are essentially thin sticks of bamboo that are placed in a glass jar filled with aromatic oil. The scented oil is drawn up through the porous reed, where the aroma is released. Reed diffusers are quickly gaining in popularity over scented candles and other home aroma products. Not only are reed diffusers safe, inexpensive to make and long lasting, but the scent is constantly diffused as opposed to candles, which need to be lit any time you want the aroma. Although many retailers offer Reed Diffusers, it is just as satisfying and much less expensive to create your own.
Instructions
1. Measure the reeds against the top of the bottle. Cut them so they are all the same length and sit 3 to 4 inches higher than the bottle's edge.
2. Fill the bottle with water until it is roughly 2/3 full. Add 5 or 6 drops of the essential oil of your choice.
3. Add a tablespoon of vodka to the water mixture. This will act as an emulsifier for the oil and water. Mix well.
4. Place the reeds decoratively inside the bottle. Do not worry about saturating them at first as the oil will be drawn up the reed on its own.
5. Replace the reeds as needed when you notice the smell is beginning to lessen.
An Infra Red (IR) Illuminator is used in night vision equipment where there is insufficient light to see an object. The Infra Red light significantly improves the visibility, which is often compromised at night. Objects that are hardly visible to the naked eye can be detected through an Infra Red illuminator. You can also use the 450 mW IR Illuminator with the ATN Night Spirit Night Vision Monocular to enhance visibility. Here's how you can use the Infra Red Illuminator with the ATN Night Spirit Night Vision Monocular.
Instructions
Using the Infra Red Illuminator
1. Pull out the operation knob and twist it to the "IR" position
2. Begin using the Infra Red Illuminator.
Using the 450 mW IR Illuminator
3. Use the 450 mW IR Illuminator with the help of a separate battery, not the battery supplied with the main unit.
4. Install the battery by unscrewing the cap and inserting the battery in the direction depicted by the diagram on the IR.
5. Screw the adapter into the thread on the scope.
6. Install IR to the rail of adapter and screw in the fixator.
7. Turn on the digital IR illuminator by pressing the "+" button and turn it off by pressing the "-" button. The green LED light will be lit when the IR illuminator is turned on.
8. Adjust the IR brightness by pushing "+" and "-" buttons.
9. Change the IR beam width to adjust the field coverage and to bring it into focus. To do this, simply turn the IR lens.
10. Use the screw tool provided with your set to open the IR control panel and change the position of the IR.
Tags: Infra Illuminator, Illuminator with, Night Spirit, Night Spirit Night, Night Vision, Spirit Night
You should select the best size television for your family room based on considerations of budget, space and layout of your room, and your family's relationship to television viewing. Using these few factors, you can select just the right TV size for your family.
Instructions
1. Decide how much you can spend on a television. Your budget will narrow down your choices, as larger TVs usually cost more than smaller TVs.
2. Select a television large enough to meet the viewing needs of all the members of your family in relationship to how much TV you watch. Do you, as a family, like to gather around and watch several beloved shows? Or do you watch only certain sports events or the news? If you you spend a lot of your time together watching TV, it may be wise to spring for a larger set to enhance your experience.
3. Measure the area in which you intend to place your TV. Television screens are measured on the diagonal, so take the diagonal measurement of your space as well as its depth.
4. Consider the size and layout of your family room. If the room is spacious, a larger TV would probably complement it nicely, while a smaller room might feel cramped with a large set.
5. Comparison shop for televisions, using the Internet as well as local advertisements to select the perfect TV for your family room.
Tags: your family, your family room, family relationship, family room, layout your
InFocus' SP4805 home entertainment projector features a simple keypad with programmable remote control buttons, and an icon-based menu allows for quick settings adjustments. The projector can connect to DVD players, game consoles, computers and more. A dual mode 160-watt or 200-watt bulb should provide either 3000 hours or 2000 hours of use. You can tell if the bulb is bad by following some steps.
Instructions
1. Watch the screen at startup. Twenty hours before the lamp is expected to expire, a warning message will appear on the screen reading "Change Lamp." A red LED will also flash. The lamp is a high-pressure, mercury glass lamp that can rupture with age, so the manufacturer is keen to get you to replace the lamp before it potentially breaks and spills its hazardous material.
2. Look for unusual dimming of the picture. Unusual dimming indicates a failing bulb.
3. Look for rupturing of the bulb. Any broken glass indicates a bad bulb.
Using digital cameras to take pictures has made the process of taking and seeing photos a lot easier, but there are still some essentials you need to know before you start shooting away. One of the most important factors within a digital camera is its memory. The memory is used to store your pictures and most of the time they are stored on a memory card. There are many types of many cards and understanding what each one is will help you learn more about your digital camera and cameras in general.
Compact Flash
The largest of the memory cards is the compact flash. About the size of a matchbook, the compact flash card is known for its speed and high capacity. The card has around 20 pin holes in the bottom of it to connect, read and send data. The card is commonly used in larger, professional cameras like the Canon Rebel XTi and the Nikon D80.
SD Card
The SD card, also known as the Secure Digital card, is one of the most popular media cards. It fits into multiple digital cameras and is usually blue. The back features 6 gold scanners to read the data. The card is used mainly for compact cameras, but high-speed versions of the card are compatible with semiprofessional Nikon products like the D40.
XD
One of the smallest media cards is the XD card. Its design is basically like the SD card, but it is half the size. XD cards are made exclusively for Fujifilm cameras and products, but the company's cameras also take SD cards now. The cards should be kept in the camera at almost all times because of its small size and sensitivity.
Types
Other media cards include the Sony Memory Stick or Memory Stick Duo. These cards are specifically made for Sony products like the PSP, digital cameras or even video cameras. Some cameras use built-in memory to store photos. You must go into the camera's menu to choose whether you want pictures stored onto the card or onto the camera itself.
Card Reader
To read pictures off of a memory card, you can connect a camera to a computer or use a card reader. A universal card reader is the best choice because its fits almost every card and, if you upgrade your camera, you will not need to purchase another card reader.
Tags: digital cameras, media cards, card reader, compact flash, data card
If you have been unsatisfied with pictures you have taken in the past, the problem might be that you didn't use the right film speed. Film speed or ISO is a way of saying how sensitive a particular film is to light. The higher the number, the more sensitive the film is to light. Here are some easy steps to help you choose which speed is best for the kind of photography you are interested in.
Instructions
1. Choose 400 speed film for everyday uses, such as family snapshots. It gives you the flexibility you need for taking outdoor pictures of high quality, but is sensitive enough to take indoor pictures without a flash in some cases.
2. Pick 200 speed film if you are taking outdoor pictures of landscapes or other well-lit subjects. You may use 200 speed with a flash indoors, but it is better suited to bright conditions.
3. Test out some 100 or lower speed film only if you are working with still-life in a setting where the lighting can be properly controlled using lamps. Low-speed film will give you more detail than higher speed film, but is not appropriate for most everyday pictures.
4. Select 800 or 1200 speed film if you are trying to capture subjects that are either dark or are moving quickly. The high light sensitivity will allow you to capture sports players in motion or running animals. You can also use these in darker places where a flash cannot be used, such as a museum where artwork could be damaged by a flash.
5. Search out 1600 speed film only if you are taking picture of very fast subjects such as automobile racing. This speed will not improve pictures of living things in motion more than 1200 speed film.
Tags: speed film, speed film, 1200 speed, 1200 speed film, film light, film only, outdoor pictures
There are two simple methods available for turning your digital pictures and photographs into poster-size images. You can either download a software that converts pictures of any size into quality poster-size images or you can use one of the free online sites that convert digital pictures into poster-size images. The software download and the online program work the same way and both are available for free.
Instructions
1. Download a poster software, such as PosteRazor, to your computer. Open the program setup and follow the installation process.
2. Open PosteRazor on your computer or go to a website that does the same thing, such as Block Posters. To get started on Block Posters, click where it says "Click Here to Start." The online program and the downloaded program work in roughly the same way.
