The 3G 2.2.1 firmware unlocks your iPhone or iPod. It gives you the ability to use applications outside of the Apple Store. To unlock your iPhone or iPod, you need to first download the firmware to your computer. From there, you need to know transfer the software to your iPhone or iPod so you can unlock it. You will find that the unlocking process is quite simple. The firmware does most of the work for you.
Instructions
1. Download the 3G 2.2.1 firmware. (See Resources.) Click the "Save" button. Save the file to your desktop for easy access.
2. Double-click the file's icon. Follow the installation wizard to install the software. Reboot your computer for the changes to take effect.
3. Attach the USB cable to your iPhone. Plug the other end into your computer's available USB port.
4. Wait for iTunes to automatically launch and detect your iPhone. Click the "X" in the right hand corner to close the application.
5. Click "Start" and "All Programs." Select the firmware's name in the list. Alternatively, you can double-click the firmware's icon on your desktop. Follow the instructions to unlock your phone. The process only takes a few minutes.
Tags: your iPhone, iPhone iPod, your computer, your iPhone iPod, unlock your
This article will discuss one of the two main types of semiconductor transistor, the field effect Transistor or FET. The other type is the bipolar junction transistor or BJT.
Active devices, vacuum tubes and transistors will change how they pass current depending on how the active device is biased. For simple diodes, made up of an anode and a cathode, (same for both vacuum tube and semiconductor diodes), a forward biased device has a negative voltage applied to the cathode and a positive on the anode and will pass current with only a small voltage drop across itself. A reverse biased diode has negative voltage on the anode, positive voltage on the cathode and will block current flow as if it were a bias-controlled switch.
The more complex active devices, vacuum tube triodes (anode, cathode, grid) pentodes (anode, cathode and three grid layers) and so on, and semiconductor transistors will act generally like diodes when reversed biased. When forward biased, they will conduct current, but the amount of current can be modified by grid voltage (vacuum tube) or control currents (base current for BJTs and gate currents for FETs). This effect allows small signals applied to a vacuum tube or transistor's control segment to be amplified.
Discussion of the actual manufacture of these devices will be left for another article. Here we will look at the general types of FET and how they contrast with each other, other types of semiconductors and vacuum tubes.
History and Operation
The theory for creating the field effect transistor (FET) precedes that for the bipolar junction transistor (BJT), but the technology to create the FET came after the BJT. The first FET theory patents were issued in 1925 and 1934, but practical fabrication of FETs started in the early 1960s.
In essence the FET operates in solid state to control current in much the way vacuum tubes operate.
Current flow from the cathode to the anode may be controlled by applying a bias voltage to the gate (or grid). Semiconductor construction provides "choke points" in current path where charged fields may restrict current flow in much the same way charged grid layers in vacuum tubes work for triodes or may enhance current flow depending on substrate used and mode. Designers used to working with vacuum tubes found FETs easier to work with than BJTs.
Classifications of FETs
The two broadest classifications for FETs are the Channel-type and mode. Channel type is determined by the doping of the main channel for current flow. N-Channel types have a negatively doped channel and P-Channel use positive doping.
The modes are Enhancement mode where the channel is off, (there is no current flow) when a zero volt bias is applied to the gate and Depletion mode, where the channel is on (current flows) with a zero bias.
For both modes, a greater gate bias voltage will deliver more current through an N-Channel device and less current through a P-Channel device.
Fabrication types of FETs
The earliest FETs were Junction FETs or JFETs and were constructed in much the same way as BJTs. A subset of JFETs used a Schottky junction (to give a sharper transition from Off to On) in place of the PN junction (the physical transition point between positive-doped and negative-doped semiconductor material) and are known as MEtal-semiconductor FETs or MESFETs.
The next construction type was the Insulated Gate FET or IGFET, where the gate was built with an insulating layer measured in microns or less at the PN junction. The most common IGFETs are the Metal-Oxide or MOSFET and the Complementary MOSFET or CMOS. MOS and CMOS are the most common type of FET in use today.
Other, specialty FETs are seen such as the HFET, for high speed applications.
Parts of the FET
In the FET are the Source is analogous to the BJT emitter and the vacuum tube cathode. The FET Gate is analogous to the BJT base and the vacuum tube grid. The FET Drain is analogous to the BJT collector and the vacuum tube anode. The FET Substrate is also shown in most standard electronic schematics.
Substrate materials
The most common substrate material used for making FETs remains pure Silicon (Si). It is relatively cheap, durable and easy to work. Most digital devices are made using FET transistors on silicon.
Also used are alloys such as Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) and Silicon Germanium (SiGe). Each offers a faster switching speed than pure Si, but at greater material cost. GaAs also offers special properties such as a natural radiation hardness which with Si requires a diamond coating to match, as well as being invisible to IR frequencies.
Other materials and alloys such as Indium Phosphide (InP) and sapphire are used in laboratory situations.
Advantages and disadvantages of FETs compared to BJTs and Vacuum Tubes
Compared to BJTs, FETs have faster switching speeds (time switching On to Off) and generate less heat per switch, than the BJT. FETs can be designed to smaller geometries than BJTs, allowing greater number of individual transistors per square micron of semiconductor space. However, FETs, particularly the early MOSFETs are more liable to damage from Electro-Static Discharge (ESD) than were the BJT devices.
Compared to Vacuum Tubes, FETs are orders of magnitude smaller, more power efficient and cost effective. They require no cathode heater.
Vacuum Tubes are almost immune to ESD (and Electro-Magnetic Pulses such as a side effect of nuclear detonations) and are more effective at high power (KV and above) particularly at high frequencies such as in radio and television transmitters.
Tags: vacuum tube, vacuum tubes, anode cathode, current flow, most common, alloys such
The Kodak brand is synonymous with film and developing. The company was one of the earliest film manufacturers, and in 1900, Kodak Brownie cameras were sold in sealed camera boxes with the film in place, according to "History of Photography: From 1839 to the Present" by Beaumont Newhall. These cameras were designed to be returned to the store for developing, but soon hobbyists were developing their Kodak film at home
Developing
Basic film developing requires only a few pieces of equipment, including a developing canister, or a tank for multiple rolls, with film-reel loaders; a film bag, which is a portable darkroom to unload film from the camera spool onto developing reels; a timer or clock with a seconds hand; and drying hangers. Color developing must be temperature controlled, and a thermometer is necessary. More complex developing is done using automated machinery, but the basic process is the same: Add developer, stop the development, add fixer and wash the film.
Chemicals
Eastman Kodak Co. manufactures chemicals to process the film stock it produces. The chemicals are also compatible for developing film by other manufacturers. The standard chemical developing packages for C-41 film cycles include products for roller-transport, continuous and rack-and-tank processing, and C-41B chemicals suitable for professional mini-lab processing. C-41 chemicals for Fuji processors are labeled CN-16S. Ektachrome chemicals requiring E-6 processing are all labeled "Process E-6." Black-and-white film stock is processed with developers D-76, T-MAX, XTOL, HC-110, Microdol-S, DK-50, D-19 and T-Max when using tank-and-tray processing. The selection depends on the photographer's preference. Black-and-white film machines use Duraflo RT. Hand processing uses stop-bath and fixer chemicals. Fixers include Rapid Fixer or regular solutions.
Transparency, or Slide, Film
Professional Elite Chrome 100, Professional Elite Chrome Extra Color 100 and Professional Elite Chrome 200 are developed with Kodak chemicals labeled Process E-6. Use of a safelight with Elite Chrome 100 is not recommended by Kodak. The company also recommends unloading this exposed film in complete darkness, while Extra Color 100 and Elite Chrome 100 may be unloaded using subdued lighting.
Color Film
Kodak color films are offered with the Ultra Max 400, High Definition 400, Ultra Max 800 and Gold 200 trade names. Each of these film stocks is processed using Kodak Flexicolor chemicals for Process C-41, without a safelight and in total darkness.
