List Of Fx Lenses For A Nikon Mount

Nikon FX lenses are high quality and come in many varieties.

Professional photographers know that not all lenses are created equal. Some lenses are fine for beginners but lack the sharpness, speed or low light abilities needed for quality imaging. FX lenses are high-quality gear made for cameras with large image sensors. Nikon began making these lenses in 1959 and since then has produced lenses that range from from super wide angle to long telephoto zoom, including fixed focal length lenses as well.

50 mm f/1.4 AF-S

The Nikon 50 mm f/1.4 AF-S lens is a prime lens with a large maximum aperture. Its versatility and ability to shoot in low light make it popular for photojournalists and environmental portraitists.

16-35 mm f/4 VR

The Nikon 16-35 mm f/4 VR is a super wide-angle zoom lens that is ideal for shooting vast landscapes and large group portraits. "VR" stands for vibration reduction and is an internal mechanism that reduces motion blur caused by camera shake.

24-70 mm f/2.8

The Nikon 24-70 mm f/2.8 is a mid-range zoom lens that fills the gap between wide-angle and telephoto zoom. It is a good lens for travel and vacation photos but does not fill a specialized role required by most professional photography jobs.

70-200 mm f/2.8 VR

The Nikon 70-200 mm f/2.8 VR is a long telephoto zoom lens that is extremely popular with professionals. While it is a great lens for shooting wildlife and sports, it also is used for portraits when the large aperture size is needed to let the background go out of focus.

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Using Orange Filters In Black White Photography

Black and white photography has been enhanced by the use of filters for years. When colored filters are attached to the camera lens, they alter the tonal value of a black and white photograph. Skies can become more saturated, foliage can become darker and the overall look of the photograph will be altered. Contrary to some misconceptions, a colored filter will not add color to a black and white photograph.

Instructions

1. Purchase the correct size of orange filter for your camera. Look at the end of your camera lens for a filter size notation. A circle with a line through it, followed by a number ending in "mm" will give you your filter size. Different lenses require differently sized filters.

2. Choose which type of orange filter you want to try. There are varying gradations of orange filters on the market. Read the packages to get a feel for the type of effect it will have on the overall photograph. Orange filters will darken the sky in outdoor photographs. The level of darkening will be determined by the hue of orange you select.

3. Attach the orange filter to your camera lens. When used with an SLR camera, the filter may attach with a threaded mount. Some filter systems use a holder attachment that will allow you to slide in multiple filters.

4. Turn off the auto focus system on your camera. Some camera systems can be tricked by the use of a filter, and not auto focus 100%. It is best to manually adjust your focus when using an orange filter.

5. Take pictures of things that aren't orange. When using an orange filter, avoid subject matter that is predominantly orange, such as fall foliage and pumpkins. It will appear washed out in the final black and white photos. Use a orange filter to photograph blue sky, green foliage and medium tones.

Tags: orange filter, your camera, black white, camera lens, auto focus, black white photograph

Watch Television On Cell Phones With Slingbox

Slingbox is the revolutionary device that allows you to watch television on your smartphone cell phone. You can control the channels of your home television setup and watch them wherever you have reception for your cell phone.

Instructions

1. Install the Slingplayer Mobile Software on your phone. You need this software in order to connect to your home Slingbox.

2. Select "View" from the homepage on your smartphone. This brings up all of the application software programs available on the phone.

3. Browse to the Slingplayer mobile software on your smartphone. You may have to scroll through more than one screen to find the Slingplayer software.

4. Select Slingplayer mobile and press the center button on the phone. This starts the Slingplayer software and shows you a list of all Slingboxes you have installed.

5. Choose "Watch" on a Slingbox that's installed on your phone. You're now able to watch all the channels associated with that Slingbox.

6. Use the interface on your smartphone to control the program you're watching. You can change channels, increase and decrease the volume and view the statistics of the stream.

Tags: your smartphone, cell phone, Slingplayer software, your home, your phone

What Is Ghz In A Phone

GHz is the abbreviation for gigahertz, a rate of frequencies that operates at one billion cycles per second. A GHz has two primary technological definitions: It measures how fast computers process and execute information, and it designates specific speeds of radio waves. Certain radio waves that move at a number of GHz per second, like 1.9, are reserved for cordless or mobile phones in the United States, meaning that these signals can be used to send data and communicate on phones.

Definition

One gigahertz is equal to one billion hertz. Hertz is a term from the International System of Units used when talking about frequency, and frequency refers to traveling waves (such as radio waves), specifically to how often the cycles of waves change or how quickly the waves move.

This frequency measurement is used to describe different types of wave movement, from electrical power to computer data flow. One hertz is equal to about one wave per second, while a gigahertz is equal to one billion cycles per second.

Tech Application

GHz is also used as a measurement of processor speed. In computer systems, processors have internal clocks rated in GHz to show how fast they process information. A computer with a 1.6 GHz processor can execute 1.6 billion cycles every second. This is an indication of how fast and powerful a computer is, since having more GHz means the computer can perform tasks faster.

Phone Application

Phones that use radio waves to communicate must use specific types of waves set aside by regulation. Some waves are marked for radio stations or emergency channels, while others are frequencies reserved for use by cordless phones.

Telephone standards like PHS and DECT offer a number of transfer options that change these reserved frequencies into data that can be used by cell phones. The 1.9 GHz frequency is set aside for cordless phones in the United States; the 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz frequencies also allow phone communication. It does not mean, however, that higher frequencies are faster or better, they are just different bands used for the same purpose.

International Uses

Other radio bands are set aside specifically for international uses. For instance, the 1.9 GHz (1880 to 1900 MHz) frequency band is used by the DECT standard for international calls. Mobile phones also have specific standards that use a range of MHz frequencies that are used to international calling.

Related Abbreviations

When speaking about radio frequencies, GHz is often broken down into megahertz (MHz) and kilohertz (KHz). Megahertz refers to a million hertz per second, while kilohertz is a thousand hertz per second. These abbreviations are used to define even tighter bands within the frequencies used for communication.

Tags: radio waves, billion cycles, billion cycles second, cordless phones, cycles second, equal billion, frequencies that

Use A Blackberry In Zambia

A SIM card allows you more options for international phone service.

BlackBerry phones are available through a variety of mobile phone carriers. These phones send and receive emails and cellular calls anywhere in the cell phone provider's network. Blackberry phones that are GSM-compatible can make calls anywhere in the world. To use your BlackBerry in Zambia you must prepare it for use on an international network.

Instructions

1. Contact your cell-phone service provider. Confirm that your BlackBerry comes with GSM or GPRS capability. As of August 2010, Rogers, AT&T, Cingular, and T-Mobile sold compatible BlackBerries.

2. Check your BlackBerry for a SIM card. If your phone comes with a SIM card, you will have access to international phone service even if your phone does not have GSM capability.

3. Consider your monthly cell phone budget. You can upgrade your phone plan to include coverage in Zambia, but some international cell phone plans require long-term commitments and cost significantly more than domestic phone plans. If you are traveling to Africa for a short time, consider a temporary SIM card from a third-party international carrier.

Tags: cell phone, your BlackBerry, your phone, calls anywhere, comes with, international phone, international phone service

What Is The Function Of A Usb Flash Drive

A USB flash drive (based around Universal Service Bus technology) is a compact, lightweight and micro portable data storage device. The increasing mobility of users such as independent tech consultants, academicians, working professionals and others has led to the increased use and popularity of flash drives. Depending on usage, user characteristics and needs, USB drives can be used for different purposes.

Transfer

A USB flash drive is used to transfer files, documents, photos and more from a desktop to a flash drive and vice-versa.

Store Files

Depending on the usage characteristics of users and storage capacities, USB drives are used to store files. Users can store PDF files, word processing documents, PowerPoint presentations and spreadsheets in 4GB or 8GB flash drives. Media and entertainment professionals can store large-capacity music videos, TV soap episodes, graphics--rich photos and even movies in 32GB USB drives.

Transport Data

A USB drive can be used by working professionals to transport data from place to place. Academicians and others can save their presentations and lectures on USB drives and use them in locations elsewhere.

