Become A Wildlife Tracking System Dealer

Becoming a wildlife tracking system dealer lends credibility to businesses who sell hunting related products. Training courses and workshops instruct prospective dealers on the operation, use, and installation of wildlife tracking systems. Dealers also often attend trade shows and host promotional events to market the systems. Hunters use the tracking systems to monitor wildlife areas in preparation for hunting trips. Scientists and nature enthusiasts also purchase tracking systems for study and photography purposes.

Instructions

1. Learning become a wildlife tracking system dealer requires a basic knowledge of the companies which make the outdoor recreational products. Companies such as Bushnell, Cuddeback, Leaf River, Wildview, Scotguard, and Stealth Cam manufacture wildlife Tracking Systems. These products are typically mounted to a post, or positioned in a tree in a wildlife or hunting area. The cameras are primarily digital, and can be set to snap still photos, or stream video. The options on a camera, including the real time review of images, vary by price of the equipment. Dealers are often required to become knowledgeable about multiple brands of cameras and related equipment.

2. Acquiring knowledge about the product specifics, and available in-house training, is the second step in the process of becoming a dealer. Most major wildlife tracking system companies offer in-house training for prospective dealers several times during the year. Contacting the corporate offices of the brand a dealer wishes to sale is the best way to gain specific knowledge of the product, and network with account representatives. Most companies do not charge for the short dealer training courses, but do require a specific number of products be purchased at the end of the training course.

3. Connect with company representatives. Scot Guard offers one of the largest and most comprehensive wildlife tracking systems dealer programs nationwide. The Scot Guard Company sells directly to dealers, and not to the general public. The training course instructs potential dealers on the uses and history of the products. Troubleshooting and technical instruction is also included in the free course. A registration form is required to register for the training workshops.

4. Register for an outdoor education course. The Acorn Naturalists Company offers a myriad of training in the wildlife equipment and dealer education. The company was founded nearly 20 years ago, and specializes in enhancing the skills of professionals in environmental and interpretive natural careers. Potential wildlife tracking system dealers earn certificates of completion in multiple areas of outdoor recreation and wildlife tracking systems.

5. Learning on-site at the dealer's location can also be advantageous for demonstrating the product to potential clients. Telenax offers free wildlife tracking system training to dealers who purchase at least ten items from the company. The Telemetry for Nature course provides on-site training, and equipment use techniques. The on-site review will offer hands-on training in the mounting and use of the wildlife tracking system. The only requirement of the prospective dealer is to provide lodging and meals during the training. Training can also be taken at a Telenex office. The training course can be taken in one or two-day segments, with a total of eight hours of free training provided.

Tags: tracking system, wildlife tracking, wildlife tracking system, tracking systems, training course, wildlife tracking

Use A Nikon Speedlight Sb600 Flash With A Canon Xsi

Professional photographers typically remain loyal to one brand of camera and accessories.

There are ways to make some camera accessories work across brand names, such as using adapter kits to make Nikon lenses work on Canon SLR cameras. Mixing and matching mechanical components isn't always the best idea, and using a Nikon speedlight flash on a Canon Digital Rebel Xsi could ruin both devices. The flash might slide easily into the Canon's hotshoe, but the voltage requirements are different. Using the two devices together is risky; it's better to buy a Canon-compatible flash.

Compatibility

The Nikon Speedlight SB-600 works with the Canon Xsi, up to a point. There are severe limitations to its functionality. The speedlight should flash when you take a photo with your Canon, but the camera and flash won't communicate with each other in any way besides the actual snap of the flash. You must use full manual mode on your flash, which means significant trial and error to find the correct exposure.

Voltage

Nikon and Canon create their cameras and flashes to work with specific voltages. The Canon Xsi is designed to work with 6v flashes, while Nikon speedlights are set up for 12v. Using the Canon Xsi with the Nikon SB-600 creates the risk of burning the electronics inside the flash as well as those that manage the Canon's flash communication system.

Limitations

A major breakthrough in flash technology, through-the-lens, or TTL, metering, won't work when using a Nikon speedlight with a Canon Xsi camera. This means you will have to use a complicated mathematical formula to determine the necessary aperture setting based on your lighting conditions and the distance to the subject. This adds significant time and trouble to your photo shoot. Also, you won't be able to trigger the Nikon flash remotely. Nikon uses radio signals for a remote trigger, but Canon uses an infrared sensor. The two technologies are not compatible.

Alternate Flash

If you own a Nikon SB-600 and a Canon Xsi, the best idea is to sell the flash and use that money to purchase a compatible Canon flash. There is a decent resell market for Nikon Speedlights, so you can use that money to offset the investment in a Canon flash, such as the Canon 430EX Speedlite. The 430EX offers many of the same features as the SB-600, including a flash head that rotates up, left and right; advanced zoom range; and improved white balance accuracy.

Tags: Canon flash, best idea, camera accessories, Canon camera, Nikon SB-600

Shoot Sports On A Panasonic P2

Panasonic P2 camcorders are temperature, shock and vibration-resistant.

Panasonic P2 camcorders are professional camcorders that allow you to shoot in HD. P2 camcorders do not have internal parts that move, such as a hard disk drive or a DVD disc you would insert to record on; instead, it saves any recorded material to memory cards. The P2 camcorders are resistant to high temperatures, shocks and vibration. It is ideal to shoot sports on a P2 camcorder, because the device can capture the fast movement of the game and stay clear if you need to move around the field to capture the entire game while filming. It is also recommended to shoot in auto mode, as you may miss moments in the game or not have all the footage clear if you need to manually change the settings when moving on the field.

Instructions

1. Slide the "Power" button to "On."

2. Press the "Open" button on the LCD monitor to open the monitor and view the footage you are filming. Adjust the monitor to position. If you prefer, you can hold the viewfinder up to your eyes and look through that instead.

3. Adjust your physical position on the field. Esquire magazine recommends you get on your knees to shoot the game, because you will get a better view of the players' positions and faces, in addition to the landscape. Stay in a single position that captures the field and pan the camera from one side to the other to capture the action, or physically move yourself around the edge of the field to film it. To keep the camera steady, hold the camera with both hands and keep your elbows fixed against your torso.

4. Slide the "Auto/Manual" button to "Auto." This will automatically set the focus, gain, iris and white balance to make sure you get the best picture. When you are moving around on the field or the action moves across the area you are filming, the focus may change; the auto setting will then automatically adjust.

5. Press the red "Start/Stop" button on the power button to begin filming.

6. Press the red "Start/Stop" button on the power button when you are finished filming to stop.

7. Open the card cover.

8. Push the memory card into the slot so it will spring up.

9. Hold the card with two fingers and gently pull it out. Close the card cover.

Tags: around field, button power, button power button, card cover, clear need, Panasonic camcorders

Page A Beeper

A beeper is a popular telecommunications device.

Initially introduced in the 1950s, beepers are popular devices used as a form of telecommunications. Several types of beepers are available, including one-way numeric, alpha-numeric and two-way models. Although beepers were initially designed to only receive numeric messages, newer models send and receive emails and text messages and receive recorded voice messages.

Instructions

1. Obtain the beeper number for the beeper to which you want to send a page. All beepers are assigned a number that you must call to send a message or page.

2. Dial the beeper number and wait for the line to connect. You will hear a beep, tone or recorded message that indicates when to enter your numeric or alphanumeric message.

3. Enter the phone number where you want to be called or any numeric, alphanumeric or voice message.

4. Press the pound (#) key on your phone to send the page to the beeper. Within a few seconds, the intended recipient will receive the page.

Tags: beeper number, numeric alphanumeric, send page

How Get My Dvr To Record From A Video Camera

Record video camera footage to a DVR with a simple cable connection.

A digital video recorder (DVR) can be connected to a digital video camera for dubbing camera footage or capturing live events, such as using the video camera for surveillance. The camera is set to playback mode for transmitting previously recorded video, or to record mode for transmitting live action. Choosing a cable to connect the components depends on the DVR and video camera models but typically involves either component RGB video (red, green and blue cables) or digital optical with a cable and plug resembling a smaller version of a telephone plug. These cables typically come with the camera.