Black-and-White Film
Kodak film stock BW400CN produces black-and-white negatives utilizing color-processing chemicals. Popular among professional photographers, it is also used by amateurs because it is the only black-and-white film available at outlets other than camera stores. This film is processed using Kodak Flexicolor chemicals for Process C-41, without a safelight for film removal and development. Black-and-white photographers have personal preferences for developer because each Kodak product creates a distinctive look in color and thickness of the negative.
Tags: Elite Chrome, film stock, Professional Elite, Professional Elite Chrome, C-41 without, C-41 without safelight, cameras were
Mini DV tapes can become damaged due to normal wear and tear or faulty equipment. Because the tape is so thin and delicate, it's very easy for it to become twisted. One twist can cause the tape to feed improperly and tangle. If you are comfortable handling it, a little cellophane tape and a razor blade can get your Mini DV tape back in shape.
Instructions
1. Flip up the door on the front of the Mini DV cartridge. This will expose the tape.
2. Cut a piece of cellophane tape that matches the width of the DV tape. Splice the broken DV tape back together with the cellophane tape and rewind.
3. Cut out shredded or wrinkled DV tape. Make sure to cut at a 45-degree angle with a razor blade. Splice the clean tape back together and rewind.
4. Try a local or online video and repair shop if the tape is too mangled for you to fix. Such a repair will require a professional's expertise and equipment. Pacific Video Repair will repair damaged Mini DV tapes for $20 and back-up tape to DVD for an additional $12.95.
Tags: cellophane tape, tape back, back together, Mini tapes, razor blade, tape back together
The Sony Cybershot 3.2 is a digital camera that has been on the market for several years now. Although the megapixels is far lower than what you find on a standard camera now you can still take adequate images as long as you don't enlarge the content. However, you can occasionally run into issues where the camera doesn't function correctly or the images don't appear accurate to real life.
Instructions
1. Replace the Sony Cybershot 3.2's batteries. If the camera refuses to turn on or if the retractable lens doesn't open it means the batteries are dead. The camera takes standard AA batteries.
2. Take out the Sony memory card and replace it with a new memory card (housed in the same chamber the batteries are). When the Sony Cybershot 3.2 camera first made its debut memory cards could only handle a hand full of images. Now the Sony memory cards can store thousands of images. Using a newer memory card allows you to store and take more pictures.
3. Power on the camera, press the "Menu" button, and select the "Zoom" option. Turn the digital zoom off. If you are noticing your images are becoming pixelated it is because of the digital zoom. A digital zoom zooms into the image without actually moving closer, and since the Sony Cybershot has a smaller amount of mexapixles the image becomes grainy.
4. Clean off the lens of the camera with a soft cloth. If you touched the lens with your finger you most likely left a finger print which later shows up in all of your images.
Tags: Sony Cybershot, digital zoom, memory card, memory cards, Sony memory
Flash memory cards come in different shapes and sizes.
Choosing a memory card for your digital devices isn't actually your choice. The decision between memory types is made by the manufacturer during the design phase and these cards aren't interchangeable. Still, understanding the differences can be helpful.
Flash Memory
All memory cards are technically called flash memory, either "compact" flash or in various other card forms, including SDHC. A flash drive is simply a storage device that can be inserted and removed easily, unlike a fixed-disk drive like a computer's hard drive or an MP3 player's internal memory.
Compact Flash
Compact flash memory cards are common in digital SLR cameras and, until 2005, were the only types of cards used by high-end camera manufacturers. Compact flash cards range in size from 1GB up to 64GB. There are two different compact flash formats -- Type I and Type II -- which have different thicknesses and can't be swapped for one another.
SDHC
Originally developed by SanDisk Corporation, hence the "SD," these cards are high-capacity versions of the SD memory card format. SDHC cards are classified by speed as Class 2, Class 4 and Class 6, for the megabytes-per-second rate of the card. SDHC memory cards range from 2GB to 32GB in size.
Tags: memory cards, cards range, Class Class, Compact Flash, compact flash, memory card, these cards
While satellite TV may seem like a complicated technology, the system is quite easy to understand when you break it down into its components. Satellite providers transmit their broadcast signal containing all your programming that you love to watch so much. It is received by a satellite in orbit, then broadcast back down to Earth where your satellite dish receives the signal. The signal is converted to a lower frequency and sent to the satellite TV receiver (satellite box) and then on to your TV.
Encryption/Decoding
The satellite TV receiver is responsible for decoding the encrypted satellite signal, processing it and forwarding the video and audio information to the TV. When you subscribe for satellite service, your satellite TV receiver is activated and the decoder chip in the box allows you to receive the package of programming you've subscribed for. The satellite signal is encrypted so that only paying subscribers can receive programming.
Signal Conversion
The satellite receiver also converts the programming signal from the digital format that it is broadcast in to an analog form that the TV is able to pick up and process.
Further Functions
As you know, you use the satellite TV receiver to change channels. In addition to decoding and converting the signal, the satellite receiver also segments the large broadcast signal into the individual channels and then sends just the signal for the channel you've selected to the TV, allowing you to watch the program that you want to see. If you have signed up for a High Definition package your receiver will send an HD signal to your HDTV.
Other Options
If you've ordered a package that includes a Digital Video Recorder, the satellite receiver will contain a built-in DVR allowing you to record programs and pause live programming. If you choose to order on-demand or pay-per-view packages, the satellite TV receiver communicates with the provider's office via telephone line sending information about the programming you've ordered for billing purposes.
The Sanyo Incognito is a cell phone manufactured by Sanyo and distributed by Sprint, as well as by Sprint's prepaid subsidiary, Boost Mobile. The main means for charging the Sanyo Incognito is via the included AC phone charger, though several car chargers are also available for those who wish to charge their phone on the go.
USB Vehicle Charger
Sprint offers a USB vehicle charger as an option to charge the Sanyo Incognito in your car. The USB port of this charger features an LED light ring to indicate that the phone is being charged. Sprint's USB vehicle charger requires a charging USB cable, which is sold separately. In addition to being compatible with the Sanyo Incognito, this and other Sprint chargers are compatible with other phones in their lineup.
Micro USB Vehicle Charger
Sprint also offers a Micro USB version of their standard USB vehicle charger. The main difference between this and the standard USB charger is that this comes with its own connecting cable. Like the USB charger, this Micro USB version also illuminates while charging.
Vehicle and Wall Charger
Another vehicle charger compatible with the Sanyo Incognito is the all-in-one vehicle and wall charger. It has the ability to charge your phone at home via a normal 110-volt wall socket, or through a 12-volt DC vehicle power outlet. This charger comes with a 7-foot long cord with Velcro strap, and includes a micro USB cable for connecting to the phone. All of the listed chargers give the ability to use the Sanyo Incognito while charging, and all are offered by Sprint.
Tags: Sanyo Incognito, compatible with, Charger Sprint, comes with, compatible with Sanyo, Micro version, vehicle charger
The LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) flat panel TV and plasma TV have a lot in common except for the technology they use to produce the picture images. Both plasma and LCD have a slim profile. In plasma TVs, neon and xenon gases are used for creating a good digital image. Such technology allows them to have a larger screen size. If you plan on buying either of the two, conduct a thorough comparison.
Instructions
1. Visit the nearest electronic store and check out the different models available for LCD TV and plasma TV. See if you can visually distinguish between the models. You can also check various models online but this may not give you a clear indication.
2. Compare price. Plasma TVs tend to be more expensive. However, plasma TVs tend to be a little better in quality.
3. Observe the available thinness of each TV. Plasma flat screen TVs are three inches thick as compared to LCD TVs that are two inches thick.
4. Compare the screen sizes available for both types. Plasma TVs have a screen size range from 32" to 63" in all available models. Panasonic will offer a 103" model but it is still under production. On the other hand, LCD TVs have a restrictive screen size ranging from 32" to 45". Only LG has successfully launched a 100" LCD TV, and reviews are pending. Clearly, when it comes to size, plasma TVs appear have an upper hand.
5. Consider the viewing angle for both TVs. Plasma TVs have a viewing angle of 160 degrees as compared to 175 degrees for LCD TVs. The wider the angle, the better will be the TV image.