Back-up Files

The USB drive can be used to save important files, photos, presentations and personal records as a back-up storage device. Password--protection functions available on most brand USB flash drives protect the integrity of important data.

Portability

The USB drive, due to its tiny size, compact specifications and lightweight characteristics, is the ultimate portable device.

Tags: drive used, flash drive, flash drives, Depending usage, drives used

Set Up A Softbox Photo Tent

Setting up a softbox photo tent is a simple way to add clean and even light when photographing your objects.

Using a softbox photo tent to photograph your objects or products will help present your objects in a professional and appealing manner to your target audience. If you are selling products online, using a simple softbox photo tent can enhance the perception of your products by adding a professional touch to presentation of your products. Use adequate lighting as the softbox will take any light source and diffuse the light to create an appealing, bright light upon the object.

Instructions

1. Find a table that is large enough to fit your softbox photo tent and high enough to work comfortably from while on your feet. Be sure the table is stable and will not tip over easily once your products and lighting are set up around the photo tent. The height of the table should mirror the height of your camera's tripod to allow for easy positioning of products within the tent.

2. Open your softbox tent according to the instructions. Most tents will pop open once they are removed from their cases.

3. Position the open section of the photo tent toward your camera. Place your miniature stage for your products or objects inside of the tent and be sure there is enough room for your objects and any additional staging props. Some softbox tents have a zippered top for moving objects within the tent without disturbing the stage area.

4. Place your lighting on either side of your photo tent. This will vary, based on the number of lights, the existing natural light and the overall effect you are hoping to achieve. To light all sides of the objects, without shadows, place lights to the sides of the tent, use a strong overhead light and add an additional light to the front of the tent for additional highlights. The tent material will diffuse the light and should cast light around most areas of the object if the lighting is placed properly.

5. Test the lighting on the first few shots and adjust the lights according to the brightness. Move the lights closer to the tent to intensify the light and remove any shadows that may occur from the front light, unless the shadows are part of the composition. Begin shooting once your test shots meet your desired outcome.

Tags: photo tent, softbox photo tent, your objects, your products, diffuse light, once your, Place your

What Is The Difference Between Umbrella Lighting & Softbox Lighting

Both umbrellas and softboxes are used to create soft lighting.

Studio photographers have a number of choices when creating soft light, which is diffuse light without harsh shadows. The two main choices are between softboxes -- large semi-transparent devices that light shines through -- or umbrellas -- devices a light can bounce off of or through. Each has advantages and disadvantages, depending on the subject.

Quality of Light

Umbrellas typically produce a much broader, omnidirectional light while softboxes create a narrower path of light. Each of these can be desired, depending on the situation. Umbrellas work best when lighting a large area or a group of subjects. Softboxes work best when creating intimate lighting. A softbox may be preferable when shooting a single custom portrait, but an umbrella would be better for general soft lighting.

Portability and Accessories

Umbrellas are typically easier to pack and travel with and are cheaper than softboxes. This makes them a great choice for active, quantity-based jobs. Softboxes have different accessories, such as grids, barndoors and masks, that can be used to carefully direct the flow of light. This makes softboxes great for important jobs or extremely high-quality photography.

Reflections

Reflections can be an important feature of some subjects. People typically only have reflections in one area (the eyes), while some metal objects are entirely reflective. Some photographers prefer softboxes to umbrellas simply for the shape of the reflection. Umbrellas produce round reflections because of their shape and can sometimes produce noticeable or unnatural reflections. The straight edges produced by soft boxes often are more appealing when reflected by a curved object.

Setup and Price

Umbrellas are typically much easier to set up than softboxes. Umbrellas need only to be extended and mounted while softboxes may need to be assembled via Velcro straps and then mounted to the front of the studio flash with a bracket. Umbrellas are typically cheaper than softboxes as well.

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Mmc And Spi Protocols

MMC protocol helps memory cards communicate with a mobile phone.

Flash memory in memory cards offers advantages in endurance and power use, compared with other types of memory. Memory cards that have flash memory communicate with a host device, such as a mobile phone, using protocols such as the MMC (multimedia card) protocol and SPI (serial peripheral interface) protocol. These protocols help make for effective communication.

Communication

A protocol is a language that allows different devices to communicate with each other by sending signals. For a protocol to be executed, data has to be saved into the memory card through a write process. A read process then reads the data from the device. Both these processes have to be executed without error for the communication protocol to be successful.

MMC Protocol

The MMC protocol was initially set up to read and write data contained in a flash memory. It is also used to exchange data and communicate with smart cards. MMC memory cards that smart phones use can communicate with smart cards using this protocol. However, a USB interface has become more of the standardized format for smart card interfaces.

Requirements

The MMC protocol uses a minimum of three electrical connections. One connection serves as a clock line, another in order to command and a third that serves as a data path. With the right setup of these lines, the MMC protocol helps transfer the data in parallel, given that it is a synchronous protocol. The highest data transmission rate with these three connections is 416 Mbits.

SPI Protocol

The Multimedia Card interface puts into effect the MMC protocol using either a standard format or as SPI protocol. Although the two formats are similar, they differ in one respect. The standard MMC format uses two lines, with one taking in data and another one to issue commands. The SPI protocol exchanges commands and data using one line for input and another for output. MMC interface provides a choice in terms of choosing the standard format or the SPI protocol.

Tags: communicate with, memory cards, standard format, cards that, communicate with smart, flash memory

Canon Ftb Instructions

Before digital photography was invented, when 35mm film ruled the photographic world, a high-quality single lens reflex camera such as the Canon FTb was what keen amateurs aspired to own. A 1970s mechanical SLR such as this would come as a shock to anyone who has grown up with modern point-and-shoots, as you have to do most of the work yourself. There is no auto setting or auto focus. You set the shutter speed and aperture manually, and you even have to wind the film by hand after each shot. But there is a built-in exposure meter to help you.

Instructions

Getting Started

1. Familiarize yourself with the most important controls and dials. The exposure meter switch and film rewind crank are on the top of the camera body on the left. The shutter release button, film advance lever, shutter speed dial and film speed scale are on top on the right. The aperture ring is toward the back of the lens, and the focusing ring is at the front.

2. Check that the exposure meter battery has enough power. Set the film speed scale to ASA 100, the shutter speed dial to 1,000 and the meter switch to "C." Look through the viewfinder. On the right you will see a needle with a circle and a straight needle. If the straight needle is below the notch a quarter of the way up, replace the battery.

3. Load the film. Lift the film rewind crank to release the camera's back cover and swing it open fully. Place the cartridge in the compartment on the left and push down the rewind crank. Then pull the end of the film across until it is over the red mark on the sprocket on the right. Close the camera and, with the lens cap on, take two shots. Then, when you advance the film, you'll be ready to shoot.

Take Your First Photo

4. Set the film speed. The correct ASA setting will be written on the film box. Set the shutter speed dial to the required setting. Try 125 or 250 to start with. Switch on the exposure meter.

5. Look into the viewfinder and note the circle in the middle. Adjust the focusing ring until the circle appears sharp.

6. Set the aperture by turning the ring through the preset positions until the two needles in the viewfinder line up. This means the exposure is set correctly, and you can take that first picture by gently pressing the shutter release button. If the needles won't line up, you'll have to change the shutter speed.

7. Advance the film with the advance lever and take another shot, then another. When the film is used up, wind the film back into the cartridge and send it off to be developed.

Tags: shutter speed, exposure meter, film speed, rewind crank, shutter speed dial, speed dial, advance lever

Undelete On Dvr

Digital video recorders, or DVRs, allow users to store programs on them digitally so they can be watched later. Just like tapes, DVRs have limited space --- eventually, you will have to delete programs to make room. While most DVRs cannot recover a deleted program, TiVo DVRs allow you to restore programs that have been recently deleted.

Instructions

Recovering on an HD TiVo DVR

1. Press the TiVo button on your remote. The TiVo button is the one at the front of the remote shaped like a television with the TiVo logo on it.

2. Select "My Shows" from the main TiVo menu.

3. Select "Recently Deleted" from the My Shows menu.

4. Highlight the desired program from the Recently Deleted list and press the "Select" button to restore it.

5. Access the restored show in the My Shows menu.

Recovering on an SD TiVo DVR

6. Press the TiVo button on your remote. The TiVo button is the one at the front of the remote shaped like a television with the TiVo logo on it.

