Collect Vintage Polaroid Cameras

Given that Polaroid cameras have been a popular way for everyday folks to take pictures since 1948, many photography enthusiasts collect vintage Polaroid editions. With the advent of the Internet, it's become easier than ever to track down and collect vintage Polaroid cameras. Here's how.

Instructions

1. Get your hands on a current price guide for vintage cameras, so you know how much various vintage Polaroid cameras are worth, according to condition.

2. Contact Polaroid directly. While they will rarely offer vintage cameras for direct sale to customers, they may still have owner's manuals or camera guides that outline the specifications of vintage camera models. These will help you as you head out to collect cameras, since you'll have a definitive source of information on each model's capabilities and what accessories ought to be included with specific Polaroid models.

3. Browse a catalog of vintage Polaroid products to identify makes and models you're interested in collecting. Again, this information will be available through the manufacturer.

4. Register with an online auction site, such as eBay, and check regularly for auctions being held on vintage Polaroid models. You can also search specifically for any particular models you're interested in, either on the auction site or by performing a general Internet search. The latter might lead you to a source where you can purchase the camera you seek.

5. Join an online forum for people who collect vintage cameras. This way, you can link with other Internet users who may be able to offer tips to make your search easier or, if you're lucky, someone who has vintage Polaroid cameras for sale.

6. Head to your local specialty camera shop. While you won't find vintage Polaroid cameras at your local Best Buy or Radio Shack, your family-owned photography store may have some older cameras for sale. If not, the store staff may be able to direct you to other places where you can find vintage Polaroid cameras.

7. Place online and print ads in local and nationwide publications indicating your interest in purchasing vintage Polaroids. This way, people who have what you're looking for can come to you rather than vice-versa.

8. Check with Polaroid to see if they offer any replacement parts for vintage cameras you find that need some mechanical work. Find a camera repairman by consulting an authorized Polaroid dealer.

Tags: vintage Polaroid, vintage cameras, vintage Polaroid cameras, Polaroid cameras, Polaroid cameras

Difference Between Fm & Uhf Receivers

UHF (ultra high frequency) receivers are able to detect different kinds of radio signals in the UHF band of the radio frequency spectrum. FM receivers are used to decode frequency-modulated broadcast radio signals no matter where they fall in the radio frequency spectrum.

Design

What distinguishes a radio wave as an FM signal is the manner in which the signal is processed during transmission. An FM receiver is specifically designed to detect and decipher frequency-modulated radio signals. Different types of UHF receivers are designed to detect and decipher different kinds of radio signal modulations--FM signals or otherwise--within the UHF frequency band.

UHF Frequency Ranges

UHF (ultra high frequency) receivers are tuned to receive various radio frequency ranges spanning from 329 megahertz to 2.9 gigahertz.

FM Frequency Ranges

FM receivers are not confined to a frequency range, but the most popular kind of FM receiver, which you use every time you tune into a local FM radio station, is tuned to receive the radio frequencies ranging from 88 to 108 megahertz.

Function

There are many kinds of FM receivers. Some hearing aids, for instances, are equipped with FM receivers. There are also several types of UHF receivers. The types of UHF receivers vary depending upon which frequencies in the UHF band the receiver is tuned to pick up, and which type of signal it's designed to decipher.

Types

The most familiar type of UHF receiver is in your television set. Other authorized broadcast uses in the ultra high frequency spectrum include (but are not limited to) maritime communications, amateur radio, and private radio communication.

Fun Fact

The FM radio occupies a very small portion of the VHF (very high frequency) television broadcast band.

Tags: high frequency, frequency spectrum, radio frequency, radio signals, types receivers, ultra high

Home Theater Design Layout

Home theaters can be as elaborate or as simple as their owners desire. Inexpensive basic models can be set up in minutes while more-expensive versions go to great lengths to emulate the movie-theater experience. Properly placing all the components is the key. Set up correctly, even the most-basic system delivers theater quality. Set up poorly, the best equipment in the world cannot help.

Front and Center

Home theaters group most of their components--screen, stereo system, front speakers, subwoofer, playback components like DVD players or cable boxes and stands to carry them--in a single basic location. The screen must be placed where it will not reflect light from windows (leading many experts to recommend setting up home theaters in the basement). Each component requires shelf space strong enough to support it. The left and right speakers should be equidistant from the screen, with a subwoofer just to the left or right of the screen.

Seating Location

Since it can determine the quality of your viewing experience, seating is perhaps the most important consideration for a home theater. For screens up to 31 inches, plan on six to eight feet of space between your seat and the TV. For screens between 31 and 40 inches, allow eight to 12 feet, and for screens larger than 40 inches, plan on at least 10 feet. If you lack that much space, consider getting a smaller TV. In addition, watch the traffic flow and set up your home theater where no one walks between the viewer and the TV.

Rear Speakers

Rear speakers provide the sense of surround sound--the ambient background noise that lets you feel you have been absorbed by the image--which completes the home theater experience. With a 5.1 system, place the left and right rear speakers parallel and at a space equidistant to the viewer. A 7.1 system includes two additional rear speakers, which should be placed behind the viewer (also at an equidistant space). Measure carefully for wiring--you'll need to run it between the rear speakers and the stereo system at the front of the home theater. Watch for wire placement across any walkways and secure the wires with runners if there is a danger of tripping.

Tags: home theater, left right, eight feet, inches plan, stereo system, stereo system front, system front

Homemade Movie Equipment

Homemade Movie Equipment

Real professional filmmaking equipment is incredibly expensive to buy and costly to rent for a limited amount of time. But basic movie-making equipment can be made yourself for incredibly cheap as long as you know how the equipment is supposed to work and what you will be making.

Homemade Boom Pole

A boom pole is supposed to hold a boom mic or external microphone over the action as it is happening out of the camera frame so you can get proper sound for each scene. These boom poles can be made out of a long painter's pole or even a wooden broomstick. The microphone can be taped to the end of the broomstick or painters pole and hung over the action without it entering the frame. Make sure to tape the wire from the boom microphone to the homemade boompole itself so that it doesn't drift into frame and ruin the shot.

Steadicam

A steadicam is a piece of camera equipment that allows the camera to float along with the action without it shaking the camera unnaturally. These rigs are incredibly expensive to rent or buy but can be made in a very unique and interesting way, giving the camera a smooth, dream-like feeling as you move through shots. By taking a box large enough to fit your camera, cut a hole in the front so that your camera lens can see out of it clearly. Cushion and protect the camera with pillows or other types of padding. Then close the box and run a rope or chain around the box in the middle of all four sides, line a bow would go around a present. Tie it to a long end and balance the box with weights so the camera hangs level when you pick up off the ground by the single rope. The camera will then float naturally as you walk, creating a unique homemade steadicam.

Dolly

A dolly helps a camera move, rise and lower smoothly and steadily. These are large pieces of equipment that take a lot of manpower to set up and operate, never mind the incredibly expensive cost of buying or renting. However, by simply purchasing a used wheelchair that has good wheels and smooth traction against the ground, you can create a simple dolly which will provide you with very smooth, usable shots that you would never be able to get by simply holding the camera in your hand and moving with it.

Tags: incredibly expensive, action without, equipment that, Homemade Movie, Homemade Movie Equipment

Use An Incident Light Meter

When lighting a scene for a film or a photograph, there is no one and only correct exposure. There are infinite ways to create an image that is appealing and interesting. The exposure of an object on film is related to the amount of light falling on the object, or incident light. Incident light can be measured with a light meter.

Instructions

1. Hold the meter in the position of the subject (or in the same light) and point it at the camera. The light meter has a translucent plastic hemisphere which simulates the light-gathering ability of a typical three-dimensional object. This is the part to point at the camera or hold in the light.

2. Hold the button on the side of the light meter down for several seconds while pointing it at the light.

3. Look at the reading on the meter. The light meter should give you a reading in f-stop measurement. This will tell you at what f-stop your camera should be set. Some light meters will also display the amount of light falling on the subject in foot candles.

