Build A Simple Generator

You can build a simple electrical generator at home.

A generator is a device that changes mechanical energy into electrical energy. Michael Faraday developed a principle which states that energy is generated by an electrical conductor that moves perpendicular to a magnetic field. In the 19th century he built the first electromagnetic generator with a copper disc spinning between two magnets. The simplest generators today are built using the same principle. You can build an easy, inexpensive version in your own home.

Instructions

1. Measure and mark straight lines across the 30.4 cm cardboard strip. The first section should be 8 cm, the second should be 3.5 cm, the third 8 cm, the fourth 3.2 cm, and the fifth 7.7 cm.

2. Fold the cardboard down these lines until it makes a box. Tape the box shut.

3. Poke a hole through the center of the 8 cm side with a nail. Drive the nail straight through all three surfaces of cardboard until it comes out the other side.

4. Place the four magnets inside the cardboard box. Two magnets go on one side of the nail and two magnets go on the other side of the nail.

5. Tape one end of the wire to the outside of the box to secure it. Wind the wire around the box 200 to 300 times. Ideally, the wire will be wrapped in two clumps on either side of the nail, directly over the magnets. Avoid wrapping the wire over the nail hole.

6. Clip the end of the wire from the spool. Strip the plastic covering away from the wire using a knife.

7. Connect the wire on the box to the two wires on the end of the bulb. Twist all three together and make sure the metal touches metal to create a secure connection.

8. Spin the nail around in a circle to rotate the magnets and light the bulb.

Tags: side nail, other side

Choose Cctv Camera Lens

There are several choices for CCTV camera lenses.

London has 10,000 CCTV cameras scanning the city for security. You may not have that kind of blanket surveillance but if you have any closed-circuit cameras at all, you will want the best lenses for your situation. Elements to consider are lens focal length, CCD size, aperture, iris control and the mounting system.

Instructions

1. Decide how wide an angle of view your system requires. A lens focal length of 2.5mm will provide a wider field of vision and a longer focal length while 16mm will give a narrower view. The size of the image sensor or CCD (charge coupled device) chip in the lens will also affect the angle of view, with larger chips providing a wider angle of vision.

2. Select a lens with an aperture suited to the amount of light available. A larger aperture will gather more light and detail in darker settings.

3. Choose a lens with an automatic iris for outdoor cameras or settings where light will vary. A direct-drive lens requires that the camera have circuitry to control the iris. A video-drive lens can convert a signal from the camera for iris operation.

4. Decide on the range of distance that objects in view will need to be in sharp focus. This is called depth of field. You can create a larger depth of field with a wider angle lens, or with more light and a stopped down aperture.

5. Inspect your camera to determine which of the two standard lens mounting systems it uses. A "C" mount lens has a distance of 17.5mm between the lens and the CCD chip, while the "CS" mount has a distance of 12.5mm.

Tags: focal length, lens with, angle view, depth field, lens focal, lens focal length, more light

Copy 8mm Film Strips To Dvds

It takes time and a little patience, but you can transfer 8 mm film to DVD.

Over time, old 8 mm movies may degrade. Either debris, dust or other substances get into the film canisters, or the fragile, tiny film strips suffer some other damage. The sooner you can digitize your old film strips, they more likely you are to preserve them relatively intact. The process takes some time and effort. You will need to dig out an old projector and hope the bulb and mechanisms work. You also will need to copy them in real time. There is no at-home process to speed up the transfer. You can preserve all those family memories with some time and patience.

Instructions

1. Use a can of compressed air to clean the entire 8 mm film strip. You can slowly, by hand, move the film from its reel to a take-up reel, or you can use an 8 mm film editor if you have one. Do the same thing with your film cleaner and lubricant on a lint-free cloth. You need to have the film in the cleanest state possible to make a bright video transfer. You need the lubricant to make sure the film passes through the projector smoothly.

2. Black out the windows in a room where you can project the film, such as a cellar. Even passing car lights can introduce flares into the transfer. Set up your projector screen and place your projector as close as you can get it to the screen where you will get a bright, sharp image. Note that you will need to leave enough room for the video camera.

3. Place the video camera on a tripod as close as you can get it to the same plane as the projector lens to avoid warping the image. Focus the video camera as you do a test run of the 8 mm film. Make sure you have a square and even image, close up.

4. Start recording with the video camera, then start the projector. You can cut off any blank part of the video with your video editing software later. The intention is to get the entire 8 mm film strip recorded.

5. Plug the video camera into your computer via USB or FireWire cable. Set up your video capture software. You will need a standard format for your digital video such as MPEG or QuickTime in order to use it on a DVD. Start your video capture software, then start the video camera's playback. Once you have captured the video, transfer it to the DVD with DVD burning software, or take it into video editing software and make adjustments.

6. Use your DVD authoring software to create a DVD that will play back on a standard DVD player. Usually, such software offers tools to insert chapters and even music for your films. The specifics vary according to the software's brand. Because 8 mm film strips typically run only three minutes, you can get quite a few on each DVD, depending upon the video resolution you use.

Tags: video camera, will need, your video, capture software, editing software

Choose A Zoom Lens

Zoom lenses allow you to have more flexibility in your shooting than lenses with fixed focal lengths. Some zoom lenses have such wide ranges that you can shoot wide-angle and telephoto shots with the same lens. Sorting through the wide variety of zoom lenses on the market can be overwhelming. Simplify your search by focusing on lenses that will satisfy your particular shooting needs.

Instructions

Find the Right Zoom Lens

1. Decide what kind of photography you will be doing. Will you be shooting landscapes, cityscapes, interiors, portraits, sporting events, or nature or wildlife photography? Will you be bringing your lens with you when you travel and attend events? Perhaps you will be shooting a variety of subjects. Take this into consideration.

2. Look for a wide-angle zoom lens or ultra-wide zoom if you plan to be shooting landscapes and cityscapes. Wide-angle lenses have a more panoramic perspective than the human eye, allowing you to include more of a subject in your image. Wide-angle lenses can also achieve greater depth of field because of their short focal lengths; in other words, more of your picture will appear in focus. You can find wide-angle zoom lenses with small ranges, such as 10 to 22 mm, or medium ranges of 10 to 40 mm. Some wide-angle zooms have a "fish-eye" perspective.

3. Look for a standard zoom if you will be shooting in a variety of conditions, or while traveling. Standard zoom lenses offer more flexibility, often letting you transition between short and long focal lengths. You can find standard zoom lenses with ranges such as 15 to 85 mm, 18 to 135 mm, 18 to 200 mm, 24 to 70 mm and 24 to 105 mm. Entry-level standard zoom lenses are often less expensive than equivalent wide-angle or telephoto zooms.

4. Look for a telephoto zoom lens if you will be shooting sporting events, nature or wildlife. Telephoto lenses' long focal lengths allow you to get closer views of your subject. Their narrow perspective allows you to include less in the frame, however, which can make landscape photography difficult. Their long focal lengths also reduce the depth of field they can achieve. Entry-level telephoto lenses often have ranges of 55 to 250 mm or 70 to 200 mm, while more advanced or professional telephoto zooms can range from 70 mm to 300 mm or 400 mm.

5. Compare prices and consult lens reviews online. The-digital-picture.com provides reviews of Canon lenses, and Digital-photography-school.com and Naturfotograf.com provide reviews of zoom lenses. As a final test to make sure you're comfortable with the lens, go to a retail store to test it out.

Tags: focal lengths, zoom lenses, lenses with, long focal, long focal lengths, will shooting

How Black & White Film Works

Emulsion

Black and white film is made out of a thin, plastic strip. One side of the black and white film is covered in a substance called emulsion. The emulsion is often made out of gelatin, just like the wiggly dessert. This emulsion holds chemicals, such as silver bromide, that are light sensitive. The chemicals are altered when light is shined on them. This is why it is important to keep film in a light-tight container until it is ready to be loaded in the camera.

