What Are Infrared Surveillance Cameras Used For

Infrared cameras see what normal cameras cannot.

Surveillance cameras improve your home's security in a number of ways. The mere sight of a surveillance camera can dissuade burglars or vandals from bothering you and your property at all, and camera systems let you see what's happening outside your home without actually going outside. Infrared cameras overcome the primary obstacle faced by security cameras: darkness.

Infrared Light

Light waves span what is referred to as the electromagnetic spectrum. Light with wavelengths that fall within a particular range are classified as a particular kind of light. Humans, and regular cameras, see what is called the "visible" light range. The range below the visible range is called the infrared range, and its waves are commonly referred to as infrared light. These waves have longer wavelengths, and are correspondingly of lower energy than the human eye can detect. However, cameras equipped with infrared sensors can record these waves.

Night Vision

Darkness is not the lack of any light waves, just the lack of light waves of sufficiently high energy that the human eye can detect them. When a burglar is moving around in the dark outside, there are still low-energy light waves bouncing off his figure. While the human eye, and regular surveillance cameras cannot detect these, infrared sensors can record these waves as an image. This effectively gives infrared surveillance cameras night vision.

Saving Power

Because normal surveillance cameras require visible light to record images, the owner of a property with surveillance cameras has to choose one of two options: he can either pay to keep his property well illuminated all night, or he can let the property go dark and let the camera become useless. Because infrared cameras can record images in the dark, their owners can use them to save on the utility bill. The one downside of being able to see in the dark is that because criminals either cannot see the cameras, or think that the cameras cannot see them in the dark, the cameras lose their power of deterrence.

Murky Conditions

Darkened areas are not the only environments in which the ability to record infrared light makes infrared surveillance cameras useful. They can also record images in situations which those with human vision would describe as murky or foggy. These can include opaque waters, and areas afflicted with particularly bad air pollution. While these conditions interfere with seeing in the visible light spectrum, these conditions do not interfere with infrared light. Consequently, infrared surveillance cameras can still be used with great efficacy in areas with these kinds of poor conditions.

Tags: surveillance cameras, cameras cannot, infrared light, record images, visible light, cameras what, conditions interfere

Beat A Radar Traffic Ticket

Beat a RADAR Traffic Ticket

When fighting a speeding ticket in court, overcoming a radar reading can be one of the greatest challenges. Because most judges assume a radar measures speed with perfect accuracy and precision, arguing against a police officer or photo radar's clocking speed can seem futile, as if arguing against reality itself. However, a radar only measures speed with complete accuracy if it's perfectly calibrated and properly utilized. Calibration and user error will be themes of the defense.

Instructions

1. Write a motion for discovery to obtain the radar records. You can download templates for this from places such as Doc Stoc (see Resources below), but basically what you want is language saying you want to file a motion for discovery, followed by a list of the requested materials from the plaintiff which, in this case will be the following: radar documents (user manual and serial number), calibration log sheets, officer's certification, officer's notes and state and department protocols for operating the radar.

If the ticket came from a photo RADAR, also request any pictures taken by the device.

2. File the motion for discovery with the clerk of court. You can do this by mailing it to the court address listed on the citation, or by hand-delivering it. File the motion as soon as possible, as many courts require all motions to be filed at least three weeks before the court date.

3. File a dismissal if the police department fails to comply with the discovery process. Send a dated copy of the motion for discovery, along with a request for dismissal to the clerk of court. Failure to produce the evidence in a timely manner will likely lead to a dropping of charges, in which case you win. If the police do provide the evidence, proceed to Step 4.

4. Examine the discovery materials for helpful evidence. If you notice inconsistencies in the log or any history of defects in the radar manufacturer, you might include it as an exhibit in the defense case. You might also study radar-distorting phenomena such as the "cosine effect," which, according to Radarguns.com, is the effect of higher speeds being registered when the radar is hitting the moving object at a severe angle rather than straight-on. This effect can also apply to photo radar, which is why you should examine the photographic evidence to see if the radar clocked you outside the appropriate accuracy zone.

5. Write questions to ask the officer in court. These questions should address areas of weakness you discovered through examination of evidence. If you doubt the officer's complete knowledge of the radar gun's proper operation, include technical questions about the operation to attempt to demonstrate this insufficient knowledge. If you suspect the cosine effect is in play, ask the officer to reconstruct the positions of the car to the radar. Or, if you suspect that the officer has not properly maintained and calibrated the radar, question her regarding the procedures and ask her to explain inconsistencies in the log. Similarly, point out any inconsistencies in the maintenance of a photo radar device.

6. Listen to the officer's testimony in court. Be quiet throughout, making notes of further inconsistencies you notice in the testimony.

7. Cross-examine the officer. Do not be domineering or use this as an opportunity to enact revenge on the cop you think wronged you, but also be secure in knowing that you are exercising a right.

8. Present the evidence you compiled in court. Bring double copies of notes and visual aids that are clearly labeled, as you will be submitting one to the clerk for the judge and keeping one set to refer to during the case. Do not be brash or arrogant, but also do not be intimidated, or the judge may sense the uncertainty. If you are uncertain about a certain aspect, it is better to leave it out, as that will erode the credibility of the defense as a whole.

9. Answer the judge's questions briefly and honestly. The officer is not a licensed attorney and is not allowed to question you, but the judge will ask questions after you present the case. Do not confess to speeding, even a little bit, and feel free to plead the fifth if you feel that answering a question might implicate you in another crime. Most importantly, do not lie, as this could result in a more serious charge of perjury.

10. Await the verdict. The judge often renders it on the spot, but he may sometimes need to take time to review the evidence or a statute and will mail the verdict. Whatever the verdict, exit calmly and quietly so as not to incur any extra fines.

Tags: motion discovery, arguing against, clerk court, cosine effect, File motion, measures speed, measures speed with

Understand A Standalone Dvr

As the name suggests, a stand-alone refers to a Digital Video Recorder that compresses multiple facilities into a single box. This box contains boards, power sources, CPU and other DVR-related services. What results is a gadget that gives you all the facilities of a digital recorder. What's more, you can easily store it in a small cabinet.

Instructions

1. Understand the make-up of a stand-alone DVR. It consists of a single board, which includes all the devices and components.

2. Understand the software requirements. Stand-alone DVRs need an operating system, which is embedded within the IC chip on the board. This is a permanent feature and can't be tampered or modified in any way.

3. Assess the advantages of its configuration. Having the software and hardware pre-configured rules out any compatibility issues between the software and hardware.

4. Understand its features. Like other DVRs, it too provides digital storage on the hard drive and can be connected to the network. Depending upon the brand you opt for, you can even get a remote controlled DVR.

Tags: software hardware

Backup A Cell Phone'S Address Book

If you do not backup your cell phone address book, you risk losing all of your important phone numbers if your phone is lost or damaged. Preventative measures will save you a big headache. There are many different ways to back up your cell phone's address book.

Instructions

1. Check with your wireless service provider to see if they offer data backup services. Some cell phone companies do, but they may charge a monthly service fee.

2. Use a cell phone backup drive. They are inexpensive and plug right into your phone. Use the drive to transfer data to your computer through a USB cable. Backup drives are convenient because you can take them anywhere.

3. Sync your cell phone and computer. There are software programs that allow you to create a backup for your phone book. The bonus of this option is that it also allows you to edit your cell phone images and check your email on the go.

4. Write your contacts in a paper address book. This is the cheapest option available. If you ever need to restore your addresses, it will be a lot of work to re-enter everything, but it will come in handy if you haven't stored your address book data any other way.

5. Realize that the time and money spent to back up your cell phone's address book will be worth it. It will save you time, energy and a lot of headaches in the future if you lose an important number.

Tags: cell phone, your cell, your cell phone, address book, cell phone address

Memory Stick Duo Adapter Problems

Memory Stick Duo is a memory card type developed by Sony that is compatible with a wide range of electronic devices. Many adapters and memory card readers are available for connecting a Memory Stick Duo to a computer.

Adapter Not Recognized

If a Memory Stick Duo fails to show up as a drive on your computer, it may not be correctly attached, or it may have a malfunction. On some systems, including Windows 7, a drive will be hidden from the Computer view if it is empty. Test the adapter in a different USB port or on a different machine.