Tags: light meter, amount light, amount light falling, light falling, point camera

Change A Ringtone On The Motorola Razr

If you have ever popped open your phone and answered it only to find that it was someone you did not want to talk to, then you know how handy it is to assign ringtones. You can personalize ringtones or you can select from the many pre-programmed ones that your phone already has. Change and assign ringtones to all your contacts to let you know who is calling before you even open up your cell phone.

Instructions

1. Find your contact list on your phone. You can usually find this by selecting the bottom right button on the screen and hitting the “Contacts” button. If you cannot find this selection then navigate to the main menu of your phone by hitting the button in the center of the directional pad. This pad is located right above the number keypad on your phone. Once there you will see a phonebook icon, select the option titled “Contacts,” then click the option titled “Contact List” and you will be taken to all of your contacts.

2. Scroll up and down to find the contact that you want to update. You can also use the search function at the bottom of the screen by entering the name of the contact that you are looking for. Once you have the contact highlighted click the “View” button to see what options are available to you.

3. Click the “Edit” button by hitting the center key on the directional pad. This will take you into an edit mode that will allow you to do a variety of other things, but more importantly will allow you to change and set the ringtone for the contact you want to edit.

4. Push the down button on the directional pad until you get to the option of “Ringtone.” This option will have a bell next to the title. Once you have it highlighted you will be given the option to change it. Hit the “Set” button at the bottom left of the screen to find a new ringtone.

5. Hit the up or down button on the directional pad to scroll through the list. The list that you should have before you now should be titled “Tunes & Tones.” This will have all of the sounds you have recorded or have pre-set in the phone. Once you have highlighted the choice you want click “OK.” You can also listen to the selection before choosing it by clicking “Play” on the bottom left of the screen. Once you have selected it you will be taken back to the edit screen. Click the “Save” button to save your selection on that contact. If you want to change it again at a later date, do so by following the same steps. Be sure to listen to the sound or ringtone beforehand because some sounds or ringtones may be too soft or unexpectedly unpleasant.

Tags: your phone, Once have, assign ringtones, bottom left, bottom left screen, button directional, center directional

Homemade High Powered Led Flashlight

You can make a flashlight with an LED and a matchbox

You can make your own LED flashlight using simple implements that you can find in your home. A convenient and straightforward method of making an LED flashlight, which should only cost you a few dollars, is to use a matchbox. Using this method, you will save money and learn a new skill at the same time

Implements

To make an LED flashlight you will need a small matchbox, pen or marker, ruler, scissors or knife, two LED lights, sticky tape and a 3-volt battery.

Method

Find the middle of the matchbox and mark two spots in the middle with a marker. Put holes in the spots you have just made using a scissors. Push the LED lights through the holes, make sure the bulbs are on the outside of the box. Use tape to fasten a 3-volt battery to the interior of the box. Make sure the wires of the LED lights touch the battery when you push down on the box. Check that it works by pressing down on the box; the lights should come on. Tape the box securely.

Caution

Make sure you remove all matches before beginning this process. Keep all water or other liquids away from the flashlight while you are making it.

Tags: 3-volt battery, make flashlight, Make sure

Homemade High Definition Tv Antenna

Homemade High Definition TV Antenna

HDTV is broadcast over-the-air, just like standard definition TV. Therefore, building your own HD antenna can get you a good selection HD stations for free, but the total of HD stations might be more limited than a pay service.

It's timely, and it's virtually free! It's DIY HD TV!

Remember that true HD TV (1920x1080 progressive resolution) is not yet broadcast regularly by any station because of bandwidth issues. What's more, that fabulous flat-screen is only as good as the signal going into it.

The "cost," if you do not have a spare 1X4 or 2X4 for the "stand," or wire hangers for the "bowties," is very low; so why not at least try it, get 1080i (for interlaced) the best reception currently available for free, and put the money saved to some other purpose. A Blue-Ray player? A Sony PS3 (for real 1080P output? Another flat-screen? In some instances, a year's savings over pay HD service could buy all three!

Get HD Reception with Coat Hangers!

The basics of antenna design on your own are beautifully realized by plain old wire hangers, plain old aluminum foil and a plain old 2X4 about five feet in length. Simply cut off the tops and squiggly end of a straightened hanger, make a "V" shape of the straightened portion, and precisely place them on the 2X4 at precisely measured distances from one another. You use a total of eight V-shaped hangers (plus two more crisscrossing the V-shaped wire arrangement to make contact between them), four on each side of the 2X4. This creates the appearance of four bow ties, which is why this is generally called a "bow-tie antenna."

The aluminum foil, or other on-hand metallic surface, aids reception by bouncing signals to the wire bow-ties, in the same way that a dish bounces signal to the transponder that sends satellite signals to the receiver connected to your TV.

How's $8.00 Sound…and Look?

If you're already in possession of a flat-screen for TV viewing, you've likely got a receiver or DVR/receiver from your cable company or the two satellite TV companies, DISH Network or DirecTV. If not that, you have purchased an antenna from Radio Shack or online. You might also have bought your own DVR, as many people recoil at the thought of leasing one and paying monthly while it becomes obsolete.

This entertainment setup is already a pretty hefty investment, and every company merely repackages the signals you can pull in with the almost-free self-built antenna, so why not get better picture quality reception, and pay next to nothing to save hundreds of dollars, too?

This is possible because the handmade design can regularly pull in a signal strength of 95. Compared to 85 or less from most commercial services, this is a significant improvement. What's more, if you're in a rural area, or otherwise far from transmission centers, building your own HD antenna is simply a no-brainer: a maximum of $8 to $10 for better picture quality than any paid service provides 92 to 99 signal strength on all channels with no dropouts at all!

The parts you need

A wooden piece measuring approximately 3" wide x 5 feet long (2X4's are perfect for outdoors) forms the "stand." 8-10 metal hangers with the curved top and squiggly end cut off, are used for the reception points, formed into a "V," the "V" being the connection points tot he "stand." 10-12 small screws and equal metal washers secure the hanger "antenna' sections (one of each for the hangers and two of each for the antenna/cable connection). That connection is a "balun," the UHF/VHF transformer that both provides the connection to your TV/DVR/input device, and isolates the antenna from the coaxial cable. "Balun" is a conjugation of "balanced" and "unbalanced."

Tags: aluminum foil, antenna from, better picture, better picture quality, building your, building your antenna, Definition Antenna

Shop For A Digital Answering Machine

Digital answering machines have become the standard answering machine, replacing the old micro-tape variety. However, they still have a high-tech mystique about them, causing some people to be confused as to the best one to buy. In truth, shopping for a digital answering machine is easy.

Instructions

1. Head to an electronics shop such as Radio Shack or Best Buy, and get a sales clerk's opinion on the best digital answering machine. On the Internet, Amazon has several consumer reviews about answering machines sold on the site, while websites such as Consumer Reviews and Consumer Search have a thorough guide detailing which digital answering machines perform well (see Resources below).

2. Focus on voice quality while shopping for a digital answering machine. The AT&T 1722 has exceptionally clear voice quality. Some digital answering machines have a lower voice quality, making messages sound as though they were recorded underwater.

3. Examine the casing of the answering machine. An LED light showing exactly how many messages the answering machine contains is one of the best advantages, although most digital answering machines can only show up to 9 recorded messages. Less convenient answering machines show how many messages are on it through a blinking light, such as the AT&T 1718.

4. Discover what answering machines have the best recording times. The GE 29869GE2 can store 30 minutes of messages, as compared to the 19 minute memory the AT&T 1722 possesses. One of the front-runners in this category is the AT&T 1738, which can store 40 minutes of messages.

5. Find out which answering machines can be accessed remotely. The AT&T 1722, the AT&T 1738, and the GE 29869GE2 all have remote access capabilities.

6. Note whether or not a digital answering machine has a time/date stamp. This is a common function on most answering machines, so avoid buying any answering machine that doesn't have this feature.

7. Shop for a digital answering machine that has more than one mailbox. The GE 29869GE2 has two mailboxes, which can be extremely useful for home businesses.

8. Note any other features the digital answering machine possesses. The AT&T 1722 has the ability to record memos, a beep that alerts the user when new messages have been recorded and the ability to store messages in case of a power failure. The GE 29869GE2 features a "toll saver" option that voids telephone charges when it is accessed remotely and has no messages, while the AT&T 1738 has the most additional features, such as volume control and a variable-speed playback mode, in addition to the features possessed by the other two.

