Pandigital Photo Frame Instructions

Pandigital photo frames are an ideal way to display your collection of digital photos. You can view photos with or without a computer using just a memory card, but it's always a good idea to transfer the photos you'll want to view frequently to the internal memory of your frame. This is also a handy way to back up your favorite images.

Transferring Photos from a Memory Card

Your digital photo frame's built-in software will recognize six types of memory card: CF I/II, SD, MS Pro, MMC and XD. Locate the slot on the back of the frame (to the left of the stand) that corresponds with your type of memory card. These are labeled as follows: SD/MMC/MSPro/XD, CF I/II, USB and mini USB. Insert your memory card into the appropriate slot, power on your digital frame, and it will automatically begin a slideshow using every available image on your memory card. Note that only JPEG formats under 16 megapixels are compatible.

Transferring Photos from a PC

Use the USB cable that came with your frame. Connect the mini USB end to the mini USB port on the back of your frame; connect the large USB end to your computer's USB port. Double-click the "My Computer" icon on your desktop or in your Windows "Start" menu. You'll see that your computer has automatically assigned a drive to your digital frame---look for a device called "Removable Disk" followed by a letter (Removable Disk E:, for example). This is the folder that represents the internal memory of your digital photo frame; you will be dragging your photos into this folder.

Next, open the folder in which you store your photos ("My Pictures," for example). Select the photos you want to transfer to your frame. Drag them to the drive associated with your digital photo frame---this is the "Removable Disk" drive you located within the "My Computer" folder. Every photo you selected will then be copied onto your digital frame.

After the files are copied, disconnect your digital frame properly. If you don't, your frame's internal memory could be damaged. Look for the system tray in your desktop's lower right-hand corner. Left-click the icon that shows a gray box with a green arrow on top of it. Select "Safely Disconnect Hardware." A dialog box will appear, asking you to select the device to disconnect. Select the digital frame and click "OK." When the dialog box appears, click "Close." You'll see a message in the lower right hand portion of your desktop telling you it's safe to disconnect your frame.

Copying Photos to Your Frame's Internal Memory

You can use your frame's remote control to copy photos from your memory card or computer to the photo frame's internal memory. Connect your photo source (computer or memory card) and have your frame's remote control handy. Access the "Home" screen on your frame using the "Home" button on your remote control or by pressing the "Home" button on top of the frame. Next, choose "Photos" and press "Enter." You'll see all your photos in thumbnail form. Scroll through them with the up and down arrows. Press the "+" key to mark photos you want to copy (use "-" to de-select a photo). When you've selected all the photos you want to copy, press "Set Up," then "Copy Photo," "Enter," "Selected" and "Enter." A dialog box will ask you to confirm your selection; with the cursor on "Yes," press "Enter." The photos you selected will be copied to the frame's internal memory.

Tags: your frame, internal memory, digital frame, memory card, photos want

Spot Fake Dvds

Many of us have a notion that only street vendors sell fake DVDs. But some local stores and online sellers also deal with counterfeit movie and music DVDs. We get tricked into believing that if the packaging is appealing enough, the product inside is authentic. But there are more giveaways to a fake DVD. Here are some tips that can help you to identify one.

Instructions

1. Decide on the movies you want to buy and research the distributor's official website to learn about copyrights and release versions. Check the DVD for special features, captions and subtitles used, number of versions officially released so far and bonus clips.

2. Start by inspecting the front and back of the DVD case. Fake DVDs usually have spelling mistakes, dull and poor contrast in images due to photocopying, low-quality color ink, single-sided printing on the inlay card or tampered plastic wrap.

3. Note the region code used on the DVD case, which refers to the country or region an authentic DVD originates from. Region 1 is USA and Canada, region 2 is Europe, UK, South Africa and Middle East, region 3 is South East Asia and region 0 is worldwide. The word "region" is abbreviated to "R" with the number on the side. See if the region code posted on the case matches with the one on the actual DVD itself.

