Use A Motorola Bluetooth H350

Packing up to 8 hours of talk time and 150 hours of standby into a sleek, compact design the Motorola H350 gives the power and affordability one is looking for. The H350 combines comfort and quality into one simple, user-friendly design. And the H350's lightweight build won't wear on your ears--you may barely even notice the headset while wearing it. Find out get started using your H350--read on for more.

Instructions

1. Turn your H350 on by pressing and holding the black "Talk" button on the side of your headset. Hold it until the blue status starts to flash. To turn the H350 off, simply hold the talk button until the headset turns off.

2. Pair your headset with your cell phone by entering into your cell phone's bluetooth menu--Menu > Settings > Connection > Bluetooth Link > Setup (see Resources below).

3. Put your Motorola H350 into pairing mode by holding the "Talk" with the device turned off. Hold the button until the status light on the side of your headset begins to flash, and turns back into a solid blue.

4. Back in your phone's bluetooth menu, choose the option to "Search/Discover" bluetooth devices. And when your phone recognizes your H350, select the headset and enter "0000" as the passcode.

5. Test your H350 by dialing a telephone number on your cell phone and listening for a ring on your bluetooth headset.

6. End a phone call by pressing the "Talk" button on your headset. Dial the last number from your headset by pressing the Talk button while not on a phone call.

Tags: your headset, cell phone, Talk button, your cell, your cell phone

Print Brighter Colored Photos

Print all of your photos right from your own computer.

Many people are saving themselves some money and a trip to the photo store or one-hour photo booths by printing out their photos right from their computers. The only problem about doing this yourself is chances are you're not an actual photo lab technician. When you go into a photo store or even the drug store's one-hour photo sections, you can tell them you want your pictures brighter and they can--for the most part--do just that. At home, you have to learn what tricks you can do to get perfect, bright and high-quality photos every time.

Instructions

1. Shoot your pictures with the flash on, even outdoors. The flash will help to brighten up the object and/or subject you're shooting better than with it off. Also, know where your light is. If there's an object covering the subject's face, move the subject or the object to get the light directly onto the subject's face.

2. Upload all of your pictures onto your computer, and use your computer's photo application to brighten the photos.

If you use Picasa, click on the picture you want to brighten, then increase its brightness on the left side of the screen. If you use your Windows photo application, click on the picture your want to brighten, then click either "Auto Adjust" for Windows to automatically make your photos brighter or click on "Adjust Exposure" to adjust the brightness yourself. For Mac users, open iPhoto and select the picture you want to brighten, then click "Edit" followed by "Enhance" to brighter your pictures.

3. Make sure you have printer that can properly print out pictures. The best printers for printing photos is an inkjet printer or a dye-sublimation printer.

4. Purchase and use good quality photo printer paper to print your pictures. You may want to splurge and get a name brand printer paper like HP, Canon, Epson or Kodak printer paper for your pictures.

5. Download professional software. You can now purchase and download software by camera and film companies. This software can help you take your hobby of taking pictures to a more professional level.

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Sign Into Xbox Messenger

As a Microsoft device, when hooked up to the Internet via an Ethernet cord or Wi-Fi, Xbox users can sign into Windows Live via Xbox. Windows Live Messenger allows you to communicate with other users as well as friends who are not on Xbox Live. With a free account from Windows Live's website you can sign in and chat while you play games on Xbox Live.

Instructions

1. Hit the "Guide" button in the center of the Xbox control (the gray circle that lights up green when held down) to launch the menu options.

2. Choose "Chat and IM" and hit right on the joystick to access messaging. Choose the "Sign In" option.

3. Type in your username and password using the control. Move around the alphabet on the screen with the arrow keys on the pad and select the desired letter or number with the green "A" button. You can also purchase an attachable keyboard that hooks into the top of the Xbox control. This is used just like a keyboard on a cell phone. Once you type in your username and password, scroll down to sign in and hit the green button.

Tags: Windows Live, your username password, green button, username password, Xbox control, Xbox Live, your username

Use Ez Flashes For Digital Cameras

EZ-Flash cards come in various sizes and memory capacities for use in digital cameras.

Digital cameras have removable memory cards that allow you to transfer files to your computer. EZ-Flashes are memory devices that can replace the original memory card in your digital camera and store photographs and videos. These devices come in different sizes, have various memory capacities and are compatible with several different cameras and computers. The EZ-Flash website features four products, and the cost for an EZ-Flash card is about $30 to $40.

Instructions

Formatting the Card and Inserting It Into the Camera

1. EZ-Flash drives come in several sizes, so you will need to check your camera's user manual to purchase a card that fits in your camera. Before you use the EZ-Flash, you will need to format it so that once you take the pictures they can be easily transferred to your computer.

The EZ-Flash is called a MircoSD/SDHC. Insert the MicroSD/SDHC into your computer, or if you cannot insert it, then place the EZ-Flash card into your digital camera, plug the USB cord into the camera and PC and wait until the device recognizes the card. If an imaging import software pops up, hit "Cancel."

Next double-click "My Computer" and then right-click your MicroSD drive and choose "Format." Next, under the "File System," select FAT or FAT16 for MicroSD or for MicroSDHC select FAT32. Then hit the "Start" button. The computer will begin formatting the disk.

2. Once the EZ-Flash has finished formatting, detach the USB cord from the camera and computer. Begin taking pictures with your camera, and those photos will be automatically saved on your EZ-Flash card.

3. When you are done taking pictures, plug the USB cord into the camera and the computer. The computer will detect the camera and automatically bring up its imaging import software.

4. The software will ask you what photos you want to upload to your computer. Select the images you wish to transfer. After those images are uploaded, you will be asked if you want to remove images from your EZ-Flash card. By deleting the photos that have been uploaded, you can clear memory in your card.

Tags: EZ-Flash card, your computer, your camera, camera computer, computer will, cord into, cord into camera

How Does An Fm Radio Circuit Work

FM Receiver Overview

There are many different types of radio receiver circuits, and all of them work in different ways. The primitive crystal radio receiver is so simple that it can be easily built by a child, while a more modern radio receiver needs to be carefully designed, built and tuned to work properly. The most common type of radio circuit in modern equipment is the superheterodyne receiver. It is very stable and has much better sound quality than simpler radio circuits.

Detection and Signal Amplification

FM signals are powerful electromagnetic waves traveling through the air. When these waves encounters an antenna, it gets converted into an electric signal in the antenna. Then, an amplifier is usually used to increase the strength of that signal. The radio signal only generates a very week current in the antenna. Before it can be processed, it needs to be amplified.

Mixing

A superheterodyne receiver has a built in oscillator, a device which produces an electromagnetic signal of its own. The signal produced by the oscillator and the original radio signal are mixed together by the mixer. This produces a signal at a certain special frequency, called the intermediate frequency (IF). The rest of the radio circuit is tuned to the intermediate frequency. It is easier to build circuits that work very well for just one frequency than circuits that work for a wide variety of different frequencies, which is part of the reason why a superheterodyne radio works so well.

Filtering and Demodulating

The new IF signal is run through a filter which removes any signals not at the correct frequency. This removes other bands of radio, and any other distortion that may have crept in. Then, the IF is amplified. After that, the signal goes to the demodulator. The demodulator detects tiny increases and decreases in the speed of the IF signal, and turns these into an audio signal. That signal is amplified one more time, and then fed into the speakers.

Tags: radio receiver, circuits that, circuits that work, intermediate frequency, radio circuit

Compare Rechargeable Batteries

Rechargeable batteries

There are three main types of rechargeable batteries: nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) and low self-discharge (LSD). These chargers come with numerous characteristics and features. Buyers must look at voltage, capacity in mAh, capacity for lithium and carbon zinc, recharge cycles, disposal needs, and discharge rates. The challenge is knowing which one is right for your household or business.