3. Upload your picture file. On Block Posters, browse under "Select an image" for your file and click "Continue." In PosteRazor, browse for the file under "Input image" and click "Next."
4. Change the orientation to either portrait or landscape. This option is available in "Step 2" on Block Posters. In PosteRazor, orientation is selected on the "Standard" tab in the second step. When you are finished, click "Next."
5. Alter the size of your poster. On Block Posters, you can select how many page widths you want your image to be, such as four or five times the width of the page. This is done along with orientation selection in Step 2. When you are finished, click "Continue." The size is changed in Step 4 on PosteRazor. You can alter the size like you do in Block Posters, by page width, or you can type in a specific size.
6. Save the poster to your computer. On Block Posters, you will be able to download a copy of your poster in PDF format. In Step 5 of PosteRazor, click on the disk image beneath "Save Poster." You will be able to select the folder where you would like to save the poster and name the poster image. Now the poster is available for printing.
Tags: Block Posters, poster-size images, your computer, click Continue, click Next, digital pictures
Canon's expansive line of digital SLR cameras is designed to be customizable, allowing photographers to experiment and be creative while taking advantage of the wide range of photographic options. Canon SLR lenses are central to these creative options.
EF and EF-S Lens Mount
Canon digital SLR cameras released prior to 2003 have an EF mount for Canon's line of lenses. In 2003, some Canon EOS models were released with an EF-S mount. This was Canon's way of entering the "prosumer" market, designing affordable professional SLR cameras with smaller censors and therefore shorter lenses (in terms of the space between the rear focus and mirror).
Compatibility
All Canon cameras with an EF-S mount can support both EF and EF-S lenses. To know if your camera is EF-S compatible, look for a red dot on the lens mount; EF cameras have white dots. Note that cameras with an EF mount are not compatible with EF-S lenses.
Third-Party Lenses
Third-party lens manufacturers like Sigma and Tamron makes lenses for most major DSLR camera bodies and are aware of all of the distinctions between lens types and lens mounts. When buying a third-party lens, make sure to verify the mount type to ensure compatibility.
Tags: cameras with, with EF-S, digital cameras, EF-S lenses, EF-S mount, with EF-S mount
A water heater that you can install in your home can come in a gas and electric model. When your water heater does not work properly or begins to malfunction, you will need to find and correct the problem. A common problem with an electric or gas water heater is when the water is not being heated. You can troubleshoot your home's water heater by making sure that is operating normally.
Instructions
1. Observe the water heater and see if it has entered the recharge cycle--that is, when it is heating new water in the tank. The unit will need to recharge if you have used up all the hot water in the tank--by taking an extra-long shower, say.
2. Locate the water inlet valve and make sure that it is open. The water heater will receive no water if the valve is closed.
3. Open the door to the circuit panel and see if the circuit or breaker has tripped. Reset or turn the breaker back on and see if the water heater starts heating the water. If the water heater is gas, check to see if the gas shut-off valve is open and has not been closed. Open the shut-off valve if it is closed.
4. Check the water heater's power switch, if it has one. If the power switch has been turned off, the water heater will not heat the water. Flip the switch to the "On" position to turn on the water heater.
5. Remove the screws that secure the access panel for the thermostat with the screwdriver. Remove the access panel and check the temperature setting on the thermostat. The thermostat should be between 120 and 130 degrees. Adjust the thermostat to a higher setting if the temperature is below 120 degrees.
6. Check all of the faucets in your home to make sure they are all off and are not leaking. A faucet that is on or leaking will reduce the amount of hot water in the water heater.
7. Call for service if you cannot fix the problem after trying all available troubleshooting options.
Tags: water heater, your home, access panel, closed Open, Heater Problems
A radar detector is a device which uses different frequencies to detect the lasers projected by radars. The devices are most commonly found in a small format that can be placed inside the cab of a car. Most people use radar detectors to identify radar guns used by law enforcement. Radar detectors come in a variety of styles, however, there are a number of different formats used in other countries.
Features
Radar detectors use different bands to identify the sources of radar. During the 1970s, the majority of commercial radar used the "X" band of 10.525 GHz. In 1976, "K" band using 24.150 GHz was introduced. This followed a decade later with dual-band radars and a number of higher frequencies.
Types
There are two different modes used in radar detection: highway and city mode. Highway mode allows users to access a full audio and visual warning system of radars. City mode prevents the radar detector from being alerted by automatic door openers and burglar alarms.
Considerations
Dash model radar detectors can be mounted three different ways: on the visor, windshield or dash. This allows users to place the radar detector in a place that offers extra discreteness.
Function
Radar guns used by law enforcement personnel emit a short laser light beam that bounces off of moving vehicles. The radar detector identifies this laser beam and informs the driver of its existence.
Geography
Many international countries do not use the same frequencies as American police forces. The most common international frequency is the "K" band. However, each country uses a band of its choosing, making American radar detectors insufficient in many of them.
Wildview makes cameras specifically for hunters to track game in the woods. Like other scout or trail cameras, you attach it to a tree or other object, set it and leave it for a few days or weeks. It records animal images on a memory card when its motion sensor detects them moving. You can set it on a tree near a watering hole or stream to calculate the number of animals going there, day or night.
Basics
To set up the camera, make sure the power switch is off. Insert four "C" batteries. Insert the Secure Digital (SD) card in the slot and set the quality. The camera can take up to 3,328 images on a 2gb SD card in low-quality mode or 1,280 images on the same card in high-quality mode. It also has a 32mb built-in memory that can take 12 images in high quality or 33 images in low quality, according to the manufacturer. The company insists on alkaline batteries, or you can buy the 12V lead acid battery and plug it in for much longer duration shoots.
Preparation
The first time you set up the Wildview, there are several things you need to do. Some of these you may change as you gain experience with the camera. First, set the time between preset image firing. This is called the "time out" and has options ranging from 1 minute to 20 minutes. Next, determine the quality of the images. Since there images are not generally meant to be kept, you will get more use from lower-quality images because you will get more of them. So, set the resolution to low. Set the flash mode next, based on the lighting conditions in which you intend to shoot. "Auto" will let the camera choose to use the flash based on the light in the area at the time of exposure. "On" means the flash will fire every time the camera does. "Off" will prevent the flash from discharging. You also need to set the "Burst" mode to determine how many images will be shot each time the camera fires. You can choose one of three modes: single shot, double shot or triple shots. You also can choose AVI to allow the camera to take a video image for 10 seconds.
Location
When you have everything set with the camera, the last detail is to place the camera correctly for accurate information. It's a good idea to find a game trail leading to a watering hole or stream. A variety of animals will use the trail to quench their thirst. Don't aim the camera directly at the trail. Get it at about a 45-degree angle to the trail. This will give you the best chance of capturing game images that will, with the time stamp in the camera, allow you to know how many animals are in the area at any particular time, day or night.
Tags: camera take, hole stream, quality images, take images, time camera, watering hole
Wi-Fi and 3G are both methods of going online wirelessly, but which is better? Today most cellphones, smart phones, tablet computers and laptops have the capability to use both or either, so which should you use?
Wi-Fi
A Wi-Fi-capable cellphone, laptop, netbook or iPod can connect to a Wi-Fi network, either at your home or in places such as a bar, cafe or library. Obviously the downside of this is that you have to find a Wi-Fi network you can use. Most networks are password protected and some cafes charge for Wi-Fi usage. However, if the signal is strong, a Wi-Fi connection often runs faster than a 3G signal.
3G
3G is a mobile telecommunications network providing wireless Internet access, video calls and telephone services. 3G is available on a variety of contracts, as well as on a number of "Pay As You Go" deals.
Wi-fi or 3G?
If you're a heavy online user who travels around a great deal on business and spends a lot of time working on trains and planes, it makes sense to go with a 3G contract. However, bear in mind that all telecommunications signals can be erratic and have "blind spots" in which they lose a signal. If you work from home or know of a place where there is network you can use, you should stick with Wi-Fi.