Tags: answering machines, digital answering, answering machine, answering machine, digital answering machine

Phone Bug Work

The Premise

Phone bugs tap into phone lines, allowing users to eavesdrop on conversations. Whenever a phone call is made, voice between both parties is converted into electricity and passed along the phone lines--from one phone to the other. The phone bug converts the electric current back into voice for monitoring and recording.

The Infinity Transmitter

The infinity transmitter--the most efficient and commonly used phone bug--can eavesdrop on a conversation with the phone still on the hook. The listening party connects the positive and negative copper leads of the bug to any point on the targeted line. The listener dials the targeted number to open the line. The phone's ring is ended by a specific tone, which can be duplicated by a pitch harmonica or the transmitter. The transmitter keeps the line open and activates the phone's microphone or uses its own highly sensitive microphone to listen in on sounds in the room. Callers to a line being bugged receive a busy signal.

Other transmitters

Phone bugs come is several types, such as radio frequency (RF) transmitter, inductive wiretaps and parallel taps. RF bugs connect their positive and negative leads to the phone line or phone's circuitry. They convert the electric pulses from voice on the phone line into radio waves that can be received by any device listening to the same frequency. Inductive taps use electromagnetic induction to listen in on a conversation, while parallel bugs tap into the conversation by connecting to the targeted line via two leads and a power source.

Tags: bugs into, line phone, Phone bugs, phone line, positive negative

Make A Car Battery Last Longer

In order for your automobile to run properly, the battery must be running properly. If it isn't up to peak efficiency the car may be a real headache to start. If the battery is in poor condition, the car may not even start at all. Maintaining a car battery will enable it to last for two to five years.

Instructions

1. Clean the battery posts. Make a paste with baking soda (about one cup should be plenty) and lukewarm tap water. Add the water slowly so you don't make it too thin. Stir it until it is smooth and well mixed.

2. Dab the paste on the battery terminals (the posts where the cables attach to the battery) thickly. This will help to remove the rust and crud that forms around the posts. Leave the paste on for about 45 minutes. Clean all around the posts with your toothbrush and then wipe the paste off completely with a damp rag. Dry the battery posts off well.

3. Try a can of cola for cleaning terminals. If you don't have baking soda or would like to try this solution which is much less messy, just pour a whole can of cola over both battery posts. Cola has phosphoric acid which dissolves rust quite nicely. It will also take off any dirt or grease. The cola will bubble and as soon as it stops you can clean the posts with a damp rag. Make sure to wipe them completely dry afterward.

4. Transfer the corrosion to something else to keep the battery posts clean. Tape a copper penny to the top of the battery—not on the posts themselves. Over time the copper will turn color and become corroded but your battery posts will be clean. Spread a thin layer of petroleum jelly over each battery terminal before you attach battery cables to it. This will also prevent corrosion on the battery posts.

Tags: battery posts, around posts, attach battery, baking soda, battery posts Make, posts Make, posts with

Indash Car Dvd Players

In-dash car DVD players can be a great entertainment tool for vehicles. They can be a diversion for drivers while taking a break from the road, or they can be a good source of entertainment for children and passengers. However while there are benefits, there are also many considerations when deciding whether to install an in-dash car DVD player.

Types

In-dash car DVD players are manufactured by many companies and have a wide array of options and screen sizes. But the two main categories of in-dash car DVD players are factory installed and after-market installed. A factory-installed player is one that was put into a vehicle when it was manufactured. These were installed directly by the vehicle's manufacturer and are premium accessories on some new vehicles. Often these are installed in a vehicle instead of a stereo system.

An after-market installed in-dash car DVD player was put in after the vehicle was purchased. It was not installed by the car company, and the installation process of after-market machines usually involves removing the car's existing stereo system.

Features

An in-dash car DVD player typically has a single-disc reader along with a small screen, which is typically LCD and is up to 8 or 9 inches in size. Because it replaces or substitutes for the stereo system, an in-dash DVD player will usually play audio CDs and have connections for satellite radio tuners and MP3 players. In-dash DVD players typically do not have FM or AM radio tuners, making it impossible to listen to broadcast radio stations in a vehicle.

Considerations

Unlike DVD players that are installed in the rear of a vehicle, in-dash DVD players are not intended for use while driving. Factory-installed DVD players typically have a security feature on them that prevent operation unless the vehicle is in park. Also some states have laws against using in-dash car DVD players while driving.

Warning

Installing an after-market in-dash car DVD player can void a vehicle's warranty because the installation process involves altering the car's electrical system. The installation process often involves removing the existing stereo system and quite often involves major modifications to a car's dash board. If you are considering installing an in-dash car DVD player, contact a qualified installer and your vehicle's manufacturer.

Benefits

While there are some considerations and potential dangers to installing one, an in-dash car DVD player can have some benefits. For older vehicles without CD players or auxiliary hookups for an iPod or other MP3 players, an in-dash player can be a cost-effective way to get these features. The machines can also be useful for people who frequently travel and want to watch a movie while taking a break from the road.

Prevention/Solution

If you are seriously considering a DVD player for your vehicle, a rear model may be your best option. Installation of these players does not require the removal of the existing stereo system, and rear DVD players can be used while driving. These are optimal for entertaining children during long trips and do not pose a distraction to the driver.

Tags: in-dash player, stereo system, existing stereo, existing stereo system, installation process

Change Your 'Fave 5'

If you are a T-Mobile customer, then you have the option of select a "Fave 5" to add too your cell phone plan. Once selected, you are able to call those five numbers free of charge. Selecting or changing the numbers you have in your "Fave 5" is easy to do, and should only take a few minutes.

Instructions

1. Go to the "My T-Mobile" menu in your mobile phone. The T-Mobile menu is typically found under "Menu" and "Settings."

2. Select "Manage MyFavs" at the bottom of the screen.

3. Select "Add Contact" in order to add a new Fave. Select "Delete Contact" in order to remove someone from your MyFav list.

4. When prompted add the contact information for any people you are adding to your MyFav list. Keep in mind that any number you select will have to remain in your list until the next calendar month before it can be changed.

5. Click "Save Changes" once you have completedupdating your MyFav list.

6. Wait until your MyFav list has been updated with T-Mobile before trying to call any of your new MyFav contacts. An hourglass icon will appear on your phone's homescreen while your MyFaves are updating. This process could take up to two hours to complete; a confirmation message will appear on your phone when the process is complete.

Tags: your MyFav, MyFav list, your MyFav list, appear your, appear your phone

Capture Every Keystroke

As long as you own the computer or have permission, capturing keystrokes is legal.

As long as you own the computer (or have permission from the owner), keystroke capturing is perfectly legal. It's a great way to figure out what your children or employees are doing when you're not around. It also works to tell you if anyone uses your computer while you are away. Be warned that installing software to capture every keystroke on someone else's computer is illegal unless you have their explicit permission

Instructions

1. Capture every keystroke with Family Key Logger. This simple tool records every key typed. It's great for monitoring computers that do not get used that often or only get used by a few people. However, because it does not record in what application the letters are entered, too much data can be overwhelming for the user to wade through. It offers a free trial. The program costs $29 as of 2010.

2. Capture every keystroke with Keylogger Express. This tool features auto-starting settings, meaning it will start with the computer every time. It runs invisibly, so the user does not know it is running. It offers few customization options, but at $9.98 it is also the cheapest option out there in 2010. It offers a free trial.

3. Capture every keystroke with Powered Keylogger. This is the most advanced (and most expensive) program. With many setting options, it can not only track keystrokes, but record where they were entered. This makes it easy to sift through data. If you want to see what websites someone is looking at, for instance, you can skip anything entered into Microsoft Word. It offers a free trial. The full version costs $69.95 as of 2010.

Tags: every keystroke, every keystroke with, free trial, keystroke with, offers free

Make A Camera Stand

One of many consumer camera stands

A camera stand, or tripod, can be especially useful, even crucial, in getting the picture you want. When photographing something small, far away or detailed, having a stand to help keep the camera stationary and focused is extremely important. However, camera stands can be very expensive and not worth the investment, especially if you only need the stand for one project or a brief photo shoot. Luckily there's a simple and reliable way to fashion your own camera stand using basic materials that can often be found around the house.