7. Select "Now Playing List" from the main TiVo menu.

8. Select "Recently Deleted" from the My Shows menu.

9. Highlight the desired program from the Recently Deleted list and press the "Select" button.

10. Choose a storage option. You can select "Keep until I delete," "Keep through" and set a date and time, or "Don't change date" to use the displayed deletion time.

11. Access the restored show in the Now Playing List menu.

Tags: TiVo button, Shows menu, your remote TiVo, Access restored, Access restored show, button front, button front remote

Play Video Security Camera Records On A Vcr

Security cameras.

The easiest way to get a reproduction of the images that a security camera captures is to have a videocassette recorder (VCR) to do the job. Be certain there is a detached area to house the VCR. This will ensure that someone can view the monitor in relative safety while the recording is taking place. The majority of security cameras have analog cable links that are identical to what VCR devices use.

Instructions

1. Make sure the security camera's output ports are on prior to mounting it in position. Look to see which type of connection your VCR will offer to hook up to the camera. This is done by looking at the back of the VCR and looking at the input ports. The basic options are S-video cable, RF co-axial and RCA composite.

2. Obtain a long cable cord. Make sure it's long enough to be connected to the mounted position of the camera and the VCR. A double-female port adapter may be needed to connect multiple cables if you have the VCR in one room and the camera in another area.

3. Attach the VCR to the camera cable, then hook it up to the input port of the VCR.

4. Put in a blank tape inside the VCR. Press the "record" button on the VCR. Confirm that the video camera is recording.

5. Hook up the VCR's output to a TV monitor so the tape can be viewed. Confirm that the TV channel and channel on the VCR are tuned to the same channel. You should be able to see the camera recording real-time images on the monitor after pressing "video" on the VCR.

Tags: camera recording, Confirm that, Make sure, security camera

What Is The Difference Between Lcd And Hdtv

Modern television classifications can be confusing.

These days buying a TV can be a confusing business. There are many different types and classifications available and quality differences can be hard to judge. It's wise to investigate different standards and look at the TV sets in action before buying.

LCD

LCD or Liquid Crystal Display is technology in which two panes of transparent material are sandwiched together with a screen of liquid-filled pixels between them. Electricity makes each pixel twist on or off, creating the picture.

HDTV

HD stands for High Definition, and refers to a signal showing 1080 and 720 line resolution images. An HDTV is a television capable of displaying an image of this resolution.

LCD and HD

An LCD television set may or may not be an HD TV. If you wish to purchase a TV, you must choose between LCD, Plasma, and Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) systems. You must then choose whether you wish your model to be HD or HD-ready.

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Fool Motion Detectors

Sometimes, you just need to access a room that you don't have access to. Maybe you want to leave a surprise on your spouse’s desk. Perhaps you want to play a harmless prank on a friend who is paranoid enough to have a motion detector in his room. Fooling a motion detector is not a simple process, but it can be done.

Instructions

1. Learn how the motion detector works. Motion detectors have sensors with a semicircular field of view and look for heat waves radiating from moving objects. After being tripped, the sensor will alert the homeowner. It may switch on a light for a certain period of time or alert a security system or start a siren.

2. Trip the motion detector on purpose until the homeowner switches it off. Motion detectors can be fooled easily by blowing leaves or tree branches, and a lot of people get frustrated by the intermittent light and simply shut the detector off.

3. Reduce the amount of heat you’re giving off. Motion detectors that search for infrared heat will be triggered by a person-sized spot of heat. Use this to your advantage. Try soaking in a cool bathtub for a little while to reduce the heat you give off. See if you can train a dog who has a much smaller heat profile to get into the room and do your bidding.

4. Introduce a masking sound. Detectors that listen for sounds can be fooled when you broadcast white noise into its range. When the detector is coping with the white noise, the sound of your breath and footsteps won’t trigger the alarm.

5. Figure out the paths of the detectors. You may have done this in a video game. When you know where the detectors are looking, you can sometimes wriggle your way through a path just out of range of the detectors.

6. Move very slowly. Older motion detectors can be fooled this way. It may take a little practice, but you can get where you’re not supposed to be by moving too slowly for the device to detect.

Tags: motion detector, Motion detectors, detectors fooled, detectors have, white noise

Upload Photos Onto A Computer

The world is full of pictures and images that you can enjoy. However, images don't have to stay where they are, away from your PC. Instead, you can place the images onto your computer where you can always know where they are and see them whenever you want, instead of having to rely on an Internet connection or a camera.

Instructions

Downloading From a Camera or Card

1. Remove the camera's memory card, typically located on the side or with the battery, from the digital camera. You may alternatively connect the camera to your PC using your camera's USB cable.

2. Connect the card to the card reader on your PC.

3. Double-click "My Computer" on your desktop, then double-click the icon for your memory card or camera.

4. Click and drag the photos in the window that appears to where you are storing your pictures.

Using a Web Browser

5. Visit the Web page with the photo you want to put on your PC.

6. Right-click on the image you want.

7. Click "Save Image As" in the menu that appears.

8. Choose a file location and file name in the dialog box that appears, then click "Save."

Tags: that appears, memory card, where they

Buy A Tape Deck

With tape decks, convenience features, such as high-speed dubbing and auto-reverse, can also degrade sound quality. It's important to decide which trade-offs you're willing to make before you buy, and to listen carefully to the decks you're considering.

Instructions

1. Choose between dual-well and single-well decks. Dual-well decks will not sound as good as comparably priced or less expensive single-well decks, but they make tape dubbing easier.

2. Determine what's more important: convenience features or sound quality. High-speed tape dubbing degrades sound quality. Auto-reverse significantly degrades sound quality and reliability.

3. Decide on the noise-reduction technology you want. Dolby S is the most effective form of Dolby noise reduction. Dolby C NR is superior to Dolby B NR. Most prerecorded tapes use Dolby B NR. Dolby HX improves signal-to-noise ratio. Dbx, no longer available on new decks, is the most effective method of noise reduction.

4. Decide if you want control over the tape type. Most decks automatically read the tape type (I, II, or IV, also called Normal, CrO2, and Metal, respectively) and adjust the bias. But some decks allow you to fine-tune the bias for individual tapes.

5. Consider buying a used deck if you are willing to replace the heads, which will cost $100 or more. If you choose a used deck, buy one made more than 10 years ago to take advantage of better construction and sound quality.

6. Make your buying decision based on sound quality, price, features and the service provided by your salesperson.

7. Consider upgrading stock RCA cables that come with the unit.

Tags: sound quality, convenience features, degrades sound, degrades sound quality, most effective, noise reduction, single-well decks

What Is The Difference Between An Sd Camera Card & An Sdhc Card

Different memory cards have different benefits - choose carefully!

Finding the right memory card for your camera can be tricky, especially if you're not confident with technology. SD cards and SDHC cards are two options with different benefits that may suit your needs.

SD Cards

SD stands for secure digital, which is a specific format within the flash card market. Flash cards are used to store data without linking to a power source. SD cards can store data such as photographs and they make it simple to delete unwanted information quickly.

SD cards can hold between 16MB and 2GB of data and mini and micro versions are available for different devices.

SDHC Cards

SDHC stands for secure digital high capacity. They are flash memory cards with a minimum capacity of 4GB although they can offer up to 32GB. SDHC Cards can be used in any compatible digital devices such as camcorders and MP3 players as well as cameras.

The SDHC is an upgraded version of the standard SD Card, offering increased capacity and higher processing speeds. Like the standard SD Cards, mini and micro versions of the SDHC are also available.

Choosing the Right Card

Deciding which type of card to use isn't just about the capacity. You need to ensure your digital device is compatible with the memory card you want to buy. There are different speeds available for SD and SDHC Cards and your manual will give specific advice about the optimum speed for your equipment. When deciding on capacity, it's worth remembering that a 10 megapixel camera will store about 770 pictures with a 2GB HD Card and around 12,320 with a 32GB SDHC Card.