A projector works by transmitting an image through a lens that is then viewed on a screen or some sort of flat surface. You can make a cheap projector from the LCD screen of a broken laptop and an overhead projector. You will also need a few tools commonly found around the house, but no special electronic or mechanical skills. Your cheap projector will project a video image, although the quality will not be equal to that of a projector using expensive optics and electronic components.
Instructions
1. Place the laptop on a table. Open the lid. Remove the screws from below the hinge on the back of the laptop with the star screwdriver.
2. Remove the screws from around the front of the screen next to the hinge using the star screwdriver. Release the tabs attaching the hinge to the body of the laptop with the tip of the flat-edged jeweler’s screwdriver.
3. Pull the LCD screen assembly free from the body of the laptop and place it down on the table. Remove the screws surrounding the LCD screen assembly with the Phillips jeweler’s screwdriver.
4. Pull the bezel free from the LCD screen assembly with your fingers. Dispose of the bezel properly.
5. Remove the screws from the brackets surrounding the LCD screen assembly with the Phillips jeweler’s screwdriver. Carefully pull the LCD screen out of the brackets with your fingers. Place the LCD screen down on the table, taking care not to disconnect any cables connecting it to the body of the laptop.
6. Remove the screws surrounding the LCD screen with the Phillips jeweler’s screwdriver. Pull the backlight off from the beneath the LCD screen with your fingers. Dispose of the backlight properly.
7. Place the overhead projector on a table facing a blank wall with the body of the laptop next to it. Place the side of the LCD screen that previously held the backlight on the glass of the overhead projector, taking care not to disconnect any cables connected from it to the body of the laptop.
8. Turn on the overhead projector. Turn on the laptop. Watch as your cheap projector projects an image of the laptop’s desktop on the blank wall
Tags: body laptop, Remove screws, jeweler’s screwdriver, overhead projector, screen assembly, assembly with
They can be used to see behind you when reversing.
Cameras are useful devices in a car environment as they can be used to see behind you when reversing. They are particularly useful for large SUVs (sports utility vehicles) and trucks. The car camera comes in a kit with the display screen and camera. Wiring the camera is reasonably simple, and because the connection between the camera and the monitor display screen is wireless, the only wiring needed is connecting the camera to the car's reversing light circuit.
Instructions
1. Attach the display panel to the dashboard using the supplied hook and loop tape. The kit comes with an alcohol pad that you should use to wipe the spot you're attaching the tape. Don't skip this part--heat and vibration make cars an unforgiving environment for hook and loop tape, so the tape needs all the help it can get. Insert the power cable into the cigarette lighter receptacle.
2. Identify a convenient hole to run the cable between the camera and the interior of the car. The license plate frame light is a good call---you'll use the license plate bolts to hold the camera in place anyway. Run the wires into the car and along to the rear lighting housing.
3. Take the license plate bolts off the car and remove the license plate. Insert the bolts through the camera bolt holes, through the license plate and replace the bolts, along with the now-attached camera and license plates, onto the car.
4. Strip about 1/4 inch off the two cables that run into the reversing light. Make the incision in a convenient, easily accessible spot. Match the colors and wrap the ends of the camera cables around your new bare patches on the reversing light cables and seal with tape.
5. Test by placing the car in reverse and viewing the monitor.
Tags: license plate, reversing light, behind when, behind when reversing, between camera, comes with
Used to diffuse light, scrims may be built from PVC pipe and transported easily.
Often employed in photography, a scrim is a large rectangular device that holds a large piece of fabric used to diffuse and reduce the intensity of light. Typically costing hundreds of dollars, scrims can prove to be a costly piece of equipment for the struggling photographer. However, a portable, lightweight and effective scrim may be constructed from PVC pipe and various fabrics for a fraction of the cost and weight of an expensive, heavy counterpart.
Instructions
1. Join two lengths of 2-foot sections of pipe to the T joints. Secure two of the PVC elbow joints to the ends of the sections. Do not use glue when connecting the PVC pipe as this will make the scrim easy to take apart and transport.
2. Connect the 5-foot lengths to the elbow joints to form a large, rectangular frame with the T joints in the middle of the top and bottom of the frame. The joints should be positioned so the top joint points downward, along the length of the frame and the bottom joint points outward, away from the frame.
3. Connect the remaining 2-foot lengths of pipe to the openings in the T joints. You should now have a 2-foot length of pipe extending downward from the top along the length of the frame, and a pipe extending outward at the bottom of the frame. The top pipe will serve to support the fabric of the scrim, while the bottom pipe will serve to help the scrim stand up.
4. Cut the nylon fabric to fit the size of the frame and the 30-foot length of elastic into four equal sections.
5. Sew the strips of elastic across the corners of the fabric at a diagonal. You may then slide the elastic over the corners of the scrim frame to secure the fabric to the scrim.
Tags: along length, along length frame, bottom frame, elbow joints, fabric scrim
Radios are manufactured by Garmin specifically for position reporting. They are combination Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers and Family Radio Service (FRS) or General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) "walkie-talkies." You can beam your exact GPS location to another user of a similar radio. It's called peer-to-peer positioning. Range is up to five miles using GMRS channels, which require a license, or less on the FRS channels, which don't need a license.
Instructions
1. Enable peer-to-peer positioning on the radio. From the "Radio Options" menu choose "Setup Radio." The first option will be "Send Location"--select "Enable." Also enable the "Allow Polling" option. This will allow your radio to respond to a request from another radio to send your position.
2. Send your location. Press and release the push-to-talk button. The radio automatically sends out its location to other Garmin Rino users on the same channel with the same squelch code. The "New Contact" page will appear on any Garmin Rino on the same channel, with the same squelch code that's in range.
3. Your respondent should accept you as a new contact by highlighting "OK" and pressing the thumb stick. From the "Contact Review Page." your correspondent should highlight "Map" and press the thumb stick in. Your sent position will appear on the correspondent's map.
4. Send a location like a waypoint. This is useful if you want to meet at a specific location, like a camp. Press the thumb stick until the shortcuts menu appears.
5. Highlight "Find 'N' Go" and press the thumb stick in. Highlight the category you want like "Waypoints." Press the thumb stick repeatedly until you get to "Send Location." The Rino will now send the waypoint to the other Rino users.
Tags: thumb stick, channel with, channel with same, channels which, Garmin Rino, location like, peer-to-peer positioning
The first cameras allowed people to take limited views of the local landscape. The panoramic camera, with lenses that can rotate from 110 to 360 degrees, solved this problem in the 19th century. The panoramic camera appeared in Europe in the 1840s, and American companies started making panoramic cameras in the 1850s.
The First Patent
The first patent for a panoramic camera was filed in Austria in 1843. Users rotated the lens by turning a crank on the bottom of the camera. This camera, like other cameras of its day, used Daguerreotype plates ranging from 19 to 24 inches in size. The crank could rotate the camera lens 150 degrees.
The Megaskop Camera
In 1844, Friedrich von Martens of Germany made a camera similar to the one first patented. It relied on a crank and gear assembly to turn the swing lens. The Megaskop camera initially used Daguerrotype plates, but later models used the wet glass emulsion photography method. The lens of the Megaskop camera could rotate 150 degrees.
The American Scioptric
The Ross company of New York introduced the Scioptric panoramic camera in 1857. The camera worked in a very similar fashion to the later versions of the Megaksop camera. The Scioptric camera had a 120-degree field of view.
The First 360-degree Camera
M. Garella invented the first panoramic camera capable of taking 360-degree pictures. His camera appeared in England in 1865. It used fan-governed clockwork to rotate the lens. The Rochester Panoramic Camera Company used a similar design in 1904 in manufacturing the Cirkut Number 10 and Cirkut Number 16 cameras. These cameras automatically advanced the film inside the camera.
The First Digital Panoramic Camera
Many modern film panoramic cameras use electric motors to turn the camera and wind the film. Seitz Phototechnik claims to have make the first and only digital panoramic camera in the world in 2000.
