an object than a 3X zoom does. In contrast to compact cameras with a fixed lens that cannot be changed, a digital single lens reflex (SLR) camera is completely dependent on the lens that is mounted on the camera body. dSLR cameras can be expensive, with many consumer models starting at around $400. If you plan to do a lot of close-up shots, then select a camera with a higher optical zoom or a dSLR. You also might want to consider using a macro photography lens kit for the best possible photographs.
Full and Automatic Control
Most consumers want a camera that is easy to use. The camera industry responded by creating what is known as the "point-and-shoot" compact camera. Most point-and-shoot cameras are inexpensive compared to dSLR cameras and are loaded with numerous automatic functions. The better point-and-shoot models provide "scene" modes that are camera presets for a particular type of photography. Preset modes are fully automatic so that the user only needs to point the camera and press the shutter. Standard preset modes are landscape, portrait, sports, close-up, sunset and night landscape.
The dSLR camera offers more flexibility, because the photographer can change lenses depending on the kind of photograph that she is shooting. Manual features allow the photographer to determine the exposure time, aperture (to refine images), a range of ISO settings to accommodate low to bright light and other settings. Manual cameras are more appropriate for the experienced amateur or the professional photographer. Most digital SLR cameras also provide automatic settings like the smaller compact cameras do.
Tags: compact cameras, digital camera, digital zoom, 8x10 inches, camera features, camera that, camera with
Digital projectors have many uses. In the office, projectors will display presentations on a wall or screen for a group of people to view at an important meeting. They can also be used to create a theater experience in the comfort of your home. Instead of watching movies or playing video games on a small television, you can view them several times larger with the help of a digital projector. Some projectors are better than others for these purposes.
Instructions
1. Make sure the digital projector has connections for the hardware with which you intend to use it. To hook it up to a computer, make sure that it has a monitor jack. Ensure the projector has inputs for HDMI, composite and component cables if you're using it for your home theater.
2. Consider the purpose of the digital projector when you choose a resolution. Office presentations featuring simple graphics or words do not need a high resolution. If you're interested in high-definition gaming or HD movies, pick a digital projector with a resolution from 720p to 1080p.
3. Buy a projector with a brightness based on where you intend to use it. Large conference rooms or auditoriums need a brightness of more than 3,000 lumens, while an in-home entertainment room should have a brightness level between 1,000 and 3,000 lumens.
4. Pick a digital projector with an adjustable lens. This way, you can change the focus of the unit to improve the contrast of the projected image without moving the projector itself. This is especially important for smaller rooms or areas with limited places to mount the projector.
5. Consider the price of replacement lamps when picking out a digital projector. The light bulb inside the unit will only last between 2,000 and 4,000 hours of use before needing replacement. As of 2010, prices usually ranged from $250 and $1,000 for replacement lamps. Buy a digital projector that provides inexpensive lamps to save money in the future.
Tags: digital projector, projector with, digital projector, digital projector with, replacement lamps, your home
Among its lineup of trimmers, construction tools, augers, pruners and hand tools, equipment manufacturer Stihl offers a robust line of chainsaws. According to the manufacturer, Stihl produces the bestselling brand of chainsaw in the world. These saws range from consumer-grade occasional use devices to heavy-duty professional gear and electric models. Stihl's chainsaw offerings may change over time as the company continues to evolve.
Occasional Use
As of 2011, Stihl offers a dozen different occasional use chainsaws. These saws focus on the basics, offering a stable power-to-weight ratio and accessible features like the Stihil Easy2Start starting system. Stihl's occassional-use chainsaws range from the basic MS 170, which features an IntelliCarb compensating carburetor and an anti-vibration system, to the fully-featured MS 250 C-BE, which offers a toolless quick chain adjustment feature, a purge pump primer and a carburetor preheat shutter for extreme weather operation. Most of Stihl's basic occasional use saws feature spark arrestor mufflers, chain brake systems, front and rear hand guards, protected spark plugs and polymer housings.
Mid-Range
Stihl's 2011 line of mid-range chainsaws, which gear towards farmers and landscapers with a need to cut down big trees and limbs, includes seven models. The compact entry-level MS 271 features reduced-emissions technology, preseparation air filtration, toolless fuel and oil caps and a side-access chain tensioner. At the top of the mid-range heap, the Stihl MS 391 adds an improved fuel consumption to power ratio, fuel and oil cap retainers and an IntelliCarb compensating carburetor. These saws focus on felling trees, cutting firewood and cleaning up storm damage.