6. Find out the screen refresh rates. Plasma TVs are versatile in handling rapid video movements similar to those of CRT TVs. On the other hand, LCD TVs have had poor refresh rates so far. This contributes to better quality pictures in plasma TVs.
7. Learn about TV burn-ins or static pixels. Static images are responsible for burn-ins, especially in plasma TVs. The new pixel orbiter has successfully eradicated this limitation of plasma TV, but older models do not have this technology integration. Burn-ins are not found in LCD TVs. However, they suffer from a similar problem called 'retained pixel charge' which results in ghost images, similar to plasma burn-in. LCD TVs have yet to get around the static image problem.
8. Check handling of each TV in terms of weight. Plasma TVs are heavier compared to LCD TVs, and hence less portable and more difficult to ship and handle. Besides, plasma TVs are considered more fragile and less sturdy compared to LCD TVs. Both in weight and durability, LCD TVs score high.
9. Compare picture quality. Plasma TVs usually have higher levels of brightness and contrast as compared to LCDs. However, in extremely well lit rooms the Plasma TV screen may reflect light.
10. Check for use or wear and tear. Plasma TVs tend to get heated too fast when in use which requires careful planning for locating and mounting. LCD TVs are easy to install and usually less prone to wear and tear when in use.
Tags: screen size, better quality, hand have, inches thick, other hand
The SC-29 can be used with an external flash bracket.
The Nikon SC-29 is a 9-foot, coiled TTL (Through The Lens) remote cord. This cord works with Nikon digital and film single lens reflex cameras and Nikon external "Speedlite" external flash units. When it is attached to the camera and the Speedlite, you can position the flash unit up to 9 feet away from the camera, and still have all the same functionality as if the flash was attached directly to the camera. These cords are ideal when you want to use the external flash on a bracket attached to your Nikon camera.
Instructions
1. Connect the bracket to the Nikon camera by tightening the threaded mounting knob into the tripod connector in the base of the Nikon camera.
2. Slide the "Hot shoe" connector on the Nikon SC-29 on to the Nikon camera's hot shoe and tighten the locking ring.
3. Side the other end of the cable where the Speedlite flash will be connected onto the bracket that is attached to the Nikon camera, and tighten the locking ring.
4. Slide the Nikon Speedlite onto the SC-29's hot shoe, lock the Speedlite in place, turn the Speedlite and Nikon camera on, and it is ready to be used.
Stereo manufacturers have increased the level of built-in security for car electronics over the past decade. A common technique used by stereo manufacturers is to require a security code for a car stereo to be used in the event of removal from the car. If you have not entered the code, have had your entry code corrupted, if your vehicle loses power or if the stereo is disconnected during maintenance, the security code needs to be reset in order to use the stereo. The Kenwood CD player uses a security code and can require reset in these cases.
Instructions>" and "Auto" stereo keys at the same time and hold for four seconds.
3. Press the "5" button on your remote twice. You will see the letter "K" displayed on the stereo faceplate. Push the ">>" button on your stereo.
4. Hit the "2" button on your remote three times until you see a "C" on the stereo faceplate. Push the ">>" button.
5. Select the "2" button on the remote one more time and you will see an "A" on the faceplate display. Follow by pushing the ">>" button.
6. Choose the "7" button on the remote twice. An "R" will appear on the faceplate. Push the ">>" button. Select the "SRC" button on your stereo and the CD code will be unlocked.
AT&T mobile backup can protect all files and contacts on your phone.
AT&T Wireless bought out the Cingular Wireless company in 2007. All Cingular subscribers now use AT&T online accounts when managing their plans and backing up their mobile data. You can transfer the contacts from your Cingular/AT&T phone with the help of AT&T's online backup application and your Verizon online account. You can complete the entire transfer process in under 30 minutes.
Instructions
1. Transfer your contacts to the phone's SIM card. Open the "Address Book" application on your Cingular/AT&T phone. Choose "Options" and then select "Copy to SIM." Check the phone's user guide for more specific instructions on copy the contacts to the SIM card.
2. Open the "Backup" application on your Cingular/AT&T phone. Select the "Backup" button and wait for the synchronization process to complete.
3. Log in to your Cingular/AT&T online account. Enter the username and password you created when you signed up for wireless service. Contact AT&T customer support if you do not know your username and password. Click the "Login" button after you have entered your account information.
4. Click the "Backup" tab in your account menu and then click "Contacts."
5. Click the "Export Contacts As CSV" button. Choose a destination folder on your computer for the new file. Click the "OK" button. Your account will start the export process to your computer.
6. Log in to your "My Verizon" online account. Click the "Contacts" button in the main menu. Select "Import Contacts" and wait for the file to load. Click the "Sync" button in the account's main menu. The Verizon account will begin downloading the contacts to your Verizon phone.
Tags: your Cingular, application your, Cingular phone, online account, your Cingular phone, your Verizon
The Revio C2 is a 1.22 megapixel digital still camera produced by Konica Minolta. The device's features include a 1.6-inch LCD display, automatic flash and white balance, an optical viewfinder and 14MB of internal memory. While the camera is designed for ease of operation, users should first configure several of the device's settings before taking any pictures. The Revio C2 also comes packaged with special driver software intended for use with Windows PCs; this software is not required for users with Macintosh computers.
Instructions
1. Hold the camera upside down, with the front panel facing toward you. Find the battery compartment cover, located on the right side of the bottom panel. Slide the cover to the right and pull it open. Insert the two AAA batteries into the battery compartment; use the symbols printed on the interior of the compartment to determine the proper alignment for the batteries. Close the battery compartment cover and slide it to the left.
2. Return the camera to an upright position, with the front panel facing away from you. Examine the left side of the camera and locate the strap holder. Pass the small loop located at one end of the carrying strap through the opening in the strap holder. Feed the remainder of the carrying strap through the center of the small loop. Pull on the end of the strap until it is secure.
3. Activate the camera by sliding the lens cover to the left. Press the "MENU" button, located on the rear of the camera, to the right of the LCD display. Press the right arrow button, located below the "MENU" button, five times. Press the "SET" button, located to the right of the "MENU" button.
4. Use the arrow buttons to select the "DATE SET" option and press "SET." Use the arrow buttons to input the current year and press "SET." Input the current month, day, hour and minute in a similar manner. Press the "SET" button, then use the arrow buttons to select the option labeled "YES;" press "SET" again to confirm your settings.
5. Press the "MENU" button, then press the right arrow button five times, followed by the "SET" button. Use the arrow buttons to select the option labeled "LANGUAGE" and press "SET." Select the desired language setting, then press the "SET" button. Select the option labeled "YES" and press "SET" to confirm.
6. Press the "MENU" button, then press the right arrow button five times, followed by the "SET" button. Use the arrow buttons to select the option labeled "USB" and press "SET." Use the arrow buttons to select the option labeled "MSDC" if you intend to use a USB connection to transfer photos from the camera to your computer. Select the option labeled "PC Camera" if you intend to use the device as a web camera. Press the "SET" button, then select the option labeled "YES" and press "SET to confirm.
7. Close the lens cover to turn off the camera. If you are using a Windows PC, insert the driver installation disc into your computer's optical drive. Wait for the installation program to launch. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Pentax Optio digital cameras work well under most conditions but may occasionally experience problems. Common problems with the Pentax Optio include the camera not turning on, the LCD screen not functioning and the shutter not releasing when taking a picture. Troubleshoot your camera to fix these common problems and return the Optio to working order.
Instructions
Camera Does Not Turn On
1. Open the battery cover on the bottom of the camera by pressing down on the battery cover lock and pulling out on the cover.
2. Ensure the battery is correctly installed in the compartment. The "+" and "-" symbols should face the inside of the compartment and the "Pentax" logo should face the camera lens.
3. Charge the battery by removing it from the camera and placing it in the supplied battery charger with the "Pentax" logo facing up. Plug the charger into an electrical outlet. The battery is fully charged when the indicator lights on the charger turn off.