Instructions

1. Find the tripod or stand hole located on the bottom of your camera. Nearly all cameras have a threaded hole on the bottom designed to screw stands or tripods into.

2. Locate a screw that fits into the hole in the bottom of your camera. If you don't have a screw handy you should be able to find one easily at your local hardware store.

3. Fill the 2-liter bottle with water.

4. Drill a hole into the lid of the plastic bottle that matches the hole in the bottom of your camera. To do this make sure the drill bit you are using matches the size of the screw that fits into the hole in your camera.

5. Place the washer onto the screw and then insert the screw through the hole in the plastic bottle lid. Put the screw in from the bottom of the lid, so it screws upward instead of downward.

6. Screw the screw into the lid all the way until the head of the screw and the washer are tight against the bottom of the lid and the threaded end of the screw is protruding out of the top of the lid.

7. Screw your camera onto the protruding, threaded end of the screw in the plastic bottle lid. Turn the screw into the camera until the camera and the lid are securely fastened together.

8. Screw the lid with the camera attached onto the 2-liter plastic bottle. Once the lid is tightly screwed onto the bottle, the water in the bottle should support the camera and act as a reliable and sturdy stand.

Tags: your camera, plastic bottle, bottom your, bottom your camera, hole bottom, camera stand

Lock An Apex Tv

Since 1999, the V-chip parental lock has been required on all televisions. The parental lock is a ratings-based system that block can certain programs from being viewed. Apex televisions implement the parental lock by setting a 4-digit numeric code that can be programed via the remote.

Instructions

Setting the Parential Lock

1. Press the menu button on the remote and keep pressing it until system menu is highlighted and press the right arrow button.

2. Press the down arrow button until parental guide is highlighted.

This will turn on or off the pass code function.

3. Press the menu button to turn on the pass code protection.

4. Press the down arrow button and enter the new code using the numeric buttons on the remote.

5. Press the left arrow button when complete.

6. Press the up and down arrows to navigate the TV rating menu.

7. Press the menu button on the highlighted rating that you wish to block.

8. Press the left arrow to exit once finished.

Tags: arrow button, menu button, parental lock, Press down, Press menu

Nikon Prostaff Vs Nikon Buckmaster

The Nikon ProStaff and Nikon Buckmasters scopes allow hunters to see game from far distances.

The Nikon ProStaff and Nikon Buckmasters are rifle scopes that allow hunters to focus and shoot game at multiple distances in both ideal and undesirable conditions. They each have a variety of features that enhance a hunter's vision in various degrees of light.

Optics

The Prostaff scope has a lens magnification of 3x to 9x. Nikon claims that the field of view at 100 yards is 11.3 to 3.8 feet. It has a multicoated optical system that can increase light submission up to 90 percent. The Buckmasters scope has a greater lens magnification of 4.5 to 14x. According to Nikon, it has a field of view of 6.8 to19.9 feet at 100 yards, and the light submission can reach up to 9 percent.

Usable Conditions

Both the Nikon ProStaff and Nikon Buckmasters scopes are sealed with an O-ring and filled with nitrogen, which enables it to be "waterproof, fogproof, [and] shockproof," according to Nikon. The company claims that while using the Nikon ProStaff, the hunter can see high resolution images in the "least desirable conditions."

Focus and Adjustments

The Buckmasters and ProStaff both have hand turn 1/4 click MOA (minute of angle) adjustments that allow for a maintained focus amid heavy recoil. The ProStaff has a "patented BDC [bullet drop compensation] reticle," which Nikon claims "allows hunters to hold 'dead-on' at ranges exceeding those previously thought possible." The see-through ballistics circle is convenient for both long- and short-range shooting.

The Buckmasters has side-focus adjustments that allows for parallax-free sighting and a quick-focus eyepiece that enables the hunter to bring the reticle into sharp focus easily.

Tags: Nikon Buckmasters, Nikon ProStaff Nikon, ProStaff Nikon, ProStaff Nikon Buckmasters, adjustments that, allow hunters, Buckmasters scopes

Tell When A Cell Phone Battery Has Water Damage

When your cell phone's battery comes into contact with water, the mineral impurities in the water allow electricity to cross barriers on the circuit board, which can cause significant damage to the battery. While this damage isn't always evident, especially in an enclosed device like a battery, water will leave a few tell-tale signs. Since there is no way to safely open a battery to determine if it has water damage, all you can do is a full visual inspection of the battery and the cell phone.

Instructions

1. Remove the battery cover from the back of the cell phone, and then remove the battery from the device.

2. Look along the edges of the battery for a small white, pink or red sticker. On some batteries, this will be on the outside of the battery case, while on others, it may be behind a shield of clear plastic. If the sticker has any pink or red in it, the battery has come into contact with enough moisture to set off this indicator and has water damage.

3. Observe the metal contacts on one side of the battery. Water damage will cause corrosion, which is a breaking down of the metal components. This will appear as a green or white growth on the battery's contacts.

4. Look at the metal contacts on the phone itself, where your battery comes into contact with your phone. If these are corroded, it is a good sign that your battery has water damage, even if the corrosion doesn't appear on the battery contacts.

5. Observe the battery recess on your cell phone. Many phones have an additional moisture indicator on the inside of the recess. If this is pink or red, it is also a strong sign that the battery has water damage, even if there are no signs on the battery itself.

Tags: battery water, cell phone, contact with, into contact, into contact with, battery comes, battery comes into

Download Digital Photo To The Digital Key Chain

In the old days, if someone wanted to show a series of pictures to friends and family, she would either produce a big photo album, which was less than ideal, or pull out a wallet-sized flip photo holder. Thankfully, technology has evolved to the point where you can now carry dozens of photos along with you in a handy little digital photo key chain. With a digital photo key chain, you no longer have to lug around a stack of photos.

Instructions

1. Install the photo software included with your key chain.

2. Connect your key chain to an open USB port in your computer. The method of connection can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Some key chains have a built-in USB plug while others use an included USB cable. Refer to the manual included with your key chain for the proper connection procedure.

3. Open the photo software and select the photos from your hard drive that you want to transfer. Click the transfer button to upload the photos to your key chain.

4. Unplug the key chain from your computer when the transfer is complete.

Tags: your chain, digital photo, digital photo chain, from your, included with, included with your

Cassette Deck Problems

Audio cassettes play in cassette decks.

If you are experiencing cassette deck problems, there are solutions available. From maintenance to part replacement, you can keep your player in fine condition. Pinpoint the problem to find a viable solution. Problems could stem from normal wear and tear or a mechanical problem.

Issues

A common problem with audio cassettes is tangling film.

Frequent maintenance of the unit ensures proper function. There are audio cleaning tapes available to remove reel particles and dirt. A common issue with tape decks is loose screws and reel damage. You can utilize intricate instruments to properly fasten components. This will allow the deck to maximize performance and reduce tape clogging. You would need to dismantle the deck covers. If you do not know clean the unit, you can also bring it in to an electronics shop.

Home Solutions

A cotton swab with nail polish remover can effectively clean your tape deck reels.

You can also counter deck problems with a few simple home remedies. If audio playback is muffled, there could be hidden particles in your reels. You can use nail polish remover to clean the affected areas. Simply dab a small amount of liquid onto a cotton swab, and then gently apply to the reels. After this done, wait a few minutes before playing a tape. You should now experience crisp and clear audio playback. The recording heads will also perform a lot better. Another home solution for dust and dirt removal is airflow. An air stick can blow away harmful elements, tape debris and small insects. This will produce better sound quality, while eliminating tape streaks.

Label Removal

Removing cassettle labels are a great way to prevent internal deck damage.

Another problem that is widely overlooked are tape labels. There are many instances of labels peeling while the tape is in play. This can lead to serious damage if not caught on time. The labels can interfere with rotating mechanisms and harm the unit. It is essential to remove the loose labels before inserting a cassette. Because tape units are highly sensitive, don't insert cassettes with loose or ripped labels.