Corrupted Data

If data cannot be read or transferred from the adapter, the files on it may have been corrupted or damaged in some way, usually because a read/write operation was unexpectedly interrupted. Third-party software tools are available that will attempt to recover files from damaged cards.

Other Issues

Other adapter problems can result from a software issue, such as files being incorrectly saved, the right drivers not being installed, or the files on the card being saved in a read-only format.

Tags: Memory Stick, memory card

Canon Vista Compatible Camcorders

Several Canon camcorders are Windows Vista compatible.

Canon has been a leading name in film and digital recording for years because of a reputation for craftsmanship and attention to detail. In the world of digital video recording, Canon has hundreds of options available to the amateur filmmaker. Sifting through them all can be difficult, but several of these camcorders are compatible with Microsoft's operating system Windows Vista.

Canon VIXIA HF200 Camcorder

The Canon VIXIA HF200 Camcorder is one of the most capable Vista-ready camcorders in the mid-range price level. A CD-ROM containing the drivers for Windows Vista is included in the package, which helps to simplify the task of pulling video from the camcorder for editing or viewing. The camera itself stores video on an SD card, which can also be removed for direct insertion into a card reader. Canon's HF200 also features 1920x1080 HD recording, a 24-frame-per-second cinema mode, an HDMI terminal for direct linking to an HDTV or HD-ready computer, and Canon's 15x HD video lens with Super Range image stabilizer. Prices for this item range from $799 to $900.

Canon FS200 Flash Memory Camcorder

The Canon FS200 is one of the latest models of compact camcorder. Small enough to fit in a pocket, this camcorder also operates on SD flash memory and includes a software bundle with drivers compatible with Windows Vista. The FS200 features 41x advanced zoom, a DIGIC DVII image processor, 680k CCD image sensor and a wide-screen LCD display. While this camcorder does not record in HD, it is equipped with several shooting options and is perfect for home videos and amateur productions. Prices for this camera range from $249 to $300.

Canon XL2 Digital Camcorder

Perhaps the most elaborate and capable of Canon Digital camcorders on the market, the XL2 stands up well to many professional television cameras on the market today. This camera connects automatically to Windows Vista and does not require any additional drivers. It records via MiniDV Cassette, but can also stream TV-quality video over the Internet. This camera features a Fluorite Zoom lens with optical image stabilization, a professional-quality 16-bit 2-channel recording system with 2 additional condenser microphone ports for additional background quality, a shoulder pad for portable stability, on-board digital video editing, a color LCD viewer and a wide-screen shooting option. This camcorder is for semi-professional and corporate use and prices range from $3500 to $4000.

Tags: Windows Vista, range from, Camcorder Canon, Canon Digital, Canon FS200, Canon VIXIA

Avoid Eye Redness

Eye redness results when blood vessels in the sclera (the white of your eye) dilate and become visible. It can be caused by anything from too many hours in front of a computer screen to serious medical problems. Whatever the cause, using eye drops designed to reduce eye redness does nothing to cure the problem and may even make it worse.

Instructions

1. Rest your eyes if they become red after spending a lot of time at your computer, reading, watching television or anything else that may have strained your eyes. You can avoid eyestrain by taking frequent breaks from these tasks. Focus on something else or just close your eyes for a few minutes.

2. Try some artificial tears. These will lubricate your eyes without adding medication that may result in a rebound hyperemia, in which the blood vessels in your eyes become dependent on the medication to stay small. When you stop using medicated eye drops, the redness will become worse.

3. Apply a cold, damp washcloth to your eyes if the redness is caused by allergies such as hay fever. You may also try taking an antihistamine.

4. Rinse your eyes with an eyewash or a sterile saline solution if you suspect that your eye redness is caused by a foreign particle in your eye.

5. Take out your contact lenses for a while. Make sure you've thoroughly cleaned them before reinserting them or try a new pair. It's a good idea to take out your contact lenses for a few hours a day, instead of removing them only when you go to bed.

6. Avoid environments that have pollutants in the air that can irritate your eyes such as smoke, smog, dust, pollen and wind-blown particles such as sand.

Tags: your eyes, blood vessels, contact lenses, redness caused, that have, your contact, your contact lenses

Enlarge Old Photographs

Enlarge Old Photographs

If you have just discovered some fantastic old photographs in your attic or closet, you'll probably want to make copies for relatives, or enlargements to hang in your own home. Without a photo's original negative, you can't simply reprint the image at a larger size. You can, however, create high-resolution enlargements from a hard copy photograph by scanning the image and printing an enlargement from the computer. If you don't own your own scanner, don't worry; many copy centers have scanners and computers that you can use for a small fee.

Instructions

1. Turn on the computer and the scanner, and open the computer's scanning or image-editing software.

2. Open the scanner and place your old photograph face down on the scanner glass.

3. Go to the "File" menu in the scanner or photo-editing software and select "Import" and "From Scanner." You might be able to select the exact name of the scanner already connected to the computer, such as "Epson V500" or "HP Scanjet G4050."

4. Select the type of document you are scanning from the new scanning options window. You will be able to choose between "Color Picture," "Black and White Picture" or "Text Document."

5. Select a desired file format for the scanned image. You will probably be able to choose between JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format and TIF or TIFF (Tagged Image File) format. The TIF format works best for enlarging images; these files are larger and can support greater detail and resolution than JPEG files.

6. Select a desired image resolution for the scanned image. You will have to specify this resolution with a "dpi" number. "Dpi" stands for "dots per inch," meaning the number of pixels per inch in the image. Select a dpi of at least 600. An image resolution of 600 dpi should produce high-quality enlargements from small original photographs.

7. Click "Preview" to view a preview scan of the image at your chosen resolution. Adjust the photograph's placement on the scanning glass if the image appears crooked. You can also select a more specific area of the picture to scan by creating a box over the preview scan using your mouse.

8. Click "Scan" to scan the image, and save the file.

9. Print the image at home if you have a high-quality printer, or save the image file to a CD or flash drive and take it to a copy center for printing.

Tags: able choose, able choose between, choose between, Enlarge Photographs, enlargements from, image resolution, image will

Change The Ink In A Kodak Photo Dock

The Kodak Photo Dock lets you print digital pictures directly from your EasyShare camera.

The Kodak Photo Dock is a stand-alone photo printer for Kodak EasyShare cameras. The color printer works with or without a computer and also prints black and white photographs. The printer uses a single ribbon cartridge available at drug, retail, retail superstores and other outlets. The Kodak Photo Dock's ink cartridge also comes with a pack of photo paper. Once the cartridge is empty, it is not possible to re-ink a Kodak Photo Dock ink cartridge---you must install a new cartridge order to use the printer again.

Instructions

1. Unplug your Kodak Photo Dock's power cord. Pull the black tab on the right side of the printer down to open the ink cartridge door.

2. Push up on the green cartridge release tab in the upper center of the ink cartridge to release the old cartridge. Pull the old ink cartridge carefully from the Photo Dock.

3. Rotate the new ink cartridge's ribbon wheel on the side of the cartridge clockwise with your finger to remove any slack in the film. Do not rotate the wheel too much---this will damage the cartridge.

4. Insert the new ink cartridge into the Photo Dock with ribbon film facing down until you hear the cartridge click in place. The ink cartridge will only go in one way.

Do not touch the ribbon with your fingers. Handle the cartridge by its edges.

5. Close the ink cartridge door and plug in your Kodak Photo Dock's power cord.

Tags: Photo Dock, Kodak Photo, Kodak Photo Dock, your Kodak Photo, cartridge door

Legal Listening Devices

Listening devices can vary from pocket recorders to mini dishes that let you listen to conversations from a distance. Many of these devices are legal to own but can easily be used illegally. Generally, if you want record a conversation between you and someone else, you can legally do so--provided that it's for your own records. However, if you use these devices to record the conversations of people who have no idea that they're being recorded, that's illegal.

Long Range Listening

These devices are shaped like mini satellite dishes and allow you to listen in by pointing the dish where you want to hear. These devices are readily available at most "spy" stores that specialize in surveillance equipment, and cheaper versions are even available in toy stores. These devices typically can hear up to 100 yards.

Acoustic Leakage Microphones

These microphones allow you to listen through walls. This microphone is mounted against a solid surface with special putty and amplifies all sound vibrations up to 100 times. These microphones can also be used for listening to pipes--for leakage--or for checking the walls for pests.