Instructions

1. Compare voltage. NiMH & NiCd put out less voltage than alkaline; however, this is only an issue if you need six or more batteries at one time.

2. Compare capacity in mAh (milliampere-hour). This varies by brand. Major brands are ZBattery (Alkaline), Golden Power (NiCd), Pure Energy Brand (AA), and Accucell (D). Radio Shack is also a major NiCd brand.

3. Compare the capacity for lithium and zinc chloride. This information is had to track down, since it isn't usually published. Contact the brand directly to know for certain.

4. Compare recharge cycles. "Recharge cycle" refers to the number of times a battery can be recharged. This can be found in manufacturers' claims.

5. Compare disposal needs. Not all batteries can be disposed of in the same way. Check manufacturing specs to know for sure.

6. Compare self-discharge rate. This measures how fast batteries lose their charge without being used. Some batteries discharge faster at higher temperatures.

Tags: capacity lithium, Compare capacity, disposal needs, recharge cycles

Unlock A Pioneer Inno

The Pioneer Inno is an XM satellite radio receiver with multiple features. One of the main features of the Inno is a song lock feature, which allows the user listening to a song to save it to his receiver, allowing for playback at any time. Songs that are not locked could be erased when a new song is added. By locking the song, you can ensure it will not be erased. A second locking feature available on the Inno is a control lock, which, when enabled, renders the control buttons inoperable.

Instructions

Unlocking the Controls

1. Press any of the buttons on the receiver to check for a response. When the controls are locked, the buttons do not operate the receiver.

2. Slide the power switch to the center position to unlock the control buttons.

3. Lock the control buttons on the receiver again by sliding the power switch to "Hold."

Unlocking Saved Content

4. Press the "Mode" button to enter the "My Music" section of the Inno.

5. Scroll through your recorded music with the up and down arrow buttons and highlight the track you want to unlock.

6. Press the "XM" button, select "Edit Song" and "Unlock Song." The song is now unlocked and will be put in queue to be erased when you later record content on the receiver.

7. Lock the song again by pressing the "XM" button, selecting "Edit Song" and choosing "Lock Song." The song will be removed from the queue and will not be erased.

Tags: control buttons, buttons receiver, Edit Song, erased when, Pioneer Inno, power switch

Set Up A Microscope

A microscope is a device for viewing small objects that cannot be seen by the unaided eye. The most common type of microscope is an optical microscope, which uses visible light. They are extremely sensitive instruments and normally need to be adjusted before each use. These adjustments must account for environmental changes and differences in each operator's vision.

Instructions

1. Turn on the microscope's light and set the illumination light to a comfortable level. Rotate the lowest-power objective lens into position.

2. Adjust the distance between the two eyepieces if you have a binocular microscope. Rotate the ring on the left eyepiece so that the marks on the ring and the eyepiece tube line up. This will allow you to adjust the eyepieces so you get a single image. Once the eyepieces are properly adjusted, you can lock them by rotating the ring on the left eyepiece once again.

3. Remove your eyeglasses unless absolutely necessary, as they tend to scratch the eyepiece. You generally will not need glasses for most types of nearsightedness or farsightedness, since the microscope can focus the image as needed. However, you may need to keep your glasses on if you have a heavy prescription or astigmatism.

4. Place a slide on the stage with the cover slip up. Carefully raise the condenser as high as it will go and set the condenser's diaphragm on 30. Change to the 10x objective lens and focus with the coarse focus knob. Bring the slide into clear focus with the fine focus knob. Switch to the 40x objective lens and focus with the fine focus knob. You should not need to use the coarse focus knob for the remainder of your viewing session.

5. Make the final adjustments for a binocular microscope. Close your left eye and focus the image through the right eyepiece with the fine focus knob. Close your right eye and focus the image through the left eyepiece using the diopter ring adjustment on the left eyepiece.

Tags: focus knob, left eyepiece, fine focus, fine focus knob, focus image, focus with, objective lens

Load A Polaroid 300

The Polaroid 300 Instant Camera prints your photos instantly. After you snap a picture, the photo emerges from the top of the camera. These are small photos with a border along each edge. The picture is 2.1 inches by 3.4 inches. The photo--not including the border--is 1.8 inches by 2.4 inches. The Polaroid 300 Instant Camera uses 300 Instant film. Each pack of film prints 10 photos.

Instructions

1. Hold the camera in one hand so the back is facing you.

2. Press down on the tab to open the film compartment door.

3. Hold the film in your other hand and locate the yellow mark printed on the edge of the film cartridge. Turn the cartridge so the yellow mark faces you and is at the top of the film.

4. Hold the cartridge in front of the film compartment and line up the yellow mark on the film with the yellow mark at the top of the film compartment.

5. Press the film into the compartment until you hear it click into place.

6. Close the film compartment door.

Tags: film compartment, yellow mark, compartment door, film compartment door, inches inches, Instant Camera, mark film

Differences In 3g & 3gs

The 3G and 3GS are both versions of the touchscreen Apple iPhone. Both were released solely for AT&T users, so they need SIM cards to run on the company's GSM network. The 3G came out in 2008, while the 3GS came out a year later. While both phones appear similar, there are some technical differences.

System

The iPhone 3G has the original iPhone operating system, while the 3GS comes with the iPhone 3 operating system. The 3G runs on a 412 MHz ARM processor and the 3GS has a 600 MHz ARM Cortex 8 processor.

Storage

The 3G is available with either 8 GB or 16 GB of storage. It has 128 MB of RAM. The 3GS comes in 8, 16 and 32 GB versions. The 3GS has 256 MB of RAM.

Media

The 3G has a 2.0-megapixel digital camera that takes images at a resolution of 1,600 by 1,200 pixels. The 3GS digital camera is 3.1 megapixels and takes photos at a resolution of 2,048 by 1,536 pixels. The 3G has Bluetooth 2.0, while the 3GS has Bluetooth 2.1.

Size and Battery

The 3G weighs 4.7 ounces and the 3GS weighs 4.8 ounces. Both phones have lithium ion batteries capable of lasting 12 days and 12 hours on standby mode. During constant usage, the 3G battery lasts up to 10 hours and the 3GS battery lasts up to 12 hours. You can play music on the 3G for up to 24 hours and on 3GS for up to 30 hours.

Tags: battery lasts, battery lasts hours, digital camera, iPhone operating, iPhone operating system, lasts hours

Take Pictures In Black & White With My Sony Cybershot

How Do I Take Pictures in Black & White With My Sony Cybershot?

Sony Cyber-shot cameras are designed as point-and-click cameras that allow users with little photography experience to take high-quality photographs. Cyber-shot cameras have several features that you can adjust to enhance your photographs. One such feature is the black-and-white picture setting.

Instructions

1. Turn the mode dial to "P" for "Program Auto Mode." The black-and-white picture option is only available in "Program Auto Mode" and "Movie Recording Mode." If you want to record a movie in black and white, turn the mode dial to the symbol of a film strip.

2. Press the "Menu" button on the back of the camera to open the main menu.

3. Use the up and down navigation buttons to highlight "Color Mode." A menu with the color settings will appear on the screen.

4. Select "B/W" in the "Color Mode" menu by pressing the right navigation button.

5. Save the setting by pressing the "Menu" button. The menu will disappear. You can now take pictures in black and white.

Tags: Auto Mode, Black White With, black-and-white picture, Color Mode, Color Mode menu, Cyber-shot cameras

What Is A Tri Band Cell Phone

Cell phone conversations are transmitted through radio waves. Just as there are different frequencies on the radio which allow you to flip between different stations, there are also different frequencies for cell phones used in different geographical locations. The frequencies used in the US are different than those used abroad, so if you want to use your cell phone when traveling internationally, you will need a phone that can provide coverage in all of the areas where you will be traveling.