4. Watch out for extra selling points on the DVD case. Some fake DVD sellers use the words "best quality" or "original copy" printed on the case. If the DVD is an original release, there's no requirement for its authenticity to be publicized.

5. Play the DVD to check the audio and visual quality. Check if the sound effect claimed as DTS or Dolby on the case is justified by the actual sound. Browse around the menus to see if the subtitles are in the languages appropriate for the region code used.

Tags: region code, code used, region code used

Get Email With Palm Centro

The Palm Centro is a user- and budget-friendly smart phone that provides many of the same functions as its more expensive counterparts. The Palm Centro carries mobile Internet capabilities, which makes it easy to get emails and other information while on the go. However, the email function needs to be set up before it can be used on the Palm Centro. Please note, the steps for AT&T and Sprint Palm Centro users are the same except for having different installation software (AT&T Xpress Mail and Sprint Mobile Mail).

Instructions

1. Turn the phone on and check that a data connection is available. The data connection is indicated by either a black triangle or two green arrows that will appear on the signal icon.

2. Press the "Home" button and select the AT&T Xpress Mail or Sprint Mobile Mail icon.

3. Install Xpress Mail/Mobile Mail and select "Yes" to connect to Internet prompt.

4. Select "Save" and then "Reset." The phone should take around five seconds to restart.

5. Press the "Home" button and select the Xpress Mail/Mobile Mail Icon.

6. Select "OK" once you have read the license agreement and the terms and conditions.

7. Select "Next" once you enter and confirm your phone number.

8. Choose your email provider. If it is not listed on the first menu, select "More" to view additional email providers. Select "Next" once the email provider is selected.

9. Type your Username and Password for the email account and select "Next" and "Register."

10. Select your email account from the Xpress Mail/Mobile Mail menu, which will automatically send you to your email inbox.

Tags: Mobile Mail, Palm Centro, Xpress Mail, Mail Mobile, Mail Mobile Mail, Xpress Mail Mobile

Evaluate A Canon 85mm Lens

To zoom with a prime lens, you must position yourself closer to the subject.

A Canon 85mm lens is a fixed-length lens. This type of lens, also called a "prime" lens, cannot zoom in or out, but generally produces higher quality images. These lenses are most often used by studio photographers or users who need excellent images for printing. Evaluating lens quality requires taking a few test shots, then looking at the result for common lens flaws. Ideally, a lens will produce exactly what the eye sees. While some lenses come close, no lens can produce an identical image.

Instructions

1. Attach the lens to a Canon-compatible camera and take a few photos with diverse subject matter, including landscape images or images from a high angle.

2. Load the images onto your computer so you can view them at a higher resolution. View the image at actual size for your evaluations.

3. Inspect the image for any vignettes that may appear around the edges. A vignette is a radial area of increasingly darker tones caused by the lens' inability to retain light on the fringes. While some lenses have vignette naturally, most modern lenses should be able to capture an image without it.

4. Inspect the image for blurriness. If the subject was in focus, the amount of blurriness still present is due to glass imperfections. Cheaper lenses will have more blur, while some professional lenses produce sharp images and cost thousands of dollars.

5. Inspect the image for chromatic aberration, which can be measured by the misalignment of colors. A poor lens will cause different wavelengths of light, such as red or blue, to refract slightly differently than other colors. This results in the subject having outlines of color untrue to their real appearance.

6. Inspect the image for any distortion. This can appear either as the subject being stretched or shrunk in a radial fashion. Most modern lenses have very little distortion.

Tags: Inspect image, Canon 85mm, lens will, lenses have, modern lenses

Troubleshoot A Polaroid T831

The Polaroid T831 is a now-retired 8-megapixel camera. In addition to the 8 megapixels, the T831 offers an LED viewing screen, multiple function settings, an SD card slot, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with charger and a USB computer cord to upload photos. If you are experiencing trouble with your Polaroid T831, take the time to go through a few tested troubleshooting techniques. Before getting frustrated, check the easiest steps first and work up to troubleshooting the more complex issues with the camera.