Exposure

When the film goes in the camera, only a small end is exposed to light. Once the camera is shut and the film is advanced, an unexposed portion of film will be positioned directly behind the shutter. In order to produce a quality photo, one must point the camera at an object and set the camera to the correct light exposure. To set an exposure, the camera person monitors the light using the camera's light meter and then makes f-stop and shutter-speed adjustments. The f-stop controls the size of the aperture or hole within the shutter. The shutter speed controls how quickly the shutter opens and closes to expose the film to light. When the photo is snapped, the shutter opens, exposing the film to the light reflected by the image that is streaming through the aperture. That light becomes recorded on the light-sensitive chemicals in the emulsion, and that piece of film becomes an exposure.

Development

During the development stage, the film is immersed in a liquid developer. The developer activates the silver, and it becomes darker where the light has shined, thus producing a negative image. Then, the film is fixed. It is important to keep the film immersed for the suggested development time for the brand of developer being used. One must also occasionally agitate the film to remove any air bubbles that might prevent development on spots of the film. After development, a hypo-sulphate solution is poured over the film, removing the bromide from the emulsion and making it so the film is no longer light sensitive. This process is called fixing. Once the fixing is complete, the film can be exposed to light without any fear of losing the negative image. It is important to dry the film and store it carefully to make sure to avoid dust spots and streaking.

Tags: exposed light, film immersed, film light, important keep, important keep film

Fit A Clamp Onto A Tripod

You can use a clamp to make swapping heads and cameras easier.

A tripod is an essential piece of equipment for a person who's serious about photography. Digital cameras often have built-in stabilizers to help with camera shake, but it's impossible to completely eliminate shake when holding a camera with your hands. Tripods stabilize the camera for jitter-free photos. This is especially important for distance photos: The longer the zoom, the more susceptible the image is to blur from shaky hands. Attaching a clamp to the tripod adds functions such as panning or quick-changing heads.

Instructions

1. Remove any accessories or extra plates from the top of the tripod. Release the camera plate from the tripod. Usually this is done by unlocking the lever next to the plate and sliding the plate out.

2. Screw the clamp onto the camera plate. If your tripod doesn't have a removable plate, the clamp can be screwed directly onto the tripod. If there's more than one mounting hole on the clamp, use the one that puts the camera's center of gravity in the middle of the tripod.

3. Slide the plate back onto the tripod until it clicks. Lock the plate in place with the lever. Make sure all of the connections are tight before using your clamp.

Tags: camera plate, from tripod

Detect Small Cameras

A small camera hidden inside a house violates your privacy and should be located so it can be removed. To detect a small camera that is hidden in a wall or ceiling, use a laser detector that reflects light off the camera's lens. The laser detector can be acquired from select hobby shops and security systems service centers. The procedure is straightforward and, unlike the hidden camera, perfectly legal for you to do.

Instructions

1. Open the battery compartment on the side of back of the laser detector -- the exact placement will depend on the make. If a screw must first be loosened, loosen the screw with a Phillips jeweler's screwdriver.

2. Insert the correct type and number of batteries into the battery compartment. Close the lid and, if a screw exists, tighten the screw.

3. Set the selector switch on the laser detector to "Video" or "Camera" -- the exact name depending on the make -- if the detector is also used for locating hidden audio microphones. If the laser detector only detects cameras, ignore this step.

4. Press the power button or slide the selector switch to "On" -- depending on the make -- so that the detector is powered.

5. Stand across from a room or area that you want to search for a hidden camera. Place your eye against the viewfinder on the laser detector.

6. Sweep the laser detector slowly across the room, starting at the left side and ending at the right side. Do this multiple times, raising and lowering the angle of the detector so that different parts of the opposing wall are covered.

7. Aim the detector at the ceiling overhead, sweep the detector from left to right across the ceiling, starting at the left side and ending at the right side.

8. Go into the room or area that is being searched and stand in the middle. Rotate your body to the left and repeat the procedure with the laser detector on the wall that you didn't search before. Turn to face the opposing wall and repeat the procedure with the laser detector. Aim the detector at the ceiling overhead and repeat the procedure that was done with the ceiling before.

9. Stop scanning a wall or ceiling when a pinpoint of light is seen in the viewfinder. Orient the laser detector to face the wall or ceiling where the light was. Walk towards the light until you come to the wall or ceiling where it is located. Turn the laser detector off.

10. Inspect the wall or ceiling at the spot where the light was seen to find the lens of the hidden camera. Gouge the wall with the tip of a Phillips screwdriver to loosen the camera from inside the wall. Pull the camera out; alternately, you can place a piece of duct tape over the lens or press against the lens of the camera with the tip of the Phillips screwdriver until the plastic or glass lens cracks.

Tags: laser detector, wall ceiling, hidden camera, repeat procedure, with Phillips, area that

Install A Panasonic Projector

Installing a Panasonic projector is a relatively simple process. You just have to connect the video devices that you want to use to the projector. However, a crucial point of installing a projector is making sure that is the correct distance from the projection screen. The distance that a projector can display an image is called the throw distance. Depending on the size of the screen, the throw distance can change. In order to maximize the screen space, make sure to place the projector at the correct distance from the screen.

Instructions

1. Place a desk or stand in front of the projection screen. If the screen size is 80 inches, the desk should be between 8 and 15 feet from the screen. If the screen is 100 inches, the desk should be between 10 and 19 feet from the screen. If the screen is 120 inches, the desk should be between 12 and 23 feet from the screen. Estimate any other screen sizes based on these requirements.

2. Place the Panasonic projector on the desk or stand. The middle of the lens should point to the middle of the screen.

3. Connect a video cable from the back of each video device you want to connect to the back of the projector. You can use either an RCA cable, S-Video cable, component cables or HDMI.

4. Plug in the projector and turn it on. Also, turn on the video device(s).

5. Push "Input Select" either on the projector or the remote control to change the input to the desired video device.

Tags: from screen, between feet, between feet from, desk should, desk should between, feet from, feet from screen

Use A Calling Card In Europe

Traveling to Europe is like traveling in the United States, except for having to go through customs, learn a new language and drive on a different side of the road. But using a calling card in Europe is also just like using a calling card stateside.

Instructions

1. Get a card with the cheapest connection or maintenance fees. A card that charges neither is your best friend.

2. Double check the allowed origination and destination countries and make sure that the card will cover your call.

3. Look for the expiration date of the card. This might be printed on the card as an actual date, or the card might say something like this: "expires 90 days after first use."

4. Know the format for telephone numbers. Different countries vary on this point, so find out before calling.

5. Review dialing instructions before you make the call because the clock is ticking once you punch in your numbers. You can find the dialing instructions on the back of the card.

6. Follow the dialing instructions and complete your call.

Tags: dialing instructions, calling card, date card, using calling, using calling card, your call

My Lg Phone Won'T See The Micro Sd Card

Many LG phones use MicroSD cards. MicroSD cards are portable memory devices that allow you to store additional information such as music, videos and images. This allows you to add additional content to your phone, while saving your device's built-in memory. In some cases, your LG phone may fail to read your MicroSD card. With a few troubleshooting steps and guidelines, you can resolve these issues quickly and safely.

Instructions

1. Turn off your phone for a few seconds and then turn it back on. If your phone is still not reading or detecting your MicroSD card, remove the card from the card slot, which is generally located on the side of your phone depending on the phone model. If needed, check your instruction manual for location details.

2. Reinsert the MicroSD card into the card slot. Try resetting your phone if still fails to read the card. Resetting your phone varies with differ LG phones, so refer to your phone's documentation or user guide.

3. Connect your phone to your computer using the USB cable that accompanied the phone originally. See if your computer is recognizing the MicroSD card. Click on Start and double-click "My Computer" if you are using Windows and locate your MicroSD card's icon in the "Drives" section. If you are using a Mac, locate your MicroSD card's icon on the desktop. Disconnect your phone if you are unable to see the MicroSD card.

4. Try using a different MicroSD card to be sure your old card is not damaged or corrupt.

Tags: your phone, MicroSD card, your MicroSD, your MicroSD card, card icon, card slot

Waterproof Electrical Wire Inside A Pvc Pipe

When running electrical wiring through PVC pipe, it is important to make sure the wire is waterproof.

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipe is a hard plastic pipe used in both residential and commercial plumbing applications. Through the 1970s and 1980s, PVC pipes began to replace metal pipes as the preferred plumbing pipe of choice for contractors. There may come a time when you have to run electrical wiring through PVC pipe. If you are facing this situation, you will have to make sure the electrical wiring is completely waterproof.