Part Replacement

Replacing parts or purchasing a new unit might resolve the issue.

If you have utilized these options and still experience problems, it might be time to replace the unit. Parts can become inoperable over long periods of time. With any unit, you must use the machine to ensure full functionality. The deck can also be damaged if constantly moved from its original location.

If your unit simply won't respond, contact your manufacturer for repair options. At times, it can be a simple issue that requires a component replacement. There are circumstances, however, that require a full range of repairs or model replacements. These can happen due to water damage, internal malfunction or dropping the unit on a hard surface. It is best to safeguard your cassette deck at all times. This will result in optimal performance and extended longevity.

New Device

There are many benefits associated with purchasing a new cassette deck. If home or commercial solutions have not resolved the issue, a new tape deck might be the answer. Some are part of an audio entertainment center, while others are stand-alone units. They can easily be connected to your receiver or surround sound systems.

Tags: This will, audio playback, cassette deck, cotton swab, deck problems, nail polish, nail polish remover

Photograph The Moon With A Twin Lens Reflex (Tlr)

Medium format film will help emphasize detail on the face of the moon.

Twin lens reflexes (TLR) are box-shaped cameras that feature two lenses on the face. The top lens is for focusing and composing your scene or subject; the bottom is used to make the photograph. TLR cameras accept 120, 220 or 620 type medium format film. Medium format film is much larger than standard 35mm film, allowing for much more detail in the resulting negative. Aside from film-loading technique and exposure adjustment, moon photography with a TLR is not much different than with a single lens reflex (SLR) camera.

Instructions

Loading the Film

1. Rotate the knob on the underside of the camera counterclockwise to open the film door's securing latch. Lift the door of the camera up so that you can see inside it.

2. Locate the small knob next to the film bay on the lower left side of the camera. Turn it counterclockwise to release the take-up spool. Insert the spool into the space at the top of the camera, ensuring that the small knob on the top left locks it into place.

3. Drop a 120 film roll into the film bay, ensuring that the knob locks it into place. The paper leader protruding from the roll should be facing outward.

4. Stretch the paper leader up toward the empty take up spool. Feed the leader into a slot on the spool.

5. Advance the film using the crank or knob on the right side of the camera body. Stop advancing once the alignment arrow on the leader paper matches up with the indicator marks on the edges of the camera back.

6. Close the film door and rotate the latch clockwise to secure it.

7. Press the shutter button, typically located on the lower front of the camera, and advance the film until the frame counter next to the film crank reads "1."

Photographing the Moon

8. Mount your TLR onto a tripod using the threaded socket on the underside of the camera body. Position the tripod in your desired shooting location. Ideally, your location should be level and provide an unobstructed view of the moon.

9. Set your aperture, or lens opening, to f/11 using the metal pointer on the front of the lower lens. Some fixed lens TLR cameras will have an aperture adjustment knob just above the lens.

10. Change your shutter speed to 1/ISO rating of your film using the knob on the face or right hand side of the camera. For example, if you have loaded ISO 100 film, set your shutter speed to 1/125th of a second.

11. Lift the top of the camera up to open the viewfinder hood. Look through the viewfinder and compose the image. Rotate the focusing knob on the left side of the camera to bring the image into sharp focus.

12. Depress the shutter button gently to take your photograph. Rotate the film advance lever to prepare the next frame.

Tags: side camera, format film, your shutter speed, camera body, ensuring that, film door

Choose The Right Size Tv

Many people assume that the biggest TVs are the best, but that's not always the case. In some cases, a giant screen is ideal, since it provides the largest picture and often the highest visual clarity, to boot. But that TV becomes much less useful if it won't fit in the room you've set aside for it, or if you have to sit just a few feet from the screen. A television needs to fit comfortably in the space provided for it--like any other piece of furniture--and the best size depends on the conditions surrounding it. Knowing what to measure for can help you find the size that's right for you.

Instructions

1. Measure the dimensions you have set aside for your TV to see what will comfortably fit. You should leave a good six inches on either side of the set clear of any pictures, lamps or similar objects which may distract you from the screen.

2. Check the weight support of any TV stands or similar furniture intended to carry the TV. Larger TVs can be quite heavy (particularly plasma TVs). While a given TV stand may be wide enough to support it, it might not be strong enough to hold it up without collapsing. The instructions that came with the furniture should tell you how much weight it can hold, and allow you to pick a TV of an appropriate weight. Make sure you include the weight of additional equipment such as speakers or DVD players in your calculations.

3. Make sure the stand can support the depth of the TV as well as the height and length. While this is less of a concern for newer flat screen TVs (which are often as thin as a picture frame), they still have support stands which must be measured, while older cathode ray tube TVs can be quite boxy. Choose a TV small enough to rest on the stand comfortably and with complete stability.

4. Measure the distance between the chosen spot for your TV and the spot where you intend to watch it. Experts recommend an optimal distance of two to three times the diagonal width of the TV, or three to four times if you have HDTV. If you sit any closer than that, your viewing experience will be less than optimal (and you may hurt your eyes). If you don't have enough room in the area you have selected, think about buying a smaller TV.

Tags: from screen, Make sure, support stands

Moving Companies

When preparing to relocate, hiring a moving company to help with the process may simplify your life, especially if you are moving a long distance. Moving companies are created to assist you in packing, relocating and unloading when you cannot do it yourself.

Significance

Prior to the move, the chosen moving company will give you an estimate on packing, delivering and unloading your household contents. To save money, you can request that they only assist you in packing properly. Moving companies will load your belongings into an 18-wheeler and drive them to your new home.

Features

Moving companies will provide you with a checklist in an effort to maintain organization throughout the move. Moving companies come equipped with boxes, foam wrapping, moving dollies and a truck lift for loading heavy pieces of furniture.

Considerations

If you are not physically able to move on your own, consider using the services of a moving company. If your employer is relocating you, find out what moving costs will be paid for by your company.

Benefits

Hiring a moving company is beneficial to you if you need to fly to your new location. Often, if you are being relocated due to work, you will be required to arrive sooner than your furnishings. Moving companies employ skilled movers and drivers who are able to deliver your belongings to you.

Warning

For every special accommodation your moving company has to do for you, expect a nominal fee increase. For example, if the moving truck cannot be parked close to your home, you will be charged an extra fee. Reserve a parking spot for the moving truck prior to its arrival.

Tags: Moving companies, moving company, assist packing, companies will, Moving companies will, moving truck

Fix A Milwaukee 12 Volt Battery

Follow simple instructions and you can fix your 12 volt battery.

Milwaukee produces a large selection of cordless tools powered by a variety of batteries. Tools that require less voltage to operate are fitted with a 12 volt battery that contains either nickel cadmium (NiCad) or nickel metal hydride (NiMH) cells. Both cell types produce 1.2 volts and are wired in series, so a Milwaukee 12 volt battery contains 10 cells. If they are not regularly fully discharged both types of cell can start to lose power over time. However, it's easy to fix this problem.

Instructions

1. Place your Milwaukee 12 volt battery in the battery charger and let the battery fully charge. Turn off the charger and insert the battery into your power tool.

2. Secure your Milwaukee 12 volt battery and power tool in a vice. Run the power tool for some time until the battery is fully discharged.

3. Turn on the power tool and allow it to operate continuously until it runs out of energy. The power tool and battery will become hot during this process.

4. Turn off the power tool once it stops running. Let the power and battery cool down for about 1/2 hour.

5. Turn on the power tool and (although it stopped 1/2 hour ago) it will operate again. Leave it running until it stops again. Turn it off and let it cool down for about 10 minutes.

6. Turn on the power tool again to see if it operates. If it does, let it run until it stops and repeat the entire process again. Once the power tool doesn't run, your Milwaukee battery is fully discharged.

7. Remove the power tool and battery from the vice. Remove the battery from the power tool. Let it cool down completely.

8. Put the battery into the charger and let the battery fully charge. It will take considerably longer to charge this time because the battery has been fully discharged and this breaks down the crystals in the cells. Once the crystals are broken down, they are able to hold and retain more energy. Your battery will last longer between charges and have more power.