Instructions

1. Open the battery housing on the bottom of the T831 and remove the lithium-ion battery. Plug the battery into the charger. Look for a green light. If no green light comes on, look for the red light indicating that the battery needs to be recharged.

2. Recharge the battery and put back into the camera. Insert the battery so the charge plates are touching the cameras plates --- match positive to positive and negative to negative.

3. Push the indicator dial to the green "auto" function. Make sure the dial is not stuck between settings at the indicator dial, then turn the camera on.

4. Open the SD card slot and make sure the card is in the camera. If not, you may have used up the internal memory, and the camera won't take more pictures. Place an SD card into the memory slot and turn the camera on.

5. Check the USB cord connection at the camera when transferring pictures. Check the cord's connections to both the camera and the computer and then make sure the dial is set to "auto." Turn the camera on and wait for the icon to appear on your computer's default photo software.

Tags: Polaroid T831, card slot, Check cord, green light, indicator dial

A Clean A Clogged Print Head

Your computer tells the print head where to precisely lay down ink from the cartidges.

A common problem with ink jet printers is a clogged or dirty print head. A print head is the movable part of a printer that puts the ink onto the paper. The ink travels from the ink cartridge and drips into the print head. There are two ways to clean a clogged print head: use a computer software program, or manually clean the print head.

Instructions

Clean Your Print Head Using Software

1. Access your printer software program maintenance options.

2. Run the print head or cartridge cleaning program. This is the preferred method of cleaning the print head.

3. Repeat the software-guided cleaning process multiple times if needed to fully clean your print head.

Manually Clean Your Print Head

4. Remove the ink cartridges from your printer.

5. Locate the print head within your printer. Find it below the location where your ink cartridges were located.

6. Dip a clean cotton swap in isopropyl alcohol and gently rub it on your print head to clean away any dried ink buildup.

7. Reinstall your ink cartridges and run a test page to verify that the print head is clean.

Tags: print head, print head, your printer, Clean Your Print, head clean, print head clean

What Nikon Lenses Work On D80 Cameras

Nikon AF lenses work great on the D80.

The Nikon D80 is an advanced amateur camera. It combines a sensor that is essentially equivalent to the one included in the professional-level D200 with the ease of use of a consumer camera. It is light and easy to handle, while still being fully featured. One of its most important features is the inclusion of a screw-drive motor, which enables auto-focus functionality with all Nikon auto-focus lenses, whether or not they have internal AF-S motors.

AF-S & AF-I Lenses

As of 2010, Nikon's most-modern lenses, the AF-S and AF-I series, contain fast, quiet internal-focusing motors. All of these lenses will work on the D80, with all of their features fully supported, including VR (vibration reduction), when available.

Nikon AF & AF-D Lenses

The AF and AF-D lenses are Nikon's original auto-focus lenses. Because they lack their own motor, these lenses depend on a motor in the camera to focus. Also referred to as "screw drive" lenses, they can be used with the D80 and will have full function, although they will focus more slowly than AF-S lenses.

Nikon Manual Focus Lenses

Nikon has been making manual focus lenses in "F-mount" since the 1950s. Those that follow the AI or AI-S standard will mount and work on the D80. Unfortunately, though, since they lack internal electronics, the meter on the D80 will not function with them. As such, you will need to find a way to manually meter and focus with these lenses.

Other Nikon Lenses

Certain very old Nikon lenses will not mount on the D80. While pre-AI manual focus lenses will not mount at all, certain old manual-focus fish-eye lenses will mount, but the process of mounting them will damage your camera. These lenses will have a large protrusion at their rear and should never be used with the D80.