Instructions

1. Measure the amount of electrical wiring you will have to waterproof with a tape measure and write this number down. Also count any electrical joints or connections and make a note of that as well.

2. Purchase silicone sealant and enough heat-shrink tubing to cover any electrical joints you will have to waterproof.

3. Mix silicone sealant, if needed, according to the instructions on the package. Use a small paint brush to apply a thin layer over all the wire you will have to cover. Allow adequate drying time according to directions on the silicone sealant packaging.

4. Fit the heat-shrink tubing over all electrical joints.

5. Plug in the heat gun and melt all the heat-shrink tubing over the joints. Allow time for all the joints to dry completely.

6. Run your wiring through the PVC pipe for your project.

Tags: electrical wiring, will have, electrical joints, heat-shrink tubing, silicone sealant, through pipe

Choose A Dslr Lens

DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras differ from the more common point-and-shoot cameras in that DSLRs feature interchangeable lenses. Rather than being restricted to the single, fixed lens of point-and-shoot cameras, users of DSLRs can use a variety of lenses on their cameras to tackle a wider variety of situations. But with many DSLR lenses costing between $300 and $2,000, the choice can be difficult. Before choosing a DSLR lens, it is important to consider your reasons for needing a new lens and to ensure that your lens purchase meets these needs.

Instructions

1. Pick a brand that you know and trust. The quality of different lens makers varies dramatically, and one lens with certain specifications will not necessarily be equal to another lens with identical specifications. While Canon and Nikon are almost always good choices, do not overlook the benefits of saving money with a less-expensive manufacturer--like Sigma or Tamron--or the quality of the premium lens manufacturers--like Leica.

2. Begin with the zoom needs of your lens. For instance, if you plan to use your lens for animal or sports photography, you will need a long telephoto lens. If, though, you plan to use your lens to shoot mostly interiors or landscapes, a wide angle lens is a better choice. Lenses with huge zoom ranges tend not to take as sharp of pictures as those with smaller zoom ranges, so select a zoom range that most accurately suits your intended uses.

3. Consider the amount of available light you will have when shooting. If you will likely have a lot of available light then you can choose a lens with a smaller maximum aperture, such as f/4 or f/5.6. If, however, you will be shooting venues that tend to have a lot of movement or low light, you will need a lens with a larger maximum aperture, such as f/2.8 or f/1.8.

4. Compare features once you have narrowed down your lens selection. Most lenses will have autofocus capabilities but not all will have Hyper Sonic Motors (HSM), which speed up your lens' autofocus capabilities, or Image Stabilization (IS), which is an internal gyroscope that helps to steady your lens. HSM lenses are vital when quick focus is necessary while IS lenses are useful in steadying a photographer's long telephoto shots.

Tags: your lens, lens with, will have, aperture such, autofocus capabilities, available light, light will

How Do Air Conditioners With Humidistat Work

Air conditioners with a humidistat can be helpful.

Air conditioners with a humidistat have helped to put an end to many hot and humid days for millions of homeowners. By pumping cool, filtered air into a hot home, air conditioners with a humidistat relieve the common causes of mildew and mold in many climates. While a humidistat is a helpful device, it does not necessarily replace dehumidifiers in the process of dehumidifying a home.

Air Conditioners

Living in hot climates year-round often requires air conditioners. Even people who live in relatively cool places appreciate the cool, crisp feeling of a great air conditioner during the summer months. Air conditioners with humidistats offer even more than cool air; they offer dry, humidity-free air. In hot, moist climates, air conditioners with humidistats can be a godsend.

Humidistat

A humidistat is a controlling device used to determine the on and off cycles of an air conditioner. The humidistat automatically turns the air conditioner on when the humidity in a room or house reaches above 70 percent. A humidistat is made up of two internal electrodes that are able to sense the humidity in the air through attached sensors.

Function

Air conditioners with humidistats vary by brand, but most function in a similar manner. According to Progressive Energy, an air conditioner with a humidistat will automatically turn on even if the room has already reached its desired temperature. The thermostat is secondary to the humidistat in this type of air conditioner. The humidistat detects humidity over 70 percent. Keeping humidity low in a home can ward off mildew, mold and other moisture-loving bacteria.

Installation

The installation of an air conditioner with a humidistat requires a professional HVAC mechanic or contractor. In order for the humidistat to work properly, it needs to be installed parallel to a home's wall thermostat. In general, the best setting for a humidistat is 70 percent. Drier areas may require a higher setting and wet areas may need a slightly lower setting. You can experiment with the setting until the air is comfortable for you.

Misconceptions

People who plan on purchasing air conditioners with humidistats believe that their air will be consistently free of humidity. They may leave town and not realize that turning off the air conditioner (by turning off the thermostat), will also turn off the humidistat. Additionally, according to the website Dri-Eaz.com, using an air conditioner with a humidistat is not a replacement for using a dehumidifier. They suggest running a dehumidifier with an air conditioner. While an air conditioner with a humidistat should keep moisture down, it will not dehumidify the air, like an actual dehumidifier will.

Tags: conditioners with, with humidistat, conditioner with, conditioner with humidistat, conditioners with humidistats

Work A Canon Camera

Digital cameras have many advantages to their analog ancestors. Ease of use, small size and picture quality are all reasons for a switch to the digital age in photography. Gone are the days of lugging around bulky photography equipment and measuring exterior light sources. These new cameras can fit into your pocket for great everyday use. You'll learn just how easy it is to operate a new Canon camera to capture the memories as they happen.

Instructions

Work a Canon Camera

1. Open the camera's bottom slide panel and insert a lithium-ion battery and SD memory card. Close the panel and hold the camera in your right hand so that the viewfinder screen is facing you and you can see the power button on top.

2. Make sure the toggle switch on top of the camera is on camera mode and not movie or scene mode. Push and hold the power button for 2 seconds.

3. See the data displayed in the four corners of the viewfinder screen. Starting at the top left and moving clockwise: mode the camera is in, flash and number of pictures taken per shutter close, number of pictures that will fit on the memory card and what type of photo resolution is taken.

4. Push the "Func/Set" button in the center of the wheel, and set it to "Auto." There are many other features to select, but "Auto" will be the simplest to use. The rest of the wheel has other features to set, such as auto-flash or no flash, multiple picture options and macro mode.

5. Hold the camera with both hands once you have the desired settings on the camera. Put each of your thumbs on the bottom of the screen and your index fingers on the top corners. Your right index finger should be resting on the picture-taking button.

6. Use the viewfinder screen to locate an object to photograph. If needed, use the zoom in or out feature that is located near your right index finger. Once you have the desired target set, press the picture-taking button down with your right finger halfway; this focuses the camera. Continue to push the button down until you take the picture.

Tags: viewfinder screen, your right, button down, Canon Camera, have desired, index finger, memory card

Focus A Manual Lens

Manually focusing is a simple activity, but takes some practice to do with mastery.

Digital photography has brought the photogaphic community the miracle of high-tech autofocus. However, there are still lenses out there that only focus manually with certain cameras. For instance, Nikon's 50mm 1.8 lens is able to automatically focus on some Nikon bodies, but on the D40, it will only focus manually. Additionally, most older 35 ml film cameras will only focus manually. Manually focusing lenses is simple, but takes some practice to master.

Instructions

1. Choose an angle to shoot your picture from. Decide what elements will be included in the shot and what elements will not. If you are using a tripod, make sure its position is firmly in place so that you do not lose your shot. If you are not using a tripod, carefully hold your camera still so you can keep your chosen composition.

2. Look through your viewfinder and decide which point of your composition you would like to focus on. If you are shooting a person, aim to focus on the eyes. If you are shooting hands, go for the lines of the palm or the knuckles. Choosing a focal point that works can make or break a picture, so take care when considering a place to focus.

3. Adjust the focus by moving the focus ring on the camera lens. Move the ring clockwise and counterclockwise until the focus is perfectly adjusted. Once you have adjusted the focus to preference, you will be ready to take your picture.

