Audio and video cables connect a video source and TV so that the video source is seen on the TV screen. Once the cables are in place, you might experience problems with sound or video failure.
Damaged Cables
Unplug the audio and video cables from the back of the video source to reset the connection. Inspect the cables for damage, such as cuts, tears or frays. If the cables are damaged, replace them.
Video Cable
Plug the yellow video cable into the TV's yellow "Video In" jack. Plug the other end of the video cable into the video source's yellow "Video Out" jack firmly.
Audio Cables
Plug the white and red audio cables into the white and red "Audio In" jacks on the back of the TV respectively. Plug the other ends of the red and white audio cables into the "Audio Out" jacks on the back of the video source.
S-Video Cable
If the TV and audio/video sources are connected by way of an S-video cable, inspect the cable for damage. Unplug the S-video from the back of the TV and the video source to reset the connection. Align the S-video prongs with both jacks and insert both ends into the TV and video source firmly.
Tags: video source, back video, back video source, yellow Video jack, audio cables into
Getting that perfect night shot isn't always easy, but it is possible
Night time photography can be very intimidating for amateur photographers. Photography is about balancing the amount of light the camera allows to reach the film, using shutter speed (how long the shutter opens) and aperture (how wide the shutter opens). Finding that balance is easy during the day, after all there's plenty of light when the sun is shining. Knowing create that balance when there is little or no light is a whole other issue.
Control Aperture and Shutter Speeds
Streaky lights require a longer shutter speed
Use any of the three common modes--aperture priority, shutter speed priority or manual--to guide how you want light to enter your camera. In most digital cameras, the auto and program modes don't allow the shutter to remain open long enough to take a night-time photo. If you want streaky lights--like the headlights of moving cars--in your photo, use a very long shutter speed and narrow aperture. If you are trying to capture a specific instant in the dark, such as from a firework display, use a faster shutter speed and wider aperture.
Keep Your Camera Steady
Buy a tripod, or use a horizontal surface--such as a table or ledge--to keep your camera steady for night-time photos. Your camera must remain perfectly still the entire time your shutter is open. It is impossible to do this while holding the camera. Once your camera is correctly placed, use a cable release to prevent the camera from shaking while you push the button. Use the self-timer on your camera instead of a cable release if you prefer while photographing still subjects.
Use a Higher ISO
Use a higher ISO setting than you would during the day. The ISO number is an indication of the light sensitivity of the camera's image sensor; a higher number indicates higher sensitivity. This is typically expressed as a range, for example, ISO 100 to 1,600. Adjusting to a higher ISO allows you to select a slower shutter speed or narrower aperture. Be careful going too high with your ISO, however, because the higher sensitivity can result in more noise, or irregularities, in your picture.
Let the Display Be Your Guide
Don't be shy. Take a picture. The greatest advantage of digital over film is the instant feedback you get from your shot. Take a practice picture to determine the changes you need to make. Adjust your aperture up or down one or two f-stops to get a lighter or darker shot. Adjust the shutter speed to get similar effects. Only adjust one or the other at a time, though, so you can see exactly how the change is affecting your picture.
Tags: shutter speed, cable release, higher sensitivity, long shutter, shutter opens, that balance, your camera
Many times, a photojournalist must take a picture instantly and needs a faster reference than that offered by a separate piece of equipment. A reflected light meter allows you to measure the amount of light coming in to your camera while looking through the viewfinder. Using a built-in light meter is incredibly simple and can be immensely useful in numerous instances.
Instructions
For Still Photography
1. Remove the lens cap and look through the viewfinder. Built-in light meters are often at the bottom or the side of the viewfinder.
2. Point the camera towards your desired subject. There should be a small lever or line which adjusts as you move the camera. In many instances, it gravitates towards a (+) or (-) symbol.
3. Get the lever/line to settle in between the (+) and (-) symbols.
For Motion Film
4. Light the scene which you are filming so that it appears the way you want to the naked eye.
5. Remove the diffusing dome and point the meter towards your subject.
6. Move the meter closer to or farther away from the scene which you are filming depending upon how tight or wide the shot is.
Tags: lever line, light meter, scene which, scene which filming, through viewfinder, towards your, which filming
Generally, the creation of a camera lens is a complicated, time-consuming procedure that's done only by skilled individuals using high-tech equipment. This complex manufacturing process is impossible to reproduce on your own. But you can make a simpler camera lens like a tilt-shift camera lens. These special lenses can cost more than $1,000, but you can make your own for much less.
Instructions
1. Find an oversized spare lens that's for a larger film format than the camera you'll be putting the lens on.
2. Hollow out the center of the camera body cap with the hobby knife. File down the inside to smooth the surface so there are no burrs or jagged areas.
3. Cut a hole at the top of the plunger where the stick is. The hole should only be large enough to stretch across the base of your lens. This area will be used to create the flexible camera bellows. Place the cut plunger over the lens and adjust the size as needed.
4. Create a backing by cutting a ring out of the cardboard or plastic. Make sure you've painted the cardboard black to cut down on light refraction in the bellows. Be sure to make the inner circle the same circumference as the body cap.
5. Hot glue the body rap to the ring. Glue the ring to the bellows with the black side in.
If you can't afford brand new stereo equipment but you still want to enjoy your music, consider buying used equipment. Often, pre-owned equipment performs great and lasts a long time. Just follow the steps below to buy used stereo equipment.
Instructions
1. Determine your budget. Used stereo equipment will obviously be less expensive than buying new, however some used pieces are still quite costly. Decide how much money you can afford to spend and stick to that amount.
2. Visit a high-end audio retailer. Often, you can find quality used stereo equipment at such places because others have brought their equipment to the store to trade up to something better and more expensive. Plus, many of these stores have demo models that they're willing to sell for a lower price than new models.
3. Check out online trading and auction websites. You may also find something in the classified section of your local newspaper. Let your friends know that you're looking for used stereo equipment; they may have some that they'd like to sell or know of another potential seller.
4. Make sure the used equipment you decide to buy is exactly what you want. It should be in your price range, be of adequate quality and have the functionality you want. Ask the seller to set up the equipment and let you listen to how it sounds before you buy.
5. Ask the seller if they provide any type of warranty. Ideally, they'll provide at least a 90 day warranty if the piece is relatively new. It's also helpful to ask about a return or exchange policy in case the used equipment doesn't work with some of your existing components.
6. Be patient. Buying used stereo equipment can be time consuming and it may take some time before you find the right deal.
Tags: stereo equipment, used equipment, used stereo equipment, that they, they provide, used stereo
You had an issue with your VHS tape--twisted tape, a portion of video you want to cut, a damaged cassette casing--and you managed to get the tape apart and either fix the problem or switch the reels to a new case. But as with many items, reassembling a VHS tape might seem more complicated than disassembling it. Don't worry, putting the tape back together is no big deal.
Instructions
1. Take a close look at the components. You should have three main pieces to put together: the base of the case, the top of the case and the two reels.
2. Put the two reels back into place at the bottom of the case.
3. Unreel a portion of the tape from between the reels. Thread it through the guides and rollers at the bottom of the case.
4. Turn one of the reels to take up any slack.
5. Put the top of the case back on the base. Be careful not to crunch the tape under the hinged flap.
6. Make sure the top and base meet and fit together perfectly.
One of the options that a Blackberry smartphone offers is the ability to make your own custom images, using the Blackberry Theme Builder program. You must create these icons with the correct properties, such as having the proper resolution and being shaped as a square (as long as they are wide); otherwise, they will appear distorted or cropped. On the other hand, these icons can be in color or monochromatic and can otherwise be completely custom-made.
