Record Movies To A Vcr

Recording movies on a VCR can seem confusing. Getting your equipment properly set up can be complicated. Fortunately, recording movies to tape is simpler than you may think. The most important task is to get your VCR properly connected to your other equipment. Since your VCR has its own receiver, it doesn't get its signal from the TV. Instead, it gets signals directly from the programming source.

Instructions

Record Live Movies on a VCR

1. Ensure that your VCR is properly connected to your satellite, cable or digital TV receiver box. Connect the receiver box directly to the VCR "Antenna In" connector using a coaxial cable. If you're receiving free over-the-air signals directly, connect a powered antenna to the VCR input. Connect the VCR's "Out" connector to the TV input using another coaxial cable.

2. Set the TV to the channel that you've selected using the switch on the back of your VCR. This is usually channel 3 or 4.

3. Set the VCR channel to the channel you wish to record if you are receiving over-the-air signals directly. If you're using a receiver box of any kind, tune the VCR to either channel 3 or 4, depending on which channel is set on the back. Use the remote for your satellite, cable or digital TV receiver to tune to the desired channel.

4. Ensure that the date and time are properly set on your VCR. Check the listings to see when your movie will be playing. Navigate the VCR menus to set a timer recording. Set the timer to start several minutes before the movie begins. Then set it to end several minutes after the movie ends. Insert a recordable tape into the VCR and rewind or fast forward it to the point that you'd like to begin recording. Turn your VCR off to set the timer.

Record from DVR to VCR

5. Ensure that your DVR is properly connected to your VCR. Tune the VCR to channel 3 or 4. Set your DVR to play back the recorded movie. When the VCR is turned on, the DVR recording should be visible on your TV. Pause the DVR playback. Rewind or fast forward the tape to the approximate point you want to start recording.

6. Press "Play" on your VCR remote. Play the tape, or search it backward or forward until it's at the desired spot. Pause the playback on your VCR and press the "Record" button.

7. Resume the playback on your DVR recording. When the beginning of the movie appears on your TV screen, press either the pause or play button on your VCR remote to begin recording.

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Unlock A Cell Phone

If you own a cell phone and have ever tried to change service providers, you may have been frustrated to learn that sometimes you are unable to do so without purchasing a new phone. This is because service providers program a code into the phone that locks it to that provider, without giving the owner access to that code. Recent legal rulings allow cell phone owners who have completed their service contracts the ability to unlock their phones. If you encounter this problem, be sure to follow these steps.

Instructions

Steps for Phones Locked by a Service Provider

1. Contact your previous service provider. They will likely sell you the code for a small fee.

2. Search online for programs that will provide this service. You many find that most will charge a fee. In order to do this you may need a cable to connect the phone to the computer. For some phones a cable is not needed and a pass code is used.

3. Buy a SIM card, which is available at most cell phone stores. Put it in and voila! You are now allowed to use your cell phone with any service provider.

Steps for a Phone Locked by the User

4. Carrying a phone in your pocket will sometimes result in the phone accidentally becoming locked.

5. Enter in your PIN to unlock the phone. If that doesn't work, try pressing the numbers 1, 2 and 3 as some providers use this as a default code.

6. Enter in the default password to unlock your phone. Some providers use 1, 2, 3. Other providers use 1, 1, 1, 1 or 1, 2, 3, 4.

7. Take the phone to one of your service provider's stores. They will unlock the phone for you.

Tags: cell phone, service provider, phone that, phone your, service providers

Improve The Quality Of Cell Phone Video

Cell phones can capture quality video in a well lit area or outdoors.

Cell phone video can capture fun family moments, breaking news and much more. However, users can be disappointed by the quality of the video when it's too dark, too shaky or out of focus. Many of the same principles used to improve the quality of camcorder video can also be used for cell phone video. The quality of cell phone video can also be improved by using video software.

Instructions

Use a light source to avoid dark video

1. Turn on a lamp or open the blinds to let the sunshine in when you're shooting video indoors with your cell phone camera.

2. Stand below a street light when you're shooting cell phone video outdoors. You can also turn on a car's headlights and point the headlights in the direction of the subject you're recording so the area is well lit.

3. Shoot cell phone video mainly during daytime hours since sunlight will help your video appear bright. Avoid shooting at night.

Avoid shaky video

4. Set the cell phone on top of a stable object like a shelf, table or tripod so your video won't be shaky. If you're outdoors, set the cell phone video camera on a bench, window sill or the hood of a vehicle.

5. Hold the cell phone video camera in as stable a way as possible. Firmly plant your feet on the ground and stay still. Spread your legs so they can create a tripod effect and stabilize the shakiness of the video.

6. Stand as close as possible to the subject you're videoing. You can also lean on a wall to stabilize your arms while shooting cell phone video.

Use video software

7. Choose a piece of software, like Ikena or vRreal, to process and enhance your cell phone video.

8. Pay for the software if a fee is required.

9. Download the software to your computer.

10. Follow the software instructions for enhancing your cell phone video.

Tags: phone video, cell phone, cell phone video, cell phone video, video software

Micro Sd Types

Micro SD cards can easily take the place of traditional film storage.

Micro SD cards are removable memory cards used to store various types of data. You can use these micro SD cards in cell phones, GPS units, MP3 players and digital cameras. Sizes range from 128 megabytes (MB) to 32 gigabytes (GB), as of 2010. The larger the size of the card, the more data it can hold and the more types of files it can accommodate.

Small Capacity

The smallest size micro SD card, 128 MB, will hold only data files, such as text documents, spreadsheets and slide show presentations. Due to its small capacity, you may find it rather difficult to find a 128-MB micro SD card, since sizes have jumped up tremendously since the cards' introduction.

Medium Capacity

Mid-sized 8-GB micro SD cards can hold up to 2000 MP3 files, giving testament to their ability to hold numerous multimedia files. These reasonably priced micro SD cards are suitable for nearly any device. In addition, the cards can hold up to 5,722 compressed JPEG photographic files.

Large Capacity

For those who need to maximize storage capacity, the 32-GB micro SD card can hold thousands of MP3 files---enough for several hours of listening enjoyment. You can store an impressive 22,888 compressed JPEG photographic files on the card, practically eliminating the need for more than one micro SD card.

Tags: micro card, cards hold, compressed JPEG, compressed JPEG photographic, JPEG photographic

Use A Wireless Pinhole Camera

Use a pinhole camera to monitor your home or office.

Wireless pinhole cameras are tiny cameras that can be placed around the home or office for purposes of security, research or monitoring. The obvious advantage of wireless pinhole cameras is that they're extremely small, and they don't require a complicated mess of cords to set up. This means you'll achieve maximum discreetness as simply and efficiently as possible. Wireless pinhole camera setup is a relatively simple process, and requires only the tools that come with the camera when you purchase it.

Instructions

1. Plug one end of the power supply for your receiver into the back of the receiver, then plug the other end of the power supply into an outlet.

2. Connect one end of your A/V cables into the back of your receiver. Plug the other end into your TV's A/V inputs (the red, yellow and white plugs). Follow the color code when inserting the A/V plugs (for instance, put the yellow plug into the yellow input).

3. Connect a 9-volt battery to its appropriate battery clip. Connect the male end of this battery clip into your wireless pinhole camera. This is what allows the camera to be powered without being plugged in.

4. Turn your wireless pinhole camera on, and place it where you want it.

5. Turn on your TV and set it to the "A/V Input" channel.

6. Turn the tuning knob on your receiver until you get a picture on your TV. Your wireless pinhole camera setup is now complete.

Tags: pinhole camera, your receiver, battery clip, camera setup, cameras that

Xm Antenna Types

XM Radio is a satellite audio entertainment provider. The company sells four different types of antennas designed to be paired with its XM radios - two types for use with automobiles, one for houses and apartments, and one for boats. All four types come with 1-year warranties. Radios are sold separately.

Portable Automobile

Portable XM Radio automobile antennas like the Roof Mount Micro Car Antenna are designed to be attached to your vehicle without the use of permanent mounting hardware. Instead, they use a combination of magnets and rubberized feet. The Roof Mount Micro Car Antenna measures 0.25 inches tall and 6.75 inches wide. It weighs approximately 3.8 ounces and comes with a hard-wired, 21-foot micro-coax cable. The Roof Mount Micro Car Antenna has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of around $45 as of the time of article publication.