LCD Screen Does Not Turn On
4. Check that the battery is installed and charged. Press the "Power" button on the top of the camera to turn the camera on. The display should turn on when the power turns on.
5. Press any of the camera's buttons if the camera has been powered on for a long time without use. The power saving feature of the camera turns off the LCD when the camera is not used for a period of time. Pressing any of the buttons takes the camera out of power saving mode.
6. Turn the display on by pressing the "OK/Display" button. You can turn off the LCD by pressing the "OK/Display" button several times, according to your preferences.
7. Disconnect the camera from a computer or television if it is hooked up to either device. The LCD will not turn on when connected.
Shutter Does Not Release" button on the camera and scroll to the image you want to delete with the left and right navigation buttons. Press the button with the symbol of the trash can on it and select "Delete" with the up or down arrow button. Delete the image by pressing the "OK" button.
Tags: Pentax Optio, battery cover, button camera, Display button, Does Turn, Pentax logo, power saving
The disadvantage of a flashlight that uses batteries is that the batteries can fail over time while the flashlight is not being used. You can make a hand-cranked flashlight that will illuminate a LED for light at every turn. No batteries are needed, although you will have to buy a white LED from a hobby store or laser supply shop. A stepper motor from an old computer printer must also be acquired--this can be gotten from the used bin of a computer store or at a yard sale. Some experience in using a soldering iron is also needed.
Instructions
1. Put a sheet of newspaper on a table. Place the computer printer on the newspaper. Remove the screws from the sides, top and bottom of the computer printer with the Phillips screwdriver. Pull the case off the computer printer.
2. Locate the circular-shaped stepper motor that is attached to the circuit board next the ink toner compartment. Remove the screws from around the stepper motor with the Phillips screwdriver.
3. Snip off the wires connected to the stepper motor with the wire cutters. Pull the stepper motor out of the computer printer. Dispose of the computer printer properly.
4. Place the stepper motor on its side on the newspaper. Heat up the soldering iron for five minutes.
5. Hold the white LED in one hand with the two pins that are attached to the base pointing to the right. Hold the soldering iron in the other hand.
6. Rotate the stepper motor until the large slot in the side is facing up.
7. Place the end of one of the two pins attached to the base of the white LED against one of the two metal contacts on the circuit board inside of the large slot.
8. Solder the end of the pin to the metal contact. Let the solder cool for a minute.
9. Place the end of the other pin attached to the base of the white LED against the other metal contact on the circuit board inside of the large slot.
10. Solder the end of the pin to the metal contact. Let the solder cool for a minute.
11. Straighten the pins so that the white LED is not drooping.
12. Pick up the stepper motor in one hand with the white LED facing away from you.
13. Spin the small knurled knob on the stepper motor either clockwise or counterclockwise with the fingers of the other hand to illuminate the white LED. Your hand-cranked flashlight is ready to be used whenever you need light.
The ION audio company makes a USB turntable that can convert the audio from a vinyl record into a digital signal that can be recorded by a computer. The USB turntable must be connected to a computer, Mac or PC, in order to transfer the audio to the computer's hard drive through an included audio program. The digital file can then be played on a portable device like an iPod or burned to a CD for playing in a home theater or car's CD player. The ION USB turntable can also be connected to a home theater for listening to vinyl records directly through your speakers.
Instructions
1. Position the ION USB turntable next to the computer. Plug the USB cable attached to the ION USB turntable into a USB port on the computer.
2. Insert the ION installation disc into the side slot of a Mac or press the "Eject" button on the front of the PC, place the ION installation disc on the ejected tray and close the tray.
3. Double-click on the icon of the installation disc when it appears on the desktop. Double-click on the installation program that is inside of the window that appears on the desktop. Follow the menu commands to install the ION turntable program onto the computer's hard drive. Restart the computer after the installation is complete.
4. Launch the ION turntable program by double-clicking its icon inside of the "Applications" folder if on a Mac or by selecting it from the "Start," "All Applications" pop-up menu if on a PC.
5. Place the vinyl record onto the turntable with side one facing up. Turn on the ION turntable. Place the needle arm onto the edge of the vinyl record.
6. Press the "Record" button on the ION turntable program to start recording side one of the vinyl record. Press the "Pause" button when side one is finished.
7. Place the needle arm back onto the arm rest. Remove the vinyl record from the turntable. Turn over the vinyl record. Place the vinyl record with side two facing up on the turntable. Place the needle arm onto the edge of the vinyl record.
8. Press the "Pause" button on the ION turntable program again to start recording side two of the vinyl record. Press the "Stop" button when side two has finished playing. Turn off the ION USB turntable. Remove the vinyl record. Remove the ION USB turntable's USB cable from the port on the computer.
9. Navigate to the "File" menu and select "Save As" from the top of the screen. Navigate in the window that appears to the desktop of the computer. Name the digital file that was made form the vinyl record in the "Name" column at the top of the window--use the same name as that of the vinyl record.
10. Select "MP3" or "AIFF" or "WAV" from the "Format type" drop-down menu near the bottom of the window. Press the "Save" button at the lower right corner of the window. Quit the ION turntable program once the digital file is saved to the desktop and the window disappears.
Tags: vinyl record, turntable program, record Press, vinyl record Press, appears desktop, digital file, installation disc
Depending on your photographic objectives, a DSLR may be a perfect fit.
While compact point and shoot cameras can help to plant a seed of photographic interest in the novice shooter, budding amateurs may be ready to move on to a more serious set of equipment. Limited by a fixed medium-speed lens and a small digital sensor, point and shoots are entry-level in comparison to the affordable professional-level DSLRs (digital single lens reflex) available in today's market. If you're ready to upgrade your photographic kit, follow the steps below to choose the gear that's right for you.
Instructions
1. Determine your price range. If you're just testing the waters of DSLR photography, affordable camera bodies (excluding lenses) can be had for as little as $400 to $500. If you want to make your upgrade more of an investment, expensive bodies top out at around $5,000. The factors that attribute to this range in cost are megapixel count, sensor size and variable features (maximum shutter speeds, ISO ratings and connectivity settings).
2. Decide if you will be purchasing only the camera body or the full kit. Choosing just the camera body requires that you provide your own lens. You may use lenses from an older SLR camera if they have the same mount thread as your new DSLR body, or you can purchase a new prime (single focal length) or zoom lens of your choosing. A kit will arrive with the body in addition to a zoom lens often ranging from wide to normal length (18-55mm zoom is a common focal range for kit lenses).
3. Choose a warranty that is relative to the cost of your DSLR. If you plan to dish out $6,000 for the Canon Mark III kit (or equivalently priced camera), investing in the company's extensive warranty is advisable. This will cover the cost of any problems related to manufacturing error as well as any accidental damage, often including theft.
4. Use your new camera often. DSLRs can be intimidating to first time users, especially if you've become accustomed to the analog controls of a 35mm film SLR or the simple LCD interface of a compact point and shoot. Explore the camera's menus and shooting modes, and take note of the results you achieve while using different settings. The more time you spend behind the lens of your DSLR, the closer you'll be to mastering it.
Tags: your DSLR, camera body, compact point, compact point shoot, lens your, point shoot, your photographic
Your TiVo digital video recorder frees you from having to wait at home for a TV sappear. Instead, you can record your favorite programs and watch them at leisure by simply pushing a few buttons on the TiVo remote control. Your remote can also control your TV set and audio system, which eliminates the clutter of devices on your coffee table. However, you need to inform the TIVO remote what types of entertainment equipment you own.
Instructions
General
1. Press the "TiVo" button on your remote to display TiVo Central. Choose "Messages and Settings," "Settings," "Remote, CableCARD, & Devices" and "Remote Control."
2. Use the arrow buttons on your remote to highlight "Part 1: TV Power" and press the "Select" button. TiVo lists TV brands. Use the arrow or "Channel" button to scroll through the list until you find your TV manufacturer. Move the highlight to its name and press the "Select" button to display the "TV Remote Codes" screen.