Frequency Bands

There are four frequency bands used in the GSM digital system: 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 1900MHz. 1900 and sometimes 850 are used in the US and Canada, and the other two are used in most other countries. The US and Canada also use the American Cellphone System, which is not compatible with the GSM digital system.

Dual - Tri - Quad - Band phones

A dual band phone can read two frequencies. For US shoppers, that might mean it gets both the US frequencies and is only good within the US, or it might get one US frequency and one international. A tri-band phone can read three frequencies and is better for international travel. A quad-band phone can read all four bands. For international use, a quad-band phone would be idea,l as it will get all the frequencies, but a tri-band phone is generally cheaper and will work fine for most people.

Different Types of Tri-band Phones

When choosing a tri-band phone, be sure to select a phone with the frequencies that will be most useful to you depending on where you will be traveling. The most common is 900/1800/1900 - which is going to give you fantastic international coverage and also be very good in the US. The 850/1800/1900 option is also available and will give you excellent US coverage but will not give as good coverage internationally.

Service Carriers

If you want your phone to work internationally as well as in the US with the same phone number, be sure to sign up with a GSM service carrier in the US. For example; T-Mobile, AT&T and Cingular. Read the policies carefully, as US GSM accounts can be very expensive overseas and your US account will only work where there are cross-billing services overseas.

Locked and Unlocked Phones

Another way to use your tri-band phone abroad is by using SIM (Subscriber Information Module) cards which are basically removable computer memory chips which store account information, phone numbers, etc. SIM cards are available all over the world and can offer a quick pay-as-you-go option without the hassle of a contract. Each SIM card will give you a new phone number which is local to the area in which you bought it.

However, if you want to use SIM cards, be sure that your phone is "unlocked." This means that it will be possible to use other SIM cards from other service providers. Many phones bought in the US are locked so that the user can not use services provided by other phone companies.

Where to Buy a Tri-Band Phone

You can buy a phone directly through a cell phone company, but be sure to research the plan options carefully. Find out what the fees are if you use your account overseas and make sure that your phone is unlocked so that you have the option of using international SIM cards.

You can also buy your phone directly from the companies that manufacture them, but this tends to be more expensive.

You can buy a phone while overseas, but be sure to do your research ahead of time.

Specialty suppliers can be a good place to buy, but be sure it is a reputable one. In addition, eBay has lots of phones for sale, but be sure you know the risks before using eBay. Be sure to buy only from sellers with a long history of positive feedback.

Tags: tri-band phone, your phone, phone read, will give, 1800 1900, cell phone

Use Fill Flash Nikon

Fill flash will solve the common problem of dark faces when photographing a person against a back-lit scene, such as a person sitting in front of a window. Fill flash is the technique of forcing the flash to fire, even when there is enough light for a picture.

Instructions

Point and Shoot Cameras

1. Look for the button with a lightning bolt symbol. This is the button that changes the flash mode.

2. Change the flash mode to "on" by pressing this button. On some cameras, pressing the button will bring up a menu to select flash mode. On others, it will cycle the flash mode between off, on, red eye removal and automatic. Flash On mode is indicated by a lightning bolt on the display's flash mode indicator.

3. Compose the photograph.

4. Press the shutter release. The flash will fire.

5. Check the exposure on the LCD monitor. The back-lit scene should be properly exposed, as should the faces.

Single Lens Reflex Cameras

6. Decide which type of flash to use. If your camera has a built-in flash, press the button to pop the flash up. If you are going to use an external flash, affix the flash to the camera's hot shoe.

7. Press the button with the lightning bolt symbol. While holding the button down, rotate the camera's rear control wheel until only a lightning bolt is shown on the top LCD display. If you are using the built-in flash, this is the balanced fill flash mode. If you are using an external flash with a mode button, press the mode button until either TTL or both TTL and BL are shown on the flash's LCD screen.

8. Compose the photograph.

9. Press the shutter release; the flash will fire.

10. Check the exposure on the LCD monitor. The back-lit scene should be properly exposed as should the faces.

Tags: flash mode, lightning bolt, back-lit scene, flash will, back-lit scene should

Scanning Electron Microscope Tutorial

Using a scanning electron microscope.

Scanning electron microscopes (SEM) use a beam of electrons instead of light to view specimens. The beam of electrons produces signals at the surface of specimens that show the external morphology. In addition, the SEM allows you to see the shape, size and position of the particles that make up the object in a two dimensional image. The size of areas that can be imaged in the scanning mode range from 1 cm to 5 microns and the magnification ranges from 20 times to about 30,000 times.

Instructions

Inserting the Specimen

1. Insert your specimen into the cylinder specimen holder. Make sure you adjust the specimen surface with the top of the cylinder. Put the set screw in to hold the specimen in place.

2. Double check that the filament emission knob is turned off, as well as the Accelerating (Accel) Voltage button. You can find the knob and button on the second control panel. To verify the knob is turned off, make sure it is turned completely to the right. The lamp button will go out when the Accel Voltage is off.

3. Pull the exchange rod back and place the entire assembly into the chamber. Press the vacuum control button.

4. Open the specimen exchange chamber isolation valve by turning it to the right. Unscrew the rod and take it out very carefully.

5. Push the isolation valve in and press the vacuum control button again.

Generating the Electron Beam

6. Turn up the brightness and contrast knobs. Follow the manual for your scanning electron microscope on the procedure for scanning.

7. Press the Accel Voltage button and emission knob. Focus the scan line for better detail using the focus knob. Adjust the contrast and brightness as well.

8. On the control panel of your microscope, press the picture button, which should be labeled PIC. This will present the image of your sample.

9. Remove the specimen, following the same directions as inserting the specimen.

Tags: Accel Voltage, Accel Voltage button, beam electrons, control button, control panel, emission knob, isolation valve

Recharge Old Dead Car Batteries

Recharge Old Dead Car Batteries

You may find that your car battery may not hold its charge like it used to if it's more than two years old. In fact, only 30 percent of batteries sold today last 48 months, partly because today's cars have increased energy requirements, according to BatteryStuff.com. But a battery's lifespan can be greatly increased by merely reversing the reason for most battery failure: sulfation. This is the deposition of sulfur on metal plating, a process that causes 80 percent of battery weakening. You can reverse sulfation at a fraction of the cost of getting a new battery by replacing the acid and fully charging--but not overcharging--the battery overnight.

Instructions

1. Turn off the car's ignition.

2. Put on safety glasses and rubber gloves to protect against blinding or acid burn.

3. Detach the battery cables. Set the battery in a well ventilated area.

4. Lift off the plastic cell caps on the top of the battery if it's the serviceable type. If the cells are sealed, drill holes into the plastic--one hole per cell. You can tell where to drill by the six "shadow marks" that the six cells will have.

5. Microwave 1 quart (liter) of distilled water to about 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not use tap water as you don't want the minerals inside to coat the metal battery plates.

6. Dissolve 10 tablespoons of pure Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) into the quart of distilled water.

7. Pour the salt solution into the six holes using a funnel. There should be marks on the side of the battery to indicate how high to fill the cells.

8. Charge the battery overnight with a "smart charger," which varies voltage to avoid overcharging and minimize future sulfation. Specifically, use a three-step charger to achieve a full charge. If you have been charging the battery with your car alternator alone, it can leave the battery charged only 90 percent. According to BatteryStuff.com, the 10 percent of electrolyte left uncharged leads to sulfation. You can purchase a three-step charger for as little as $40 at auto parts stores or online.

9. Plug the six holes with "hole caps" after the battery has fully charged. The caps are available at most hardware and auto supply stores.

Tags: battery overnight, Dead Batteries, distilled water, only percent, Recharge Dead, Recharge Dead Batteries

Troubleshoot An Otis Elevator 211

The elevator is one of the modern world's most important conventions, allowing people to live at great heights, to move vertically at dazzling speeds and to move heavy objects and equipment from floor to floor with ease. Their proper maintenance is of the utmost importance for both practical and safety reasons. A broken elevator can represent a serious inconvenience for residents and business people, or even render the upper floors of buildings inaccessible. The Otis 211 operates on a roped hydraulic system.