Tags: panoramic camera, camera appeared, Cirkut Number, could rotate, lens Megaskop, lens Megaskop camera
Dish Network offers special programming for Spanish-speaking customers. Read the steps below to start receiving Spanish programs.
Instructions
Get Spanish Service
1. Use the toll-free number 1-888-284-7116 to call Dish Network customer service and inquire about their Spanish service.
2. If you are comfortable browsing the Internet, you can also go to the company's Web site (see below) to find detailed information about Dish Network's Spanish service.
3. On the Dish Network home page, move the mouse cursor to the Programming option of the menu located on the top of the screen.
4. Select "Espanol" from the resulting sub-menu.
5. You will reach a page listing several options, packages and programming choices for the Spanish service. You can use this page to subscribe to one of the five Spanish service packages offered by Dish Network.
Dish NetworkSpanish Service has 5 packages
6. DishLATINO Everything Pak-This comprehensive package offers 175 channels. Some channels are in English with Spanish audio. Consumers can customize the service to include favorite programs, including movie and international channels.
7. DishLATINO Max-This package offers more than 150 channels. The price is lower than that of the Everything Pak. This package offers all the channels from the basic DishLATINO and the more comprehensive DishLATINO Dos.
8. DishLATINO Dos-With 150 channels, this package is well suited for families. It provides programs catering to kids, sports lovers and seniors, as well as people with other interests. Pricing is lower than for Max.
9. DishLATINO Plus-This is another package well suited for families. It offers 35 Spanish channels and nine English channels at a low cost.
10. DishLATINO-This is the most basic Spanish service package. It offers 35 channels in Spanish.
Many household items, from candles to incandescent lamps, create infrared (IR) light. But for experimenters, it's better to have a convenient source of IR without any distracting visible light. Fortunately, the electronics market offers many high-brightness infrared LEDs for less than a dollar. With a few extra components and a little time, you can build a good-quality IR source.
Instructions
1. Select an infrared LED. In its data sheet, note the voltage and power requirements. If you're interested in a particular IR wavelength, pay attention to the LED's specifications.
2. Select a current-limiting resistor for the LED based on the electrical requirements from Step 1. The resistance in ohms should equal the LED's operating voltage divided by its current in amperes. The power rating for the resistor in watts should be greater than current squared times the resistance. For example, if your calculation yields .3 watts, use a ½ watt or 1-watt-rated resistor.
3. Select a battery or DC power supply with output voltage equal to the LED's operating voltage.
4. Using the hobby knife, bore a hole in the perfboard large enough to mount the switch. Mount the switch using its hardware.
5. Insert the LED into the perfboard. Locate it far enough from the switch that it won't interfere with the switch's operation, but close enough that wiring will be convenient. Insert the resistor into the perfboard such that one lead of the resistor is adjacent to one of the LED's anode. Note that the cathode is marked by the LED's flat side, so the anode is the opposite side. Solder the anode to the resistor lead. Solder the LED cathode lead to the switch.
6. Wire the DC power supply or battery holder to the switch and resistor. Connect the negative supply to the unconnected side of the switch. Connect the positive side to the unconnected resistor lead. Solder the connections and trim excess wire.
7. Plug the power supply in or insert the battery and turn the switch on.
Tags: power supply, equal operating, equal operating voltage, into perfboard, lead Solder
Low-resolution digital images appear blurry when enlarged.
As an increasing number of electronic devices include digital cameras, the levels of digital imaging quality become more apparent. Although snapshots look fine on the screen of a cellphone or hand-held gaming system, the lack of image detail becomes noticeable when you enlarge the picture. Low-resolution images -- from a digital camera or camera feature on an electronic device -- will look blurry when enlarged.
Blurry Pixels
Digital images are composed of pixels. Think of pixels, or picture elements, as tiny dots of paint on a canvas. The more dots of paint -- or pixels -- the more detail you see in the picture. When you enlarge a digital image and it begins to look blurry, the pixels get stretched too much to accommodate the larger dimensions, and the sharp borders in the picture appear distorted.
Compression and Clarity
Photos can also appear blurry when recorded with high compression. When a digital camera stores an image, it eliminates and compresses some of the duplicate data to fit more pictures in the given amount of storage space. Instead of your camera remembering 5,000 pixels of a specific shade of blue in a picture of ocean waves, it remembers the color once and replicates it 4,999 times when the image gets opened later. If your camera discards too much data during the compression process, the replicated pixels can appear blurry when enlarging a picture.
Camera Settings
To avoid blurry photos when you plan to enlarge a picture, change your camera settings before shooting. Choose the highest resolution available to use all the available pixels on the digital camera's sensor when capturing the photo. But remember, a camera with an 8 megapixel rating will create a sharper enlargement than a cellphone camera with a 2 megapixel rating -- simply because there's more data collected. One megapixel equals one million pixels.
Set the camera to a low compression. Although you won't fit as many photos on your memory card or internal storage, your image quality will look better when you enlarge the picture. You want the camera to retain as much of the original imaging data as possible to produce a clear, sharp photo.
Enlarging Tips
If you've already taken the photo, changing the resolution and compression options on your camera won't affect the image. To alter the image size, use computer photo editing software that offers a process called "interpolation." This procedure actually grows the resolution of your picture by creating pixels to enhance the detailed portions of the image.
If you try to enlarge a photo by using the resize option on photo editing software, the program will duplicate the pixels in a pattern across the entire photo, leaving the image appearing boxy and blurry.
Tags: your camera, appear blurry, appear blurry when, blurry when, digital camera, enlarge picture
The most characteristic element of photography is probably the flash. Perhaps it’s the sound or maybe it’s the spots you see afterward. But for some reason the flash takes us instantly to thoughts of cameras. There are several different ways to implement a flash with a professional camera.
Instructions
Trigger Flashes on Professional Cameras
1. Assess the scene to determine what kind of flash will be appropriate to use. The type of flash means how big the flash needs to be and how far from the camera you want it. There is a link to a helpful table below. Another factor for your flash will be your ability to use camera equipment such as a tripod or an umbrella stand.
2. Lock the flash directly into the flash port of your camera. This technique is for the highest amount of mobility and is probably the easiest flash set up to pull off. All you need is you camera and the flash. When you take the picture, the flash will automatically trigger.
3. Attach a bracket to your camera to give your flash a little more height and distance from the lens. This technique has its advantages, but it also requires more equipment such as the bracket itself and a short cord that will attach the flash to the flash port on your camera. The flash will deploy automatically when you take the picture.
4. Hook the flash to your camera with a much longer cord and mount the flash independently. As you venture into more professional looking photos, the brightness and distance of the flash is going to vary depending on your subject. This technique will require a separate stand for your flash, a much longer cord to connect to your camera, and a tripod to stabilize the camera itself. Once again, the flash will automatically fire when you take the picture.
5. Connect your flash to the camera via a wireless system. This is essentially another variation of step four, only there are no cords involved to trip people up or to prohibit flash placement. This is good for high traffic areas or shoots with particularly odd environments. These wireless systems can be bought for various prices which may determine the quality of their performance.
Tags: flash will, your camera, your flash, take picture, This technique, camera flash, equipment such
Twin lens reflex (TLR) cameras were all the rage in the 1950s and 1960s. They were replaced in popularity first by Kodak's Instamatic point-and-shoot camera, then by 35mm single-lens reflex cameras. High-end TLRs were popular with portrait and wedding photographers, too. The biggest problem with TLR cameras was that the view the photographer has is reversed left to right.
Instructions
1. Hold the camera at about your waist level. The viewfinder on most TLRs is called a waist-level viewfinder. This is detachable and replaceable with a prism viewfinder. Some people need to hold them a little higher to focus the image on the ground-glass view screen.
2. Look through the viewfinder and move it from left to right and right to left to get an idea of how images appear. The image will be reversed left to right, so moving the camera left will make the image move right and vice versa. This takes some getting used to in order to be able to shoot images reasonably quickly.