3. Enter the code using the instructions defined on the screen. For larger television manufacturers, you may need to try several times to find the right code.
4. Repeat this process but select "Part 2: A/V Volume" to define your audio devices and "Part 3: TV Input" to switch to different input devices like a GameBox or TiVo. If your equipment is newer than your TiVo, your remote may not contain a code for it. If you have a TiVo Glo or Series3 remote, you can teach it to learn new functions from a device remote.
Teaching
5. Press the "TiVo" and "Select" buttons at the same time, holding them down for 3 seconds. The red activity light says limit, which puts your remote in "Learning" mode.
6. Press and release the button on your TiVo remote that you want to program, such as "TV Power." The activity light flashes and then remains lit.
7. Point the front of the device remote to the front of your TiVo remote, no further than 4 inches away. Hold down the corresponding button on the device remote, such as "TV Power." The TiVo remote light flashes four times showing that it successfully received the programming. If it flashes 10 times quickly, programming was unsuccessful, so you must try again.
8. Repeat the process for all the buttons you want to program. Press the TiVo button when you are finished. If you are still unable to program your remote, contact TiVo customer support for help.
Tags: your remote, device remote, Press TiVo, your TiVo, activity light, button your, light flashes
If you're a do-it-yourself type who has just signed up for satellite dish service, you're probably wondering do the installation yourself. Once you have the right equipment and a self-installation kit in hand, it is a matter of choosing an ideal location for your dish, grabbing your tools---and most likely a sturdy ladder---and pointing it to the sky in the right direction (usually to the south). You should only embark on this task if you have some type of experience with electrical wiring and carpentry. This is heavy equipment that requires a solid, secure installation to your roof or the side of your home. There are a variety of different places where you can find satellite installation equipment.
Instructions
1. Call and sign up for service with your local satellite TV provider (such as DirecTV or a similar service). It will offer you satellite dish installation equipment (or send an authorized technician to your home to help you to install your satellite dish if you have a hard time).
2. Go to an electronics store, such as Best Buy, to purchase your satellite dish equipment and sign up for the corresponding service. The store will ship the equipment to your door if you plan to install it yourself.
3. Visit TheSatelliteShop.net. Here you can browse a wide variety of satellite equipment providers and purchase installation equipment. You can also find help at satellite dish installation sites such as SatelliteSuperstore.com, DishJockey.com and SolidSignal.com.
4. Order your satellite dish installation equipment from Amazon.com. This site has a wide selection of dish models that will go with your service, but that do not necessarily require a new satellite service sign-up. Amazon also carries the self-installation kits that you will need to set up your dish.
5. Post a message on SatelliteGuys.us to ask for satellite dish installation equipment in your area. You can also find a used unit at Craigslist.org, Oodle.com, PennysaverUSA.com or your local newspaper's online classified ads.
The Rain Bird PC-506 is a programmable timer for your sprinkler system. The timer features six different zones, so you can specify different watering times for up to six different areas of your lawn. The PC-506 uses dials to control the sprinkler programs, so altering a program for any specific area only requires that you turn a knob. Additionally, the PC-506 comes with 12 pre-set schedules that you can use instead of creating your own.
Instructions
1. Find the zone that you want to program on the unit. Each of the six zones has a set of two dials on the controller.
2. Turn the leftmost dial for your desired zone to set its schedule for watering. The six different schedule types -- every day, every two days, every third day, every fourth day, custom and new lawn -- are printed around the perimeter of the dial. Each of the first four schedule types are then broken down by the number of times the sprinklers will work that day, and the custom setting is broken down into "A" and "B." Turn the dial to your desired schedule.
3. Turn the rightmost dial for your current zone to set how long the sprinklers will run. Turn the dial so that the opening points to the number of minutes you want to water. Repeat the setup process, both schedule and run time, for all six zones.
4. Press the "Set/Start" button to set up the start times for your programs. If you are using custom programs, you will need to press the "Set/Start" button four times, instead of just once. The default start times are, in order, 6:00 a.m., 6:00 p.m. and 12 noon. When "Start 1" appears in the display, press the up and down arrows to change that time, then press "Set/Start" again to move on to the next start time. Continue until you have scrolled through all three start times.
5. Press the "Set Custom" button to set up your two custom programs. Press this button once to start setting up the "A" program, and three times to start setting up the "B" program. The first customer start time will appear in the display. Press the up arrow to accept it as a start time and move to the next one, or the down arrow to reject it, and then the up arrow to move to the next time. Continue until you have set all three start times.
6. Press the "Set Custom" button again to set the watering days for either program "A"" or "B." A day of the week will flash on the bottom of the screen and the words "On" or "Off" will appear. Press the up arrow to accept the current setting and move to the next day, press the down arrow to change the current setting, and then press the up arrow to move to the next day. Continue until all seven days are set.
7. Press the "Manual Cycle" button if you need to run through a water cycle immediately. It will run through all six zones, one at a time. Press the "Set Time/Day" button to exit the manual cycle if you want to end it before it has run its course.
8. Press the "Pause" button to stop watering for a brief period of time. Press the button again to resume normal operation. Slide the "On/Off" switch to "Off" if you want to stop watering for a long period of time.
A converter box shifts the digital signal sent from television stations into an analog signal, which allows it to be viewed by an older analog TV. If you have a newer digital-capable TV, or receive your TV signals from a cable or satellite service, you don't need a converter box. Your current system should work just fine. However, those with old-fashioned rabbit ears or rooftop antennas (and TVs which don't include digital conversion equipment of their own) need to purchase a box. Converter boxes retail for about $40 and are extremely easy to install.
Instructions
1. Check the back of your TV for a coaxial input jack. This is a round outlet that looks a little like a flat screw. There's a pinhole in the center surrounded by milky white plastic. It will most likely be labeled "UHF/VHF" or "In From Antenna," and your rabbit ears or rooftop antenna will be attached to it.
2. Find a similar set of coaxial jacks on the back of your converter box. There should be two: one labeled "In" (or "In From Antenna") and one labeled "Out" (or "Out to TV").
3. Disconnect the antenna from the back of your TV and connect it to the "In From Antenna" jack on your converter box.
4. Attach one end of a coaxial cable to the "Out to TV" jack on your converter box and the other end to the "In From Antenna" jack on your TV. Most converter boxes come with a length of coaxial cable, and if yours doesn't, you can purchase a length of coaxial cable at most electronics stores for just a few dollars.
5. Turn on your TV and set the channel to 3 or 4. Turn on your converter box (using the remote if it has one), and follow any instructions which appear on the screen. That will complete the installation and allow you to watch TV as normal.
Tags: From Antenna, your converter, back your, coaxial cable, jack your, Antenna jack
Turner microphones are renowned for their warm tone and reliable operation over a history that dates back to the early days of audio recording. The Kenwood TS-450 is an amateur radio transceiver that the company has discontinued. The Kenwood is equipped with an XLR-type microphone jack on the front panel for hooking up a Turner microphone. Wiring the devices together takes only a few seconds.
Instructions
1. Press the "Power" button in the top-left corner of the Kenwood TS-450 front panel if the unit is powered on, to shut off the transceiver and prevent an electrical surge.
2. Plug one end of the XLR cable into the jack on the Turner microphone, lining up the plug pins with the holes in the mic jack.
3. Connect the other end of the cable to the "MIC" jack in the lower-left corner of the Kenwood TS-450 front panel.
4. Press the "Power" button on the Kenwood and toggle the microphone slide switch to the "On" position.
Tags: front panel, Kenwood TS-450, corner Kenwood, corner Kenwood TS-450, Kenwood TS-450 front, Power button, Press Power
Some photography lighting features reflectors for light diffusion.
Every form of art produces a subjective representation of its subject. Even highly technical art forms such as photography have subjective elements. Knowing light your subject carefully can help you control the appearance of the image, subjectively determining what to show and what not to show. Using the basic studio lighting setup as a starting point, you can make adjustments as needed to create your optimal photo shoot lighting.