Tags: SDHC Cards, 32GB SDHC, different benefits, memory card, memory cards, micro versions

Set Up Your Home Theater System For The Right Seating Distance

Seating affects your home theater experience almost as much as any other single aspect. You will want to be an appropriate distance from the television and the surround-sound speakers to get the most out of your home theater system. Follow these steps to set up your home theater system for the right seating distance.

Instructions

1. Note what kind of television you have. Higher definition televisions like plasma screen and HDTVs allow a viewer to sit closer because they have more lines of resolution. Rear-projection TVs require you to sit further away to get the best quality viewing.

2. Sit about twice the distance of your television diagonal measure for higher definition televisions. If you have a 52-inch high definition television, you will want to sit about 10 feet from the television to get the best picture quality.

3. Sit a little further away, about three times the diagonal, for traditional, analog televisions. This may require a pretty large room if you have a big-screen analog TV. If your TV is a larger screen, you may need to sit as far away as possible in your room.

4. Consider the angle from the side. Depending on what kind of television you're viewing, you may have image distortion or discoloration if you're viewing it form too far to either side. LCD and projection screen televisions are notorious for this effect.

5. Consider your acoustics. Refer to your sound system's owner's manual for advice on position speakers for optimal sound conditions. Likely, they'll be surrounding the "sweet spot," which is where you'll be listening from.

Tags: home theater, your home, your home theater, definition televisions, from television

Digital Photo Keychain User Instructions

A digital photo keychain is a convenient device to store digital images. These keychains come in various colors and shapes such as silver square frames or red or pink heart-shaped frames as an attractive accessory. Digital photo keychains serve as small electronic storage devices and require a USB cable for charging and for transferring images. Digital photo keychains can be packaged with a separate CD containing a driver and photo software or the device can have these utilities preloaded. Each device uses proprietary drivers for compatibility with computers, but the features are similar across the brands.

Setup and Installation

Initialize your digital photo keychain by connecting it to a computer to load the drivers and photo management software. A USB cable is supplied with the device, often using a micro-USB plug. If a CD is included with the digital keychain, be sure to install the drivers and software on your computer before connecting the device to ensure that the hardware is properly recognized by the computer. If no CD is included, the digital keychain will usually have the drivers and utility installed on the device so these essential files will be transferred to the computer as part of the hardware setup.

Photo Management

The computer will recognize the connected digital photo keychain as an external drive, like a USB jump drive. All images need to be resized and transferred to the device using the photo management software included, sometimes called photo viewers. Images can either be dropped into the open window of the photo viewer or added to the image library maintained by the photo viewer. New images can be cropped to fit the screen settings for the device before being resized to an optimum resolution. Images can also be deleted from the device using the photo viewer.

Charging

The digital photo keychain has a nonremovable rechargeable battery installed which must be charged through the USB connection. The device will automatically charge whenever the device is connected to the computer, and the screen on the keychain will display the charging status.

Buttons

Each digital keychain has at least three buttons, usually located on the side or back of the frame. Buttons marked "up" and "down" allow the user to toggle or to scroll through the pictures. The "Mode" or "Menu" button enables users to access basic settings on the device such as date and time, slide show, automatic shutoff and activate PC connection. Once the menu has been activated, the settings can be selected using the up and down buttons.

Tags: digital keychain, digital photo keychain, photo keychain, photo viewer, device using

What Is The D50 Setting For A Sb600

The D50 came onto the scene as an early, entry-level digital single-lens reflex, or DSLR, camera from the Japanese manufacturer Nikon. Though the D50 features a built-in internal flash, pro and amateur photographers may choose to supplement the flash with another Nikon product, the SB-600 external flash unit. Pairing the two devices, which are compatible out of the box, requires no special settings for the camera or the flash unit.

Settings

To pair the Nikon SB-600 external flash unit with the Nikon D50 DSLR camera, photographers can use both devices on their default settings; as both devices come from the same manufacturer and were produced during the same time frame, no special settings are required. In fact, with no special settings, the SB-600 works with every Nikon camera made about 40 years prior to the production of the D50.

Features

The Nikon D50's built-in flash automatically appears in inadequately lit settings. This speedlight also adds fill-flash backlighting when the camera is set to Auto, Child, Close-up, Night Portrait or Portrait modes. Depending on the aperture, the built-in flash has a range between 2 and 24.7 feet. The external SB-600 flash unit - which operates manually or remotely, doesn't interfere with the D50's normal operation and features tilt functionality - adds a wide-area autofocus illuminator, greater white balance accuracy and more precise fill-flashes.

Other Compatible Flashes

Because of the i-TTL exposure system Nikon incorporated in the D50 camera, the SB-600, SB-400 and SB-800 are the only Nikon-made external flash units compatible with the D50 DSLR camera. The i-TTL system ads wireless control capability to the cameras, allowing for remote flash. To use wireless control with the D50, users must have the SB-800 flash or the SU-800 infrared flash controller, the latter of which works in conjunction with the SB-600 flash unit.

Other Compatible Cameras

Though the SB-600 works with decades worth of Nikon cameras via connecting to the camera hot shoe, or electrical socket, it typically lends itself to Nikon's SLR and DSLR cameras. Apart from the D50, the SB-600 also works with the Nikon D40, D80, D200, D2Xs, D70, D2H and D2X cameras out of the box with no special settings. All of these cameras also include the i-TTL exposure system. Additionally, the SB-600 flash unit works with Nikon's D-TTL and TTL exposure systems.

Tags: flash unit, special settings, works with, DSLR camera, external flash, SB-600 flash, SB-600 flash unit

Reset The Bushnell Trail Scout Pro

Trail Scout Pro includes the ability to record audio.

The Bushnell Trail Scout Pro is a state of the art trail camera. Attached to a tree and left unattended, the Trail Scout uses motion sensors to turn on and record anything moving in its field of view. Features include a moon phase stamp, game call technology, infrared sensors and night vision. Set up your Trail Scout with an easy-to-use toggle switch system that allows you to input the date, time, year and other useful information. Though several versions of the Trial Scout Pro exist, all with different features, the general procedure for resetting any Trail Scout Pro is the same.

Instructions

1. Open the front cover by turning the center knob 90 degrees until horizontal. Toggle all switches to the center position. Remove the batteries. Leave the batteries out for one minute. Replace the batteries.

2. Move the first switch up to the "On" position. Bushnell should show for two seconds on the LED display. Move the switch to the center (Setup) position.

3. When the LED shows "Set Date," then press "Enter." Use the "Up" and "Down" buttons to enter the correct date in the month/day/year format. Press "Enter" after entering each section until finished.

4. Press "Down" until the LED shows "Set Time," then press "Enter." Use the "Up" and "Down" buttons to set the hour and minute. Press "Enter" after entering each section until finished.

5. Press "Down" until the LED shows "My Name," then press "Enter." Use the "Up" and "Down" buttons to select the characters to create a name for the device. Press "Enter" after entering each character until finished.

6. Press "Down" until the LED shows "Password Set," then press "Enter." The LED will show "Password Yes." Press "Enter" to set a password or press the "Up" button, then press "Enter," and now password will be set.

If setting a password, use the "Up" and "Down" buttons to set a four-digit password. Press "Enter" after entering each section until finished.

7. Press "Down" until the LED shows "Set Day Time," then press "Enter." Use the "Up" and "Down" buttons to set the hour for sunrise and the hour for sunset using a 24-hour clock (1pm = 13). Press "Enter" after entering each section until finished.

8. Use the other toggle switches to set the operating modes. When finished with setup, move the first toggle switch to the "On" position. Close the front cover and secure by turning the knob 90 degrees until vertical.

Tags: then press, then press Enter, Trail Scout, after entering, after entering each

Gsm Phone Work

GSM Standards

Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) is the most widely used standard for cell phones in the world. The GSM Association promotes its use and claims that 80 percent of all mobile phones are using the GSM standard. GSM is the network these cell phones use. This means each of these phones search for a cell in the area in which they're being used. This means there must be a GSM network to handle all GSM-based phone calls.

