Underwater Video Tips

Underwater video recording requires the proper equipment

If you enjoy scuba diving or deep sea adventures, you may want to explore the possibilities of underwater video recording. Life underwater offers a variety of vibrant colors and beautiful scenes that can create impressive recordings, even in the hands of an amateur. Professionally, underwater video recording can add to the variety of your portfolio; owning the proper equipment can make you a more attractive selection for clients. Understanding the basics of underwater video recording can help you approach the task correctly.

Equipment

The most basic piece of equipment you will need is a video camera. Because of the electrical problems posed by even small amounts of water, purchasing a waterproof video cameras housing to protect your video camera is necessary. Waterproof video camera housings can be purchased at many shops specializing in photography gear, or from a variety of Internet retail stores, some of which specialize exclusively in underwater video. Make sure you purchase the housing compatible with your video camera. Also, check the housing specifications so that you are aware of what depths you can safely bring your camera to.

You will also want to purchase additional O-rings for proper housing maintenance. Any button or movable piece on your camera housing will require at least one O-ring; replacing worn O-rings is essential to keeping your camera dry. Proper O-ring maintenance includes using lubrication every month or so with O-ring grease; disassemble the O-rings every few months to wipe off any large particles that may cause malfunctions.

Wet Test

Giving your underwater camera housing a proper wet test before use can help spot problems in your housing before ruining your camera during use. After attaching all necessary O-rings and prepping your housing, dunk the housing underneath water. Again, make sure your camera is not in the housing when you do this. Let the housing sit underwater for a few moments and look for bubbles coming from the housing in the meantime. If there are none, remove the housing from the water and, drying your hands and the housing exterior, check the interior for any evidence of water. If the housing is leaking, recheck the O-rings for cuts or nicks, replacing any O-rings that are damaged. Repeat the wet test. If your housing still isn't dry afterward, contact your housing's manufacturer for proper customer support.

Port Connections and Oxidation

Many underwater camera housings include port connections that keep electricity constantly flowing to your monitor or lights. Although water will not short these connections out, contact with saltwater will cause the metallic finish to oxidize, inhibiting the proper flow of electricity to your camera. If you are having electricity current problems (i.e. flickering camera lights), check the port connections on your housing's bulkhead. If there is any green film, you've found evidence of saltwater oxidation. To remove from the male metal port connections, lightly sand away the green film with fine grit sandpaper. Then take a metal pipe cleaner to the female connection, clearing away any grit from the inside. Use some form of compressed air to blast air through the female connection afterward.

Lighting

Proper lighting is important to capture video underwater, where there is much less light than on land. Your housing should come included with a fill light that shoots light straight at your target. If you don't have one, purchase a key light to attach to your housing. Your fill light should be arranged so that it throws light at your subject from a 45-degree angle. Without the key light, your subject will be shadowed so that it is barely visible on video. Aiming both the fill and key light properly at a subject will allow you to capture clear, colorful video.

Tags: your camera, your housing, video camera, video recording, camera housing, fill light, underwater video recording

Disassemble A Camera Lens

Lenses can be taken apart fairly easily; putting them back together is another matter.

Camera lenses are precision pieces of equipment and should be taken apart only by a trained technician who will know put them back together. However, for individuals who like to know how things work, taking apart a camera lens can be very interesting. Different lenses have different elements. There a wide array of lenses on the market today, and each one is a little different.

Instructions

1. Hold the lens so you can view the rear portion of the lens and mounting ring that connects to the camera. Locate the small Phillips screws in the rear of the lens. Most lenses will have four of these screws.

2. Unscrew the Phillips screws using a small jeweler's screwdriver. Set the screws aside.

3. Carefully lift off the mounting ring from the lens. If your lens is autofocus or a new lens that works through electronic contacts, look for a wiring harness that will be connected to the mounting ring. Use a pair of tweezers to disconnect this harness. Remove the mounting ring and set aside.

4. Unscrew the small Phillips screws on the side of the lens barrel. There are usually two of these screws. Longer telephoto lenses may have two sets of these screws, one set toward the front, and another set toward the rear of the lens. Remove the screws and set them aside.

5. Hold the lens in both hands, and gently pull apart. Some lenses may have an external ring at the front of lens that will need to be removed; this will become apparent as you take apart the lens.

6. Remove the internal lens and electronic elements from inside the lens by either removing the screws or prying apart the elements.

Tags: mounting ring, lenses have, Phillips screws, these screws, back together, Hold lens, lens Remove

Connect To Jvc Everio

It is possible to upload audio/video content from a JVC Everior camera directly to almost any computer system.

The JVC Everio is a high definition video camera that records its audio and video content onto a built in hard drive. This allows you to save each video as an individual file and upload the contents onto a computer, without the aid of a video editor. Additionally, the JVC Everior is capable of connecting to a television set, giving you a series of options for hooking up to a computer

Instructions

1. Check your computer for a FireWire port. This connection looks similar to a USB data port, only one end is curved and there is a "Y" shaped icon next to it. This provides a faster data transfer rate over USB. Plug the FireWire cable into the FireWire port on the video camera, then insert the other end of the cable into the FireWire port on the computer system.

2. Attach the USB data cable into the USB port on the JVC Everio video camera, then plug the other end of the cable into a USB port on the computer. This is helpful if you do not have a FireWire connection port on the computer system.

3. Plug the 3.5mm end of the 3.5mm to RCA audio/video cable into the "Video Out" port on the JVC Everio, then connect the red, white and yellow RCA ends of the cable into the "Video In" connection on a television.

4. Insert the HDMI cable into the HDMI port on the JVC Everio, then plug the other end of the cable into any HDMI connection port on a high definition television. This sends the high definition signal to any HDTV.

Tags: cable into, audio video, computer system, FireWire port, high definition, other cable, other cable into

Learn Cell Phone Repair

Cell phone handsets are a popular means of communication worldwide. Like any other form of hardware, cell phones inevitably require repair service. Learning cell phone repair can result in career opportunities with telecommunications companies and independent contractors. You could also start a cell phone repair business of your own.

Instructions

1. Enroll in a two-year or four-year computer repair technician program at a college or university. Computer repair technician programs teach hardware repair principles that can be easily applied to cell phones.

2. Enroll in a technical or vocational school with a cell phone repair program. If your school of choice does not have a cell phone repair program, inquire about the computer repair technician or general repair technician program. These courses may even have sections covering cell phone repair.

3. Sign up for a correspondence course in cell phone repair. Use any accompanying instructional DVDs and textbooks provided for easy reference as you practice repair on broken, disabled or model cell phones.

4. Apply for a customer service position with a major wireless telecommunications provider. If you get hired, the telecommunications company may train you to perform on-site cell phone repairs.

Tags: cell phone, phone repair, cell phone repair, repair technician, cell phones, computer repair, computer repair technician

Make Rabbit Ears Work With A Digital Converter

In June of 2009, the FCC switched regular broadcast television from analog transfer to digital, which requires a convertor box or a digital ready television (DTV). This was done to free up the broadcast spectrum for public safety communication, as well as meet the demands of the changing landscape of televisions. Whether you have a television that is digital-ready or not, the days of getting television from your trusty rabbit ear antenna are not over. It just takes a few more steps to get the broadcast channels.

Instructions

1. Purchase a digital converter box. If your television was made prior to 2004, chances are you will need to acquire a converter box. If your television is digital ready, it should have a 'DTV' logo either in one of the bottom corners on the front or on the tag on the back -- if so, skip to Step 4. If it does not have the logo, you will need to get a converter, available at any electronics store.

2. Use a coaxial cable to connect the convertor box to the back of your television from the hookup marked "output" on the convertor box to the spot marked "input" on your television.

3. Connect the coaxial wire of the rabbit ear antenna to the "input" connection on the converter box. Adjust the antenna's positioning, if necessary.

4. If you're using a DTV, use a coaxial cable to connect the rabbit ear antenna to the "input" connection on the TV.

Tags: your television, rabbit antenna, television from, antenna input, antenna input connection, cable connect

Design A Soft Light Photo Box

1. 2

Next

SINGLE PAGE

Use the custom white balance feature on you digital camera when shooting with soft light.

Photographers who spend a lot of time photographing small items for catalogue use do not need to invest in a larger studio. Using a small table top photo box, photographers can create soft or other type of light they need to illustrate the items they are photographing. If your client requires a soft, gentle light on the objects you are photographing for them, you can build a light box specifically for that purpose.