Instructions

1. Cut off the elevator's master electrical system before proceeding with any work. Flip off the local switches in the control panel as an extra precaution.

2. Re-engage the electrical system to clear out the system's RAM and see if it resolves the problem. In some cases it will, but if it doesn't, cut off the electricity in the same fashion as before and continue troubleshooting.

3. Locate the skirt switches next to the sheave. Adjust and tighten them as needed.

4. Inspect the plunger and plunger guides that make up the Otis 211's hydraulic system. Add more hydraulic fluid as needed.

5. Check the motor fuses and remove and replace any blown or otherwise malfunctioning fuses. Low voltage is normally attributable to a fuse problem.

6. Check the blain valve pressure meter. If pressure is abnormal, replace the valve.

Tags: electrical system, hydraulic system

Put A Meade Telescope Together

Meade telescopes are made for celestial observation. Meade produces a variety of different powered scopes with a range of eyepieces and accessories. Each scope has a different method of setup that is dictated by the aforementioned accessories or eye optics. There is a basic formula for putting the telescopes together, regardless of the add-ons and extras. Once they are assembled, you can enjoy viewing planets, comets and galaxies in the cosmos.

Instructions

1. Set up the tripod. Pull the legs out and down and let them snap into position in the locked and outright extensions. Place the main optic chamber (the largest of the barrels) onto the tripod and align the set screw in the center of the tripod with the tripod mount hole on the bottom of the optic barrel.

2. Place the bottom "clam shell" of the Solarmax eyepiece onto the clam shell on the back top of the main optic barrel. Slide them together so they snap into one piece.

3. Turn the helical adjuster clockwise until you feel resistance, then stop. The helical adjuster is the band just behind the eye viewing piece on the Solarmax eyepiece.

4. Connect any spotting scope (if your Meade telescope is equipped) to the small mounting bracket on the top of the Solarmax eyepiece. The spotting scope is used to target objects you wish to view in the larger optic barrel.

5. Direct the telescope to the dark night sky and begin observing celestial objects and bodies.

Tags: optic barrel, Solarmax eyepiece, clam shell, helical adjuster, main optic, snap into

Process Disposable Cameras

Disposable cameras contain sensitive 35mm film, which must be processed carefully.

Disposable cameras are one-time-use cameras pre-loaded with a roll of 35 mm film. Once you shoot through the roll of film, you will want to have your film processed by a photo development lab. There are many photo labs that still exist, although their numbers are definitely dwindling. You will know that your disposable camera is ready to be processed when you are unable to take any more pictures, and the winding wheel on top of your camera turns freely.

Instructions

1. Find a photo development lab in your area. You can either look in a phone book for a photo lab, or you can go to a chain store.

2. Take your camera to your photo lab of choice. You will need to provide information about whether you want your film to be processed, or processed, developed and printed. If you want prints, make sure to specify the sizes and quantities. Ask for a receipt once you've made arrangements for processing.

3. Pick up your film from the photo lab when it is ready. Many places will take between one hour and one day to finish processing.

Tags: your film, Disposable cameras, film processed, photo development, roll film

Aiwa Xpv70 Specifications

The personal CD player allows users to take advantage of their CD collections on the go, without the need to convert them to digital files. Additionally, personal CD players such as the Aiwa XP-V70 were designed for maximum portability and ease of use. In fact, the Aiwa XP-V70 has a number of specifications designed to make the user experience easy and enjoyable.

Power Supply

Like many portable CD players, the power supply for the Aiwa XP-V70 is 2 AA alkaline batteries, which provide a 3 V charge. This CD player can also function adequately on two rechargeable Ni-Cd batteries, even though these provide only 2.4 V of power. For home use, XP-V70 can also run on an AC adapter that provides a 230-V 50-Hz alternating current. Rechargeable batteries and an AC adapter are included with the Aiwa XP-V70.

Dimensions and Weight

The size of a personal CD player is limited by the size of the CDs themselves, so personal CD players do not fit into the smallest of pockets. Still, the XP-V70, at 5 1/8 inches wide by 1 1/8 inches high by 5 3/8 inches deep, was small enough to fit comfortably in a jacket pocket or on a car dashboard. The player, minus the batteries, weighs just 7.5 ounces, making it light enough to carry anywhere.

Reader

Like all compact disc players, the Aiwa XP-V70 uses a laser to read the microscopic data imprints on a CD. In fact, this player uses a single beam laser tracking system with a semiconductor pickup. This information is converted by a 4 times oversampling filter and a 1-bit digital analog converter (DAC).

Output

One of the most important features of any audio device is its output, and the XP-V70 was designed to provide plenty. The player's frequency response ranges from 20 to 20,000 Hz, and the maximum output through the headphone jack is 10 mW or a maximum impedance of 47 ohms. Because of this, Aiwa recommends headphones with an impedance of 16-32 ohms and a sensitivity of 100-109 decibels per mW. A new XP-V70 includes HP-M043 headphones with impedence of 16 ohms and 107 decibels per mW. Both ear buds and "headband" style headphones are approved for use with this CD player.

Tags: Aiwa XP-V70, headphones with, personal player, personal players, this player

Improve Cell Phone Reception

Dropped calls and bad quality are often the result of poor cell phone reception. While there is no free magical fix to poor cell phone reception, there are some things that you can do, and some money you can spend, to improve cell phone reception.

Instructions

1. Take a look at the terrain you are in. Cell phone reception is usually poor when you're in a valley, surrounded by trees, in between tall buildings or inside buildings. A simple way to get better reception is to physically move to a better location. Get on a flat space on a hill if you are outside of a city. If you are in a city, go outside and away from tall buildings. One of the best places to get cell phone reception is a street intersection because it offers an unobstructed reception area.

2. Turn off other electronics around you. Many electronics, such as computer monitors, appliances and power tools, can cause interference to cell phone reception. Simply turning these off may help your reception enough to make intelligible calls.

3. Keep your battery charged. There are times when your cell phone may have enough power to make a call but not enough power to establish a good connection. A battery that is almost dead is a leading culprit to bad cell phone reception and one that people don't often consider.

4. Buy an external antenna or power booster. This is going to cost you a bit, potentially more than a hundred dollars for an external antenna or a few hundred dollars for a power booster, but it will help reception. This is a good way to improve reception in your car or in your home or office, but it is not portable and you have to physically plug your phone into it.

5. Purchase a wireless amplifier/repeater system. A repeater system can cost several hundred dollars but it does not require a physical connection and can improve reception on several phones at the same time. You can get a repeater system for your car, and they are especially useful in an office where several people may be using cell phones.

Tags: phone reception, cell phone, hundred dollars, repeater system, cell phone, cell phone reception

Clean Vhs Tapes

Clean VHS Tapes

Even if VHS tapes are not exactly cutting-edge technology today, many of us still have them and enjoy playing them in our somewhat antiquated VCRs. What do you do if you find that your favorite tape has been badly damaged, and you can't or don't want to replace it with a shiny new DVD? Luckily, the repair is simple and low cost. You need only supplies you probably already have at home, and you'll be moments away from watching your tape again.

Instructions

1. Allow the tape to dry if it is wet. Working with wet tape will likely cause additional damage.

2. Rewind the tape if it's possible to do so without ruining your VCR in the process. Open the cassette and pull out a foot or so of tape. Gently wipe each side of the tape with the cloth or tissues. Remove as much debris as possible. Continue for the entire length of the tape.

3. If sections of the tape are extremely wrinkled or torn, cut the tape on either side of the damage and use the adhesive tape to join the ends together again. Remove as little of the VHS tape as possible, as you'll be removing some of the content of the video with every inch that you cut. This type of splice is not extremely durable, and should be considered a temporary fix.