Instructions
1. Determine the size of the icon you want to make. When replacing a default icon with your own custom icon, it is important that your new icon have the same resolution as the default icon. To do this, roll the pointer over the icon. A small balloon will pop up with the icon's resolution.
2. Open a picture editing program, such as Adobe Photoshop or the Paint application that comes as an accessory with Windows.
3. Design your icon. You can create one from scratch or open a previously saved image file to use as a starting point.
4. Change your new icon's resolution to match that of the default icon. Open the "Image" menu (at the top of the screen) and select "Image Attributes." From there, the resolution (number of pixels) can be changed to match that of the default icon.
5. Save your picture as a PNG file. Go to the "File" menu, select "Save As" and then select ".png" as the file type to be saved.
6. Download the "Plazmic Theme Builder" for Blackberry.
7. Open your Blackberry's theme. To do this, connect your Blackberry to your computer using the USB cord. Then open the Plazmic Theme Builder and click on the "Inspector" menu on the right side of the main window.
8. Change your icons. In the "Inspector" section, click on the third button (it is a picture of icons). Select the application you want to change and then click the "Change Icon" button. Select the picture file to use for each icon, then click "OK."
9. Export your new "theme." Once you have changed your icons, go to the "File" menu and select "Export Theme." Your new icons will be transmitted and updated to your Blackberry.
Tags: default icon, Theme Builder, your Blackberry, your icon, Blackberry Theme, Blackberry Theme Builder, Change your
Ink jet printers require regular maintenance and repair to keep them printing smoothly. An ink jet printer that has not been regularly maintained will use more ink and paper over time, which is costly. Ink streaks, paper jams and fading can occur when the printer has not been properly maintained.
Maintenance
A monthly maintenance routine can keep an ink jet printer working better for a longer period of time. Maintenance starts with the paper and ink. Always buy the best quality available. It's an up-front expense that will even itself out in the long run.
Cleaning the ink jet printer is an important part of maintenance. Clean the printer with a can of compressed air and a soft rag.
Use a surge protector to plug the printer into the wall. Surges can cause the ink jet printer to color shift.
Ink heads should be checked for clogs. This occurs when the ink cartridge sits for a long period of time or is exposed to air. Ink clogs can be prevented by putting in the new ink immediately after opening the package. Check the ink heads by printing a color picture and look for streaks or white spots. If an ink clog is spotted, clean the ink head.
Prevent the ink jet printer from printing crooked by aligning it through the control panel.
Repair
Even with proper maintenance, an ink jet printer could run into some problems. If the printer shows a low-ink warning but the ink cartridge is new, try jiggling the cartridge. It may not have been pushed in all the way. Another cause for this might be that the ink cartridge has dried out from sitting too long. Replace the ink if this is the case.
Printing too close to the edge of the paper can happen when the roller can't grip the paper to keep it straight. This can be fixed by setting the print area in the printer's control panel. Make sure to choose the maximum setting.
Faded pictures occur when a low quality ink is used. Print a full-size color picture once a month and compare them to determine whether fading has occurred. Always use the best ink available. If fading still occurs, check the computer's photo color settings. If the settings are off, the computer will print different colors than those shown on the screen.
Tags: Always best, color picture, control panel, occur when, period time
For individuals looking for a phone that isn't overly fancy with lots of bells and whistles, the Nokia 3110 Classic may be the way to go. It is not a flip phone and has no movable parts at all. There is a camera on the back side and a color screen, but that's about as fancy as it gets. However, it is capable of playing a few games, and there are several websites online that cater to this.
Gallery Mobile 9
Starting off, you can try out the Gallery Mobile 9 website, where there are free games available for the Nokia 3110 Classic. See Resources for a link to the site. Once there, you can search through the many pages of games. When you find one you like, select it and then click "Download" (on the right side of the screen). A popular game download from this site is "Street Race World."
Mobile Heart
If you couldn't find what you were looking for at Gallery Mobile 9, you can try out Mobile Heart. Here the games are broken down into categories that may help you navigate to a specific game. There are not as many games available at Mobile Heart as at the previous site, but the games are all free. To download the game, select the category you would like, followed by the game you would like to download. When the game page appears, click the "Download" button. One of the more popular games on the site is "E.T.'s Adventure," in which you relive the magic of the movie "E.T." In the game, you play Elliot as you try to save E.T. and return him home.
Mobile Rated
Mobile Rated has games available for most phones, including the Nokia 3110 Classic. There are many different varieties of games. However, you may not know whether the game will actually work on your phone until you download it. This can be somewhat frustrating and time consuming, but the games are free, so you won't be spending any money on them. Downloading the games from this site is slightly different. Select the game you would like to download. You will be told to go to a specific site on your mobile Web browser. You will also be given a passcode. Once you reach the site on your phone, type in the passcode. The game will now begin to download. One of the top downloads from this site is "Adrenaline Racing," which allows you to relive those older racing games you use to play in the arcade when you were younger.
Hovr
If you are looking for a hodgepodge of different games or don't really know what you want, Hovr games provides an assortment of different free downloadable games for your Nokia 3110 Classic cell phone. As with the previous site, you can navigate to the specific categories of games. Once you find one you like, click the game title, followed by "Download."
Possibly the top download available on the site is the "Tony Hawk's Proving Grounds," a game in which you attempt to show off your best skating tricks to impress the legendary Tony Hawk himself.
Tags: 3110 Classic, Nokia 3110, Nokia 3110 Classic, from this, from this site
DVD players have become probably the most popular consumer electronics devices behind TVs. With their increasing popularity, DVD players have also become less expensive and easier to use. Even the least tech-savvy among us, armed with a little know-how, can operate a DVD player of any brand with competence, including an Apex Digital DVD player, which operates like most other DVD players.
Instructions
1. Power on the DVD player. Press the power button on the front panel of the DVD player or on the DVD player's remote control. If the DVD player does not power on, check the power cord and verify that it is plugged firmly into an electrical outlet or surge protector.
2. Insert a DVD into the DVD player. Press the button on the DVD player's remote control or on the front panel that says "open" or "open/close." The DVD tray should open. Place the DVD, logo side up, in the DVD tray and make sure it sits flat in the DVD tray and does not stick over the sides of the tray. Press the "open" or "open/close" button again to close the DVD tray.
3. View the DVD. Your DVD should immediately start playing when you close the DVD tray. If it does not, try pressing the "play" button on the remote or the front of the DVD player. If you do not see a picture, check the connections going between your TV and DVD player and make sure the TV is set to the correct video input to receive a feed from the DVD player.
4. Navigate the DVD menu. The first menu you see will be the DVD's title menu. Locate the cursor buttons on your remote--they point up, down, left, and right. You can use these controls to select the different options on your DVD menu. When you have an option selected, you can press the "enter," "select," or "ok" button to choose that option. When the movie is playing, you can return to the title menu at any time by pressing the "menu" button.
5. Pause, rewind, play and stop the DVD. Once the actual movie is playing on your DVD player, you can use the "pause," "rewind," "fast forward," and "stop" buttons just like you would use them on a VCR playing a VHS tape. DVDs are also divided into chapters, and you can navigate through these chapters using the "skip" buttons; it looks the same as the buttons you would use to skip between tracks on a CD player.
Tags: close tray, Apex Digital, front panel, make sure, movie playing, open close
The CoolPix 3100 is powered by 2 AA-sized batteries.
