The Canon SD750 is a 7-megapixel member of Canon's ELPH line of digital cameras. This super-compact camera is great for beginners as well as serious photographers who are looking for a camera that can easily fit inside a purse or pocket for everyday picture taking. Taking great pictures with the Canon SD750 is pretty easy to do.
Instructions
1. Use the cameras built-in scene settings to accommodate for the lighting where you are. You can access the different scene modes by pressing the "Menu" button on the back of the camera and using the arrows to navigate to the appropriate scene mode.
2. Use the SD750's macro mode for taking pictures of things very close to the camera lens, such as flowers or coins. You can access the macro mode by pressing the button on the back on the camera marked with a picture of a flower.
3. Change the camera's ISO (how sensitive the image is to light) settings for different situations, just as you would with a traditional film camera. In general the brighter the situation, the lower the ISO you need. Change the ISO by pressing the button on the back of the camera maked "ISO."
4. Use a flash for taking pictures in darker situations. You can turn on the flash by pressing the button with a lightning bolt next to it, on the back of the camera.
5. Keep your pictures in focus by using the SD750's auto focus. To auto focus hold the shutter button down halfway, wait for the picture to come into focus and depress the shutter button entirely.
Tags: back camera, button back, button back camera, Canon SD750, pressing button, auto focus
If you have a movie saved in your DVR that you'd really like to keep, at some point you're going to have to transfer the recording to another media. With all the benefits DVRs have to offer as a TV recording device, they do have one drawback: memory capacity. DVRs record shows to hard disk, and hard disks have limited memory. Once capacity is reached, saved movies have to be erased to record new movies. To preserve your recordings, one option is to transfer some recordings to your PC to evetually save to a DVD disc.
Instructions
1. Use your set of A/V cables to link the A/V Out jacks on the back of your DVR to the A/V In jacks on your video capture card. Insert each A/V plug into the A/V jack that matches its color.
2. Connect your video capture card to your PC by plugging the USB cable attached to your capture card into one of the USB ports on your computer.
3. Launch your video capture software. If you're using a Windows operating system, you can use Windows Movie Maker, which should already be installed on your computer. Open the "Start" menu and navigate to "All Programs," "Accessories" and "Windows Movie Maker." If you don't want to use Windows Movie Maker, you can select another video capture application. However, the following steps apply specifically to the Windows Movie Maker video capturing application. Other video capturing applications may follow a slightly different protocol.
4. Open the "File" menu and select "Capture Video." Select your video capture card from the available devices. Then follow the remaining wizard prompts to set up your video capture session.
5. Make sure your DVR is turned on. Use your DVR remote control to open the program list menu. You should be able to view your DVR menu in the Windows Movie Maker preview screen as well as on your TV if you have it turned on.
6. Highlight the movie you want to transfer from your DVR to your PC. Click "Start Capture" in Windows Movie Maker, then start playback of the movie in your DVR. Windows Movie Maker records the program in real time.
7. Click "Stop Capture" when the program is complete. Then click "Finished" to end your capture session and save the program to your PC.
Tags: Movie Maker, Windows Movie, Windows Movie Maker, video capture, your video, your video capture, capture card
Camera phones have made it easier than ever to digitally capture special moments, major events or even an amusing street sign. Now that most new cell phones come with a built-in camera, taking cell phone pictures has become less a question of convenience and more a question of aesthetics. Given the limitations a cell phone camera has compared to a regular camera, you have to make some adjustments to obtain the best picture quality.
Instructions
1. Clean your lens. Chances are that the subject of your photo is something other than a massive fingerprint or a piece of lint. Soft cloths such as those used to clean glasses will do the job.
2. Adjust for lighting. Since many camera phones do not include a lighting apparatus, your pictures will usually turn out darker than what you see. For silhouettes, face your camera in the direction of the main light source. For a clearer façade, turn your back against the main light source, so you can capture the light reflecting off your subject. If possible, take the picture outdoors.
3. Photograph small subjects. For example, if you want to take pictures of your friends, it’s better to photograph one or two at a time rather than the entire group at once. Resolutions in many camera phones are limited to about 2.0 or 3.0 megapixels. If you try to zoom in on an individual face in a picture of 10 faces, the result won’t be pretty.
4. Get close but not too close to your subject. The picture will be very small, so you want to get a good shot that does not require you to zoom in to see your subject. Getting too close to the subject, however, may distort the picture.
5. Hold your camera steady, especially if the lighting is weak. Cameras tend to have longer shutter speeds to allow more light in, so brace your phone against a sturdy, stationary object if possible.
6. Take multiple shots. One of the greatest advantages of digital cameras is the ability to see a take instantaneously and, if unsatisfactory, make adjustments for a better second attempt. It’s better to judge the image on a computer monitor than on your phone’s screen, since the former has higher resolution and more options for editing.
Tags: your subject, cell phone, light source, main light, main light source
You don't have to be an auto mechanic to understand the basics.
Air-conditioning (AC) has remained a part of the automobile experience since the 1940s. While technology has changed considerably since then, the basics of AC design are essentially the same. The AC "radiator" has played a role in air-conditioned cars since the beginning.
Cooling Down
If you have ever used ice to cool a drink, you understand half of how an air conditioner works. The ice in your drink changes into water as it absorbs heat, and the fluid in your air conditioner changes to a gas as it absorbs the heat from the compartment inside your car. Once the air becomes cooled, the hot gas in your air-conditioning system has to cool off, requiring the "radiator."
AC "Radiator"
The AC "radiator" is traditionally called a condenser, though it has a function to that of your car's radiator. The warm gas that leaves your auto's cabin transports the heat it picked up along the way. Tubing carries the heated gas to a system of coils at the front of the car. As air moves over the coils, heat travels out of the AC's gas and returns to a fluid state, ready to be used again.
Recent Developments
As environmental law has changed, the coolant liquid in AC systems has changed to meet the new guidelines. The new refrigerants may require you to upgrade your existing components to handle the higher pressure requirements of the newer coolant.
Foam core can be painted for fine art or craft purposes.
Foam core boards are lightweight boards made with a foam center and paper or plastic exteriors. They are used in graphic design as well as fine arts due to their availability and ease of use. Foam core is also used for backdrops as it can be cut to various sizes depending on what it is being used for. The surfaces of foam core boards can be painted if the artist or designer wishes, depending on the nature of the work being created.
Instructions
1. Paint the foam core board with gesso, which is a primer used to harden and seal surfaces such as foam core and canvas. Use even paint brush strokes and cover the sides as well as the front of the board. Allow the gesso time to dry completely before painting over it.
2. Paint the foam core board with acrylic or oil paint for best results, utilizing a paint brush. Paint the board all one color or use it as a canvas to paint something else.
3. Allow the paint to dry completely before displaying your artwork or using as a backdrop for something else. Foam core board works well as background material in plays, fashion shows and for holiday decor.
The Roland MC-50, a music recording and sequencing device, saves data on a floppy disk. These disks occasionally break in the course of normal wear and tear. Though replacement floppy drives may be hard to find, the act of replacing the drive is simple. If you do not have access to floppy disks, you may wish to use a different method of storing data, such as connecting the MC-50 to the computer and saving music directly to the computer.
Instructions
1. Disconnect the MC-50 from its power source by removing the power adapter from the electrical outlet.
2. Turn the device over, so that the front lies against the surface of a table. Remove the screws that hold the back in place using a screwdriver. Set these screws aside.
3. Lift the back cover off the MC-50 and set it aside.
4. Remove the small screws that hold the floppy drive in place using a screwdriver. Set the screws aside and pull the floppy drive away from the device by several inches. Disconnect the cable connecting to the floppy drive to the device. Discard the old drive.
5. Place the new floppy drive in the empty cavity left by the old drive. Attach the cable to the new drive. Insert the screws and tighten them with the screwdriver. Replace the case and secure it with the screws.