Third-Party Lenses

Many third-party lenses will work with the D80. Look for lenses from manufacturers such as Sigma, Tamron and Tokina that are either "Nikon mount" or "F-mount." Their ability to auto-focus or meter on the D80 will vary.

Tags: lenses will, will mount, lenses will mount, these lenses, AF-S AF-I, auto-focus lenses

Troubleshoot Mini Cameras

Mini cameras are easy to troubleshoot,.

Mini cameras can be used for security surveillance, monitoring children or keeping an eye on multiple areas at once; these small cameras can either be wireless or connected to a mainframe. Many of these cameras can be hidden in small places in order to operate undetected; however, it can be frustrating if you experience picture quality or streaming problems with your camera, especially if the camera is intended for security purposes. Troubleshooting common problems with mini cameras is a fairly simple process.

Instructions

1. Realign the camera's antennas if you are experiencing poor picture quality. Adjust the height of the camera or move the camera to a different location altogether to see if the picture quality improves. Move the camera away from any microwaves, baby monitors, wireless LAN networks or other nearby electronics if you see lines on the picture.

2. Look at the AV connected cable to make sure it's turned on and plugged into the "Audio Out" plug on the receiver and that the camera is turned on. Ensure that the channel on the receiver is set to channel one.

3. Move the camera to a better shaded location if you notice a red haze over the screen. Fit a hood made of black paper onto the lens with tape to block out any sunshine that may hit the lens.

4. Move the camera to focus on the main object you want to film if you're experiencing a dark foreground and a bright background. Adjust the camera so that either the background image or foreground image is filling most of the screen, depending on what you want to see.

Tags: Move camera, picture quality, Mini cameras, problems with

Diy Home Theatre Screen

Watching a movie or playing a game on a large 100-inch screen can be a new experience made possible thanks to the technology of front projection setups. A home theater screen offers you a picture that's brighter and more vivid than projecting the picture onto a blank wall. With a few steps you can create a screen that rivals retail offerings at a fraction of the price, and in the process gain the fullest home theater experience possible.

Frame Construction

Choose the materials for your frame construction that will go along nicely with your viewing room. Simple frames can be made from plywood covered in black cloth to prevent reflected light from your projector. Go with a semi-hard wood like fir for a nicer frame look. The right wood for your frame is one that is easily finished to complement your existing decor.

Create a frame to the size you're planning to project. You'll want to use your projector to project a test image onto the wall which you're intending on mounting your screen to prior to making that first wood cut in order to know precisely what dimensions you're going for.

Use 1/4in. strips for your frame edges, cut to the desired size. Attach 3/4in. shelving material to the rear of the frame for bracing. Glue the frame together then use a series of staples to firm up the frame's construction. For ease of installation of your completed screen cut a few handholds into the frame for moving it around.

Fabric Surfaces

There are two primary surfaces useful for a DIY home theater screen. The first is a fabric surface stretched tightly across the frame. This is an inexpensive method of creating a projector surface moderately better than an untreated wall. Choose a plain white blackout fabric for the simple stretched screen. This is the type of fabric generally used to back curtains to prevent light from passing through, and can be found at most fabric stores.

Fold the fabric over a side of your frame and tack it to the center of the frame's side. Place the tacked edge onto a flat surface, then stretch the fabric over the frame until you see a crease in the fabric showing that the fit is a taunt one. Tack the opposite edge of the fabric. Repeat the process for the remaining sides until the creases running between tacks form a diamond shape.

Use a staple gun to attach the fabric firmly into place, working outward from the tacks and moving the crease along as you progress. When you reach the corners, tuck a side of the fabric over, then fold and staple the corner piece. That's it for the stretched fabric screen, place a few eye hooks on the rear of the frame then mount it to your wall.

Painted Surfaces

The second surface method is a bit more work and can be more decorative as well. It also provides a better image quality. This method requires that you prepare and paint a surface to which you will mount your frame. Unlike the stretched fabric method, the frame will be visible, so you'll need to cover it with black non-reflective material or varnish it to match the decor.