Instructions

1. Connect the camera to the DVR using the cable supplied with the camera. RGB video cables use a single multi-plug on one end that connects to the port on the side or back edge of the video camera. The colored plugs on the other end match the colors on the audio-video input jacks on the back of the DVR. Digital optical cables have a single plug on each end that inserts straight into the ports on the camera and DVR.

2. Turn on the camera and DVR, then set the mode on the digital camera either to playback, for dubbing existing video, or to record, for outputting live video to the DVR as it is captured by the camera. The mode setting is typically on the array of buttons along the left edge or back of the camera. The specific mode will display on the camera's LCD screen. Digital video cameras typically display the area in front of the camera lens when set to record mode without actually pressing the "Record" button, which will store video on the camera's internal hard drive or media disc. Instead, leave the camera in record mode without activating the internal recording. The DVR will take care of recording.

3. Press the "Menu" button on the DVR remote control and use the up and down arrow keys to scroll to "Setup." Highlight "Record" and press the "Enter" or "OK" key.

4. Select "Record" and press "Enter" or "OK" to begin recording from the video camera immediately, or highlight and select the DVR's programming function to set the on and off times for recording, then press the 'Enter" or "OK" button on the remote. Follow the simple prompts on the DVR display or TV, if the DVR is attached to a television, for setting the record program.

Tags: video camera, press Enter, record mode, button remote, camera footage, digital video

Types Of Video Cables

Video cables are used to connect the various modern visual electronic devices we use today. There are a few distinct types of cables that each have their own method of transmitting video signals, thereby producing varying degrees of image quality.

Coaxial Cables

Coaxial video cables are the standard cables used to relay the video signal coming into a home from the source, whether it be a cable or satellite provider, and through the home to the outlets and then to connecting the receiver. These cables consist of copper wires braiding around the core wires and then insulated, with connectors on the ends to screw into the device inputs.

HDMI Cables

HDMI (High Definition Media Interface) cables provide the highest quality digital video. Most newer TVs, cable/satellite receivers, Blu-Ray/DVD players and even some computers have HDMI inputs. HDMI cables have rectangular ends, slightly smaller on one side, and transmit high definition video and audio.

Component Video

The other option for providing high definition pictures are component video cables, which look like regular audio/video cables, but have five prongs at each end for the connectors: red, blue and green for video, and red and white for audio. Most newer TVs, cable/satellite receivers and DVD players have inputs for these as well.

S-Video

If your equipment doesn't have HDMI or composite video inputs, or if those inputs are used by other devices, another option is S-Video (Super Video) cables. These carry the video as two separate signals, still offering higher quality than standard video cables; the ends are round with four small pins inside to fit into the inputs.

Standard Video Cables

For basic quality video, there are also standard audio/video cables, usually grouped together with three prongs at each end--one for video (usually yellow) and two for stereo audio (red and white). These have been widely used to connect VCRs, DVD players and camcorders to a TV, though most devices now offer the higher quality inputs.

Tags: cable satellite, audio video, audio video cables, cable satellite receivers, cables have, cables used

What Are Schematics

Schematics are diagrams that represent the various elements of a particular system. They often use graphic symbols that are abstract representations of real things.

Purpose

The purpose of a schematic diagram is to convey information to the observer in a readily digestible fashion. Schematics usually omit details that are not relevant, and they may add unrealistic and exaggerated elements in order to aid understanding.

Common Uses

Schematics are commonly used to describe the design of a piece of equipment, tool or system.

Subway System Schematics

You can find schematics of subway systems when looking at a subway line map. Each subway line is typically represented by a different color, and each station is represented by a dot.

Electrical Industry

Schematics are commonly used in the electrical industry. Schematics for electrical circuits are prepared by designers who use electronic design automation (EDA) tools.

Furniture Setup

In many furniture setup manuals, schematics are used to indicate the various parts, tools, and steps necessary to construct a particular piece of furniture.

Tags: commonly used, Schematics commonly, Schematics commonly used, subway line

Lexmark C544 900 Firmware Errors

The Lexmark C544 printer has several known issues that result in code 900 errors. A firmware update, reset or repair is required to fix the majority of these problems.

900.00 Or 900.44 Service RIP Errors

The printer displays a "900.00/900.44 Service RIP Software Error" when there is an issue with the printing process, the software driver or the hardware itself. The diagnosis process and suggested fixes are explained on the Lexmark website.

900 Firmware Error

A "900 Firmware Error" is displayed when the printer has a hardware issue (if it is idle) or a software issue (if it was attempting to print when the error appeared). Visit the Lexmark website for a detailed step-by-step guide to diagnosing the problem and identifying the cause of the fault.

Firmware Update

A firmware update released by Lexmark for the C544 fixes a number of known issues with the code 900 error message. The patch can be downloaded and installed from the Lexmark website -- unzip the archived file and view the README file before updating.

Tags: Lexmark C544, Lexmark website, Firmware Error, firmware update, known issues

Industrial Metal Detectors

Industrial metal detectors help remove metal particles and prevent contamination of a product line. This is especially important if the products are consumed by people or animals. Industrial detectors help ensure product safety by alerting the presence of unwanted metal (sometimes referred to as "tramp metal") in products. They also can help identify faulty equipment in other production stages. Tramp metal from broken or damaged processing equipment is one source of contamination.

Purpose

The food and beverage, textile, plastics and pharmaceutical industries use industrial metal detectors as part of their quality control processes. A key safety issue in the food and beverage industry, for example, is contamination of food by tramp metal from machinery used in the production process. Traditionally, industries use metal detectors at the output stage of production to ensure that no contaminated products are released. However, some manufacturers of industrial metal detectors advise their customers to use these devices at the input stage as well. Doing so can detect tramp metal early in the production process and help reduce product waste by preventing contamination of an entire batch. While finding unwanted metal particles, industrial metal detectors can also ensure that desired metal elements are present. Toys found in breakfast cereal boxes are one example of a desired metal element in a product.

Components

The basic components of industrial metal detectors include the sensor, signal processor, output device and the control. The sensor is what reacts to the proximity of metal particles. When it detects that metal is present in the product being screened, the sensor sends a signal to the filter. The filter, or signal processor, is an internal computer. When the sensor detects that metal is present, the filter activates a signal--usually an alarm tone--from the output device. The metal detector's control governs the operation of all other components.

Specialized Uses

The most advanced industrial metal detectors have record-keeping capacities that allow them to store records of all metal detections. Operators can access these records--which include details on the products screened, the type of contaminant and the detection time. The latter is important for operators to locate other product that may be contaminated, or identify any points in the production process at which contamination may have occurred.

Caution

A key to successful operation of industrial metal detectors is to establish and respect a metal-free zone around the device. The region surrounding the device should be kept clear of metal elements so that the detector can reliably detect "tramp metal" in products.

Types

Industrial metal detectors come in many shapes, sizes and styles. Two of the most common include the horizontal aperture and vertical aperture models. The former allows products to enter the opening (or aperture) via conveyor belt. The vertical aperture is intended for use in settings where products to be inspected are transported by pneumatic means.

Tags: metal detectors, industrial metal, tramp metal, industrial metal detectors, metal particles, production process, desired metal

Make Posters With Pictures

Use a favorite photo to create a personal poster.

Posters are a great way to decorate a room in your home or office. To personalize, consider creating a poster from one of your own photographs.

Easy to use design software programs can help you design a poster including any inspirational words or sayings you might want to include.

Few people have the capacity to print out a large poster-size photo. Fortunately, many photo processors will print the photo in poster size, or you can take the photo to a local print shop and ask for a poster-size print.

Instructions

Design

1. Choose your photos or photos, save onto your computer in JPEG format.

2. Find an inspirational or personal saying to include on the poster.

3. Create a montage with favorite photos for a unique poster.

Using a design software program on your computer (e.g., Pagemaker or Microsoft Publisher), arrange your photos and text the way you want them. You can use only one photo with no text or a montage of photographs--get creative.