Professional Use
For logging, land clearing and tree service professionals, Stihl offers a dozen professional-grade saws, from the compact and lightweight MS 261 to the heavy-duty MS 880, a large saw that accommodates guide bars up to 59 inches and features an extended chip deflector, an ElastoStart starter handle and a one-piece cast muffler. The MS 192 T C-E and MS 200 T cater to tree service professionals with features like top handles and built-in retractable carry rings. The company's most heavy-duty saw, the Stihl MS 469 R Magnum "Rescue" model, caters exclusively to fire and rescue personnel. This high-powered saw features a wrap handle, a segmented carbide chain, built-in tool holder, automatic chain oiler and special muffler shield.
Electric
Electric chainsaws by Stihl focus on environmental friendliness, offering low emissions operation. The quiet MSE 140 C-BQ caters to the occasional user, featuring a wide trigger switch and coast-down brake in addition to the standard chain braking feature. For mid-range applications, the similar MSE 180 C-BQ adds a thermal overload cutoff switch and quick chain adjustment options to the proceedings. Sithl offers the MSE 220 to professionals seeking an electric choice. This saw has more torque than the MSE 220 and adds a side-access chain tensioner, oil level inspection window, trigger switch lockout and slip clutch.
Tags: Stihl offers, These saws, chain adjustment, chain tensioner, compensating carburetor, features like
Smoke detectors make excellent hiding spaces for surveillance cameras because they are unobtrusive. A camera hidden in the smoke detector can use the battery supply for transmitting a wireless signal, which is not impeded by the plastic components of the smoke detector. It only takes a few minutes to hide a wireless surveillance camera in a smoke detector, and the camera can then keep an eye on your home or work area. The only thing needed besides the surveillance camera is a screwdriver and some duct tape. The hidden surveillance camera can easily be removed at a later time to return the smoke detector back to its normal operation.
Instructions
1. Use the Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws holding the smoke detector to the wall or ceiling. Then remove the the screws holding the top shell of the smoke detector to the bottom.
2. Attach the clip from one power wire coming from the wireless surveillance camera to the positive lead of the battery inside the smoke detector. Attach the clip from the other power wire to the negative lead of the battery inside the smoke detector.
3. Use the Phillips screwdriver to push out the "test" button from the top shell of the smoke detector. Place the lens of the wireless surveillance camera against the hole left behind. Tape the wireless surveillance camera against the top shell of the smoke detector.
4. Reassemble the top shell to the bottom of the smoke detector. Reattach the smoke detector to the wall or ceiling. Your hidden camera is now ready to use.
Camera equipment can often confuse the less-experienced photographer with complex specifications and lens types. USM is one such acronym that can be found on newer lenses. It refers to Canon's implementation of a specific improvement in lens technology. Understanding the benefits can help make crucial lens decisions a bit easier.
Definition
USM stands for "Ultra Sonic Motor" and is the name given to a type of motor found in some Canon 35mm lenses. USM is used only with respect to the Canon brand. There are more than 40 lenses that feature the USM mark.
Benefits
The built-in motor of a USM lens provides the photographer with a more precise and quicker auto-focus than regular lenses. Another benefit to their use is that they are a lot quieter than standard lenses, often favored by nature photographers who require quiet equipment for shooting wildlife and quick auto-focus for sudden action.
Disadvantages
Because USM lenses contain a motor within their construction, they are often heavier than non-USM lenses. The difference in weight might not be so noticeable on the camera, but could be of concern when carrying multiple lenses. These lenses are also more expensive than equivalent standard lenses.
Types
As of May 2010, Canon produces two types of lenses labeled with the USM mark. The Ring Ultra Sonic Motor is the best performing and more expensive option often found in many of Canon's prestigious "L" lenses. A Micromotor Ultrasonic drive is a cheaper derivative found in less expensive lenses and provides quieter operation, but lacks the precision of a true Ring USM.
Other Brands
Canon's USM is the company's own name for the ultrasonic technology that drives modern auto-focus systems. Other manufacturers have similar technologies, including Nikon's Silent Wave Motor (SWM), Sony's Super Sonic wave Motor (SSM) and Olympus' Supersonic Wave Drive (SWD). All these technolgies offer similar benefits as Canon's Ultra Sonic Motor system.
Tags: Sonic Motor, Ultra Sonic, Ultra Sonic Motor, more expensive, photographer with
If you have a small or low resolution image that you need to scale up to a larger high resolution image, you will have to be very careful how you scan it. What you do to the image after you enlarge it is the most important part of the process. For this, you will need a good graphics program such as Adobe Photoshop.
Instructions
1. Scan the image you want to use and save it to your computer. Use the highest quality and resolution (DPI) settings your scanner software will allow.