Prepare a flat featureless surface to act as your screen. If you're using your wall you'll need to sand it smooth, otherwise a piece of sheetrock or wallboard from a hardware store will do as a surface. Prime the surface with an alkyd-based primer, sanding away any imperfections when it dries. Next apply the screen paint.

Choose paint that you're comfortable with. There are several to pick from but the best to use are Goo System's Screen Goo in the Digital Grey color, Behr Silver Screen spray paint, or DIY Black Widow mixture consisting of an aluminum gray paint to a beige flat enamel in a 1-to-4 ratio. Any of those choices will give you a projector surface that brings out both color and shadows. Once the surface has dried, mount the frame, and your screen is complete and ready for viewing.

Tags: your frame, fabric over, home theater, your screen, home theater screen, light from, mount your

Clean The Iphone

To function properly, cell phones, like all electronics, must be kept clean and dust free. Apple, the maker of the iPhone, cautions the user against using certain harmful cleansers on their electronic devices. Learning safely clean your iPhone will help maintain its optimal performance.

Instructions

Clean the iPhone Safely

1. Unplug any USB cables or headphones from your iPhone. Your phone must be disconnected from your computer for you to safely clean it.

2. Press and hold down the "sleep/wake" button on the iPhone. Refer to the instruction booklet if you do not know which button this is.

3. Use your finger to drag the red slider across the screen. The slider appears after holding down the "sleep/wake" button for 2 to 4 seconds. Your iPhone is now turned off.

4. Dampen a soft cloth that is free of lint and dust. If you have the cleaning cloth that is included with the iPhone, you may omit this step.

5. Wipe the iPhone touch screen gently with the cleansing cloth. Be careful not to get any water in the jack or port openings.

6. Allow your iPhone to air dry completely after cleaning. This should only take a few minutes after you have finished wiping it down.

7. Turn your phone back on by depressing the "sleep/wake button." You will know the iPhone is turned on when the Apple company logo appears on the screen.

Tags: sleep wake, sleep wake button, wake button, cloth that, down sleep

Convert A Mini Dv To Dvd With Software

Transferring Mini-DV footage to DVD may result in a loss of video quality.

The Mini-DV video format is a powerful medium for capturing professional and amateur footage at a relatively low cost. However, if you would like to showcase your work to others, gathering around a camera viewfinder--one of the few options for displaying video in this format--may not be ideal due to its small screen and low-fidelity audio speakers. You can convert your Mini-DV footage to DVD with software so that you have an easily accessible, widely used media format that others can view on their home entertainment systems.

Instructions

1. Launch your video conversion software and create a new project file for your Mini-DV to DVD transfer.

2. Connect the FireWire cord from your camera to the computer's FireWire port. Turn the camera on and insert the Mini-DV tape. Rewind the tape to its starting point.

3. Capture the Mini-DV footage from your camera using your conversion software. You will need to specify a place on your computer's hard drive to store the captured footage. Do not fast-forward, rewind or touch the camera as the conversion software captures the footage.

4. Save the project file before starting the conversion process.

5. Insert a blank DVD disc into your computer's DVD burner. Exit out of any windows that may pop up asking you what you would like to do with the disc.

6. Click the button in your conversion software that creates a DVD from the captured footage. Some conversion tools may give you the option to create a DVD menu for footage organization, which may be helpful when navigating the disc in the future.

7. Close the DVD disc so that no other data can be written to the media. Closing the disc also makes it readable on DVD players.

8. Test the disc in a home DVD player, or by removing the disc from your computer and reinserting it back into the drive.

Tags: conversion software, from your, Mini-DV footage, your computer, captured footage, from your camera, project file

Diy Umbrella Bracket

Using a homemade umbrella bracket can help save money on photo studio costs.