Tags: floppy drive, place using, place using screwdriver, screws aside, screws that, screws that hold, that hold
Laser safety eyewear prevents radiation damage to the eye.
Uvex protective eyewear is a brand name under Sperian Protection USA, Inc. Uvex, short for ultraviolet excluded, is the top-selling protective eyewear brand internationally and the Uvex XC (extra coverage) is known as the most successful laser safety spectacle in the U.S. and Europe. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the eyes and skin are the most susceptible organs to laser damage. Uvex offers laser protective eyewear in a variety of styles with different types of lens coatings for highly specialized laser applications.
Functionality
Laser protective lenses can reflect laser wavelengths for eye safety and improved vision.
Sperian specializes in clear lens with non-scratch coatings to encourage user safety and compliance with laser protective eyewear requirements in the workplace. Lenses for spectacles, goggles and wrap-around eyewear are designed for people who work with lasers in the medical and industrial fields. Lens coatings protect the eye from defined laser wavelengths by reflecting damaging laser light away from the eye and allowing the user to use visible light for improved visual clarity. Sperian also offers clients educational tools, programs and scientific reference to encourage eyewear protection awareness.
Health Effects
Beam exposure to the unprotected eye is the most common laser injury.
The American National Standards Institute classifies lasers by a variety of factors including wavelength and emissions level that determine exposure hazard. Class 1 lasers are the weakest lasers and do not produce a damaging radiation level. Class 2 lasers require controlled exposure conditions. Class 3 and 4 lasers can cause eye damage and require control measures to prevent radiation damage. According to the Centers for Disease Control, lasers are more concentrated forms of light that bring large amounts of light energy to small surface areas. The most common injury caused by a laser involves beam exposure to the eye. Lasers can cause damage to the unprotected eye by magnifying the intensity of the beam. Eye damage by laser exposure depends on spectrum exposure. The California Institute of Technology reports different parts of the unprotected eye can be damaged by laser light depending on the wavelength. Partial or complete blindness can be a result of exposure in the visible and near infrared parts of the spectrum.
OSHA Rules
Industry standards require employers provide eye protection to prevent laser exposure hazards.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration lists specific standards covering employer responsibility to provide appropriate eye protection for employees exposed to potentially injurious light radiation. Sperian quotes the OSHA general standards from 29 CFR 1910.133 and the safe use of lasers standard from ANSI Z136.1 on the Uvex website.
Eyewear Styles
Laser safety lens filters protect the eye and provide a comfortable visual experience.
Laser safety eyewear comes in a variety of sizes, frames and styles. Polymer and glass filters meet laser safety requirements for various industries, and notch filters create a comfortable visual experience. Uvex customers are encouraged to review all eye protection models and select products with a filter that corresponds to the wavelength of the laser in use and most suitable frame style. Uvex eyewear comes in a variety of models including wrap-around spectacles, anti-fog goggles, over-the-glass spectacles, brow guard glasses and spectacles with prescription inserts.
Cost
Uvex laser protective eyewear prices depend on type of lens purchased.
Uvex laser protective eyewear comes with a wide range of benefits and premium comfort features in a variety of product lines for laser application. Laser protective eyewear cost depends on filter technology protection levels, lens features and frame style. The polymer lens can range in price from $59 to $350; glass lenses cost approximately $225 to $450; and filters with dielectric coating range from $300 to $700.
Learn to use your Motorola Talkabout two-way radio.
Featuring an outdoor range of nearly five miles, water resistant casing and support for up to 22 different radio channels, the Motorola Talkabout FV200AA GMRS/FRS two-way radio evolved from the earlier released T4500 model. Using the two-way radio is an intuitive process and can be done with little or no experience using two-way radios.
Instructions
Installing the Batteries
1. Lift the battery latch on the back panel of the radio and remove the panel.
2. Insert three AA batteries into the battery compartment so that the "+" and "-" symbols correspond to the indicators in the battery compartment.
3. Place the battery latch panel over the battery compartment and press down to latch it into place.
Setting a Channel
4. Twist the knob on the top of the radio to turn the device on.
5. Press the "Menu" button. The current channel will flash on the display.
6. Press the "+" or "-" buttons to adjust the channel. Press the "PTT" button to save the channel for later use.
Talking with the Motorola Talkabout
7. Press and hold the "PTT" button and hold the radio three inches away from your mouth.
8. Talk into the device being careful not to speak too loudly. Yelling into the radio will create distortion on the other end of the signal.
9. Release the "PTT" button when you have finished speaking.
Digital cameras can produce amazing photographs when used properly.
Digital cameras provide many benefits to an aspiring photographer. You don't have to be an expert photographer or have an expensive camera to take good photographs, either. Style, technique and knowledge of your camera's features can turn an ordinary photograph into something truly amazing.
Instructions
Location and Subject
1. Choose an interesting location or subject. Don't limit yourself to postcard-perfect settings. Take pictures of things that interest you, as your interest in the subject will shine through in your photograph. For example, if you are more interested in a quaint Parisian cafe than you are in the Eiffel tower, then, by all means, take photographs of the cafe.
2. Move as close to the subject as possible. The closer you are to the subject, the less you will have to rely on camera features to achieve the shot you desire.
3. Utilize natural lighting. Take pictures during the "golden hours," or the hours around dawn and dusk, as natural lighting is at its best then. Take advantage of sunny days for bright pictures, and cloudy days for dark. Position yourself so that natural lighting falls on your subject.
4. Use the weather to your advantage. The weather can affect the mood of the photograph. A location can look entirely different on a sunny day than it looks on a stormy day. Cloud movement, wind and rain can also affect trees, plants and even people.
5. Take advantage of both background and foreground. A combination of the two can create a truly amazing photograph. For example, if you are taking a picture of a distant mountain, try to catch a nearby flower, tree or person in the photograph as well. Combining different aspects of background and foreground can add color, line and personality to your photograph.
Camera Features
6. Adjust your exposure settings. Shutter speeds control exposure. A high shutter speed allows less light to affect the picture, while a low shutter speed allows more light. If you are photographing a bright day, or a subject in motion, you probably want a high shutter speed. If you are photographing a night scape or a motionless subject in shadow, try a low shutter speed. Exposure, or shutter speed, settings are located in the "Settings" menu of your camera.
7. Use the flash, but remember that most stock digital camera flashes only work within 12 feet to 15 feet of the camera. If your target is out of that range, using the flash won't help you. Flash apertures can be purchased for digital cameras that will increase your flash range.
8. Use the zoom only when necessary. Zooming can affect the quality of the photograph by increasing the pixels used in capturing the image. This can lead to a grainy final image. Get as close to the subject as possible first, and use the zoom lens only as a last resort.
9. Utilize both still shot and video mode. Still shots are excellent for planned photographs, but videos can sometimes catch unexpected moments. Simply load the video onto your computer, open the viewing software that came with your camera, and play the video. When you come to a scene you like, pause the video and press the "Prt Sc," or print screen, button. Open "Paint," or your preferred photo-editing software, and press "Ctrl" and "V" at the same time, pasting your image to the program. Then edit and save the image however you desire.
Camera Attachments
10. Use a flash diffuser to negate the harsh effects of a flash. A flash diffuser softens the light of the flash, and generally leads to a more natural scene or subject. Complex flash diffusers are available as attachable apertures, or can be as simple as a piece of tissue paper held over the flash as the picture is taken. Take pictures with and without a flash diffuser, and you will immediately see the difference. Flash diffusers, and other add-ons, are available at most camera stores.
11. Experiment with different color filters. Color filters can add tone, such as sepia or gray, to your photograph. There is no right or wrong color filter to use in any given situation, so it is best to experiment with a few and decide which best suits your subject and your style.