4. Save your creation in JPEG format. Print or save the JPEG on a flash drive or CD.

5. Take your image to a copy center and request a poster of your creation. Some developers (e.g., Walgreens, Walmart, etc.) allow a customer to place the order online. The sites are easy to use and provide a step-by-step guide for uploading your image to the site.

Tags: design software, JPEG format, your computer, your creation, your image, your photos

Buy A Flip Digital Video Camera For The Best Price

No need to go overboard when purchasing your video camera.

The Flip digital video camera is an easy-to-use device that is small and smartly priced. If you are not interested in the high-end features of more expensive cameras, the Flip might be the perfect alternative for your video recording needs. Now to get the best deal.

Instructions

1. Go to TheFlip.com. Place your mouse over the "Video Cameras" menu and select "Find Your Flip." Compare the different Flip models -- as of the date of this publication there are two: the ultraHD and minoHD.

2. Compare the features of each Flip camera. Click the "See Full Specs" link at the bottom of the page for a complete technical rundown of each Flip. Decide which Flip best suits your needs and jot the name of the camera and Flip's selling price down on a piece of paper.

3. Read other customer reviews. Go to some retail websites that sell electronics and enter your Flip camera into the search engine. Pull up the camera you are looking to purchase, and read the customer reviews from others who have already bought and used the Flip. Your camera choice received glowing accolades? Proceed to purchase.

4. Go to ConsumerSearch.com to begin your price shopping. For this example, you've decided to buy the Flip ultraHD. Type "Flip ultraHD" in the search box on the ConsumerSearch Home page and click "Go." Scroll down and locate your camera in the ConsumerSearch Product Reviews box. Click on it to read the product review. Click on the "See All Stores" option to the right, and review the available stores and pricing information. Compare it to the price on Flip's website. Purchase your Flip from a trusted retailer with the best price ... which might be directly from Flip itself.

Tags: camera Flip, customer reviews, each Flip, Flip camera, Flip ultraHD, video camera, your Flip

What Are Batteries Made Of

What are Batteries Made Of?

What are Alkaline Batteries Made of?

The alkaline battery can take the square or cylindrical form that we all know so well. The contents are contained safely within a steel casing. The cathode, which is the negative part of the battery, is a compressed mixture of manganese dioxide paste and carbon powder. The center of the cathode is hollow and lines with a conductive separator to prevent the cathode and anode materials from mixing, but allowing their varying electrical potentials to pass from one to the other. The anode is the positive part of the battery and contained within the center of the cathode. It's a gel of potassium hydroxide and zinc powder.

What are Zinc-Carbon Batteries Made of?

The box or exterior of the Zinc-Carbon battery doubles as the anode, being made entirely of zinc. It contains a mixture of manganese dioxide and carbon powder as the cathode. The cathode floats within a solution of ammonium chloride and zinc chloride dissolved in water.

What are Nickel-Cadmium Batteries Made of?

Nickel-cadmium batteries are better known as NiCad or rechargeable batteries. They are made of two thin plates of nickel oxy-hydroxide and cadmium which are flattened together and rolled up into a cylinder shape. The nickel oxy-hydroxide acts as the anode, and the cadmium acts as the cathode. The catalyst is the electrolyte fluid which fills the battery, known as potassium hydroxide. This causes an electrical charge to build between the anode and the cathode.

Tags: Batteries Made, carbon powder, center cathode, manganese dioxide, mixture manganese, mixture manganese dioxide

Recover Photos From A Digital Memory Card And Os X

Macintosh computers comeswith a basic program to help recover data.

The Apple Macintosh's OS X operating system comes with a data recovery program as part of the system. This application, called Disk Utility, comes with every Macintosh computer and can recover data from a damaged or corrupted disk. Disk Utility will work to recover photos from a digital memory card in most cases, but for deeper problems with the card, you may need a third-party disk recovery application.

Instructions

1. Plug the memory card reader into the USB or Firewire port on the Mac, depending on which type you use. Insert the memory card into the reader. If the digital memory card has not been damaged too severely, an icon will pop up on the desktop in the Finder, the Mac's basic operating system window.

2. Open the Disk Utility application. You can find it by going to a new Finder window, clicking the "Applications" folder and then the "Utilities" folder. Once you open the application, it will search for all the disks connected to the Mac. It will show you the internal hard drive, any external hard drives connected and powered up, optical media such as DVDs or CDs inserted in drives and the memory card.

3. Select the digital memory card's icon from the list on the left in the Disk Utility application's window. This will give you basic information about the disk and four options in the right-hand side of the window: First Aid, Erase, RAID and Restore.

4. Run First Aid on the memory card before more elaborate procedures. At the lower right, two buttons will be enabled: "Verify Disk" and "Repair Disk." If you already know you are having problems with the memory card, you can skip to Repair Disk. Click the button and wait for the program to repair the memory card. It will tell you if it has made minor repairs or if it cannot repair the disk. If it did repair the memory card, immediately go back to the Finder and copy the images off the card to a folder on your hard drive. Then go back to Disk Utility and use "Erase" to reformat the card. You also may have to format the card again in the camera, but by doing this you can run "Repair Disk" again in Disk Utility to make certain there are no problems remaining on the card.

5. Click the "Restore" button at the top of the window and follow the instructions if using "Repair Disk" does not work. This will allow you, in most cases, to copy your photos off the card and onto the hard drive using Disk Utility. You will need to have enough hard drive space to transfer the information from the memory card. Then drag the icon of the memory card into the area labeled "Source" and drag the hard-drive icon to "Destination." Click "Restore." Once the process is complete, you should be able to recover the photos from the restored version of the memory card that now resides on your hard drive. Then delete the information on the memory card, erase it and reformat it in the digital camera.

Tags: memory card, Disk Utility, hard drive, Repair Disk, digital memory card

Camera What Is Ev

Camera: What Is EV?

EV stands for exposure value, which refers to the amount of light that is in a given exposure. EV is a term that was first coined during the development of exposure and equivalent camera settings in Germany during the 1950s. EV relates directly to the combination of camera shutter speed and relative aperture, which determine the amount of exposure provided in a photograph.

Why EV is Important

It is rare to find a digital camera that does not offer some sort of EV compensation setting. The important thing to know about exposure is that while a digital camera will try to determine the appropriate settings for a particular scene, the method of choosing the appropriate brightness or dimness is not always foolproof. Snowy scenes, for example, are often too dark, while beach scenes are often too bright. Digital camera manufacturers understand that mistakes happen, and that many photographers wish to set their own exposure, and so EV is almost always offered.

When to Use EV

Digital cameras are pre-calibrated to expose images correctly based upon a healthy mix of light and dark areas. The midpoint brightness is chosen and used as a guide in setting the correct exposure. But for those scenes that are primarily dark or primarily bright, the incorrect exposure may often be used.

For scenes like these, and other situations where the default exposure may not be the desired one, EV can be manually adjusted.

Use EV

Take advantage of exposure value adjustments or compensation whenever you would like to lighten or darken a photo. If you have ever shot an "as is" scene of snow, water or sand, then you will know that the lack of contrasting shades create a dim or washed out photograph. But even typical photos of children, animals or landscape can often be adversely affected by exposure issues. To use EV, you'll need to locate the appropriate settings on your digital camera. These are usually clearly identified as being "exposure adjustments" or "exposure compensation." Choose positive exposure increase (+) to add brightness, and choose negative exposure decrease (-) to decrease the overall exposure.

Understanding EV Bracketing

Exposure values and bracketing go hand in hand. When adjusting exposure you may not be sure how far to go, or even which direction to try. It's suggested that you test out various exposures on a stationery setting. Be sure to compare the various exposures you have tried, until you find the one that suits the photograph best. Remember that an exposure value of zero (0) is the default, normal exposure setting that all digital cameras feature.