Most photographers want to improve their images, but not many want to break the bank on lighting equipment. The cost of light-umbrella mounting brackets can add up quickly. Luckily, mounting brackets are easy to make with household items. In a few steps, you can create your own umbrella bracket to hold one or two off-camera flashes.

Instructions

1. Draw two marks on the plastic tube that match the two holes on the long side of the T-brace. Drill two holes on the marks with a 7/32-inch bit.

2. Place the plastic tube over the long side of the T-brace so that its holes align with those on the plastic tube. Screw one of the 1/4 inch screws through the T-brace all the way into the plastic pipe. Screw another 1/4-inch screw into the other hole just enough for the plastic tube to be securely attached to the bracket.

3. Insert 1/4-inch screws into the two outer holes on the short side of the T-brace. Make sure the screw threads are coming out of the T-brace on the same side that the plastic tube is mounted.

4. Lay two washers over each of the screw threads on the short side of the T-brace. Attach the hot-shoe-to-light-stand adapters, or remote receivers, to the screw threads. Ensure they are aligned so that a mounted flash will face the long side of the T-brace with the plastic tube.

5. Mount the T-brace on a light stand or tripod using the open 1/4-inch hole in the middle of the T-bracket. Secure the umbrella bracket with a wing nut.

6. Insert the umbrella stem into the plastic tube. Secure the umbrella to the bracket by tightening the loose screw on the plastic tube.

Tags: plastic tube, side T-brace, long side, long side T-brace, screw threads, umbrella bracket

Repair A Samson Wireless Aerobics Microphone

Samson's line of wireless microphone systems is the ideal choice for professionals, such as aerobics instructors, who require the use of a microphone but who also need the use of both hands, thereby preventing them from holding a traditional microphone. The Samson headset with attached microphone picks up audio signals and broadcasts them wirelessly to the Samson wireless receiver, allowing for full freedom of movement while using the microphone. If you encounter any technical problems while using the microphone, it is possible to resolve some them on your own rather than having the microphone serviced or replacing it altogether.

Instructions

1. Disable muting if you do not hear any signal from the microphone. Even if the transmitter unit is powered on, if muted it will not send any audio signals to the wireless receiver. Right next to the word "mute" there is an arrow pointing to the left; move the switch away from the direction of the arrow to turn off the muting feature and check the microphone again to see if it transmits any signals.

2. Replace the batteries in the transmitter unit if you still do not hear a signal after ensuring that the transmitter is not muted. The transmitter fits a standard AAA battery in the battery compartment. The battery compartment cover can be removed by hand by applying gentle pressure to the Samson logo on the transmitter unit.

3. Remove or power down any audio and/or video equipment near the transmitter or receiver that may cause interference. The Samson wireless microphone system operates on RF frequencies, so any equipment installed near the transmitter or receiver that uses RF frequencies (such as RF remote controls or wireless speaker systems) could cause audible humming, buzzing or popping while you are using the microphone. Temporarily turn off the devices or remove them for testing purposes and check the microphone again to see if the signal is clearer. If it is, place either the interfering equipment or the Samson system in a location so that RF interference is no longer an issue.

Tags: transmitter unit, using microphone, while using, while using microphone, audio signals, battery compartment

Convert Printed Photos To Digital

Bring your photos, new and old, into the digital world with a scanner.

The magic of the digital world is its ability to carry an entire library of information in the space of a key fob, but not all the information we want available to us is in digital format. Until recently, photographs have only been in the printed form, which is easily destroyed, heavy to carry and sometimes lost. Scanning your photos into digital format will make it easier for you to hang on to some of your more prized possessions--your memories.

Instructions

1. Adjust your scanner settings to match your intended use. If you just plan to upload your pictures to a website, you can probably get away with the scanner's lowest settings. This reduces the file size for faster download times and smaller storage space. However, if you are planning to archive these photos, you will want to save them in a format that will permit high quality prints in the future. Dave Johnson with PC World recommends setting the scanner at 300 dpi if you want to preserve the photo for printing at essentially the same size you scanned. If you want to have the option of enlarging your photos in the future, you should set the scanner at 600 dpi. Use 3000 dpi if you're trying to scan slides or film.