GSM Network

The GSM network is a cellular network. Cellular networks are radio networks that consist of cells. Each cell is a cell site that consists of an elevated tower that contains transceivers (transmitters and receivers), signal processors, a timing receiver and electrical power sources. The GSM network refers to these towers as base stations or Base Transceiver Stations (BTS). The size of each cell refers to the coverage area it's designed for. There are five different cell sizes. The cell size, called a macro, is the size used in GSM mobile phone systems.

Subscriber Identity Module

The subscriber identity module (or SIM card) is a key feature of a GSM cell phone. The SIM contains the subscription profile and address book. Although the SIM card contains account information that prevents or enables certain services, the handset (cell phone) is the device that locks the user into a specific phone. The phone can be locked from accepting any other SIM card or multiple SIM cards.

TDMA Technology

Time division multiple access (TDMA) is the access method GSM uses for shared networks. In the GSM network, more than one cell phone user can use the same frequency channel. This can occur because the signal is divided into time slots. A cell phone user in this system uses only a small portion of the base station channel capacity. Each TDMA frame contains eight time slots. GSM uses TDMA to raise the efficiency of the network.

Using A GSM Phone

Just because a cell phone can be turned on doesn't mean it can be used to make a phone call. A GSM phone must connect to a base station via a signal. When a phone is turned on, the phone searches for a signal to connect with. GSM technology assigns a maximum range for its macro base stations of about 25 miles. In highly populated areas, base stations are grouped and even overlapped so that their phones are never without an available signal.

Sharing GSM Signals

Behind the scenes, a cell phone is in constant contact with the available base station, moving in and out of range of one and into the range of the next one. This connecting and reconnecting happens through the relationship of a GSM controller, located on the base station, and a GSM phone's inner mechanism. When a GSM cell phone moves toward a tower or mast, it checks for the strongest signal available and connects. Simultaneously, the weaker mast signal is released and becomes available for the next user.

Tags: cell phone, base station, base stations, cell phone user, cell phones

Focus Fast Indoor Shots Manually

Switching from AF to MF turns off the motor in the lens.

Several variables affect whether or not an action shot turns out sharp and clear, including focus, f-stop, shutter speed, film ISO and flash. The low light typical of indoor situations causes further complications. Having the proper settings and focus ready before the action begins will increase success. The auto focus and other auto settings common on modern cameras may seem like a convenient solution, but a camera's auto settings may not always create the best possible picture.

Instructions

1. Load film into the camera. Use ISO 800 film or higher for action shots. If you're using a digital camera, load the memory card and battery. Then turn on the digital camera and set your ISO to 800.

2. Attach the lens to the camera.

3. Set up a tripod, if you are using one, and attach the camera.

4. Move the auto focus switch on the camera lens from AF to MF. AF means "auto focus" and MF means "manual focus." Moving the switch to MF turns off the auto focus motor in the lens.

5. Set the aperture of the lens to the widest f-stop, such as f4.5. This will allow you to see better when you're focusing. F-stop refers to the size of the aperture opening. The smaller the number f-stop, the wider open the aperture will be. The larger the number f-stop, the narrower the aperture opening will be.

6. Look in the camera's viewfinder, and turn the focal length ring to zoom in on the subject or on something that's an equal distance away from the camera. There are two rings that rotate on the lens. The ring nearest to the camera body adjusts focal length for zooming in and out.

7. Turn the focus ring on the lens left or right until the image in the viewfinder is sharp and clear. The ring farthest from the camera body is the focus ring.

8. Zoom out to the desired focal length.

9. Set the aperture to the desired f-stop. A narrow f-stop, such as f16, provides more depth of field, which means more of the picture will be in focus.

10. Set the shutter speed. A fast shutter speed (such as 1/100 of a second) decreases the blur of a moving subject.

11. Turn on the camera's flash. Using a narrow aperture and a fast shutter speed in low light will result in a dark picture unless the flash is on.

12. Take a test picture to make sure the settings are appropriate if you're using a digital camera.

Tags: auto focus, shutter speed, digital camera, focal length, aperture opening, auto settings, camera body

Will An Old Analog Tv Work With A Satellite Dish

With the upcoming digital conversion, no analog TV will be viewable without some sort of converter box. Given the price of TVs, many people are reluctant to throw out their perfectly good analog sets. Here's good news: An old analog television will work with a satellite dish, even after the digital conversion. Here's how.

Instructions

1. Have your satellite dish installed, or install it yourself, according to the manufacturer's specifications. Run a line from the dish to your TV set.

2. Connect your satellite box to the satellite dish. Screw the wire onto the "Satellite In" port on the back of the box; it's a round metal port with threads for screws.

3. Connect your satellite box to your television. Connect your coaxial wire to the "Television Out" port (another round metal port). Connect the other end of the wire to a similar port on the back of your TV.

4. Plug in your satellite box. Tune your television to Channel 3.

5. Call your satellite provider to activate your satellite receiver.

Tags: your satellite, Connect your, satellite dish, Connect your satellite, digital conversion

Clean Your Movie Screen

Clean Your Movie Screen

A movie screen at home allows you to enjoy a peaceful night at home, and also eliminates the need to spend high prices on movie tickets, food and drinks at a movie theater. Having your own movie screen is an expensive investment, making it important to properly care for the movie screen. By cleaning the movie screen regularly, you can keep the home theater looking brand new. It is also important to avoid the wrong cleaning products, which will damage the movie screen and lead to an expensive screen repair or replacement.

Instructions

Cleaning Glass Movie Screens

1. Turn off the unit.

2. Dust the screen with a soft cloth or duster, as dust collects on the screen.

3. Spray a soft cloth with a mist of glass cleaner, and wipe over the movie screen. Buff out fingerprints and smudges by wiping in small circles when cleaning.

Cleaning LCD and Plastic Movie Screens

4. Turn off the unit, and dust with a feather duster or soft cloth.

5. Open a cleaning wipe designed for use on electronics. These can be purchased at any electronics store, and come pre-moistened and individually wrapped.

6. Wipe the screen with the damp wipe, buffing away marks and smudges using small circular motions.

Tags: movie screen, soft cloth, Clean Your, Clean Your Movie, Movie Screens, Movie Screens Turn

Install A Photo Viewer

You can scan photos to a PC and look at them using a photo viewer application.

Veteran users of Microsoft's Windows operating system, or OS, might expect a basic application that helps users view photos. However, as the company periodically upgrades its OS versions, it also does the same to its photo viewing application -- including a name change. When Microsoft released Windows 7, the Windows Photo Gallery in Windows Vista was replaced with Windows Photo Viewer. Before you seek out a third-party photo viewing application, you might already have a free and native application in Windows. If you still cannot find it, then you easily install another photo viewing application either by Microsoft or third-party developers.

Instructions

1. Look for the native photo viewing program in Windows 7 by first clicking on "Start." Type "Windows Photo Viewer" in the search box at the bottom of the "Start" menu. Click that link fromthe list of results on the menu to open the program and begin using it to view photos. If Windows Photo Viewer is not installed, then move to the next step.

2. Open a Web browser, and navigate to the download website for any photo viewer, such as Microsoft's Windows Live Photo Gallery or Google's Picasa (see Resources).

3. Click the button labeled "Download" on the Web page. Browse for a folder or drive letter (C: or D:) where the file will be stored. Click "Save." Wait and monitor the status window until the download is complete.

4. Double-click on saved file from the hard drive. Select "Run" if a pop-up confirmation box appears on the screen. Read the terms of service and then click "I Agree."

5. Click "Install." Wait while the photo viewer application automatically installs to the PC. Monitor the green progress bar as it moves from left to right. Click "Finish" when the installation of the photo viewer is complete.

Tags: photo viewing, Windows Photo, Photo Viewer, photo viewing application, viewing application

Use The Recovery Partition On A Dell Inspiron 530

Use the Recovery Partition on a Dell Inspiron 530

Newer Dell computers, such as the Inspiron 530, come with a Recovery Partition, which contains a backup of the computer's operating system as it existed when first built at the factory.To restore your computer to its original software state, boot into the Recovery Partition and overwrite your current operating system installation with one from the Recovery Partition.

Instructions

1. Backup any information from the computer that you want to save. Once the restoration process has started, all of your data will be erased.

2. Turn off the computer, wait a few seconds and then turn it back on. As the computer starts up, press the F8 key until you see the "Advanced Boot Options" menu appear.