Tags: focus manually, only focus, only focus manually, elements will, Manually focusing, some practice

Make A Digital Pinhole Camera

Digital cameras are easy to convert into pinhole cameras.

A pinhole camera is the oldest and most basic of cameras. It's essentially a box that uses a small amount of light, which comes in through the pinhole, to produce an image on the other side of the box. Remember those large contraptions in old Western movies? Those were pinhole cameras. As cameras became more and more advanced, pinhole cameras were left behind. For fun, you can turn your digital camera into a pinhole camera with just a few modifications.

Instructions

1. Drill a small hole in a lens cap. Make the hole near 1/75 of an inch in diameter or the smallest you can get with a drill. If it is a little larger than this, it will still work fine as long as you make the hole in Step 2 as instructed. Purchase a few cheap lens caps at a local camera store for backups in case you make the hole too much bigger than the recommended size.

2. Puncture a hole in a piece of foil using a pin, so that the hole will be as small as possible. This is the hole that the camera "looks through."

3. Attach the piece of foil to the lens cap, with the two holes lined up.

4. Secure the foil and the lens cap together with electrical tape.

5. Place the modified lens cap on a digital camera to create a digital pinhole camera.

6. Set the exposure to a much longer time than is normal for your camera. Experiment with the different settings on your camera to determine what exposure length works best for the amount of light coming in through your pinhole.

Tags: pinhole camera, pinhole cameras, amount light, digital camera, foil lens, into pinhole, make hole

Set The Time & Date On A Casio Calculator

Wearers can set a Casio calculator watch in just a few short steps.

Casio produces a variety of calculators with some popular models being worn on the wrist and displaying date and time like a standard watch. A wearer can set these features in just a few minutes by pressing a few buttons on the calculator watch.

Instructions

Time

1. Press the "A" button to open the "Date and Time" screen.

2. Press the "0" button to reset the seconds counter on the time.

3. Press the "B" or "L" button to move to the minute and hours portions of the time. The "B" button will move to the right; the "L" button will move to the left.

4. Adjust the blinking section of the time, either hours or minute, by pressing the numbers on the keypad.

5. Adjust the "a.m./p.m." setting by pressing the "PM" button on the keypad.

Date

6. Press the "L" button until you reach the "Date" option in the "Date and Time" function of the calculator watch.

7. Adjust the date by pressing the numbers on the keypad to coincide with the numbers of the day, month and year. Use the "B" or "L" button to switch back and forth between the day, month, and year as you did when setting the time.

8. Press the "+/MC" button to save your adjusted date and time.

Tags: Press button, calculator watch, button will, button will move, month year, numbers keypad, pressing numbers

Use The Canon Macro Ring Flash

Use the Canon Macro Ring Flash

Macro flash rings are used for macro, or close-up, photography. Regular flash units produce shadows because they deliver the light from one direction. Ring flashes have a circular flash unit that produces shadowless images. Canon macro ring flashes have two parts. The control unit attaches to the camera's shoe-mount, usually found on the top of the camera body. The ring flash mounts on the camera lens. A cord connects the two parts and allows the camera to "talk" to the flash.

Instructions

1. Install four "AA" alkaline or nickel-hydride batteries in the control unit battery compartment. Magnesium batteries may also be used but they will not power as many flashes as the other battery types.

2. Loosen the locking collar on the control unit by turning it left to right. The locking collar looks like a wheel on the bottom of the control unit.

3. Slide the control unit's mounting foot all the way into the camera's hot shoe.

4. Tighten the locking collar right to left.

5. Attach the flash ring to the macro lens by pressing the release buttons on each side of the flash ring. Release the buttons to make sure the flash ring is attached to the lens.

6. Turn on the power to the control unit.

7. Allow the pilot lamp light on the back of the control unit to illuminate. Press the pilot lamp button to test-fire the flash.

8. Press the mode button on the control unit to select either E-TTL (automatic) or M (manual) flash. If E-TTL is chosen, set the camera mode dial to P (program, where the camera sets flash aperture and shutter speed) or AE (aperture priority, where photographer sets the camera's aperture and the camera sets the shutter speed).

9. Press the ratio button on the control unit to change the ratio between the left light bar and right light bar. Ratio on the top line should be highlighted. Press the left triangle button or the right triangle button to change the ratio. Available ratio ranges from 1:8 (the right tube will give off more light than the left) to 8:1.

10. Take the picture.

Tags: control unit, flash ring, locking collar, button control, button control unit, camera sets, Canon Macro

Block Caller Id

You can block your number from appearing on the caller ID of the person you are calling by entering a simple code. You can initiate a temporary block, or you can choose to make the blocking of your phone number permanent. The choice is yours but the methods are different. There may be a fee associated with this service. It can be performed on both land lines and cell phones.

Instructions

1. Decide if you want the block to be permanent or if you want the ability to have your number ssome people all the time. There are codes that you can enter that will make your number not visible on Caller ID as long as you remember to enter it before you make the call. If you think you won't remember, then perhaps the permanent solution is a better choice for you. You can always show your phone number for a particular call by dialing *82.

2. Call your phone company and tell them you want your number blocked from caller ID. Specify that you want this effective for all outgoing calls. They will change their system to not identify the number the call is coming from to the party being called. There may be a charge for this service. Some phone systems don't charge but it varies from phone system to phone system.

3. Dial *67 and then the number you want to call and your phone number won't show up on the caller ID at the other end of the call. This will not work if the number called is a toll-free number such as 700, 800, 900 area codes. Any emergency services call will also show the phone number the call is originating from.

4. Use this same code, *67, before the number you are calling on your cell phone to block your cell phone number from being sent with caller ID, and if you want your blocked number to be visible, then dial *82 before the number you are calling.

Tags: phone number, your number, your phone, your phone number, before number, before number calling, block your

Store Mini Dv Tapes

Storing your Mini DV tapes properly will allow them to last longer.

Mini DV tapes were built to last longer than previous recording media, but without proper care, they can get damaged and you may end up losing your video footage for good. Caring for Mini DV tapes includes storing them properly. By following certain steps, you will ensure that your Mini DV tapes will last for a long time.

Instructions

1. Invest in a plastic container box specially designed for Mini DV tapes. These look similar to rack towers used to store CDs, and they will be the first shield against dust and debris for your tapes. Plus, these racks will help you organize them.

2. Keep the tapes away from magnetic spots. Since the tape inside a Mini DV cassette is magnetized, a television and a set of speakers are your tape’s worst enemies. They will de-magnetize the tape, completely erasing or damaging its contents.

3. Keep your storage unit and the tapes away from sunlight, smoke and humidity. All of these elements can warp and damage the inside of your DV cassettes permanently.

4. Rewind and fast-forward the tape at least every two years. Mini DV cassettes have a lubricant layer that allows the tape to move easier, and you must move the tape occasionally to prevent the lubricant from dissolving.

Tags: Mini tapes, away from, last longer, tapes away, tapes away from, your Mini

Check Picture Mail On Sprint Phones

Sprint allows you to receive text messages with photo attachments from other cell phone users. These messages, called "Picture Mail" on the Sprint network, are delivered directly to your cell phone for viewing. Unlike text messaging, this feature is not enabled by default, and you will be prompted to accept the first Picture Mail message you receive.

Instructions

1. Open your phone's menu and navigate to "Messaging."

2. Select "Picture Mail." From this menu, you can view all Picture Mail messages received, store messages online and send a new message.

3. Follow the onscreen instructions to create a new account--if this is the first time you've accessed Picture Mail.

4. Click on "Inbox" to view all Picture Mail messages you have received. Each message will appear like a text message with a thumbnail of the attached image.

5. Select the Picture Mail message you would like to view. You can delete, save or forward it to friends just like a text message.

Tags: Picture Mail, cell phone, like text, like text message, Mail message, Mail messages

Make A Lightbox

Crisp, clear photographs may seem to be a secret of the pros, but you can replicate these shots at home if you make a lightbox. Lightboxes and light tents work to diffuse the light that you cast upon your photographic subjects so that there are no shadows or glare. This quality of light also makes it easier to photograph details in the subject. While you can purchase a lightbox at a photography shop, it is much more inexpensive to make your own and you can make it the proper size to fit your subjects.