Where to Find EV Settings

Most digital cameras provide the controls for EV adjustment in an easy to find spot. Many DSLRs (Digital Single Lens Reflex) provide manual controls that can be operated from the top, side or back of the camera. Smaller and more compact point and shoot digital cameras may offer exposure value adjustment or compensation options in a menu or sub-menu. If you're not sure where to find the EV settings for your particular digital camera, check the user manual.

Tags: exposure value, appropriate settings, Camera What, digital camera, digital camera, digital cameras, settings your

Recover Sd Card Data

Accidents happen, and deleting the contents of an SD memory card is a relatively simple mistake to make. However, in many cases it is not an irreversible one. Many devices do not clear the card when erasing data, so it is possible to recover lost items with care.

Instructions

1. Do not use the card for any other purpose before attempting to recover data. Further use of the card will destroy any remaining files the card contains and will render the data unrecoverable. Immediately write-protect the card according to the manufacturer's instructions.

2. Download card recovery software. There are a multitude of utilities available for this (see Resources). Some are free; others cost money. Try a free program or see if a free trial is available. These utilities make it possible to see the files that have not yet been overwritten on your SD card.

3. Insert the card into your card reader or device, and run the card recovery software. The software will scan your device for the files and alert you to any complete, recoverable files available. Recover the images according to the program instructions. Some programs charge a fee per file to be recovered.

Tags: card recovery, card recovery software, recovery software, your card

Match Swr With Coax Cable

The propagation of electromagnetic radiation has important applications in radio transmission and absorption. Radio transmitters are connected to an antenna via coaxial cables. When a radio wave is transmitted, it travels down the coaxial cable, up though the antenna, and into free space. However, as the radio wave travels towards the antenna, it can be reflected at areas of different impedance. The standing wave ratio (SWR) is a measure of this reflection and is used to calibrate transmitters with their associated aerials. A standing wave ratio of 1 means an antenna is at its optimum performance.

Instructions

1. Cut a suitable length of coaxial cable and put the coaxial plugs on both sides.

2. Connect the SWR meter in series (in between) the transmitter and the coaxial cable. Connect the end of the coaxial cable to the antenna.

3. Transmit a signal and read off a value of the SWR. If the SWR is high, there is a high amount of the radio wave being reflected either at the antenna or within the coaxial cable.

4. To match the coaxial cable with a low SWR rating, the following considerations are important: thicker coaxial cable has a lower signal loss; when constructing the cable, ensure that the braid is clean and continuous though all of the plugs and sockets used; ensure that all fittings on the coaxial cables are tight.

Tags: coaxial cable, radio wave, coaxial cables, ensure that, standing wave

Take Pictures Of Christmas Lights

Christmas Lights

Decorating the house with colorful lights is a tradition at the holidays. From Christmas to New Year's, neighborhoods are illuminated by cascading rope lights, inflatable seasonal characters and evergreens draped in multicolored Christmas lights. Photographing these seasonal masterpieces is a good way to preserve the memory forever. Some take pictures of seasonal lights so they can recreate the look the next season or just to add to the family scrapbook. Whatever your reason for photographing Christmas lights, take time to practice, and you too can document the colors of the season.

Instructions

1. Gather the camera equipment needed to photograph Christmas lights at night. Use a film or digital SLR camera. Attach a lens that will allow you to get the whole house in the picture. Select a wide-angle lens if you have to be close to the house when taking the picture. Use a mid-range zoom lens, such as a 35-135mm lens, if you are able to back up and stand back from the house.

2. Set up the camera after dark. Use a tripod to steady the camera, since it will take a long exposure to photograph the Christmas lights. Attach the camera to the tripod. If using an older manual-style film SLR camera, attach a cable release to the shutter. If using a digital SLR or newer film SLR camera, set the camera to release the shutter after a short delay.

3. Adjust the settings on the camera. Using the camera on an automatic setting will not give good results. Manually adjusting the camera aperture and shutter speed will allow the Christmas lights to expose properly. Set the camera to manual exposure mode. Select an aperture of f8 to get good depth of field. If using a telephoto lens, select f16.

4. Use the bracket method to capture a variety of exposures. Leave the aperture setting constant and take a variety of frames, adjusting the shutter speed slightly each time. For example, on the first exposure select a 30-second exposure. Be careful not to bump the camera during those 30 seconds, or you will get a blurry picture.

5. Try multiple exposures, such as 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes and 5 minutes. The longer the shutter speed, the more light is recorded, and the brighter the picture will be. If left to expose too long, the picture will have a daytime appearance.

6. Practice with several exposures. Once the magic formula has been found for that particular scene, take a variety of angles of the Christmas lights. Photograph the front and sides of the house. Focus on illuminated trees, displays and yard scenes.

Tags: Christmas lights, shutter speed, film camera, photograph Christmas, photograph Christmas lights, picture will

Compare Camcorder Prices

You may want a camcorder for a vacation, a wedding or for the birth of a child, because camcorders allow you to capture moments as they happen. You can compare prices of camcorders to not only include the features that best fit your needs but camcorders that also fit into your budget.

Instructions

1. Determine the options you're looking for. You may be looking for a camcorder that's small in size, or you may not care about size but want one with a high optical zoom.

2. Narrow down your selections. To accurately gauge prices of camcorders, you want to narrow down your choices based on the options you're looking for in Step 1, as well as brand name, size and the top price you're willing to spend.

3. Read the reviews. Through a website such as CNET, you can search for camcorders not only by what you're looking for in features, but by price category. Then you can read the reviews and recommendations on each camcorder you're considering.

4. Compare the prices of your top camcorder picks. From your selections in Step 2, further narrow down your camcorder possibilities to two or three. This allows you to judge each one individually without having to compare a huge list.

5. Browse in-store sales ads, as well as online discounts. If you plan on purchasing your camcorder online, consider shipping costs into your cost comparison. Also factor in extended warranty costs if any.

Tags: down your, your camcorder, camcorders only, into your, narrow down, options looking

Wire A Yaesu Ft2400 Microphone

The Yaesu FT-2400 is a portable radio transceiver that allows you to communicate with other individuals through an analog radio signal. The device comes with an available microphone jack, which allows you to hook up your own hand-held microphone. This microphone, when enabled, receives audio spoken into it, then sends out the signal to anyone listening on the designated frequency. Wiring your microphone to the device only takes a few seconds, allowing you to spend more time sending out your radio signal.

Instructions

1. Turn off the Yaesu FT-2400. On occasion you may get an electric shock when hooking up the microphone while the device is on. Although this isn't likely, it is best to completely avoid that possibility.

2. Insert the cable from the microphone into the "Line-In" jack.

3. Turn on the Yaesu FT-2400, then turn the volume knob to increase the audio level on the microphone and speaker. When you press down on the speak button, located on the side of the microphone, the connected equipment receives all sound spoken into the microphone and transmits it over the set frequency on the radio.

Tags: Yaesu FT-2400, radio signal, spoken into, Turn Yaesu, Turn Yaesu FT-2400

Convert High Super 8 To Dvd

Convert High Super 8 to DVD

As technology advances and new products are introduced, older products and supported formats are left behind. In the case of home video recording, a new type of camcorder means you can no longer access the video you have on your Super High 8. Additionally, if you have scraped your VCR for a DVD player, any Super High 8 you may have recorded to video cassette is now unplayable. However, with the proper equipment, transferring old video to new formats is a breeze.

Instructions

1. Connect your Super High 8 player or camera's output to your DVD recorder's input with one of the RCA A/V cables. These cables are the ones with the red, white and yellow tips. Make sure to connect red to red, white to white and yellow to yellow. In the event you only have one audio output (red or white), connect the red input.

2. Connect your DVD recorder's output to the television's input with the other RCA A/V cable, again making sure to use the proper color to color connections.

3. Turn on all three devices. Refer to your television's specific owner's manual in order to tune the TV to the proper input so you can monitor the output from the DVD recorder.

4. Place a blank DVD-R or DVD-RW into the DVD recorder and push the "Record" and "Pause" button in quick succession.

5. Play the video on your Super High 8 device that you wish to record. The video should appear on the television screen.

6. Cue the video to the point you want to begin recording. Once you have it set, un-pause the DVD recorder and the conversion process will begin. Monitor the video until you reach the point where you wish to stop and then hit the "Stop" button on the DVD recorder.