3. Push up the popup magnifier for sharp focus. Most professional-level TLRs, such as Yashica, Mamiya and Rolleiflex have popup magnifiers in the viewfinder hood. When you open the hood on the waist-level viewfinder, the popup magnifier will be hinged to the front of the hood in the same direction in which you are pointing the camera. It does not pop up automatically. Push in on the front of the hood to make it spring up. When using the magnifier, hold up the camera to your eye and look directly into it while focusing.
4. Buy a prism finder if reversing the image in your head is too distracting. Prism viewfinders correct the image from right to left in both the Mamiya and Rolleiflex. They also allow you to hold the camera in a more familiar way, directly up to your eye.
5. Check the parallax compensator scale before taking images that are close-ups.There will be a slight difference between what you see in the viewing lens and what the camera captures. Some cameras have a parallax calculator on the side or directly in the viewfinder to help you track of compensate for the difference in the two lenses. You can guess at exposure and just tilt the camera up slightly to compensate.
Tags: left right, front hood, hold camera, Mamiya Rolleiflex, popup magnifier, reflex cameras, reversed left
The Canon 20D is a powerful 8.2 megapixel digital SLR capable of shooting up to five frames per second. With a beefy magnesium allow body, the camera is designed for demanding professional use. However, even entry-level photographers can get a lot out of the 20D.
Basics
With an automatic mode on the mode dial (on the top left of the camera), getting started is simple. Charge the included lithium ion battery first, then load it into the camera (on the bottom right). Next, slide a compact flash card into the memory card slot on the right side of the camera. Turn on the camera (power on is on the back of the camera body), turn the mode dial to auto and aim the camera lens at something you want to shoot. Depress the shutter halfway to engage the autofocus; after you hear the beep, depress the shutter.
Scene Modes
Scene modes let a photographer proceed with more advanced photography by telling the camera what type of scene they are shooting; the camera will then adjust its settings to get the best exposure. The mode dial has six modes: Portrait, Landscape, Macro (closeup), Sports, Night Portrait and No Flash.
Better Shots
Better shots can be achieved by using the creative zone on the mode dial. These modes include Program, Aperture, Shutter and Manual. In Program, the photographer chooses the ISO (sensor's sensitivity to light) and white balance (how camera reads white). The camera will adjust the aperture and shutter. Aperture and Shutter modes let the photographer adjust aperture and shutter speed respectively, as well as ISO and white balance, while Manual gives control of all four. Aperture is used to control depth-of-field or how much of the scene is in focus from front to back, while shutter is used to stop motion.
The iPhone is classified as a smart phone precisely because you can enhance the phone's base installation of features with additional applications or apps. Since the original iPhone was released, the number of iPhone apps has grown rapidly, and most of the apps available today can be installed on an iPhone 3G. There are two methods of installing apps on your iPhone, either through iTunes on you computer and subsequent syncing of them over to the device, or through the App Store via your phone.
Instructions
Directly on the iPhone
1. Locate the App Store icon on your iPhone. It is blue with a white "A" enclosed in a circle.
2. Open the App Store app and navigate through one of the icons at the bottom of your screen. You can select apps according to the category they are in or their popularity, or you can even search for a particular name or description.
3. Find an app that you would like to download to your phone. When you have found one, there will be a button in the upper-right corner of the screen that dictates the price or whether the app is free to download.
4. Tap the price button and then tap it again once the text changes to "Buy Now." If you have not configured your iPhone with an iTunes account, you will be prompted to do so.
5. Wait as the app downloads to your iPhone over the air. You will see a slightly dim icon and a small bar indicating the progress of the download. Once the download completes, you can tap and launch it.
Through iTunes
6. Open the iTunes software on your computer and select the iTunes Store from the left column of the display.
7. Sign in to the store, by selecting the "Store" menu at the top menu bar for iTunes and signing in from the menu item. If you see a "Sign Out" option, you are already signed in.
8. Browse the app store in iTunes for an app that you wish to download, and click the "Buy App" button with your mouse.
9. Connect your iPhone to your computer using the iPhone's USB cable.
10. Select your iPhone in the left column, and then look for the Sync button in the main window. Synchronize your iPhone and all recently purchased apps will be installed automatically.
Tags: your iPhone, left column, your computer, your phone
Your digital camera uses a memory card to store photos in much the same way that a traditional camera stores snapshots on film. The storage medium most commonly used in digital cameras is the SD memory card. Although it's possible to transfer pictures by hooking up the camera directly to your computer, having an SD card reader streamlines the process.
Camera-to-Computer Image Transfer
One way to transfer pictures to your computer is to hook up the camera directly to a USB port on the computer. The mechanism by which the pictures are transferred, however, is anything but direct. The camera copies information from the SD memory card (which must be inserted in the camera during the transfer) through the USB cable and then to the computer's hard drive, with the camera serving basically as an intermediary.
Built-In SD Card Readers
To simplify the process of transferring pictures, some computer manufacturers now install SD card readers on laptop and desktop computers. If your computer has an SD card reader, it will appear as a wide, flat slot near the computer's USB serial ports. To upload images to the computer, simply insert the SD card into the slot, wait for it to "click" and then follow the on-screen prompts from the computer.
Advantages of Card Readers
The primary advantage of storing pictures on an SD memory card is that you don't need your computer to do it. If you want to share photos with a friend, you can give her your memory card rather than your camera. Direct transfer to the computer also eliminates the hassle of having to find the right USB cable, which may resemble other cables you use on a regular basis. Another benefit is that you can have multiple SD memory cards and use them interchangeably -- when one card is full, replace it with another, just as you would remove a used roll of film and insert a new one in a traditional camera.
USB Adapters
If your computer isn't equipped with a built-in SD card reader, you can still reap the benefits of direct image transfer. Simply purchase an SD card adapter that plugs into a USB port on your computer. These adapters are inexpensive and can be purchased online or at your local electronics store.
Tags: your computer, memory card, card reader, camera directly, Card Readers, traditional camera
If you need to connect an antenna to a TV with DirecTV satellite service, you have to use your TV's RF coaxial port. This is no problem if you can connect the satellite box through another TV port like the component ports. But if the coaxial port is the only option for both, you must connect the antenna to the receiver to route its signal that way. You need a device that is the opposite of a splitter--one that combines the antenna and satellite signal and transmits them both through one cable to the receiver. If you have multiple TVs and receivers to connect, you need a more complex device.
Instructions
1. Get a satellite splitter/combiner or a four-way multiswitch from any electronics store. Make sure the splitter is designed for satellite TV and not VHF/UHF or cable TV. If you are only connecting to one satellite receiver, the simple combiner is enough. If you are linking multiple LNBs or receivers, you need the multiswitch.
2. Connect your antenna to the combiner's port labeled "Antenna" or "ANT" using RF coaxial cable. Connect the DirecTV satellite receiver box's output to the "SAT" port on the combiner. Connect the combiner's last port to the TV. You can now use and adjust the antenna on any local over-the-air channels.
3. Look over all the ports on a multiswitch if you need to get one. It normally has three coaxial ports on one side and four on the other. Connect the antenna to the port that says "ANT IN."
4. Attach the cable coming directly from your satellite dish into one of the multiswitch's satellite input ports. These should be on the same side as the antenna port you connected. If your dish uses a second LNB, connect it to the other satellite input port.
5. Link your primary satellite receiver box to one of the four receiver ports on the other side of the multiswitch. Connect any extra receiver boxes to any of the three remaining receiver ports. If you're connecting receiver boxes in multiple rooms, you will need several feet of coaxial cable and possibly a double-female adapter to connect multiple cables.
Endoscopy is a medical procedure in which a tube with a tiny camera and fiber optic light is passed through a patient's mouth, anus or a small incision to get an inside view of various organs and parts of the body. The camera projects the images on a large screen, affording doctors an accurate internal view. Endoscopy not only allows doctors to take needed biopsies for further testing but also enables them to perform certain surgical procedures. The introduction of endoscopy has revolutionized the way surgeons perform their duties.
History
Endoscopes were first introduced in the early 1900s for preventive and diagnostic measures, which they are still used for today. The next few years brought variations and improvements of the endoscope. By the 1960s, fiber-optic endoscopes were widely used. Endoscopic equipment has been modified even more over time with such advancements as smaller tubes, brighter lights and sharper screen images.