4. Disassemble the cassette if it contains additional dirt, dust or moisture. (Directions for this disassembly are at the link shown in Resources below.) Clean inside the cassette thoroughly, or move the tape itself into a new, cleaner cassette.

5. Reassemble the VHS tape and attempt to play it in the VCR. You may need to repeat this process if you continue to see poor picture quality or other flaws in the tape's playback.

Tags: Clean Tapes, tape possible

Specifications Of The Hp Ca350

The HP CA350 is a digital camera.

HP was established in 1939 and has grown to become a worldwide distributor of electronics such as computers, printers, monitors and cameras. The HP CA350 digital camera is a compact model that is easy to carry around, providing users with a variety of shooting options.

Features

HP CA350 cameras feature 32 MB of integrated memory, and supports SD and SDHC memory cards. This model has a resolution of 10.3 megapixels and captures video at resolutions of 320 by 240, 640 by 480 and 720 by 480 pixels. The optical sensor is a charge-coupled device, supporting face detection and capturing still images in JPEG format. Light sensitivity for this camera ranges from ISO 100 to ISO 3200 at 3 megapixels and below. At 10 megapixels, the maximum light sensitivity is ISO 1600. The flash has red-eye reduction, auto-mode and fill-in mode. Smile detection for this unit snaps six continuous pictures when a smile is detected while blink detection helps users delete photos faster when blinking is detected.

Lens

The lens of the HP CA350 has a minimum focus range of 31.5 inches and a lens aperture ranging from F3.1 to F5.6. This model has automatic focus adjustment that uses TTL contrast detection. The focal length of the lens is from 6.3 mm to 18.9 mm. The camera uses a motorized drive for zoom adjustment, with a maximum optical zoom of 3x and a maximum digital zoom of 5x.

Imaging

HP CA350 digital cameras have 28 scene modes available, including landscape, sports mode, sunset, fireworks, food, snow, night modes and party/indoor mode. The camera has vivid green, red and blue, sepia, negative, mosaic and black and white special effects. White balance presets include sunlight, tungsten light, daylight fluorescent, cool white fluorescent and cloudy conditions. An image stabilizer detects camera movement, compensating for the user's motion. This decreases image jitter and increases image clarity. Program, manual, aperture-priority and shutter-priority modes provide photographers with precise control over the shoot.

Construction

The HP CA350 has a built-in, mono microphone that uses electret condenser technology. The camera uses a built-in flash and a thin-film transistor, color LCD display that measures 2.7 inches. This model has a SD memory card expansion slot and a USB port. A USB cable, wrist strap, two AA batteries, drivers and software utilities are included in the package. The camera comes in a black or red casing and has a built-in lens shield.

Tags: CA350 digital, This model, CA350 digital camera, camera uses, digital camera, that uses

Use The Self Timer Feature On Digital Cameras

Digital cameras are great for taking lots of pictures and seeing how they look before you print them. Not only do they save you money on film, they offer many different features to get the effect you want for your pictures.

Instructions

Use the Self Timer Feature on Digital Cameras

1. Read the user guide that came with your camera. The guide explains all of the camera's features and labels each part of the camera to help you familiarize yourself with it’s processes and functions.

2. Turn the camera on. Go to the menu setting. Most digital cameras have a menu button you can press to take you to the camera’s menu.

3. Locate the setting for the timer. Some digital cameras have several timer options available. The self-timer allows you to set delays in increments from seconds to hours if you choose. The interval timer can be set in various increments as well. You may choose to set it to take a picture every 10 or 15 minutes or whichever time increment you prefer. Long exposure allows you to take time exposures in the time increment you set. Exposure count allows you to set the number of exposures to be taken within a set time frame. You may set the camera to take an exposure every three minutes or so depending on what you’re taking pictures of.

4. Set your camera on a tripod or on a flat, level surface so you can get a view of the picture you want to take.

5. Press the shutter release button down halfway to lock in the focus and exposure. Look at your LCD screen viewfinder to make sure the picture is set to the focus you want. Next, press the shutter release button all the way down to activate the timer.

Tags: button down, camera menu, cameras have, digital cameras, Digital Cameras, digital cameras have

Uses Of A Tripod Stand

A camera tripod keeps a camera more steady than simply holding it while taking a picture.

Tripods are common and used in a variety of areas to provide support to a given object. Most commonly, there are camera tripods, gun tripods, and tripods used in the sciences for telescopes and for performing experiments when using a Bunsen burner. Regardless of the usage, tripods help to keep the object steady, and provide a means to move the object around in ways that would be difficult with just your hands or with a different method of support.

What is a tripod?

A tripod has three legs and is used to hold something in position and keep it steady. Tripods come in different sizes which should be considered in relation to the weight of the object to be held. If the tripod is too small, it will not hold and support a camera adequately, for example. The main features are legs, a head and plate. The head allows you to move the object while the plate is where the object is mounted. The legs then distribute the weight evenly among them to balance the object.

Camera Tripods

There are a variety of camera tripods which help photographers take clear, sharp pictures because there is no "camera-shake" from their unsteady hands. A tripod is convenient and often creates better results than photos taken without the use of a tripod. A good test for a camera tripod to determine if it is too lightweight is to stomp beside the device and notice it is shakes. On the other hand, a photographer should not use a tripod that is too heavy because he will be reluctant to carry it; the weight and size of a camera tripod also depends on its intended use. Another feature to consider is the maximum height, folded height, and minimum height the tripod reaches because this could affect your ability to take pictures; for example, if it does not go high enough to take a picture of something you want to photograph. Also, if it is too short, you will often have to bend over in uncomfortable positions. A photographer can also use a tripod to hold the camera, so he can set the timer and aim at the correct subject in order to allow him to be part of the photograph as well.

Gun Tripods

Gun tripods help to give steadier aim.

In terms of guns, tripods are useful for a steady aim at a given target. This is because simply leaning against a tree or relying on your body strength is not always sufficient for accurate shooting. When looking for a gun tripod, generally lightness, durability, and portability are all preferable so that one may quickly and easily move to shoot various targets. The ability of the tripod to pivot, rotate, and easily turn is also important so that aim can be more accurate.

Scientific Tripods

Scientific tripods like those used for Bunsen burners or telescopes are used for safety and accuracy.

Tripods are also useful in the area of observation and experimentation. For instance, tripods are complimentary to the use of Bunsen burners. They are necessary to hold things to be heated above a Bunsen burner. A tripod is not for the Bunsen burner but for the object to be heated. This could be a beaker, which is then used in conjunction with gauze.

Another scientific use of a tripod is for telescopes. These are usually made from metal or wood with legs that extend. There is a screw to adjust the legs. First you must attach the telescope tube to the tripod mount. Then, the mount head is placed on the tripod. If it does not seem sturdy enough it may not be suitable. Tripods are necessary to rotate and maneuver the telescope as these devices can be very heavy and difficult to handle; the observer needs the tripod to support the telescope since he cannot do it himself. Equatorial telescope tripods are especially useful for accurate observation of the sky because they feature a rotational axis parallel to the Earth's axis of rotation. They also offer setting circles to help aim the telescope at exact coordinates of stars.

Tags: Bunsen burner, camera tripod, Bunsen burners, camera tripods, move object

Hidden Voice Recorder Work

Transmitter

One of the simplest kinds of hidden voice recorders is a transmitter bug. A small microphone is hooked up to a radio transmitter. When someone speaks nearby, the sound is immediately converted to a radio signal. The whole thing is usually powered by a battery. Usually, there is a listening station nearby where the signal is turned back into sound and recorded.

Cellphone

You may not know it, but you may be carrying a sophisticated transmitter bug on you right now. Some modern cell phones can be activated by law enforcement officials without the knowledge of the user. When they are activated, the microphone acts like a bug, picking up all nearby sounds and sending them to a listening station. This sort of bug is much more sophisticated than classic transmitter bugs. It can broadcast over a much larger distance (anywhere where there is cellphone reception) and is undetectable.