Key Light
No matter how you modify a lighting setup, you must use the first and most essential light: the key light. This light provides the main illumination of the subject and can serve as the basis or "key" for the placement of all subsequent lights. Place this light pointing at the subject at approximately 45 degrees to the left or right of the camera position. Raise the key light so that it points down at the image at approximately 45 degrees. You may choose to adjust both these angles according to the needs of your shoot.
Fill Light
The fill light lives up to its name by "filling" the intense shadows created by the key light. Sometimes intense shadows serve the needs of your shoot, but generally some amount of fill helps make the image more completely visible. Point the fill light at the same angle as the key light from the opposite side of the camera. You may reduce the intensity of the fill light by moving the light further away from the subject, or you may use a lower-wattage lighting instrument. A reflector in place of a fill light can provide a light, adjustable fill for less than the cost of a lighting instrument.
Back Light
The back light gets its name because it lights the subject from the back. Placement of this light can cause problems with excess light if it points directly into the camera lens. Set this light directly behind the subject and at a lower angle pointing up at the subject, if needed. The back light creates a thin line of light behind the subject known as an "incident highlight." Position the back light until this line appears without flooding the lens with direct light.
Hair Light
When lighting a portrait or certain types of objects, you may wish to use a variation on the back light known as the hair light. Like the back light, the hair light shines light from behind the subject but from a high angle down onto the subject. The hair light should light the top of the subject's hair, leaving the face in shadow so as to not interfere with the key and fill lights. Do not use the hair light when photographing a bald person because it can produce an intense reflection.
Background Light
The background light, like the other lights in your setup, does exactly what its name implies. It lights the background of your subject, helping the subject to stand out by defining its outline. Point the background light at the background of your image so the center of the light hits the background directly behind the subject. You may wish to shine the light from above, below or at an angle from the side. A background light works best when it communicates the feeling of the environment of the subject, whether ordinary and evenly lit, bright or dark and mysterious.
Tags: back light, behind subject, fill light, hair light, light from
A GPS (Global Positioning System) is a navigation system that you can install in your vehicle. It operates from satellite signals received by the GPS device. A GPS is usually easily installed in your vehicle. There is a wide price range, but you can often find good used systems.
Instructions
1. Know that there are many kinds, brands and price ranges when you buy a used GPS car navigation system. Before you buy a used GPS, consider some basics to selecting the right kind for your needs. (See "Select a GPS Car Navigation System," under Related eHows.)
2. Visit pawn shops to look for a used GPS car navigation system. You can often buy one at a pawn shop for a fraction of the cost you would pay in other places. One thing to consider, though, is that you probably won't be able to test it to make sure that it works properly.
3. Check at flea markets. Many flea markets, especially the larger ones, have all kinds of electronics. You can often find great deals on slightly used items. Many times you can find a good used GPS car navigation system to buy at a flea market.
4. Read the ads in your local newspaper and look for advertised auctions in your area. Many community newspapers list all kinds of ads for sale of used items. Local auctions are also a great place to keep an eye out to buy a used GPS car navigation system.
Tags: used navigation system, find good, find good used, flea markets, good used
In the late 1900s, before the advent of digital camera technology, Polaroid instant cameras were all the rage. You could take a picture and watch the black film develop into an image right before your eyes. Polaroid discontinued its famous camera in 2008, but you can still use its popularity to make money.
Instructions
1. Contact your local Small Business Administration Office to find out whether there are any legal requirements to run a photography business in your area. There may not be any, but it's better to check than to owe fines.
2. Buy a Polaroid instant camera and Polaroid instant camera film. Since Polaroid discontinued sales of these items, you're more likely to find them on sites such as Amazon, eBay and Buy than in stores. Ask the buyer whether he's stored the film in a cool, dark place, which is the best way to ensure that the film is usable for as many as two years past its printed expiration date.
3. Check out books on photography at your local library. Learn to take quality pictures with the camera in different lighting and from different angles. Polaroid instant pictures were popular in informal settings, not formal portraits, but you should know minimize mistakes to save film.
4. Advertise your photography skills in local publications, emphasizing the fact that you take pictures with a Polaroid instant camera. Offer to take pictures for prom, birthdays and other events where candid photos become keepsakes. To capitalize on the nostalgia of the camera, advertise in places that cater to people who came of age between the 1970s and 1990s, particularly younger people who may never have owned a Polaroid instant camera. These people are the most likely to reply to your ads for the sake of having novelty pictures that appear to be vintage.
5. Charge customers a set amount for each photo, keeping in mind that you must at least recover the cost of the camera, film and legal fees. Photo booths often charge $1 or $2 each for similar pictures, so charging much more than that may discourage business.
6. Post ads to sell the camera and any remaining film if you decide to end your business. Due to the popularity of the Polaroid instant camera, you may be able to sell it for more than you paid for it.
Tags: Polaroid instant, instant camera, Polaroid instant camera, camera film, more than, pictures with, Polaroid discontinued
To get maximum enjoyment out of your plasma TV for as long as possible, you will need to take proper care of it. Among the most important things to do to preserve your plasma TV screen is to set the brightness and contrast to levels that do not waste energy and cause the TV to wear out faster. You will also need to clean your plasma TV screen regularly to remove any fingerprints and dirt.
Instructions
Keep Your Plasma TV Screen Clean
1. Consult the instruction manual that came with your plasma TV. The manufacturer may provide you with instructions regarding the frequency with which you should clean your plasma TV screen to maintain the best possible performance. The manual may also recommend or advise against particular types of cleaning solutions.
2. Wipe the area surrounding the plasma TV screen with a soft cloth. This area contains the buttons that you might use to operate your plasma TV occasionally. If a significant amount of dirt or dust has accumulated, you may want to clean this area with a slightly damp soft cloth. Use the second soft cloth to dry the area.
3. Dust your plasma TV screen gently with a soft cloth or the cloth from the plasma TV cleaning kit. Even if no one has touched the plasma TV screen, dust will build up over time. Removing the dust from your screen will provide you with a clearer picture when you are watching it.
4. Use a plasma TV screen cleaning kit to clean any dirt and fingerprints that remain on your screen. Plasma TV screen cleaning kits are available from many electronics retailers. They include ammonia-free solutions and soft cloths (often made of microfiber) that will not damage the screen while you are cleaning it.
5. Use your vacuum cleaner's hose attachment, with the suction set on the lowest power setting, to remove dust from the vents of your plasma TV. The vents on your television allow heat to dissipate from the unit and need to remain clear.
Tags: your plasma, plasma screen, soft cloth, your plasma screen, clean your
Troubleshoot file attachment problems caused by rich text emails.
The email application that comes as a standard feature on the Apple iPhone is compatible with most email message file attachment types, including Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint and PDF documents, image files and video clips. However, sometimes file attachments won't open on the Apple iPhone if the email message is sent from the Microsoft Outlook email program in a specific format. The only way to resolve this problem is to ask your contact to send the email in a different format.
Email Formats
Most computer email programs and online services give the user a choice of email formats, including HTML Web design format and plain text format. Microsoft Outlook also offers a rich text format option. Rich text format emails are similar to plain text emails, but offer the user more formatting options, including a choice of font faces, font sizes and font styles, such as bold text or underlined text. HTML and plain text emails don't cause problems for the iPhone's email application, but RTF -- rich text format -- emails can stop attachments from showing and opening.
iPhone Email Attachments
The iPhone's email software handles file attachments in the same way as most full-featured computer email programs and online email services. When you receive a plain text or HTML email with an attachment, the iPhone displays a paper clip icon on the email message. After opening the email message, the attachment displays under the message text. Tapping on the attachment opens the file in the iPhone's default document, image or video software.
RTF Email Attachments
Problems with file attachments can occur when your contact sends an RTF email with a file attachment. Either the attachment doesn't display at all, or you see a "Winmail.Dat" file attachment instead of the expected file attachment indicated in the message subject line. The iPhone won't allow you to open or access the incorrect file attachment.