Instructions

1. Choose a box that is large enough to hold the object you wish to photograph. Cut the top flaps off the box with the utility knife. This will be the front of your box.

2. Cut a square out of each side of the box except the bottom, leaving a 1-inch rim between the square and the edge of the box.

3. Cover each opening you cut with two sheets of white tissue paper and tape in place. Do not cover the front of the box where you cut off the flaps.

4. Cut a piece of white poster board to a size that will fit inside the box stretching from the front bottom edge to the back top edge. Tape in place if it does not stay in place. It should curve from the top to the bottom.

5. Place your subject in the box and arrange lights around the tissue-covered sides so the light diffuses onto your subject. You can use whatever lights are available, such as tabletop lights or clip-on study lights. Take a picture of your subject through the front opening.

Tags: your subject

Wire A Single Pole Switch To Control 3 Lights

Even though the term "single pole switch" sounds as if it's meant to control one light fixture, the device can control several fixtures. Wiring a single pole switch is not a difficult task, and it's one that most homeowners can perform safely when they follow the proper directions.

Instructions

1. Turn off the power to the circuit. Map the locations of the three fixtures in the room, as well as the wall switch.

2. Hold each mounting box up against the ceiling and trace it with a pencil at each of the three locations. Do the same thing with the wall box at the location of the switch. This is necessary if the room is already finished with drywall.

3. Using the drywall saw, cut away the access holes for the fixtures and the switch.

4. Using the NM fish, run the NM cable from the switch to the first fixture. Then run another length of cable from the first to the second and from the second to the third fixture. When you are finished, Fixtures 1 and 2 will have two lengths of NM cable in their location and Fixture 3 will have only one.

5. Install the fixture brackets in each of the three locations. Pull the wires into the mounting boxes and connect the boxes to the brackets.

6. Use the Romex stripper to remove the outer sheath from the cable in the ceiling boxes. Use the wire strippers to remove about 3/4 inch of insulation from the ends of each insulated wire.

7. Take Fixture 3 and make the following connections:

Connect the black fixture wire to the black ceiling wire.

Connect the white fixture wire to the white ceiling wire.

Connect the ground ceiling wire to either the fixture's ground wire or the ground screw.

Wrap each connection with electrical tape and mount the fixture to the ceiling box.

8. Take Fixture 2 and make the following connections:

Connect both black ceiling wires to the black fixture wire.

Connect both white ceiling wires to the white fixture wire.

Connect both ceiling ground wires to the fixture's ground wire or make a pigtail and connect it to the ground screw.

9. Take Fixture 1 and make the same connections as described in Step 8.

10. Take the single pole switch and make the following connections:

Connect both white wires together in the box.

Make a pigtail with the two grounds and connect it to the ground screw on the single pole switch.

Connect the black wire that's going to Fixture 1 to the top screw terminal on the switch.

Connect the black feed wire coming from the panel to the bottom screw on the switch.

Wrap the switch terminals with electrical tape and secure this to the wall box.

11. Screw on the switch cover plate. Install the lightbulbs and fixture covers.

12. Turn on the power to the circuit. Test your installation by toggling the switch on.

Tags: Connect both, fixture wire, single pole, wire Connect, ceiling wire, Connect black

Tell If A Tv Is Digital Or Analogue

Tell if a TV Is Digital or Analogue

Due to a national digital crossover in the United States, analogue TVs will soon be a thing of the past. However, many people still own CRT sets and may be unsure of whether or not they'll be able to tune into the new digital broadcasts. Here are a few pointers on determine whether your set is digital or analogue, and tune into digital broadcasts even if you have an analogue TV.

Digital Transition

As of June of 2009, most full-power analogue TV transmissions in the United States were shut down as a result of the nationwide conversion to digital broadcasting.

Size and Shape

If your TV has a flat-panel, widescreen display, it's unlikely that your TV is analogue, even if it has analogue inputs like coaxial cable jacks or RCA or S-Video ports

CRTs

If you own a bulkier set that utilizes a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT), you might have an analogue set. CRT screens use a 4:3 aspect ratio, a more square shape than widescreen TVs that have a 16:9 ratio. Some CRTs do have built-in digital tuners, though.

Read the Manual

Check the owner's manual for your TV for references to a "digital tuner" or "digital receiver," HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface), HDTV or ATSC.

Converter Boxes

If you have an analogue TV, you can still watch digital transmissions with a converter box, which you can pick up at almost any electronics store.

Tags: have analogue, digital broadcasts, into digital, into digital broadcasts, Tell Digital

Use An Ensign Folding Camera

Ensign folding cameras were made in the mid-20th century.

Ensign folding cameras came from a company started in 1834 by George Houghton and Antoine Claudet. The company began producing consumer-level folding cameras under the Ensign brand after 1930, although the company made cameras much earlier than this. Ensign cameras look and act like many other cameras from the same period--the 1930s to the 1950s--with the exception that some of them used 120 film instead of the more common 620. Today, it is much harder to find 620 film than 120, even though they are the same physical size.

Instructions

1. The manufacturer recommends opening the front of the camera by pulling on the metal tab at the front. Pull this down until the base locks with the bellows extended. Then, open the back of the camera. Depending upon the model of Ensign, the entire back may come off by moving a switch on the top of the camera body. Inside will be a take-up spool for the film. Load the 120 roll film into the empty side, then stretch it across to the take-up spool. Insert the end into the slot, then hold it there while winding the knob on top of the Ensign. Once the film is moving regularly, close the back. Wind the film until the first exposure is indicated in the window on the back. Note that in some models, there also is a switch to set the film plate pressure after film loading.

2. Set the correct shutter speed on the front of the lens. For some models, such as the Ensign Selfix "20," there are only three shutter speeds. There may be more on other models. Set the aperture with the aperture ring, also situated on the ring around the lens. These settings should be based on indications from the hand-held light meter, based upon the speed of the film along with lighting conditions.

3. View the image through either the waist-level viewfinder or directly through the framing viewfinder at the top of the camera. The camera may be used horizontally or vertically.

4. Adjust the focus by turning the front of the lens. Base the focus on an estimate of the distance from the camera to the subject. There is a scale of distances on the front of the lens to guide the photographer.

5. Expose the image by depressing the shutter button, usually situated on the lens structure itself, but sometimes on the top of the camera near the film advance knobs. Wind the film to the next film frame after exposure.

Tags: folding cameras, front lens, Ensign folding cameras, some models, take-up spool, that some

Charge Nimh Rechargeable Batteries

Charge NiMH Rechargeable Batteries

NiMH rechargeable batteries are made out of nickel and metal-hydride. NiMH are one type of rechargeable battery, and they are available in AAA, AA, C, D and 9-volt sizes. You can buy chargers that will recharge these batteries. Some chargers will only fit size C and D or AA and AAA while some are built specifically for 9-volt batteries. It is important to have a charger specified for your type of batteries to avoid causing the batteries to malfunction. Purchase NiMH batteries and chargers online or wherever electronics are sold.

Instructions

1. Place the batteries into the charger with the polarities on the correct sides of the charger.

2. Unfold the outlet plug in the back of the charger if necessary.

3. Plug the charger into the outlet. This outlet can be in a wall, power strip or extension cord.

4. Verify that a red light is showing on the charger. The light indicates that the batteries are in the charger correctly and that they are charging.

5. Remove the batteries when the red light turns green. Use and recharge as needed.

Tags: Rechargeable Batteries

Charge Kodak Easyshare Cameras

Charge Kodak EasyShare Cameras

Kodak offers a wide range of point-and-shoot and performance cameras in their EasyShare camera line. EasyShare camera rechargeable batteries can be charged using the battery charger compatible with the batteries. Many EasyShare cameras can recharge the batteries in the camera while plugged into a power source, seated on an EasyShare dock (or EasyShare printer with Dock) or connected to the USB port on your computer. Refer to the manual for your camera for specific information on your camera's features. See the References section for a link to Digital Camera Support to find your camera's manual.

Instructions

Recharge Using the Battery Charger

1. Open the battery compartment on the camera and remove the battery.

2. Insert the battery in the charger, ensuring that it is firmly seated. The metal contacts on the battery should be touching the metal contacts on the charger.