3. Select the "Repair Your Computer" option and press the "Enter" key.

4. Click the "Next" button, log in with your Administrator username and password and click the "Dell Factory Image Restore" option.

5. Click "Yes, reformat hard drive and restore system software to factory condition" and click the "Next" button.

6. Click the "Finish" button. The computer will restart in its original factory condition.

Tags: Recovery Partition, Dell Inspiron, factory condition, Next button, operating system, Partition Dell, Partition Dell Inspiron

What Is Photo Chroma Key

Photo chroma key is the process of manipulating images to replace a single colored background with an image photographed at another location or digitally created using editing software.

Chroma Key

The process of chroma key has been around since the 1930s and has undergone many changes over the history of photography, film and video production. The process was originally referred to in film special effects as "traveling matte composite" and is now referred to as either blue or green screen. The process can be completed as either a photo chemical procedure or as a digital application using editing software. Chroma key is basically the manipulation of an image shot against a plain background; blue and green are commonly used as they are the furthest from skin tone. The background is later replaced by another background shot at a different time or produced digitally.

Photo-Chemical Process

Chroma key began as an effect produced by shooting two sets of film. One of the negatives was then placed over the other, and the two negatives were cut or manipulated in order to produce a third image. This third image is a combination of the two original negatives, which is then printed as a single image.

The Digital Process

Completing the chroma key process in digital software requires an image to be shot against a colored screen. In the post-production process, after the shoot is completed everything over or under a certain brightness level is "keyed-out" and replaced by another image or color.

Digital Software

There are a number of options when it comes to chroma key software. Application solely dedicated to chroma key are available such as TriPrism or ExpressDigital; software such as Photoshop have also produced plug-ins that are capable of completing the chroma key process.

Color Spill

One of the major problems with chroma key is color spill: this is the reflection of color from the walls and backgrounds of the studio that tint areas of the subject and casts through the semi-transparent areas of the subject. Affected areas are usually hair, backs of shoulder, arms and legs and transparent clothing such as a wedding veil. The problem of color spill is one of the main reasons people give up on photo chroma key.

Red, Green and Blue

Backgrounds used for chroma key have been green, blue and red in professional shoots. This is because cameras often use three individual channels to read images---red, green and blue. To complete the chroma key process, one of these channels is "keyed-out" or removed from the image to be replaced by another image. As technology has progressed, it has become easier to manipulate images digitally over many more channels than just red, green and blue, reducing the effects of color spill and color leaking over the image where the subject color matches that of the replaced background.

Tags: chroma process, color spill, replaced another, another image, areas subject

Algorithm For The Slr

SLR cameras use many algorithms to take and process pictures.

Modern digital SLR cameras are as much computer as anything else. With the large multi-megapixel images that they generate, they use a great deal of processing power to turn their sensor's data into a photograph file. Modern SLRs also use algorithms to help them both set correct exposure and to automatically focus the lens.

Colorization Algorithms

Believe it or not, just about every SLR sold uses a black-and-white sensor. A Bayer filter is placed over the sensor to make each pixel sensitive to either red, blue or green light with twice as many pixels sensitive to green light as to red or blue light. In other words, a 10-megapixel camera shoots an image consisting of 5 million pixels of green light, 2.5 megapixels of red light and 2.5 megapixels of blue light. The camera then uses a dematrixing algorithm to create the missing data to generate a file which contains 10 million pixels of full-color data.

File Compression Algorithms

After the camera generates the image, it comes out as a very large file. A 10-megapixel image would be 30 megabytes large, assuming 24 bits of color data per pixel. To generate files of a more reasonable size, the camera's image processor passes the file through a compression algorithm. This algorithm eliminates unnecessary data and, at times, even some fine visual detail to generate a compact JPEG file. While compression levels vary, a 30-megabyte file could easily be reduced to 1.5 megabytes -- 5 percent of its original size.

Autofocus Algorithms

SLR cameras typically use a complicated phase-detection system to determine if a given point in an image is in focus. Choosing what parts of an image should be in focus, though, is done by an algorithm. The simplest autofocus systems just focus on whatever is in the center of the image. This requires an algorithm to measure when the image reaches its sharpest point. Advanced cameras use algorithms to analyze multiple focal points to focus on such things as the largest item in the frame, an item in motion or even a face.

Exposure Algorithms

Setting correct exposure requires a number of algorithms. The simplest autoexposure algorithm, spot metering, simply sets a small point in the center of the image to expose as a medium-gray tone. Matrix exposure algorithms compare the entire image to a database of images to try to find an exposure setting that can reflect the whole scene's light profile.

Tags: green light, blue light, center image, correct exposure, light megapixels, million pixels

Lab Safety Protocols

Safety glasses protect the eyes of this scientist from chemical splashes.

Laboratory safety protocols ensure that scientific work can proceed with minimal danger. While every institution sets its own safety policies, there are some general guidelines that almost all laboratories use. Wearing the right attire, disposing of waste properly, handling chemicals with caution and behaving with appropriate conduct can minimize the occupational hazard to scientists. These protocols can also be adapted for work performed in the field.

Proper Attire

In the laboratory safety takes precedence over fashion. Open toed shoes are forbidden. In addition, you should tie back long hair when using flames or machinery in which it could get caught and tangled. Clothing that is overly loose is discouraged. Safety goggles should be worn at all times when handling chemicals. Many laboratories also require all lab workers to wear a 9999999lab coat over their clothes. Depending on what hazardous items you work with, including radiation, microbes or animals, you may need more personal protective equipment.

Conduct

Eating, smoking and drinking are prohibited in the lab. You should wash your hands before you begin work and before you leave, even though you have been wearing protective gloves. Running is strongly discouraged.

Chemical Safety

All chemicals in the lab should be clearly labeled with their name and hazard level. All glass and sharp materials should be disposed of in properly labeled and reinforced sharps containers. Never pour chemicals down the sink. Dispose of them in properly labeled containers. All waste must be labeled. Do not use flammable chemicals near open flames. Proper storage dictates that acids and bases should be kept in separate locations.

Field Work

All the rules that apply to regular laboratory work can be adapted for work undertaken in the field. In addition, make sure to have your emergency contact information updated with your supervisor before you head into the field. One member of the team should always carry a first aid kit. Before beginning work you should be briefed about local dangerous animals and poisonous plants that should be avoided.

Tags: adapted work, handling chemicals, properly labeled

Fix 8mm Tape

Repair your old 8mm videotape and enjoy your precious home movies.

The 8 millimeter videotape format is considered a dated and old technology by today's standards. With rapid technological advancements, 8 millimeter tape has been replaced by DVDs, Blue-Rays and other digital video formats that can be stored on a hard drive. However, you might still have some old 8 millimeter videotapes kicking around containing precious home video memories. With use and time, your 8 millimeter videotape may have split or ripped. However, you can repair 8 millimeter tape quite inexpensively through a process called splicing.

Instructions

1. Manually wind the tape by simultaneously turning the white spindles on the back of the cassette to the damaged or broken point, if it's not already there. Put on a pair of latex gloves to protect the 8mm tape from oil and dirt on your fingers. Lay the cassette containing the broken or damaged 8mm tape flat onto to a cutting board with the white spindles facing up.

2. Depress the small lever on the left side of the cassette and open the plastic tape guard. Hold the tape guard open while you proceed with the repair, or have someone help you keep it open, as it's spring loaded and will snap shut if you let go, potentially causing damage to the 8mm tape.

3. Insert a toothpick into the center hole, located slightly above the white spindles, and depress the small button at the bottom. Gently pull 3 to 6 inches of 8mm tape out of the cassette and lay it shiny side up on the cutting board. Be extra careful while handling the tape; don't allow it to kink or twist.

4. Cut the damaged piece of tape out of the 8mm tape using a fine razor. Cut at a straight angle so both ends will line up. If the tape is already severed, cut both ends so they will line up perfectly, if they don't already.

5. Line up both ends of the 8mm tape so they are perfectly matched and shiny side up. Cut a 1-inch piece of press tape with the razor blade and tailor the width to match that of the 8mm tape.