Miniature Recorder

Many hidden voice recorders are simply digital recorders disguised to look like something else. A pen recorder, for example, would look exactly like a pen and even be able to write. The spy would place it near to his target and turn it on with a hidden button. A small microphone would then record the conversation digitally on a microchip. When the spy was done, he could download the memory into a computer and recharge the pen's batteries.

For Best Results

Although all of the above-mentioned security devices work, they all have a flaw. If the microphone is out of position, it will not get the info you want. Miniature microphones often have poor quality, and only pick up sound at certain angles or beyond a certain range. The best way to bug a room is with a more low-tech solution: high-quality, conventional microphones which have been carefully hidden. Microphones can be built into the wall, hidden inside books, or even installed in appliances. By carefully preparing a room ahead of time, a spy can be sure that every corner is covered by the recording equipment.

Tags: hidden voice, hidden voice recorders, listening station, small microphone, voice recorders

Disconnect A Wire Harness

There are many reasons why a person may need to disconnect a wire harness. Whether replacing a car stereo, disconnecting a component for removal or troubleshooting, or simply learning work with wire harnesses it is a good idea to know what you are doing before you begin because of the danger involved in working with electricity and electrical components.

Instructions

1. Turn off any electricity that may be flowing through your wire harness. If working on a car, disconnect the battery.

2. Grasp both ends of the wire harness, one end in each hand. If your wire harness attaches directly into a secured unit, simply grasp the harness itself.

3. Unlatch any parts of the harness that lock together; you may need to examine the harness closely to see how it secures together.

4. Gently pull apart the wire harness.

5. Cover both ends of the harness with caps if available or use electrical tape. This will prevent unwanted electrical connections and keep they harness ends free of dirt and debris.

Tags: wire harness, your wire harness, both ends, wire harness, your wire

Wire A 5pole Lavalier Microphone

Lavalier microphones are small electret microphones commonly used in theater and television. They customarily have the ability to clip on to a person's collar or belt and usually have cords that are easily hidden by clothing. These cords lead to the microphone's radio frequency transmitter, which can be clipped to a belt or fit into a pocket. Five-pole Lavalier microphones have 5-pin male connection ports that are designed to connect with a 5-pin female connection cord that leads to the transmitter.

Instructions

1. Press or flip the "Power" switch on the radio receiver to the "Off" position.

2. Plug the female-end 5-pin cord into the 5-pin male port on the bottom of the Lavalier microphone.

3. Plug the other end of the 5-pin female end of the microphone cord into the "MIC" port on the radio receiver.

4. Press or flip the "Power" switch on the radio receiver to the "On" position to test the microphone for proper operation.

Tags: radio receiver, 5-pin female, 5-pin male, cord into, flip Power, flip Power switch

Use Garbage Bags Creatively While Camping

Garbage bags may be one of the world's greatest inventions for their versatility and usability. Strong, waterproof and portable, garbage bags should be an essential part of any camper's gear. So, the next time you are filling your back pack for a hiking adventure or preparing your car for a family outing, throw in a box of sturdy garbage bags.

Instructions

1. Waterproof just about anything with a garbage bag. You can cut holes in garbage bags to create emergency ponchos, tie them around your feet and even wrap your hat in the sturdy plastic to keep both warm and dry. If it looks like it might rain overnight, cover your campfire, food and camping furniture with a few garbage bags to keep them clean and dry. If you happen to get wet, store your wet clothes in a garbage bag to keep them separate from your clean, dry clothing.

2. Fill a garbage bag with snow if you need water for cooking and drinking. It takes a lot of snow to make enough water to fill a cook pot or water bottles, but a garbage bag can hold more than enough. Perfect in emergencies, a garbage bag full of snow can save your life, or at least your dinner.

3. Insulate your tent while camping for cozy warm nights. Place a layer of garbage bags underneath your tent for insulation and to stop ground moisture from entering through your tent. You can also slip a garbage bag over the bottom of your sleeping bag to keep your feet warm at night.

4. Use garbage bags when fishing to reduce mess and odor. Place the fish you have caught into a garbage bag until you are ready to clean them. Place the heads, tails, scales and other fish parts into the bag while cleaning, then tie a knot in the bag and dispose of it with your other garbage. Keeping fish and fish parts in a garbage bag will limit mess and odor and will prevent animals and pests from entering your campsite for a tasty treat.

5. Leave your campsite cleaner than you left it by filling garbage bags with any litter or trash you find around the area. Whether it was there when you got there, keeping nature clean and green is an important practice for any camper.

Tags: garbage bags, garbage bags, your tent, fish parts, from entering, keep them

Program The Pentax K200d

The Pentax K200D digital camera boasts many features for a product in its price class. A 10.7-megapixel sensor, built-in pop-up flash and weather-resistant housing are all reasons the camera receives good reviews from many enthusiasts and professional reviewers alike. The K200D has numerous menu options that allow you to control important file and image settings when snapping photos. Programming the settings in the K200D is not that difficult and is something you can do within a couple of minutes.

Instructions

Use the Camera in "Auto Picture Mode"

1. Turn the round selector switch on the top of the camera to the "Auto Pict" setting.

2. Switch the focus mode lever at the bottom of the camera--next to the lens--to the "AF" position.

3. Look through the viewfinder to view the subject or object to photograph. Press the shutter release button halfway down. The lens adjusts automatically to bring the lens into focus. Press the shutter release button all the way down to snap the photo.

Configure Custom Image Options

4. Set the round selector switch on the top of the K200D camera to "P."

5. Tap the "Fn" button on the display screen. Wait for the "Fn" menu to appear on the screen.

6. Press the "OK" button on the screen. Wait for the last picture taken with the camera to appear on the screen.

7. Press the up and down arrow buttons on the rear of the camera to choose between the "Saturation," "Hue," "Contrast" and "Sharpness" settings. Press the "OK" button the screen to enter the desired option menu screen. Press the right and left arrow keys on the camera to change the image settings. Press "OK" when you finish adjusting the image. Readjust the selector switch to the "Auto Pict" setting.

Set the Picture File Format

8. Set the selector switch to the "P" position. Press the down arrow key on the camera to scroll down to the "File Format" option.

9. Use the arrow keys to choose between the "2M," "6M" and "10M" options. The "2M" option captures images with an 1824x116-pixel (5-by-7-inch photo size) resolution. The "6M" option saves pictures in a 3008x200 (8-by-10-inch) format. And "10M" saves full-page-sized pictures (10-by-12-inch) in a 3872x2592-pixel format.

10. Tap the "OK" button on the screen to save the settings.

Set the JPEG Quality Level

11. Scroll down to the "JPEG Quality" menu option on the screen. Tap the "OK" button.

12. Select between the "one star--Good," "two stars--Better" and "three stars--Best" image settings. The default setting is best. However, if you want to save disk space on the camera, use the "Good" or "Better" settings.

13. Tap the "OK" button on the screen after making your "JPEG Quality" selection.

Tags: button screen, selector switch, image settings, JPEG Quality, screen Press, appear screen

Repair A Reel To Reel Tape Recorder

Not all things have gone out of style with the rise of the information age. There are still many that cling to the older tools of the trade. Reel to reel tape recording is just one example of this. Some bands and audio engineers still swear by this way of recording for the quality of sound it produces. But more and more, studios have increasingly adopted digital recording for it's easy use, easy maintenance and cost effectiveness. But if you still use reel to reel and you're machine is not running at peak condition, here are some ways to solve your problem.

Instructions

1. Identify the problem. Before you take any kind of action, you should determine where the malfunction is coming from. There are many different components in a reel to reel recorder. So pinpointing the problem will most like point you to the area you need to focus on fixing.