Covert Listening Devices

These devices are the typical listening "bug" commonly featured in spy movies. They can be concealed and remotely activated. They can legally be used to listen in to your home to allow you to monitor was going on there. However, placing these devices on property that is not yours to listen to conversations where people have the expectation of privacy is illegal.

Tags: allow listen, listen conversations, Listening Devices, people have, these devices, These devices, These microphones

Canon Speedlite 550ex Instructions

The Canon Speedlite 550Ex is one of Canon's premier flashes, built to work with SLR cameras that are equipped with a hot shoe---a connecting dock on the top of the camera---to provide better light and focus when capturing images. The Canon Speedlite 550Ex is completely compatible with area AF (auto focus) technology and has many performance features such as a maximum Guide Number of 180, an auto focus assist beam, and wireless functionality when combined with other Canon Speedlite 550Ex flashes that are used as slave units.

Preparing the Canon Speedlite 550Ex for Operation

The Canon Speedlite 550Ex accepts either 4 AA alkaline or 4 AA nickel-hydride batteries. Locate the battery compartment cover located on the left side of the flash (if you are facing the LCD). Slide the battery compartment cover in the direction of the arrows and flip it up. Insert the batteries as indicated on the inside of the battery compartment cover. Close the battery compartment cover and slide it opposite the arrow until it clicks into place.

Attach the Canon Speedlite 550Ex to the camera by turning the collar lock (the wheel located at the bottom of the flash) clockwise. Insert the Canon Speedlite 550Ex's mounting foot into the camera hot shoe until it is completely mounted. Turn the collar lock counter-clockwise until the Canon Speedlite 550Ex is completely tightened.

Set the wireless selector (located just above the collar lock on the back of the flash) to either master, slave, or OFF depending on how you will use the Canon Speedlite 550Ex with other Speedlite 550Ex flashes. For basic use, switch the setting to OFF.

The power switch is located above the wireless selector on the right rear of the flash. It has 3 settings. ON (I), OFF (O), or SE (save energy mode). In SE mode, the flash will power off if not in use for ninety seconds when the wireless selector is set for OFF or Master Modes.

Basic Shooting with the Canon Speedlite 550Ex Flash

The fastest way to get started with the Canon Speedlite 550Ex flash is to set the flash for Auto Flash Mode.

Set the camera's shooting mode to P (Portrait or Program AE) or Full Auto, as indicated by a rectangle icon, by turning the Control Dial located on the top or rear of most Canon digital SLR cameras.

Set the Canon Speedlite 550Ex's flash mode to ETTL by pressing the Mode button (located on the back of the flash) until ETTL is displayed in the top left corner of the LCD. Focus the subject by pressing down the shutter button on the camera halfway. The shutter speed and aperture will be set automatically and displayed in the LCD. Verify the subject is in flash range as displayed at the bottom of the LCD; a meter will indicate whether or not the subject is in range.

Check that the lightning bolt symbol (flash) is shown in the camera viewfinder, and press the shutter button down fully to capture your image.

Tags: Canon Speedlite, Canon Speedlite 550Ex, Speedlite 550Ex, Speedlite 550Ex, Canon Speedlite 550Ex

A Contact To An Ipod Address Book

You can add a contact to an iPod address book as long as you have the contact stored on your desktop computer. When you sync the iPod with the information on your hard drive, you can add the contact information and keep a list of your business contacts, friends or family along with your favorite tunes. Follow these steps to add a contact to an iPod address book.

Instructions

1. Use the USB cable to hook up the iPod to your desktop computer. Once you have made the connections, open iTunes on your desktop and start to synchronize the information on your computer with that inside your iPod.

2. Pull down the iTunes "Source" pane and click on "Devices." Pick "iPod" from the list of the devices to look over the iPod's current preferences.

3. Find the "Contacts" tab and check the "Synchronize Contacts From" checkbox. This will reveal a menu that gives you contact program options. These options will differ depending on your operating system.

4. Select the program that has the contact information that you wish to transfer to your iPod. Now push the "Apply" button to finish the process.

5. Check the contact information in the iPod. Go to the main menu and select "Extras." From here, choose the "Contacts" option to take a look at what you have saved to your iPod.

Tags: contact information, your desktop, your iPod, contact iPod address, desktop computer, information your, iPod address

Build A Car Camera Mount

Build a Car Camera Mount

Shooting stable video from inside a moving car is very difficult without some sort of camera mount. Professional car mounts sold by grip equipment houses and professional camera stores can easily cost more than $1,000, and are out of the price range of many independent filmmakers and amateur photographers. Using some basic hardware and a little ingenuity, however, you can make your own car camera mount that should be able to hold most small and medium-sized cameras. With this mount, you can station a camera in the rear of the cab, pointing it out to the front windshield and driver.

Instructions

1. Drill a 3/8-inch between the edge and the center hole of a metal electrical plate. This will be used to mount the ball head to the plate.

2. Pass the 3/8-inch bolt (with 16 threads per inch) through the hole you just drilled and hold it into place using a nut.

3. Place the two wide washers on either side of the metal plate over the center hole, sandwiching the smaller washer from underneath the plate.

4. Remove the bolt that will hold a child safety seat from the back seat of the car. Remove the plastic housing surrounding the bolt, and bolt the metal plate in its place.

5. Screw the ball head into the 3/8-inch 16 bolt and then level and attach a camera.

Tags: 8-inch bolt, ball head, Build Camera, Build Camera Mount, center hole, metal plate

Copy Photos From A Pc To An Sd Card

It's easy to transfer photos on your PC to an SD card.

Secure digital (SD) cards, used in digital cameras and other portable devices, let you store a variety of files on a medium that is easily shared on multiple platforms. Files on the SD card are transferred using the device's universial serial bus (USB) cable or by the use of an SD card writer. SD cards even allow the copying of photos from your PC to the SD card itself. This is ideal if you want to share photos with someone using another operating system or if you want to print the photos using a photo kiosk.

Instructions

Using a USB Connection Cable

1. Connect the camera to your computer by plugging the USB connection cable into the camera's USB port and any available USB port on your computer.

2. Turn on the camera. Your computer will recognize the camera and assign the device a drive letter. Certain digital camera models require you to confirm the switching to photo transfer mode. Press the appropriate key or select the menu option to activate the photo transfer mode, if required.

3. Click "Start" and then "My Computer."

4. Double-click the drive letter assigned to your digital camera's SD card. The SD card's Explorer window will open. Leave this window open.

5. Click "Start" and then "My Computer." Navigate to the directory containing the photos you want to copy to the SD card. Double-click the directory to open the folder.

6. Press and hold the "CTRL" key on your computer's keyboard as you click on the photos you want to copy. If you would like to copy all of the photos in the folder, click "Edit," "Select All."

7. Click "Edit," "Copy."

8. Switch to the SD card's Explorer window. Right-click anywhere in the right pane of the open window. Click "Edit," "Paste." Your selected photos will appear in the SD card's window.

9. Click "File," "Close" to close the SD card's Explorer window.

10. Click on the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon by the clock on your computer's desktop. Click on the drive letter assigned to the SD card. Click "Stop." When prompted, disconnect the USB cable from the camera.

Using an SD Card Reader

11. Remove the SD card from your digital camera by opening the SD card door on the side or bottom of your digital camera and pulling the card from the device.

12. Plug an SD card reader into any available USB port on your computer. Your computer will recognize the card reader and assign it a drive letter.

13. Plug the SD card into the card slot on the front of the card reader.

14. Click "Start," "My Computer." Double-click on the drive letter assigned to the card reader. The card reader's Explorer window will open. Leave this window open.

15. Complete Steps 5 through 9 in the "Using a USB Connection Cable" section of this article.

16. Click on the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon by the clock on your computer's desktop. Click on the drive letter assigned to the card reader. Click "Stop." When prompted, remove the SD card from the card reader. Disconnect the card reader from your computer's USB port.

Tags: drive letter, your computer, card reader, card reader, digital camera, drive letter assigned, Explorer window

Set Ringtones On An Htc Touch

In 2007, HTC released the HTC Touch, a cell phone that doubled as a pocket PC. Incorporating a Windows Mobile 6 operating system, and using a unique user interface known as TouchFLO, the HTC Touch was released to a number of carriers. The operating system allows for the use of a number of file formats to produce ringtones, giving users an easily customizable ringtone system. Setting ringtones on an HTC Touch is an easy procedure.