Solution
There's no way to correct the email file attachment problem on the Apple iPhone, so you need to ask your friend or contact to resend the attachment in an email formatted in plain text or HTML. Change the email format in Microsoft Outlook 2010 by clicking the "File" tab on the main menu ribbon. Click "Options" in the context menu, and then click "Mail." Click the check box beside "HTML" or "Plain Text" in the "Compose in this Message Format" list, then click "OK." For earlier versions of Microsoft Outlook, go to "Tools" followed by "Options," and click the "Mail Format" tab. Click the check box beside "HTML" or "Plain Text" in the "Compose in this Message Format" list, then click "OK." Windows Live Mail and most online email services offer only plain text or HTML email format options.
Tags: file attachment, email message, Microsoft Outlook, text format, text HTML, Apple iPhone, Email Attachments
FC (or "footcandle") is a measurement of light; 1 FC is the amount of illumination on a surface 1 foot away from a common candle. Photographers use light meters to measure the amount of illumination on their subjects so that they can calculate the proper settings to use in their cameras to capture the right exposure. While most light meters can be set to provide illuminance values in either footcandles, the light meters that are integrated into cameras often do not give this absolute value. Instead, you can manipulate the settings on your camera to use the onboard light meter to measure FC.
Instructions
1. Set your digital camera to 100 ISO. The ISO value refers to your electronic sensor's sensitivity to light; the higher the value, the more sensitive the sensor.
2. Put your camera in Shutter Priority mode. In this mode, you can manually set your shutter speed, and the camera will automatically determine an appropriate aperture.
3. Ensure that no exposure compensation is being applied to the light meter. In your display window, you should see a line graph with -2 and +2 at each extreme. This is your exposure compensation. The arrow should be in the center at 0.
4. Set your camera's shutter speed to 1/15 of a second.
5. Hold a white sheet of paper at a 45-degree angle to your subject, and at a 45-degree angle to your camera.
6. Meter on the white sheet of paper by pointing your camera toward the paper and keeping your center focus point directly over the paper. Depending on your metering mode, you may need to zoom in to fill your frame with the white sheet to get an accurate illuminance rating.
7. Observe the camera's aperture value. If your camera suggests, for example, f/2.8 as your aperture, the illuminance on your subject is 5 FC. For each stop of light upward or downward, the FC value doubles or halves. For instance, f/4 is one stop higher than f/2.8, so the illuminance value doubles to 10 FC, while f/16 is four stops higher than f/4, so the illuminance value doubles four times to 160 FC.
Tags: your camera, light meters, value doubles, white sheet, 45-degree angle, 45-degree angle your
A flash unit often adds a "professional" look to a photo.
The Canon 430EX SpeedLite is an external flash unit. It normally attaches to the camera via the hot shoe bracket and is used to add extra, higher quality light to a photo. While using the flash as a more powerful built-in flash can be helpful, utilizing the device in more creative ways can immediately improve your shooting.
Bouncing Light
The most useful feature of an external flash unit is the ability to bounce light off the surrounding environment instead of aiming it directly at your subject. This results in a much smoother light and will eliminate the sharp shadows of the built-in flash. To bounce the flash, push the button on the side of the flash head and rotate it to aim it toward a wall or ceiling. A white surface works best, but try out different surfaces and angles to see which works best for you.
Utilizing the Slave Unit
A "slave unit" is a photoelectric sensor on the font of the flash unit that will activate it when it detects another flash. It is most often used to fire several flash units together without wires or other accessories. To use this feature, push the switch on the flash from "OFF" to "SLAVE" and place the unit within illumination distance of the activating flash unit. For complex compositions, try bouncing the first flash off a surface to activate the slave unit.
Long Exposures
The 430EX can be fired manually by pushing the "Pilot" button. By combining this ability with a long exposure, you can create an extremely original image. Increase the shutter speed of your camera to at least 5 seconds and adjust the other settings so the picture is black without any flash units. This is most easily done at night or in a dark room. Now, while the camera's shutter is open, use the pilot button to create several flashes around the subject. The result will be an image that appears as if several flashes have fired at once, even though you were simply painting the subject with light.
Tags: flash unit, built-in flash, external flash, external flash unit, flash units, several flashes
An iPod video can be a great way to watch your favorite movies, TV shows, or videos while you're out and about. Once you get home, however, it's typically much more convenient to watch those videos on your television rather than your iPod. Connecting your iPod video to your TV to watch videos or share them with friends is fairly easy and can be done in just a few minutes.
Instructions
1. Place your iPod Video into the dock that was included with it.
2. Plug the RCA cable (the cable with multi-colored plugs) included with your iPod into your iPod's dock.
3. Locate the RCA inputs on your television. Most televisions will have inputs in the back. Some TV's may also have easy to reach front inputs.
4. Match the red plus with the red outlet and so on to connect your iPod dock to your television.
5. Select the input where you have connected your iPod on your television. You will more than likely find that input in the same way your find the place where your DVD player or DVR might be plugged in. Typically the RCA inputs are found under "VIDEO" menu's or below channel 0 on your television.
6. Play your video on your iPod just as you would if you were watching it on your iPod screen rather than on your television.
Tags: your iPod, your television, included with, iPod dock, rather than, rather than your
Digital video recorders (DVR) help busy people enjoy television programs at times that are convenient. Instead of buying a "one-size-fits-all" DVR, you might consider taking on a project to build your own DVR out of an old or extra PC. All it takes is a little expertise and the available parts. You can even personalize your DVR to include features such as console games and music streaming.
Instructions
1. Find an old computer (PC or Mac). It doesn't have to be in superb condition. If the motherboard has gone bad, it can easily be replaced at a local computer repair shop or by installing one yourself.
2. Upgrade old computer parts. Make sure the motherboard will work with your current memory and processor speed. It is not necessary to replace the modem, but it is necessary to have a good video card with a minimum of 125MB of RAM and a sound card.
3. Choose an operating system that can handle the equipment to process high-quality videos. This will need to be Windows 2000 or later for a PC or OS X for Mac. Just make sure the equipment you buy to build a DVR is compatible with the operating system you choose.
4. Add RAM and hard drive space, as you will need plenty of power and storage. You need a minimum of 1GB of RAM and 2-120GB hard drives. More hard drive space will increase the space to save MP3s and movies.
5. Check your power supply. For a computer with a DVD drive, multiple hard drives and a 3-D graphics video card, you'll need a power supply between 400W and 500W.
6. Check your connections and purchase the appropriate cables or adapters at a local electronics supply store. Some video cards have an S-video out and require an RCA conversion cable to connect to the input of the television.
7. Connect the computer to a television with the appropriate cables.
8. Purchase and install DVR software to enable the remodeled computer to perform the functions of searching the program guide and setting the record functions. Simply follow the instructions on whichever software you choose to make the connection.
9. Expand the use of your computer DVR by setting up a network and remote access. Many programs are available to automate the process.
Tags: appropriate cables, Check your, drive space, drive space will, hard drive
GPS stands for Global Positioning System. It is a network of satellites and receivers used for mapping, tracking, surveillance and navigation. GPS receivers send signals to satellites orbiting the earth. By measuring the exact distance of the receiver from multiple satellites, the position of a receiver can be determined within a matter of meters. GPS devices are commercially available and may serve a number of functions in automobiles.
Mapping and Navigation
GPS navigation devices are widely available for automobile drivers. These receivers have preloaded road maps and address information. By synthesizing the current location, direction and speed of travel with the information from preloaded maps, the receiver can calculate the most efficient route of travel to reach a destination. These devices can calculate detours and recalculate routes of travel as deviations from the predetermined routes occur. Users can set preferences that allow them to control the route the GPS sets. For example, they may set the GPS to avoid certain types of roads or U-turns or tell the GPS device to take a route that is scenic (versus an or interstate or expressway). GPS navigation devices plug into the car through the cigarette lighter, have battery backup and can be mounted on the dashboard or windshield. The map appears on the display screen, and when the audio function is enabled, the devices will tell the driver what roads to take and when to turn.