Battery problems on the Nikon CoolPix 3100 can be easily fixed by checking a few details on the batteries. If these simple steps do not fix your problem, your camera may have internal problems and require a repair service.
Incorrect Orientation & Cover
The batteries may be placed in the incorrect orientation inside the battery cover. Insert the batteries as shown on the label inside the battery cover. One must be facing up while the other faces downward. In addition, make sure the battery latch is securely closed when finished.
Charge and Contact
The camera will not function if the batteries are exhausted, and certain camera functions will not work if the batteries have a low charge. Insert fully charged batteries, or recharge your current battery by plugging it into an outlet using an AC adapter. Also, clean the terminals on the batteries and camera with a soft piece of cotton if they have dust or other debris. Poor contact can reduce the voltage of a charged battery.
Temperature
The batteries may be too cold to provide adequate charge. Remove the batteries and warm them using your hands to at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the preferable operating temperature for this camera.
Adding a camera to a rifle involves mounting it, so it works the same way as a regular rifle scope.
While a camera mounted on a rifle scope does not tend to be the most common way to use a video camera, it can serve some benefit. Setting up this sort of construction can provide video of hunting exploits, it can be used to develop training guides on aim a rifle, or it can be used as a scope itself without having to blind one eye to use it. The process involves simple steps and few basic tools typically available in a household.
Instructions
1. Locate all the necessary equipment including the video camera, rifle scope and adapter lens rings. Spread out the parts on a worktable under good lighting. Take the cover cap off the video camera and put it aside for the moment.
2. Take the first adapter lens and make sure it's the right size to screw into the back end of the rifle scope. Twist it onto the scope. Take the next adapter ring and screw it into the first adapter ring on the scope, providing a step-down size. Make sure the second ring matches the first and lowers down to the correct size on the video camera lens.
3. Take the video camera and screw it into the second adapter ring on the scope, twisting it until the camera is securely tight on the two rings and the scope. Use a glue or resin to keep the assembly screwed in and together. Wrap up the connected parts with tape to prevent dust from getting in.
Lay the whole assembly on the table. Point the scope away from you with the back of the video camera facing you. Turn the video camera on. Confirm that the image it sees on the monitor is the visual coming through the scope.
4. Turn off the camera and secure the whole assembly to the rifle it will be attached to. Attach it through the scope as it would normally be installed. Take the rifle assembly and point it at a target. Turn on the camera and confirm the visual data feed coming through the camera is consistent with what should be seen through the scope. Use the camera scope as needed for practice shooting or videotaping of hunting.
Tags: video camera, rifle scope, adapter ring, screw into, through scope, adapter lens
Zune is the name of a line of MP3 devices made by Microsoft. The products also come with a software and account component that allows you to log in to your "My Social" site, where you can share and download music. Since Zune is a Microsoft product, you use your Microsoft Live username and password to log in to the site. It only takes about three minutes to change your password.
Instructions
1. Log in to your Zune account. Go up to the right corner of the "Zune.com" screen and hover over the arrow next to your username.
2. Scroll down to the "Change Password" link on the next page.
3. Enter your "Windows Live ID" in the field provided. Type in the character code that appears in the field below. Click the "Continue" button.
4. Pick which email you want changing password instructions sent to with the radio buttons provided on the next page. Click the "Continue" button.
5. Hit the "OK" button on the follow page.
6. Click the "Change" link next to your "Password" on the next page. It is under the "Password reset information" section.
7. Type in your old password, a new password and retype your new password in the fields provided on the next page. Hit the "Save" button.
Tags: next page, Click Continue, Click Continue button, Continue button, link next
Nikon makes a wide variety of lenses that meet multiple needs in photography. Choosing a lens is all about choosing what kind of photography you are doing. Almost any lens can be used for portrait photography, but some are certainly preferred over others.
Fast Lenses
The first consideration is getting a fast lens. For most photographers, a prime lens, such as the 50 mm f1.4, is a great starting point. The speed of the lens allows the photographer to set the aperture at 1.4 and blur out the background and more easily highlight the subject. A 50 mm makes it easier to shoot from closer distances. Other popular prime lenses for portrait work include the 85 mm f1.2 and the 85 mm f1.8.
Zoom Lenses
Some zoom lenses have worked well for portrait photography. Even the 70-200 f2.8 VR (vibration reduction) lens can be used to shoot stunning portraits due to the quality of the glass and the low aperture setting. In formal studio portraits, the photographer can only use such a lens if the room is big enough to allow the photographer to move farther away. However, sometimes moving farther away from the subject can help get a more natural shot because the subject doesn't feel the photographer pressuring her. This can especially be true with children.
Macro Lenses
Macro lenses are popular for portrait work because they shoot life-sized images and give a 1:1 aspect ratio for the subject when the image is printed. Both the 60 mm and 105 mm macro lenses are good choices for close-up portrait work and have low f2.8 apertures for blurring out the background. The lenses also have infinity focus for shooting from further away.
Scanning slides digitizes them for computer storage.
35 mm slides were a popular way of developing pictures into a format that could be projected onto a screen. The rise in digital technologies over the past few decades has made the slide and slide-projector technology obsolete. Converting old 35 mm slides into a digital format is a straightforward process, provided you have the appropriate hardware -- in this case a film scanner. Flatbed scanners often cannot scan in as high a resolution as film scanners, and should be considered a second choice.
Instructions
1. Purchase or rent a film scanner. This is a scanner that specializes in sending film images to the computer for digital conversion, rather than a flatbed scanner, which works better with developed photos.
2. Connect the scanner to the computer and install the necessary software. Generally this will be a scanner driver, as well as a proprietary scanning program, and will come on a disc with the scanner. After installation turn the scanner on.
3. Wipe down the slides before scanning by rubbing them gently with a smooth cloth. This will reduce the dust and scratches, which can look quite pronounced when dealing with small 35 mm slides.
4. Fit the slides into the plastic tray and snap it shut. Load the tray into the front of the machine, just until the machine registers the tray and pulls it in slightly. A green LED indicator light may flash once the tray has been inserted properly.
5. Launch the scanning program on the computer and indicate that you will be scanning slides (as opposed to film negative). Often there will be a box to check off in the program window. Press "Preview" in the program to being the scan. The scanner will begin analyzing the slide.
6. Preview the scanned slides in the program window. Use the cropping tool (dashed-line box) and drag it around the image you wish to scan. Once you have finished, press "Scan." The machine will then scan a high-resolution scan of the slide.
7. Save the file onto your computer by naming it and clicking "Save" in the pop-up window. Be sure to save the image in a high-quality format like TIFF or a less compressed JPEG.
Tags: film scanner, program window, scanning program, slides into
Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology uses radio signals to identify, locate and track a variety of objects, such as merchandise, animals, people and vehicles. An RFID system consists of an RFID tag or transponder, which carries information about an object; an RFID reader or scanner, which reads the tag, and a database, which stores further information about the tagged object.
RFID Tag
An RFID tag or chip consists of a tiny silicon microchip; an integrated circuit, which modulates and demodulates the radio signals, and an antenna, which receives and transmits the radio signals. An RFID tag contains a unique identity code, has a small amount of storage capacity and can typically perform a limited amount of processing in its own right. An RFID tag can be thought of as an electronic bar code, but no direct line of sight is needed between an RFID tag and an RFID reader because the technology uses radio signals rather than visible light. The RFID reader transmits a low-level radio signal and it is to this signal that the RFID tag responds.