Instructions

Setting a Ringtone

1. Start up your HTC Touch.

2. Tap on the "Start" button.

3. Tap on "Settings."

4. Tap on "Phone."

5. Customize the ringtone settings using the drop-down menus. You can select a tone, and change whether or not you want the phone to vibrate during calls.

Assigning Unique Ringtones

6. To assign a ringtone to an individual caller, start up your HTC Touch.

7. Tap on the "Start" button.

8. Tap on "Contacts."

9. Select a contact, then tap on "Menu."

10. Tap on "Edit." Scroll down to "Ringtone," and then tap it to find and assign a ringtone. Repeat as desired on other contacts to customize your contact list's ringtones.

Creating Custom Ringtones

11. Find an audio file you wish to use as a ringtone.

12. Use an audio editor to trim the file to the section you wish to play as a ringtone. For WAV format, Windows' Sound Recorder is sufficient. For other formats, you will need a separate program.

13. Connect your HTC Touch to your PC via the USB cable.

14. Save the edited audio file on your HTC Touch in the "My Ringtones" folder. It can be found in the "My Documents" folder on your HTC Touch.

15. Use either of the above methods to set your custom ringtones or assign them to individual contacts.

Tags: your Touch, assign ringtone, audio file, operating system, Start button, Touch Start, Touch Start button

Edit Digital Photos

Digital photos have become the preferred method of photography, especially with the affordability of digital cameras. The advantage of digital photography is that you can edit and print your own photos from your computer. Here are some tips for basic digital photo editing.

Instructions

Store and Edit Digital Photos

1. Keep up with your digital photos before and after editing with two basic computer programs: photo catalog software and a database of where files are stored. Your camera usually comes with a catalog-type software, but it can be cumbersome and unreliable.

2. Do not store photos on your computer's hard drive permanently. You need a backup storage device such as a dedicated hard drive (external or internal) or burned CDs or DVDs to ensure the safety of digital photos. Create a running database of your photo names and locations, such as an Excel spreadsheet.

3. To edit digital photos you need a photo editing program. Programs range from free basic programs that accompany digital cameras to professional photo editing software such as Adobe Photoshop, Photo Genetics, and Picture Window to free downloads like Picasa 2.

Photo Sizing

4. Photo editing capabilities vary across programs, but there are some basic features common to all programs. The first step in editing photos is to look at image size. Correlate the image size to the medium you will publish to-print or the Web. Make sure to click the "maintain aspect ratio" control for an undistorted image.

5. Maintain the size of the original photo if you need to use it again. Enlarging a smaller photo causes distortion. Choose the "Save As" option for the resized photo.

6. To cut out unnecessary or distracting parts of the photo, use the "Crop" feature in your editing software. This feature can make photos more dramatic or can make it fit in a publication space. Select the Crop option from your toolbox. Create a box around the photo. By dragging in or out on the corners, you will cut everything out beyond the box. This forms a new image.

Color and Light Controls

7. Familiarize yourself with the numerous controls in your photo editing programs to change the brightness and contrast of photos, usually operated by slider bars.

8. Play with the color output to adjust the color balance of your photos. Most basic programs use red, green and blue channels or RGB. Some of the more advanced programs use other channels such as cyan, magenta, yellow and key (CMYK). For basic editing purposes, the RGB channels are fine. Professional printers use CMYK.

9. Adjust the color saturation of your photos by using slider bars to add more or less of one of these colors. You can work with the color balance and saturation to produce color photos that look great.

10. Know that different programs have different filters. Filters can change the photo's finish to something that looks like paintings or drawings.

Correcting Errors

11. Use photo editing software for common errors in digital photos. Cropping can remove some errors and straighten edges.

12. Use the red eye feature. Red eye is one of the most common errors in digital photography. Most editing software has a feature to reduce red eye. This feature takes a sample of the area around the red eye and replaced the redness with a layer of these same pixels as the surrounding area.

Tags: editing software, photo editing, digital photos, your photos, basic programs, color balance

Nikon D80 Tips

The D80 is a discontinued 10-megapixel camera from Nikon that fit between the entry level D40 and the semi-professional D200 and D300. Like the entry level model, the D80 body was made from polycarbonate. Like the advanced cameras, the D80 had many shooting features controlled by buttons on the camera body. The D80 was replaced by the D90 in 2008.

Don't Go Auto

Though the D80 has an automatic mode, photographers can often get better results by using the digital or standard program modes. The D80 offers six variable program modes keyed to what you're shooting; the camera optimizes its settings for the shot. The modes are Portrait, Landscape, Close-Up, Sports, Night Portrait, and Night Landscape. In addition to the scene modes, the D80 has Program Auto, which lets the photographer experiment with ISO (light sensitivity) settings; higher ISO increases the sensitivity of the camera to light for better night shots, but also increases "noise" (a grain-like effect).

Optimize Image

The D80's menu includes an option to optimize camera settings for different types of photography; you can access this by going to Menu, then Optimize Image. Normal is the default setting. Softer produces softer outlines, good for portraits and more natural scenes. Vivid enhances contrast and color, producing enhanced reds, greens and blues. More vivid further enhances contrast and outlines for crisper images. Portrait optimizes skin tones. Custom lets you specify settings for sharpness, contrast, and color. Black and White lets you take monochrome shots.

Autofocus modes

The D80 has three autofocus modes, controlled by the AF button on the camera. AF-A is automatic autofocus; the camera selects either servo mode for stationary objects or continuous for moving objects; the shutter releases only if something is in focus. AF-S is servo mode, for stationary objects; the focus locks when the shutter is pressed halfway and releases when fully depressed and the in-focus indicator is lit. AF-C is for moving objects, and the focus locks when the shutter is pressed halfway, but can release even if the in-focus indicator isn't lit.

Tags: contrast color, enhances contrast, entry level, focus locks, focus locks when, in-focus indicator, locks when

Cancel An At&T Data Plan

The AT&T data plan allows users to surf the internet as well as receive voice video mails and other similar features that require the transfer of significant amounts of data. If, however, you choose to cancel your AT&T data plan, you then need to consider your options. This is especially so for AT&T subscribers who opted for the iPhone or other 3g-enabled phones.

Instructions

1. Contact customer care at (800) 331-0500 and ask to cancel your AT&T data plan.

2. Negotiate with the customer service representative about the finer details of your cancellation. Appeal your case using a financially-challenged angle in order to make canceling your data plan an easier and less problematic process.

3. Cite your use of another non-3g enabled phone to further add strength to your appeal. At this point, AT&T will work to cancel your data plan. iPhone users, on the other hand, have a serious problem with this. You will not be able to disable the data plan for an iPhone without either returning the phone and paying a hefty fee or hacking into the iPhone's 3g and data connection to mask using it.

Tags: data plan, your data, your data plan, cancel your, cancel your data, data plan iPhone, plan iPhone

Use A Stereoscopic Camera Lens

A stereoscopic photograph portrays the subject of the photograph in 3-D, exactly as you see it through one's eyes. You make a 3-D image by combining two slightly off-center pictures of the same subject. This used to require stereoscopic cameras, but now special attachments are available so that anyone with a camera can make stereo pictures with a single exposure.

Instructions

1. Attach the stereo lens attachment to the lens of the camera. This works best when using single lens reflex (SLR) or higher-end viewfinder film or digital cameras. The stereo lens attachment makes two different images during the same exposure.

2. Focus the subject of the photo through the viewfinder of the camera. Make sure the subject stays as still as possible. You can gain stereo affect when the photo is taken from 6.6 to 33 feet away from the subject. Take the photo from either close-up or mid-distance range.

3. Check the aperture setting and the shutter speed with the on-camera exposure meter, or by a handheld exposure meter. The exposure meter indicates the correct settings to provide the highest-quality exposure.

4. Hold the camera steady or use a tripod, if necessary.

Tags: exposure meter, lens attachment, stereo lens, stereo lens attachment

Make Clone Guitar Fx Pedals

Because of the increasing demand for out-of-production guitar pedals, some classic pedals are selling for hundreds of dollars. Many guitarists have chosen to build their own pedals. Not only is it cheaper--it can be a lot of fun. Before you build your own versions of the classics, though, you need to know where to find information, where to buy parts, and assemble the parts.