7. When the recording is complete, refer to the DVD recorder owner's manual for the DVD finalization procedure. Perform that procedure before ejecting and labeling the DVD.

Tags: Super High, your Super, your Super High, Connect your, Convert High

Navigate To Your Destination On A Tomtom Gps Unit

GPS units are excellent ways to save money on gas and reduce your stress on those long road trips. Never get lost again when you have to detour around construction or traffic jams. TomTom is a maker of GPS units. Learn to use your TomTom GPS unit and never get lost again.

Instructions

1. Turn the GPS unit on and touch the screen to go to the menu.

2. Touch the "Navigate To" button.

3. Touch the "Address" button. You can also find your destination by programming in favorites, choosing "Recent Destination" or doing a "Local Search."

4. Choose "Street and House Number." You can also search by postal code and intersection.

5. Make sure your GPS unit is set to the right state. Tap the flag if you want to change the state or country.

6. Type in the first few letters of the destination city's name on the keyboard that comes up on the screen. The TomTom will automatically make recommendations for you as you continue to type the name. Select the appropriate destination city when you are done.

7. Enter the street name. Again, the GPS unit will automatically make recommendations as you type. Select the street you intend to visit.

8. Type the house number of the address and click done. The GPS unit will prepare the route by analyzing thousands of possible routes and prepare a summary of the route. Touch the "Done" button, and you are ready to go.

Tags: automatically make, automatically make recommendations, destination city, lost again, make recommendations

Shop For A Camera Lens

Different camera lenses let you capture quality photos in a variety of situations.

Cameras with interchangeable lenses offer vastly superior photography options over traditional point-and-shoot cameras. Everything from versatility to photograph quality is an improvement, though all of these benefits do come with a significantly higher price tag. Selecting the best lens for your situation may seem overwhelming initially, but as long as you just consider the most important features and don't get bogged down in details, you can locate the best lens for your situation without much hassle.

Instructions

1. Decide which focal length you need. This feature is specified in millimeters, and it determines your field of view when using the camera. You should get one that will meet your needs in the setting you'll use it to photograph. Different manufacturers describe their focal lengths with different standards, so make sure you know the standard appropriate for your camera. Common standards are APS-C, which Nikon, Sony and Canon use, and Four Thirds, which Panasonic and Olympus use. Sometimes you'll see lenses by various manufacturers also described by their traditional 35mm equivalent so you can more easily compare them.

2. Pick a zoom or prime lens type. This relates to the focal length: a zoom lens uses a range of focal lengths, and a prime lens uses a fixed focal length. Zoom lenses work in a variety of situations but are larger than prime lenses and don't always offer the same photograh quality. Prime lenses have a single focal length and are ideal for specific situations, such as low-light shots. Prime lenses are usually more expensive.

3. Choose the maximum aperture you need. A lens' aperture is the mechanism that allows light into your camera, which influences your exposure and depth of field. A larger aperture lets in more light and has a shallower depth of field, and it's indicated by a smaller f-number, such as 1.4. A smaller aperture lets in less light and is indicated by a larger f-number, such as 5.6.

4. Decide if you want or need a lens with built-in image stabilization. This is a feature that reduces the effect of movement or shaking the camera, which can especially be a problem when photographing at a distance. Many cameras have this feature, so if yours does, then this isn't an issue when purchasing a lens. Otherwise, look at your lens options that include this feature, though bear in mind it does increase the cost.

5. Choose a lens with the correct mount. This is the physical connection between your camera and the lens, so it's crucial you purchase a compatible lens. Despite the mount's importance, you don't need to look into this initially because any type of lens you want to purchase will be available for your camera. The simplest way to find a compatible lens is to find one from your camera's manufacturer that says in its description that your camera model or model line is compatible. You can find other options from third-party companies, but you should look at the lens' information to ensure that it's specifically compatible with your camera. In some cases adapters will allow you to use a lens not normally compatible with your camera, though these often lower the camera's performance, especially its autofocus speed.

Tags: your camera, focal length, aperture lets, best lens, best lens your, camera which, compatible lens

What Is A Single Lens Reflex Camera

A single-lens reflex camera, also known as a SLR camera, is a camera where the photographer is able to see exactly what the film will capture by looking through the viewfinder. This is done by using a reflex mirror and a pentaprism to project the image through the lens to the viewfinder.

SLR (Single-Lens Reflex) Camera

Reflex Mirror

The reflex mirror is situated between the lens and the film. It reflects the image up to the pentaprism and through the viewfinder. When you take a picture the mirror flips up exposing the film and capturing the picture.

Pentaprism

The pentaprism is situated between the reflex mirror and the viewfinder. The pentaprism contains several small mirrors that adjust and align the image to be viewed in the viewfinder.

Focusing

Because you are viewing the image as seen through the camera lens in a SLR camera, you can easily focus and frame the image by looking through the viewfinder and adjusting the lens.

Interchangeable Lens

Compared with a point-and-shoot camera, lenses can be changed on a SLR camera to fit a particular shooting style.

Digital SLR

Today, most SLR cameras are digital as opposed to film cameras. Digital SLR cameras operate the same way film SLR cameras do. In fact, many of the older film SLR lenses can be used on digital SLR cameras of the same make.

Tags: reflex mirror, through viewfinder, film cameras, looking through, looking through viewfinder, situated between

Scan Pictures For A Digital Photo Frame

Digital photo frames come with instructions for load photos onto them for display. However, these instructions are meant for digital photos taken with a digital camera, and may not address scan photos using a scanner in such a way that they display well on your frame. Since every scanner works differently, the steps may vary slightly depending on the brand of scanner and the image software you use.

Instructions

1. Read the directions and information that came with your digital photo frame. Take note of the file format or formats that it will accept, the resolution and the aspect ratio. You will be presented with a number of choices when scanning photos, and the right choice depends on the specifications of your particular model of picture frame.

2. Scan a test photo. Follow these steps for one photo and view it on the frame before scanning the rest to save time in case there are problems that must be addressed. Place the photo on the scanner and scan it by pressing the "scan" button or using your computer's scanning software to begin the scan.

3. Input the scan settings in your computer's scanning software. If installed correctly, the software should open automatically when you hit the scan button. If the software doesn't run automatically, launch it manually and select "Acquire" from the "Edit" menu, and then select your scanner. Scan at a minimum of 300 dots per inch (dpi). If you aren't given control over specific resolution settings, choose the best quality option available: full color, photo quality. Start the scan.

4. Save the photo as a Jpeg. You may have other options, but this is generally the best one because it combines good image quality with reasonable file size. TIFF and Bitmap (BMP) will likely produce larger files that will take up more disk space, and other formats may not be supported by your frame.

5. Copy the file to your picture frame. This might be done using a USB cable connecting the frame to the computer, or you might put photos on a memory card and then put the memory card into the frame. View the picture on the frame to see how it looks.

6. Troubleshoot any image problems by repeating the steps but changing one element until you get an image that is acceptable. One easy mistake to fix is a rotated image. You can change how you place the photo on the scanner, or rotate the picture using photo editing software. If your pictures aren't showing up on the frame at all, you may be saving them in a file format that is not supported by the frame, or on media that is not properly initialized. Compare to a sample photo or another photo that does display on your frame to determine the difference.

7. Check the image resolution. Right-click on the photo file you saved, and select "Properties." Look at the image resolution, which will be two numbers, such as 640 x 480, 1024 x 768 or 1280 x 1024. Compare these to the resolution of your frame; the picture should have the same resolution or higher for best results. Rescan your image with a higher number of dots per inch if the first scan wasn't high enough. Another option is image aspect ratio, which is the proportion of the width to the height. This might be 4:3, or it could be 16:9 if you have a widescreen frame. You can crop photos digitally to fix this, or read your frame's manual to see if there is a setting you can change so it displays photos of a different aspect ratio more effectively.