Instructions

1. Determine the size of the light box you will need. Arrange for the client to deliver the largest item you will be photographing for the catalogue. Design a light box that will hold the item and give you six to 12 inches of clearance on all sides depending on the size of the item. If the largest item is the size of a watch, then you only need six inches of additional space. If the largest item is a microwave oven or other small appliance, then you will need the extra free space.

2. Build a frame for your light box using half inch PVC piping and PVC "T" connectors that allow three pipes to be inserted. These "T" connectors will be used at the corners to hold the cross sections for PVC piping.

3. Place three light sources, one on each side and on at the shinning to the top of the light box. To create a soft light effect, you can either use a "soft light" bulb in your light fixtures or use a material on your light box that will diffuse the light coming from the light source. Insert a "soft light" bulb into each light fixture. Turn the lights on.

4. Cover the sides and top of the light box with wax paper or white linen to enclose the light box. Secure the paper or linen in place using gaffer or duct tape.

5. Attach your digital camera to a tripod, turn the camera on and set the white balance to "custom." Place a sheet of white paper inside the light box and take a picture of it. Press the menu button on the rear of your camera and select "register custom white balance." The picture you just took will appear on the screen. Select this picture for your white balance.

6. Place the item you are photographing inside the light box and you are now ready to start shooting the item using light that is both soft and color corrected.

Tags: white balance, largest item, light that, soft light, your light, create soft

Tips & Tricks For Using A Camera Tripod

Tripods come in all sizes and configurations. Photographers and videographers can purchase small, flexible rubber tripods designed for use with point-and-shoot cameras, up to large, 75 lb. wooden monsters made for large-format view cameras. Tripods available today offer more stability and less weight than tripods did years ago, as those manufactured today consist of aluminum or carbon fiber. Carbon fiber's design makes it light weight and resistant to scuffs, while aluminum remains slightly heavier and takes a lot of punishment. Using a tripod effectively relies on basic knowledge of its parts and movements.

Head and Feet

Most tripods consist of the legs, feet and the head. The head serves as the platform where the camera rests and may have one or more handles or extensions attached. The head may sit on a telescoping neck that raises up and down via a crank handle and gears. The camera body should fit squarely on the base of the head. A head that's too small can cause the camera to wobble. Tripod feet usually are of two kinds---rubber and spike. Rubber feet perform well on surfaces such as tile, linoleum and wood floors. Spikes easily handle rough terrain surfaces or soft surfaces such as grass or dirt.

Legs

Tripod legs each have several independently functioning extensions, an ideal design when setting up a tripod on an uneven surface. When faced with a rocky or uneven surface, Videomaker.com suggests the following, "To remedy this situation, begin extending one leg of the tripod at a time. Hold the tripod so the head is level (some models include a bubble level for this purpose) and at the height you want for shooting. Then open the tripod and extend the first leg until it hits the ground. Lock it tight. Do the same thing for the other two legs. You may find that each leg is extended to a different length, yet the tripod remains stable and the camcorder level."

Avoid the automatic inclination to extend the tripod legs all the way out. Although designed for sturdiness, the higher the tripod reaches, the less sturdy and more prone to movement it becomes.

Movements

Tripods have three basic movements---tilt (moving the tripod head up and down), swivel (moving the tripod head from side to side) and pedestal (raising and lowering the tripod head). Each movement allows for full control of camera height/angle and function independently of each other. A locking mechanism on each movement keeps the camera in a fixed position until released or loosened. Do not over-tighten the locking mechanisms, as they can crack or break. When using the tripod to pan (follow) a subject with a camcorder, tighten the tilt or swivel movement only enough to make the action fluid.

Additional Support

Some tripods have a center column extending down from the head with a hook attached at the end. The hook's design allows for the attachment of extra weight to the tripod for added stability. Make sure the weight isn't too heavy or it may pull the center column out of its housing. A small sandbag or hand weight is ideal for this job.

Tags: tripod head, center column, head head, moving tripod, moving tripod head, surfaces such

Lower The Amount Of Megapixels On A Picture Already Taken

It is easy to reduce the size of a digital picture by using Google's free Picasa software, to email the pictures to yourself or to others.

Instructions

1. Download and install Picasa. A link is provided in the Resources section. Run Picasa.

2. Select "Tools" from the drop-down menu at the top and then select "Options."

3. Select the "Email" tab in the new dialog window that opens.

4. Select the size you desire using the slider under "Output Options."

5. Click "Apply," then click "OK."

6. Now select the photos you want to re-size in your library by highlighting them.

7. Now click the "Email" button at the bottom of the screen.

8. Select "Use my Gmail Account," and enter your password when requested to log in.

9. When the email window opens up, enter your own address to email the photos to yourself, or enter the address of where you would like to send them. Once sent, your pictures will be automatically re-sized to the size you specified in Step 5.

Tags: enter your

Use A Canon Sx100

Use a Canon SX100

The Canon SX100 IS is a consumer digital camera that can take pictures at an 8-megapixel resolution. The compact camera comes in both silver and black and has a 2.5-inch LCD screen, ISO up to 1600 and a 10X optical zoom for getting closer to subjects when you're taking pictures. If you've just purchased an SX100 or are thinking about picking one up, learning use it is fairly easy.

Instructions

1. Turn the wheel at the top of the camera to the green AUTO to put the camera in automatic mode. Auto mode will compensate for the lighting where you are and adjust your camera's settings accordingly.

2. Press the shutter button down on the SX100 halfway in order to focus. Once your subject is in focus, press the shutter button down the rest of the way to take the picture.

3. Press the button on the right side of the wheel on the back of the camera to turn off the flash if you don't want it (the button is designated by a lightning bolt icon). The SX100 will automatically default to using the flash in conditions under which it judges it to be necessary unless you specifically turn the flash off.

4. Press the button on the left side of the wheel (with a flower beside it) on the back of the camera in order to use the SX100's macro mode. Macro mode sets the camera to take pictures of things that are close to the camera lens. It is typically used to take close-up pictures of small objects such as coins or bugs.

5. Pressing the button at the bottom of the wheel (with a picture of a broken circle and several pieces of paper beside it) will let you use the self-timer on the camera, or to use continuous mode. The self-timer feature allows you to get into the picture yourself before it is snapped. Continuous mode sets you up to take several quick photos back-to-back, which is great for capturing fast-moving objects or for sports photography.

6. Carry your camera around in a case whenever it is not in use. Since the SX100 is a compact consumer camera it doesn't require any regular maintenance. Keeping it clean, dry and protected in a case will prevent it from being damaged. You should be able to take great pictures using it well into the future.

Tags: back camera, button down, Canon SX100, mode sets, Press button

Chevrolet 283 Engine Information

The Chevrolet 283-cubic-inch V-8 engine was the second in Chevy's popular small-block engine family. It was the first V-8 offered by Chevrolet that accomplished the goal of having an engine generating one horsepower for every cubic inch. It did not garner much attention because it was not the first small-block V-8, nor the strongest, like its siblings the 327 and 350. But it was a durable, underappreciated workhorse that endured for a decade.

Origins

The 283 was introduced in 1957 following the 265 that broke the small-block V-8 ground in 1955 when the 265 was installed in Corvettes. The Corvette from 1953 to 1955 had been powered only by the in-line 6-cylinder engine. The early 283s were fitted with mechanical fuel injection to be installed on the Corvette. Mechanical fuel injection was in its infancy and wasn't particularly reliable, but it allowed the 283 to deliver 283 horsepower. These early versions led to the larger cubic-inch displacement small-blocks that played a role in the muscle car wars in the 1960s.

One HP Rule

In the 1950s and 1960s, Chevrolet engineers were an intelligent, aggressive and competitive bunch. Perhaps for no other reason than ego, a goal was set to guarantee that a Chevy engine could deliver one horsepower for every cubic inch of displacement. However, it wasn't entirely an exercise in hubris. Delivering greater horsepower from a small engine block increased fuel efficiency and gave the engine a longer life. Later, the 302 and 327 accomplished these goals with greater success, but the Corvette-equipped fuel-injected 283 proved the goal could be accomplished, according to Hiperformer.com and Novak-adapt.com.