Instructions

Gathering information, finding and assembling parts

1. There are many websites that provide schematics, parts lists and and build instructions for classic pedals. Some examples are GeneralGuitarGadgets.com, tonepad.com, and DIYStompboxes.com. General Guitar Gadgets is a good place to start because the site links to several other pedal-building sites.

2. Although many pedal parts can be purchased at a local electronics store, you will probably have to order some parts on-line. There are a handful of on-line dealers that can provide one-stop shopping for the parts you will need. PedalPartsPlus.com, EffectsConnection.com, and SmallBearElectronics.com all have a large selection of pedal parts. You might have to look elsewhere for the PC board (the board onto which all of the electrical parts are soldered). Tonepad.com sells PC boards for many popular clones.

3. Most clones instructions have a diagram showing where the various components go. This diagram---as well as the symbols on the PC board---also indicate the orientation of the components (which hole the positive side of the diode goes, which direction the transistor faces, and so on).

You can either solder each component immediately after you place it, or you can place all of them, bend the wires underneath so they don't fall out, and solder when you're finished.

4. Using a 25- or 30-watt soldering iron, solder the components to the board using resin-core solder. Only touch the iron to the wire very briefly, to avoid destroying the parts. Integrated Chips (ICs), and transistors are especially sensitive. Use a heat sink where possible. Simply clamp an alligator clip onto the wire between the main part of the component and the part of the wire that contacts the soldering iron.

5. You can order pre-drilled enclosures for your pedal or you can drill them yourself. You will likely find that the holes in pre-drilled enclosures are sometimes not where you want them. They are sometimes not evenly measured as well. If you drill the holes yourself, set the various components of the pedal on top of the enclosure (PC board, potentiometer, input and output jacks, AC adapter jack and battery) to make sure everything will fit. Mark the holes with a marker. To make drilling easier, you can punch the hole with a center punch and hammer. This will help prevent the drill bit from wandering. The size of each hole will depend on the style of component. When in doubt, measure the component and use a step bit. With each step of the bit, stop and see if the component fits. This will help prevent drilling an oversized hole.

Troubleshooting

6. If the pedal does not work, check the obvious things first. Are the cables plugged in correctly? Is the pedal plugged in? Is the battery dead? If those things are as they should be, you will have to retrace every line in the schematic or build diagram to make sure you have wired the pedal correctly.

7. If the pedal is wired correctly, check the orientation of the parts. The orientation does not matter for resistors and some capacitors, but the pedal will not work if a diode, transistor, or polarized capacitor are placed backwards. PC boards often have diagrams on them---either shapes or a plus sign---to indicate which way to place the components.

8. Check the values on all of the parts that you are able to. For example, measure the resistors with a meter to ensure that they are the value called for by the schematic. Check capacitors by looking at the value printed on them.

9. If you still haven't found the problem, disassemble the pedal and start over, being careful to check every component as you place it.

Tags: classic pedals, correctly pedal, help prevent, make sure, pedal parts

Decide Which Camcorder Is Best For Me

Camcorders can range from just a few hundred to thousands of dollars.

While camcorders have changed greatly over the years, moving from heavy, bulky contraptions requiring tapes and cords to sleek, pocket size digital devices, the purpose has remained the same. A camcorder helps preserve memories. When deciding which camcorder best fits your needs, you need to consider price, functionality, ease of use and reliability. A camcorder can represent a significant investment; therefore, it is important to choose one that you can depend on to capture life's moments.

Instructions

1. Determine what you will use the camcorder to do. A camcorder needed for recording friends and family probably does not need as many bells as whistles as a camcorder used for business purposes. If choosing a camcorder to shoot high-quality video, a high-definition camera is must; while standard definition would probably work for other purposes when budget is a consideration. There are also features like exposure adjustments and external audio that are necessary for camcorders used for recording soccer games, family holidays and other personal events.

2. Consider where you will use the camcorder. Once you have determined what you are going to record, think about how you will record it. For example, a child's sporting event or on-the-spot interview with a company president might be more practical with a smaller camcorder that can be easily carried. A smaller camcorder might also work better for vacations or other fun gatherings. If you are shooting lots of action or have to set up and tear down quickly, think about how you would practically accomplish that with the camcorder.

3. Pay attention to storage capacity. Depending on the model, some camcorders will record just one to two hours of video. That kind of storage may work for some users, but others may need to store many more hours of footage. If that is the case, look for a camcorder with greater capacity and, if necessary, the ability to add extra memory or a larger card.

4. Look at pricing. A camcorder that is right for you is one that is within your price range. For personal use, quality camcorders can be purchased for a few hundred dollars. When deciding on a video camera, also take into account accessories like tripods and microphones that are typically needed with higher-end video shoots.

5. Test drive different camcorders and choose one that is easy for you to use. Figure out how it performs functions like zoom and focus, and record and play back. Assess the camcorder's viewfinder. Also look at how you get the video from the camera to other outlets like a computer or television. Some camcorders have just a few controls, while others have many more options. Play around with camcorders at a store to find one you are comfortable using.

6. Compare features. Once you know the style of camcorder you need, it can come down to the choice between a few models. Read up and research how well the camcorder performs the functions you most need. Most importantly, look at video quality. For professional videos, features like image stabilization and lighting are also important and should be compared.

Tags: camcorder that, camcorders have, choose that, features like, look video

Format A Memory Card For A Camera

Format a Memory Card for a Camera

Small and thin, memory cards don't look like your typical computer hard drive, although they both function the same. And like a hard drive, formatting on a regular basis will help to keep the card performing at full potential. Formatting will keep "bad sectors" from developing and eliminate "fragmented files." Although you can format the card on a computer, most manufacturers recommend that formatting be done in- camera. Described below are two ways to format a memory card in-camera, using a Nikon camera as an example. Other camera brands will be similar.

Instructions

1. Ensure camera is turned off. Open memory storage door, insert memory card and close door. Turn camera on and make sure camera is operating.

2. Locate the 2 buttons on the camera body that say "FOR." Simultaneously depress both buttons. Release both buttons when the LCD that is located on top of the camera's body starts blinking "FOR." Depress both "FOR" buttons again and the camera will begin formatting the memory card.

3. Monitor the top LCD display until the "Frames Remaining" indication reappears. This signifies that the memory card has been reformatted and that the camera is ready to take photographs.

4. Perform the second option instead. Repeat Step 1 and, after the camera is operating, depress the "Menu" button located on the back of the camera. When the LCD on the back of the camera illuminates, scroll through the "Direction Tab" until you find the "Setup" menu. Press the "OK" button to navigate into the "Setup" menu.

5. Scroll down with the "Direction Tab" until you find the "Format Memory Card" option. Press the "OK" button and the camera will ask if you wish to format and delete all photographs on the memory card. Press "OK" once more and the camera will format the card.

Tags: memory card, both buttons, camera will, back camera, camera body, camera operating

Difference Between 550 & 550t

Garmin makes global positioning systems for navigational use in aviation, automobile and for outdoor enthusiasts. The 550 and 550t models are part of Garmin's Oregon series, which features Garmin's first handheld, touchscreen GPS devices. The 550 and 550t GPS models are high-end and are intended for serious topography and trekking use.

The Oregon 550

The Oregon 550 is a handheld GPS unit with a 3-inch touchscreen for effortless navigation. The 550 also serves as a 3.2 megapixel camera, which automatically "geotags" each picture you capture with the location of where it was taken. As an extra feature, you can upload and store your photos from your GPS unit to the Picassa Web-based photo sharing community. The 550 has a "built-in 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass," which displays where you're going even when you're standing still. Its "barometric altimeter" tracks pressure changes to pinpoint your exact altitude and you can use it to monitor changing barometric pressure to see changing weather conditions.

The Oregon 550t

As with the 550, the 550t also features a 3-inch sunlight-readable, color touchscreen for easy navigation, as wells as the 3.2 megapixel camera that "geotags" your images. It also features the 550's "built-in 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass." Essentially, it can do everything that the 550 can. However, it does have its upgrades. The 550t comes loaded with built-in, detailed U.S. topographic information for the lower 48 states, as well as a worldwide base-map, all for serious hikers and trekkers. The 550 model requires that you buy and load extra maps to your GPS unit.