Surgical Use
There are a few ways to perform endoscopic surgeries. Operating instruments, such as forceps and scissors, can be brought into the viewing area through other incisions, or many endoscopic instruments can include surgical tools. During carpal tunnel release surgery, the cutting tool is inside the tube, ready for the doctor to cut the ligament and release pressure to the nerve that causes the pain and constricted movement.
Procedures
Endoscopy is used in plastic surgery for face-lifts, breast augmentation and tummy tucks. It can also be used for sinus surgery and certain neurological procedures, such as the removal of brain tumors, intracranial cysts and spinal fluid in the brain. Endoscopy is the general term. There are many types of endoscopic instruments and surgeries that are used for different parts of the body. Two examples are laparoscopic surgery, which is used to perform procedures in the stomach or pelvic region, and a colonoscopy, in which a colonoscope is inserted in the anus to observe the large intestine.
Risks
The risks for endoscopic surgery are the same for any type of surgery. There is a possibility of infection or an adverse reaction to general anesthesia. There is also a slight risk of nerve, tendon or blood vessel damage, but the advantages of endoscopic surgery far outweigh the risks.
Reduces Scarring
With endoscopic surgery, the patient has less scars and incisions as opposed to open surgery. In endoscopic sinus surgery, a tube is inserted through the nostrils, which eliminates scarring altogether. During endoscopic neurological surgery, doctors no longer have to make large incisions across the scalp or disturb a substantial amount of brain tissue to reach their target area.
Other Advantages
Because a longer, more complex operation is avoided, an endoscopic surgery provides the patient with a shorter recovery time and less pain following the procedure. Some endoscopic procedures, such as sinus and carpal tunnel surgery, require no hospitalization. Endoscopy is a more accurate way to analyze a problem area than with X-rays. With endoscopy, doctors get an up-front, more detailed view of the color and texture of the problem area.
Advancement of Technology
A new procedure now used to diagnose previously unreachable areas of the digestive tract falls into the endoscopy field; however, in this case no tubes are inserted into the body. With capsule endoscopy, the patient swallows a small pill that contains a light and camera. As the capsule passes through the body, it takes thousands of pictures that are transferred to an outside device for the doctor to download and view. The capsule eventually leaves the body during a bowel movement.
Tags: endoscopic surgery, carpal tunnel, endoscopic instruments, parts body, problem area, procedures such
The Giottos MH-1303 is a ball-and-socket camera mount that works in conjunction with a specific tripod. It lets you adjust your camera with its wide angle of movement and tilt. Combine that with the easy-to-use locking mechanism and getting the angle you want is as easy as taking an exposure.
Specifications
The ball-and-socket mount has a load capacity of 11 lbs. or 5 kg; if your camera and lens are above this, the locking mechanism will not work. The height of the mount is 3.1 inches or 8 cm. The tripod thread mount size of this device is 3/8", but a conversion bushing is included to change its size to fit other tripods. You can lock the position of the mount with an easy-to-use screw lock. Unfortunately, this device does not come with quick release, tension control or separate panning lock. All together, this mount weighs 6 oz. or 171 g.
Other Models
The MH series of mounts is fairly extensive, providing for many different types of cameras and tripod connections. The smallest model is as small as a roll of film, 55.3 mm high with a base diameter of 23.7 mm, while the biggest models tower over it at 150 mm high with a base diameter of 82 mm. Each model is specified for carrying a different weight. A new feature of some of the mounts is a ball-and-socket joint connecting it to the tripod. This, the website says, will allow for unique 3D movement, as you can push the camera forward and backward slightly. Quick plates are available for all models.
Giottos
The Giottos company has been producing high-quality professional camera equipment since 1988. It mostly provides camera users with tripods and other camera support systems and uses the ISO 9001 quality management system to ensure its products achieve a standard level of quality and performance. Giottos has been a friend to the environment since it began doing business; the company tries to recycle and reuse where possible and limits the use of cadmium and other harmful chemicals in its devices. The Giottos headquarters is in Taipei, Taiwan, and there is a branch in Shenzhen, China, as well as distributors all over the world.
Tags: base diameter, high with, high with base, locking mechanism, this device
In today's world of home entertainment, many consumers are feeling overwhelmed with all of the choices available to them. From flat panel, plasma, HDTV, the choices can seem endless. Knowing the difference between standard definition, enhanced definition, and high definition can help ensure you get exactly the television set you are looking for.
Standard Definition (SDTV)
Standard definition television is what you are used to seeing if you have not yet upgraded you television. Broadcast at the 4:3 aspect ratio, standard definition offer 480 interlaced vertical rows of pixels, offering a picture of 480 x 640 pixels.
Enhanced Definition (EDTV)
Enhanced definition televisions offer the same 480 vertical pixels on either a 4:3 aspect ratio (480 x 640 pixels) or a wide screen 16:9 aspect ratio (480 x 720 pixels). The difference between standard definition and enhanced definition is that enhanced definition televisions output a progressive picture as opposed to standard definition's interlaced picture.
High Definition (DHTV)
High definition televisions differ from standard and enhanced definition televisions by having much higher resolutions. Offering only 16:9 aspect ratios, high definition televisions currently come in varying resolutions, from 720 x 1280 pixels to 1080 x 1920 pixels. High definition may output both interlaced and progressive scan video.
Interlaced Scan
Interlaced signals display only every other line of pixels at one time, meaning that at 60 frames per second, you are actually only seeing 60 half frames per second.
Progressive Scan
Progressive scan displays all rows of pixels on every frame. While many salesmen and television owners alike may claim that progressive scan is better, and technically it is, the human eye should not be able to detect a difference.
Tags: definition televisions, aspect ratio, aspect ratio pixels, between standard, between standard definition, definition enhanced, definition enhanced definition
Bluetooth is a wireless technology. It's similar to Wi-Fi, except it's used mostly for electronics and accessory devices on computers within close distance to the Bluetooth hardware. Bluetooth is also used on cellular phones for hand-less usability while driving.
Wireless
Bluetooth is mostly used in cell phones and data transmissions. For instance, Bluetooth is often installed in cell phones so Bluetooth headsets are used to communicate with the device remotely. Bluetooth operates on 2.4 GHz signals.
Distance
Bluetooth does not have the strong signal Wi-Fi has that allows users to connect several feet away from the device. But some higher-end devices can be used for up to 100 meters from the source. Bluetooth can also be used through walls, so the device can be hooked up in a home and used in other rooms.
Speed
Bluetooth is better used at close distances. The device transmits data at 480 Mbps up to 2 meters away from the source. At 10 meters, the speed drops to 110 Mbps.
Point-to-Point Data Transfer
Bluetooth allows people to have point-to-point data transfer without having direct line of sight. Bluetooth is omni-directional, so it does not require the receiver to be in the same room. There is also no configuration needed for both devices as long as Bluetooth is enabled.
Security
Bluetooth offers three levels of security. Owners can choose to have no security, but trust levels can also be set up for devices. For instance, if two Bluetooth devices have been connected, then they are trusted and can access resources.
Tags: also used, away from, Bluetooth also, Bluetooth also used, cell phones, from source, instance Bluetooth
The audio industry has seen the introduction of many new formats during the past few years. DVD audio, Super Audio CD and Blu-ray formats have threatened to replace longstanding analog formats like cassette tapes. Those still owning quality tape players, however, can put them to good use. Hooking them up to your computer is one way to preserve, archive and enhance your old cassette tape collection.
Analog and Digital
It's important to understand the major difference between cassette tape and more modern digital formats like CDs. Whereas CDs store their audio information as a series of zeros and ones, analog tapes use a magnetic technology to transfer the audio information to a tape reel. Laser pickup systems read the zeros and ones on the CD, then use digital-to-analog converters before the signal is amplified to be played through speakers or headphones. Tape decks, on the other hand, read the analog information directly from the tape via magnetic heads, so a digital-to-analog transfer is unnecessary.