2. Open Photoshop. Select "File" and click "Open." Browse to the scanned image and open it.
3. Select "Image" and click "Image Size." If you have CS2 or above, select "Bicubic Smoother" at the bottom and increase the size and resolution to what you want. If you have an older version of Photoshop, make sure that you have "Bicubic" selected at the bottom. Increase the size by 10 percent. Increase the resolution by 20 percent. Continue doing this by steps until you get to the size and resolution you want.
Replacing damaged speakers is a great way to extend the life of an old radio or update its sound. Speakers generate sound through the vibration of the speaker cone, and even if the speaker is not noticeably damaged, the sound might grow dull over time as the cone begins to wear out. Whether you are looking to save a few dollars or are restoring a vintage radio, wiring in a new speaker is a simple task.
Instructions
1. Determine the size and power rating in wattage of the speaker you will be replacing. Obtain a new speaker that matches these specifications so that it will fit into the speaker cabinet. Mismatched power ratings can cause damage to your new speaker. If you do not have an old speaker to compare, identify the output power of the stereo and take a measurement of the speaker mount in the speaker cabinet. If only replacing one speaker, attempt to buy a speaker of the same brand and model to match the speakers already in the unit.
2. Disconnect the old speaker if needed. Take note of which wire runs to the speaker's positive terminal and which runs to the speaker's negative terminal. The positive wire will usually be red, with the negative wire being black.
3. Connect the wires to the proper terminals on the new speaker. Newer stereos might have caps on the end of the wires that will allow you to simply plug the wires onto the terminals. If you have an older stereo or the wires do no have caps on the end, solder the wires into place on the terminals. If you need to increase the length of the speaker wires, you can splice in pieces of new wire to the existing wire.
4. Power on the stereo and test for clear sound output. If the sound has hum or static, make sure your connections are secure. If there is no sound at all you might have connected the wires to the wrong terminals.
Robots is a very cool subject for anyone interested in science. There are many types of robots out on the market today that we don't really take a second glance at, such as Furreal Pets. Another awesome toy robot is the Robosapien. The toy, however, is limited to basic commands and movements. This article will show you hack your Robosapien in order to allow it to do more than what was intended by the manufacturers.
Instructions
Back Assembly
1. Locate the four screws on the back of the Robosapien. There are two in the shoulder and two on the waist. Loosen them.
2. Remove the back plate.
3. Disconnect the cable that connects the back electronics to the circuit board.
4. Remove the metal U-Bracket, Circuit Board and Switch from the Processor Kit.
5. Place the circuit board on top of the back plate and line it up.
6. Use your pen and mark the screw holes on the circuit board to the back plate with your pen. Repeat this with the battery clip hole and switch.
7. Insert your #43 drill bit and drill the holes into the back plate that you marked with your pen.
8. Insert 1/4" drill bit and bore out the switch hole and drill the wire access hole in to the center of the back plate just above the ventilation slats.
9. Thread the small holes with the 4-40 Tap.
10. Inside the main body find the large black bundle of wires and with your wire cutters carefully snip away some of the black plastic without cutting any wires.
11. Locate the white wire in the bundle and cut it. Strip both ends of the wire.
12. Cut six inches of wire from the processor kit. Peel the wires apart and strip the ends of the remaining two.
13. Place 1/2" of shrink tubing over the ends of the wire.
14. Carefully solder the red wire to the white wire, which disappears into the wire bundle.
15. Solder the orange wire to the white wire that is going to the connector.
16. Slide the heat-sink tubing over the newly soldered wires and using the heat of your soldering gun melt them in to place.
17.Cut nine inches of wire and separate the red from the orange and strip the ends then separate three to four inches of one end of the wire.
18. Locate the black wire in the bundle and cut it, then strip the ends. Solder the black wire from the nine inch piece you cut to both ends of the black wire you just cut and stripped.
19. Solder the six inch red wire to a corner pin on the switch. Solder the six inch orange wire to the center piece of the switch in the same row as the orange. Solder the nine inch red wire to the remaining pin in the same row. Put a glob of hot glue over the contact points on the switch.
20. Insert the switch through the drilled hole in the back plate and tighten the nut.
21. Loosen the screws on the speaker cover and remove it. Push the remaining nine inch wire through the wire access hole you drilled. Replace the speaker cover and tighten the screws.
22. Reconnect the cable from the robot to the circuit board.
23. Place the back plate on the robot loosely.
Front Assembly
24. Remove the front plate of the robot.
25. Place the adjustable bracket between the shoulder blades and mark the holes with the pen. Drill the holes out with the #43 bit. Thread the holes with the 4-40 Tap. Attach the adjustable bracket with two 3/8" 4-40 pan head screws.