Oregon 550 and 550t Differences

Besides the U.S. topography maps being pre-installed in the Oregon 550t, there are basic internal memory differences between the two models. The Oregon 550 comes with 1GB of memory, whereas the 550t comes with 4GB of memory. Memory cards are available as separate accessories.

The Oregon 550 and 550t Prices

The last key difference between the two Oregon models is the price. At the time of publication, the 550t model is priced at $100 more than the 550. With the main distinctions being the 550t's preloaded topography maps and the 550t's superior memory, it's up to you as the consumer to decide if those upgrades are worth that extra $100. At the time of publication, the 550 GPS model sells for $499 and the 550t sells for $599.

Tags: Oregon 550t, 3-axis tilt-compensated, 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic, 550t comes, 550t models, also features, built-in 3-axis

Use A Tripod In Photography

Using a tripod can vastly improve the quality of your shots, and make your photography easier.

Instructions

1. Make sure that you have the right tripod and head to fit your camera. If you are unsure if a model is right for your camera, bring it to the shop with you; and the associates should be able to help you find the right model.

2. Once you have your tripod, pick your subject and the location from which you would like to shoot . You should choose a relatively flat surface. Once you've chosen your location, decide on the height you will want the shot to come from.

3. Open the legs and extend them to the height you desire. Once you have the height set, lock the tripod legs in place. You can get specific directions on open, extend and lock the legs in place in your owners manual. This process may vary depending on your tripod's design.

4. Place the camera on the tripod. This system may include a screw or clips, but screws are much more common. Once again due to variation in models, you will need to consult your owner's manual for instructions on do this. Once your camera is secure you can use the head to adjust the angle of the camera.

5. Line up your shot, and take your photos.

Tags: your camera, legs place, Once have, your tripod

Instructions For Disposable Cameras At Weddings

Disposable cameras let wedding guests take candid photos at your wedding.

Disposable cameras have become a popular trend at weddings. The bride and groom supply them, and the guests take candid shots at the wedding reception. The disposable cameras are returned to the bride and groom who develop them, keep and enjoy the pictures. Many times, pictures are taken that the professional photographer might miss, such as table pictures, group pictures and pictures of people dancing. If you want some great candid photos of your wedding, consider providing disposable cameras for your guests to use.

Instructions

1. Determine the number of disposable cameras you want to have at your wedding. Place at least one or two disposable cameras at each table. Each guest does not need his own camera, as guests will share cameras.

2. Attach a short note of instruction to the cameras. Tell guests that the cameras are for their use during the reception, and what they should do with the cameras when they are finished. For example: "These cameras are for our guests to use, so take as many photos as you'd like. We look forward to seeing our wedding from your angle when we return from our honeymoon! Please put the finished cameras in the marked box by the door."

3. Place the cameras on the tables before the reception begins. Ask the reception hall if you can drop them off ahead of time and if they will place them on the tables. Designate someone to place the cameras on the tables when the reception begins if the reception hall people won't do it.

4. Provide a receptacle for used cameras. Wrap a box large enough to hold the cameras with wedding wrapping paper or paper to match your theme. Glue a picture of disposable cameras or a sign that says "Camera Drop Off" on the side of the box to let guests know that this is the place to drop off the cameras.

5. Direct the DJ or bandleader to make an announcement to let guests know that the cameras are for their use and where they should be returned to. He should remind the guests during the reception to use the cameras, and make a final announcement near the end stating where the cameras should be returned.

6. Ask a friend or relative to be in charge of collecting the disposable cameras at the end of the reception. Have this person drop the cameras off to be developed so the photos will be ready when you return from your honeymoon.

Tags: disposable cameras, guests take, your wedding, begins reception, begins reception hall, bride groom, cameras tables

Convert Your Polaroid Roll Film Camera To 120mm Film

Polaroid pack-film cameras aren't the same as the roll-film versions.

Instead of throwing away your old Polaroid Land roll-film camera, modify it to use 120 mm film. Popular in the 1940s and 1950s, old Polaroid roll film hasn't been available for decades, but 120 mm film is still easy to find at most camera supply stores. This type of film is a medium-format film that produces negatives almost four times larger than standard 33 mm film, allowing you to make very large prints of your favorite images without sacrificing quality.

Instructions

1. Open the back panel on your Polaroid camera.

2. Drill a hole in the bottom right corner of the film chamber using a 1/4-inch drill bit. Screw a 1/4-inch bolt into the hole from the bottom of the camera. Attach the knob to the bottom of the bolt. Multipurpose knobs are available at hardware stores. The knob is necessary for you to turn the new film-winding shaft you've created.

3. Tape black cloth around the base of the bolt to prevent light from entering the camera.

4. Place the 120 mm take-up spool into the left film chamber. Cut pieces of cork 1/4-inch thick or use wadded construction paper to shim the top and bottom of the spool. Note that the 120 mm spool is about an inch shorter than the film chamber for the Polaroid roll film. Make two shims about 1/2 inch each to place at the top and bottom of the 120 mm spool.

5. Insert your 120 mm film into the spool on the left side of the camera. Pull the lead to the right and tape it to the bolt so it will turn as you turn the bolt.

Tags: film chamber, about inch, bottom spool, Polaroid roll, Polaroid roll film

Figure Out The Magnification Of Fields

Binoculars make distant objects more visible.

Convex lenses increase your field of view. These lenses converge rays of light at a specific point, the lens's focal length, producing a real image that is larger that the original object. The greater the lens's focal length, the greater its power in magnifying the field of view. The greater the lens's distance from the object, however, the less the lens's magnification power.

Instructions

1. Find the inverse of the lens's focal length, which is specified in the manufacturer's documentation. For example, if the focal length is 7 inches, the inverse would be 1/7, or 0.14286.

2. Find the inverse of the distance between the object and the lens. For example, if this distance is 4 inches, the inverse would be 1/4, or 0.25.

3. Find the difference between these two numbers by subtracting 0.25 from 0.14286, which is -0.10714.

4. Find the inverse of this difference: 1/-0.10714 = -9.3336.

5. Divide the result, -9.3335, by the lens's distance from the object, 4, which is -2.33.

6. Multiply -2.33 by -1. The answer, 2.33, is the magnification level of the lens.

Tags: focal length, Find inverse, lens focal, lens focal length, distance from, distance from object

Make Photo Albums On Itouch

One of the major benefits of the iPod Touch is its convenience. For example, you can have your favorite photos with you at all times. You can put photo albums on your iPod Touch so your pictures are neatly arranged, but the only way to get photo albums onto the device is to first create them on your computer and then upload them to the iTouch. Here's how you do it:

Instructions

Uploading Photo Albums

1. First choose all the photos you want to put on your iPod Touch. Create a new folder on your computer and copy or move the photos there.

2. To create a new folder, right-click on the dirve or existing folder where you want the folder to be located. Then right click and choose "New" in the drop down menu. Then choose "Folder." A new folder will be created and you can type in an appropriate name. Name the folder anything you want, just be sure to remember where you put it and what you called it.

3. To copy the pictures you want to have on your iPod Touch simply highlight a photo. Then right-click and choose "Copy." Go to the folder you created, right click and choose "Paste." (Copying the photos ensures that you have a backup in case anything goes wrong. It's not necessary, but it is recommended). Do this with each photo you want on your iPod Touch. You don't have to separate the photos into Albums yet. Just put them all into the new folder.

4. Create subfolders within the new folder by following the same same steps you usder to create the new folder. These subfolders will be your Photo Albums on the iPod Touch, so name them appropriately. For example, "Todd's 10th Brithday." Then move (not copy) the photos into the subfolders as desired. Keep in mind your Albums will consist of what's in these folders. Be sure to place them in an organized manner that will make them easy to find.

5. To move the pictures into the appropriate subfolders all you have to do is click on the file and drag it into the folder. There's no need to "copy" and "paste".

6. Open iTunes on your computer.

7. Once iTunes is open and operational plug your iPod Touch into your computer using the authorized Apple Dock Connector to USB Cable.

8. Once iTunes recognizes your iPod Touch, click on the iPod Touch icon.

9. The "Sync" window will appear. Choose the "Photos" tab.

10. Check off the "Sync Photos From" box. You will have the option to choose a folder to "Sync" from. Hit "Choose Folder" and then choose the new folder you just made (the one with all the photos you want to sync).