What does this mean when hooking up your tape deck to a computer? Basically, when using a completely analog format like tapes, your computer must convert the analog sound into a digital format in order to interpret it. This will usually result in a slight loss of sound quality depending on how good the conversion is. The upside is, of course, the ability to edit, digitally enhance, or reduce noise on the recording by using sound software. Once the analog tape signal is completely digital and stored as a file, it can easily be burned to a CD or saved to computer memory for later use.
Direct Connection
The easiest way to create a tape player interface for your computer is to hook it up directly to your sound card. Your computer's sound card is usually located on the back panel. Look for the line in connector. This is a 1/8-inch jack that is usually colored light blue. For this connection, an RCA stereo-to-1/8-inch cable is needed. These are readily available at any electronic or audio supply store. One end of the cable inserts into your tape player's audio output jacks, while the 1/8-inch end plugs into the line-in jack. Once you are connected, open your computer's audio or sound card configuration and make sure the "line in" connection is enabled, non-muted and the volume turned up to an acceptable level.
External Solutions
If your PC doesn't have a sound card (or you choose not to use it), you can install an external sound system. These are small boxes that sit on your desk and have a few advantages over using the internal sound card. They're convenient, offering easy access to inputs, outputs and volume controls. They use a USB interface, ensuring compatibility and speed. They also offer features and software packages that are tailored to recording enthusiasts. Finally, they can offer higher-quality sound components, enhancing the quality of your tape recordings when they're transferred to the computer.
Tags: sound card, your tape, audio information, cassette tape, formats like, tape player
Cell phone technology has advanced so much that it allows users to complete a number of functions besides making a call. The Nokia 6085 is a stylish flip phone that contains a built-in music player and radio, features voice command and Bluetooth wireless, and includes a 640- by 480-pixel video graphics array (VGA) camera and a 128- by 96-pixel video recorder. One exciting feature of the Nokia 6085 is the ability to print pictures directly from the phone.
Instructions
1. Determine if your printer has a USB port. If it does, it most likely supports PictBridge, which allows a camera or cell phone to connect to a printer via USB cable. Most major printer models, including Brother, Lexmark, Canon, HP and Epson support PictBridge.
2. Attach the phone to the printer with the USB data cable. Insert the smaller end of the cable into the phone; insert the other end into the printer's USB port.
3. Select "OK" when the phone reads "USB Data Cable Connected."
4. Choose "Printing and Media" from the options provided. Then, choose a picture saved on the phone to print.
A variable-speed audiotape cassette player enables tapes to be played slower than is normal. This enhances the experience when playing an audiobook cassette or listening to a tape that is full of hiss and other noise "contaminants." To check the speed of the variable-speed knob, use a stopwatch and an audiobook cassette. The procedure is straightforward and will not damage the cassette player in any way.
Instructions
1. Open the cassette door. Insert the audiobook cassette in the cassette depression. Close the cassette door.
2. Adjust the variable-speed knob to the "default" normal position. Press the "Play" button.
3. Time 15 seconds with the stopwatch. Press the stopwatch's stem and the "Stop" button on the cassette player when 15 seconds have elapsed. Make a note of the word that was being spoken when you stopped the cassette.
4. Press the cassette players "Reverse" button to rewind the cassette back to the beginning. Reset the stopwatch.
5. Adjust the variable-speed knob on the cassette player to the "-2X" (half speed) setting. Press the "Play" button. Time 30 seconds with the stopwatch.
6. Press the stopwatch's stem and the "Stop" button on the cassette player when 30 seconds have elapsed. Make a note of whether the word that was being listened to when the cassette player was stopped is the same word as was heard earlier --- if so, the "-2X" speed is functioning correctly.
Tags: cassette player, audiobook cassette, variable-speed knob, word that being, Adjust variable-speed, Adjust variable-speed knob, button cassette
A TV frame (aka TV bracket) holds a flat-panel television to the wall. Make a DIY TV frame using parts from a hardware store and tools from the home. Mounting holes that are standard on the back of the TV provide a way for your DIY TV frame to attach to the TV.
Instructions
1. Turn the TV that will be mounted on the wall around so that you can see its back. Disconnect any cables and unplug the TV from the outlet.
2. Measure the diameter of one of the TV's mounting holes with a ruler. Write this measurement down on a piece of paper. Measure the height from the bottom of the TV to the top. Write this measurement down, after adding 4 inches to the total.
3. Purchase two aluminum rods from a hardware store that matches the height you previously measured.
4. Stand one of the rods against the back of the TV, next to to the mounting holes on one side. Line up the edge of the rod with the mounting holes. Make a dot, using a grease pencil, on the rod where each of the mounting holes line up. Repeat this procedure with the other rod.
5. Place one of the rods horizontally on a work surface. Loosen the set screw at the front of the electric drill, with the included chuck key. Rotate the mount at the front of the drill counterclockwise so that the hole at the end enlarges.
6. Insert a drill bit that matches the diameter of the mounting holes into the front of the drill. Rotate the mount clockwise until it resists. Tighten the set screw with the chuck key.
7. Drill a hole, using an electric drill, through the rod at each of the grease pencil dots. Repeat this procedure with the other rod. Drill two holes, side by side at one end of each of the rods, 2 inches in from the end.
8. Stand one of the rods against the back of the TV so that the two holes that are at one end are at the top. Line up the holes in the rod with the mounting holes on one side of the back of the TV.
9. Run a metal screw through each of the holes. Tighten the screws in the mounting holes with a Phillips screwdriver. Repeat this procedure exactly with the other rod. Your DIY TV frame is now ready to be mounted to the wall.
Tags: mounting holes, holes side, holes with, Repeat this, Repeat this procedure, this procedure
A handheld GPS (short for "global positioning system") is a small electronic device that is in constant communication with a series of satellites that pinpoint your location. Using this information, you can get specific and accurate directions to almost anywhere. A handheld GPS is not cheap, so it is important to find the unit that has the features you want in order to ensure you're getting the most bang for your buck.
Size
One important factor to consider when purchasing a handheld GPS is the size of the unit. A handheld GPS can be used while driving in a car or while walking, so there may be times where you have to carry it. Something that is small enough to fit in a pocket or fanny pack may be nice, but will result in a smaller screen. Something with a larger screen may be easier to see but may be harder to carry.
Waterproof
Whether or not your GPS is waterproof is another consideration to make. If you are caught in the rain with your GPS unit and it isn't waterproof, it could result in the unit being permanently damaged. However, a waterproof GPS is significantly more expensive than a non-waterproof unit. Consider whether or not you're willing to take the expensive risk of possibly getting it wet.
Channels
Another important consideration is how many channels your GPS uses to communicate with satellites. Older and less expensive models only use a few channels and are therefore less accurate and take longer to make calculations. However, if you're simply driving from landmark to landmark, this can be enough. Newer and more expensive models use at least 12 channels to communicate with satellites and are much more accurate.
Tags: communicate with, communicate with satellites, expensive models, more expensive, with satellites
Remove Red Eye From Photos. We have all taken photographs where the pupil eye color looks red instead of the natural eye color. This occurs when a flash or strobe light is used in low light levels. It does not always occur and is dependent on the strength of the flash, proximity to the subject and the amount of natural light available. The phenomenon occurs because the light of the flash is so fast that the pupil can't close, allowing the light from the flash to reflect off the fovea at the back of the eye. Many flashes have red eye prevention which emits a pre-flash prior to taking the picture with the full flash. This helps, but still does not always work. The good news is that most image editing programs like Adobe Photoshop Elements have tools to automatically or manually remove red eye. Follow these easy steps to remove red eye from your photos
Instructions
1. Open your image in Adobe Photoshop Elements. There are two ways to remove red eye. From the Quick Edit mode you can select RED EYE FIX which will search the entire image and remove red eye automatically, depending on the slider adjustment which the user can adjust. The slider adjusts the "strength" of the red eye removal. You can open a batch of pictures and apply the automatic adjustment to all at the same time.