9. Turn off the battery charger and remove the battery. Put your fixed Milwaukee 12 volt battery into your power tool, which is now ready to use.

Tags: power tool, volt battery, battery fully, fully discharged, Turn power, Turn power tool, battery into

Install A Plasma Tv

Installing tube TVs often requires little planning. When you purchase a plasma TV, however, you will need to plan much more extensively before your install it. How you install your plasma TV can not only impact how comfortable you are while watching television but also the interior design of the room in which the TV is placed.

Instructions

Set Up Your New Plasma TV

1. Choose the best method for mounting your plasma TV based on the room in which you plan to install it. If you have a flat surface available that will place the plasma TV at an appropriate height for viewing, a plasma stand may be appropriate. If you want to hang the plasma TV on your wall, you will need to purchase and install a wall mount.

2. Install the plasma TV in the method you chose in Step 1. With either method, you should work with at least one other person to install your plasma TV because of its large size and weight.

3. Connect your TV to an electrical outlet. If you have mounted your plasma TV on a wall, you can plug the electrical cord into an outlet inside the wall. If your plasma TV is on a desktop stand, you can plug it directly into the wall or use a power strip to provide additional electrical outlets for other devices.

4. Connect your audio and video sources to your plasma television. If you are hiding the cables behind your wall, be certain that you have purchased cables that are long enough to reach from your video sources to your TV. Since TVs have a limited number of connections available, you may need to plan carefully when choosing a connection type for each device.

5. Calibrate the picture on your plasma TV after you install it. Adjusting the brightness and contrast settings can help you to preserve the longevity of your plasma TV. Many plasma TVs have preset options from which you can choose, based on the lighting conditions and video source that you watch most often.

Tags: your plasma, your plasma, Connect your, install your, install your plasma

Create Iphone Web Apps

Web applications for the iPhone range from online gaming to online commerce to website-compatible apps. Though there are dozens of new apps produced every day, The New York Times has discovered that the average iPhone owner has between five and 10 active applications. To gain an audience for your apps, you will need to innovate the specific variety of web apps you are interested in. Apple's Developer Program streamlines the process in an expensive but user-friendly package.

Instructions

1. Research previous apps that are out there. Download some of the apps and find any conceptual or design flaws in the apps. Also, survey review sites and message boards to see if there is any discontent with previous web apps.

2. Conceptualize a new web app. An app with a fresh approach will attract attention, but solid concepts will maintain that audience commitment. Remember that you cannot develop apps for copyrighted websites or products. Because Facebook and Youtube are commonly used by iPhone users, any way to reach users of those websites or other popular sites will help to maximize your audience.

3. Write the code for the web app. All iPhone apps use Cocoa programming. The Developer Program that is offered by Apple includes XCode, a code-writing program. It is very challenging to learn code-writing if you have no experience, so consider hiring a freelance technician to write the code for your app.

4. Have iPhone users test-drive the app. Remove any bugs and correct any design flaws that arise. Make sure that your web app is better or at least comparable to already-available apps.

5. Encourage the Apple sites and other review sites to evaluate your web app. In the crowded field of iPhone applications, any kind of attention will be positive. Keep an eye on feedback you receive on the web app. Monitor discussion threads on Apple and other review sites on your web app and similar apps. Continue to rethink your web app concept, with this feedback in mind.

Tags: review sites, design flaws, Developer Program, iPhone users, other review

Measure A Belt To Repair A Turntable

Belt-driven turntables will require belt replacement as the belt ages. Belts crack, break, stretch and wear which makes it difficult to determine the original size. Keep three things in mind to determine measure your old turntable belt and get a perfect fit. Calculate the length, width and thickness of the old belt.

Instructions

1. Hold a worn belt by the ends without stretching to determine the length of a turntable belt. Measure the inside of the belt's length and multiply by two.

2. Lay a broken belt out straight without stretching it and measure the length. If the belt is in more than one piece, put the pieces together and then measure the length.

3. Wrap a piece of string or thin wire around the turntable and the motor pulley to measure for a seriously damaged or lost belt. Follow the belt's path, mark the string or twist the wire at the correct length, remove the string or wire, stretch it out straight and measure the length.

4. Measure the width in an area of a turntable belt that is in good condition.

5. Look for wear marks on the turntable to measure for the width of a lost or destroyed belt. Measure from top to bottom on a turntable motor pulley with guides, and then reduce the dimensions slightly. This allows for the up and down movement that will occur.

6. Take care when measuring the old belt's thickness so the motor is able to function at a normal speed. Most turntables require a belt 0.020 inches thick.

Tags: measure length, turntable belt, belt Measure, motor pulley, require belt, turntable motor, turntable motor pulley

Set A Realistic Pro 41 10channel Scanner

Owning a Realistic Pro 41 scanner allows you to listen to ambulance, fire, police and government frequencies. The 10-channel scanner is programmable with preprogrammed weather channels that are easy to access and an automatic three-second delay for each channel. The Realistic scanner operates on five AA batteries, AC current or DC current from a car battery with an adapter. Weighing 11 ounces, the handheld scanner is easy to carry around.

Instructions

1. Write down the 10 frequencies that you will program into the scanner for your local area.

2. Start programming Channel 1 by pressing "Manual" and "1" on the keypad. Press the "Manual" button again. Use the keypad to enter the frequency number, plus the decimal point, which is the "./Clear" button on the keypad. Press the "Enter" button to lock in the frequency. If you make a mistake when entering the frequency, press "./Clear" two times to start over. Repeat this step for each channel.

3. Press the "Scan" button to start scanning the 10 channels. If you need to hear the weather channel, press "WX" and the scanner automatically goes to the active channel. To continue listening to programmed channels, press "Scan" again.

4. Use the "Lockout" button to block any channel that you don't want to listen to anytime by pressing "Lockout" when the channel is showing on the digital screen or press "Manual" and enter the channel number on the keypad. Press the "Lockout" button. To reactivate the channel, press "Manual," enter the channel number and press "Lockout" to unblock the blocked channel.

5. Lock the keypad out to prevent accidental changes to the programmed channels. Move the "Lock" button slide switch to "In." If you need to program a channel, move the switch to "Out" and all the keys will work. The only features that work when the "Lock" button is switched to "In" are the scan, manual, squelch and volume.

Tags: keypad Press, channel number, channel press, each channel, enter channel, enter channel number

Sync Outlook With Blackberry 8800 Via Usb

Never lose another phone number or miss another appointment by keeping your BlackBerry 8800 synced with your Outlook account. A simple USB connector allows you to update all the information in your BlackBerry. Contacts and appointments added while on the go, blend seamlessly with those added at the office and help you to avoid scheduling conflicts. Syncing your BlackBerry 8800 to your Microsoft Outlook account only takes seconds, and helps you stay organized at all times.

Instructions

1. Attach your USB to your BlackBerry 8800 and then to your computer running Outlook. A small pop-up alert indicates "Hardware Installed Successfully" when the device drivers finish installing.

2. Run the BlackBerry Desktop Manager and select "Synchronize." From the menu selection, click on "Configure" then click "Synchronization."

3. Check all the items you wish to synchronize. Click "Setup" and choose "Outlook" for all the items syncing with Outlook to your BlackBerry 8800.

4. Clicking "Next" and then "Finish" takes you back to the BlackBerry Desktop Manager.

5. Check the "Synchronize Organizer Data" and select "Synchronize Now" to complete the process.

Tags: your BlackBerry, your BlackBerry 8800, BlackBerry 8800, BlackBerry 8800, BlackBerry Desktop

Install A Tivax Tv Converter Box

Tivax manufactures digital-to-analog converter boxes for FTA (free to air) television broadcasts. The box transforms a digital signal into an analog signal that can be processed on older television sets. Setting up the Tivax requires two sets of coaxial cables for connecting the box between the programming source, which in this case will be an antenna, and the TV.

Instructions

1. Attach a coaxial cable from the RF OUT jack on the antenna programming source, to the COAX IN or RF IN jack on the back of the Tivax converter. The coupler on the end of the cable fits over the threaded jack and secures by being turned clockwise.

2. Connect a second coaxial cable to the OUT to TV jack on the Tivax converter box, tightening the coupler clockwise by hand.