Active Tags
Active RFID tags contain an internal power source in the form of a battery, which allows them to be read at a longer range than their passive counterparts and to store information sent by the RFID reader. The presence of a battery means that active RFID tags are larger than passive RFID tags and are dependent on the life of the battery. However, batteries typically last about 10 years and provide better accuracy, reliability and performance, particularly under adverse conditions. Active RFID tags can typically be read from many feet away.
Passive Tags
Passive RFID tags, on the other hand, have no internal power source. Incoming signals from an RFID reader create electrical current in the antenna of a passive RFID tag and energize, or activate, the tag just long enough to transmit simple information, such as an electronic product code. Passive RFID tags are small and inexpensive when compared with active RFID tags, but their range is usually limited to less than 20 feet.
Frequency
RFID tags are categorized by the range of radio frequencies in which they operate. Microwave tags operate at the highest frequency, around 2.45 gigahertz; followed by ultra-high frequency tags between 868 and 956 megahertz; high frequency tags at around 13.56MHz and low frequency tags between 125 and 134.2 kilohertz.
Tags: RFID tags, RFID reader, radio signals, frequency tags, active RFID
Downloading an eBook to your Palm TX handheld saves time and money. You'll save on the price of the book and you'll be able to access it anywhere you go with your Palm TX. Follow these steps to learn download eBooks.
Instructions
1. Go to the Palm eBooks website, an easy-to-navigate virtual bookstore that offers books and publications from the world's largest publishers.
2. Navigate the website by using the search boxes at the right of the screen. Search by author, title or by categories such as fiction, bestsellers, biography and many more.
3. Click on the title of the book you're interested in. This will take you to a page offering more information on the book as well as price and size of the eBook file and formats it's available in.
4. Decide on a format you would like to use to view the eBook and click on the red "Buy Now" icon. Keep in mind that a Palm TX does not allow you to view an eBook using the Microsoft Reader format.
5. Make sure that the title, price and file format is correct and click on the red "Secure Checkout" icon on the right side of the page. To purchase more eBooks, click on the green "Continue Shopping" icon on the right side of the screen.
6. The website will guide you on securely download the eBook onto a Palm TX.
Tags: icon right, icon right side, right side, view eBook, your Palm
Take sharp pictures of hummingbirds using your Nikon D5000.
The Nikon D5000 is a DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera that features interchangeable lenses and the ability to use hot-shoe flashes. It is a beginner digital camera featuring various scene modes, a swivel display, and D-Movie, allowing a user to take both pictures and video. The Nikon D5000 has the ability to take sharp pictures at sporting events, of nature and of moving children. Freezing objects in mid-air is possible when using a DSLR to capture an image.
Instructions
1. Power on your Nikon D5000.
2. Switch the mode dial to the "Sports" setting. To be able to freeze a hummingbird in mid-air, you need to use a combination of a wide aperture and fast shutter speed.
3. Use the "S" (Shutter) mode setting and set your shutter to a fast speed. The higher your camera is able to achieve, the better since a hummingbird will be moving quickly. Try shutter speeds faster than 1/1250 of a second to freeze the hummingbird.
Tags: Nikon D5000, freeze hummingbird, sharp pictures, your Nikon, your Nikon D5000
A wireless head set connects to your cell phone and allows you to manage phone calls while driving. Once the device is active, you might experience problems with headset to phone connectivity.
Reset
If the headset isn't communicating with the phone, reset it. Plug the charger into the headset; allow five seconds to pass and detach the charger from the headset. The reset won't affect pairings or stored data.
Boom
If you're having trouble pairing the headset to your phone, confirm that the boom mic is closed on the headset. Push the "Multifunction" button on the headset for approximately three seconds. When the headset turns on, open the boom.
Discovery
Set your phone to do a "Device Discovery." A list of found devices will appear on the phone; select the headset from the list and push "Yes" on the phone. Allow a few seconds to pass for the phone and headset to make a connection. If a password is needed, type in "0000" and push "OK."
In fifteen to twenty minutes you can convert any roll-film Polaroid to shoot 120mm medium-format film. Medium-format film produces a negative almost four times larger than 35mm film, which means you can make much larger prints of the image without losing quality.
Instructions
1. Remove the back panel from the camera.
2. A drill bit
Use a 1/4" drill bit to drill a hole at the bottom of the film chamber on the right. This where you are going to insert a bolt to make the winding shaft.
3. A bolt
Screw a bolt that is 1/4 inch in diameter and 1 1/2 inches long into the hole you just drilled at the base of the film chamber.
4. Attach a knob to the bolt so you can crank the winding shaft. You can pickup a generic 1/4-inch knob at a hardware store.
5. Make two shims by folding torn construction paper into two small wedges. Use the shims to prevent the film canister from moving around in the left film chamber.
6. Use a 7/16-inch drill bit to drill a hole in the pressure plate.
7. Cover the hole you just drilled with a piece of clear red glass or plastic. Use a small piece of clear plastic tape to secure the glass.
8. Insert 120mm medium-format film into the camera.
9. Cover the back of the camera with a piece of black cloth to prevent light leakage. Use a thick black cloth that does not let any light through and make sure it completely covers the back of the camera.
Tags: drill drill, film chamber, 120mm medium-format, 120mm medium-format film, back camera
The Zune is a small hand held media player. It is capable of audio playback, video playback, and photo viewing. Video formats supported by the Zune are H.264 (MP4), MPEG-4, and WMV. Any video in those formats can be transferred directly to the Zune device. To transfers video from a DVD, you will need to first extract the video from the DVD and re-encode it so that it will display properly on the Zune. This can be done using any number of free conversion software (such as DVD to Zune Converter). The video can then be transferred to the Zune using any conventional method.
Instructions
Ripping the DVD
1. Download DVD to Zune Converter. You can use the "Resources" link below. Double click the .exe file to begin the installation. Follow the instructions to complete the installation.
2. Open DVD to Zune Converter.
3. Insert the DVD you want to put on your Zune into your disc drive. Click "Open DVD."
4. Set the "Output Folder" destination to your desktop.
5. Set the "Output Format" to MP4. This is the format that will play on the Zune. Leave the resolution on the default.
6. Click the "Convert" button to begin the conversion. Once complete, the file will be placed on your desktop.
Transferring video
7. Click "My Computer." Click the Zune icon. This will open the root storage folder of the Zune.
8. Click the "Videos" folder.
9. Drag and drop the recently converted file into the "Videos" folder. The video will be accessible in the Videos section on the Zune device.
Tags: Zune Converter, that will, video from, Videos folder, your desktop, Zune device
HD-capable cameras allow for increased image quality while using iMovie.
iMovie allows users to edit, add and organize their movie library. While all digital camcorders work well with iMovie, there are some that make it particularly easy to transfer movies and capture videos. An ideal digital camcorder will minimize the need for users to edit a video for lighting, color and picture quality.
Canon FS300
Built with a flash memory drive, the Canon FS300 captures video using its DIGIC DV II image processor to help users capture the best possible image. It's 680,000-pixel CCD image sensor allows users to capture smooth images, adding texture and life to each image. What makes the camera perfect for iMovie is its removable Secure Digital card, which can easily transfer videos onto iMovie via the SD card slot on all Mac models made after 2009.
Flip Video UltraHD
The Flip Video UltraHD allows users to capture video in high-definition, allowing users to reproduce videos in 1,280-by-720-pixel resolution. The Flip captures 30 frames per second, allowing users to capture, share and enjoy movies without a choppy image. Since the Flip uses a USB connection, users can transfer video onto iMovie's software via a USB connection and enjoy HD-quality imaging.