11. Select "All Photos."

12. Hit "Sync." Once the syncing is complete your iPod Touch will have your photos on it, separated into Photo Albums.

Tags: iPod Touch, your iPod, your iPod Touch, Photo Albums, your computer, have your, click choose

Songs From A Cd To An Ipod

With the rise of the iPod, compact discs are quickly going out of style. Now an entire music collection can fit in the palm of your hand. But don't start using those CDs as coasters just yet--hang on to your favorite tunes by taking a few minutes to add songs from a CD to an iPod.

Instructions

Add Song to an iPod

1. Download the iTunes program. This can be done by clicking "Download" on the "iPod + iTunes" section of Apple's Web site. Follow the prompts to complete the installation.

2. Locate your computer's CD drive and insert an audio CD.

3. Open iTunes. The contents of the CD will appear as a list of tracks in the iTunes window. If you have Internet access, iTunes will search a database for information about the songs, including the name, artist and album. If you don't have Internet access, enter this information yourself by highlighting a song, then clicking the field you wish to change and typing in the new data.

4. Decide which songs you do not want to copy to your iTunes music library from the list of songs. Click the small check-marked box next to the song name; when a box no longer has a checkmark, you have deselected that song and it won't be imported.

5. Copy the selected songs from the track list to your computer by clicking the "Import" button in the upper right-hand corner of the iTunes window. When the tracks have been successfully copied and added to your iTunes music library, eject the CD and remove it from your computer.

6. Use the USB cable that came with your iPod to connect it to your computer.

7. Wait for iTunes to recognize the connection to your iPod. Select the "iPod" icon once it is displayed in the iTunes window. This will open the "Summary" tab in the iTunes window.

8. Select "Sync Music" to allow your iPod to automatically copy all the music stored in your iTunes library, or choose to "Manually Manage Music" to be more selective about what songs you transfer to your iPod.

9. Highlight the tracks you wish to transfer from your iTunes library, then click, drag and release them over the iPod icon.

10. Allow the iPod to load the new songs, then disconnect your updated iPod by clicking the "Eject" icon next to it in the iTunes window. Remove the USB cable when prompted.

Tags: iTunes window, your computer, your iPod, your iTunes, from your

Install A Car Cd Changer

A car CD changer is a convenient way to enjoy all of your favorite music when you're driving. Choose a CD changer that will be both compatible with your vehicle as well as with your skill levels as an installer. Here's install it.

Instructions

1. Decide where you want to install your CD changer. The most common locations are in the trunk or underneath a seat, but you may be able to get creative and find a spot that is both convenient and hidden, depending upon your vehicle. Also take your cabling paths into consideration when you pick this location and whether you will be able to easily hide the power cord and CD interface leads.

2. Determine how you are going to hook up your CD changer to the stock unit in your car. Some car radios, especially older ones, do not have additional output jacks to which you can add additional equipment. In this case, you will need to purchase an FM adapter, which will allow you to play your CD changer through a designated radio frequency.

3. Locate a cabling path for the power cord of the CD changer between your installation location and the main unit in the dashboard. Check that the supplied power cord will reach (longer cords are available as an option) and that you will be able to hide the cord from view by pulling up the carpet.

4. Find out if your factory-installed car radio has an existing CD interface, which will determine where you will plug in the leads to your new CD changer. If it doesn't have this interface, run new leads to the back of the radio. The retail outlet where you purchased your CD changer should be able to supply this information.

5. Use the mounting hardware that came with your CD changer to install the unit. Usually, you will be given a choice between a bracket that is screwed to the floor or Velcro straps in order to secure the changer. A screwdriver will be needed to not only fasten the bracket but to help you remove and reinstall the carpeting in your vehicle.

Tags: your changer, power cord, with your, your vehicle, interface leads, that will

Turn A Webcam Into A Surveillance Camera

Turn your webcam into a home security system.

Turning your webcam into a surveillance camera isn't difficult. All that it requires is the right piece of software and a computer with Internet access. You can even set it up with a motion sensor. That way you can receive an email or text message any time that the camera is activated.

Instructions

1. Set up your camera to watch over the area that you want to guard. Make sure the camera is stable and supported.

2. Choose a software program that will connect your webcam feed to the Internet. A few that you can look at are EyeSpyFx, HomeCamera and Yoic. Any of these will provide you with a video feed online that you can access from anywhere in the world through your computer, cell phone or PDA

3. Download, install and configure the program you choose. All of the ones mentioned come with a setup wizard. You will just need to name the camera and come up with a user name and password. At the end of the process, you will be asked if you wish to "Enable Motion Detection." Click the check box next to it.

4. Enter your cell phone number and email address where the photos can be sent. Now, any time the motion detection is activated you will be notified via email or text message.

5. Login to the site and watch your video feed. You can use a computer, a cell phone or a PDA to log in. You will see your camera feed right away.

Tags: cell phone, your webcam, your webcam into, come with, computer cell, computer cell phone, email text

Diy Homemade Infrared Home Security

Turn your webcam into an infrared home security system.

Setting up your own infrared home security system is not difficult. You need a webcam, a free piece of software, a connection to the Internet and a few other things that you can find around your home. Put them together and you have a high-tech security system that can see people even when it's dark out.

Instructions

1. Take apart your webcam by prying it open with a flat-head screwdriver.

2. Find the charged couple device (CCD) that sits behind the lens. It will be square and will have a red-colored piece of glass sitting on top of it. This is the infrared filter and will need to be removed.

3. Gently pry the infrared filter off of the CCD and replace it with the black film negative strips. You will need to use a spot of craft glue to make it stick. Wait about 20 to 30 minutes for it to dry.

4. Put your webcam back together by using the glue. Wait 20 to 30 minutes for it to dry.

5. Take photos with your infrared camera. You should now be able to see in complete darkness with your webcam. The picture will be washed out and in black and white, but it should be visible.

6. Set up your webcam in the area that you wish to guard. Make sure that the webcam is steady and that you get a clear picture of the area.

7. Go to HomeCamera.com, register, download and install the software. Once installed, the program will walk you through the setup wizard that will help you to configure it. You will need to name the camera, and when you come to the window that says "Enable Motion Detection" click on the check box. Enter a valid email address and phone number where you can receive text messages.

8. Monitor your cameras. Any time someone walks by the camera, you will get a text message or email that your camera has been activated. When you log in to the HomeCamera website you will see the recording.

Tags: your webcam, security system, will need, home security, home security system

Promaster Ftd 5600 Instructions

Increase your Promaster's recycling time by choosing "1/16" on the "Mode Selector."

Promaster's FTD 5600 is an electronic flash which can be mounted to the top of an SLR digital (or film) camera via the camera's "hot shoe" (a metal groove usually located on the top center of a camera where an external flash can be attached.) The Promaster company specializes in photographic equipment besides flashes, such as filters, tripods and lenses. External flashes are used on cameras with or without built-in flashes to add more powerful and controlled lighting conditions for a variety of photographic situations (weddings, night time events and sports events, for example). Below are steps you can refer to in order to learn use your Promaster flash.

Instructions

1. Insert batteries into your flash to give it power. Open the battery chamber cover by applying pressure and pushing it with your fingers. Install four AA batteries into the right side of the flash (if you're looking at the flash from behind), making sure to align the battery polarity in accordance with the guidelines ("+" or "-" signs).

2. Attach the flash to your camera by sliding the flash hot shoe onto the camera's flash mount. Twist the knob (around the hot shoe) to lock the flash into place. Turn the flash on by sliding the "On-Off" switch (located on the left of the control panel underneath the "Ready Light") over to the right.

3. Press your camera's shutter release button down halfway to "Auto Focus" the flash, which will allow the flash to evaluate the subject and create the kind of light that will properly expose the shot. Check the "Auto Check Lamp" (the light on the right side of the panel) to determine whether proper "Auto Focus" was performed on the flash. If it illuminates at the same moment you push the shutter-release button halfway down, then auto focus was successful. Fully depress the shutter release button to take the picture and the flash will fire.

4. Soften the quality of light emitted from your flash by bouncing the flash off of the ceiling or wall. Determine how far away your subject is from the camera and how high the ceiling is. Grasp the flash in two hands and bend the flash head down, clicking it to the desired angle (45, 60, 75 or 90 degrees) required to light your subject with your flash. Swivel the head around to the left or right, if the ceiling isn't suitable for flash-bouncing (it's too high or it's a dramatic color like black) and bounce the flash off of a side wall instead.