2. Unplug the machine and take it to a place where you have plenty of room to work on it. If you have a workbench or a large table, it would be best to lay it out on that. You need plenty of room so you don't lose any parts or cause more damage. This step may involve taking the reel to reel recorder out of the studio.

3. Clean the reel heads. Depending on your problem, the solution may just be simple cleaning maintenance. Using cotton swabs and a special cleaning solution you can order online, give the heads and thorough cleansing. After the solution has been given sufficient time to dry, load in some tape and run a test. This is probably one of the most common problems, so exhaust this option first before doing anything else.

4. Disassemble the reel to reel player and check for any loose components. If cleaning your reel heads did not work then your problem will be internal. Delicately remove the covering plates and place them off to the side in a way that you will remember how they go back together and so that you will not loose any parts. Since the operation of reel to reel machines causes a lot of wear and tear, it's possible that a quick tightening is all you need.

5. Replace the parts that are not working properly. Once you have identified the non-working part, replace it. Because reel to reel tape recorders are rarely manufactured anymore, you might have to order the part from a specialty shop.

Tags: reel reel, your problem, plenty room, problem will, reel heads

Clean A Dvd/Cd Player

When your movies start to skip scenes, freeze or become pixelated, it may be an indication that the DVD/CD player needs a cleaning. As a weekly activity, cleaning your DVD/CD player with a cleaning disc helps maintain performance and optimum viewing and listening levels. Read on to learn clean a DVD/CD player.

Instructions

1. Purchase a DVD/CD player cleaning disc at any electronics store. The brand is not important just be sure to check that the disc is specifically for DVD players and not for game playing systems.

2. Take the cleaning disc out of the package and turn on the DVD/CD player.

3. Press the button that opens the disc player and place the cleaning disc inside. Use the arrow on the cleaning disc to ensure correct placement in the disc tray.

4. Let the disc play for about 20 seconds or until it automatically turns off. Press stop and eject if the disc does not do this automatically.

5. Test that the DVD/CD player is now clean by placing a regular DVD or CD into the player and press play. If the image still skips and freezes, repeat Steps 3 and 4.

6. Check to make sure that the DVD or CD you are using to test the player is not scratched. If not, you many need to repair your DVD/CD player.

7. Repeat Steps 2, 3, and 4 at least once a week to maintain a healthy DVD/CD player.

Tags: cleaning disc, that player, your player

Comparison Of Black & White Laser Printers

A black and white printer allows you to print page upon page.

Laser printers offer a variety of features. Monochrome printers provide efficient production for your business or home office. Only printing black and white allows for a quicker page-per-minute count and greater paper handling.

OKI B431dn

Working as a printer only, the OKI B431dn offers high speed and great paper handling, according to PC Magazine. It features duplexing and a LED laser. It can print approximately 40 pages per minute. You can purchase this printer for $284.89 from Comp-U-Plus as of October 2010.

Dell 1135n

According to PC Magazine, the Dell 1135n printer offers high speed and good quality. It includes a printer, fax and copy option built into the printer. Many features must be installed manually instead of through the automatic installer. It does not have a duplexer, and it cannot be added as an option. The printer costs $164 if purchased from Dell in October 2010.

HP LaserJet Enterprise

The HP LaserJet Enterprise prints approximately 42 pages per minute. It has the ability to print on a variety of media, such as labels and envelopes. An expandable, 500-sheet input tray allows a large quantity for paper handling. As of October 2010, this printer costs $699.99 if purchased from HP.

Tags: October 2010, paper handling, approximately pages, approximately pages minute, black white

What Effects Do Lenses & Mirrors Have On Light

Lenses and mirrors affect light in multiple ways.

Light is essentially defined as the range of electromagnetic radiation that can be detected by the human eye. The electromagnetic radiation is composed of energized particles called photons that travel approximately 186,000 miles per second. Light travels in a straight line unless something causes it to alter its course. Mirrors and lenses are used in a variety of ways to affect light properties for scientific purposes.

Reflection

Reflection is caused by light waves bouncing off of an object. Everything reflects some light since it is light reflection off of an object into the human eye that allows animals to see objects in front of them and differentiate color. Mirrors are shiny, opaque materials that light cannot penetrate. As a result, light bounces off of a mirror at the same angle that it struck the mirror, much like a pool ball bouncing off the bumper of a pool table. Mirrors are shiny enough that the light reflection causes an image as the light bounces off the surface of the mirror and then makes contact with lens in the eye.

Refraction

Refraction occurs when a light wave's speed is altered as it passes through a new material. For example, a light wave's speed is slowed slightly through water compared to when it travels through air. This causes the wavelength of the light to shorten while the frequency remains the same, much like multiple train cars mushing together if the lead car suddenly stopped or slowed down dramatically in a short period of time. You can witness this by placing a pencil into a glass of water. It will appear that there is a bend in the pencil from the point where it enters the water compared with the part that sticks out of the glass. The lenses in the human eye can deteriorate, and the resulting refraction can make items blurry. Glasses and contacts accommodate this by altering the refraction so items can be seen clearly again.

Magnification

Reflection and refraction can be used in combination to create an enlarged image of an object that is actually far away. Objects appear to be smaller at greater distances, but devices like telescopes and magnifying glasses use lenses and mirrors to focus the light that is reflecting off of a far away object and focus it onto a visual plane where the eye can see it. The eye then sees the object as larger and in greater detail than it can by itself at great distance.

Tags: affect light, electromagnetic radiation, light bounces, light reflection, light wave, light wave speed

Advantages Of Using The Video Camera In The Classroom

Advantages of Using the Video Camera in the Classroom

An increasing number of schools and teachers are using video cameras in the classroom. Whether it's recording a lesson to monitor student behavior, or assigning students to watch a podcast, video helps students learn. This article details some of the advantages of having a video camera in the classroom.

Expert Insight

Using technology, including video cameras, in the classroom can improve the way students learn, according to a recent U.S. Department of Education report. "By leveraging technology, schools can customize instruction and ensure that children who need extra help get it," the report states.

The department's Office of Educational Technology supports this idea. It examines U.S. schools' technological needs and the teaching trends taking place in schools. One type of technology helping teachers educate their students is the video camera.

Significance

Video is growing in popularity, and more students are using the medium as a research tool for their schoolwork. Whether kids are looking for facts about frogs or help in writing a book report, there is often a video on the Internet that provides them with the information they need.

The website YouTube is the second most-used search engine, after Google. According to recent figures, Americans conducted about 2.8 billion searches on YouTube---about 200 million more than on Yahoo, according to comScore.

Examples of Video in the Classroom

Videoconferencing is one way students benefit from use of video in the classroom. About 25 percent of U.S. public schools use videoconferencing to supplement its curriculum, according to Alan Greenberg, video communications expert. The medium allows students to connect with and learn from people they may not otherwise have access to. For example, some schools use videoconferencing to connect with NASA astronauts.

Video podcasts, audio and video clips that can be recorded and uploaded to the Internet, are another format in which students use to learn.

Benefits

Video helps kids learn. Use of a video camera in the classroom can boost students' test scores. New York college students given access to video podcasts of a psychology lecture averaged 9 percent better on tests than students without access. One advantage to the video podcasts was that students could replay sections of the lecture they didn't understand. One teacher in Oklahoma dresses up like a librarian and records video podcasts to teach her students about the importance of reading.

Potential

Use of a video camera in the classroom can help teachers to teach better and students to behave better. Teachers may use a video camera to document important lessons throughout the school year. They can also play back those recordings during parent-teacher conferences.

Finally, teachers can use video cameras to record themselves to learn improve their teaching methods.

Tags: students learn, video camera, video camera classroom, video cameras, Advantages Using, Advantages Using Video, camera classroom

Send A Message To A Cingular/At&T Cell Phone

Sending a text message to a Cingular/AT&T user is easy.

Sending a text message to a Cingular/AT&T Wireless cell phone is easy, as long as you have the 10-digit phone number of the person you want to contact. With this number, you can either text from your phone, from your email, or online through the online SMS messaging center.