2. Place your image face down on the glass plate of the scanner, align it to the scanner's edges and start the scanning process. This process will be different depending on the scanner you own. Some allow for a single touch of a button while others may require you to open photo editing software first. The scanner will start warming up and you will usually have the option to define the scanning area through the interface of an automatic preview on your computer screen. If the preview screen shows the image tilted, bent or with dirt on the tray, stop to fix the problem. When you are satisfied with the placement and settings, continue the scanning process according to your scanner's software.

3. Save the scanned image in a folder where you will be able to find it again. Give the photo a file name that is somehow descriptive of the image. You can also name it for the date it was taken or scanner, but this will tell you nothing about what's in the picture and it is likely that you will run into file name conflict. One way to address this issue is to create new folders for each photo collection.

Tags: your photos, digital format, digital world, file name, have option

Led Exhaust Tips

LED exhaust tips can spruce up your vehicle.

If you are looking for something unique to make your car stand out from the crowd, there are plenty of products to choose from. LED exhaust tips will add a special touch to a car, truck or SUV's exhaust, especially at night when the LED lights are most noticeable.

StreetGlow

StreetGlow produces two lines of LED exhaust tips, one line named after the movie "The Fast and the Furious." Both lines can fit on exhaust pipes with a diameter of up to 2.25 inches. StreetGlow's Fast and the Furious line features silver tips and accent tubes, while StreetGlow's regular line features black tips and accent tubes. Both lines come in nine different colors and complete installation instructions (some wiring is involved).

Street Beat Customs

Street Beat Customs offers a polished silver LED exhaust tip which features a glowing red ring of LED lights. Installation instructions are included with the tip; installation involves some wiring and bolting on of the exhaust tip. Street Beat Customs sells the LED exhaust tip in packs of two.

Matrix Racing

Matrix Racing sells a heat-activated LED exhaust tip. Since the tip is turned on when it detects heat, there is no wiring involved for installation. The tip bolts onto exhaust pipes measuring 1.5 to 2.5 inches in diameter. Matrix Racing's LED exhaust tip comes with either blue or red lights, and is made from polished stainless steel.

Liteglow

Liteglow's LED exhaust tip features an on/off switch for the interior of the car. The tip bolts onto exhaust pipes measuring 1.25 to 2 inches in diameter. The tip is made of polished steel and comes with either blue, red, green, purple or white LED lights. Installation instructions for wiring and bolting on the tip are included.

Tags: Beat Customs, exhaust pipes, exhaust tips, Matrix Racing, Street Beat, Street Beat Customs, accent tubes

Set The Eq For Rock

Set your EQ based on the type of music you expect to play most often.

An equalizer allows you to control the sound of your system by adjusting the tone beyond the normal bass and treble control you find on a head unit. When setting up an equalizer for rock music, consider that rock genearlly incorporates a great deal of drumming and electric guitar. Adjust your EQ to have plenty of bass, or low end, and a lot of high end; mid-range is less important.

Instructions

1. Turn the low end of the equalizer all the way up. If you look at the EQ, the controls to the far left are the lower frequencies. The first control on the left is the control for the lowest frequencies and as you move to the right, the higher the frequency. You can look at it as the left side of the equalizer controls the bass and the right side is the treble and the middle controls are the mid-range.

2. Turn the high end of the equalizer all the way up.

3. Adjust the middle control on the equalizer to about half volume. So now you have the controls on the left side of the equalizer turned all the way up, the right side is also turned all the way up and the middle is half-way.

4. Start at the left side of the EQ and adjust the sound to your personal preference -- moving across the equalizer from right to left.