Mounted Automobile

XM Radio's Truck/RV Antenna is a mounted automobile antenna designed to be attached via permanent brackets that may require you to drill holes into your vehicle. The Truck/RV Antenna can be mounted on either a rear-view mirror or a vehicle's air dam shield using bolts and an included U-shaped bracket. The Truck/RV Antenna is made of dark gray weatherproof polycarbonate material. It measures approximately 10 inches tall and comes with stainless-steel mounting hardware and a 30-foot cable. The Truck/RV Antenna has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of around $80 as of the time of article publication.

Home

The Outdoor Home Mount Antenna is a weather-resistant unit designed to be attached to an exterior wall, roof or satellite dish mast. It is intended to replace the standard antenna that comes with home XM Radio kits. The receiver unit measures approximately 3 inches wide, 1.5 inches tall and 3.5 inches deep. Its mounting base measures 3.4 inches wide, 4.7 inches tall and 2.1 inches deep. Together, the receiver and base weigh approximately 1 pound. The Outdoor Home Mount Antenna has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of around $75 as of the time of article publication.

Marine

XM Radio's Marine Mount Antenna is designed for use on sailboats and powerboats. It features rugged weather-sealed housing and can be mounted on-deck or on a sail mast via a standard 1 1/4-inch marine bracket. The Marine Mount Antenna measures approximately 9 inches tall and 4 inches in diameter. It weighs about 2 pounds and comes with a 5-foot wired cable and 25-foot RG-174 coaxial extension cable. The Marine Mount Antenna has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of around $80 as of the time of article publication.

Tags: inches tall, Mount Antenna, Antenna manufacturer, Antenna manufacturer suggested, around time

Loop Lead Wires In A Capacitor

Capacitors are electronic components that store electrical charges and block direct current in circuits. There are a variety of types of capacitors. Larger motor run and start capacitors typically have clamp-like, connector-type leads built on top of the capacitor. However, the vast majority of smaller capacitors used in electronic devices have two wire leads separated by a single dielectric insulator, that is sometimes made from a ceramic-composite material. In some applications, it is helpful to have the capacitor lead wires looped at the bottom so they can be soldered directly into a circuit or fit into a cramped space easily.

Instructions

1. Open the blade holder of the craft knife.

2. Snip the round loop off of an ordinary safety pin with a pair of wire strippers.

3. Slip the cut loop into the craft knife's blade holder, add epoxy and then clamp the blade closer down on the loop. Allow the epoxy to dry the blade holder closed.

4. Slip the end of the capacitor lead into the loop now affixed to the craft knife. Bend the tip of the capacitor lead with the needle-nose pliers and twist the handle of the hobby knife to the right, allowing the rest of the capacitor lead to loop around the handle. Remove the capacitor once the lead has properly looped. Repeat this step with the other capacitor lead.

Tags: capacitor lead, blade holder, craft knife

Convert Photo Negatives

Photo negatives still have better equivalent resolution than digital images taken with a digital camera, so all those old boxes or albums full for negatives still are valuable. All you need to do is to convert them to digital images of high resolution to get the best of both worlds. There basically are three ways to convert them: with a flatbed scanner, with a negative scanner or with a digital camera. The first two will produce better images.

Instructions

1. Clean the negatives. If they are black and white, you can clean them with a soft, lint-free cloth and water. For color negatives, you will need film cleaner, since water can smear or remove the images. Don't use too much pressure when cleaning, because it can damage the emulsion of the film.

2. Get a slide scanner. If you have a lot of negatives to convert to digital, invest in a slide scanner, because it will produce better images at higher resolutions. You can use a flatbed scanner, but you should use one with negative holders to keep the film flat while scanning. Flatbeds are faster, but you may lose some of the sharpness of the images.

3. Mount your negatives in slide mounts. These are little plastic containers for slides. You can buy them empty, then cut the negatives and mount them. These will give you more control over scanning and avoid getting fingerprints on the negatives.

4. Use scanning software designed for film. Software will accompany the scanner, or you can buy a separate program such as SilverFast. This software includes dust- and scratch-removal options, or you can scan directly and fix problems in Adobe Photoshop or other photo editing software.

5. Catalog the digital images. You probably will want to keep digital image files together to work on later. Create a folder for each photo shoot or roll of film scanned. Not only will this make it easier to find images of the same type later, it also will allow you to fix images with the same problems without forgetting what you did. If, for example, a particular photo shoot of a birthday party has the same orange color cast, you can use the same settings on all of them.

6. Open a scanned file in Photoshop (click "File," then "Open") and convert it to a positive (click "Image," then "Adjustments," then "Invert"). Then adjust it for proper size and tone for prints on the Web. You can make images taken 40 or 50 years ago look like they were shot yesterday by correcting the color. Save the fixed images as copies so you don't have to rescan the negatives if you make a mistake.

Tags: digital images, better images, convert them, digital camera, flatbed scanner, images taken

The Average Salary Of An Aerial Photographer

Aerial photographers take pictures of locations, structures and geographical features from aircraft.

Aerial photographers are professionals who photograph structures, geographical areas and other images from the air. Their work requires the ability to capture images quickly from a moving aircraft such as an airplane or helicopter.

Average Salary

CBsalary listed a national average salary of $33,236 per year in September 2010 for this occupation. Salaries ranged between $27,460 and $46,050 per year overall.

Job Types

Although some aerial photographers are hired by organizations as employees, most are self-employed and charge rates based on costs to provide aerial images. Pricing includes fuel, piloting and travel to the area where the photographs are taken. An hourly rate may also be applied if images require longer flight times.

Geography

In May 2009, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the highest concentration of photographers, including aerial photographers, in Hawaii, making an average median wage of $28,980 per year. The District of Columbia paid the highest wages, with an average median salary of $55,820 per year.

Tags: aerial photographers, average median, salary year, structures geographical

Will My Vcr Work With A Digital Tv

Will My VCR Work With a Digital TV?

Despite the prevalence of DVD, Blu-ray and digital video recorders, many of us still have libraries of videotapes of personal memories or out-of-print movies and television programs. Luckily, videocassette recorders can still connect to modern digital televisions to watch these collections. VCRs are still able to record programs after the digital television switch, though special hardware may be required.

Connecting the VCR

Connect your VCR to a digital television to play back previously recorded material or commercially distributed tapes. If your VCR connects using composite RCA cables--three red, white and yellow connectors--simply plug it into an available input on the back of your TV and select that input with the remote. Older VCRs use a thick screw-on coaxial connector and your TV may only have a single coaxial input. Use a coaxial switch box or splitter if your cable or antenna is already connected through the coaxial connection. Tune your television to channel 3 or 4, determined by a switch on your VCR. Some video recorders have composite cables and a coaxial connector. Use the improved signal of the composite cables when possible, as the coaxial connector offers degraded picture quality especially noticeable on a digital television.

Recording Television Broadcasts

If your receive your television signal through cable or satellite, your VCR will work as it always has when connected to a digital television. Since the switch to digital broadcast in June 2009, VCRs can no longer record broadcast television without special equipment. VCRs manufactured before 2007 were not required to include a digital tuner and are therefore unable to receive the transmitted digital signal. To record a digital broadcast you'll need a digital-to-analog converter box. These boxes are available at most home electronics and department stores. Connect an external antenna to the converter box and then connect the converter to the VCR. Since the converter acts as a tuner, select the channel you wish to record on the converter. Set your VCR to channel 3 or 4--determined by a switch on the converter--or to the audio/video input. To record a program, tune the converter to the desired channel and set the timer on your VCR to record at the proper time. Some converters interface with a VCR to simplify programming.