12. Use a tripod if you are having difficulty achieving a clear shot, or if you are using a slow shutter speed and don't want to hold your camera for 10 to 30 seconds while the picture is taken. Tripods allow you to adjust the angle of your shot--and take multiple shots of the same subject over time--without the worry of holding the camera at the same angle for extended periods of time. Tripods are available in many shapes, sizes and weights. Lightweight tripods work well for travel, while heavier tripods grant stability to studio shots.
Photo Storage
13. Save your photographs in RAW format if you don't intend to do much editing, as RAW files tend to have a much higher resolution. JPEG or BMP formats are better if you do intend to do a lot of editing on your photograph. There are a multitude of file type conversation software programs available for download and purchase. Your local camera shop may have recommendations, or your digital camera software may have one built in.
14. Buy several memory cards. Don't rely on your camera's storage to hold all of your pictures, especially if you plan on traveling. Memory cards come in a variety of sizes and can be purchased at just about any electronics stores. The larger the memory card, the more pictures you will be able to store. Digital cameras generally use SD or MicroSD memory cards. Read your owner's manual to determine which variety of card you need. The more photographs you are able to take, the higher the chance you will end up with photographs you want to keep.
15. Organize your photographs so you can locate them easily. Your digital camera will generally include a photo organizing software along with the camera. Proper organization makes it easier to find, show, print and edit the photographs you take.
Tags: shutter speed, your camera, your photograph, digital camera, Digital cameras
Flip video camcorders are digital devices with a USB port that literally flips out of the side of the device. This allows you to upload saved video onto a computer without plugging in a USB cable. If you have recently purchased a new Pure Digital Flip camcorder, you need to know work and manage the camera to take advantage of all its features.
Instructions
1. Open the battery compartment on the bottom of the Flip video camera, then slide in the provided batteries. Depending on the Pure Digital Flip camcorder you purchased, you either have standard AA batteries or an internal lithium-ion battery.
2. Press the "Power" button on the rear of the video camera. The small LCD display on the rear of the screen shows the content where the lens is pointed.
3. Push "Record" at any time to begin recording video. Press "Stop" to stop the recording process.
4. Press the "Menu" button, then select "View." A list of all the recorded videos now loads onto the screen. Select any video you don't want and press the "Delete" button.
5. Flip out the USB port on the side of the Flip camera (pull it out with your finger), then plug it into a USB port on any computer system. The computer detects the connected camera and asks if you want to upload the video files. Select "Yes" to upload the files from the Flip camera to your computer.
Tags: Digital Flip, Pure Digital, Pure Digital Flip, Digital Flip camcorder, Flip camcorder
Bring your MP3 collection to your Boom Box in moments
MP3 players are convenient ways to carry up to tens of thousands of digital songs. Through use of a simple connector cord, you can now bring new life to your personal music collection. Connect your portable audio device to the line in on your boom box for family gatherings, small get-togethers, or to just hear some of your favorite music over speakers.
Instructions
1. Connect the 1/8th end of the "Y" adapter cable to the headphone jack of your MP3 player. The 1/8 end of the "Y" cable looks like the standard end of a pair of headphones.
2. Connect the Red and White end of the "Y" cable to the line-in on the back of your boom box. This jack on the back of your boom box is the line-in auxiliary input. Make sure that the colors correspond with each other (red with red, white with white).
3. Tune your boom box to the correct setting. Settings on many boom boxes include CD, Radio, Cassette, and Aux (short for auxiliary). Tune your boom box to the auxiliary setting.
4. Turn on your MP3 player and your boom box. Play the desired music on your MP3 player as you normally would. You should now hear music from your MP3 player coming through your boom box speakers.
Tags: your boom, your player, back your, back your boom, Tune your, Tune your boom, with white
Text messages have become a common method of communication both domestically and abroad. Since their inception in 1992 text messaging, also called SMS messaging, has become the largest global use of cellular data with over one quarter of worldwide cell phone users sending at least one text message a day, according to the Times of India. Sending text messages internationally is as easy as sending them domestically and can be a useful and cheap communication tool for sending short messages abroad.
Instructions
Cell Phone
1. Compose the message you want to send using your phone's SMS or text message editor. In most instances this requires selecting "New Message" under the "Messaging" menu of your phone.
2. Enter a "+" followed by the number "55," which is the international country code for Brazil, then the full phone number of the person you want to send the message to, including the area code, into the "Recipient" form of your text message.
3. Press "Send" to send your message to Brazil.
Internet
4. Go to a free international SMS messaging site using your browser, such as Send SMS Now, Free SMS and Free SMS Frog (see Resources).
5. Select "Brazil (+55)" in the country or "Land" drop-down box.
6. Enter the recipient's phone number, including area code, into the "Numbers" or "To Phone Number" box.
7. Enter your name in the "From" box if applicable.
8. Enter your message in the "Message" box, which must normally be under 35 characters long.
9. Click on "Send SMS" to send your message to Brazil, or if applicable, click on "Step 2" to proceed.
10. Enter the numbers and letters displayed in the image into the verification box if required.
11. Click on the advert displayed below the verification box to send the message if required.
Tags: your message, area code, area code into, code into, Enter your
Apple TV is the latest form of entertainment technology. Now, you can send movies, TV shows, movie trailers, podcasts, photos and more from your computer to your television set. But to get the most out of your Apple TV, you'll need the right accessories.
Instructions
1. Find the right audio and video cables. These are not included with your Apple TV because there are so many variations out there. You'll need either an HDMI to HDMI cable or an HDMI to DVI cable to connect your Apple TV to your television set. And you'll need an additional cable if you want to run your Apple TV through your stereo system.
2. Add a switcher if you need one. If you're running several HDMI devices to your TV, a switcher, similar to the old A/B switchers, will solve this problem.
3. Upgrade your computer so it's compatible with Apple TV. You should be running OS X 10.3.9 or later. For a PC, you should have Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 2. You also should be running Itunes 7.1 or later.
4. Connect your Apple TV with an Ethernet cable, or you can use the build-in wireless capability. If you need to purchase an Ethernet cable, look for 802.11b, g and n. The plain cable is okay for music streaming, but g and n are required for video.
5. Determine the accessories you need and then purchase them. Apple TV accessories are sold at any Apple store, your local electronics store and online.
Tags: your Apple, Ethernet cable, HDMI cable, should running, your computer, your television
Do you want to go beyond the obligatory MySpace bathroom mirror photo and create an interesting and insightful self-portrait? Since a digital camera does not require that you process the photos to see the results you can experiment and really get a grasp on photograph people by learning to photograph yourself without the cost of processing film. Working with models is expensive and your friends don’t always have the patience you need. The following tips will guide you as you learn take a self-portrait with a digital camera.
Instructions
1. Set your camera on the tripod in an area inside or out with good lighting and a plain background. Adjust the height so that you can take headshots of yourself. Stand 1 to 2 feet from the camera. At this length it isn’t necessary to use the timer. Using auto focus take 10 or more photos. Take some with the timer and some without. Check each photo in the viewer. Adjust the exposure as needed.
2. After each shoot review all photos with your Photo software. Decide which photos you think are the best. What adjustment of exposure was best for the circumstances during the photo shoot? Did you like the photos with the timer or without? Did any of the portraits turn out interesting?
3. Set your camera on the tripod in an area inside or out with good lighting and a plain background. Adjust the height so that you can take photos from the waist up of yourself. Sit or stand 2 to 3 feet from the camera. At this length you will need to use the timer. Using auto focus take 10 or more photos. Change your pose with each shot. Check each photo in the viewer. Adjust the exposure as needed. This will help you learn to instruct people as you photograph them. People tend to over correct a request. You will learn by increments to change your positions. Review your photos.
4. Set your camera on the tripod in an area inside or out with good lighting and a plain background. Adjust the height and camera so that you can take a full figure photograph. Stand 3 to 4 feet from the camera. At this length you will need to use the timer. Take 10 or more photos in different positions and review.