Canon VIXIA HF R100 HD Flash Memory Camcorder
Canon's HD flash camcorder features face detection and image stabilization that complements iMovie's key features of editing video. With image stabilization, users will not need to edit their videos as much on iMovie, making the Canon HF R100 one of the best camcorders for the software. In addition to image stabilization, users will capture video using Canon's 2.39-megapixel HD CMOS image sensor, which allows users to see every detail while using iMovie.
The LT60LPK projector bulb is used with NEC projector models LT220, LT240 and LT260. This lamp has a normal lifespan of about 1,500 hours, but it may last 2,000 hours if used in "Eco Mode." NEC recommends replacing the bulb at 1,500 hours, even if it is working. Once the lamp indicator reaches 1,600 hours, the projector will not operate; the system automatically shuts down until the projector bulb is replaced.
Instructions
1. Turn off the projector power switch, wait approximately 90 seconds, and then turn off the main power switch. Unplug the power cable. Leave the projector alone for at least one hour. This allows the bulb to cool down.
2. Loosen the bulb-cover screw until it spins freely. The screw does not come out. Pull the bulb cover off.
3. Loosen the two screws behind the bulb-cover. These screws do not come out either. They hold the bulb assembly in place. Pull the bulb assembly straight out by its handle.
4. Insert the LT60LPK bulb assembly into its place. Tighten the assembly's screws. Position the bulb cover back in place. Tighten its screw.
5. Plug in the projector's power cable. Turn the system on. Select "Projector Options" from the main menu, and then select "Setup."
6. Scroll to "Page 4" in the "Setup" menu. Select "Clear Lamp Hour Meter" to reset the lamp-hour indicator. The projector will not operate otherwise.
Tags: bulb assembly, bulb cover, place Tighten, power cable, power switch
Denon has been a pioneer in the home and professional audio world for many years, but some users have complained that the graphic displays that indicate volume levels tend to malfunction on home receivers. Denon has made it possible to reset the graphic displays on their stereo receivers without having to be a licensed electronics technician. With the right instruction, you can reset the graphic display so that your volume read out will be fully functional once again.
Instructions
1. Turn the receiver's power "Off" by holding down the "Power" button on the front of the device.
2. Hold down the "Speaker A" and "Speaker B" buttons while pressing the "Power" button on the receiver to turn it on. You can let go of the "Power" button as you continue onto the next step.
3. Release the "Speaker A" and "Speaker B" buttons after the whole graphic display begins to flash in one second intervals. If you do not see the blinking graphic display, repeat steps 1 to 3 again.
Petal lens hoods are usually used on wide angle lenses.
Petal lens hoods get their name as a result of their design. Traditional lens hoods are simple tube shapes that connect to the front of the lens to prevent stray light from entering the lens. Petal lens hoods are typically used on wide angle lenses and look like four flower petals aligned to form the lens hood. This design keeps light out and minimizes the risk of the corners in your picture being blocked by a traditional lens hood.
Instructions
1. Line up the guide dot on the petal lens hood to the lens, and rotate the lens hood until it locks into place.
2. Position the lens hood so it blocks out light from entering the lens from the side. This stray light will cause bright spots in your pictures known as a lens flare. The lens hood can be adjusted to be used either vertically or horizontally.
3. Hold the camera to your eye, look through the camera viewfinder and check the corners of your viewfinder to make sure the lens hood is not blocking out any portion of your frame. If you are using the correct lens hood for your lens, this should not be a problem. Compose your picture, and press the shutter release to take your picture.
Tags: lens hood, lens hoods, Petal lens hoods, your picture, angle lenses, corners your
Once deemed a technology of the future, Bluetooth has become the industry standard for short-distance communications networking. Like WiFi, Bluetooth uses radio waves to connect devices wirelessly. Unlike WiFi, however, Bluetooth only works over small distances. This reduces the amount of electronics it needs to run, making more practical for use with cell phones and other small devices.
Instructions
1. Decide whether you want a headset with or without a boom. This thin stick extends from the earpiece and contains the unit's microphone. The main downside to booms is that they they're a bit unwieldy.
2. Emphasize the headset's fit. Unless you're extremely picky about the sound quality of your calls, the best-fitting headset's the one to buy.
3. Make sure your headset's compatible with whichever version of Bluetooth your other devices use. The newest version, Bluetooth 2.1, is backward compatible with all earlier versions.
4. Look for headsets with noise-canceling technology if you frequently make calls from noisy environments. Products like the Aliph Jawbone filter out background sounds to give you clear, crisp sound quality during your calls.
5. Test the headset and see how easy its buttons are to use. Bluetooth headsets are supposed to make calling easier, but they'll cause problems if you have trouble working the buttons.
6. Pay for the features you want. Products like the Jabra BT8040 offer just about every feature available in current headsets, while those like the SoundID SM100 offer a simpler set of features, focusing instead on sound quality and ease of use.
7. Choose a headset that offers stereo sound, if you're uncomfortable with mono sound. The Plantronics Voyager 855's a good set that uses an extra earbud to deliver sound to both your ears.
Tags: sound quality, compatible with, Products like, version Bluetooth, your calls
Your cell phone can offer you more than just conversation--you can use it to express your musical tastes to the world. With a little time and a cell phone that allows you to download music, you can arm yourself with portable fun, sometimes even for free. Wireless, in this instance, means your favorite music and games on the go.
Instructions
1. Check the availability of free MetroPCS ringtones from a number of websites. They aren't always easy to find, but MetroPCS users can sign up on the company website to receive automatic update messages on their phones when new ringtones are available. It is up to the phone customers to verify the ringtones are actually compatible with their phone units, but it may be worth the effort to be able to get free ringtones.
2. Take advantage of technology your phone and computer share. If both your phone and your computer have card readers (some phones do have small readers), you can save free files by clicking "listen" to sample ringtones on the MetroPCS website. When you find the one you want, select "Save As" and then save it to your computer. Transfer it to the memory card, then put the card back in your phone and save it to your phone so you can use it as your ringtone.
3. Visit the MetroPCS website where you can view the price of downloads and a list of the downloads currently available. In addition to ringtone downloads, pictures for wallpaper ad sharing, games and information are also available to download with your MetroPCS service.
4. Call customer service. Customer service can't order the download to your phone for you, but they can answer any questions you have or solve any problems you may be experiencing. Don't be afraid to ask for help; that's why they are there.
5. Go to a retailer. Same as with customer service, they can't download the ringtone for you, but they can walk you through the process on your phone, help you get a phone capable of @metro downloading, or trouble-shoot other problems you may be experiencing. You can also load money into your express pay MetroConnect account, which will allow you to pay for the ringtone when you download it.
Tags: your phone, cell phone, MetroPCS website, phone your, problems experiencing, save your
Tracfone offers an easy and convenient way to have a cell phone without the restrictions of and commitment of a binding contract. With Tracfone customers can also sidestep the credit check process and aren't even required to have a bank account or credit card.
Instructions
1. Decide whether you want to order a Value Plan (where you will receive a certain amount of minutes each month, which is often cheaper than paying per minute) or whether you want to buy phone cards redeemable for daily airtime and minutes from a retail location (where you will be charged only for the days and minutes that you use).
2. Activate your phone. You can do this online by going to the Tracfone website and clicking the "Activate/Reactivate Phone" link. You will then be directed to choose the model and make of your phone. You then need to install and charge the battery, turn your phone on, and insert your SIM card. You then need to enter the serial number (located in your phone's prepaid menu) in the box provided on the website and click "Continue."