Tags: digital television, coaxial connector, composite cables, digital broadcast, video recorders

Format An Olympus Xdpicture Card

An xD memory card is a storage medium used by Olympus and Fuji digital cameras. No bigger than a postage stamp, an xD card is lightweight, and with its size, it's easy to carry several around with you on extended trips and photo shoots. Before using an xD card for the first time, you should format it. You should also format it every time you download photos off the card to the computer. Deleting photos from the card doesn't clear the card of all the data, and over time, if a card isn't formatted, this can cause the card to be corrupted.

Instructions

1. Insert the card into your camera and power on the camera.

2. Press the Menu button on the back of your camera and use the arrow keys to navigate to "Camera Setup."

3. Select "Format Memory Card" from the submenus under Setup and press "OK."

4. Press "OK" when the camera flashes a warning that says "This will delete all data on the card. Continue?"

5. Press "Menu" again to exit the Setup menu.

Tags: Press Menu, your camera

Install A Sony Memory Card

Insert a Sony memory card into your electronics device to save a favorite memory.

Sony produces memory cards that are not only compatible with its own cameras and other devices, but that are also compatible with many other brands and types of electronic devices. Sony makes installing its memory cards easier by featuring some simple directions on the front label of the cards. Once the card is inserted correctly into the device, you must make sure you lock the card into place.

Instructions

1. Locate the memory card slot on your device. If using the card on a digital camera, the memory card slot might be accessed on one of the sides of the camera. The memory card slot might also have a cover over it. Just pull the cover off with your fingers and push it to the side. On some Sony cameras, the memory card slot is located near the battery bay underneath the camera.

2. Remove any memory cards that may already be installed in the device. Do this by simply pulling the card up with your fingers.

3. Arrange the Sony memory card so the Sony label is facing you. Be sure the arrow on the label is facing up.

4. Insert the Sony memory card into the slot on the device. Make sure the arrow on the label is still pointed up as it goes into the slot.

5. Push the Sony memory card into the slot until it locks in place. Then, replace the memory card slot cover, if there is one.

Tags: memory card, card slot, memory card slot, card into, into slot

Work A Vupoint Solutions Camera

You can take pictures almost anywhere with your VuPoint digital camera.

VuPoint Solutions is an electronics company. One such device is its lone entry into the world of digital cameras. This camera is a pocket sized camera without many features, but it does come with a waterproof case, allowing you to capture images while swimming. If you have ever used a point-and-shoot camera before, you shouldn't have trouble mastering the features on this digital camera.

Instructions

1. Turn on the digital camera. The camera uses two AA batteries to power the device. These batteries slide into the battery compartment on the underside of the device.

2. Insert the SD card. The SD card slot is located next to the battery compartment. All images captured by the camera are directly stored onto the flash card.

3. Push the "Zoom In" feature, directly below the viewfinder on the rear of the camera, to move closer to the subject matter. The camera only has a digital zoom, so the further you zoom in the more pixelated the image appears. Push the "Zoom Out" button to zoom out.

4. Press "Capture" to record the still image. If you want to switch to movie mode, set the capture control (near the "Zoom buttons") to "Movie" and press "Record." While shooting a video you can zoom in and zoom out all you want. Press "Record" to stop the record process.

5. View your captured images or video by selecting the "Play" button on the video camera. A list of all the images and videos now loads onto the rear LCD screen. Select an image or video you want to view and press "Play." The content now loads onto the LCD screen.

6. Slide the camera into the provided waterproof case. There is a circular lens compartment so its easy to match up the sides of the camera with the case. Once the camera is in position close the case. It snaps into position, preventing any water from entering the camera.

Tags: digital camera, battery compartment, loads onto, Push Zoom, waterproof case

Moultrie Gamespy 100 Trail Camera Setup Instructions

Successful hunting often includes employing techniques other than shooting. Some hunters like to scout the behavioral patterns and movement of their game prior to making the hunt. A spy camera facilitates the scouting of nearby game, increasing the probability of hunting success. Moultrie produces several game spy cameras, including the M100 GameSpy digital camera. The camera automatically takes pictures of any animal that enters its range. You can set up the camera in just a few simple steps.

Instructions

1. Locate the battery compartment at the bottom of the camera. Slide the "Unlock" switch on the compartment and pull the tray outwards. Install four AA batteries (or eight, depending on the M100 model) into the compartment. Follow the polarity signs as listed on the battery compartment to properly install the batteries. Replace the battery tray to secure the compartment.

2. Grab the provided mounting strap and the M100 digital camera. Thread the strap through the eyelets (located on the back of the camera). Press and hold the M100 against a tree or pole, and make sure the camera is 3 feet off the ground. Secure the camera by wrapping the mounting strap against the tree or pole and fastening the ends together. Make sure the strap is tight enough that the camera will not move or slip.

3. Locate the power switch that is on the top-right portion of the camera. Side the switch from its "OFF" position downward to the "ON" position. Once on, press the "Mode" button (underneath the power switch) once to access the "Camera Setup" menu.

4. Set the time and date on the camera using the navigational arrow buttons underneath the "Mode" button. Use the up/down arrow buttons to adjust the selected field, the left/right arrow buttons to move to the next field, and the "Enter" button to save the changes.

5. Press the "Mode" button several times until the "Menu Selection" screen is displayed. Highlight the "Main Screen" option using the up/down arrow buttons. Once its highlighted, press "Enter." The camera is now set up to take pictures once an animal passes by the camera's specific range.

Tags: arrow buttons, Mode button, against tree, against tree pole, battery compartment, Camera Setup, digital camera

Move A Bigscreen Tv Upstairs

Move a Big-Screen TV Upstairs

Big-screen televisions can be one of the most difficult items to move up a flight of stairs. These televisions are extremely heavy, generally expensive and will not survive a drop from more than a few inches off the ground. While simply having two people pick up the television might work if it is light, many big screens are too heavy to move large distances without a hand truck.

Instructions

1. Remove all the wires that you can from the back of the television. If the power cord does not come out, then tape it down to the back of the television so that it doesn't move at all.

2. Place a large blanket on the ground near the television.

3. Place each person on one end of the big-screen television and carefully lift it up. Then lower the television down on top of the blanket.

4. Use the blankets to wrap the television up so that it will be protected from any small dings that might happen during the move. It is recommended that you apply extra padding to the screen side.

5. Tilt the big screen television forward so that one end comes off the ground 1 or 2 inches.

6. Slide the appliance hand truck under the television. Wrap the hand truck straps around the television and pull them tight so that the TV is secure against the hand truck.

7. Pull the television up the stairs, one step at a time. One person should be on the step above the television pulling the hand truck up. The other person should be a step or two below the television both pushing it up and keeping it stable. The television and hand truck should stay slightly tilted during this entire process.

Tags: hand truck, back television, person should, person should step, should step

Make A Tv Cable Ready

Although buying a new TV can be an exciting, a person who purchases a TV should realize that there is a little bit of work that needs to be done on most televisions before they are cable ready and able to show all of the cable channels you subscribe to. The process varies a bit from one type of television to another, however the same general rules apply for nearly all types.

Instructions

1. Turn off the TV. Unplug the power cord from the wall.

2. Take a coaxial cable and screw it into the cable input on the back of the television. Take the other end and screw it into the cable wall jack. It is best to keep the television somewhat close to the wall jack to avoid having the coaxial cord stretch across the room or along the walls.

3. Plug the television's power cord back into the wall and turn the television back on.

4. Check the front and back of the TV for a switch that allows the television to receive the cable broadcast. The words used may differ, but most will have two options: "Air" and "Cable," "CAB," "CATV" or something similar. Move the switch away from "Air" and to whatever the cable setting is called.

5. Press the menu button on the TV and Navigate to the "Setting" or "Set Up" menu. Look for the Cable or CATV setting on the menu and make sure it is selected. This is especially important to do if you cannot find the CATV switch on the TV.

6. Push the menu button on the television remote if you are unable to find the "menu" setting on the television. On the "Settings" or "Set up" menu select the CATV or cable setting.

7. If there is an "Auto Programming" setting on the display screen, select this as well. Wait a few minutes as the television scans through all possible channels to see which ones are broadcasting. This will help you avoid getting fuzzy channels when flipping through. Your TV has now been set up to be cable ready.