5. Repeat the above exercises but this time adding an interesting background to the shoot and review. Try several locations inside and out. You discover the best places to take photos. Always review the photos and ask questions.
6. Repeat the above exercises but this time with different lighting and exposures and review.
7. Repeat the above exercises and add costumes or drama. Try to tell a story with a photo, express an emotional or express an idea. Review and see if your attempt were successful. Do not be afraid to experiment and try something new.
8. Join a group like Flickr and get input from other photographers. Take lot and lots of photos. Eventually you will feel confident enough in your skills to ask other people to model for you.
Tags: above exercises, Adjust height, area inside, area inside with, background Adjust, background Adjust height
With some careful preparation, you can take your own passport photos.
It used to be that you could only submit photos with your passport application that were taken by a professional passport photographer, but with the advent of digital cameras, you can learn to take your own passport photos. Not only is taking your own photo more convenient, but it can save you money. However, you must follow the government's photo requirements exactly to avoid having your passport application rejected.
Instructions
1. Use a digital camera with at least a 3.0 megapixel resolution.
2. Set up the background where you will photograph your subject. The background must be neutral in color and free of decorations or extraneous designs. It is best to use a white or off-white wall.
3. Sit or stand the subject about two feet in front of the wall. The subject will have to look forward at the camera.
4. Position two light sources on either side of the subject to avoid shadows on the face and illuminate the background. One light source, such as a lamp, should be several feet in front of and diagonally to the left of the subject. The other light source should be placed in the same way diagonally to the right of the subject.
5. Place the camera on a tripod about four feet in front of the subject between and slightly farther than the two light sources. Adjust the camera or the tripod so that it is at eye level with the subject.
6. Use the viewfinder or digital display to frame the subject's face. Have the subject look directly at the camera with a neutral expression. The face should fill about two-thirds of the frame and you should see the upper part of the shoulders.
7. Depress the shutter halfway to verify that the picture will be in focus. Most digital cameras have this feature.
8. Use standard settings on your camera, turn the flash off and take the photo. If you are taking the photo of yourself, set the timer, depress the shutter button and get into position for the photo.
9. Verify the quality of your photograph using the photo review feature on your camera. There should be no harsh shadows on the face or the wall. The photo should not be underexposed or overexposed and should be of the appropriate contrast. Re-take the photo if necessary.
Tags: your passport, feet front, camera tripod, camera with, digital cameras, light source
Now you can listen to your favorite songs and artists on your iPhone without paying for it. It's legal, fun and convenient to listen to online radio with Pandora. Take these steps to get the free Pandora radio application on your iPhone in minutes.
Instructions
1. If you do not have a Pandora account, visit the Pandora website from you computer or iPhone to sign up for a free account by completing the short online form.
2. On your iPhone, tap your fingertip on the "App Store" and tap on the "Top 25" button located on the bottom of the screen. Pandora Radio will be one of the choices. Tap it to get to the product information screen, then tap the "Install" button to install it to your iPhone.
3. Alternatively, you can tap on the "App Store," then the "Search" button to search for the app by name.
4. When the install is completed, tap on the "P" icon to start Pandora on your iPhone. When prompted, enter your username email and password.
5. Follow the prompts to tap on your radio stations or create new stations to enjoy your favorite music. The music will play from your iPhone speakers or you can use headphones.
Because TiVo is a WiFi Protected Setup (WPS) product and Apple AirPort supports Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) rather than WPS, problems due to incompatibility may arise when synchronizing the TiVo to the home network. Three resolutions exist for this issue, however.
Instructions
Setup Wizard
1. Toggle the switch on the bottom of the TiVo Wireless N Adapter to "Client."
2. Open the Wireless N Adapter until it clicks into place. Plug the adapter's Ethernet and power adapter into the jack on the front of the adapter. Next, plug an Ethernet cable and the adapter's power cord into the adapter.
3. Connect the adapter's AC cord into an electrical outlet. Wait for the adapter's LED indicator to turn green, then plug the Ethernet cable directly into your computer.
4. Enter "192.168.10.1" into your Web browser and press "Enter" on your keyboard. This opens the TiVo Setup Wizard. Follow the on-screen instructions.
5. Wait for the Signal Strength Indicator on your adapter to turn blue or green. This means that the configuration is successfully completed.
6. Disconnect the adapter's Ethernet cable from the computer and plug the cable directly into your TiVo. Wait for your adapter's Signal Strength Indicator to turn solid green, indicating that your TiVo Wireless N Adapter has successfully paired to your Apple AirPort.
Manual Setup
7. Toggle the switch on the bottom of the TiVo Wireless N Adapter to "Client."
8. Open the adapter until it clicks into place. Plug the adapter's Ethernet and power adapter into the jack on the front of the adapter. Plug an Ethernet cable and the adapter's power cord into the adapter.
9. Connect the adapter's AC cord into an electrical outlet. Wait for the adapter's LED indicator to turn green, then plug the Ethernet cable directly into your computer.
10. Enter "192.168.10.1" into your Web browser and press "Enter" on your keyboard. This opens the TiVo Setup Wizard. Select the "Manual" setup option.
Enter your SSID network name into the window. When prompted, enter your AirPort's WPA or WPA-2 Passphrase. Click "Connect." When the Signal Strength Indicator turns blue or green, your adapter has successfully paired to your AirPort router.
11. Disconnect the adapter's Ethernet cable from the computer and plug the cable directly into your TiVo. Wait for your adapter's Signal Strength Indicator to turn solid green.
Bridging
12. Set the toggle on the bottom of one TiVo Wireless N Adapter to "Client." Set the second TiVo adapter to "Bridge."
13. Open the adapters until they click into place. Connect the adapters' Ethernet and power splitter into the ports on the front of the adapters. Connect an Ethernet cord and power cord into both of the splitters.
14. Plug the power cord from the "Client" adapter into an electrical outlet and the Ethernet cable into the back of your TiVo unit. Before continuing to the next step, wait for the LED light on this adapter to turn solid green.
15. Plug the power cord from the "Bridge" adapter into an electrical outlet and the Ethernet cable to your router. Wait for this adapter's LED light to turn solid blue before continuing.
16. Press the "WPS" button on the adapter that is connected to your router. Within one minute of pressing the "WPS" button on the "Bridge" adapter, press the "WPS" button on the "Client" adapter. Wait for the Signal Strength Indicator on both adapters to turn blue, indicating that synchronization is complete.
Tags: Ethernet cable, into your, Wireless Adapter, cord into, power cord, Signal Strength
The Apex 27-inch television has the proper proportions for displaying a widescreen image from a TV broadcast or a DVD without either end of the image being cut off. Adjust the viewing format of the Apex so that the display will default to the widescreen mode. This requires making a few changes to the settings in the Apex's menu. The procedure is straightforward and can be accomplished within five minutes.
Instructions
1. Press the "On" button on the Apex's remote control. Press the "Menu" button on the remote control.
2. Select "Video" from the icons presented on the Apex's onscreen menu. Press the "Select" button on the remote control to go to a new screen.
3. Select "Aspect ratio" on the new screen. Press the "Select" button on the remote control.
4. Select "Widescreen" from the list of choices presented beneath "Aspect ratio." Press the "Select" button on the remote control.
5. Press the "Menu" button on the remote control to return to the Apex 27-inch TV's Home menu.
Konica Minolta released the 4-megapixel, point-and-shoot Dimage G 400 digital camera in November, 2003. The G 400 is an entry-level point-and-shoot camera, designed to be easy to use and affordable. Minolta transferred its support to Sony in 2006 and ceases support on all digital cameras as of January, 2011. Fortunately, most errors with the camera can be easily fixed through troubleshooting. Only in the event of major damage would you need to consider taking the camera for service.