3. Buy airtime from a local retailer or directly from the Tracfone website. To add your airtime from a card, go to the Tracfone website and click on the "Buy/Add Airtime" link. You then need to enter your phone's serial number and click on the "Buy Airtime" or "Add Airtime" button. You can also choose and set up a Value Plan that includes airtime directly from the website.
4. Purchase minutes by buying a phone card from a local retailer or by selecting a Value Plan that includes minutes from the Tracfone website. If you choose a Value Plan, your minutes will automatically reload each month and your bank account or credit card will automatically be charged. When you purchase minutes individually, you have to buy a new card and manually reload your minutes each time you run out.
5. Make calls and add more minutes and airtime as needed, if not on a Value Plan. If you are on a Value Plan and run out of minutes, you can purchase additional 50 and 100 minute bundles from the Tracfone website.
Tags: Value Plan, Tracfone website, your phone, from Tracfone, from Tracfone website
Hunting large game generally requires the finest rifle scopes available on the market. Not only does the rifle scope need to work well with large caliber rifles, but it needs to put some distance between the shooter's ears and the weapon itself. It also needs to boast superior optics, and a high degree of dependability under pressure.
Instructions
Buy a Rifle Scope for Large Game
1. Choose a rifle scope that has been specifically designed not only to spot big game, but to work with larger caliber rifles as well. Generally, these scopes are elevated to put some distance between your head and the rifle. In addition, large game rifle scopes often have crosshairs, or reticles, that are more useful in tracking larger animals by using specific grids.
2. Buy a rifle scope that has a magnifying power of anywhere from 3 to 9 times of the normal image. Magnifying power isn't as important in large game rifle scopes, but the quality and clarity of the image is. This is because many animals must be shot in precise locations or else they will run for miles before they die. Being able to see the animal clearly is of paramount importance.
3. Use a scope that has plenty of "eye relief." These are protective rubber cups, sunshades or spacers that are designed to prevent the scope from flying backward from the recoil of the shot, potentially hitting you in the eye. This is, of course, another good reason for wearing eye protection while using large caliber rifles.
4. Do not cheap out when you buy a scope for a high-powered rifle. Large game hunters often say, "Buy the best scope you can't afford," and often recommend spending as much on your scope as you did on your rifle. With large game scopes, the quality and clarity of the optics of the scope are much more useful than magnifying power or the diameter of the lens.
5. Purchase a large game rifle scope from a reputable gun dealer or sporting goods store that will be able to recommend a durable, well-made product. Since there is a fairly high degree of danger in large game hunting, you must be able to depend on your equipment at all times.
Tags: caliber rifles, game rifle, large game, large game rifle, rifle scopes, scope that, distance between
Telmex is a telecommunications company that provides service to Latin American countries such as Brazil, Argentina and Mexico. The company offers traditional in-home telephone service as well as cellular phone service, Internet, data and Internet protocol television (IPTV). Telmex also provides a voicemail function with automated instructions that allows access to messages from any phone.
Instructions
1. Dial "*86" on your Telmex device to access your voicemail. If the voicemail feature has not yet been set up, dial your temporary personal key "1234."
2. Dial "*86" on your Telmex phone and enter your new password to access messages from the voicemail mailbox. You will hear any new messages along with previously saved messages.
3. Dial "*88" and your 10-digit telephone number followed by the "#" key to access messages from another Telmex phone. Then enter your personal key followed by the "#" key. Follow the automated instructions to replay, save, delete or forward the message.
4. Change the personal key by dialing "*86," then enter your current personal key followed by the "#" key. Follow the automated instructions to set your new personal key.
5. Schedule the number of rings before the voicemail answers a call by dialing "*66*" and enter the number of seconds followed by the "#" key. Remember that every 5 seconds equals a ring.
Tags: access messages, access messages from, automated instructions, enter your, messages from, Dial your
TTL (through the lens) flash systems measure the light output via an in-camera sensor to get correct flash exposure. Companies have different versions of TTL exposure. The latest Nikon version of TTL is i-TTL (intelligent through the lens).
Camera flashes
How It Works
With i-TTL, Nikon fires a monitor preflash that helps the sensor measure the available light for exposure. With i-TTL, the flashes can be picked up by either the five-element TTL flash sensor or an RBG (red, green, blue) sensor to get the right reading.
Balanced Flash Exposure
With i-TTL, the monitor preflash reflects off of every surface in the frame of the picture the photographer has composed. The information the sensor reads is combined with output from the camera's Matrix Metering System to give a balanced flash exposure for the whole frame, both foreground and background.
Flash Units
Nikon currently makes four flash units with i-TTL flash built in: the SB-900, the SB-600, the SB-400 and the SB-R200. The R1 and R1C1 ring flash systems for close-up photography also use i-TTL via their included pair of SB-R200s.
Legacy
Nikon introduced its i-TTL system to its film SLRs in the 1980s. With the advent of digital SLRs, Nikon created the D-TTL system, which was supposed to work better with digital by flipping up the mirror but not firing the shutter. D-TTL was used from 1999 to 2003. It was phased out for a new, improved i-TTL.
i-TTL with CLS
In 2003, Nikon announced their newest DSLRs would merge i-TTL with the new Creative Lighting System (CLS). The new i-TTL measures the pre-flash inside the viewfinder before the mirror flips up. CLS allows the photographer to create three groups of remote wireless flashes with different flash exposure values that can all be triggered by one master flash.
Capiz shells, which are round and translucent white, add glamor and elegance to a chandelier. You can replicate a capiz shell with surprising accuracy using wax paper, which imitates the translucent nature of the shell. Sew the doubled wax paper rounds together in long columns, mimicking the columns of capiz shells that hang from genuine capiz shell chandeliers. Making a wax-paper shell chandelier, which incorporates a recycled lampshade, costs a tiny fraction of the price of a capiz shell chandelier, which retails for several thousand dollars.
Instructions
1. Remove all fabric from the old lampshade by cutting it with the scissors, leaving just the wire form.
2. Cut two 12-inch squares of waxed paper with the scissors. Sandwich the waxed paper pieces, waxy sides facing each other, between two pieces of parchment paper. Press over the papers with the iron gently to fuse the two pieces of waxed paper together.
3. Cut the waxed paper into 2-inch diameter circles with the circle cutter. Repeat the last two steps to make 240 wax-paper circles.
4. Sew through one circle of waxed paper on the sewing machine, from edge to edge through the center of the circle. Without removing the circle from the sewing machine, place another wax paper circle under the first circle, with their edges touching, and sew through it. Repeat, adding eight more circles to make a length of 10 connected wax paper circles.
5. Cut the machine bobbin and top threads to a length of 4 inches at the end of the connected length of circles.
6. Repeat the last two steps 23 more times to make 24 ten-circle lengths.
7. Tie the 10 lengths of connected wax paper circles to the small circle of the wire lampshade from the bobbin and top thread lengths. The lampshade will be attached upside down from the ceiling.
8. Tie 14 lengths of connected wax paper circles to the large circle of the wire lampshade.
9. Screw three cup hooks in the ceiling, evenly spaced around the existing light fixture, and corresponding with the size of the large circle of the lampshade frame. Hook the large circle over the cup hooks to hang the completed chandelier.
Tags: waxed paper, capiz shell, connected paper, connected paper circles, large circle, paper circles
Tamron is a third-party lens manufacturer that makes high-quality lenses for most major DSLR camera bodies -- Nikon, Canon, Sony, etc. The Tamron SP 60-300mm 23A lens came out in 2003 as a cheaper alternative to brand-name lenses. You can buy it used for $149.