Vehicle Tracking
Privately owned automobiles and vehicles used for commercial purposes (such as semi-trailer trucks) may have GPS tracking devices installed. These devices are known as data pushers because they send the position of the device to a server that records the movements of the device. In the case of privately owned vehicles, this information is often used for security and theft prevention. When a car is reported stolen, the tracking device may be activated to follow the movements of the car. In the case of commercial fleets, these tracking devices allow the central agency to determine when a truck is running off schedule or off course.
Tags: navigation devices, These devices, tracking devices
Buying your first digital camera can be lots of fun. But it can also be confusing because of all the different terms associated with digital photography. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, do your research before you buy a digital camera just as you would any other purchase. These tips can help you buy a digital camera if you're a beginner or if this is your first digital camera.
Instructions
1. Set a budget for how much you're willing to spend for a digital camera. Since it's a beginner camera, you can keep the cost in the low range. Since digital cameras are getting cheaper and adding more options, you can probably find a good deal.
2. Look at the number of mega pixels the camera has. This indicates the number of pixels or dots used to make a picture. The higher the concentration of pixels, the sharper the photo can be. Three mega pixels is a good place to start for a beginner digital camera.
3. Check out the digital camera's zoom. Most digital cameras have digital and optical zoom lenses. The optical zoom is the one that really can put the sharpness into the photograph. The higher the optical zoom, the better the pictures can be. Buy the highest optical zoom you can find within your budget.
4. Find a digital camera with an easy-to-read LCD. Newer models are easier to see in bright light that makes it easier to see what you are photographing.
5. Hold the camera in your hands. Find one that isn't too big yet has all the features you want. This step is especially important if you are purchasing a beginner camera for a child.
Tags: digital camera, optical zoom, beginner camera, digital camera, digital cameras
Acids react with metals to produce a salt and hydrogen gas. When hydrochloric acid, HCl, reacts with the metal zinc, Zn, the resulting salt is zinc chloride, ZnCl2. Chemists refer to these types of reactions as oxidation-reduction, or redox, reactions because electrons transfer from the zinc, which is oxidized, to the hydrogen atoms, which are reduced. Depending on the concentration of the acid, the reaction may proceed rapidly or slowly. Many college-level chemistry experiments involve reacting various metals with acids and then measuring the volume of hydrogen gas produced to determine the metal's atomic weight.
Instructions
1. Measure 5 mL of tap water into a 10- or 50-mL glass graduated cylinder. Add hydrochloric acid carefully to a final volume of 10 mL, while working in a well-ventilated area. This will result in a hydrochloric acid solution with a concentration of 6 moles per liter, which is the recommended concentration in college-level labs for reactions between metals and hydrochloric acid.
2. Place about 1 g of zinc metal in a glass container. Pour the 10 mL of hydrochloric acid from the graduated cylinder into the container containing the acid. The evolution of hydrogen gas should begin immediately. Swirl the container until all of the zinc has reacted.
3. Sprinkle baking soda into the container containing the acid solution slowly to neutralize the remaining hydrochloric acid prior to disposal. Carbon dioxide bubbles will immediately evolve from the solution. Continue sprinkling baking soda onto the solution and swirling the container until gas no longer evolves, at which point the solution is neutralized and you can safely pour it down a drain.
Most digital cameras have a built-in optical zoom feature. This allows you to magnify the subject matter, without actually stepping closer to the object. The optical zoom feature is different from a digital zoom, which enlarges the pixels to give the illusion of a larger image, although at a cost to picture quality.
Instructions
1. Power on the digital camera. You are unable to adjust the optical zoom on a digital camera while the power is off.
2. Remove the lens cap from the digital camera. The content appears on the LCD screen found on the rear of the camera.
3. Press down on the "Zoom In" button of the digital camera. If the camera is an SLR camera you can turn the lens clockwise (while aiming the camera) to increase the zoom. A set of moving glass lenses focus to increase the image size. The larger the zoom capabilities, the more glass elements are used in the camera lens.
4. Push down on the "Zoom Out" button, or turn the camera lens counter-clockwise to zoom out of the image. The lens elements in the camera move away from the shutter of the camera, reducing the magnification of the image.
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A preamplifier, or control amplifier, functions as a stage between an amplifier and a source component in an audio system, raising the level of the signal. In many systems, a preamp is integrated into a receiver, and functions as a source switcher and volume control. For many audiophiles, preamplifiers are considered one of the most important parts of the audio chain. Preamplifiers are also used for microphones in professional audio applications.
Preamps
Preamplifiers were originally created in a separate chassis in the early days of audio to get them away from the heat and hum of tube amps. While many transistor-based amplifiers have lower heat output, there are still practical reasons for having a separate preamp in a stereo or home theater system. While many modern sources can drive an amplifier without a preamp, having an impedance buffer keeps the output impedance of the source low while allowing for variable gain (volume), resulting in better sound.
Phono Preamplifiers
Turntables and record players need an additional preamplifier between the main preamplifier and the player, because the voltage output from the cartridge/needle is very low. Also, the creation of a vinyl record applies a Recording Industry Association of America equalization to the sound, and this needs to be removed for the record to sound right. Phono preamplifiers can be made using either tubes or transistors. Phono preamplifiers are further divided into moving magnet and moving coil designs. Moving coil cartridges are considered superior, but have a lower output than even moving magnet, and require greater gain. Most moving coil preamplifiers can provide up to 62 dB of gain, while moving magnet designs provide up to 40 dB of gain. The best phono preamplifiers allow the user to select a moving coil output or a moving magnet output.
Microphone preamplifiers
Microphone preamplifiers have XLR style inputs on them, and can be either tube or transistor-based designs. Microphone preamplifiers also have to be able to provide 48 volts of phantom power that is needed for many microphones to work. Some microphone preamplifiers also have a USB connection to easily integrate into a digital audio workstation (DAW). Some also have other professional features, such as compressors or limiters, and analog-to-digital converters for integration into a DAW via a soundcard.
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Closed circuit television, or CCTV, is used in different situations all over the world, and there is a good chance that most people have appeared on a CCTV network, whether they intended to or not. Most retail businesses employ a CCTV system to keep track of each customer that enters a store, deterring theft and vandalism.
Identification
A CCTV network can only be accessed by display units directly connected to the network. A CCTV network uses coaxial cable, infrared beams or microwaves to broadcast the signal to the connected receivers. This differs from a standard open television network in that anyone tuned to the open network's frequency can access the images being broadcast. With CCTV, the access is restricted.
Functions
CCTV has many practical applications, and it is in use in facilities and homes all over the world. A company may employ a CCTV network as a form of security to monitor the company grounds, and a private residence can employ a CCTV network in the same way. CCTV networks can be used in hospitals to allow nurses to keep an eye on multiple patients at the same time, and they can also be used to monitor traffic at busy intersections.
Features
The majority of the video cameras used in a CCTV network use cameras that have a charged coupled device (CCD) chip for capturing digital images. This device creates images using small charges of electricity that are emitted when light hits a pixel. Each CCD chip generates hundreds of thousands of pixels that make up the image.
Recording Device
Each CCTV network has a time-lapse recording device that captures the images and stores them for use at a later time. Many CCTV networks are beginning to implement digital archiving systems that store all of the images on a series of computer hard drives, but many existing CCTV networks use VHS tape as their method of recording. With CCTV time-lapse technology, it is possible to store 24 hours of surveillance on one tape.
Monitors/Displays
Monitoring CCTV cameras can be done in different ways. In some cases, a CCTV is meant for entertainment purposes, such as the presentation of a boxing match on a pay-per-view network, so these CCTV images are professionally edited for presentation. Most CCTV networks use switchers, quads or multiplexors to keep track of what each camera is capturing. A switcher displays the image from a camera for a few seconds and then automatically switches to the next camera. A quad system feeds images from up to four cameras into one display. The images of each camera in a quad system are recorded separately, but the quality is diminished because they only occupy one-fourth of the screen. A multiplexor is a high-speed switching device that can display and record the images of up to 16 cameras in full-screen mode and quality.
Tags: CCTV network, CCTV networks, employ CCTV, camera quad, camera quad system, device that, each camera