5. Zoom the flash to accommodate subjects at various distances by pulling out or pushing in the flash head. Choose the "W+Diffuser" setting (located on the back of the flash head) to simulate a 28 mm lens cover (if your camera has a 35 mm lens). Choose "W" to simulate a 35 mm lens cover. Select "N" to simulate a 50 mm lens cover or choose "T" to simulate an 85 mm lens cover to illuminate subjects that are very far away (about 110 feet).

Tags: lens cover, simulate lens, simulate lens cover, flash head, your camera, your flash, batteries into

What Sights Does The Remington Acr Have

The Remington ACR can Mount Different Types of Scopes.

The Remington Adaptive Combat Rifle (ACR) is an infantry assault weapon exclusively designed for military use. A modified version called the Bushmaster ACR is sold to law enforcement agencies and civilians. Originally developed as the Magpul Industries Masada, the rifle's most notable feature is its modular deign. It can fit either an 18-inch barrel for long-range shooting or change the gun barrel into a shorter 14.5-inch barrel similar to an AK-47 for shooting in smaller spaces.

Removable Iron Sight

The Remington ACR rifle, similar to the Bushmaster ACR, is fitted with a removable iron sight. Called the MBUS (Magpul Back-Up Sight), it is a low-cost, folding back-up iron sight with elements situated at both the front and rear part of the rifle. The Remington ACR's iron sight is spring-loaded and can be easily flipped open from either the left or right side for ambidextrous use, or by pressing the top. An iron sight by definition is a system of aligned markers used to assist the shooter in aiming the rifle without the need of having an optical sight such as a scope, which the Remington ACR can also support. The iron sight works by providing horizontal and vertical reference points, allowing shooters to align the rifle to their line of sight. It has both a front and rear sight to guide the shooter in aligning the shot. The iron sight on the Remington ACR can be removed to accommodate other sights such as a telescopic sight or a night vision sight.

Telescopic Sight

The Remington ACR also has the capability to mount a telescopic sight, commonly called a scope, onto the rifle. It gives the shooter additional accuracy by enabling focus on both the scope's crosshairs and the target at the same time. The lenses of the scope provide telescopic magnification, which makes the target clearer even from a far distance. It also allows the target to stand out against the background, making for a more accurate shot. However, the main disadvantage of magnification is that the area on either side of the target is obscured by the scope. As a result, the higher the magnification, the narrower the field of view becomes and the more area is hidden. A scope is an expensive add-on to any rifle and often requires additional training to enable the shooter to align the scope properly.

Night Vision Sight

The Remington ACR also supports night vision devices for tactical operations in the dark or at night. A night vision device gathers the current ambient light, which can be starlight, moonlight or infrared light, through the front lens. The existing light is made up of photons converted to electrons the moment they penetrate the tube of the night vision sight. The electrons are then amplified through an electrical and chemical process and hurled against a phosphorus screen, thus changing the amplified electrons back into visible light, which is a clear, green-hued amplified re-creation of the scene which the shooter can see through the eyepiece. The main factors affecting the effectiveness of a nigh vision device are distance and ambient light availability.

Tags: iron sight, night vision, Remington also, Sight Remington, ambient light, both front

Maps To A Tomtom Navigator 6

Installing or updating maps on your TomTom Navigator 6 can be a simple process using your home computer. TomTom, and most other navigation systems, recommend that you install updates to your navigation system once a year. This will update new roads, as well as additional software that may be available from the manufacturer.

Instructions

1. Plug your TomTom Navigator 6 GPS directly into your computer using the USB cable that came with it.

2. Open the "TomTom Home" folder that appears on your desktop once the GPS is plugged in. You will need to confirm your subscription with TomTom using your member ID/user name and password. If you have not created one, you will be prompted to do so.

3. Click on the "Options" tab that appears within that window, then the "Download New Updates" icon. A new window will appear with a list of updates available.

4. Select the updates to install. There may be several you don't need. For instance, if you travel only in the U.S., you may not want to update Canadian maps. Click on the "Install" button once you have made your selections.

5. Allow the updates to install and then disconnect the device from your computer. The device will now be available to use with the updates.

Tags: your TomTom Navigator, that appears, updates install, using your, your computer, your TomTom

Use Pentax Flash With A Softbox

Use a softbox to create a gentle light with your Pentax flashes.

While natural light might be preferred by photographers, there are times when it is simply too dark to use available light. At that time photographers need to use artificial light. In addition to cameras and lenses, Pentax also produces a series of external flashes that can be used in conjunction with a softbox. Softboxes are large pyramid-shaped fabrics that use translucent material to diffuse light sources. The tapered opening of the softbox attaches to a light stand, which directs a remote flash like a Pentax AF540FGZ.

Instructions

1. Position a light stand with the Pentax AF540FGZ flash attached at a 45 degree angle to your subject. Attach the softbox to the light stand and direct the Pentax flash so it fires into the softbox.

2. Turn the Pentax AF540FGZ flash on and press the "Mode" button on the rear of the flash, then select "P-TTL." This setting effectively allows the flash and camera to communicate with each other and calculate the best possible exposure.

3. Turn your Pentax camera on and set the exposure mode to any of the automatic programs by rotating the exposure mode dial on the top of the camera.

4. Hold the camera to your eye, compose the picture, press the shutter release halfway down and you should see a diagonal lightning bolt in your viewfinder, indicating that the flash is ready to be used.

5. Press the shutter release the rest of the way to take the picture.

Tags: light stand, Pentax AF540FGZ, AF540FGZ flash, exposure mode, Pentax AF540FGZ flash

Chroma Key Green Screen Effect To A Movie For Free

Add Chroma Key Green Screen Effect to a Movie for Free

Chroma key effects are essential to many movies, but an amateur enthusiast or a professional on a tight budget can find it hard to add them without breaking the bank. But if you know what you're doing, you can actually add those effects for free. Though you can find a number of different types of free movie software, Adobe Premiere is the easiest to work with, so the following steps focus on this software.

Instructions

1. Get your footage. Make sure the background, where you want to super-impose elements, is a bright green color that contrasts sharply with anything you want to keep in the picture. Make sure the green is as smooth as possible, with good lighting. Transfer everything to a digital format if you haven't already.

2. Find the film or digital image that you want to add. If it isn't already digital, make sure that it's digital before moving on to the next step.

3. Move your film files from the bin into the appropriate "layer", with the green screen film on top.

4. Select the Green Screen Key effect, found in the "Effects" menu. This brings up the setting menu for the clips you plan on integrating together.

5. Adjust the threshold setting until you can no longer see the green elements you want removed. Threshold measures the difference between the green, so any green elements may be lost if you aren't careful. You may need to do this multiple times.

6. Scale up the cutoff, which adjusts the opacity of the green elements as determined by threshold. Just like threshold, adjust this carefully to make sure you get the effect you want.

7. Change the smoothing setting until you like what you see on screen. This smooths over the edges of the clips, so a low setting gives you a sharp change, while a high setting produces a blurred line between the two.

Tags: green elements, Chroma Green, Chroma Green Screen, Effect Movie, Effect Movie Free, Green Screen, Movie Free

Repair Flash Memory Cards

A malfunctioning flash memory card can be reformatted with a few simple steps.

A flash memory card is used with digital cameras, cell phones and computers equipped with a flash memory card port. If the flash memory card isn't working or can't be accessed on the particular device, it could be corrupted. In order to repair it, the memory card must be reformatted. This will wipe out the contents stored on the flash memory card, but it will usable after the reformatting.

Instructions

1. Turn on the computer and log on.

2. Insert the flash memory card into the computer's memory card port or into a memory card reader if the computer is not suitably equipped. Connect the USB cable from the memory card reader to an available USB port on the computer.

3. Click the "Start" menu and then click the "My Computer" icon. Locate the memory card icon and right-click it.

4. Choose the "Format" tab and wait for a small window to open. Click the "Start" button in the small window and wait for the computer to format the memory card.

5. Remove the memory card from the card reader or the memory card port and insert it in the applicable device. The card should now work with the device.

Tags: memory card, flash memory card, flash memory, card port, card reader, memory card port, Click Start