Specifications

The 16-valve 283 featured a 3.87-inch bore and 3-inch stroke within a 283-cubic-inch displacement (4.6 liters). It featured a single overhead camshaft and overhead valves. It generated the expected 283 horsepower at 6,200 rpm, but also a healthy 290 foot-pounds, the twisting force generated inside the engine to give the vehicle its get-up-and-go. In all, five separate versions of the 283 were produced between 1957 and 1967. Horsepower was offered as little as 185. But the 283 could be boosted to a maximum 315 horsepower, which is a remarkable feat given its displacement.

Types

The 283 powered just about every Chevrolet passenger car, most notably the Bel Air, Impala, Malibu and Chevelle. It also was a mainstay for Checker taxi cabs until replaced by the 327 in the mid 1960s.

Performance

The 1957 Corvette, the first year the 283 became available, was fitted with a Ramjet mechanical fuel-injection system to pump the horsepower to the desired 283. In straight speed testing, the Corvette hit 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds, which was considered very fast for that era. Top speed was 133 mph. The 283 paved the way for the second-generation Corvettes starting in 1962 to use the 327, which also was capable of achieving the one-horsepower-per cubic-inch rule.

Tags: cubic inch, deliver horsepower, every cubic, every cubic inch, fitted with, fuel injection

Invent A Microphone

The first microphone was invented for use in telephones.

Emile Berliner invented the loose contact telephone transmitter in 1877. He sold his patent to the Bell Telephone Company for $50,000 in 1895. Berliner's design differed from existing designs sufficiently because it used a disc to record sound rather than a cylinder. This made sound recording inexpensive. Berliner's innovation set the standard for early microphones. Since then, many new types of microphone have been invented, including the condenser microphone and the omni-directional microphone. While you can't reinvent as broad a concept such as the microphone, you can patent a microphone design that is unique and novel.

Instructions

1. Unscrew the grille to inspect the diaphragm.

Examine existing microphones. Take apart any microphones you own and study how they function. A microphone typically has three main components: A diaphragm, coil and power supply. The diaphragm picks up the sound while the power supply feeds electricity into the coil. The coil transforms the vibrations of the diaphragm into electrical energy.

2. Solve a problem. Devise a way to improve on the microphone design or to solve an existing problem that you and others experience. For example, the electrelet microphone was invented by Bell Labs in 1962 as an improvement on the standard condenser microphone. It's design mitigated the need for external bias, which made it suitable for a wider range of applications.

3. Create a unique design. For it to be considered an invention, your design must be novel. Your design must demonstrate that your idea is unique and new. Consult a patent lawyer for help in determining exactly which part of your design is patentable.

4. Patent your design. In order for you to benefit from your design, it's imperative that you patent it. Send your design to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, with supporting documentation explaining why your design is novel. Designs that are not protected by patents can be copied by competitors. Patent law is in place to protect and foster innovation; without it designers and problem solvers would have little incentive to invent new products if they could be copied with impunity. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office suggests that most designs fall under the category of "Utility Patent", which covers machines, useful processes and articles of manufacture.

5. Make a prototype. Once you've protected your idea, you can begin to exploit it commercially. To do this you need to physically demonstrate that your idea works and is useful. Do this with a prototype. You can either build your own prototype or hire a specialist to produce it for you.

Tags: your design, microphone design, your idea, condenser microphone, demonstrate that, demonstrate that your

Charge A Capacitor Without A Resistor

Light bulbs provide enough resistance to charge up your capacitor.

In order for a capacitor to charge, it must be placed in a completed circuit which must include a power source, a pathway, and a load. Without a load, current will not flow through a circuit, and will thus not charge a capacitor in the circuit. Instead of using a resistor as a load in order to charge a capacitor, any other load can be implemented. If a resistor is not available, a light bulb of appropriate voltage may be used.

Instructions

1. Connect one end of a length of wire to the positive terminal on the battery, and the other end to one of the two terminals on the capacitor.

2. Connect one end of another length of wire to the other of the two terminals on the capacitor, and the other end to one of the two terminals on the light bulb socket.

3. Connect one end of a third piece of wire to the other end of the two terminals on the light bulb socket.

4. Touch the loose end of this wire to the negative terminal on the battery. The light will begin to glow and the capacitor will begin to charge. The light will begin to dim. When the light goes out, the capacitor is fully charged.

Tags: other terminals, light bulb, will begin, bulb socket, capacitor other, charge capacitor

Retrieve Files From The Memory Card For Your Blackberry

To retrieve files from the memory card for your BlackBerry, connect your BlackBerry to a computer or laptop. When you do this, and the BlackBerry Desktop Manager syncing software is not open, the computer will read the BlackBerry device as a removable drive, similar to a USB or Flash drive. With the BlackBerry listed as a drive on the computer, you are able to retrieve files from the memory card and copy the files to the computer's hard drive or another storage device.

Instructions

1. Close the BlackBerry Desktop Manager software on the computer or laptop, if the program is running. The software may start during Windows Startup. If so, a BlackBerry icon appears in the Windows system tray, in the lower right corner of the taskbar. Right-click and select "Close" to shut the program down.

2. Plug the USB connector cable into the BlackBerry device. Plug the other end of the cable into the computer or laptop. The computer will see the BlackBerry first as a USB device, and then as a removable drive. A prompt appears on the BlackBerry, asking if you would like to use "Mass Storage Mode."

3. Select "Yes" and press the trackpad or trackball on the BlackBerry device to allow "Mass Storage Mode" on the phone. The computer is now able to interact with the BlackBerry as if it were a removable drive.

4. Right-click the Windows "Start" button and select "Open Windows Explorer."

5. Click on the BlackBerry removable drive listing in the left navigation pane of Windows Explorer. A folder named "BlackBerry" appears in the right pane.

6. Click the "BlackBerry folder. Several subfolders appear. To retrieve pictures and image files, click the folder named "Pictures." To retrieve videos, click the folder named "Videos." Click "Music" to retrieve audio files.

Tags: removable drive, BlackBerry device, computer laptop, folder named, BlackBerry Desktop

Take Aerial Photos

Aerial photos are both breathtaking and useful. Taking photographs from airplanes and helicopters can be a challenging endeavor. However, when done correctly, the aerial photos you take will be will worth the effort.

Instructions

1. Choose to use an airplane or helicopter. Airplanes are sometimes easier to find and rent, but you will often be shooting around a strut or a wing. Planes are also not allowed to fly lower than 1000 feet above congested areas or 500 feet from any person, structure or vessel according to FAA regulations. Helicopters may be harder to find but they can fly lower to the ground, fly slowly or hover. To find an aircraft check the telephone book for local airports or rental facilities.

2. Fly at the right time of day for the best light. The best time to fly is in the early morning or late afternoon. At these "golden hours" the sun is at an angle that provides you with better definition of the objects you are shooting.

3. Decide between a digital or film camera. While in the air you will want to take multiple photos of each object. Digital cameras can have a larger capacity to hold photos and memory cards can be modified and reused on the spot. Film cameras can also be valuable because you can regulate film speed and exposure easily.

4. Reduce vibration and blur in your photos. The factors that influence vibration blur are shutter speed, your ISO setting, aircraft speed and in-camera or in-lens image stabilization. The easiest way to avoid vibration blur is to use a fast shutter speed. On a full-frame camera 1/500th or 1/750th of a second freezes most blur with lenses up to 100mm in length. With a digital SLR, set the exposure mode to "S" for shutter priority or "Tv" for time-value priority and the select 500, 640 or 750. The camera's internal meter will determine a lens aperture for correct exposure.

5. Pick the correct lens and zoom for your aerial photos. Plan to be at least 1000 feet above the subject in an airplane or 300 feet above in a helicopter. Refer to your camera's manual for the best lens and zoom for these distances.

6. Take multiple photographs from different angles. The steeper the angle, the less conventional the photo. The more pictures you take the more choices you have when you get back to the ground. Remember to enjoy your flight and ask the pilot for suggestions on locations.

Tags: feet above, vibration blur, 1000 feet, 1000 feet above, lens zoom, photographs from

Difference Between Sandisk Ultra & Sandisk Extreme Memory Cards

Secure Digital memory comes in several types.

The popularity of digital photography has exploded in recent years. Many people focus only on which digital camera to buy. Of equal importance is which memory card you should buy. Depending on what camera you purchase, you may need to decide between two types of secure digital media. Two of the most popular are SanDisk Ultra and SanDisk Extreme. Each product has its own benefits.

Types

Secure digital memory cards from SanDisk are split into two distinct product families: the two product lines ultra and extreme. The Ultra product moniker is used to market the Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC) product. The Extreme product line features memory cards that are compliant with the Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) standard. The two SD memory product types are built in accordance with two disparate standards.