Aperture Range
The Tamron SP 60-300mm 23A lens has a maximum aperture of F3.6. In low light, this lens will respond well. The minimum aperture is F32, which will allow for clear shots at high ISO settings in daylight for subjects at a distance.
Zoom and Focus Length
A minimum focus length of 60mm and a maximum of 300mm makes the Tamron SP 60-300mm 23A lens a distance lens. It will be hard to focus on close-up subjects, but easy to capture things that are quite far away.
Weight and Dimensions
The Tamron SP 60-300mm 23A lens weighs 31 ounces. The barrel of the lens is 6 1/2 inches long, and it has a 62mm filter. The Tamron SP 60-300mm 23A lens features Tamron's Adaptall mount, which connects to Nikon, Canon, and Sony DSLR cameras.
Micro SD's incredibly small size allows it to be used in numerous devices.
Although many MP3 players possess internal memory, some devices can also read from add-in micro SD cards. These pinky-nail-sized cards can store as much as their standard SD card equivalent, but with greater versatility, because of their small size. Using an external card allows you to add music to your MP3 player without having to connect the player to your computer. All that is required is a card reader to access an SD card, and a card adapter to allow the micro SD card to function as a standard SD card.
Instructions
1. Insert your micro SD card into the card adapter.
2. Insert the SD card adapter into your USB card reader.
3. Insert your USB card reader into an available USB port on your computer. Windows 7 will automatically recognize the card reader.
4. Click "Start" and select "Computer" to launch Windows Explorer.
5. Go to the folders that contain your music files.
6. Hold down the "Ctrl" key and click multiple music files. To select all music files in a folder, hold "Ctrl" and press "A."
7. Hold the "Ctrl" key and press "C" to mark all selected music files for copying.
8. Click the drive letter of your micro SD card.
9. Hold the "Ctrl" key and press "V" to copy the previously selected files onto your micro SD card.
10. Right-click the micro SD drive letter when copying is complete and select "Eject." Remove your micro SD card.
Tags: card reader, micro card, music files, your micro, your micro card, card adapter, Ctrl press
Troubleshoot the problems with your Canon SLR lens.
The digital Canon Rebel is similar to other digital SLR cameras which save their media onto an inserted memory card. Although digital cameras are fairly intuitive devices and technologically-reliable, it is not unheard of for the Canon Rebel to run into the occasional problem. If this is the case for you, there are a few troubleshooting pointers you can follow to help correct the issue.
Instructions
1. Insert fresh batteries into your Canon Rebel. If the camera powers down when you are attempting to take pictures or the flash is not firing, this is due to insufficient battery power. Changing out the batteries will correct this issue.
2. Remove the current memory card. If the memory card is full, you cannot save additional pictures to it. Additionally, if the card has become corrupt (typically from ejecting it from a computer while it is still being read), the card may not work on the Canon camera so replacing it is necessary.
3. Hold down the power button and leave the camera off for a few minutes. Power the camera back on to complete the camera reset. If you initially turned on the camera and the digital LCD screen displayed jagged images or an all blue screen, the camera reset will correct these problems.
4. Wipe the front of the lens with a lens cleaning cloth if spots appear on all of your images. This is due to a dirty lens. If the spots persist, remove the lens from the camera (hold down the lens release button to the right of the lens and turn it left). Clean off the inside of the camera lens for any dust stuck to the glass then reattach the lens to the camera.
Tags: Canon Rebel, memory card, camera reset, digital cameras, will correct, your Canon
Determining whether your Panasonic TV is digital is an important consideration with the conversion of all terrestrial broadcasting signals from analog to digital. To continue receiving TV programming, you'll need a digital TV, a digital cable or satellite receiver, or a digital converter box for connecting to the television. All newly manufactured Panasonic TVs are now digital. You'll need to check out an older TV to determine if it is digital-ready. If you have a flat-screen TV, chances are it is a digital set. Older, tube-type televisions typically process an analog signal. They types of sets will need a digital converter box to receive programming.
Instructions
1. Consult the owner's manual for your Panasonic television, which will list whether your particular TV is digital or digital-ready.
2. Check the front or back panel of the TV cabinet, looking for the word "digital," which will be displayed on almost all digital sets.
3. Contact Pansonic online at www.Panasonic.com, click on Get Support, and enter the model number of your television for a complete rundown on the product specifications.
Tags: digital converter, need digital, whether your, which will, your Panasonic
RFID security systems are safer and more practical than your typical lock and key.
An RFID (radio frequency identification) security system is perhaps the most convenient security system you can create. It can be used for many kinds of special problems, especially when dealing with security. From calculating the number of items inside your refrigerator to tracking a vehicle, the uses of RFID are limited only by your imagination. One simple way to use it is to build a basic RFID door lock.
Instructions
Installing the Deadbolt
1. Install the power deadbolt on the door using the instructions that came with it.
2. Figure out where you want to position your RFID reader. You will want to place it as close to the deadbolt as possible, because wires must run between the reader and the deadbolt. The reader can be placed on the side or bottom of the deadbolt's faceplate; just ensure the wiring connectors are facing out towards the deadbolt. Failing to do so will cause the wire to hang out of the reader, causing the security system to become an eyesore.
3. Bend the edge of the faceplate slightly where the wiring connectors will meet using your pliers. Place a piece of cloth between the faceplate and pliers so you will not scratch the faceplate. Ensure the wires fit under the bend you created with the pliers.
Wiring the RFID Reader
4. Notice four pins are standing out on the RFID reader. These four pins are actually the four different functions of the readers itself: Common Collector Voltage (VCC), Enable, Serial Out (SOUT), and Ground (GND). Tie the Enable pin to the Ground pin by soldering a cable between the two. Keep in mind you will want to do this on the back of the jumper block so the wire connecting the two does not get tangled with your other wires.
5. Solder a wire to each of the VCC, SOUT, and GND pins. Ensure the wires have a little extra length to them so you do not come up short with your wiring later in the project. Trim the pins back so nothing keeps your reader from lying against the faceplate.
6. Run the wires through the deadbolt hole along with the wiring for the electronic deadbolt. Ensure your reader wires are under the part of the faceplate you pulled so they will not crimp. Make sure the wires are out of the way of the deadbolt mechanism as well. Screw the deadbolt and the reader onto the door.
7. Cover the large plastic project box. Sit the cover over the reader and mark the spot where the wires exit. Trim the plastic off of this spot in the same way you did this for the faceplate. This will keep your wires from getting smashed and possibly damaged.
8. Screw the cover onto the door as well, ensuring that it is as close to the faceplate of the deadbolt as possible. This will ensure the wires are covered up and protected as much as possible.
Installing the Deadbolt Control Box
9. Pull your RFID wiring through the hole in the back of the keypad toward the front. Next, connect the keypad connector block to the pins provided. Make sure your wires are clear of all moving parts and screw the control box into the door. Connect the deadbolt to the circuit board.
10. Examine the circuit board. Two contacts should be on the circuit board that says 'open' and 'close'. Solder two wires to the left side of the open contacts. Test the power bolt to ensure you soldered this board correctly. Insert the batteries into the deadbolt and touch the ends of the two wires together. This should cause the deadbolt to unlock.
11. Place the faceplate back onto the system once you are positive the wires unlock the deadbolt. Pull the two 'open' wires either through the side or the notch provided.