Instructions
1. Verify that your computer is compatible with the Dimage G 400. The camera was originally only supported on Windows 98 Second Edition, Windows Millennium, Windows 2000 Professional and Windows XP Home and Professional Editions. Windows Vista and 7 systems may support the camera with built-in drivers but this is not guaranteed.
2. Verify that your memory card is compatible with the Dimage G 400. Problems related to saving and storing images and video can be a direct result of incompatible media. Konica lists Panasonic RP-SD-series SD cards from 8 to 128 MB, Panasonic RP-SDH SD cards in 256 or 512 MB format and Toshiba SD-M SD cards ranging from 16 to 256 MB. The camera also accepted Sony and SanDisk memory sticks. Use one of the recommended media types if you camera isn't recording images quickly or correctly or at all.
3. Check the batteries. A number of errors can result from a battery that isn't fully charged. Your camera may not power on at all, or it may turn on and immediately shut off. These situations both indicate that the battery level is too low. The battery indicator light on the camera may show full power, but this reading is taken immediately upon turning on the camera and may not always be accurate. Additionally, if the camera hasn't been used for a long time, or it has been kept in a cold room (or the glove compartment of your car), it may not power on immediately.
4. Clean the lens regularly, especially if you store the camera in a dusty environment. A dirty lens prevents your camera from focusing correctly and can lead to speckled imagines. Don't use water when cleaning the lens. Use a piece of lens-cleaning paper or a dry, clean, anti-static cloth.
5. Use different shooting modes when your photos are blurry or have a lot of noise. Digital cameras don't use film, but the camera adjusts exposure time to simulate film speeds. This setting is called the sensitivity, or ISO. Selecting a higher ISO from the menu (select "AUTO ISO" and push the up arrow on the control pad) is the digital equivalent of loading faster film; ISO 400 takes pictures more quickly than ISO 50, which means less blur. If your photos are still turning out blurry at ISO 400, consider using a tripod and the camera's self-timer when shooting in low-light conditions. Using the flash will allow for the shutter to operate more quickly but can create harshly lit subjects.
6. Install up-to-date firmware if you have difficulty transferring photos to your PC. The newest firmware available for the Dimage G 400 is version 1.16A, which is available for download from the Konica Minolta web site.
Tags: compatible with, compatible with Dimage, Konica Minolta, more quickly, that your, Verify that, Verify that your
Traditional frames are not the only way to display photos.
Whether you are decorating your home or for an event, it can be challenging to find unique ideas to display pictures. Often traditional frames do not create the statement or the atmosphere that you want. In these cases, you can find interesting, unique ways to display photos in almost any setting.
Twine and clothespins
For a fun way to display printed snapshots, cut a length of rough twine and secure each end to nails placed at the same level across a wall. Secure each photo to the twine using a clothespin for a rustic, crafty look; you can place photos at angles or hanging straight up and down. If your home decor is more contemporary, use thick wire instead of twine and secure photos with metal clips.
Ribbon hangers
For a photo display that also acts as a piece of decor, place your photos in a frameless glass or plastic clip display. You can leave the photo in the center of the glass, choose a photo that reaches the edges, or add a matte around your picture before putting it in the glass. For the hanging mechanism, choose lengths of brightly colored or patterned ribbon and attach to either side of the frame before tying the ends in a bow at the top. Hang the pictures from the ribbon on the wall; this is particularly attractive when hanging two or three photos in a row.
Digital display
If you have a folder of images that you'd like to display but do not have the space to print and hang each one, consider using a digital photo frame. To use, upload photos into the frame and select settings; the frame will rotate through your images, creating a dynamic display option. Digital frames come in a wide variety of sizes, from small desk frames to television-sized wall frames.
Coffee table display
For a unique coffee table that provides entertainment for guests and family, place your photos under a removable glass top. Arrange photos neatly, or create a collage effect, depending on the style and content of the photos. For added effect, place photos in mats or accent the display with ribbons or souvenirs that accompany the photos: plane tickets for a travel display, for example, or a signed program next to a photo of you at the theater.
Photo wall
If you have a collection of pictures that relate to each other, either in theme or visual appearance, consider displaying them in dramatic fashion on a photo wall. To keep the focus on the photos, choose simple, low-profile frames. Hang the photos on the same wall, either in a neat geometric pattern for a streamlined look or at staggered angles for a more dramatic look.
Tags: display have, display photos, place photos, place your, place your photos, twine secure
This lithium-ion battery is used in digital cameras.
With their long life spans, Lithium-ion batteries provide an economical choice for powering small portable devices. Found in digital cameras, laptop computers, camcorders and other personal devices, lithium-ion batteries are gaining popularity over other types of rechargeable batteries and disposable batteries. Multi-use lithium-ion batteries are an environmentally friendly option, unlike their close relative, the disposable standard lithium battery.
Energy Output
Lithium-ion batteries store more power than other rechargeable batteries, according to Greenbatteries.com. On average, rechargeable Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) or Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries that offer 1.2volts of energy are outdone by Lithium-ion batteries of the same weight and size with an output of 3.7volts. The electrochemical potential of lithium-ion batteries provides the largest energy density by weight according to Isidor Buchmann, CEO of Cadex Electronics Inc. of Canada.
Long Storage Life
During storage, NiCd and NiMH batteries can loose 1 to 5 percent of their stored power each day, even when not installed in electronic devices. Lithium-ion batteries tend to retain their energy, even after months of storage. Lithium-ion batteries are preferred for travel for this reason. Many sets of batteries can be prepared before the trip and even the last set will be fresh and ready to go after days of storage.
Low Maintenance
Since lithium-ion batteries retain no "memory" of power from previous charging cycles, they can be fully re-fueled during a charging cycle. Some rechargeable battery types retain small pieces of information that waste valuable energy storage space and over time make the rechargeable battery hold less of a charge. Storing lithium-ion batteries with at least a 40 percent charge is recommended by Cadex Electronics Inc. of Canada. This adds years to the usual two- to three-year life span of the battery.
Environmentally Friendly
Since lithium-ion batteries can be used repeatedly, they create less waste than standard disposable batteries that are tossed in the garbage after depletion. Once lithium-ion batteries have expired, simply place them on a lithium-ion battery charger and allow them to be re-filled with power. After years of use, or when a lithium-ion battery is damaged, it can be recycled. Since lithium-ion batteries contain no liquid electrolyte, there is no risk of chemical burns from a damaged battery.
Tags: lithium-ion batteries, Lithium-ion batteries, lithium-ion battery, Since lithium-ion, Since lithium-ion batteries, batteries that, Cadex Electronics
All sound energy is in the form of a wave. The frequency of a wave is the measurement of the number of cycles that it undergoes in a given time frame. Hertz is a measurement of frequency that depicts the number of wave cycles per second. FM signals are measured in megahertz so an FM signal of 97.5 relates to 97,500,000 waves/second.
Frequency Modulation
FM actually stands for Frequency Modulation. FM signals use various frequency levels that reproduce the sound of the originating source (i.e. music). You've probably noticed that FM contains all your music channels while AM radio is limited to news and talk programming. This is because frequency modulation allows for the transmission of the greater range of frequencies (high and low sounds) contained within music.
Transmission
FM radio originates at the broadcast source (radio stations). These stations use large antennas to send out their broadcast signal. Electrical charges are pushed up and down the broadcast antenna at a rate that relates to the carrier frequency. The movement of electrical charges creates an electromagnetic field which sends out
electromagnetic waves. The waves are sent in all directions. Carrier waves are sent out at a frequency that can be detected by your antenna (the radio station number). They carry sound information that includes the different frequencies of the original broadcast.
Reception
The electromagnetic carrier wave travels through the atmosphere until it is picked up by a receiver antenna (i.e. your car radio antenna). At this time the wave causes electrical charges to be pushed up and down your antenna and on into your receiver. The receiver decodes the modulated frequency information and then passes it to the speakers.