Tags: Cable CATV, cable setting, into cable, menu button, power cord, screw into, screw into cable

Scan And Enlarge A Photo

Enlarging an image

If you have a hard copy print of a photograph that you would like to enlarge for reprinting at a larger size, follow these steps to scale it up to a bigger image. You will need to have access to a flatbed scanner that is connected to a computer and an image editing software program. Read on to learn scan and enlarge a photo.

Instructions

1. Place your document on the scanner and close the lid. Before you scan, look for the button that says "Scan Settings." Most scanners will have this feature in the user interface. Refer to the picture here, and look for a similar selection for your scanner. Select "JPEG Image" as the file type.

2. Select a scan resolution setting of 600 ppi as shown here. (The higher the number, the more detailed your scan will be. The size of the file also increases with a higher setting, as does the time it will take to complete the scan.) Know that 600 ppi is an optimal setting for the average size photo print. Keep in mind that ppi stands for pixels per inch.

3. Scan your photograph and save it to a folder or onto the desktop. Check to make sure you know where the scan was saved to. If you don't "Browse" and select a folder, the scanner may place it automatically.

4. Open an image editing program on your computer. Most computers have a program, like Microsoft Paint as shown here, already installed on them. Open your scanned image in the program. If you don't have a paint program, you can download a free one from the link in the Resources section below.

5. Select "Image" from the menu bar at top, then "Stretch and Skew," as shown here. The “Stretch” function will allow you to scale the image up to a larger size. If you increase the values for both height and width by the same percentage, the image will enlarge proportionately.

6. Increase the size of your image by typing in a higher percentage in the boxes for height and width as pictured here. In this example, the percentages were each were raised from the default setting of 100 percent to 200 percent. The resulting image in this case is four times as large.

7. Save the enlarged image file with a new name. Your original scan will still be available for re-use. Consider using glossy photo paper that will work with a desktop printer. Another way to have photo-quality prints is to take the image file saved on disk or thumb drive to a print shop, like Kinkos.

Tags: shown here, height width, image editing, image will, larger size, scan will

What To Do To Prepare Before A Photo Shoot

Arriving prepared will result in a successful photo shoot.

When arriving for a photo shoot, the most important thing to remember is to be professional. There are a number of ways to do this and make sure the photographer will be happy to work with you in the future. By making a checklist of things to do before hand, you can arrive on the day of the shoot like a true pro.

Consult with the Photographer Before Hand

It is important to work with the photographer and know what his vision of the photo shoot is before pitching yours. For instance, if you are planning on taking photos on a beach, don't just show up with jeans and a white t-shirt. The photographer may suggest different outfits and make-up choices depending on lighting, time of day, and color contrast.

Practice Before Hand

Practice with a mirror. In addition to seeing what poses and facial expressions best suit you, try different outfits and hairstyles that you like best. Do not only take one outfit you like or use only one face you like. Pick a few of your favorite poses and outfits to bring to the photo shoot. You can make adjustments per the photographer's suggestions during the shoot.

Make a Checklist

Make sure you bring everything you feel you may need. Bring your favorite make-up, outfits, accessories, jewelry and any thing else you feel you may need. No photographer wants to hear their subject say, "Wait, I forgot this. Can I run home and get it?" A checklist will help you to be completely prepared.

Tags: photo shoot, Before Hand, different outfits, feel need, work with, your favorite

Why Is Night Vision Green

The military developed the first practical night vision scopes during the Vietnam war. This equipment, originally known as "starlight scopes," utilized image-intensifying tubes to amplify ambient light from the moon and stars and produce an electronic image of objects invisible to the naked eye. Designated Generation 1, this basic technology is still used today in the bottom tier of consumer-grade night vision scopes and binoculars. Since the 1970s, you have been able to purchase night vision devices up to the Generation 3 level. These systems evolve and greatly enhance the Generation 1 design to produce higher resolution in conditions of lower ambient light. The three essential elements of night vision technology are a photocathode, some form of amplification such as a micro-channel plate and a phosphor viewing screen. They remain consistent across generations. The visual trademark of all night vision equipment is the greenish hue of images in the viewer.

Photocathode

The large objective lens at the end of a night vision scope gathers available light, including the lower spectrum of invisible infrared. The lens focuses the light on the photocathode, the input surface of the image intensifier tube. The photons of this weak light energy convert into electrons, amplified and released from the cathode. An electronic field in the image intensifier circuit accelerates the electrons to boost their speed.

Micro-Channel Plate

The excited electrons flow into millions of holes in a micro-channel plate, each electron maintaining its alignment in relation to the original image. As they pass through the micro channels, the electrons rebound off a specially coated surface and multiply exponentially, forming dense clouds of electrons and intensifying the original image.

Phosphor Screen

Electrons cascade out of the micro-channels and collide with the back of the green phosphor screen. Energy from the electrons excites the phosphor, which converts the electrons into photons. These glowing photons form the greenish image on the screen inside the ocular viewing lens of night vision equipment.

Why Green?

The green tint of night vision images is entirely by design. Other colors have been studied, and red phosphor has been used in some equipment. However, experiments proved that gradations in the shadings that make up monochrome night vision images are most accurately perceived when displayed in green. The human eye perceives nearly twice as many subtle gradations in green wavelengths than in red, and nearly four times more than blue.

Tags: night vision, ambient light, have been, image intensifier, lens night, lens night vision, micro-channel plate

Why Have A Machine To Ionize The Air

Ionized air

Ions are atoms with either extra electrons or missing electrons. Positive ions have lost an electron and negative ions have gained one. The more positive ions in the air, the staler and more polluted it is. Offices and homes generally have less fresh air circulating and are, therefore, stuffier and have more carbon dioxide, chemicals emitted by carpets and paint, dust and electrical equipment like computers all producing positive ions. Higher concentrations of positive ions make the air unhealthy to breathe.

Health Concerns

Nature's ionizer

Breathing stale, unhealthy air has been shown to lead to many physical and psychological illnesses, including headaches, bacterial infections, less resistance to disease, allergies, dry skin, lethargy and depression. When we are outdoors, we are breathing constantly freshened air due to the higher concentration of negative ions. The highest concentrations are found in areas around mountains, waterfalls, beaches and forests. A lightning storm breaks up molecules and forms millions of negative ions.

Increase Negative Ions

Because most of us spend most of our waking and sleeping hours indoors, it is in our best interest to improve the quality of the air we must breathe. A good way to do this is to reduce the number of positive ions in the air and increase the number of negative ions. The negative ions attract the positive ions and pull them out of the air. They fall to the ground, leaving behind cleaner air.

Machines That Ionize the Air

An excellent way to get more negative ions into the air is by using a negative ion generator. These generators are generally referred to as air-purifying ionizers. Machines that ionize air take in neutral and positive atoms and emit negative atoms. Breathing negative ion-enriched air makes most people feel invigorated, happier and refreshed.

Choosing an Ionizer

Ionizers come in various sizes and produce different levels of negative ions. For an ionizer to be effective and beneficial, it must produce a very high number of negative ions. It is important to take into account the size of the room where the machine will be placed. Some of these machines are small enough to be used in a car, but most are big enough to cover a medium- to large-sized room. More than one unit may be necessary, especially if the area to be covered is more than one story.

Benefits of Ionizing Machines

Machines that ionize the air do seem to provide cleaner, healthier air. According to Pierce J. Howard, PhD, author of "The Owners Manual for the Brain," breathing negative ions results in higher alertness and more mental energy. He also states that cleaner air decreases irritation due to inhaling particles that cause us to sneeze or cough, and it also provides a feeling of well-being. One reason for the mood elevation has been found to be the increased level of serotonin in the bloodstream caused by a higher intake of negative ions. Elevated serotonin levels have been associated with relieving depression.

Tags: negative ions, positive ions, ions have, Machines that, negative ions, number negative, number negative ions

How Box Cameras Work

Disposable cameras are modern adaptations of the box camera design.

The box camera, one of the earliest camera designs, dates back to the early 19th century. The simple nature of the device helped fuel the rise of recreational photography, and its design proved capable enough to survive two centuries of innovation. Today, disposable cameras and other point-and-shoot models still utilize this simple and functional design.