6. Join both ends of 8mm tape with the tailored press tape. Press down the press tape firmly by applying direct pressure. Wind the tape back up by turning the white spindles by hand and close the plastic tape guard. Test the tape. It should now work, but you will experience a short loss of picture and sound at the spliced point.

Tags: both ends, white spindles, press tape, tape guard, both ends tape, cutting board, ends tape

Make Cellphone Ringtones

Don't you want your own personal free cellphone ringtones? Instead of having to download cellphone ringtones, you could easily make your own ringtone. Make any favorite sound or song into a free cellphone ringtone. In a few steps, you can use your cellphone to record the desired song and convert it to a ringtone.

Instructions

1. Verify that the picture messaging function is enabled on your cellphone. This functionality enables your own cellphone to make a ringtone by using the picture message function. You don't actually need to have any pictures.

2. Go to "Send picture message." Enter your own phone number. You can add text or a picture if you want, but it's unnecessary.

3. Navigate to the "Sound" heading on your cellphone. Select "Sounds" and "Record new." Record the desired sound. Then press "OK." Go back to the text message and press "Send." You should receive the message soon.

4. After receiving the message, press "Open." The sound will be embedded in the picture. Press the "Options" button and save the sound as a ringtone.

5. Switch your ringtone, as per your cellphone manufacturer's instructions.

Tags: your cellphone, cellphone ringtones, free cellphone, message press, picture message, your ringtone

Build A Fiberglass Subwoofer Box

Fiberglass is the only way to really customize your subwoofer box the way you want it to be. Building a fiberglass subwoofer box can take days and the process is laborious, but in the end you get exactly the look you want.

Instructions

1. Build an insert for your subwoofer. MDF is an ideal wood to work with because it's cheap and durable. Build your enclosure so it meets the manufacturer's volume specifications.

2. Determine how you want to aim your subwoofer. This depends on the type of speaker you have as well as how you like it to sound.

3. Position your subwoofer with dowels. Cut and glue them to hold your speaker. This doesn't have to be perfect; it only needs to hold until your first layer of resin dries.

4. Wrap your enclosure in fleece. Make sure you wrap it tightly around the entire enclosure. Apply resin around the fabric. The fabric absorbs the first application of resin, giving you your first glimpse at the form of your fiberglass subwoofer box.

5. Mix your resin so you have enough to create mat layers. This is similar to what you'll see on a boat hull. Apply three to four mats of resin until your subwoofer box is sturdy. Check to make sure it can support your entire body weight to determine if your subwoofer box is sturdy enough to move on.

6. Sand the entire box with 80-grit sandpaper. Apply auto-body filler and sand it again. Apply thin coats of auto-body filler, sanding between each coat, until the surface of the fiberglass subwoofer box is smooth.

7. Remove any loose dowels and install your subwoofer. Finish off your fiberglass subwoofer box with carpet or with paint. If you choose to paint, primer first. Then you can paint it the color of your choice. Lacquer paint is required for this project.

Tags: your subwoofer, auto-body filler, fiberglass subwoofer, fiberglass subwoofer, subwoofer sturdy, subwoofer with

Troubleshoot A Panasonic Digital Camera

Panasonic makes a line of digital cameras with a range of features geared toward the consumer market. Although the specifications vary from model to model, such as pixel resolution, zoom capability and exposure settings, the troubleshooting steps are the same when something goes wrong and the camera stops taking pictures. By working through the problem systematically, the photographer can avoid a trip to the repair shop and get back to taking digital photos.

Instructions

1. Turn the camera on and off, then check operation.

2. Replace the batteries with a fully charged set. Most Panasonic cameras operate with two AA size batteries. Weak batteries can cause the microchip in the camera to produce strange readings. Dying batteries may also not have enough power to open the lens cover and extend the zoom on the digital camera.

3. Check the settings on the camera to be sure it is set for taking pictures rather than downloading pictures. The adjustment switch is on the right-hand edge of the camera viewing from the back.

4. Open the slot on the bottom of the camera containing the memory card by sliding the cover in the direction of the arrow. Press lightly on the memory card, then release. It will pop up for easy extraction.

5. Reinsert the memory card in the same direction, pressing gently until it locks into place.

6. Turn on the camera and check the LCD screen while pressing the shutter bottom on the top of the camera. If the screen displays a "Memory Full" message, offload some or all of the pictures on the memory card to a computer, or manually delete some of the images. Delete individual images by pressing the button labeled with a trashcan icon on the back of the camera.

7. Check and adjust the auto-off setting on the camera if the Panasonic repeatedly shuts down during use. The camera is designed to power down after a period of inactivity. Press the "Menu" key and use the up and down buttons on the camera to scroll to the auto-off setting.

8. Reformat the memory card as a last resort. Press "Menu," then use the down arrow key to reach the reformatting options.

Tags: memory card, auto-off setting, bottom camera, camera Check, Press Menu

What To Do If A Radar Detector Is Not Working

No one likes getting traffic tickets, but a radar detector can provide an extra measure of security against a momentary lapse of attention. If your radar detector is on the fritz, there are a few things you can do.

Obey the Speed Limit

If your radar detector is not working, the first thing you should do is not drive over the speed limit. You may get a ticket, and cops generally won't let a driver with a radar detector off with a warning, whether it's working or not.

Check the Connections

If the radar detector works off the vehicle's 12-volt power adapter, make sure it's plugged in all the way. If it runs off of batteries, try a fresh set of batteries. Check any cords that go to secondary parts of the unit to make sure everything is plugged in.

Check the Owner's Manual

Check the manual for troubleshooting tips. Some detectors have fuses that can blow out, or replaceable power cords. Others have remote antennas that need to be kept unobstructed. If you've tried everything in the manual, contact the manufacturer of the radar detector.

Tags: radar detector, your radar detector, make sure, your radar

What Is A Camera Lens Focal Length Conversion Factor

Understanding focal length conversion factor will help your photography.

Most digital single lens reflex (SLR) cameras have an APS-C sensor which is smaller than a frame of 35mm film. Because APS-C cameras are not full frame, each company has a specific lens focal length conversion (or crop) factor.

Definition

Full frame vs. APS-C cameras.

Shoot a photo of a bridge with a full-frame camera and then take the exact same subject again with an APS-C camera. The resulting two pictures will not be identical. The full-frame image will include a greater portion of the bridge, while the APS-C shot will grab a narrower view or, essentially, look cropped.

Conversion Factor

Camera brand determines the focal length conversion factor.

The lens focal length conversion factor is 1.5x for Nikon, 1.6x for Canon and 2.0x for Olympus.

Focal Length

Nikons have a focal length conversion factor of 1.5x.

What effect does the conversion factor have on the focal length of a lens? If you are using a 100mm lens on an APS-C Nikon, you multiply 100mm by the 1.5x conversion factor. The focal length of the lens now has the equivalent of 150mm.

Considerations

APS-C cameras are less expensive.

APS-C cameras are lighter and significantly less expensive than full-frame models.

Benefits

Focal length conversion can enhance wildlife photography.

You can use the focal length conversion factor to your advantage. When shooting wildlife, you will benefit from a more powerful telephoto lens. A 400mm lens used on an APS-C Canon is comparable to 640mm. The extra 240mm can be invaluable in capturing an elusive bird in flight.

Tags: length conversion, APS-C cameras, conversion factor, focal length conversion, focal length, focal length

Recover Corrupted Jpeg Files Off A Sd Card

A standard SD card.

From time to time SD cards (as sturdy as they are) corrupt. The corruption may be due to reformatting, inserting the SD card incorrectly, scratching the surface of the SD card, wetting the SD card, or saving an infected file. No matter what the corruption is, as long as your PC recognizes the SD card you can retrieve your deleted files. This even works of you have deleted the files yourself.

Instructions

1. Download a file recovery program You can find many of these programs online, but they are not free. In order to see if the program will work for you, you can download the demo version of the program and use it to view deleted files. If it does not show you the files that were on your SD card, try downloading a different program. You will not be able to retrieve the data with the demo version; you will only be able to view the file.

2. Follow the onscreen prompts to fully install the program and use it correctly. After the installation is complete, restart your system.