3. Plug the charger's power cable into the charger. Insert the other end into the wall outlet. The indicator light on most EasyShare battery chargers turns red when everything is plugged in correctly and the battery is charging.

4. Unplug the charger when the battery is done charging. On most chargers, the light turns green when the battery is charged.

5. Replace the battery in the camera. Battery packs only fit when inserted correctly, so do not try to force the battery.

Recharge Using the Power Cable

6. Plug the power cable into the power port on the camera (generally marked with a symbol containing a "C" between two diamonds).

7. Plug the other end of the power cable into the wall outlet (or cigarette lighter for travel chargers). On most cameras, the indicator light while blink while they're charging.

8. Unplug the camera when the light stops blinking, indicating the camera is charged.

Recharge Using the USB Cable

9. Power on your computer. If you're using a laptop, plugging your laptop into a power source is recommended.

10. Plug the USB cable into the USB port on the camera (marked with a symbol that looks like a stylized three-pronged fork).

11. Plug the other end of the power cable into the USB port on the computer. On most cameras, the indicator light will blink while they're charging. Some laptops disable USB when running on battery power.

12. Unplug the camera when the light stops blinking, indicating the camera is charged.

Recharge Using an EasyShare Dock

13. Be sure that the EasyShare dock power adapter is plugged in and the dock adapter for your camera is inserted into the dock. See the dock's manual for detailed instructions on inserting the camera's dock adapter.

14. Set the camera on the dock and gently press the camera down so the plug on the dock seats into the port on the bottom of the camera. There is only one correct position for setting the camera on the dock, so do not try to force it. Usually, the camera lens points toward the dock cables. The indicator lights on the dock and camera blink when the camera is charging.

15. Remove the camera when the lights stop blinking, indicating the camera is charged.

Tags: cable into, power cable into, Recharge Using, your camera, blinking indicating, blinking indicating camera, camera charged

Edit Your Eyes In Pictures

Make the eyes in your pictures pop with editing techniques.

Red eye is a common problem that often appears in pictures taken with a point-and-shoot type of camera. The red eye results from taking pictures in a dark area with a bright flash reflecting off of the subject's retina. Not only are there techniques to correct the error, but there are also editing techniques that allow you to make the eyes in a picture stand out. You can easily change the color of eyes in a picture as well.

Instructions

1. Use red-eye features on your photo-editing program. Photoshop, for example, has an option to automatically adjust red eye as you upload pictures to the organizer. Check the option in the "Get Photos" dialog box to minimize the work you will need to do on the pictures later.

2. Open a picture in your editor, such as Photoshop, and select the red-eye removal tool. Select the darkening amount of your choice. Click on the red area of the eye, and the tool will automatically adjust the indicated space.

3. Create a new layer and select the iris of the eye in your picture editing program. With Photoshop, use the "Elliptical Marquee" tool to create a circle around the area of the iris.

4. Choose the "Gradient" tool in Photoshop and select colors for the foreground and background. For example, make the eye green with a foreground color of #0aa5ed and a background color of #42c502. Choose "Radial Gradient" and fill the selected area, and then set the layer mode to "overlay."

Tags: automatically adjust, editing techniques, eyes picture, Photoshop select

Hiking Micro Water Filters Explained

HIking in the backcountry often requires adequate water filtration.

Long-distance backcountry hikers need to resupply their water stores daily while on the trail. Most trails do not offer potable water caches--instead, the hiker must draw water from natural sources (e.g., ponds and streams). To avoid the risk of sickness, many hikers use a water filter.

How Filters Work

A hiking micro filter works by taking water from a questionable source and passing it through several layers of filtration. The first layer is typically a sediment barrier, and then a replaceable disk made of charcoal and ceramic. The ceramic has small holes in it to reduce the size of the contaminants that flow through it, and the charcoal helps remove chemical impurities. Depending on their size, filters can last for 75 to 800 gallons of purification.

Risks from Untreated Water

Untreated water may contain pollutants that cause significant distress to a human's gastrointestinal system. Giardia, cryptosporidium and other biological contaminants (bacteria, viruses and protozoa) can cause several days' of digestive problems including diarrhea and nausea, which can lead to dehydration.

Although most filters are 99.999 percent effective at removing biological contaminants, filters provide limited protection against turbid water and have varying degrees of effectiveness at removing chemical contaminants--usually through the a charcoal filtration layer.

Filter Types

A pump filter works by drawing water in through an intake port and forcing it through the filters to a clean-water hose on the other end; the water moves because it is pumped with a handle. A gravity-fed filter works differently--it feeds a filter at the bottom of a large water sac, and the weight of the water provides the force that keeps fluid moving through the filter. There are also straw-style hiking micro water filters that screw into a standard water jug, and the water is filtered as it gets sucked up the straw into the thirsty hiker's mouth.

Purification Without Filters

In addition to filters, there are a variety of other options for backcountry water purification, including chemical treatments (often using iodine, chlorine or activated oxygen) and a ultraviolet pen-light that sterilizes small quantities of water in less than a minute. In addition, allowing water to reach a rolling boil will kill biological contaminants, although many backcountry hikers choose not to invest the time in boiling.

Weight

Many long-distance backcountry hikers practice "ultralight" gear selection--that is, they find the lightest possible piece of equipment that will serve their needs. For that reason, many ultralight devotees will not use a traditional filter and instead rely on chemical purification, such as Aqua Mira tablets or a few drops of chlorine bleach, saving themselves a half-pound or more in total pack weight. Consider the weight of any filtration system before using it on a long-distance hike.

Tags: backcountry hikers, biological contaminants, filter works, hiking micro, through charcoal, water from

Use A Camera'S Depth Of Field

Many photographers do not understand depth of field, usually because they use an automatic focus camera that automatically selects this range for them. The depth of field shows the degree of the scene that will be in focus. Knowing use a camera's depth of field can greatly improve your photography skills.

Instructions

1. Choose the subject matter. If wanting to focus on a specific subject use a smaller depth of field, while expanding depth of field is a great way to shoot a landscape so the viewer can see the entire scene.

2. Select the camera's aperture. The depth of field is increased by stopping down the aperture. For example, f/8 has a larger depth of field than f/2.8. Remember, the lower the number of the aperture, the bigger the opening. The closer to the subject, the smaller the depth of field must be in order for the subject to be in focus.

3. Use a telephoto lens to create a blurred background. Zoom in on the subject and this should create a short depth of field for the desired effect. Don't be afraid to experiment. Remember a faster shutter speed will stop action while a slow shutter speed will blur action.

4. Use the camera's aperture priority mode if available. This allows you to control the depth of field while letting the camera select the appropriate shutter speed, removing some guesswork.

5. Keep a notebook and record preferred camera settings. Referring back to previously good shots will help with consistency and build a reputation as being a good photographer. Keeping a computer folder of pictures and settings is a good way to reference past work.

Tags: depth field, shutter speed, camera aperture, depth field while, field while, shutter speed will, smaller depth

Use A Microsd Card With A Blackjack

MicroSD cards are a new innovation by Secure Digital that allows additional memory to be put into phones such as the Samsung Blackjack. The cards are easily removable, and can be exchanged so that one card can hold music and another can hold videos. You can use a computer to put the data you want onto the card, then transfer the card to your Blackjack.

Instructions

1. Insert the MicroSD card into the MicroSD adapter.

2. Put the MicroSD adapter into your computer's SD card reader and wait for the computer to recognize the card.

3. Access the drive by opening "My Computer" and double-clicking the SD card drive.

4. Drag any items you want put on the phone onto the drive.

5. Close out the drive window, then right click on the drive in "My Computer" and click on the option to remove the hardware.

6. Remove the adapter from the reader, then remove the card from the adapter.

7. Place the MicroSD card into the card slot on your Blackjack. This is typically on the top part of your phone on the side, and should be marked as a MiniSD jack. You should now have full access to your card's contents.

Tags: card into, MicroSD adapter, MicroSD card, MicroSD card into, your Blackjack

Repair A Kodak Easy Share Camera

There are a variety of Kodak EasyShare cameras that come with different features, resolutions and shooting modes. There are reasons, such as improper care, accidents or constant usage, that would cause power, display and lens problems. For the most part, many of these problems are simple and can be resolved using guided troubleshooting steps. For those that are beyond your expert level, contacting Kodak for servicing is the last resort to fixing intricate problems.