Processing and Hearing
The speaker vibrates according to the processed frequencies and pushes air molecules that recreate the original sound waves and pass them to your ears. You hear the music or talk that was sent in the original broadcast. Since electricity works at the speed of light, this process, from broadcast to listener, is instantaneous.
Loss of Signal
You've probably noticed, particularly if you listen to FM radio in the car, that eventually you will lose your signal. The simple reason for this is that the short wavelength of FM radio waves cause them to travel in straight lines. The earth, however, is curved. Therefore, as the earth curves, FM waves continue in a straight line into the atmosphere and are no longer receptible. The short waves are also affected by obstacles like mountains.
Tags: charges pushed, charges pushed down, Frequency Modulation, frequency that, original broadcast, probably noticed
The factory stereo installed in the Chevy Colorado only has an AM/FM stereo tuner and a CD player. Many aftermarket stereos, on the other hand, have auxiliary inputs, iPod control and options for setting up Bluetooth wireless. If you want to install an aftermarket stereo in your Chevy Colorado, the first step will be to remove the existing factory stereo. You can do this job with some basic hand tools and a little time.
Instructions
1. Eject any CDs that may be in the factory radio. Turn off the ignition of the truck, put it in park and set the parking brake.
2. Reach underneath the trim panel surrounding the radio, below the climate controls. Grasp the bottom edge of the panel and pull it firmly towards you. As the bottom comes lose, work around the edge of the trim panel with a panel tool to completely remove it.
3. Take out the three 7-mm screws on the perimeter of the radio. Pull the radio towards you and slide it out of the dash. Disconnect the connectors and the antenna plug on the back of the radio and remove the radio from the truck.
The Sunpak DS-20 flash is a small, yet versatile portable flash that can be used on a number of cameras. The flash uses two "AA" batteries and will work with your camera's Through The Lens (TTL) metering system. The flash is fully automatic and does not give the user the opportunity to manually control the power setting. Two significant features are a tilt-able flash head allowing the photographer to create a softer light, and the flash's ability to be used remotely through a wireless trigger.
Instructions
1. Slide the Sunpak DS-20 on to your camera's hot shoe and secure the flash in place using the locking device.
2. Turn the flash and camera on, allow the flash to fully charge, then look through the viewfinder and you should see a small diagonal lightning bolt that indicates the flash is ready to use.
3. Tilt the flash head by carefully prying the bottom of the white flash unit so it tilts towards the ceiling. This is called "bouncing" and creates a softer light on your subject, and all but eliminating the shadows behind it.
4. Wrap an elastic band around the top of the flash, and insert a white business card or other white card vertically into the elastic band so the card sticks up above the flash. This is a called a bounce card and helps in directing a small amount of light towards your subject.
Tags: elastic band, flash fully, flash head, softer light, Sunpak DS-20, This called
Auto focus lenses that have a focusing ring can be focused manually.
Most of today's digital and film cameras have auto-focus lenses either attached to them, or designed to work with them. There are some instances, however, when it is easier and more accurate to manually focus a lens prior to taking the picture. Adjusting camera focus is critical in capturing a picture that is not blurry. Depending on the camera and lens you are using, you can manually focus the lens accurately with some practice.
Instructions
1. Turn your camera on and adjust the "AF/MF" that is located on either the lens or the camera, depending on the manufacturer of the camera system you are using, to "MF" for manual focus. If you do not switch the lens to manual focus, you run the risk of damaging the motors when you try to focus manually. Inspect your camera lens to make sure it has a focusing ring on it. Even if the camera has the switch to change to manual focus, it needs to have a focusing ring to adjust, otherwise the lens will not be in focus.
2. Hold the camera to your eye and slowly turn the focusing ring until the image appears to be in focus. Back the focusing ring off and repeat to make sure the image is as sharp at it can be. If your camera has a "Live view" feature where you can view the image you are about to shoot on the rear LCD screen, you may get more accurate focusing using that feature when the camera is mounted to a tripod. Press the "Live view" button and the "Magnification" button to zoom in on the subject you are photographing. Adjust the lens until the image is in focus, then zoom out and recompose the picture. This works well for macro or landscape photography.
3. Press the shutter release to take the picture once the image is focused.
Tags: focusing ring, manual focus, your camera, camera lens, focus lens, have focusing, have focusing ring
Before the emergence of digital photography, Polaroid 4X5 instant film was used by large-format photographers as a tool for previewing lighting quality and composition before film processing occurred. Although Polaroid discontinued professional-grade instant film, companies such as Fuji and assorted professional camera stores continue to offer and stock 4X5 instant film alternatives. Irregardless, information on obsolete Polaroid film remains useful to photographers who want to make practical or creative use of instant film. The study of identify old Polaroid film also provides insight on the factors and conditions that influence the look of film.
Types
Polaroid instant film emulsions capture images with several distinct looks. A sepia-toned film is available, along with a black-and-white and full color variety. Some 4X5 Polaroid instant films create the look of a low, medium or high contrast image. In addition, different types of this film produce a grainy or fine-grained look, which is the result of the instant film's speed.
Speeds
Polaroid film speeds vary from slow to fast. Available instant film speeds include ISO 50, 80, 100, 400, 640 and 800. Polaroid color film speeds are slower than black and white varieties. The fastest color instant film offered by Polaroid is ISO 100, which has an inherently finer grain than some of Polaroid's faster black-and-white film options. These various speeds of Polaroid instant film accommodate several distinct types of lighting conditions.
Options
There are Polaroid 4X5 instant films designed for use under tungsten lights and daylight conditions. Low lighting conditions can be accommodated with Polaroid instant black and white film. Several varieties of Polaroid 4X5 instant film also enable a photographer to evaluate how the image will look as a negative or a positive image. These options and specifics are commonly indicated on each sheet of Polaroid 4X5 instant film, although it is.
Appearance
Identify a sheet of Polaroid film by its markings and characteristics. Each sheet resembles an envelope because the film contains all of the chemicals necessary to produce the instant image. Look for the words "Do Not Press Here," as these words indicate the presence of its chemical pod. Also, 4X5 Polaroid instant film sheets feature directional arrows, which indicate load the film into a film holder. Tabs for pulling the film sheets out of 4X5 camera film holders will be visible, too.
Tags: Polaroid instant, instant film, Polaroid instant film, instant film, Polaroid film, film speeds, black white
A transponder is a simply an electronic device created for sending and receiving electrical signals. The word "transponder" is a cross between the words transmitter and responder. Although mostly used in military and air commute applications, transponders are used by the average consumer as well. Instances of transponders can be found in cell phones, radar detectors, GPS systems and more.
Decryptor
Transponder decryptors allow you to identify and clone transponders by emulating their functionality with wireless signals. They are capable of interfacing with computers, detecting transponder activity and generating codes to communicate with transponder devices. Decryptors are often made for a specific brand of transponder or type of encryption, but generic ones are available, and the device's functionality can be extended with a personal computer.
RFID Programmer
Many transponders identify and track radio frequency identification (RFID) chips. These small devices have a miniature antenna and are capable of storing small amounts of data. RFID chips can be made to work with a larger transponder as part of a security access or tracking system, but they will need to be programmed using an RFID programming device. These small devices write to the data store of an RFID chip similar to how a magnetic card writer writes to a card's data track.
Antenna Couplers
Transponders and the devices that communicate with them have antennas attached in order to interpret the radio signals sent or received. Antenna couplers allow an array of different antennas to be linked together on a single device. Each coupled antenna can be tuned to listen on a different frequency or enhance the listening capacity of the device. You can use a coupler both in a transponder or on the device tuned to listen to it.
Tags: communicate with, RFID chips, small devices, These small, These small devices
Syncing an iPhone with a computer lets you charge the device, as well as manage the audio and video content that has been either uploaded or downloaded onto the device. The problem with syncing one 3G iPhone with two (or more) computers is that the iTunes program on those computers tries to delete the files that you have saved on the phone. This can easily be avoided by changing the way the phone syncs with iTunes.