Building the BASIC Stamp Carrier Board
12. Solder the 24-pin IC Socket, with the notched side being at the top and the reed relay to the carrier board. Set the voltage regulator next to the IC socket. Solder the input lead on the voltage regulator to the VIN pin on the stamp (pin 24 on the IC socket) and then the ground pin on the regulator to the VSS pin on the stamp (pin 23 on the IC socket).
13. Solder roughly 4 to 8 inches of DC-capable wires to the VIN and VSS pins on the regulator. Use your best judgment when figuring out the length, because it will be different for every individual. It is better to go too long than too short. At this point, every pin on the voltage regulator, besides the output pin, should have something attached to it.
14. Connect this to your RFID reader by soldering the VCC lead wire from the reader to the output pin on the voltage regulator.
15. Solder the SOUT wire to pin 18 on the IC socket (I/O pin 13 on the stamp). Take the remaining wire from the reader, the GRD wire, and attach it to the GRD pin on the voltage regulator.
16. Connect the deadbolt control box. Solder the 'open' switch wires to the two switched pins on the reed relay. It does not matter which ones you pick. Solder one of the coil leads to pin 14 on the IC socket (I/O pin 0 on the stamp) and the other to pin 4 on the IC socket (the second VSS pin on the stamp and the GRD). Solder your protection diode over the leads. Take the diode and solder the end with the colored band to the coil that is connected to pin 14. Then solder the opposite side to the colored band to the lead that is connected to GRD.
Finishing Touches
17.Program your BASIC microprocessor. The easiest way is to buy a microprocessor that can be hooked up to your computer for easy programming. With the use of a battery, you can download the programming needed (see Resources) and make a few tweaks using the program BASIC Stamp Windows Editor (v2.5). Input the number of tags (people) you have authorized to open the door, as well as load in the IDs for each of those tags to make sure they can open your door.
18. Insert the microprocessor into the carrier board. Make sure you line up pin 1 on the microprocessor with pin 1 on the IC socket. Power it up by connecting the 9V power to the DC power leads attached to the VIN and VSS on your stamp.
19. Test the deadbolt. Wave an authorized tag over the reader, which should unlock the deadbolt. Put the carrier board onto the remaining project box. Cut a tiny notch to let the cords through without them getting pinched. Hot glue the carrier board to the project board cover, then put the lid on and screw it shut. Attach the box to the door using screws or glue.
20. Use wire gutters or tape to support the power supply. Run the wires along the door to the adapter.
Tags: voltage regulator, carrier board, circuit board, Make sure, RFID reader, security system
When you get your new subwoofer home, it is time to set it up. All in all, this is a simple task, but sometimes subwoofers are confusing. This article will help you set up a subwoofer for optimal home theater sound.
Instructions
1. Figure out where in the room you want your subwoofer. It is best to place it beneath the television or screen and as close to it as possible.
2. Plug the subwoofer into the back of your receiver. All you have to do to connect your subwoofer to your home theatre receiver is plug that wire into the speaker "out" jack on the back of your subwoofer and into the subwoofer "in" jack on the back of your home theatre receiver.
3. Play with the phase and crossover settings on your subwoofer. These two knobs allow you to dial in as much bass as you want coming out of the subwoofer and allow you to distribute bass to the other speakers in the room.
4. Watch your favorite movie and adjust the settings to meet your specific tastes.
Tags: your subwoofer, back your, home theatre, home theatre receiver, jack back, jack back your, subwoofer into
Sony Memory Stick Pro Duos are compact, portable flash storage devices that can support a large amount of data. The devices are used in cameras, camcorders, personal media players and portable gaming devices. The cards also can be used like a regular flash drive to store important documents and media. It is possible to write protect your Memory Stick Pro Duo, which will make it impossible for data on the drive to be altered in any way. Write protection also will prevent data from being moved on or off the device. Write protecting your Memory Stick Pro Duo is simple and should only take a few minutes.
Instructions
1. Check the back of your Memory Stick Pro Duo to determine if it contains a write protection switch. This switch is included on most Memory Stick Pro Duo cards made after the year 2005. This switch is a small tab on the bottom of the card that can be toggled on and off.
2. Connect your Memory Stick Pro Duo to your computer if it does not feature a Write Protection switch. Insert it into your memory stick to USB converter. Insert the converter in your computer's USB slot.
3. Open "My Computer." Locate the memory stick under "Removable Storage Devices."
4. Right-click the memory stick. Select "Properties" from the right-click menu.
5. Click on the "Sharing" tab. Select "Advanced Sharing."
6. Click the box next to "Share this Folder." Click on the button labeled "Permissions." Click "Deny Change" to write-protect the drive. Click "Deny Read" to make its contents hidden. When you have made the desired changes, click "Apply" to close the permissions window and save your changes. To revert to original settings, enter the same menu and select "Allow Read" or "Allow Change."
Tags: your Memory Stick, Memory Stick, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Duos, Sony Memory, Sony Memory Stick, Stick Duos
Image editing software allows for increasing and decreasing picture size.
Many reasons may lead someone to choose to edit the size of a digital picture. Whether reducing the picture's file size to make it simpler to email or increasing it so it can be used as computer wallpaper, the altering process is accomplished through the use of image editing software. The software, such as Microsoft Office Picture Manager or Adobe Photoshop, can be purchased or utilized through free online resources.
Instructions
1. Open the picture to be resized using image editing software.
2. Select the "Edit Pictures" option if using Microsoft Office Picture Manager. Wording of commands in other image editing software may differ.
3. Click on either "Resize" or "Compress Pictures" in the "Change Picture Size" menu. Resizing the dimension of the picture results in either an increase or decrease in the number of pixels in the image. Compressing the picture allows you to create a smaller sized file that can be used in a document, uploaded to an Internet web page or attached to an email.
4. Change the picture's size. When resizing a picture, you may select one of the predetermined sizes, type in the size you wish for a custom height, or reduce or increase the file size by using a percent. When compressing a picture, select from one of three size options: Documents, Web Pages or Email Messages.
5. Click on "OK."
Tags: editing software, file size, image editing, image editing software, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Office Picture
If you are tired of having stacks of VHS tapes but still want to have copies of your favorite movies to watch, converting them to DVD can save shelf space and allow you to view them repeatedly without worrying about deterioration or a tape breaking. With a good DVD recorder and the right setup, you can transfer your collection and make the transition to the digital age.
DVD Recorders
DVD recorders are relatively inexpensive, depending on the model and features, and fairly simple to use. Connect composite video cables from the VCR's output to the recorder's input and connect another set from the recorder to the TV to record a DVD as it plays on the VCR.
TV and VCR
You'll still need your VCR, at least long enough to connect to the DVD recorder and play your videos as they're being recorded. And, of course, you'll need the TV to monitor the process and watch the DVDs on later.
VCR/DVD Combos
To avoid having two separate pieces of hardware and one more set of cords to deal with, purchase a VCR/DVD combination unit. Connect it to the TV and follow the directions to transfer directly from VHS to DVD.
DVDs
A few types of blank DVDs are available--DVD-R and DVD+R allow for a single recording, and DVD-RW and DVD+RW can be re-written up to 1,000 times. Look for dual-layer disks if the movie being recorded is over 2 hours long.
Software
Another option is to purchase a software program and USB adapter that lets you save video from VHS to a computer before burning it to DVD. This saves the cost of purchasing a DVD recorder, though your computer must have a DVD burner drive and ample hard drive space to save the videos.
Notes
The picture and sound quality of the recorded DVDs will only be as good as their source, and won't have the HD video or surround-sound audio of studio-produced movie DVDs. And, store-bought tapes may have copy-protection built in that makes for a bad transfer.