8. Scan the rest of your photos once your test photo displays properly. Look to see if there is a way to save these scanning settings in your scanning software, so you can use them the next time you want to scan photos for your digital photo frame.

Tags: your frame, aspect ratio, picture frame, scanning software, computer scanning

Listen To Streaming Xm Radio

Whether you cross the country in the car or sit at home, listening to satellite radio releases you from classic, local radio waves. You can listen to the radio uninterrupted when traveling from town to town. Satellite radios also offer national coverage of sports and cultural events. XM Radio is a popular option for satellite radios. If you've never used a satellite radio, you will find it a quick process from shopping to listening to your favorite station.

Instructions

1. Purchase an XM Radio from a computer and electronics store or online at shop.xmradio.com. Some cars come with radio units built-in.

2. Click on the "Activate Radio" button on xmradio.com. Type in your radio ID number, located on the packaging or on the back of your radio.

3. Set up an account on xmradio.com.

4. Choose and purchase a monthly or yearly service using a credit card.

5. Set up your radio unit. Some may require a car kit, with wires for setting up in your car, or a home kit, with the proper cables for attaching it to a home radio.

6. Tune in to your favorite station.

Tags: your radio, favorite station, satellite radio, your favorite, your favorite station

35mm Film Tips

Creating images on 35mm film has been a staple of both amateur and professional photography for several decades. Film offers a great deal of creative latitude, archival quality, and artistic control for the photographer. It is flexible, easily obtained, and the costs are low in comparison with digital. Processing can be as simple as dropping the finished roll at the local drugstore, and film pictures can be processed into a digital format by most processing outlets--giving digital quality images without digital prices.

Film Speed

One of the great benefits of 35mm film is that it comes in a range of sensitivities. Film speed, also known as the ISO rating, denotes how sensitive a piece of film is to light. When exposed, a high ISO film will react more quickly to light than a low ISO. Most retailers will carry at least 200 and 400 ISO film; these are sometimes labeled as "outdoor" and "indoor." 200 ISO is less sensitive to light, and it is less likely to be overexposed in full sunlight. However, film can be purchased in ISO ratings as low as 50 with Fuji RVP, and as high as 6400 with Kodak T-Max. Most camera shops will carry high and low ISO films, some of which are delicate and must be refrigerated. A photographer can then confidently prepare for any lighting conditions by knowing choose the correct ISO.

Lighting

Just as there are different film speeds, different films are designed to be sensitive to different types of light. The three categories of 35mm film which are most common are color reversal film, color positive film, and black and white film. Color reversal film is also known as a "negative" or "color reversal" and is the most commonly used consumer film. This film is coated with cyan, magenta and yellow dyes. Each dye reacts to a specific wavelength of light. These cyan, magenta and yellow dyes are reversals (color opposites) of the basic color spectrum of red, green and blue. When printed, the image is reversed into the "positive" color spectrum and the image appears as normal.

Color positive film is commonly known as slide film. In this instance, the dyes on the film are red, green and blue, creating a true copy of the scene on the piece of film. Once a slide is developed, no further processing is used to alter the colors as it is then displayed by light and magnification. Slide film has a greater latitude for error than color reversal film.

The last common variety of film is black and white. This comes in two types; E6 and C41 processing. These refer to the types of process used to develop the film. E6 is specific to black and white film only and is "true" black and white film; C41 processing is completed in the same way color film is processed. This difference can result in hues and overtones which the photographer may choose to use to their advantage. Black and white film, when printed, creates a monochrome image.

Care and Feeding

While film advances have been made since the introduction of roll film, film is still relatively delicate. It must be handled with care in order to preserve the quality of the images.

As film is light sensitive, the photographer must make sure that it is never unduly exposed to light. This can range from techniques such as loading the camera in a darkroom to simple acts such as making sure the film is fully rewound before opening the camera back. High ISO films have a thinner film base and are much more sensitive than other films. These films need to be handled with care and loaded very delicately, or they will tear.

When choosing film, check the expiration date on the box. Expired film may lose some color sensitivity or have an unwanted color cast. Storing film in a cool, dark place such as the refrigerator will extend its shelf life.

Tags: black white, white film, black white film, reversal film, 35mm film, also known, color reversal

Transfer Video Onto The Computer

Transfer Video Onto the Computer

Before you can use your computer to edit video, you need to get the clips onto your computer. You can either transfer video from a digital or analog source (such as a camcorder or VCR) or find clips from the Web and multimedia CDs.

Instructions

1. Buy video editing software if you want to edit clips. (See "Choose a Video Editing Program" in Related eHows.) The editing software will probably include some sample clips to practice with.

2. Using a search engine, such as Yahoo! or Google, run a Web search for video clips and download the video files onto your computer. Most of the time you can just right-click the file and choose "Save As" and then name the file and click OK.

3. Check any multimedia CDs or DVDs you have for video files. Copy these files onto your hard disk. All you need to do is open up the folder where the video file is located, most likely the CD ROM drive, and then drag-and-drop it on your desktop or another folder.

4. Download your own video from a digital video camera. (You may need to buy a card with the appropriate type of connection port before you can do this. Check the specifications for your camera and computer to see the kind of connection you need.)

5. Download your own video from an analog camcorder or from a videotape. You will need a video capture card to translate the analog video into a digital format and copy it onto your hard disk. (See "Buy a Video Capture Card" in Related eHows.)

6. Consult the manual or online help for your video editing program for instructions on performing the capture. (If you have Premiere, see "Perform a Video Capture in Premiere" in Related eHows.)

Tags: onto your, Related eHows, video from, your computer, your video, your video from, Download your

Use A Canon Flash On A Stand

Use a Canon Flash on a Stand

Most SLR (single lens reflex) cameras feature an accessory hot shoe at the top of the camera. This hot shoe powers external accessories such as flashes. However, external flash units do not have to be attached to the camera's hot shoe to be used. Instead, photographers can put flashes into a "slave" mode and operate them remotely. These types of flashes are typically used in studio portraiture or product photography, and are often connected to a flash stands.

Instructions

1. Slide your Canon flash into the included mini-flash stand. The flash's hot shoe connector will fit into the track at the top of the mini-flash stand.

2. Line up the threaded hole at the bottom of the mini-flash stand with the fastening screw at the top of your light stand. Turn the fastening screw clockwise until the flash unit is snug.

3. Turn on your flash and flip the bottom switch to the rightmost "Slave" position. This will activate the flash's remote triggering capabilities.

4. Attach a master flash (a standard flash unit in the "Master" position) or a remote radio trigger to your camera's hot shoe.

5. Use your camera normally. You will automatically trigger the slave flash to fire either with infrared light from your master flash or with a radio transmission from your remote trigger.

Tags: mini-flash stand, camera shoe, Canon Flash, Canon Flash Stand, fastening screw, Flash Stand

Tech Gift Ideas For Men

Whether you're shopping for a birthday, Christmas or other special occasion, many men enjoy tech gifts. The latest technologies in music, movies and games are popular items. If the man you have in mind likes reading, relaxing or the adrenaline rush of a video game, there are several gifts that can meet his needs and provide him with a welcome surprise.

iPod Touch

For the man who needs a place to store his music, movies and photos, the iPod touch is a great gift. The iPod touch ranges in size from 8GB to 32GB, with prices from $169.99 to $399.99. This iPod even offers Internet access when connected to a wireless network, and the touch screen makes navigation a breeze. Other features include voice activation for songs, and speakers to play music aloud without the use of headphones.

Amazon.com Kindle

For the avid reader, a Kindle is a must-have device, especially if he travels frequently. This portable device allows the user to load books, magazines, and single articles onto the hard drive for future use. At only 10.2 ounces, the Kindle weighs less than the average paperback and can hold more than 1,500 books. A man on the go can keep everything from trade publications to leisure reading in his Kindle for handy reading at the airport, during the morning commute, at work or at home. The Kindle is $299.99 from Amazon.com.