3. Secure the other end of the second cable to the RF IN jack on the back of a television.

4. Turn on the Tivax box and press the "Program" button to process all available over-the-air digital signals into analog signals for the TV.

5. Set the TV to channel 3 or 4, then use the Tivax remote control to change channels.

Tags: cable jack, coaxial cable, into analog, jack back, programming source

Get Christmas Help For Your Kids

Christmas is a holiday meant to elicit appreciation for what we have, not dwell on things we lack.

Christmas is a holiday known for bringing out the best in some people as the spirit of the season moves them to help others less fortunate. As families struggle to keep a roof over their heads, food on the table and the utilities on, they can reach out to places, groups and organizations that will help them provide a Christmas for their children. If you find yourself in need this year, or know someone else who can use the help, know that you are not alone and there is nothing wrong with asking for a little assistance to see your children smile on Christmas morning.

Instructions

1. Call local churches, human services, welfare or social services departments as well as other established organizations, such as the Salvation Army and Toys for Tots. The sooner you call, the more likely your chances are of receiving Christmas help for your kids.

2. Have all of your pertinent information available as you reach out to these organizations. Be willing to share information such as details about your situation and your children's names, ages and interests. Some organizations may require proof of your income.

3. Apply online, over the phone or in person once you know the requirements and stipulations for each organization.

4. Follow their instructions and wait for them to present you with gifts for your children. Send a detailed letter of appreciation to the organization or person you've been in contact with.

Tags: your children, Christmas holiday

Take Quality Selfportraits

Maintaining an online persona requires numerous self-portraits.

Self-portrait photos are part of your online image. We all want self-portraits to look appealing yet spontaneous. But simply holding the camera, framing the shot and focusing are more problematic when we turn the camera on ourselves. Many people just keep shooting until they happen to take an acceptable picture, but a number of techniques leave less to chance in the quest for quality self-portraits.

Instructions

1. Set the stage for your self-portrait. Look behind you to make sure there is no mess, clutter or unsightly distractions. On the other hand you don't need a formal drop-sheet background. Make objects in the background blurry and less intrusive by shooting with a shallow depth of field.

2. Shoot in good lighting. A professional photographer carries a specialized lighting kit, but this is unnecessary for informal self-portraits. Find a spot were the main light source is in front of you and above or to one side. Soft, diffused light is considered most flattering. This can come from a north-facing window or a large skylight in a museum, mall or university building, or shoot outside on a cloudy day. Bright sunlight may provide interesting effects, but it also creates harsh shadows. Avoid shooting when the main light source is behind you.

3. Use a tripod and your camera's self-timer mode to help position yourself properly in the frame. Place a stuffed animal or other object where you will sit, focus and frame your shot, then swap places with the object as the timer is counting down. Set the camera on a table or other stable surface if you don't have a tripod.

4. Hold the camera with your arm outstretched for on-the-fly pictures. Turn the camera upside down and press the button with your thumb. This is often less awkward than trying to hold it right side up. Place a mirror behind the camera so that you can see the reflection of the video monitor.

5. Take a photo of your reflection in a mirror. Turn off the flash and remember that any writing on your shirt will be reversed. Use a photo-editing program to flip the picture horizontally to remedy this situation.

6. Play with the angle of the camera and the direction of your gaze to create interesting and unusual compositions. Raise the camera above your head and angle it down at about 45 degrees, or place it on the floor angled up at you. Emphasize parts of your body other than your face, or using your self-timer, place yourself to one side of the frame rather than in the center. Look at an object in the picture or focus on something off-screen to break from the norm of looking directly into the camera. Choose from these techniques to create high-quality, traditional self-portraits or more artistic images to capture your viewer's attention.

Tags: light source, main light, main light source, with your

Gift Ideas For Technologyilliterate Moms

Give mom gifts that mean a lot without causing techie stress.

Choosing gifts for technology-illiterate moms is challenging in our age of technology, where gift-giving and life in general is often techie, high speed and largely electronic. Think back to life before computers and smart phones to determine what mom is missing in her interactions with others, and what can be done to keep her more connected.

Photos and Videos

With social networking sites, photo-sharing sites, message boards and email, many people share photos online instead of with traditionally printed photographs. Without understanding how computers and cell phones work, mom misses the frequent photo updates throughout the year. Each time you share a photo she would like to see, have it printed and sent to you. Compile the photos in an album or scrapbook to give to her on a special occasion. For more gift-giving mileage, choose the best photos to create photo mugs, T-shirts, tote bags, calendars and other everyday items that your mom would use and enjoy on a regular basis.

Upload videos to your computer and compile them onto a DVD. Let mom watch her grandson taking his first steps, her granddaughter graduating from preschool or you experiencing your first trip abroad. When your mom gets lonesome for your company or needs a smile, she will pop it into her DVD player. Write down clear directions for playing a DVD, if she has trouble operating her machine without help. Alternately, load the videos onto a digital picture frame so that they will play automatically when she turns the frame on with the simple flick of a switch.

Music and Audio

MP3 players and online music downloads have taken the place of compact disks and CD players in much of our culture. Compile a host of MP3s that fit your mom's listening taste and burn them onto a compact disk. Ensure that her CD player will play MP3s, buy her an easy-to-use player that will or change the format into regular audio tracks that are playable by most CD players. Keep the techie compatibility work on your end so that all your mom has to do is pop the CD into her player and enjoy.

Record an audio letter for your mom or allow her grandchildren to record special messages for her on an audio recorder. Burn the audio files onto a compact disk and send them to her as a special surprise gift.

Experiences

Mothers who are not technologically savvy may feel lonesome without the company of relatives who are far away. Arrange for airfare so that your mom can come visit you or another family member. Book any hotel or car rentals for her so that she does not have to figure it all out on her own and can simply relax and enjoy visiting.

If family is mostly close by, consider other bonding experiences to share with mom that do not involve constant texting or emailing. Purchase tickets to the theater, head to the spa, take mom to a ball game or give her coupons for weekly lunch dates throughout the year. Start a tradition of baking together once a month, having a family potluck or heading to a nearby park. These clutter-free gifts will keep mom connected without pressuring her to delve into technology.

Tags: that your, compact disk, into player, onto compact, onto compact disk, them onto, throughout year

Gift Ideas For Techies

Gift shopping for techies may seem a little overwhelming with so many choices.

With each passing day, it seems, a new invention is created to make life easier. For those who enjoy technology, the amount of gifts for techies gets easier with the output of new inventions. If you have a techie in your life who craves the hottest gadgets, you have plenty of options when gift shopping for innovative products. Purchasing information on the products is contained in Resources.

Spy Camera Glasses

Spy camera glasses give users the ability to capture footage discreetly and hands free. Spy camera glasses have a 1.3 mega pixel capability to shoot still shots and capture video via remote control. Not only can spy camera glasses record and capture photos, but they also come equipped with an MP3 player. Data is transferable to any PC for up to nine hours.

The Rovio Bot

The Rovio bot is an actual robot that streams real-time webcam and microphone data directly to any PC. Also, users are able to send commands via the intercom system.

I-Tech Virtual Laser Keyboard

The I-Tech virtual laser keyboard replicates a keyboard and recognizes movement in the form of keystrokes. The virtual keyboard can be used in darkness and is compatible with PCs, Macs and some smart phones to turn any keypad into a full qwerty keyboard.

Balance Board Trainer

The balance board trainer provides a total body workout, focusing on the lower body and tummy. It increases stability and core strength with three workout settings. Moreover, the balance board trainer also improves coordination for many board sports, including snowboarding, surfing and skateboarding.

Personal Movie Theater

The personal movie theater may look like a pair of futuristic sunglasses, however, the device takes any video footage from an iPod, portable DVD player, personal gaming system or MP3 player and enlarges it as if users are viewing a 55-inch television from 10 feet away. The personal movie theater comes with dual ear buds that eliminate surrounding noise.

Flying Alarm Clock

This is a gift for techies who have problems waking up. Once the alarm sounds, the flying disc continues to hover around the room until it is placed back onto its platform. Therefore, until you actually get up to retrieve the flying disc, the alarm continues to sound. This eliminates excessive snooze-button pushing and actually makes users rise for the day.