Design and Function

A box camera gets its name from the hollow, lightproof box that makes up the camera's body. The front of the box contains the lens, and the rear holds the film or photographic plate to capture the image. To take a picture, you simply remove the lens cap or open the shutter to allow light into the camera to strike the exposed film, which records the image through the lens.

Early Models

The earliest cameras featured no shutter controls or focusing mechanisms -- the user would simply point the camera at the target, remove the lens cap, and hold the camera still long enough for the image to register on the film. Targeting required guesswork or opening the back of the camera and lining up the shot through the lens before inserting the film. Using flash powder could speed up the image capture process by increasing the amount of light through the lens, boosting the effect on the light-sensitive plate inside. These cameras typically had a fixed focal length, requiring the photographer to remain a set distance away from his subjects.

Innovations

One of the first innovations to the box camera design was a bellows-like mechanism to alter the focal length. By moving the lens closer to the subject or further away, the photographer could ensure crisp focus in the final picture. Another addition was the viewfinder -- usually a second lens or other device arranged to help the photographer line up a shot without having to open the camera, which could be a cumbersome process. Mechanically operated shutters also helped to give the photographer precise control over exposures and removed the chance that the physical removal of the lens cap could jostle the camera out of its precise arrangement.

Modern Examples

Many modern film cameras utilize the box camera design. Point-and-shoot cameras are essentially box cameras with an external viewfinder and mechanical shutter. Single-lens reflex cameras include an internal mirror system to allow the photographer to look directly through the lens while lining up the shot, increasing the photographer's accuracy at the cost of a small internal movement during the photographic process as the mirror swings out of the way.

Tags: through lens, camera design, focal length, lining shot, remove lens

Replace An Iphone Sim Card

A SIM, or Subscriber Identity Module, card is the piece of your cell phone that stores your personal information. These memory cards enable you to keep all your phone book entries and personal settings, even if you use your SIM card in someone else's phone. Here are the steps you must follow to change the SIM card in an Apple iPhone.

Instructions

1. Locate the SIM card holder on your iPhone. On the top of your phone, there are 3 ports. One is for headsets, one is the power switch and the longer, oval one in the middle is where your SIM card is stored. Note the little hole at one end of this panel.

2. Unfold a paper clip and insert the end of it into the hole in your SIM card panel. Once you insert it, the panel pops out of place and you can fully remove the tray holding the SIM card from your iPhone.

3. Remove the old SIM card and replace it with a new one. The tray is designed to hold your SIM card in a specific direction, so you can't insert it incorrectly. Reinsert the tray holding the new SIM card into your iPhone, and slide it in until the panel is flush with the outside of your iPhone.

Tags: your card, your iPhone, holding card, tray holding, tray holding card

Cheapest Prepaid Cell Phone Plans

Cells phones have come a long way over the years. Not only are they smaller, smarter and more versatile--you no longer have to commit yourself to contractual obligations just to have good service. Prepaid competitiveness is the newest wireless industry objective. Here are some of the least-expensive prepaid plans.

Boost Mobile

Boost Mobile offers one of the most competitive prepaid plans. The company's most competitive plan includes unlimited nationwide calling, long distance, text messaging, web access and walkie-talkie service for $50 per month. This is a contract-free option that includes no credit checks and no roaming charges. Boost Mobile also offers a daily chat and text plan, which allows you unlimited text messaging, unlimited nights, weekends and mobile to mobile for $1 per day.

PagePlus Cellular

PagePlus Cellular is a growing division of Verizon Wireless. PagePlus Cellular offers an unlimited talk and text plan for $39.95 per month. This plan includes unlimited domestic voice minutes, unlimited domestic text messages and 20 megabytes of data transfer for one small fee. It also provides you the convenience of a large and reliable wireless network since it is a division of Verizon Wireless.

Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless offers an array of prepaid options. The plan's selections offer daily access only. The most competitive daily access plan is the Unlimited Talk for $3.99 per day. The Unlimited Talk Daily Access plan provides unlimited mobile to mobile calling, unlimited nights and weekend minutes, unlimited additional minutes and a text messaging rate of just one cent per message sent and received.

Alltel

Alltel's prepaid options are very similar to their contractual options. The cheapest Alltel prepaid wireless plan is the Pay-Per-Month 200. This plan includes 200 anytime minutes, 1000 night and weekend minutes with nights beginning at 9 p.m. This plan also includes nationwide long distance, international calling, basic voice mail, call waiting, caller ID and three-way calling for $29.99 per month.

Revol Wireless

Revol Wireless also has positioned itself as a competitor of the prepaid market. Revol's most competitive plan offers unlimited calling to any number in any network for $34.99 per month. This plan includes unlimited calling and long distance. For an additional $5 per month, you can add unlimited text messaging, calling package and voicemail. The calling package include call waiting and caller ID.

SafeLink

SafeLink is a new cellular program that is supported by the U.S. federal government. This cell service provides free cell phone service and airtime to qualified individuals each month. With a qualified application, you receive a free cell phone with your free minutes and service. The plan comes with rollover minutes, caller ID, call waiting and voicemail.

Tags: most competitive, plan includes, text messaging, This plan, Verizon Wireless, Boost Mobile

Who Invented The Blackberry

A BlackBerry is a multi-purpose handheld device that started out as a mobile email device. Eventually it transitioned to meet the needs of evolving technology and people on the go. Today, a BlackBerry has telephone, Web browsing and PDA (address lists, calendars, etc.) capabilities in its repertoire, and is used by people from all walks of life.

History

In 1999, the Canadian company Research In Motion (RIM) conceptualized a handheld email device. It was small and resembled a pager. It was designed to cater to business people and enabled them to have mobile wireless email communications. This new piece of equipment also served as a handheld calendar organizer.

BlackBerry Gets a Name

After 2 years, this device still had no name. Lexicon Branding was hired by RIM to brainstorm possible names. RIM wanted to use the word "email" within the name, an idea not endorsed by Lexicon, who felt the act of emailing could be associated with stress. Rumor has it that because of the device's black color and small keys which resembled seeds, after running the gamut of seeded fruit and vegetable names, the team settled on the BlackBerry name.

Early Evolution

The BlackBerry was designed with the typical QWERTY keyboard format, similar to what one sees on a typewriter or computer keyboard. It has given the user the capability to type quickly using their thumbs.

As time marched on, the BlackBerry acquired improved memory and display. RIM has worked with major partners, including Intel, to create its processor.

Legal Controversy

RIM was engaged in a patent lawsuit with NTP, Inc., a patent holding company. NTP took RIM to court because they never responded to a 2000 offer which NTP proposed for wireless email, but used the technology anyway. The infringement cost NTP nearly $33 million, and RIM and NTP battled it out in the courts through 2006, when they finally reached a settlement. RIM discovered a workaround technology that would not infringe upon NTP's patent (see Resources).

Wave of the Future

A 2005 "PC World" edition named the BlackBerry number 14 on the list of the greatest gadgets of the past 50 years. In December 2008, there were more than 21 million BlackBerry subscribers.

The BlackBerry Storm was RIM's innovative touchscreen smartphone, paving the way for new innovations in this product.

Tags: email device, wireless email

Take Good Indoor Gymnastics Photos With A Nikon D40

A balance between film and shutter speed is important when shooting indoor gymnastics.

The Nikon D40 is a digital camera capable of using different types of detachable camera lenses. Because this camera is digital, there is no need to change film when shooting in different environments. This makes the D40 particularly valuable when shooting indoors. When photographing indoor gymnastics, film speed, usually referred to as "ISO" speed, and shutter speed are vital because of the unnatural indoor light and the fast movement of the gymnast. Both settings can be quickly adjusted with the D40 until the correct setting is found. Lens choice and aperture setting are also important to shooting indoor gymnastics events.

Instructions

1. Select a lens with an appropriate focal length. Choosing an appropriate lens calls for a balance of distance and light. The lens must be able to fill the picture with the gymnast while allowing a maximum amount of light to pass through the lens to the camera. The longer the lens, the less light will pass through the lens at the same shutter speed. Equip the camera with a 50mm f/1.4 lens to start, then change to a longer, telephoto lens if necessary until the maximum zoom of the lens fills the viewfinder with the gymnast.