Function

Both SDHC and SDXC memory cards are solid state memory cards. This means that unlike a hard drive, neither of the devices has moving parts. All SD memory cards are designed to be removed from the device in which it is used. Each card features a "clipped corner" shape to help the consumer correctly insert the memory into the device. Though used mostly in cameras, SD cards are also used in other devices, such as portable music players and cell phones.

SDXC Advantages and Disadvantages

Ultra (SDXC) memory cards are designed for high-megapixel digital cameras and high-definition camcorders. Ultra SD Card features include sizes up to a potential 2 terabyte capacity and transfer speeds of up to 15MB/s. These features make this type of memory card suited for higher-end consumers who need to store large amounts of photos. This format is also well suited for those using equipment capable of shooting high-definition video footage. Conversely, the transfer speed is much slower than it's SDHC sibling---photos will take longer to download to your computer. This slower speed will also make it harder to capture long series of quick, multiple exposures on your camera.

SDHC Advantages and Disadvantages

Extreme (SDHC) products are also designed for high-megapixel digital cameras and high-definition camcorders. The main advantage of the Extreme line over the Ultra line is the file transfer speed. SDHC is twice as fast---up to 30 MB/s---as SDXC. As of 2010, the specification for SDHC limits these cards to 32 gigabytes in size. This difference in size will be significant to videographers, as HD video produces extremely large files. This means that an Extreme card can store less raw video than an Ultra card. An Extreme 32GB SD card can hold about eight hours of high quality video, versus 240 hours on a 2 terabyte Ultra SD card.

Considerations

The final and most important part of your decision should be what's of greatest importance to you. If you intend to store hours worth of video, your best choice might be the higher storage capacity of a SanDisk Ultra SD card. If you are looking to take many multiple quick exposures, you might need the fast transfer speed of a SanDisk Extreme card. For the typical family photographer, price will also be a consideration. Ultra SD cards tend to provide more storage for the same price. Ultra SD cards can often be found offering twice as much storage at the same price as an Extreme SD card.

Tags: memory cards, Extreme card, transfer speed, Advantages Disadvantages, cameras high-definition

Buy A Robot Kit

Buying a robot to build from a kit is the first step many people take in amateur robotics. Nowadays there is a wide selection of kits available that span a range of prices, complexity and functionality. This will teach you what to look for in a kit and ensure you find one that will be right for your needs.

Instructions

1. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Building robots requires that you have skills from a variety of disciplines. Before looking at kits, sit down and consider where your greatest skills lie. Are you better with mechanical systems? Or are your strengths in wielding a soldering iron and wiring? Perhaps neither are your cup of tea and you'd much prefer to be programming. All of these task are part of building robots, and kits require different proportions of each skill. Some may require more programming and very little fabrication of parts. While in other cases the wiring and programming is done for you but building a chassis and adding servos is the bulk of the work. Factor this in when look at kits.

2. Set a budget. Robotics projects can get out of hand and cost more money than originally planned, even with kits. Often the cost of the project will be more than just the price of the kit, especially if it is your first kit. The added cost may come from purchasing tools that you do not currently have or from consumables such as solder and shrink wrap that aren't included with kit. Also, plan on the possibility of replacing a few small parts that you may damage during the build, especially if it your first time building a kit.

3. Look at the resources available to you. This is another aspect to consider before choosing a kit. Tools may be obvious, and you can check the list of tools needed for a kit against what you have on hand easily. Less obvious are resources like experienced builders who you can turn to if you run into a problem while building your kit. There are an increasing number of clubs focused on amateur robotics popping up in major cities around the world, these are a great place to find a helping hand, online forums are another. If you have a resource like this near you consider consulting with them and seeing what they recommend or have built in the way of kits, their experience with a kit will make your build much easier. If you do not have anyone experienced to turn to, look for kits with the fewest number of problematic build steps.

4. Decide what your robot will do. With all of the above taken into consideration it's time to think about the fun part, what do you want your robot to do? There are kits for robots that seek out light, follow lines, find and extinguish candles, solves mazes and fight other robots. For any goal you have in mind you will find a couple of kits intended for the purpose. There are also kits for general purpose robots, that consist of a chassis, drive system and a controller and it is then your job to program the machine to do what you would like.

5. Your homework is done, buy your kit. You will find that the majority of robotics kits are sold through online retailers, and the better retailers will have almost everything you need available for purchase through them. Odds and ends as well as tools that you may not have can usually be obtained from local electronics stores.

Tags: amateur robotics, especially your, especially your first, find that, look kits, robots that, that have

Load A Digital Photo Frame

Upload photos straight from your camera to your digital photo frame.

Moving pictures have leapt from the magical realm of sci-fi movies and books like "Harry Potter" and straight onto our digital photo frame screens. Though computers provide more editing options for photos, you can still upload your images to a digital frame without touching a computer at all. Whether you choose a memory card, a trusty flash drive or a home computer as your weapon of choice, today's photo frames simplify the picture loading process.

Instructions

Transferring From Your Computer

1. Plug a USB cable --- typically included with your digital picture frame --- into the USB port on the frame and into the USB port on your computer.

2. Insert the CD included with your frame into the computer, and follow the instructions that appear on-screen. Remove the CD once the software has finished installing.

3. Launch the software program you installed. Each program will have a different name depending on the company that made your picture frame. Pandigital, for example, uses "Image Shuttle."

4. Select the pictures within the software program you want to transfer. If the image is not on your computer, insert a flash drive or memory card with the image, and save it to the computer. Overstock.com warns users to consider who will see the photo frame before choosing pictures. Digital photo frames for your desk at work need appropriate photos for the setting.

5. Click "Add" to transfer an image to the digital photo frame. Click "Delete" to remove a picture from the digital photo frame collection.

Transfering From a Memory Card or Flash Drive

6. Insert the memory card or flash drive into the appropriate slot on the digital photo frame. If the memory card is not compatible, purchase a USB memory card adapter. Plug the memory card into the adapter, and then plug the adapter into the USB slot on the digital photo frame.

7. Press the arrow keys on the photo frame to select images from your card or flash drive.

8. Select "Add" or "Delete" to add and remove images from your collection. Remove the memory card or flash drive when you finish selecting photos.

Tags: photo frame, memory card, digital photo frame, flash drive, card flash, digital photo

Install Office Mobile

Microsoft Office Mobile is a condensed version of the Microsoft Office suite that is created specifically for smartphones and PDAs equipped with Windows Mobile operating system navigation. This mobile software suite enables its users to access and edit files created in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and other Office programs. It alleviates that constant need to transport a PC or laptop. Installing Office Mobile requires the completion a series of steps.

Instructions

1. Download the installation setup file. Click on the Office Mobile Download page link (see Resources). The page will open in a popup window. Click "Download Now."

2. Run the setup file installation on your computer. A file download window will open automatically when you opt to download the setup file. Click "Save" to save the setup file to your computer's hard drive. The setup file's icon will be placed on your computer's desktop.

3. Connect your smartphone or PDA phone to your computer. Plug the phone's USB sync cable's parallel end into the phone itself and the other end into your computer's 2.0 USB port. The computer will then begin working to configure the connection. Once the connection is detected, the phone's software driver will be installed to your computer automatically. An "AutoPlay" dialog window will appear on your computer screen.

4. Open Microsoft Windows Mobile PC. Go to your Start menu on your computer's taskbar. Click "Control Panel" when the menu opens. Select the "Mobile PC" folder. Within this subfolder, select the "Sync Center" option. Your smartphone or PDA phone should be displayed when Sync Center opens.

5. Click on the Office Mobile setup file icon on your computer's desktop. The Office Mobile InstallShield wizard will open automatically. Follow the installation prompts in the installation wizard. Choose all of the recommended default settings. The wizard will copy all of the Office Mobile files and components to your phone directly from your computer.

Tags: your computer, Office Mobile, setup file, will open, Click Office, Click Office Mobile

Slip Ring Facts

A slip ring, used in electrical engineering, creates an electrical connection using a rotating assembly. It sends and receives electrical power, signals or data between stationary and rotating sources. Slip rings come in many different styles.

Electrical

Electrical slip rings control the supply of power from a rotating source to a stationary plane. A brush makes contact with a rotating ring to generate the electrical power or signals. They are key components in systems such as microwave, optical signals and cooling fluids.