Instructions

Power Problems

1. Turn off your camera and remove the batteries if your camera is not turning on. Make sure they are fully charged. Clean the battery contacts in the battery compartment using a dry lint free cloth. If you have new batteries, try using those and power the camera back on.

2. Connect the camera to AC power or a camera dock if it is still not turning on. Check for LED lights. If you had been using your camera in extreme temperatures, let it stay in room temperature for at least 30 minutes before turning it on.

3. Perform a "Reset" if the camera is still not turning on. To perform this action, locate the reset button on your camera. Depending on your camera's model, it could be located on the back or base of the camera.

Lens and Display Problems

4. Turn off the camera if your images are appearing blurry. There are many different causes to blurry images, such as a dirty lens or improper settings.

5. Hold the Kodak EasyShare camera to the light to check for dust particles and oil. Once you have established that your lens is dirty, apply some lens solution to a clean lint free cloth and wipe the lens gently until it drives.

6. Leave it for a few minutes until the lens is completely dry and resume normal usage. If your pictures are still blurry, check your shooting settings. If you are shooting close-ups, select the "Close-up" shooting mode, so as to maintain a shallower depth of field and maintain focus on your subject.

7. Stay within 2.6 feet of your subject if you are shooting with "Auto-mode." This distance helps keep your subject in focus to minimize blurry and unclear images.

8. Contact Kodak Support if you see white or blue horizontal lines, or if your images appear reversed. This problem is above your expert level and requires servicing. Additionally, if you dropped your camera in liquid of any kind, contact Kodak Support.

Error Code

9. Turn off your camera if you see a display or memory error code on the LCD display.

10. Remove the batteries from the battery compartment and remove the memory card. Leave the camera off for a few minutes and reinsert everything. Power the camera back on. If you no longer see the error code, continue with normal use. If you can still see it, turn it off again and remove both the batteries and the memory card.

11. Check the "Lock" switch on the memory card and make sure it is set to "Disabled" to allow you to capture images directly to it. Reinsert everything and wait for the response. If you are still having the same problem, remove the batteries and the memory card.

12. Try using another memory card because there is a possibility the one you are currently using is damaged or corrupt.

Tags: your camera, memory card, your subject, batteries memory, batteries memory card, battery compartment, camera back

Charge A Dead Rechargeable Battery

Battery charger

Rechargeable batteries are one way to save on your average battery cost. Think about how many times you toss a dead battery only to replace it with another battery that will soon die the same way. Alkaline batteries are sold everywhere, and are the most common type of batteries in the United States. However, with an investment in rechargeable batteries, you will rarely have to buy another battery.

Instructions

1. Select your type of battery charger based on the rechargeable batteries you have. There are four primary types of rechargeable batteries: lithium ion, nickel metal hydride, nickel zinc and nickel cadmium. These batteries are used for specific applications, like lithium ion for digital cameras and laptops, and NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) for basic applications where alkaline batteries are used.

2. Place the dead batteries inside the charger. Many chargers, such as the AA NiMH charger, are not positive or negative specific, you only have to secure the batteries firmly inside the charger. Lithium ion batteries, however, may need to be placed with one end up, depending on the charger instructions.

3. Push the charger plug into the power outlet and allow the device time to charge the batteries. Do not charge your batteries where water can drip on them, or on a clustered power strip. There is an indicator light that will tell you when the batteries are charged. The red light represents no charge, while the green light represents a fully charged battery.

4. Place your fully charged batteries in the device you desire, but be sure to read the instructions before using rechargeable batteries on anything new. Some packages will advise against using a particular type of rechargeable battery, while others will advise against combining alkaline with rechargeable batteries. Also, if you charge batteries before they are completely dead, they may develop a shorter lifespan between chargings.

Tags: rechargeable batteries, advise against, another battery, batteries used, charge batteries

Use Skypeout To Call A Mobile Phone

Once you have downloaded Skype, you have access to various programs it offers including SkypeOut. This service will allow you to call land line or mobile phones. If you are new to the Skype service you may need some assistance when trying to call someone's mobile phone with SkypeOut. Follow these steps to learn use SkypeOut to call a mobile phone.

Instructions

1. Search Skype for your friend. When unsure about the best way to contact the person you are calling, search the users on Skype to see if they already have Skype. This could save you time and money because Skype-to-Skype calling is free.

2. Be sure you have activated the SkypeOut service or you will not be able to make any calls except to other Skype users.

3. Acquire necessary information about who you are calling. You will need the phone number, country or region they will receive the call in, and an estimate of the length of time you will be talking.

4. Test your sound equipment. Echo123, the sound test feature Skype provides, will allow you to test your computer's sound settings. This will determine the quality of sound for your call.

5. Determine the country code. Skype provides a site to help you select the country or region in which the person you are calling lives so you can locate their code for dialing. This site can also help you along with the dialing process.

6. Input the telephone number into the address field. The number should be entered into the system this way: "+" + "country code" + "number". "00" or "011" can be used before the country code as well.

7. Once you have entered in all information needed, you can place your call. Click "Enter" or "Call Me" to place your call.

Tags: country code, your call, country region, mobile phone, Once have, person calling, place your

Build A Dog House With A Lean

Build a Dog House With a Lean

If you have an empty brick wall or other type of surface and are in need of a dog house, one of the easiest ways to build it is to incorporate that wall in the structure. The process of building a lean-to dog house is easier, requires fewer materials, and can actually improve the comfort of the dog since the structure will benefit from some of the insulation and solidity of the more permanent structure it is attached to. There are a few things to keep in mind to improve the safety, longevity and comfort of the dog house.

Instructions

1. Form a base for the lean-to dog house. Hammer four boards together to form a rectangle, using two of the 2-inch by 4-inch by 4-foot boards, and two of the 2-inch by 4-inch by 3-foot boards.

2. Attach two 2-inch by 4-inch by 4-foot boards vertically to the base on one side of the dog house at each corner, plus one in the middle. This will be the side that leans against the wall.

3. Attach two 2-inch by 4-inch by 3-foot boards vertically to the other side of the dog house base at each corner, plus one in the middle.

4. Take two 2-inch by 4-inch by 4-foot boards and hammer on top of the vertical support boards on each side.

5. Take three 2-inch by 4-inch by 38-inch boards and attach them so they span the dog house from the 4-foot vertical support boards to the 3-foot vertical support boards.

6. Cut a piece of plywood 3 feet by 4 feet for the roof. Cut two additional pieces to fit the sides. For the front wall, cut another 3-foot by 4-foot piece. Then use a jigsaw to cut a doorway for the dog.

7. Place the dog house frame up against the wall it will be leaning against. Take the length of steel cable and wrap it around the center back vertical support board. Use two screws to attach the looped ends to the wall of the permanent structure. This will prevent the dog house from shifting or moving in storms.

8. Affix all of the plywood pieces to the dog house and finish with paint and shingles as desired.

Tags: 2-inch 4-inch, vertical support, 2-inch 4-inch 4-foot, 4-foot boards, 4-inch 4-foot

Use An Existing Answering Machine With Magicjack

The MagicJack phone system, which uses an Internet connection to make and receive phone calls, comes with a voicemail system for recording messages when you miss calls. Though you don't have to pay extra for the voicemail feature, you may choose to use a standard answering machine to record your messages. You can connect an external answering machine to a phone using MagicJack instead of using the MagicJack voicemail.

Instructions

1. Unplug your phone from the MagicJack USB, leaving the telephone line connected to the MagicJack.

2. Plug the open end of the telephone line into the answering machine. The telephone jack you want to use on the answering machine is labeled "Line," "Line In," "In" or some similar term.

3. Connect a second telephone line to the "Phone," "Out" or similarly labeled jack on the answering machine.

4. Plug the open end of the second telephone line into the jack on the telephone.

5. Set your answering machine to pick up at three rings or fewer. The MagicJack voicemail picks up at four rings. You cannot change the amount of rings before the MagicJack voicemail picks up.