Tags: camera glasses, balance board trainer, flying disc, movie theater, personal movie theater

Prepaid Cell Phone Cards

Prepaid cell phone service is an excellent alternative for parents who want to monitor cell phone expenses for their teenage children, those who cannot qualify financially for a cell phone contract, or for emergencies. Prepaid cell phone cards are used either to refill time for a specific prepaid cell phone service, or for long distance calls made from any phone, including cell phones.

Function

Prepaid cell phone cards allow users to purchase a set amount of time, usually measured in minutes, for use with mobile telephones. Customers purchase the cards and either apply the entire balance to an account or enter a PIN with each individual call. In either instance, because the time is prepaid, there are no surprises at the end of the month. Most prepaid cards provide notification when balances run low and when they are due to expire. Prepaid cell phone cards can often be used for services such as date transmission, text messaging and ringback tones as well as for spoken conversations.

Refill Cards

Many major cell phone services, such as Verizon and AT&T provide prepaid cell phone service as well as contract cell phone service. Other companies such as Tracfone and Virgin Mobile only offer prepaid cell phone service. With prepaid cell phone service, customers must purchase prepaid cell phone card in order to refill minutes. There is always a deadline for refilling minutes before the prepaid service is deactivated. If refill minutes are not purchased before the deadline, any unexpired minutes are almost always lost, but the prepaid cell phone service can be reactivated by purchasing more minutes. After service has been deactivated for a specified period of time, the prepaid service is permanently canceled. When that happens the customer must reactivate the phone again, often losing the original cell phone number.

Domestic and International Calls

It is also possible to purchase prepaid cell phone cards which are not associated with a specific cell phone service. They almost always have a PIN which must be entered each time a call is dialed, although some cards allow the PIN to be stored. These cards can be used with any cell phone, and can often be used with regular landlines. In many instances these prepaid cell phone cards are designed to call to or from one or more particular countries at a discounted rate. Other prepaid cell phone cards can be used with to call to and from a wide variety of countries.

Choosing a Card

Many prepaid cell phone cards offer discounts with purchases of larger denominations. Others offer longer periods before the purchased minutes expire. The features available with prepaid cell phone cards often vary according to the plan selected. For instance, some prepay cell phone plans offer a monthly billing option for customers who want similar service to that offered for longer term contracts, without being tied down to a long term obligation. Also, certain prepay cell phone plans offer discounts when calling other customers with the same plan, which might be a major influence in selecting a particular prepay cell phone card.

Warning

For prepaid cell phone cards associated with a particular cell phone company, the customer must purchase the right card. Prepaid cell phone cards from another cell phone company will not work. For prepaid cell phone cards which are not associated with a particular company, customers should be sure that the card will work in their country. Also, some cards have large surcharges which are applied when calling to or from certain countries which may eliminate any savings. Finally, check out any unknown company before providing any credit card information. The Better Business Bureau is a good source for reports on a particular business.

Tags: cell phone, cell phone, cell phone service, phone service, phone cards

Garmin Quest Tips

Garmin Ltd. is one of the largest manufacturers of global positioning systems (GPS) in the United States, including the Garmin Quest. The Quest is an automobile GPS intended to be mounted on the windshield and operated by the passenger or before traveling. This is one of the few models of Garmin that does not have a integrated point of interest (POI) system. The Quest would later be replaced by the Garmin Nuvi and further StreetPilots.

Location Format

The Quest uses a WGS84 series map with CityNavigator software. This gives the end user the choice between using military style grid coordinates and the civilian degrees minute second (DMS) format. Most people in North America use the default DMS, which is also what is taught in school geography classes. Grid coordinates have several advantages over DMS in that you can directly input locations from government maps instead of an actual address. In rural areas, this can be a huge benefit. DMS is not typically precise enough for this type of operation because it is designed for relative locations, not actual locations.

Voice Guidance

One of the most popular features for the Garmin Quest is its customizable voice guidance. This gives you the option between several easy to understand accents to read to you driving instructions. However, for some people these voices are too fast and occur to late (especially on the highway) to be useful. You can however go into "Setup," "Options" and "Turn By Turn" settings and not only adjust the delay between directions but how quickly and how often important turns are repeated. In addition to these changes, you can download more custom voices from the Garmin website.

Software Updates

While the Garmin Quest and Quest 2 are no longer officially supported by Garmin, the latest firmware updates which are available at the link below will enable you to use custom maps from Google or Yahoo! Maps as well as Garmin official updates. In order to use custom maps, go to the link below and download version 3.0. Once you have the update, use a universal serial bus (USB) to connect directly to your computer and transfer the maps. You can also use a SD card to transfer the maps from your computer to the SD slot on your Garmin Quest. You will need a SD card that is capable of storing 2 gigabytes of information in order to transfer the maps in this manner.

Tags: Garmin Quest, transfer maps, custom maps, Garmin Quest Quest, link below

Program A Samsung Vr8559 Vcr To Record

The Samsung Vr8559 VCR is among the top of the line products released by Samsung, and with a VCR console and controller loaded with buttons and options, the process can be confusing. Allowing you to program weekly, daily, or one-time shows, the Samsung Vr8559 allows you to program different shows for different times with one programming sequence.

Instructions

1. Enter a tape into the VCR and press the "Power" button to turn the Samsung VCR on.

2. Press the "Program" button on your Vr8559.

3. Press the "Channel" buttons either up or down to reach the station of the show you are programming. Alternatively, press the 3-digit number of the station you would like to record. For example, press "004" for channel 4.

4. Enter the time of the program you would like to record by pressing up and down on the "Time" button on the VCR or entering the 4-digit time with your remote.

5. Press the "Record Program" button again on your Vr8559 or remote to finish the programming process.

Tags: Samsung Vr8559, like record, Program button, would like, would like record

Homemade Light Reflectors

Homemade Light Reflectors

Light reflectors allow you to illuminate the subject of your photographs from several angles using a single light source, enhancing the quality of your photos. You can purchase light reflectors at a camera store, or create cheap but effective homemade light reflectors. A homemade light reflector can be made out of any reflective material, but two popular choices are aluminum foil and white bed sheets.

Aluminum Foil Reflectors

To make a homemade aluminum foil light reflector, you will need aluminum foil, cardboard and spray adhesive. Supermarkets sell rolls of aluminum foil, and most hardware stores carry spray adhesive. You can use cardboard from an extra box you have around the house, or purchase it at an office supplies store.

Cut a flat piece of cardboard into a square or circle, of any size according to your preference. Larger pieces will allow you to reflect more light than smaller pieces, but they are more difficult to transport and position when you shoot photographs.

Remove enough aluminum foil from the package to cover the cardboard. If you have cut a large piece of cardboard, you may need to use several pieces of aluminum foil side-by-side. Coat one side of the cardboard with spray adhesive, and press the aluminum foil in place over the cardboard. Make sure to smooth the aluminum foil as you attach it to the cardboard. Once the adhesive dries, and wrinkles in the aluminum foil will be stuck there.

Instead of using aluminum foil, you can use white paper. White paper will reflect less light than aluminum foil, which is useful if you want softer or subtler lighting effects in your photographs. You can also attach aluminum foil to one side of the cardboard and white paper to the other side. This allows you to switch your light reflector during a shoot simply by flipping the board over.

Bed Sheet Reflectors

White bed sheets can also be used to reflect light. They will reflect similarly to a white paper on cardboard reflector. Bed sheets are useful because they can reflect a large area of light when stretched out, but in between shoots you can fold them up and transport them easily.

You can use bed sheets as light reflectors without any kind of support by placing them on the ground underneath the subject of your photo. This will reflect light upwards toward the subject, illuminating areas that lights often miss.

Alternatively, you can attach bed sheets to a stand to light photos from the sides. Purchase two wooden poles, and two short wooden 2-by-4s. Nail the poles to the 2-by-4s so that they will stand upright. When you are ready to shoot, set the two poles a few feet away from each other and drape the bed sheet over them.

Tags: aluminum foil, light reflector, spray adhesive, white paper, will reflect, aluminum foil, aluminum foil white