Magnetic

Magnetic slip rings do not make any contact between the rotating and fixed parts, resulting in no loss of electrical signals and extended life of the slip ring. The lack of contact also results in no sparks, making magnetic slip rings ideal for use in areas where gases or other flammable materials exist.

Mercury Wetted

Mercury wetted slip rings replace the brush found in electrical slip rings with liquid metal. The liquid metal establishes and maintains the connection between the rotating and stationary planes. Leakage of the mercury can pose severe health and contamination issues.

Tags: slip rings, between rotating, electrical power, electrical power signals, liquid metal, power signals

Jazz Flip Camcorder Specifications

The Jazz DV 150 Pocket Camcorder is a portable, flip-style camcorder, built for optimal ease of use and convenient file sharing. The camcorder can record high-quality video and still images, which are then stored on the device's memory disc. The Jazz DV 150 Pocket Camcorder requires 2 AA batteries to operate.

Physical Characteristics

The Jazz Flip Camcorder is 3.9 inches in height and 2.4 inches wide with a depth of .9 inches. The device weighs 2.0 ounces. The camcorder comes standard with an LCD display and a built-in microphone.

Video and Image Features

The camcorder uses MPEG-4 digital formatting at 640 x 480 capture with .3 megapixels for the sensor resolution. Both the video and still images are in color and the still images are saved as JPEGs. The device has a 2x digital zoom feature and is webcam-capable.

Memory

The camcorder has a 64 MB integrated Flash memory, with the capability of up to 2 GB MultiMediaCard or SD Memory Card. The connection type is 1 USB slot, 1 video/audio output and an expansion slot for 1 SD Memory Card.

Lens

A 3.7 mm lens comes standard on the camcorder with a focal length of 3.7 mm and minimum focus range of 15.7 inches. The lens aperture is F/2.3.

System Requirements

The Jazz flip camcorder supports the following operating support systems: MS Windows ME, MS Windows XP, MS Windows 2000, and MS Windows 98 SE. The camcorder is not compatible with Macintosh.

Tags: still images, comes standard, Jazz Flip Camcorder, Jazz Pocket, Jazz Pocket Camcorder, Memory Card, Pocket Camcorder

Advantages Of Text Messaging

Text messaging, also referred to as SMS (short Message Service) or simply "texting," is a feature available with practically all mobile phones, allowing people to send and receive short messages. Texting has certain advantages over other means of communication, in particular phone calls and email.

Discretion

Text messaging allows you to communicate with others in situations where a face-to-face or phone conversation is not possible or appropriate-- during a meeting, for example. It can also come in handy when you don't want others to hear what you are saying.

Recordkeeping

An SMS exchange that is saved on your phone is an excellent way to remind yourself at a later time about the contents of a conversation that you had. To remember what a phone conversation is about, you would need to write notes for yourself and worry about losing them later.

The same goes for situations in which you cannot get access to a pen and paper and you need to jot down important information. You can enter the information into a text message and then either send it to yourself or save it in the "Draft" folder on your phone. The information will be stored there until you choose to delete it.

Advantages over email

Sending an email from your laptop requires an Internet connection, but an SMS can be sent anywhere and anytime, as long as your phone has signal. A phone signal is easier to access than an Internet connection. In addition, a person is likely to check his phone more often than his computer. Not everyone carries a computer with him on the go, but almost everyone has their cell phone with them all the time. Your text message is likely to be read more quickly than an email would.

Misconceptions

Many would argue that you could just as easily send an email from your cell phone instead of a text message. However, an Internet subscription for your phone is often more expensive than activation of the SMS feature. In fact, only "smart phones," of which more well-known examples include the Blackberry and iPhone, offer the Internet access option. Text messaging, on the other hand, is available on even the most basic or older generation of phones.

Saving money

Text messaging also provides effective ways of reducing your cell phone bill. Sending a text is usually cheaper than making a voice call. Also, many people send text messages saying something along the lines of "Call me in 30 minutes on my home phone." In most cases, the land line conversation ends up being cheaper than a cell phone conversation.

Tags: cell phone, your phone, phone conversation, text message, Text messaging, cheaper than, email from

Install Garmin Maps

In recent years, companies like Garmin have exploded in popularity because they are able to offer GPS, Global Positioning System, services to people. These services have helped people find their way when they otherwise might have gotten lost. Garmin is able to continually supply users with up-to-date information because the company provides updated maps for users to upload to their devices.

Instructions

1. Use a USB cable to connect the Garmin GPS unit to a computer. Wait about 30 seconds to a minute for the computer to detect the Garmin system. The Garmin update program will launch automatically.

2. Choose to download the update. After doing this, Garmin will provide the product key. You will need this number to finish downloading the program. Click "Next" to continue the installation process.

3. Place a check in the box on the next page that asks if you accept the software and license agreement. Click on the "Next" button.

4. Watch to see what is being installed onto the Garmin GPS System. For example, if software updates are needed, the installer will automatically install them.

5. Type in the project key that was given in Step 2. If you purchased a DVD, you can find this number in the green box on the back of the DVD case.

6. Leave. The process to install Garmin maps can take more than an hour. It is best to let the program install and return later after the installation is finished.

7. Remove the USB cord from the Garmin GPS System and click "Finish" on the screen. The maps have now been installed.

Tags: Click Next, this number

35mm Camera Manual For Beginners

The best way to learn photography still is with a manual 35 mm camera. It does nothing for you except give you the tools to take great photos. It doesn't focus for you, it doesn't set the aperture or shutter speeds, it doesn't advance the film. It's a hands-on artist's instrument that will teach you compose photos, determine the settings and become a good photographer.

Basics

The basic 35 mm manual camera has interchangeable lenses, shutter speeds to at least 1/500th of a second and sometimes a built-in light meter. It also has a film counter, film wind knob, an accessory shoe and a sync socket. Start with a basic 50 mm lens and 400 ISO film. This will give you a "normal" view, that is, the lens "sees" at the same size ratio as the human eye. The 400 ISO speed film will give you a wide range of exposure latitude. Place the film cartridge in the chamber and thread it evenly to the take-up reel. When you are certain it has caught, wind it again and then shut the film door. Wind the film in until the film counter reads "1." Set the film speed to 400. This usually is done on the shutter speed dial or on a separate dial. You are ready to shoot.

Compose

Take the camera outside and carry extra rolls of film in your pockets. Start with a simple image first, such as a flower, up close. Focus the lens with the focus ring. Now you need to set the exposure. If you have a built-in meter of the "match needle" variety (a needle on the side of the viewfinder that swings up and down according to how much light is coming through the lens), set the shutter speed to the highest speed, around 1/500th of a second if it's a bright, sunny day. While looking through the viewfinder, turn the aperture ring on the lens. The range of apertures on a 50 mm lens usually will be between f/1.8 and f/22. On a bright day, it will need to be "stopped down" to f/22 or near that. As you stop down the aperture, the match needle will swing. It should be right in the middle for a correct exposure. If your camera does not have a built-in meter, you can get a handheld meter. The principle is the same: set the film speed on the meter, then hold it at just in front of the subject to be photographed. The needle will swing to the appropriate point, and then you set the shutter speed and aperture dials to match it. Take that reading and set the camera to those numbers.

Experiment

Experiment with other lenses and film speeds. The point of a 35 mm single-lens reflex camera is that it can take lenses from very wide angles to long telephotos. Especially with long telephoto lenses, you may need to use a tripod to steady the camera for clear shots. Both wide-angle and telephoto lenses will allow less light into the camera, so faster film may be necessary. Film speeds generally range from 100 ISO, which is relatively slow, to 3,200 ISO, which is very fast but typically grainy. The best speed for outdoor work is generally 200 to 400 ISO. Faster films are better for low-light situations. Another aspect of the 35 mm manual film camera is that, especially if you shoot black and white film, you can develop it yourself. Learning shoot photos with a manual 35 mm camera will teach you better use the most modern, auto-everything digital SLR, too, because once you learn "see" photos and know what the exposures should be from long practice, you can manipulate the digital camera to get the same kinds of results.

Tags: manual camera, shutter speed, 500th second, built-in meter, camera does, camera that, film counter

Troubleshoot A Fujifilm Finepix S700 Camera

The Fujifilm FinePix S700 has 7 megapixels and a 10x optical zoom. It also includes a Super Macro mode so you can take pictures from only 1 inch away. The movie mode, with sound, incorporates an easy zoom function and image stabilization so your movies are crisp. You can use optional xD cards to expand the memory. If, however, a problem occurs with this camera, you can often fix it yourself.