2. Adjust the camera's aperture. Unlike shutter speed, which determines the length of time the aperture is held open, adjusting the aperture determines how wide the aperture opens. The smaller the aperture number, the wider the aperture opens. When photographing a gymnast, the aperture should be open as wide as possible to allow maximum light to enter the camera. This means an aperture setting of f/1.4 if using a 50mm f/1.4 lens. Rotate the control wheel on the top of the camera while simultaneously pressing down on the "+/-" button next to the shutter button. Rotate the wheel to adjust the aperture to the f/1.4 setting, or to the smallest number available with the chosen lens, then release the "+/-" button.

3. Set a high ISO. Rotate the D40's program control wheel, located on the top of the camera to the right of the viewfinder, until the letter "S" is selected. Press the "INFO" button, located just beneath the "On/Off" button on top of the camera, one time to bring up the camera's shooting information on the digital display. Use the arrow keys on the back of the camera to move a cursor down the list of settings on the digital display to the ISO setting. Press the "OK" button in the center of the arrow keys to select the ISO menu. Use the arrow keys again to move the cursor down to an 800 ISO. Press the "OK" button again and the ISO is now set at 800.

4. Take a picture of the area you intend to photograph, then view the picture on the digital display screen, which should come up automatically, and make any necessary adjustments. If the ISO setting produces a picture that is too bright, reduce the ISO setting to 600 and repeat the test. If the picture is too dark, increase the ISO setting. When you are satisfied with the result, the camera is now adjusted to take pictures for the indoor light level.

5. Take a picture of a gymnast in action to determine whether the shutter speed needs to be adjusted. If the gymnast appears blurry in the picture, the shutter speed must be increased.

6. Press the "INFO" button on top of the camera, then use the four arrow keys to highlight the "S" setting shown on the right side of the digital display. Press the "OK" button in the center of the four arrow keys. This setting shows the camera's shutter speed. The D40 is capable of shutter speeds as slow as 30 seconds, or as fast as 1/4,000 of a second. Use the arrow keys to change the shutter speed. Photographers who shoot gymnastics suggest speeds between 1/300 and 1/800 sec. Adjust the shutter speed and take a picture. Increase the shutter speed until the gymnast is no longer blurry.

Tags: shutter speed, arrow keys, digital display, aperture setting, indoor gymnastics, Press button, when shooting

What Unlocked Phones Work With Nextel Service

Only unlocked phones using the iDEN standard may be used on Nextel

Unlocked cell phones that employ Motorola's Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (iDEN) may by used on Nextel. This limits phone selection to devices that are specially designed for iDEN networks, which include Nextel and Boost Mobile in the United States.

Manufacturers

Phones that may be unlocked for use on Nextel are manufactured by Motorola and Research in Motion. As the iDEN standard used by Nextel was designed by Motorola, phone selection is limited.

Carriers

The iDEN phones are offered by Nextel, Boost Mobile and SouthernLINC in the United States. Any unlocked iDEN phone will work on Nextel. Nextel International market phones may be unlocked in countries other than the United States, and Telus Mobility offers devices that may be unlocked to Nextel in the Canadian market.

Designations

Phones that may be unlocked to Nextel include an "i" in the model name, denoting that they run on the iDEN network. Examples include the Motorola i335 and the Research in Motion Blackberry 8350i.

Warning

To properly unlock a phone to Nextel from another carrier, you must have an unlock code to complete the procedure. A Nextel SIM card must also be used so the phone properly connects to the Nextel network.

Misconceptions

Once unlocked, a phone can only be used with Nextel or other iDEN carriers. Although other providers such as AT&T and T-Mobile use SIM cards, the radio frequencies employed for cellular communications differ from those used by Nextel.

Tags: used Nextel, that unlocked, that unlocked Nextel, United States, unlocked Nextel, Boost Mobile, devices that

What Is An Rfid Tracking Chip

RFID tracking tags

Radio Frequency IDentification chips (aka tags) are used for inventory control. Embedded tags are read with a handheld device. This allows a worker to quickly find inventory in a warehouse or in a cargo hold.

History

RFID has its roots in WWII. British planes had an onboard system that reacted to radar signals to let the home radar bases know that they were seeing returning British planes and not Germans.

Function

RFID tags are embedded in crates of merchandise. A radio frequency signal from a special handheld device can detect these tags and the reflected signal can identify the item and its destination. RFID can also be part of an automatic routing system for package transport.

Benefits

RFID makes automatic handling of cargo possible--the container tells the system where it is going, how important it is, and if it is dangerous. It also makes it easy to find lost or misplaced cargo. It can also be part of an automatic inventory system.

Considerations

The U.S. Army was an earlier user of RFID chips. They have scaled back their use somewhat after discovering that the chips makes it easy to tell what is in a container that is in a foreign port. Full easy disclosure may conflict with some security considerations.

Potential

As RFID tags become cheaper and more ubiquitous, we may see a time when RFID tags are as common as bar codes. Someday you may be able to point your ipod at any object and open the manufacturer's web page.

Tags: RFID tags, also part, also part automatic, British planes, handheld device, makes easy

Where To Sell Car Parts

Chevy Small Block V8 Pistons

Car parts can be expensive. Sometimes new replacement parts cost so much that people opt to buy used parts instead. Selling used car parts can put money in your pocket while saving money for someone else. Before taking an old car to the junkyard, it is a good idea to sell as many working parts as you can to maximize the amount of money you get from the vehicle.

Instructions

1. Place an advertisement in your local trade publication to announce what parts you have available. Most communities have a "Thrifty Nickel" or similar publication, where you can place free advertisements about items for sale. Because it costs you nothing to carry the ad, you have nothing to lose by listing your parts in the publication.

2. Place a classified ad in your local newspaper to let the public know that you have parts for sale. Because a newspaper advertisement will cost money, you should target it to the day that has the highest circulation. This is typically the weekend edition. (See Resources below the link to The Paperboy, which will allow you to identify all newspapers in your area.

3. List your car parts on Craigslist. Craigslist allows you to post classified ads online and free. Craigslist also allows you to attach photos to your listing, so you can show a perspective buyer that your car parts are clean and in good condition.

4. Join the Just Parts website (see Resources below). Just Parts is an online marketplace that matches buyers and sellers of auto parts and even entire junk cars. Being a member of this site can help match you with a buyer anywhere in the country that is looking for the exact car part that you have. Breaking down the geographic barriers gives you access to a new audience of potential buyers and makes it much easier to sell your car parts.

5. Call local junkyards to ask about their policy on selling working car parts. Junkyards typically buy entire cars and leave it up to individuals to remove the parts they need. Some, however, will buy individual parts as long as they are in good working condition.

Tags: your parts, Just Parts, Resources below, sale Because, that have, used parts

Use A Gps Car Tracking System

The more sophisticated GPS (Global Positioning System) car tracking systems provide more service than just car tracking. One example of a GPS car navigation system is Alpine's Mobile Mayday. An operator at the On-Guard Response Center can track the vehicle on a computer screen and provide a variety of services.

Instructions

1. Call the On-Guard Response Center if you discover that your car has been stolen. The Response Center will contact the police and inform them of the vehicle's location, speed and direction. If your car alarm has been interfaced with the system, the Mobile Mayday can be automatically tripped during a burglary attempt, and the On-Guard Response Center begins to track the car. The center notifies you that your car has been stolen.

2. Push the Communication button if you experience a mechanical problem. You will be in voice communication with the On-Guard Response Center.

3. Push the Panic button for about a second if you are in an accident or are a victim of a robbery or car jacking. The operator at the center can listen in on the situation in the car and can communicate with you if it is safe to do so. The operator will then alert the proper authorities and guide them to you.

4. Press the Communication button if you want directions to a destination. An operator at the On-Guard Response Center will direct you to where you want to go.

5. Call the On-Guard Response Center if you lock your keys in your car. The Center will send out a command to unlock the doors.

6. Call the On-Guard Response Center if you can't find your car in a crowded parking lot. The Center will send out a command that honks your car's horn.