Tags: answering machine, telephone line, MagicJack voicemail, answering machine, line into

Rechargeable Batteries

About Rechargeable Batteries

Rechargeable batteries, as opposed to normal one use batteries, can be restored to full charge by the application of electrical energy. Available in the same sizes as conventional batteries, rechargeable batteries offer both environmental and economic advantages.

Function

Sometimes called a storage battery, a rechargeable battery consists of multiple cells. This enables the electrochemical reaction that powers the battery to be reversed. Using a charger, these batteries can be recharged many times. Rechargeable batteries are used in automobiles, consumer electronics, storage for solar arrays and electrical vehicles.

Types

The most common types of rechargeable batteries are lead-acid, nickel cadmium, alkaline, nickel metal hydride and lithium ion. Lithium ion batteries are considered the most advanced rechargeable battery type and are used in most contemporary consumer electronics.

Size

Rechargeable batteries come in many shapes and sizes from automobile lead-acid type batteries to laptop and small digital camera batteries. The size is determined by the type of technology used and the design of the device in which the battery will be placed.

Features

The main feature of a rechargeable battery is self-evident--it can be charged multiple times. Secondary features that differ depending on the type of battery include:

Self-Discharge: This effect occurs within the battery cells causing the battery to lose power over time even when not in use.

Memory Effect: An effect mostly witnessed in Nickel Cadmium batteries, the battery seems to lose its maximum energy capacity if charged multiple times without being fully discharged.

Energy-to-Mass Ratio: This refers to the energy density of the battery.

Currently, Lithium ion batteries are the best performing rechargeable batteries if considering the above features.

Considerations

Many people avoid rechargeable batteries when given a choice because of a perceived higher cost. When you consider that rechargeable batteries can be reused multiple times, the savings of using them as opposed to one use batteries becomes clear.

Tags: multiple times, rechargeable batteries, rechargeable battery, charged multiple, charged multiple times, consumer electronics, Lithium batteries

Instructions For A Sanyo 8mm Film Projector

It is possible to view the contents of your 8mm film with a Sanyo projector.

The Sanyo 8mm film projector is used with 8mm-based film strips, allowing you to view the recorded content on a projection surface (such as a screen or white wall). Standard 8mm film strips do not have any audio encoding, so there is no speaker built in for audio, as it is not needed. Although there is a specific method of threading the film into the projector, once you have done it once or twice you won't have a problem performing the task again.

Instructions

1. Slide the spindle with the film strip onto the front stretched arm of the projector. There is a arm in front of the projector and behind. You want the film so it rolls away from the projector; if you're facing the projector from the side, with the projector on the left and the outstretched arm towards the right, you want the film to roll off towards the right.

2. Thread the film strip through the first bracket. The bracket has teeth that connect to the bracket holes on the sides of the film strip. Do not push the film strip onto these teeth yet.

3. Slide the film down through the projection opening. This is directly in front of the projection bulb. It then feeds down through a open trench and out the rear of the projector.

4. Pull the film strip up towards the collection spindle, which is attached to the back outstretched arm. There is a small slit in the spindle into which you slip the tip of the film strip. Rotate the spindle towards the projector a few rotations to make the film tight. Once secure, push the film strip down to align with the brackets on the front arm. This ensures the film rolls smoothly through the projector.

5. Press "Play" and the projector will begin to play the inserted 8mm film strip.

Tags: film strip, down through, film rolls, film strip onto, film strips, push film, push film strip

Use A Handheld Cd Cleaner

A compact disc may skip or stutter when dirt and scratches interfere with the laser's ability to read the data. You can often remedy the problem with a hand-held device that cleans the protective coating on the CD. You can buy both mechanical and manual CD cleaners.

Instructions

Use a Mechanical CD Cleaner

1. Mechanical cleaners typically consist of a disc-shaped case containing a foam pad and a mechanical spinner. The device automatically cleans the surface of the CD by applying pressure against the foam pad. Some mechanical cleaners include a liquid solution to be applied to the foam pad before cleaning.

2. Open the hand-held CD cleaner and place the disc inside. If the device requires a liquid cleaner, apply it per the manufacturer's instructions. Close the disc cleaner.

3. Turn the handle on the outside of the CD cleaner. This rotates the disc and presses it against the foam pad, lightly buffing the CD and removing debris.

4. Remove the CD and visually inspect it by turning it at an angle against a light source. Inspect the CD's surface for smudge marks or dust. If any debris remains, return the disc to the hand-held cleaner and repeat Step 2.

Use a Manual CD Cleaner

5. Manual CD cleaner kits typically consist of a spray bottle of cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth. The solution is specifically mixed to be pH neutral so as not to harm the delicate surface of the CD.

6. Spray the dirty CD with the cleaning solution so that the entire surface is lightly coated.

7. Use the microfiber cloth to wipe the cleaning solution off of the CD from the inner edge of the disc to the outer edge.

8. Allow the CD to dry thoroughly. Inspect the surface of the disc and check for any marks, fingerprints or smudges that you may have missed. Repeat the above steps to wipe the CD again until the entire surface is devoid of marks.

Tags: cleaning solution, against foam, entire surface, hand-held cleaner, Inspect surface

Change The Shutter Speed Of The Sony Camera In Yahoo

Adjusting the shutter speed in Yahoo Messenger is easy with a few simple steps.

Yahoo Messenger is an interactive instant messaging client that allows users to stay in touch with family and friends over the internet. When you team the messenger up with a Sony webcam, you can have virtualized conversations with people. One of the biggest downfalls of the webcam is the shutter speed. When the speed is set at too high a level, the images can freeze or become blurry. Changing this speed will give the images better quality.

Instructions

1. Open Yahoo Messenger on your computer. Enter your login information into the fields and click on the "Sign In" tab.

2. Wait for the software to log you onto the server and then click on the "Preferences" tab at the top of the software screen.

3. Click on the "Webcam" icon.

4. Select your Sony webcam from the "Video Source" menu.

5. Click on the "Speed" icon and adjust the speed to the right amount so your image is the best quality available.

Tags: Yahoo Messenger, shutter speed, Sony webcam

Help Your Teen Have A More Positive Body Image

Body Image

A healthy body image is key to happiness and well-being. Many teens suffer from a poor body image, which leaves them open to low self-esteem, depression, bouts of dieting and binging and long-term eating disorders. Parents can help their teens develop a more positive body image.

Instructions

1. Avoid talking excessively about food and calories. Don't obsess over food yourself. Just like you should eat in moderation, you should moderate how often you talk about food, too.

2. Don't talk about your weight, your teen's weight or someone else's weight. Don't make comments about other people looking "good" because they have lost weight. Instead, always emphasize the positive attributes in people you meet or see. Show your teen that every person has something beautiful to offer.

3. Have fun but nutritious food available in your home 24/7, as teens get hungry all the time. Unusually shaped crackers, cheese sticks, carrot and celery sticks, peanut butter crackers and deli meats are all good snack options.

4. Make food interesting. Find healthy and fun recipes you can make with your teen or that your teen can make with a friend. Smoothies are one option. They are nutritious, easy to make and can be made in a variety of flavors.

5. Limit the amount of media to which your teen is exposed. Watch television with her and talk about the media images she sees, such as super-skinny models. Try to read beauty magazines with her, so you can talk about unrealistic body images that are portrayed. If possible, keep track of the websites she visits, so you can also discuss those with her when necessary.

6. Give your teen compliments. Compliment his appearance when he looks nice. Give him unexpected compliments, too. Tell him he looks cute when he first gets out of bed in the morning. Remember to compliment his actions as well. Actions are just as important as appearance.

7. Encourage positive self-talk. Never let your teen body-bash herself in your presence.

8. Lead by example. Never say anything negative about your body in your teen's presence. Practice your own positive self-talk in front of your teen.

9. Help develop your teen's talents. Encourage hobbies, interest in arts and crafts and music and participation in sports. Excelling at extra-curricular activities will help promote self-esteem.

10. Keep the lines of communication open. Let your teen know she can talk to you about any subject. Do not be afraid to bring up body self-image with her, if you see her struggling with it.

Tags: your teen, talk about, your teen, body image, about food, about your, Body Image