Instructions

1. Insert fresh batteries correctly and close the cover door securely. If the batteries are dead, positioned backwards or the door is not closed properly, the camera may not turn on, it may stop working, the flash won't work or the camera may shut off unexpectedly.

2. Attach the AC adapter securely. The camera can't operate properly without a steady power source.

3. Change the memory card if the camera will not take more pictures. Full or damaged cards will not record data. If the memory card contacts are dirty, wipe them with a soft cloth before using the card again.

4. Wait a few seconds after taking a picture with a flash. The screen will darken when the flash is used.

5. Select the correct shooting mode for the photograph you are currently taking. For example, if you have the Macro mode selected and you are taking a landscape picture, the camera will not focus properly.

6. Set the flash to the mode you require at the time. If you have "Suppressed Flash" selected, the flash will not pop up or work. Flash doesn't work on all shooting modes.

7. Move your finger away from the flash or the lens to avoid ruining your pictures.

8. Clean the lens with the recommended method to avoid blurry photos.

9. Move so your subject is in the correct field of view for the camera. If the subject is out of focus range, the subject may not be visible in the photograph.

Tags: camera will, Macro mode, memory card, Move your

Troubleshooting A Panasonic Compact Vhs Camcorder

Introduction to the Panasonic Compact VHS camcorder

VHS camcorders are much less prevalent these days with the advent of digital video. Panasonic has a series of compact VHS camcorders that are designed for amateur home video enthusiasts. Although they are no longer being manufactured, these camcorders are still in use by many people because the quality of the product is very good. With many older pieces of electronics, however, technical problems and issues can sometimes occur. There are some troubleshooting steps that can address common issues that occur with Panasonic compact VHS camcorders.

What to do if too much condensation occurs

One common problem in older electronics is over condensation. This occurs when the moving parts inside the camcorder become stressed and condensed. If this happens, a warning light indicator will flash on the screen of the Panasonic VHS camcorder that says "DEW." When this warning appears, press the "TAPE EJECT" button on the top of the camcorder and remove the VHS tape. Then wait 5 to 10 minutes until the "DEW" warning is no longer flashing. After the warning stops flashing, insert the tape and continue to record.

What if the video recording is distorted?

Another common problem with the Panasonic VHS camcorder is a distorted picture. This can occur for several reasons. One possible reason for a distorted picture is that the VHS tape being used is old or recycled. The Panasonic Users Manual indicates that tapes should never be reused in order to ensure the highest quality recordings. Another possible reason for a distorted picture is that the camera has a setting turned on that should not be. For example, the "LOW LIGHT" button might be set to "on" when there in fact is no need for this setting. If this is the case, turn off the setting by selecting the setting until it is set to off.

Tags: distorted picture, common problem, compact camcorders, distorted picture that, Panasonic camcorder

Test A Sirius Radio Antenna

Sirius radio uses an antenna to receive satellite signals and send these signals to your radio device. If your antenna is faulty, you will not be able to get any reception and thus cannot listen to your radio channels. There are different issues that may contribute to your antenna not receiving a good signal. Set your antenna and radio up the proper way to ensure that the problem involves a faulty antenna and not something else.

Instructions

1. Mount the antenna on a clear surface and connect the power source. Car units require that you set the radio frequency on your car radio, then select the same frequency in your Sirius device menu. Indoor or outdoor Sirius units that come with a radio player only need the satellite receiver set up and the power plugged in. Some devices require speakers or headphones connected in order to hear the radio, while others come with built-in speakers.

2. Turn on the Sirius unit and make sure the device has power and there is no problem with the radio. The power should come on and you should be able to navigate between different radio stations.

3. Adjust the antenna to make sure it has clear views of the sky. Whether you are using a car or home unit, you can't have obstructions blocking the antenna. The antenna receives signals from satellites in the sky and must have a clear path to those satellites. Branches, parking garages and even thick clouds can keep the antenna from receiving a signal.

4. Determine your U.S. location and aim the antenna in the correct direction. Check with the Sirius area map on its homepage for details on what direction works best for you. For instance, those living on the West Coast need to aim to the East or Northeast while those living in the South need to aim toward the North or Northwest.

5. Ensure your speaker system is not the problem. If you have internal speakers on the radio, plug in some headphones in the line out or headphone port. Make sure you have unobstructed views, working headphones connected, a clear radio frequency setup and can switch between Sirius stations. If all these are confirmed but you still cannot receive signals, then there might be a problem with the antenna.

Tags: your antenna, your radio, come with, frequency your, headphones connected, problem with, radio frequency

Buy Sirius Radio Accessories

There are many accessories available to help you get the most out of your Sirius satellite radio. Most accessories are available wherever Sirius radio receivers are sold, but they can also be bought directly from Sirius' website. There are a few things to keep in mind as you look to buy Sirius radio accessories.

Instructions

Buy Sirius Radio Accessories

1. Look at different types of antennas if you're getting less-than-ideal reception. Some third-party antennas can help you take up less space with your radio, whether it's a car or home model. You may want to look at outdoor antennas if you don't have a south-facing window near your Sirius receiver.

2. Investigate the different types of car-mounting accessories. You may not want to mount your car receiver on your dashboard, and luckily there are accessories to hold it on air-conditioning vents or even connect it to the windshield. Remember that you want to be able to disconnect the receiver easily so you can lock it in the trunk or glove compartment when you park.

3. Try out a wireless system for your Sirius home radio if you want to have the antenna in one room and the player in another. These wireless systems also cut down on wire clutter in your home. One transmitter can send the signal to several Sirius radios in your home.

4. Buy a boom box for your portable Sirius radio. These accessories look like a pair of speakers with a slot in the middle to hold your portable radio. Using one of these setups can turn your portable player into a home audio system.

5. Consider getting a cassette adapter to connect your portable Sirius unit to your car stereo. These accessories can be a cheap way to enjoy Sirius programming in your car without having to buy and install a full system. Remember that you'll need to be in a WiFi area in order to listen to Sirius with a portable unit.

Tags: your portable, Sirius radio, your Sirius, accessories available, different types

Facts The Camcorder

Facts About the Camcorder

Camcorders let you record everything from favorite sporting events to life's important moments with all the sound, color and movement. Their falling prices, portability and ease-of-use have put them in the hands of everybody from children to business executives. The best way to evaluate one is to go to your local electronics retailer and play with the floor model.

Manufacturers

Sony leads the manufacturing market with more models than anyone else. Other popular brands include Canon, Panasonic, JVC, Samsung and Hitachi. Expect to pay $300 to $500 for a good-quality model. However, prices range from $100 for a Flip camcorder that records at YouTube quality all the way to several thousands for professional rigs.

Media

The miniDV format uses a special cassette tape and allows frame-by-frame editing. However, you cannot jump randomly at any point in the video and transfers to a PC require that you play the entire tape in real-time. DVD and memory stick camcorders record video on compact media that can be randomly accessed and quickly transferred. Hard drives eliminate the need for any recording media and can store several hours, more than any other format. Combo models combine the capacity of hard drives and the flexibility of compact media.

Resolution

The cheaper standard definition is fine if you play your videos on smaller sets or upload them to the Internet. However, if you have a newer high definition (HD) set, your recordings will appear pixelated. In this case, buy an HD model, which is more expensive but can record at 720p or 1080i resolution, which is currently the best resolution. Note that the higher the resolution, the more storage space it takes.

Ports

A camcorder may feature a variety of input and output ports for attaching transfer cables and peripherals. Be sure the ports match whatever devices you intend to use. For example, if your computer uses Firewire ports, make sure your camera has Firewire input because most camcorders typically have USB. Most camcorders have standard plug-in jacks that allows the use of off-the-shelf microphones and lights. However, Sony is notorious for using its own proprietary hardware formats that require you to buy their accessories.

Features

Flip-out liquid crystal display (LCD) screens are common to consumer versions. Viewfinders are rare except on expensive professional models. Image stabilization reduces shaking from handheld filming. Optical zoom relies on lenses to increase picture size, producing better image quality than a digital zoom. All cameras will have an auto setting that adjusts the shutter speed, aperture and focus. If you prefer to adjust these manually, make sure the camcorder has controls for doing so.

Tags: compact media, make sure

Send An International Sms For Free Online

People can receive SMS messages on the go, via their mobile phones.