Noise-Canceling Headphones

Any man who enjoys listening to music can benefit from noise-canceling headphones. These may be especially useful for the busy dad who needs a little bit of uninterrupted calming music at the end of the day. These headphones heighten any musical experience by reducing outside noises so that all the user hears is the selected music playing. These headphones are available both wireless and corded and range in price from $149.99 to $349.99 depending on the brand and retailer.

Touch Screen Universal Remote

Rather than purchasing a boring remote caddy to corral all of the remotes in the living room, consider purchasing a high-tech touch screen universal remote. These remotes are designed to control the television, DVD player, stereo and DVR. With additional attachments, the remote can even control the lighting and temperature in the room. Your man may never need to get up from his recliner again. A touch screen universal remote can be as expensive as $300.

PlayStation 3

For the gamer in your family, a PlayStation 3 is the ultimate tech gift. There are more than 130 games available for the PlayStation 3 in addition to all the games previously released for the PS1 and PS2, which can be run on this system. The PlayStation 3 comes with either an 80GB or a 160GB hard drive as well as one wireless controller and a one year membership to the Playstation Network. The PS3 also has the capability to play Blu-ray movie discs, CDs and DVDs. Music, videos and photos can be stored on the hard drive.

Tags: hard drive, touch screen, iPod touch, more than, music movies

Perform An Optical Calibration Of Your Dvd Player

If you'd like to perform an optical calibration of your DVD player, there are a few things you should consider. First of all, this isn't the kind of operation that's generally done in the home. If you don't know what you're doing, it's very likely that you'll damage instead of fix the DVD player. If you still want to continue, follow these steps.

Instructions

1. Remove any discs that are in the DVD player and move the DVD tray to its extended position. Unplug the DVD player to avoid getting shocked when you perform the optical calibration.

2. Take off the outer casing of the DVD player by removing the screws or sliding the top plate out of the locked position. This should expose the DVD deck and lens of the DVD player.

3. Direct your attention to the mechanism that actually moves the DVD. This is located in the DVD deck and should have a part that resembles a train track. It's the part you need to focus on. You may have to move this mechanism to its extended position in order to see the lens.

4. Study the lens. Make sure your problem isn't as simple as a lens cleaning. It's a good idea to clean the lens thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol before attempting to recalibrate the device.

5. Look under or directly around the lens. There will be a tiny pin and bolt system device that reads the light from the laser. This is the mechanism that needs adjusting.

6. Using caution, adjust the pin slightly in the direction of the lens and then plug in the DVD player. Using a system of trial and error, adjust the pin until the device reads the disc properly. This may take a few attempts to get it right.

Tags: extended position, mechanism that, optical calibration, perform optical

Definition Of Infrared Light

Light is measured in wavelengths

Although not visible, infrared light is vital to most living organisms on planet Earth. People experience infrared light when being warmed by the sun and using a remote control.

The Electromagnetic Spectrum

Infrared light can be understood in the context of the electromagnetic spectrum. This spectrum measures the wavelengths of light. The visible portion of this spectrum consists of all of the different colors of light that are visible to the naked eye.

Infrared

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) says that infrared light is located between the visible light and microwave lengths on the electromagnetic spectrum. It can be classified into three subcategories; the far infrared, the mid-infrared, and the near infrared.

Far Infrared

Far infrared light is also called terahertz radiation. This has the longest wavelength of the three subcategories. It measures about the size of a pin head.

Mid-Infrared

Mid-infrared is obviously the middle wavelength of the three subcategories. It can be used scientifically to map the vibration levels of most molecules.

Near Infrared

Near infrared has the shortest wavelength within the categories of infrared light. Near infrared wavelengths are microscopic.

Tags: infrared light, three subcategories, electromagnetic spectrum, infrared light, Near infrared, wavelength three, wavelength three subcategories

Understanding Air Compressors

Air compressors turn electrical power into kinetic energy by compressing air.

Air compressors refer to devices that compress or pressurize air to convert electrical power into kinetic power. Air compressors are used in such applications as tire filling and powering pneumatic tools.

Operation

Air compressors collect air for storage in a pressurized tank attached to a motorized unit. A system of pistons and valves are used to achieve the necessary pressure levels inside the tank. Air compressors come in two major types: positive displacement and negative displacement.

Positive Displacement

Positive displacement air compressors force air into a chamber. The chamber's volume is decreased to influence the air compression. Piston-type air compressors use positive displacement compression by pumping air into decreased volume chambers via constant piston motion. Piston-type compressors use valves to force the air into the compression chamber. Rotary screw compressors use helical screws that force air into a chamber. The chamber volume reduces when the rotary screws turn. Vane compressors compress and guide in air via a slotted rotor that contains blades placed in various areas on the rotor.

Negative Displacement

Negative displacement air compressors work via centrifugal force, which is produced via a rotating impeller that decelerates and pressurizes collected air. The most common type of negative displacement air compressor is a centrifugal compressor.

Tags: force into, chamber chamber, chamber chamber volume, chamber volume, displacement compressors, electrical power

How Does An Hdtv Monitor Work

History

HDTVs had been in development for years, but disputes between manufacturers held progress back until the FCC-mandated National Television Systems Committee (NTSC) created the standard for analog signals and later the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) determined the standard for digital signals. It took more time for stations to start broadcasting digitally and in HD, and for HDTVs to become less costly to catch on in the marketplace.

By 2009, with the United States switching to digital-only broadcasts, HDTVs have become much more affordable and popular in American homes.

Specifications

HDTV monitors have a much greater picture resolution than older analog televisions, with 1280 (horizontal) by 720 (vertical) or 1920 by 1080 lines of resolution, much higher than the 720 by 480 lines of standard definition TVs. This, along with a higher frame rate of up to 25 frames per second, gives HD the sharper, more detailed pictures. And, where older TVs had an aspect ratio of 4:3, HDTVs have an aspect ratio of 16:9, similar to a movie theater screen. Still, even with an HDTV, the picture can only have HD quality if it comes from a digital HD over-the-air signal or an HD channel from a digital cable or satellite provider.

LCD vs. Plasma HDTVs

With LCD screens, thousands of pixels are in front of a fluorescent backlight. Within each pixel are three subpixels consisting of red, blue and green cells. When light hits the pixels, an electric current determines the color and the variations within the pixels creates the picture you see. Plasma screens consist of two thin screens of glass, with cells in between holding an inert mixture of gases, creating the plasma. The plasma excites a series of red, blue and green phosphors to emit light, which creates the image. As of now, plasma TVs can be made slightly larger than LCD, while LCD screens can be slightly thinner. One potential drawback of plasma TVs is that if the image stays motionless too long, it can create a permanent "burn in" after-image on the screen. On average, LCDs use half the power of Plasma TVs. Still, both still represent a huge upgrade from older standard-definition TVs.

Tags: aspect ratio, blue green, from digital, HDTVs have, Systems Committee, Television Systems

Change The Needle On A Vinyl Player

The needle (or stylus) on a vinyl record player can go dull or even get broken. You will need to locate a replacement, by contacting the larger electronic stores first. If you can’t find one, then there are a couple of places on the internet that you can get styli. One is www.needlefinder.net , which is a good source for finding those hard to find needles. Another site is www.everythingradio.com/needle_charts.htm which is very helpful in identifying which stylus you need.

Instructions

1. Turn off the stereo, and unplug the power cord to the turntable.

2. Lift the arm and remove the old needle. Most turntables have a needle in a cartridge, and that should just pop out. Some, however have the stylus attached with a small screw, remove the screw and then you should be able to remove the stylus.

3. Set the old needle aside, to be disposed of where it won’t hurt anyone. These are small and sharp.

4. Install the new stylus in exactly the same way you took the old one out. That is, if it has a cartridge, put it in the same way, i.e. needle pointing to the front. If yours has a screw, then be sure the screw is as tight as you can get it when you put it back.

5. Plug the power back in and turn on the stereo.

Tags: screw then

Cell Phone Coverage

When a cell phone does not provide coverage in certain areas, it's frustrating. Though most cell phone providers say they have nationwide coverage, there are certain limitations.