7. Call the On-Guard Response Center if you want to locate your car when your child is driving it. The operator at the center will tell you the car's location.

Tags: Response Center, On-Guard Response, On-Guard Response Center, Call On-Guard, Call On-Guard Response

Hook Up A Diplexer

Have you ever wanted to take two separate signals and have them travel to the same location using one wire? Diplexers are your answer. Diplexers are more than just passive combiners or splitters;they take two separate frequencies and allow them to travel along the same cable without interfering with each other. Diplexers are used by radio stations to take two signals to a single antenna. In this instance however, you will learn hook up a diplexer in your home for use with satellite TV service.

Satellite TV service offers a wider variety of channels and even offers various channels from around the world. Satellite service is great for out of market broadcasts but what if you want to watch local programming? You can get your local over the air (terrestrial) broadcast channels by using a diplexer with your satellite dish. Your satellite dish's LNB's will act as an antenna that will allow you to get both your terrestrial broadcast and your satellite broadcast. Get both your local programming and satellite service by hooking up a diplexer.

Instructions

1. Hook up an RG-6 cable from your satellite dish to the single end of the diplexer.

2. Attach an RG-6 cable to each of the two terminals on the opposite side of the diplexer.

3. Attach one of the RG-6 cable into the satellite input on your satellite receiver box.

4. Attach the other RG-6 cable into the antenna input on your satellite receiver box.

5. Take the fourth RG-6 cable and attach it to the output on the receiver box to the input on the television.

Tags: RG-6 cable, your satellite, satellite dish, Attach RG-6, Attach RG-6 cable

Where Rent Gps Systems

GPS units provide you with piece of mind when on the road, for business or pleasure. Purchasing these systems can be costly; however, there are a variety of websites that offer these units for rent.

gps4rent.com

If you're looking for a GPS without having to rent a car with it, try renting at GPS4rent.com. The site claims to offer units that have updated technology that car rental agencies don't have with their systems. They have systems for cars and motorcycles and mapping systems for not only the United States and Canada, but also Europe. Portable units are also available.

TomTom, Garmin and Magellan brands are available for rent. Rentals are set for a minimum of three days. Costs for three-day rentals vary from $36 to $45 depending on the unit. Prepaid shipping labels for return are provided.

GPSRentals.biz

GPSRental.biz promotes its reasonable prices. The business owner, Richard Skinner, notes that he rents GPS units because he has gotten lost and personally needed a GPS to find his way. Some of the systems available include products from Garmin and TomTom. Costs range from $12 for three days to $69 and up for a week. European maps are available, and units can be purchased.

LowerGear.com

LowerGear.com is an outdoor rental site that offers a variety of gear, including GPS units. The site offers units from brands, including Magellan. The costs starts at $39 for three days, and return labels are provided. If you'd like to rent for a longer period of time, LowerGear.com offers a month-long rental for $72. If you need the unit for longer than that, consider purchasing a unit as it may be more financially beneficial. The site also offers rentals for GPS handheld hiking units. Costs range from $25 for three days to $39 for one month.

Tags: three days, Costs range, Costs range from, from three, from three days

Build A Digital Microscope

Make your own digital microscope and save money.

Digital microscopes can cost thousands of dollars. However, a useful microscope can be built using readily available parts. This would give you a digital microscope for fun science activities. Using the digital microscope would also allow you to better understand better the way that a digital microscope works -- plus you'll have fun in building one.

Instructions

1. Measure 6¼ inches of PVC pipe and cut it at this length. This will constitute the holder of the eyepiece and the lens. This is the ideal length as this is the normal length of a microscopic lens barrel.

2. Attach the 10-power zoom objective lens to one side of the pipe. This will enable you to magnify an object to your desired size. Fit the lens securely into the pipe and use duct tape as needed to the side to keep the lens in place.

3. Place the eyepiece on the opposite side of the pipe supporting the objective lens. To secure the eyepiece, use of a drill to broaden the opening. Use caution while doing this to ensure that you do not overenlarge the opening. Continue to attempt to secure the eyepiece into the opening until it fits.

4. Use duct tape to hold the eyepiece in the end of the PVC tube.

5. Attach a digital webcam to the microscope at the end holding the eyepiece. Secure this with tape to ensure it will not fall off or move. This will enable you to take pictures of the images you examine with the microscope.

Tags: digital microscope, This will, duct tape, objective lens, secure eyepiece, side pipe, This will enable

Troubleshoot A Navigon 2100

The Navigon 2100 is an entry-level automotive GPS receiver. The sleek device features a 4.3-inch touch screen, plus updated traffic information and text-to-speech verbal directions to get you where you need to go. If you are having difficulty operating the Navigon 2100, you can troubleshoot the device to ensure that it is functioning properly.

Instructions

1. Charge the battery before operating the Navigon 2100. If the LED light does not turn on, the battery is most likely dead. The Navigon 2100 comes with a car charger that connects to your vehicles cigarette lighter. It takes about six hours to fully charge the device, and the battery will last around three and a half hours.

2. Check that the SD card has been properly inserted into the SD card slot on the left side of the device. The SD card contains maps and software needed for the device to work,and also allows you to save routes and destinations. The card should be inserted connector side first, with the front facing upward. Never remove the memory card while the device is on, as this may cause loss of data.

3. Hold the "Power" button down for six seconds to turn on the device. If it is password protected, you will need to enter your password. To turn off the device, hold the "Power" button down again for six seconds. Briefly pressing the "Power" button will put the device in standby mode, which will save current data and lessen battery usage.

4. Position the device in an area that provides a clear view of the sky to access GPS information. If you are in a garage or underground parking structure, you may not get a clear signal to the satellites, and will not be able to create a route.

Tags: Navigon 2100, Power button, button down, operating Navigon, operating Navigon 2100, Power button down, turn device

Fix A Disposable Video Camera

Instead of lugging around your old video camera, buy a small disposable one.

A disposable video camera may help you out of a tight spot when you need a way to capture a special moment on vacation, but there's no need to toss it after the camera store has downloaded the video for you. Adapt the camera so that it's no longer a single-use device and convert it into one that allows you to download your own video to your computer.

Instructions

1. Remove the screws from the side of the disposable video camera using a screwdriver. Most cameras have at least one screw hidden by a sticker on the side or bottom; peel off the sticker and remove the screw.

2. Lift off the side panel and pull out the circuit board.

3. Cut the connector off one end of a USB cable using your utility knife. Use a wire stripper to peel at least 3 inches of insulation back from the wires, which should be white, red, black and green.

4. Use a hot soldering iron to apply a drop of solder to the end of each wire. Find the numbered pins on the camera's circuit board and place the white wire against the pin labeled "1." Touch the connection with the soldering iron for two seconds.

5. Solder the red wire to the pin numbered "6" on the circuit board. Solder the green wire to pin 8 and the black wire to pin 10, following the same procedure you used with the white wire. Allow all solder points to cool for at least one minute.

6. Cut a hole in the bottom of the camera case using the utility knife; notch out the hole on the side with the unscrewed panel.

7. Reinstall the circuit board into the camera with the attached USB cable passing inside the notch. Reseat the side panel and screw it in place. Connect the other end of the USB cable to your computer to download videos.

Tags: circuit board, video camera, disposable video, side panel, soldering iron, utility knife, white wire

Buy Wireless Earbuds

Are you tired of getting tangled up in the wire of your earbuds, but don't like those oversized "cans" or behind-the-head headphones? It may be time for you to go wireless with your earbuds.

Instructions

1. Consider cost. Prices range the gamut, and you need to figure how just how high-end you want to go. There are options available for almost every budget, so figure out how much you're willing to spend and move on from there.

2. Comfort is key when it comes to earbuds. They'll be spending a lot of time in a very sensitive place, after all. Being able to try wearing the earbuds before buying them is optimal, but this is often not possible because stores will often not allow you take them out of the packaging. Read online reviews and take notice of what people say about the comfort level. Thankfully, many models come with different-sized caps that fit on the earbuds to accommodate different-sized ears.