Short Message Service (SMS) technology enables short text messages to be sent over a phone network to a receiver, and have become an accepted way for people to communicate world-wide. An SMS feature is built into a majority of mobile phones. To avoid having to pay charges for sending SMS', then it is possible to send SMS messages from certain websites for free.

Instructions

Text 4 Free

1. Navigate to the Text 4 Free website.

2. Scroll down the page. Enter the number of the mobile phone that you are sending the SMS to and the corresponding service provider. If you do not know your service provider then click on the service from the phone number. If you would like to send the message to more than one person then click on the link to add another recipient, and enter their number and provider.

3. Enter the text of the SMS you wish to send in the second field. This can be up to 140 characters.

4. Enter the amount of text messages that you would like to send, if you want to send the text message to more than one receiver. If you are sending to a user of the providers Verizon, T-Mobile, Cingular, Cricket, US Cellular, and Cincinnati Bell in the USA, then you can attach a picture graphic or audio file with your SMS.

5. Enter the text in the verification box to verify that you are not a robot spammer. Click on "Send Message" and your message will be sent to the recipient's numbers.

Send SMS Now

6. Go to the Send SMS Now homepage.

7. Select the country you are sending to and the service provider from the drop-down menus.

8. Add the details of the message sender, and the text of the message in the designated fields. Enter the validation code in the field next to the image, and then click the "Send Message" button to send your message.

Free International SMS

9. Navigate to the Free International SMS website. Click on the "New Send Free Here" image, to bring up a new window.

10. Enter the phone number that you wish to send the SMS. Enter the verification code in the box underneath and press the "Enter" key.

11. Enter the text of your message in the box. Click on the yellow button containing a "play" sign in the lower right-hand corner of the screen. Your message will then be sent to the recipient.

Tags: Enter text, service provider, then click, your message, Click Send, Free International, like send

What Is The Difference Between Nikon Oem Batteries & Replacements

Digital camera batteries may be Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or third-party.

Batteries for Nikon digital cameras may be manufactured and sold using the Nikon brand or they may be manufactured and sold under different brands. Manufacturers of non-Nikon branded or third-party batteries generally claim that their products meet Nikon factory specifications and perform similarly, while costing less.

Nikon OEM Batteries

Batteries that are produced and sold under the Nikon brand may be called "name brand" or may be referred to as Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). Nikon branded equipment and accessories represent quality and reliability to some people in the photographic community, but Nikon products may be more expensive than competitors'.

Other Manufacturers

There are other companies that produce and sell batteries to fit Nikon Cameras. Such companies generally claim that their products are manufactured to Nikon factory specifications and equal in function to Nikon OEM products. These batteries may be referred to as third-party, generic or off-brand and tend to be less expensive than Nikon branded batteries.

A Word of Caution

Batteries of both types can leak, catch fire and explode. The use of non-Nikon batteries may void your camera's warranty. Third-party batteries may be incompatible with your camera or may cause some camera functions to not work properly. Other batteries may offer a quality alternative to Nikon branded batteries, but consumers would be wise to read reviews and do a bit of research before purchasing them.

Tags: Nikon branded, branded batteries, claim that, claim that their, Equipment Manufacturer, expensive than, factory specifications

Disassemble A Speedlite 420ex Flash

Speedlite is one of the most renowned companies in camera flashes. They are used by professionals and amateurs alike. Knowing disassemble one can come in handy, if ever you are looking to repair it or change the bulb.

Instructions

1. Take out the batteries and disassemble the base. Remove the four visible screws on the base of the flash. The bottom will hang loose by some wiring. Rotate the flash 90 degrees and it will reveal another four small screws that need to be removed. Unplug the wiring on the bottom and set the bottom aside.

2. Pay attention to the pieces and parts while disassembling the rest of the flash. There are a lot of small pieces and if you don't pay attention or take pictures, you could have difficulty putting it back together.

3. Pull the front off the bottom of the flash, revealing the battery compartment and the electronics of the flash. Remove the two small screws on the top of the flash. The other eight hidden screws are located under the rubber hinge, next to the "push to rotate" button. The final screws are located where the wiring connects the base to the top.

4. Inspect the different components of the flash to ensure they are working correctly, to change the light bulb or to fix a broken component or motor. Be careful not to touch the contacts, or discharge them correctly to avoid being shocked by the 350 volts that run through it.

Tags: screws located, small screws

Install Audiobahn Subwoofers

Audiobahn subwoofers represent a category of subwoofer that boasts high-power handling with quality output at a reasonable price. While the Flame subwoofer may be Audiobahn's most recognizable, they offer a variety of subwoofer options. Installing Audiobahn's dual-voice coil subwoofers is a straightforward process, regardless of which model you choose. As long as you purchase an amplifier that can power your subwoofer, you will be very pleased with your Audiobahn self-installed subwoofer.

Instructions

Wiring in Series

1. Cut three individual lengths of wire. Two should be the same size, long enough to reach from the amplifier to the subwoofer, and the third should reach between the voice coils of the subwoofer. Strip the plastic from each end so the wires are exposed for connection to the terminals.

2. Connect one end of a longer length to the positive terminal on a mono amplifier, or to one of the positive terminals on a two-channel amplifier. If you are using a two-channel amp, use the terminals labeled for bridging on the amp. Connect one end of the other longer length to the negative terminal on the amplifier.

3. Connect the other end of the positive wire to a positive terminal on one voice coil of the subwoofer. Audiobahn includes a hex tool to tighten the terminal connection.

4. Connect the other end of the negative wire to the negative terminal on the other voice coil of the subwoofer.

5. Use the remaining wire to connect the open positive terminal on one voice coil to the negative terminal that is still open on the other voice coil.

Wiring in Parallel

6. Make sure your amplifier is safe at 2 ohms. This will be listed in the manual for the amplifier.

7. Cut four lengths of wire--two long enough to reach from the amplifier to the subwoofer and two long enough to reach between the voice coils of the subwoofer. Strip the plastic so they can be connected.

8. Connect one end of a longer length to the positive terminal on the amplifier. Connect one end of the other longer length to the negative terminal on the amplifier.

9. Connect the positive wire to a positive terminal on the subwoofer. Connect the negative wire to the negative terminal on the other voice coil of the subwoofer. Do not tighten these connections yet.

10. Connect one of the shorter lengths to the same positive terminal on the subwoofer as the wire from the amplifier. Feed it in with the other wire, and tighten the terminal connection using the provided tool. Connect the other end of the shorter positive wire to the positive terminal on the other voice coil of the subwoofer.

11. Connect the remaining shorter wire to the two negative terminals on the subwoofer. Feed one end with the end of the negative wire from the amplifier into the terminal on the subwoofer. Tighten the connection. Feed the other end into the other negative terminal on the subwoofer.

12. Make sure that all connections are secure.

Wiring the Voice Coils Separately

13. Use a two-channel amplifier that produces enough power when using both channels at 4 ohms. Check the manual against your specific Audiobahn subwoofer demands to make sure you are providing enough power. Audiobahn subs can handle a large amount of power, and many amplifiers are not up to the challenge.

14. Cut four equal lengths of wire long enough to reach from your amplifier to your subwoofer. Connect one end to the first positive terminal on the amplifier. Connect the other end of that wire to a positive terminal on the subwoofer. Tighten using the provided tool.

15. Connect one end of another wire to the negative terminal on the same channel of the amplifier as the wire that is already connected. Connect the other end to the negative terminal on the subwoofer on the same voice coil as the other wire.

16. Connect another wire end to the second positive terminal on the amplifier. Run the other end of this wire to the positive terminal on the other voice coil of the subwoofer. Connect the wire to that terminal.

17.Connect the final wire to the remaining negative terminal on the amplifier. Connect the other end to the final terminal on the subwoofer.

Tags: positive terminal, negative terminal, Connect other, voice coil, terminal subwoofer, terminal amplifier, amplifier Connect

Remove A Boss 2030

For 45 years, Boss Enclosures of Suffolk, England, has made electrical enclosures for numerous business and industrial applications. Enclosures like the black-plastic Boss 2030 are often located near factory or office workstations where many circuits worth of machinery or computer equipment are in use. These enclosures are internally built to suit a company's particular needs, but can be easily removed in a fairly standard way. Make sure, however, that the box doesn't contain wire junctions or computer hardware that is still needed in your current configuration.