Instructions
1. Connect the iPhone's cord to the first computer you synced the phone with via a USB port on the computer.
2. Plug the opposite end of the phone's cord into the port on the bottom of the iPhone.
3. Open iTunes on the computer.
4. Choose the iPhone selection under the "Devices" list in the left-hand iTunes column.
5. Click the "Summary" tab in iTunes.
6. Click on the blank "Manually manage music and videos" box in the middle of iTunes to check that box.
7. Click "Apply" to enable the option on the iPhone. It is now safe to sync the 3G iPhone to two computers.
Samsung mobile phones come equipped with a SIM card. SIM cards allow you to connect to your carrier's mobile network, save contacts and make calls internationally. There are multiple ways to get to the Samsung's SIM card. You can physically access the SIM card to insert and remove it, or you can get to the SIM card from the phone's menu system in order to copy SIM contacts to your phone memory.
Instructions
Physically Access SIM Card
1. Turn off your phone to ensure you do not harm any data on the Samsung.
2. Remove the battery cover off of the Samsung device by pressing down a release tab.
3. Slide off the cover of the device if it is in track, or lift it up and away from the phone.
4. Press the release notch or tab on the battery to loosen it from the casing.
5. Lift and remove the battery from the housing of the Samsung.
6. Slide the SIM card from the SIM card slot, or press in on the card to release the spring catch so you can remove it from the phone.
Access From Phone Menu
7. Select the "Menu" option when you are on the main screen of the device.
8. Scroll to and press the "Phonebook" selection and then the option for "Management."
9. Click on "View contacts" to open up memory selection options.
10. Scroll to and select "Phone and SIM card"; press the option for "SIM card."
11. Scroll through the list of contacts that are stored on the SIM card.
Chemical salts containing the element lithium long have been of interest to the medical community and have been a primary method of treating depression and mania for several decades. While researchers still are not completely clear on how lithium works in the body, its use in bipolar treatment has greatly helped decrease the high suicide rate among sufferers of that condition. Lithium also can cause some dangerous side effects, however, so it must be used carefully and under strict supervision of medical professionals.
History
Lithium was probably used for medical purposes long before the element's 1817 discovery by Swedish chemist Johan August Arfwedson. Greek physician Galen nearly 2,000 years ago prescribed patients suffering with mania to bathe and drink water in alkaline springs, which probably contained the element. After its discovery, lithium was used to treat a number of ailments in the 1800s: epilepsy, diabetes, insomnia, cancer and gout. These treatments produces few results, however. In the 1940s, doctors recommended lithium chloride as a salt substitute for patients with high sodium levels, but this is no longer done because of the risk of lithium poisoning. It was about that time that Australian psychiatrist John Cade began experimenting with lithium as a treatment of manic behavior. Trials continued through the 1960s, and lithium finally gained the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approval in the 1970s.
Bipolar Disorder Use
Lithium today is used mainly to help patients manage manic-depressive illness, also known as bipolar disorder. In drug forms such as Eskalith or Lithobid, lithium can cut down on a patient's number of manic and depression states and can make the occurrences of those states less severe. The drug gives patients more emotional control and a better ability to cope with problems by acting on the body's nervous system, according to the Mayo Clinic. Lithium medication requires a doctor's prescription and comes in the form of solutions, capsules, syrups and tablets.
Secondary Uses
While bipolar disorder treatment remains its primary use, lithium medication also has been shown to be effective in treating other conditions. Doctors have used it to treat patients with cluster headaches, depression and neutropenia, a condition in which the blood has a low white blood cell count, according to the Mayo Clinic. It also has been used with some success in trials to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a progressive, fatal disease marked by the degeneration of motor neurons. In addition, it has been used in the treatment of certain forms of eczema, according to the British Medical Journal. Lithium can be used in combination with other drugs to treat other psychological disorders, such as schizophrenia.
Side Effects
Common side effects of lithium use include an increased level of thirst, more frequent urination or a loss of bladder control, mild nausea and slight tremors in the hands. Less frequently, lithium use can cause skin rashes, muscle twitching and a bloated, full feeling in the stomach. Up to 80 percent of users of lithium for bipolar disorder do not suffer any major side effects, however. An overdose of lithium is toxic. Early signs of a lithium overdose include diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, slurred speech, trembling and drowsiness.
Limitations
Despite its effectiveness, lithium is not designed for long-term use in bipolar disorder treatment. In particular, long-term use of lithium is damaging to the kidneys. It also can disrupt the function of the thyroid and can cause weight gain. While lithium is not an addictive medication, an abrupt end to lithium dosage can cause the symptoms it was treating to return quickly. Doctors instead recommend a tapering off of lithium usage, over the course of several weeks or, preferably, months.
Tags: bipolar disorder, side effects, according Mayo, according Mayo Clinic, also been, been used, bipolar disorder treatment
Your "atomic clock" probably isn't an actual atomic clock. Consumer atomic clocks synchronize on a regular basis with one of the actual atomic clocks someplace in the world. The process of synchronizing your clock with an atomic clock is much the same as synchronizing with any other clock. However, because your atomic clock updates regularly, you will have to re-synchronize more often than you would with most other clocks.
Instructions
1. Determine when your atomic clock updates with its transmitting clock. You can usually find that information in the manual that came with the clock.
2. Choose a time to synchronize shortly after your atomic clock updates.
3. Enter the time-setting function of your regular clock. The specific method for doing this varies from clock to clock, but usually involves pushing a button that says "Time" or "Set Time."
4. Set your regular clock for one minute later than the current time on your atomic clock.
5. Wait until the time on your atomic clock matches the time on your regular clock.
6. Exit the time-setting function of your regular clock.
Tags: your atomic clock, your regular clock, atomic clock, atomic clock, regular clock, your regular
Thermocouples are widely used in manufacturing and industry whenever precise temperature control is required. They are rarely incorporated in the residential home, although newer HVAC units are utilizing them in a few of the more efficient models of combustion burners for the home market. Because they are so precise in reading the temperature differences down to 0.1 of a degree, the thermocouple can save energy by not having the heating or cooling activate with such a wide margin of inaccuracy.
How do Thermocouples Work?
Most thermocouples are all manufactured in the same way and operate on the same principle. They use dissimilar metals that when heated or cooled will generate a small voltage or current. The voltage is called a discreet signal. This voltage is so small most volt ohmmeters are not equipped to read the value. The voltage is in the mille volts or .001 volts. The same for current generated thermocouples they register in the mille amps or .001 amps.
Are There Ranges in Voltage?
Some models of the voltage thermocouples are fed a voltage in the range of 0 to 5 volts and feed back a higher voltage, but with a discreet change in the signal, generally again in the .001-volt range. Current generating thermocouples have a range typically, in the 4 to 20-mille-amp signal. Where the 4-mille amp is the low end and the 20-mille amp is the high side of the signal. You might also this written as 4ma to 20ma.
How are Thermocouples Made?
The thermocouples are constructed with very thin wires most in the diameter of .010 inches. They are then welded at the ends to form a circuit or conduction path. These small wires are encased in a metal tube and electrically insulated from the outer tube. Generally they are immersed in a heat conducting liquid or paste so the environment in which they are placed can be read, temperature taken and a small voltage or current generated from the difference of the two wires.
How is the Signal Interpreted?
The signal or voltage from the thermocouple is then fed into a controller which interprets the signal. Generally it amplifies the signal so it can be used to control the device that is either heating or cooling.
What Makes Thermocouple Wiring?
Many companies use proprietary substances in the thermocouple wires. So much so that if you attempt to take one apart to see the material used they will generally be ruined. Also the conducting substance can be toxic to your skin and or health. It is never recommended to take a thermocouple apart.