3. Make sure the wireless earbuds offer "sound isolation." This is what blocks outside noise. The better the sound isolation, the lower you can keep the volume on your music player. Earbuds with strong sound isolation feature will do less damage to your hearing because you won't have to crank up the volume in order to hear your music. This is particularly important if you wear your earbuds in noisy places.

4. Ensure your device has Bluetooth, which a popular wireless technology that allows most wireless earbuds to work with the music player. If it doesn't, you will have to buy a Bluetooth adapter.

Tags: sound isolation, your earbuds, music player, wireless earbuds, your music

Techniques For Surveillance And Countersurveillance Tactics

Counter-surveillance software is an effective method of preventing electronic eavesdropping on your computer.

With the evolution of wireless and microchip technologies, surveillance devices have become smaller, cheaper and better than ever before. At the same time, using the right counter-surveillance tactics and techniques, you can elude most forms of physical and electronic eavesdropping. Success in either implementing or avoiding surveillance often depends on how far you are willing to go. Vigilance and diligence are the key criteria for success.

Physical Surveillance and Counter-Surveillance

Long before wireless HD cameras and GPS systems, the classic method of surveiling a target involved using a physical "tail." Oftentimes, that meant posting someone in an automobile near a residence or office to find out who visits the subject being investigated. Further, tails could follow the target to record behavior, associates, hangouts and travel patterns.

This "gumshoe" method is still used by law enforcement and private detectives, though there are effective methods of shaking off the tail. First of all, determine whether there is indeed a tail. A strange automobile on an empty street is a good sign. When you suspect a car is following you, make four right turns. If the car is still behind you, chances are you have a tail.

The ability to shake a tail depends on your adversary's determination. Avoiding routine travel patterns and arrival/departure times from your home and office makes it harder to be followed. If that does not work, persistent physical surveillance may violate state "stalking" laws, so filing a restraining order against the pursuing party may be required (unless you are being monitored by a law enforcement agency with a warrant).

Audio Surveillance and Counter-Surveillance

In part, audio surveillance can be prevented by technological means. Audio bugs emit radio waves that can be picked up by a standard radio-frequency (RF) bug detector. More sophisticated bugs switch frequencies and can shut on and off. In that case, security vendors sell more comprehensive bug detection kits that pick up the "electric noise" from the device's circuitry. Conducting "sweeps" of your home, car and office may rid you of these bugs.

Additionally, counter-surveillance equipment may be used for detecting taps on your landline telephone. When it comes to cell phones, do not use them for any sensitive calls. There are no surefire ways to secure a cell phone from being tapped, and tapping can be easily accomplished in a non-invasive manner. Further, spy software may activate a cell phone's speakers and listen in on nearby conversations even when the phone is not in use.

Besides taps and bugs, specialized shotgun mikes can pick up your voice from a distance of up to 300 feet. Since sweeping such a vast area for possible spies would be impractical, walking and talking with someone on a busy, noisy street is a fairly effective way to elude this method of eavesdropping.

Computer Surveillance and Counter-Surveillance

Your home computer is a vulnerable target for surveillance. Not only may it be accessed remotely with no visible signs of a break-in, but every single file and email can be read and copied. "Keylogging" software even allows a third party to record every keystroke made on your computer. These methods may be used to record everything from your credit card information to communications in private chat rooms. A secure firewall is the best way to prevent digital eavesdropping. Additionally, consider purchasing a counter-surveillance software package, such as SpyCop, that will search your computer for spyware, Trojans and bots that allow outside access to your computer.

Tags: your computer, Surveillance Counter-Surveillance, cell phone, electronic eavesdropping, from your, home office

Clean Install A Nuvo Grand Concerto

NuVo Grand Concerto is a home audio sound system that allows you to have six different audio sources and up to eight listening zones. A clean installation of the system requires you to reinstall the wiring and speaker setup. The advantage of a clean install is that you'll have new wire connections for better audio quality and a clean, uncluttered interface. To begin a clean install, you'll need to remove all previous wiring and wipe down the console.

Instructions

1. Unplug the console and remove all connections from the back panel.

2. Take a dry cloth and wipe any dust and dirt from the console.

3. Prepare the new CAT5 cable by removing two- to three-inch portions from its end, exposing the wiring. Untwist the wires and fan them out.

4. Arrange the wires in this order: green stripe, green, orange stripe, blue, blue stripe, orange, brown stripe and brown.

5. Flatten down the wires, keeping them in the same order, and cut the ends off to even them out. The crimping tool should have a cutter built in for this purpose.

6. Insert the wires into the Rj45 connector, making sure each wire has its own slot. Push them in far enough so all wires touch the end of the connector.

7. Place the connector into the crimping tool and push down firmly to tighten the connection.

8. Repeat steps 3 through 8 for each end of every CAT5 cable you need. Each connection should be tested with a CAT5 tester before use.

9. Attach the CAT5 cables from the NuVo Grand Concerto back panel to the amplifier and other accessories.

Tags: Grand Concerto, back panel, CAT5 cable, clean install, crimping tool

Diy Camera Case Patterns

A camera case can protect your camera, preventing damage to the lens and delicate mechanics. You can purchase a variety of camera cases at discount, electronics or specialty photography stores; however, these may not always be well suited to your personal style or needs. Depending upon your camera, you can make a very simple camera case, or one that is quite complex. At minimum, your camera case should hold your camera and charger or camera and spare batteries. You may also need storage for specialty lenses or other items.

Sewing Camera Cases

If you use a small point and shoot style digital camera, you need only a very minimal or basic case to store it. The smallest new cameras will actually fit nicely into patterns designed for MP3 players or cell phones with only minimal adjustments to create a camera case pattern. If you wish to create your own simple camera case pattern, start with a tape measure. You need to know the height, width and depth of your camera. Sketch out a simple schematic with a front piece and back piece, both with simple square notches one-half the depth of the camera cut into the bottom corners. Include a pocket on the front or back to hold spare batteries or a charger if desired. Add 1/2 inch seam allowances and cut front and back pieces from lining, fleece or felt for interlining and outer fabric. Stitch the two outer pieces right sides together. Match the corner notches up flat and stitch, creating a squared off bottom for your camera case. Stack the two lining pieces right sides together and place the interlining to the wrong side of each. Sew both long sides, leaving the bottom end open for turning. Tack a loop of elastic to one side of the top edge of the outer fabric. Place the outer fabric and lining pieces right sides together and stitch around the top edge. Turn right side out and handstitch the opening closed. Add a button to go with the small elastic loop. You can opt to add a gusset for a thicker camera or make a flap for your camera case as well.

Knitting or Crocheting a Camera Case

Felted wool is a good choice for a camera case. It will not harm or scratch your camera and can provide some amount of protection against bumps and some degree of water resistance. In order to create a felted camera case pattern you will need to know not only the gauge of your knitting or crocheting, but also the finished felted gauge. Once you know this, cast on enough stitches to cover the width of your camera once felted. Knit or crochet a simple rectangle to the depth you need. Pick up stitches around this rectangle and work to the desired length. Bind off knit stitches or work on only the required stitches to create a simple flap. Work a buttonhole if desired, or plan to add a loop once the camera case is felted.

An SLR Camera Case

If you have a digital SLR or a hybrid SLR camera, you may need something with a bit more body and structure than the simple cases previously suggest. You may also need to carry lenses or other equipment. Use fusible fleece to pad your camera case. Take measurements for your camera and any other equipment. Make a T-shaped pattern. The top of the T should be the width of your camera plus two times the depth of your camera. Add 1 inch for seams. Make the stem of the T two times the depth of your camera plus the height of your camera, then allow a generous amount for a foldover flap. The width should be 1 inch wider than the camera width. Cut a lining and outer piece, as well as any interlining or interfacing. Fuse interlining or interfacing to the lining fabric. Sew the lining and outer together at the top of the T. Seam together the lining and outer separately, then stitch the liner to the sides of the top flap, leaving the end open for turning. Turn and topstitch the opening closed. Add pockets to this bag if desired or adjust size to include lenses and accessories. Use velcro or snaps to close and add a handle if desired.

Tags: your camera, camera case, your camera case, camera case pattern, case pattern