Instructions

1. Turn off all power to the area in which the Boss 2030 is located. This can be done at the nearest breaker box.

2. Remove any cabling that might be attached to the sides of the enclosure by turning their threaded connectors counterclockwise or simply pulling the male end of a wire connector from its female partner. These boxes are often used to isolate circuitry that needs to be kept both dust-free and easy to access. Make sure these cables you're removing aren't involved with any needed processes.

3. Use a screwdriver to remove the four corner screws on the face of the 2030. Set the screws and top half of the enclosure aside. Sometimes, the faces of Boss 2030s will be clear, depending on the application, which gives you a look at what's inside the enclosure.

4. Access the mounting screws to the back half of the enclosure by removing any circuitry, wiring connections or motherboards that are inside the enclosure. This will vary by application.

5. Remove the mounting screws from the back half of the enclosure (if needed).

6. Restore power to the area and make sure that removing the 2030 didn't affect any operations.

Tags: Boss 2030, half enclosure, back half, back half enclosure, inside enclosure, mounting screws, power area

Operating Instructions For A Nikon D80

The Nikon D80 is a 10.2 megapixel digital SLR camera released in 2006. The D80 is a camera built for photography enthusiasts, with an abundance of features not found on standard digital cameras. Getting started may be more difficult for the casual photographer, but with some practice anyone can take beautiful, high quality pictures with the D80.

Setup

Before you can take pictures with the D80, you need to setup the camera for proper operation. First, you will need to attach an external lens to the camera. To attach a lens, remove the rear cap from the lens by facing it toward you, twisting it clockwise and pulling it off. Next, remove the protective cap from the body of the camera. Line up the mounting index on the lens, a small circle near the rear of the lens, with the mounting index on the camera, a small circle located across from the "D80" logo on the front of the camera. Place the lens on the camera's mount and twist counterclockwise until it clicks into place. Finally, locate the "Focus Mode" switch on the lens and select "A" for auto focus.

Insert a fully charged battery in the bottom of the D80. Press the battery cover latch and pull open the door to reveal the battery chamber. Slide the battery into the chamber with the rounded end of the battery facing away from the camera and the arrow facing down. Close the battery cover to secure the batteries.

The D80 also needs a memory card to record your photographs. The memory card slot is located on the right side of the camera when the view screen is facing you. Pull open the memory card door by sliding the latch toward the back of the camera and pulling out. Slide the memory card into the slot with the contacts facing in and the front label on the card facing the back of the camera. When it clicks into place, close the memory card door. When you turn on the camera you will be prompted to format the card. Hightlight "Yes" by using the down directional button, and press "OK."

Taking Pictures

The D80 is now ready for use. You can begin taking snapshots by turning the mode dial on top of the camera to "Auto." Line up the shot in the viewfinder or with the LCD screen and press the shutter button halfway to auto focus on the subject. When the camera is finished focusing, a beep will sound and the in-focus indicator will light. In addition, the D80 will highlight the focus areas of the subject in the LCD. To take the picture, press the shutter button fully.

The D80 has several additional shooting modes that are useful in different shooting conditions. Each of the shooting modes changes the settings in the camera according to the conditions. Practice using the different shooting modes to maximize the effectiveness of the D80.

Review

If you want to review your pictures, press the "Play" button located above and to the left of the LCD screen. The first picture you will see is the last picture taken. Press the multi selector left or right, or turn the main control dial to review the rest of your images.

Tags: memory card, shooting modes, auto focus, back camera, battery cover, card door, clicks into

The Best Setting For A Camera For Lowlight Photography

Understanding your camera settings makes low-light photography possible.

Shooting in low-light situations provides many creative and photographic opportunities if you understand the mechanics of your camera. Real life does not always happen in perfect light, so understanding compensate for and anticipate all lighting situations will make you a well-rounded shooter. For the best results, understand the basic camera functions for shooting in manual settings and purchase the highest-quality camera and lens you can afford.

Manual Camera Settings

In order to capture as much light as possible when shooting in dark situations, you need to override the automatic settings on any camera. Most compact, point-and-shoot cameras have a manual option buried within the menu settings accessed through the LCD screen. If shooting in low-light situations will occur often and you are approaching photography as an advanced hobbyist or professional, a DSLR camera, or digital single-lens reflex, is your best option. A DSLR uses interchangeable lenses and highly responsive camera settings and both are necessary for challenging lighting situations. Low-light photography requires fast lenses, large aperture settings, slow shutter speeds and high ISO speeds in order to capture as much light as possible for your image.

Lowest Apeture Settings

The aperture settings control the amount of light allowed into your camera through the lens. A smaller aperture number, also referred to as a large aperture, will allow large amounts of light to enter the camera and render the image onto the film or image sensor that records the photograph. For example, a lens with an f/1.8 setting means that the opening in the lens is large and more light is coming into the camera. The lower the aperture of the lens, the "faster" the lens is, meaning it can function in low light very well. These fast lenses are also more expensive. Depending on the quality of the lens you purchase, a fast lens can cost several hundred to a few thousand dollars.

Slow Shutter Speeds

Slow shutter speeds work in coordination with the large aperture settings to allow light to enter the camera. The shutter speed refers to how fast the shutter curtain opens and closes when the shutter button is pressed to take an image. The shutter curtain covers the film or digital sensor and controls the amount of light that is captured on the sensor or film. This speed is measured in fractions of time, so when a camera uses a shutter speed of 250, it actually means 1/250th of a second. The lowest hand-held shutter speed, a point at which you should probably use a tripod to avoid blurry pictures, is 1/60th of a second. For low lighting, use as slow a shutter speed as possible, between 1/60th and 1/250 of a second or less. The shutter speed must be set in conjunction with the aperture in order to expose the image properly. If the shutter speed is too slow and the aperture is too large the image will be over-exposed or look "blown out."

ISO Settings

The ISO setting on your camera indicates the light sensitivity of the film or image sensor. The ISO, formerly referred to as film speed, must also be set according to the amount of light present in the shooting situation. If the day is bright and sunny, a speed of 100 ISO should be sufficient. Yet, in a low-light situation, you will want at least a 400 ISO and possibly a 3200 ISO. The higher the ISO setting, the more light is captured on the sensor or film and the more "noise" that may be present in the image. Noise refers to the grainy texture that is often found in low-light photography. The amount of noise captured in a low-light image depends largely on the quality of the camera. A newer, higher-end camera will allow for low-light photography with high ISO settings that control the noise created by the image capture.

Tags: shutter speed, your camera, amount light, aperture settings, large aperture

Digital Polaroid Effects

Digital Polaroid Effects

The Polaroid instant camera is one of the most beloved icons of vintage photography. With the advent of digital cameras, however, its popularity has waned so much that in 2010, Polaroid instant cameras and film will be available only in special limited editions. If you don't have a Polaroid camera, or if you want to recreate the look of a Polaroid shot in one of your existing digital photos, you can do it with a little computer magic.

Several online services and software programs are available to make your digital photos into retro-looking Polaroids, complete with light streaks and the classic white frame. Check out some of these options and choose the one that works best for you.

Rollip

Rollip is a free web application that offers 40 filters with different text and Polaroid effects. You can download your photo, print it, or use the provided URL to send your creation via email. Available at rollip.com.

Instantizer

Instantizer is a quick-and-dirty application that frames your digital photo Polaroid-style and allows you to add a description, which appears in a handwriting-style font written on the white frame. The photo itself, however, doesn't have any of those cool light leaks and streaks of classic Polaroids. A provided link to the new photo is valid for only 24 hours. Available at instantizer.com.

Pola

A free piece of downloadable software, Pola offers drag-and-drop functionality, the classic white frame, and the cool vintage lighting effects of the original Polaroid. Available at manuelbarzi.com/pola.

Poladroid

Also free, Poladroid works in a similar manner as Pola but the interface is more fun: drag your digital photo onto the large Polaroid camera-shaped icon on your desktop and hear the familiar buzzing and clicking of a Polaroid camera as your new photo pops out. "Shake" the photo with your mouse and it will develop faster. Available at poladroid.net.

CameraBag

Download the CameraBag digital photo lab and gain access to ten filters, including the Instant filter (the equivalent of a Polaroid shot). You can also apply multiple filters, reprocess, and customize to suit your artistic eye. The downloadable software costs $19 and is available for both Mac and PC at nevercenter.com/camerabag.

Tags: digital photo, white frame, your digital, application that, classic white, classic white frame, digital photos