2. The second method is to select the red eye tool from the tool palette at the left of the image. This tool will allow you to select a rectangular area and apply the red eye reduction to just that area. This allows you to apply a separate red eye adjustment to each area of the image. An automatic adjustment will rarely correct both eyes accurately; this method gives you more control over the image edit. Zoom in on the area before selecting it with the tool.
3. When you are done correcting the area move to the next area of the image and select it with the tool. The tool will remove red eye from people wearing glasses without impacting the image highlights.
4. Notice that the use of the tool only corrected the right eye in this image. In many cases each eye will reflect differently and may require a second or even third application of the red eye tool. If you need to perform a second pass, adjust the PUPIL SIZE or DARKEN AMOUNT on the options bar at the top of the image.
5. The final version of the image contains no red eye. Also notice that the use of the tool did not impact the highlights, skin tones or any other image property. This is an easy way to deal with a common photographic image problem. Of course, if you want to spend a lot of time you can use color selection and airbrush the image like we used to do in the old days.
Tags: From Photos, Remove From Photos, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Elements, area image, automatic adjustment
It's important to know the parts of your coffee maker.
Although some coffee makers may have parts and pieces that are singular to that particular model or manufacturer, there are several parts of coffee pots that you can find on nearly every type you see. It's important to know what these parts are and what they do in order to operate your coffee maker correctly and to troubleshoot any problems you may encounter.
Carafe
The carafe is the pitcher-like pot that catches the coffee as it is brewed. The carafe usually has a detachable lid and is easily removed from the rest of the coffee pot in order to pour your coffee into a cup. The carafe is typically made of glass, although some models are made from aluminum or stainless steel. Carafes are often marked with measurements to help you note how many cups of coffee are left. While the glass carafes are often more affordable, the aluminum or steel versions are more durable and can help keep your coffee warm for longer periods of time.
Filter Basket
The filter basket is generally found at the top of the coffee maker and is placed inside a drawer or slot. This is the part of the coffee maker that separates the coffee grounds from the freshly brewed coffee. Disposable filters made from paper or a permanent filter is placed inside the filter basket to ensure no grounds escape the filter basket. Filter baskets can either be shaped with a flat bottom or with a cone shape.
Base
The base of the coffee maker is the largest piece, where all of the mechanical pieces of the appliance are housed. There is usually a cord and plug on the back of the base and a large opening in the front where the carafe is kept. There is a water reservoir, most often found on the side or back of the base, where the water is stored until it is mixed with the grounds to brew the coffee. Many times the reservoir has a clear section where the water can be measured. There is a heating unit inside the reservoir which heats the water before it is mixed with the coffee grounds. A warmer plate is found at the bottom of the carafe opening, to help keep the brewed coffee warm. The base is also where the controls and signal lights are located.
Tags: coffee maker, your coffee, back base, brewed coffee, coffee grounds
PC-based surveillance offers average consumers the level of security once reserved for large commercial businesses. These surveillance cameras connect to your personal computer, allowing you to monitor and record data from multiple cameras simultaneously.
Instructions
1. Shop online in the many different spy-equipment retail shops. Most surveillance camera retailers sell complete surveillance systems designed specifically to work with your PC. These systems usually include several cameras, all necessary connection cables, and software to install on your PC.
2. Determine whether you want to get a hard-wired system or a wireless system. Wireless systems are the easiest to install and offer more flexibility. Wired systems require more work to install because you have to run the cable to each camera and hide it from view. However, they are usually about half the price of wireless systems.
3. Consider how many cameras you need to cover your desired area. Most systems come with a prefixed number of cameras. Knowing exactly where you would put the cameras before you buy them will help you decide how many you need.
4. Consider getting a DVR card or DVR interface for your computer. Unless you are only watching the video live without recording it, you probably will need additional storage other than your hard drive to accommodate multiple camera recordings. DVR cards are installed in your computer, while DVR interfaces are units that plug in via USB. DVR cards are more expensive than DVR interfaces, but they hold more video. Consider how much storage you need before deciding which to buy.
5. Compare prices for similar systems as you shop. While some retailers sell proprietary equipment, you can compare features to determine who has the best deal. Many retailers offer reduced prices on older equipment.
Whether you are videotaping a wedding, or recording an interview, your audio should be as clean and free of distractions as possible. Sounds such as coughing, footsteps, and door slams can be distracting to the listener and detract from the professionalism of your production. With Sony Sound Forge Pro 10, you can remove such distractions from your recordings to improve the overall quality of your final product.
Instructions
Removing a noise
1. Open your audio file in Sound Forge Pro 10. With the waveform displayed in the data window, play the file to locate the sound you wish to remove. Select the sound by dragging the mouse across the sound wave.
2. To completely remove the audio, click the Insert Menu, then choose Silence. In place of the noise, there will be silence. In many cases, this will be sufficient.
3. To replace the noise with other ambient audio, select a section of natural sound by highlighting it with your mouse, then under the Edit menu, choose Copy. Once again, select the noise you wish to remove, and choose Edit, then Paste. Your ambient sound will replace the noise.
Remove regular noise
4. To remove noise that occurs sporadically throughout your recording, use Noise Gate. Under the Effects menu, choose Noise Gate. From the Preset menu, select Noise Gate 1 and preview the file. If not enough noise is removed, decrease the Threshold amount. If too much sound is removed, increase the Threshold amount.
5. If you wish to remove a regular noise pattern such as a hiss or hum from a recording, use Noise Reduction. Under the Tools menu, select Noise Reduction.
6. Select a one-second section of noise by dragging the mouse across the waveform to highlight the sound wave. In the Noise Reduction dialog, click the Capture Noiseprint box, then hit Preview.
7. Hit OK to apply the changes to your file. You will immediately hear the difference.
Tags: Noise Gate, Noise Reduction, wish remove, dragging mouse, dragging mouse across, menu choose, menu select
Close-up lenses enable you to photograph the tiniest details of a flower.
Besides family and friends, flowers in the garden or in the woods are among the most popular photographic subjects. Flowers may be photographed from a distance to gain the full scope of a garden or meadow full of wildflowers, but they are often better portrayed in high detail, filling the image frame. A variety of camera lenses are capable of taking detailed images of flowers, each having its own strengths and weaknesses.
Telephoto Lens
The telephoto lens is a long focal-point tool that magnifies distant objects. This lens length enables you to narrow the image down to the flowers you want to capture, cropping out the surrounding landscape. If you are close enough, keeping in mind the minimum focusing distance, the telephoto lens can narrow the image down to a single flower. Long lenses tend to have a more limited range of aperture settings, requiring longer exposure times. To capture the sharpest image possible, long lenses must be held perfectly still. A tripod is an important accessory for detailed images with a long lens.
Macro Lens
A macro lens has a short minimum focusing distance, measured down to a few inches. This feature enables you to fill the frame of your image with the minute details of the flower that you are photographing. This detail may be a small grouping of flowers or the stamen and pollen of a single blossom. Sharp images at this focal length also rely on a steady hand or a support such as a tripod.
Supplementary Lenses
Regular lenses, those below 100mm, generally have a minimum focus distance that is too long for good close-up photography. While the flowers that you photograph will be in sharp focus, the detail that you desire will be lost due to your distance from the subject. Supplementary lenses that screw onto the filter ring of a regular lens insert a magnifying lens into the image path. These diopters have the additional benefit of shortening the focusing distance, down to a few inches with the highest diopter strength. The sharpness of the image is degraded somewhat by diopters, with the highest-strength lens lowering quality the most.
Tubes and Bellows
Another accessory that serves to lengthen the focal length of the lens is an extension tube used with a regular lens. A tube fits between the mount of the lens and the camera body, and enables you to focus more closely and gain more detail in your floral images. A bellows is similar to a tube except that its length is variable, rather than fixed. Close-up images can be varied by adjusting the overall length of the bellows, moving the normal lens closer or further from the film plane.
Tags: focusing distance, detailed images, details flower, down inches, focal length, image down