3. Insert the SD card into the SD card reader or internal SD card drive.

4. Open the downloaded software and follow the onscreen prompts to recover the picture files. Select the files you want to recover, when you are prompted.

5. Save the recovered files to a location other than your corrupted SD card. Some programs only give you the option of restoring the to your SD card. If you are given the option to save them elsewhere, save the, to your PC.

6. Open the "My Computer" folder from the start menu and open the SD card from the drives list. Double-click the SD card emblem and make sure the restored photos are back on the SD card.

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Types Of Lenses For Dslr

Types of Lenses for DSLR

The ability to change lenses adds versatility to a camera. There are many lenses (called "glass" by professionals) available for digital single-lens reflex, or DSLR, cameras to transform ordinary snapshots into professional-quality images.

Basic Lenses

If the DSLR is purchased in a "kit', meaning that there is a lens with it, the lens will probably be a versatile 18mm to 55mm lens. This is the standard lens with about 3X zoom. Other basic lenses are 18mm to 70mm, 18 to 135mm and 18 to 200mm. The higher the second number (focal length), the more powerful the zoom capability. There is also an 'f' number (representing the maximum aperture) which shows the lens' speed or light sensitivity. Lower numbers, such as f2.8, let in more light.

Telephoto and Supertelephoto Lenses

Telephoto lenses bring distant objects closer in nature, sports and other applications.Telephoto lenses can also be used for more flattering portraits of humans. Super telephoto lenses, with focal lengths higher than 500mm, can be more than a foot long. They are heavy and attach directly to the tripod for better balance. These are the lenses seen on the sidelines of professional sports contests and at birdwatching events, for example.

Fixed-Focal-Length Lenses

Also known as prime lenses, fixed-focal-length lenses are made to be used at only one focal length. These can be more compact and have larger maximum apertures (lower 'f' numbers). These are useful for photographers who are generally the same distance from their subjects, as with fashion, entertainment or sports photography.

Wide-Angle Lenses

Wide-angle lenses are used to get more of a scene into an image, as with broad landscapes or a situation where you can't back up (a room). The wide-angle lens can also emphasize the foreground or alternate perspective (from below or above subject). The focal length of a wide-angle lens is usually 12mm to 24mm.

Macro Lenses

Macros allows objects only a couple of inches from the lens to be photographed for extreme close-ups. This technique is commonly used for flowers and insects. Because of the macro's extremely shallow depth of field, it can capture some petals of a flower in focus and blur others.

Specialty Lenses

Fish-eye lenses bend the lines in a photo around the center. Ultraviolet lenses are used for scientific applications. The Lensbaby company makes three lenses (Composer, Muse and Control Freak) that allow for selective focus. This technique is especially effective in close-ups, because the photographer can blur the edges of a photo right up to the subject.

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What Is Camera Flash Ttl

A modern TTL flash can take all the guesswork out of proper exposure.

The TTL in camera flash TTL stands for "Through The Lens." What this means is that the light from the flash is metered through the lens just like any other light source.

How It Works

When the photographer presses the shutter with the flash in TTL mode, the light that comes from the flash bounces off the subject and returns through the lens, where it is metered along with the ambient light to set the correct exposure and turn off the flash at the same time. This all happens in thousandths of a second.

Why It Is Used

A flash provides very bright light, and if not used correctly, will overexpose the image. Many people expect a flash to do magic and underexpose due to distance or shutter speed. A flash set for TTL will always provide the correct exposure regardless of f-stop or shutter speed, as long as the flash is powerful enough to reach the subject.

Flash Speed vs. Shutter Speed With TTL

Because of the nature of TTL flash, the speed of the flash will always be much faster than the shutter speed. What this means is that within a fairly wide range, it doesn't matter what the shutter speed is--the exposure is set by the TTL flash. This gives the photographer the greatest leeway in the shutter speed and aperture.

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What Is A Wet Cell Battery

The word "battery" is commonly thought of in its dry cell form; the batteries used to power watches, computers, phones, toys and flashlights are all dry cell batteries. Wet cell batteries are not commonly thought of, but they are quite common--car batteries are a ubiquitous example of wet cell batteries.

Definition

A wet cell battery is an electrochemical cell that uses a liquid electrolyte, or medium of exchanging electrons, instead of a pasty electrolyte used in dry cell batteries. A basic wet cell battery could consist of a copper plate and a zinc plate partially immersed in lemon juice. The exposed ends could be connected by wires to complete the circuit, and current would flow from one plate through the wires to the second plate, and then through the lemon juice back to the first plate.

History

The battery itself may possibly date back to around 2,000 years ago. A pottery jar was discovered in modern-day Iraq with an iron rod that housed a copper cylinder. Filled with vinegar, these jars could produce a small amount of current and are thought to have been used to electroplate gold onto silver.

More commonly, the battery's invention is credited to Count Alessandro Volta in 1798, who discovered that different types metals, when placed in a conducting fluid, produced electrical energy. These ideas were further developed into wet cells, which continued to use a fluid conductor, and dry cells which used non-liquid conductors.

Types of Wet Cells

Wet cells, like dry cells, fall into two main categories: primary (nonrechargeable) and secondary (rechargeable). In primary cells, the chemical reaction producing electricity is not reversible, so the battery cannot be recharged. Secondary cells use chemical reactions that can be reversed, and thus the battery is able to be recharged.

Car Batteries

The most commonplace application of wet cell batteries are car batteries. Car batteries typically consist of several cells, each of which contain lead, lead oxide, and sulfuric acid as the conducting medium. The cells, linked together in a series, produce more current than a single cell alone. While the car battery, as a consequence of its components, is very heavy, the chemical reaction that occurs is reversible so that the battery can be continually recharged for a long period of time before wearing out.

Car Battery Warnings

Car batteries produce noxious gasses that are flammable, and care should be taken when working with them. The components, sulfuric acid and lead, are also toxic substances; sulfuric acid is a strong acid that will burn skin or eyes on contact. Car batteries are sealed in order to prevent these hazards from occurring, and the seal should never be broken.

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History Of Movie Cameras

The movie camera has a long and storied history that encompasses the last hundred years and more. Although it may seem like a simple thing to capture motion photography, there is nothing simple about it. It has taken decades to develop and perfect the technology that has brought movies into the theaters.

The Bet

The invention of the motion picture camera was provoked by a simple bet. In 1877 Eadweard Muybridge made a bet with a friend to determine whether or not a horse has a foot on the ground at all times during a sprint. He set up a succession of cameras that photographed the horse in motion. What resulted was the world's first motion picture. Muybridge also won the bet as the horse did indeed lift all four feet off the ground while running.

Thomas Edison

In 1889 Thomas Edison got into the motion picture game with the Kinetoscope, a peep show device that moved a piece of film across a light to display a moving image. That same year the Eastman Kodak company perfected its celluloid-based film as a capturing medium. Over the next decade Edison would produce short films that were displayed in coin-operated Kinetoscopes across the United States, giving birth to the Nickelodeon theater.

Lumière Brothers

French brothers Auguste and Louis Lumière are often credited with creating the first camera. Their cinématographe, patented in 1895, was both a means of capturing movies on film and of projecting them. The Lumière brothers would shoot simple movies of people leaving a factory or a train arriving at a station that astonished audiences around the world.

The 35 mm Camera

At the turn of the century the movie camera was starting to take hold. Thirty-five mm film became the de facto medium on which movies were captured and displayed. As the century moved on, films became longer, actors became more famous, and the studios became more powerful. Film cameras, while still accepting the 35 mm format, became more advanced. They became quieter to allow for sound recording as well as smaller and more portable to allow for more advanced camera movements. The basic design, however, remained largely unchanged.

Digital

Although digital video cameras have been around for some time, they are only just beginning to catch on. One of the first feature films to be shot on digital was Spike Lee's 2000 "Bamboozled," which was shot on a Sony VX-1000. Since then, high-definition digital cameras have become more common, being used for George Lucas's second "Star Wars" trilogy as well as recent Michael Mann movie such as "Collateral," "Miami Vice," and "Public Enemies." James Cameron's "Avatar" reignited the 3D craze in Hollywood, and more and more movies are being shot on the digital 3D Fusion Camera System that he co-developed.

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