Tags: current generated, heating cooling, small voltage, small voltage current, voltage current
A 35mm camera is a camera that uses standard 35mm film. 35mm film is one of the most popular film sizes in the history of film photography. This film size, which gets its name from the 35mm width of the film strip, has been in use since the late 1800s. There are a number of types of 35mm cameras.
History of 35mm Film
The 35mm film standard was developed by Thomas Edison and produced by George Eastman, who founded the Eastman Kodak company. The film was originally designed for motion picture films sprocket to aid in movie production and projection.
The First 35mm Still Camera
Although the first still 35mm camera was developed for experimental use in 1913, the first production 35mm camera, the Leica I, was released in 1925.
Viewfinder 35mm Cameras
Early 35mm cameras were designed to be compact and easy to use. Focusing was accomplished by estimating the distance from the camera to the subject, and setting the distance on a focusing ring.
Rangefinder 35mm Cameras
Because it was difficult to focus viewfinder cameras, rangefinders were developed. A rangefinder uses a prism and a mirror to create two separate images. As a lens is focused, the prism moves. Focusing a rangefinder is a matter of lining up the two images.
Single Lens Reflex (SLR) 35mm cameras
Because the viewfinder was offset from the lens, what the photographer saw through the viewfinder was not necessarily the exact image that was captured through the lens. This led to the 1936 development of the single lens reflex (SLR) 35mm camera. An SLR takes the light from a single lens and reflects it through a viewfinder. The photographer sees the exact image that will be captured on film.
With the emergence of higher-quality DVD technology, the VHS format for videos has become obsolete. VHS is a less concise method of video playback and is more prone to breakdown from overuse. One form of VHS tapes have technology designed to prevent the video from being copied. If you don't wish to purchase a digital copy of a protected VHS or if it cannot be found, you can transfer the VHS to DVD with the use of a capture card.
Instructions
1. Connect the capture card to your hard drive, either by inserting it into an available PCI slot at the back of your computer or by using a USB cord for an external card. Install the accompanying software to your computer. Since you will be recording the VHS tapes onto your hard drive in AVI format, configure the capture card to a high-quality setting (720x480).
2. In order to bypass Macrovision's analog copy protection, you must use a video stabilizer or a video enhancer. This will filter out the Macrovision and allow you to record video from a protected VHS tape. Connect the VHS player to the filtering device using an S-video cable or a cable with RCA connectors. Then connect the device to your capture card with a second S-video cable or cable with RCA connectors.
3. Begin recording with the capture card's media application and play the tape. The video should appear on your screen. Monitor the size of the file and stop recording when the tape finishes.
4. Save the AVI file and burn it onto a blank DVD-R using the appropriate conversion software.
Tags: capture card, cable cable, cable cable with, cable with, cable with connectors, hard drive
Document cameras, the next generation of the overhead projector, have a lot of advantages and some disadvantages. Cost is a big drawback. Other problems include the need for a projection unit and the lack of awareness among schools, according to Techlearning.com. And some consider the name "document camera" a misnomer.
Description
The document camera is a video camera mounted on a stand with an illuminated display platform under the lens. A teacher or presenter places documents or objects under the camera and projects the image onto a screen. Other names for a document camera include video visualizer, video presenter, digital visualizer, docucams, or Elmo, a popular brand.
Innovation
The document camera is next generation to the long-used overhead transparency projector. While an overhead projector can only display and magnify transparencies, a document camera projects images of items, such as black and white paper, objects, color paper, textbooks and more.
Cost
Document cameras range in cost from $500 to more than $1,000. This is much more than the outdated overhead projector, which costs $100 to $300, according to the Schooloutfitters.com. An improperly maintained document camera can be expensive to fix. However, it eliminates the need for and cost of making transparencies. Some document camera manufacturers, such as Samsung, have either lowered prices on the cameras or created less expensive models for use in kindergarten through 12th grade classrooms.
Projection
Another disadvantage is the document camera must connect to a data or computer projector, a television or a whiteboard to display an image. Adding a projector, television or whiteboard only adds to the overall cost. Another slight disadvantage is while most documents are in vertical or portrait format, most display units feature horizontal or landscape orientation.
Not Widespread
Since the document camera is rather new, it is not well known and in widespread use in schools. Its expense is a problem for education, especially public schools. However, universities, businesses and churches use the technology to enhance learning, presentations and meetings. It also has use in court trials to display evidence.
Misnomer
Known by many names, the most common is "document camera." Some consider this inaccurate, however, because it displays more than just documents, according to the website Qomo.com.
Tags: document camera, document camera, more than, overhead projector, camera projects
Even when not in use, batteries can lose their charge over time. Some battery types, such as alkaline batteries, do not discharge much at room temperature. Other battery types, such as nickel-metal hydride batteries (Ni-MH), discharge at a more rapid pace. You can reduce the amount of battery discharge in Ni-MH rechargeable batteries by placing them in a cold location, such as the refrigerator or freezer.
Instructions
1. Place the batteries in a watertight container or plastic storage bag. If you use a plastic storage bag, make sure it is thick and sealed. Consider placing a second bag around the first to keep the batteries from getting wet.
2. Stick the container or storage bag holding the batteries near the back of the refrigerator to reduce the chance of spills contaminating the batteries.
3. Remove the container from the refrigerator when you are ready to use the batteries. Pull the batteries out and let them sit until they return to room temperature. The batteries are now ready for use.
A Personal Digital Assistant, or PDA, can be used as a Smartphone. PDAs are commonly referred to as palmtop computers. Internet capability come standard on the PDA Smartphone, as is a USB port to sync information from the PDA Smartphone from a personal PC. All major phone companies offer a version of the PDA Smartphone.
Internet Access
PDA Smartphones are Internet compatible and can be browsed anywhere as long as there is a clear signal.
Email
Email accounts can be synced to the PDA Smartphone device. Owners can check their email and respond to it if they are not near a personal computer.
Data Processing
Depending on the PDA Smartphone, data processing software comes standard or can be downloaded at a low price. Users can save the document as a file and use it later.
Touch Screen
All PDA Smartphones and stand-alone PDAs have touch screen capabilities. A stylus does not come standard with PDA Smartphones.
Normal Phone Usage
Despite all the features of a PDA Smartphone, users can use it simply to talk to other individuals.
QWERTY Keyboard
A QWERTY keyboard comes standard on a PDA Smartphone. The keyboard either comes up on the screen electronically or has one equipped on the phone.
Tags: come standard, comes standard, standard Smartphone
When using a soft-focus filter on a film or digital camera, it gives the pictures a hazy, dreamlike quality. Commercial filters are easy to find, but there are several do-it-yourself options that can be used by those who are short on cash.
Instructions
Cling Wrap
1. Tear off a small section of cling wrap. Make sure that the piece is big enough to cover the camera lens with a little extra to wrap around the sides.
2. Stretch the cling wrap taut over the lens of the camera. Make sure that there are no creases or wrinkles, as these will show up in photographs.
3. Secure the cling wrap to the camera using an elastic band. If possible, use an elastic band that is big enough to wrap at least twice to ensure that the plastic will not shift during shooting.
4. Add a small drop of baby oil to the fingers or a dry cloth. Wipe the oil on the plastic over the camera lens. Different smudges on the plastic will create different effects (ie: circular motion versus straight across), so experiment with different methods until you find one that works best.
5. Carefully remove the elastic band and cling wrap when you are finished shooting. The makeshift filter can be thrown away.
Pantyhose
6. Cut off a section of the pantyhose using a pair of scissors. Make sure that the section is big enough to cover the camera lens with some room to spare on the sides.
7. Stretch the piece of pantyhose taut over the camera lens.
8. Secure the pantyhose by wrapping the elastic band around the camera lens. Make sure that the homemade filter is secure and will not shift around during shooting.
Tags: camera lens, elastic band, Make sure, Make sure that, sure that, camera lens with