Instructions

1. Open up a new text message on your cellular phone and write the message. Type in the 10-digit phone number of the person you want to contact, then hit "send." If the other person has text messaging enabled on her Cingular/AT&T cell phone, she will receive your message almost instantly.

2. Log on to your computer and navigate to the Cingular/AT&T website. Type in your friend's phone number, a subject for the text message, and the message you want to send. You can also enter your email address for confirmation of the message being delivered and received by the other person. Hit "send text message" when ready.

3. Send an email. Each Cingular/AT&T phone has a mobile email address to send and receive email and text messages. Using the 10-digit phone number of the person you want to text, send an email to (yournumber)@txt.att.net. This will send the receiver a text message, even though you sent it initially as an email.

Tags: text message, phone number, 10-digit phone, 10-digit phone number, number person, number person want, person want

Transfer A Video Onto A Pc

Transfer your video footage onto a computer for editing.

Use a FireWire cable or USB 2.0 port on your computer to transfer video footage from your digital camcorder. Before getting started, check your digital camcorder to make certain that it also has a FireWire or USB 2.0 port on it. Additionally, your computer should have an internal video capture device installed on the motherboard. If not, you can use an external video capture device that connects to the USB port on your computer.

Instructions

1. Follow the installation instructions that came with your video capture device for connecting your digital camcorder to a FireWire or USB port on your computer. If the device came with a CD when you purchased it, make sure that the drivers are installed on your computer.

2. Press the power on button on your digital camcorder. Locate the beginning of the video footage that you want to transfer to your computer.

3. Open the video editing software program that you want to use to edit your video footage. If you have Windows Movie Maker installed on your computer, you can use the software's basic functions to edit your video. Press the "Start" button on your taskbar. Select "All Programs" and scroll down the menu listing until you see "Windows Movie Maker" and click on it to start the program.

4. Click the hyperlink "Capture from video device." Type a file name for your video footage in the "Enter a file name for your captured video" field. Click the "Next" button.

5. Tick the radio button next to the option "Digital device format (DV-AVI)" under "Select the settings you want to use to capture your video" pop-up window. Click the "Next" button.

6. Tick the radio button next to the option "Capture parts of the tape manually" under the "Capture Method" pop-up window. Make sure the check box for "Show preview during capture" is unchecked. Click the "Next" button.

7. Click the "Start Capture" button. When Windows Media Maker is finished capturing your video footage, click the "Stop Capture" button. Click the "Finish" button. You will see a progress bar showing that the video is being imported.

8. Disconnect the video capture device cable from your digital camcorder and computer after you are finished editing the video footage. If you have a firewall installed on your computer, you will need to shut down first before unplugging the cable.

Tags: your computer, video footage, your video, digital camcorder, your digital, your digital camcorder

Put Etrex In Demo Mode

The Garmin eTrex is a lightweight, handheld personal navigation system with a built-in GPS antenna and a backlit display. The eTrex stores a variety of mapping- and navigation-related information, including up to 500 waypoints and 10 previous tracks. The eTrex demo mode allows users to show someone most of the eTrex functions and features in an area that doesn't have satellite reception. Putting your eTrex in demo mode doesn't require any special passwords or PINs--simply the push of a few buttons to access the system settings and switch from normal navigation-capable mode to demo mode.

Instructions

1. Turn on your Garmin eTrex.

2. Push the "Page" button repeatedly until you've highlighted the "Menu" page. Push the "Enter" button to open the Menu page.

3. Press the "Down" button to highlight "Setup" on the Menu page and then press "Enter." Go to "System" and press "Enter."

4. Press "Enter" again on the System page that appears to display the Mode options. Highlight and select "Demo" from the options. Push the "Enter" button to confirm that you want to turn off the GPS and put the eTrex in demo mode.

Tags: demo mode, eTrex demo mode, Menu page, Enter button, eTrex demo

Troubleshoot A Nikon Fe2

The durable features make Nikon FE-2's popular long after they have been discontinued.

The Nikon FE-2 camera body is a durable single lens reflex camera released by Nikon in 1983. The metal body, easy controls and lens compatibility are all reasons why this camera body has held its market value for over 25 years. When problems arise with an FE-2 camera body, there are a few simple steps which can be followed before taking the unit in to a certified Nikon repair facility.

Instructions

1. Check the batteries. The Nikon FE-2 has some electronic controls which are powered by two S76 silver oxide or L44 alkaline-manganese batteries. Improper batteries, or batteries which are incorrectly installed, will impair the camera's functions. Turn the camera body upside down and use a coin to turn the battery compartment counterclockwise to remove the battery compartment.

2. Clean the battery contacts. Use a soft, clean cloth to remove light oxidization and deposits. Rub heavier deposits with a clean pencil eraser to remove them. Clean the interior of the battery compartment and the outside battery clip.

3. Install two fresh batteries in the battery clip, then reinsert the battery clip and use a coin to turn the clip clockwise until it is secured. Turn the camera on by moving the film winding arm out away from the dial and see if this solves the issue.

4. Check to make sure the film is properly installed. Finish any film in the camera, then turn the camera upside down and press the silver button to disengage the film. Flip up the winding lever on the top left side of the camera body and wind the film completely. Open the camera back by pulling upwards on the lever causing the back to pop open. Insert a fresh roll of 35mm film into the left hand chamber, then stretch the film across the shutter, aligning the holes on the film to the sprockets on the take-up reel. Insert the end of the film into the take-up reel and then press the shutter button, then use the winder arm to wind the film. The properly loaded film should move smoothly onto the take-up reel.

5. Take the camera to a certified Nikon repair center for any other issues. Attempting to resolve more than these basic issues by yourself can damage the camera body.

Tags: camera body, battery clip, battery compartment, Nikon FE-2, take-up reel, certified Nikon, certified Nikon repair

Reverse A Time Lapse Video

Make any piece of video into a time lapse video, and then use a video effect to reverse it.

Time lapse videos have the incredible power to show us -- at a very rapid pace -- the effects that time can have on the growth of plants, the movement of the sun and stars, and pretty much anything that involves motion. With the use of a little video magic, you can also show those processes in reverse. Some of even the most basic video editing programs, including Mac's iMovie program, offer the "reverse" option as a standard effect. Thus, you need only access the effect to make your time lapse video work in reverse. These instructions assume that you've already imported your video to your video editor and compiled your time lapse footage -- though you will need to do a bit more work with the time lapse video before you can reverse it.

Instructions

iMovie

1. Export your video by selecting "File," and then "Export," and then export your video in the MPEG-4 format. This step is important; since your time lapse video is likely a series of clips, you need to save it as one piece, so that when you try to reverse it later, it reverses the whole thing as one.

2. Import your newly created version of the video, and drag it to the iMovie Timeline.

3. Double-click on the click from the Timeline. This will open the Clip Inspector. You will see three options listed at the top of the popup window; be sure you're on "Clip."

4. Look for the box that says "Direction" and place a check mark in it. This reverses the clip.

5. Drag the slider next to the "Speed" selection to the right -- toward the rabbit icon -- to speed up the video.

6. Click "Done" at the bottom of the window. Your video clip is now reversed.

Adobe Premiere

7. Export your time lapse clip by clicking "File," and then "Export," and then exporting your video as a .mov or MPEG-4 file. This is important, as you want your time lapse video to be recognized as a whole unit and not a series of clips when you go to reverse it.

8. Import your new clip and drag the time lapse video to the Premiere Timeline.

9. Place a check mark in the "Reverse Speed" box.

10. Increase or decrease the speed of your video by placing a percentage in the "speed" box. For example, if you want to double the speed of the existing clip, put "200%" in the box.

11. Click "OK" to apply the effect.

Tags: time lapse, lapse video, your time, your time lapse, time lapse video