Dead Spots

No matter which cell phone service or plan you have, all cell phones enter dead spots in some places. Cell phones must be within so much distance of a cell phone tower to receive a signal. Buildings, mountains and other obstacles impede reception. Also, in more remote locations, cell phone towers may not be close enough to provide service. Check coverage maps before you travel (see Resources). These maps indicate known places where there is no cell phone coverage. Some providers encourage users to report dead spots so they can add them to the map.

Nationwide Coverage

Large cell phone providers typically offer nationwide coverage plans. These plans do not charge additional fees for roaming or long-distance, but nationwide coverage may cost more per month. If you do not have a nationwide coverage plan, you can still call anyone in the nation but you may see additional long-distance or roaming charges on your bill.

Roaming

Roaming cell phone coverage means you are outside the coverage area for your plan. This is especially true when you visit a foreign country. Your phone may still work but international roaming charges will apply for every call you make.

Local Coverage

If you choose a cell phone plan with local coverage only, you will incur charges for calls made to anyone outside your local calling area. For example, Cricket offers plans with a home-calling area (their term for local coverage). Any calls made and received in this home calling area do not incur an additional charge. However, if you call someone who is not located within your home-calling area then the company applies an additional long-distance charge. When you sign up for a cell phone plan, the company outlines your coverage area as well as the additional charges. Consider adding nationwide coverage to your plan if you frequently make calls to several cities and states.

International Coverage

Certain cell phone providers offer international coverage for an additional fee, either a roaming rate per minute per country or a monthly charge to include the coverage. If you will be traveling abroad, ask your cell phone provider if your phone will work in the country you'll visit.

Tags: cell phone, nationwide coverage, cell phone providers, phone providers, additional long-distance, calling area

The Best & Least Inexpensive Camcorder For Teens

Camcorder

Choosing anything for a teenager can be tricky, especially when you are focused on finding the best and least expensive camera on the market. Teens can have very specific criteria for what they want and often want what everyone else is using. With that in mind, there are a few ways to narrow down your choices, and buy something that will last and give your teenager the best quality picture at the best price. You also want to keep in mind that it is always best to choose a camcorder that lets them not only shoot video, but edit video; as the best camera is also a camera that they won't want to upgrade from quickly.

The Flip

Low cost

The Flip video camcorder is touted as the best by many reviewers including Time Magazine; and the price is right as it starts at $149.99 and runs up to $249.99, if you want the latest model in 2010. It is pocket-sized, portable, easy to use and can be plugged directly into a computer for fast, easy uploading without a cord. The quality is excellent. And, of course, it comes in many hip colors and designs that your teen can choose from.

SONY MHS-PM1 Webbie HD™

This pocket size HD camcorder get high ratings, especially from consumersearch.com, which enables consumers to rate the product. The price ranges from $105 to 150. This camera has the unique feature of a lens that can rotate 270 degrees. It also takes still shots.

Samsung HMX-R10

The Samsung HMX-R10 is rated high among such sites as CNET, as one of the best and least expensive camcorders on the market. In 2010, it ran about $379. In addition to the usual features, it has a slow motion video feature and is super compact, for ease of use with the teen set.

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Transfer Programs Recorded On Tivo

A Tivo is a digital video recorder (DVR) that you program to record television and movies directly from an over-the-air antenna or cable or satellite receiver. A Tivo offers better picture quality than a VHS recorder and enables you to pause and rewind live television as well as fast-forward through recorded television. Another option Tivo offers is transferring recorded programs to a computer.

Instructions

1. Connect your Tivo wireless adapter to your Tivo. There is a USB port located on the back of the Tivo box specifically for these types of attachments.

2. Download Tivo desktop software. The basic software is free, but you can purchase an upgrade that will convert your Tivo downloads to other file types if you want to watch your Tivo recorded shows on your iPhone or other similar devices.

3. Connect your Tivo to your home network. Open Tivo central, scroll down to "messages and settings" and press select. Scroll down to "settings" and then "phone & network." Select "add a network" or "change network settings" (depending how you currently have your Tivo configured). Follow the on-screen prompts to add your Tivo to your home network.

4. Click on "Tivo Desktop" (on your computer) once the software has downloaded. The icon for Tivo desktop is the little Tivo guy. Depending on your security settings, you may need to give additional permission for your computer to open Tivo desktop.

5. Click on the "pick recordings to transfer" button. Click on the name of the program you would like to transfer and then click on "transfer." Your program will begin to download on to your computer immediately.

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Types Of Shoulder Bags

Carry your laptop or school books in a shoulder bag.

If you need to carry more items than you can fit in your pocket, a shoulder bag provides room to store your goods. Shoulder bags, more stylish than backpacks, come in a variety of colors, shapes, sizes and materials. Unlike backpacks, shoulder bags look fashionable with most outfits.

Large Purses

Many larger women's purses have straps large enough to make them shoulder bags. The hobo bag, typically shaped like a crescent moon attached to a square, offers a bohemian look. These bags are often made of cotton or canvas and contain earth tones and fabric patterns. The barrel bag, shaped like a cylinder, uses one or two long shoulder straps. Many designer purses use the barrel bag shape. Many large bags are called tote bags -- very large, often rectangular bags with two medium-sized shoulder straps. Satchels, a close cousin of the tote bag, are longer than they are wide. These bags are available in purse and luggage style.

Small Purses

A flat bag, small and often square, uses two shoulder straps and fits a moderate amount of items. Pouch bags are typically small purses attached to a very long strap. These bags can be worn over one shoulder or over the shoulder on the opposite side of the body. Typically, pouch bags hang around the hip. Flap-enclosure bags are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and provide extra security with a clasp, key, snap or fastener flap enclosure.

Luggage

Though many people utilize rolling luggage to spare their back and shoulders the discomfort of a heavy bag, others use a shoulder bag for their luggage solution. Sometimes called a holdall, these bags provide just enough room for two or three days of clothing and personal items. Many bags use two straps that allow you to sling the bag over the shoulder, while other holdalls offer one long strap. Though these bags are most commonly made of leather, they are also available in canvas, water-resistant polyester or canvas. Most of them bags are small enough to use as a carry-on during airplane flights but they may not fit the size requirements if you stuff them with items.

Messenger Bag

Messenger bags have a large, rectangular pouch and one long strap. Traditionally, you wear a messenger bag with pouch on one side of your body and the strap around your opposite shoulder. This helps distribute the weight of the bag across your body. Often made of canvas or leather, these bags look casual and are often worn by students or messengers. The newsboy bag, similar to the messenger bag, is made of canvas and typically found in earth tones.

Camera Bag

Many bags designed for carrying camera equipment utilize a long strap. These rectangular bags are most often found in black and contain several pockets and pouches for storing your camera equipment. Typically, a zipper keeps the pouches of the camera bag safe. If you carry a camera bag, people may assume you are a photographer or tourist. Some camera bags are longer than they are wide, while other camera bags are shaped more like holdalls.

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Lubricate A Nikon Lens

Lubricate a Nikon Lens

Nikon Corp. began as a manufacturer of lenses, so it's unsurprising to find that its lenses are known for their high quality. The current generation of Nikon single-lens reflex cameras is designed with a bayonet-mount lens, allowing even old Nikon lenses to be used on modern camera bodies. Occasionally it becomes necessary to lubricate a Nikon lens to keep it in top working condition.

Instructions

1. Wipe any existing grit or dirt off of the lens before beginning. Debris can cause the zoom function and focusing ring to become stiff.

2. Apply gun oil to the focusing ring. Place one small drop of gun oil at each quarter of the ring, then turn gently. Do not force the ring to turn, and do not over-apply the oil because this will cause the ring to become too loose and make it unable to hold your focus settings.

3. Apply gun oil to the zoom adjustment in the same fashion, placing one dot of gun oil at each quarter of the zoom adjustment. Work the zoom adjustment gently to work in the oil.

4. Allow the oiled lens to stand for 20 minutes and then attempt to turn the oiled rings again. If the lens does not feel adequately lubricated, it may require professional repair. Select an authorized Nikon repair center for further assistance.

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