26
Drill the holes out with the #43 bit. Thread the holes with the 4-40 Tap.
27
Attach the adjustable bracket with two 3/8" 4-40 pan head screws.
28
Push the back plate fully in to place.
29
Realign the wire stop blocks back in to place.
30
Replace the front plate of the robot and tighten the four screws that hold it together.
Adding the New Circuit Board
31
Crimp the moltex terminals on to the nine wires.
32
Attach motherboard using four 5/8" 4-40 screws and four 3/8" spacers.
33
Attach battery clip with 1/4" 4-40 pan head screws.
34
Lift the lever on the socket to the up position and place the BX-24 in the motherboard socket. Press the lever down to lock in place.
35
Plug in the molex cable in to row 12 with the red wire facing toward the inside of the motherboard.
Installing Battery Clip and Sensor
36
Locate the 9V battery clip and hardware from processing kit.
37
Crimp the terminals on to the battery clip wire.
38
Insert the red wire in to the battery connector.
39
Plug into the motherboard between the LED lights.
40
Attach the sharp sensor to the adjustable bracket with the 3/8" 4-40 pan head screws.
41
Adjust the bracket and tighten.
42
Attach the sharp sensor cable to the sensor.
43
Plug the sensor cable in to the motherboard with the brown wire facing away from the motherboard in row 13.
44
Clip the battery connectors to the 9V and place the battery in to the battery clip.
Tags: back plate, with 4-40, holes with, 4-40 head, 4-40 head screws, adjustable bracket
Typically, plasma televisions have widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio. But you can also watch standard 4:3 television program on your plasma TV without worrying about your picture getting distorted or stretched to fit the widescreen ratio. The standard ratio is often shown with bars in black on sides of the image. However, there are a few steps you can take to ensure your viewing pleasure when you watch a 4:3 program on your plasma TV.
Instructions
1. Check for the "Full" or "Just" mode as provided by your NTSC TV manufacturer. By switching to this mode, you automatically covert a 4:3 aspect ratio picture into a wide screen.
2. Limit the stretching at the center of the screen. This will ensure a better viewing quality on the widescreen.
3. Consider enlarging the image size to be larger than the screen size. This will help prevent a hazy or distorted image.
4. Try the "Zoom In" feature. It will cover the entire widescreen.
Tags: aspect ratio, program your, program your plasma, This will, your plasma
Remove hidden EXIF data from digital photos before uploading them to websites..
Most digital cameras embed image files with data in the Exchangeable Image File format. The information in the photo's EXIF file might include the time, date and photo location, camera type, image resolution and the image size. Sometimes, the EXIF file contains personal information, including the name of the person who took the photo. Use your computer's file properties tool to grab the EXIF data on your photos before uploading them to websites, blogs or social networking sites.
Instructions
1. Click the "Start" button on the desktop taskbar.
2. Click your username at the top of the right-hand column of the Start menu.
3. Double-click the library folder that contains the photos with the EXIF data you want to view or remove. This is usually the "Pictures" or "My Pictures" folder. Go to the subfolder that contains the photos.
4. Right-click the photo. Select "Properties" from the context menu. This opens the Properties dialog box.
5. Click the "Details" tab. This displays the photo file's EXIF information. Scroll through the information in the Details pane to view all EXIF information.
6. Select the blue "Remove Properties and Personal Information" link to delete all EXIF information that could identify the source of the photo or the person who took the photo. Click the "Apply" button to save the changes. Repeat this process for each photo that you want to check. Click "OK" to exit the Properties dialog box.
Tags: EXIF data, EXIF information, before uploading, before uploading them, contains photos
Stereo power meters, also known as volume-unit meters, monitor and then display in various methods the power level reaching and transmitting through each stereo speaker. The purpose of the meters is to measure the approximate output of the power coming out of the speakers.
Visual Display
In older stereo systems, the power display is a dial and needle meter set up with an indicator pointer and numbering guide often ranging from one to 10, with 10 signifying the strongest power (sound) output. In newer digitally controlled stereos units, power is displayed in LED with a digital numeric display or a moving bar chart with the bars rising with greater power output and falling with less.
Technical Operation
Stereo power meters rely on two electrical circuits with each connected to the amplifier that communicates to the display the power reading level. Each time that the output power doubles as controlled by the user operated knob or button, the indicator will go up a level up to the point that the top output level is achieved.
Tags: output power, power meters, Stereo power meters, that output