Tags: left side, controls left, left side equalizer, right side, side equalizer

Repair The Rca Rs2663 Audio System

Making the considerable investment to purchase and use a home stereo system such as the RCA RS2663 necessitates knowing some basic troubleshooting skills to address problems that may arise, such as a failure to play CDs, poor sound quality, or even a failure to power on at all. In short order even the least tech-savvy home user can troubleshoot these issues and restore full functionality to the RS2663.

Instructions

1. Unplug the RS2663's AC power cable from the electrical source into which it is plugged and plug it into an alternate electrical source. Use this troubleshooting step if the RS2663 does not power on at all or intermittently loses power. If the RS2663 still experiences power issues no matter what electrical source it is plugged into, you may need to replace the cord or have the RS2663 serviced.

2. Insert multiple CDs into the RS2663's CD tray, one by one, to test the RS2663's CD-reading ability. If you cannot play any CDs on the RS2663, the first thing to determine is whether the CD or the RS2663's CD-reading components that are at fault. If the RS2663 does not play any CDs, the RS2663 will likely need to be serviced for a malfunction of its CD-reading components.

3. Unplug the speaker wire from the back of the RS2663 by pressing the speaker terminal tab and pulling the speaker wire out. Check the ends of the speaker wire for any damage. Assuming they look undamaged, plug the speaker wire back into the port and release the speaker terminal tab. This is an essential troubleshooting step if you are experiencing audio distortion when playing CDs, cassette tapes, or any other media through the RS2663. Replace any speaker wire that is damaged or if the audio distortion is not resolved by plugging the speaker wire back in.

Tags: speaker wire, electrical source, audio distortion, CD-reading components, play RS2663

Chroma Key After Effects

Chroma Key After Effects

Chroma key is another term for what is commonly called green screening. It is when you shoot a subject in front of a green or blue screen and replace all the green or blue in frame with another image or video. Adobe After Effects is a video editing program that does numerous motion and video effects, including chroma key. Many consider After Effects one of the best programs for doing chroma key because of the many specific capabilities the program has.

The Green Screen

It is important when setting up your green screen that you get the fabric as wrinkle-free as possible. The most effective technique is to use a steam iron. Make sure it is hung evenly and that there are no unnecessary folds. Wrinkles and folds can cause distracting shadows in post production. Also make sure no part of the subject is green, including clothing and props. If there's a similar color, it might display the background image instead of the subject. This is why most green screens have a blue side. Also when you place the subject in front of the green screen, make sure there is enough separation so you can light the subject and the green screen separately. Getting the shot right originally makes post production a lot easier.

After Effects

After Effects is a giant software. It can be frightening to try and do anything, let alone something as technical as chroma key. You cannot let the scope of after effects scare you though. It is a huge program with a billion little things that will help you with any video project, but the thing to remember is that all the little things are fairly simple. Check online for tutorials for after effects like the ones linked to below. They are not difficult to find, and they can teach you a lot of neat tricks or general knowledge about the program.

Keylight

One of my favorite ways to do chroma key with After Effects is with a plug in called keylight. Keylight comes with all new versions of after effects, but if you have an older version you can download keylight for free. The reason keylight is such a great plug-in is because it is so easy to use. It makes it possible to do advanced green screening edits easily and quickly. To use keylight, all you have to do is select the color you want to remove with the eyedropper, and then it replace that color with black.

Shadows

Keylight also has a simple way to remove the excess green from your subject. Obviously the better the job you do when shooting the video the easier your edits will be. However, any minor problems can usually be easily fixed with keylight and after effects. Once you have selected the color you want removed from the image change the view to "Screen Matte." This will give you a black and white version of the image. Everything being removed will be in black and everything remaining will be in white, so it is very easy to see any overlap. Then adjust contrast and the colors in the screen matte view until the gray areas disappear. If there are any specific green reflections in your subject they can easily be selected and deleted.

Outline

One of the most common problems with using a green screen is the outline on the subject image. No matter how great the actual shot is set up there is almost always this pesky halo like outline. This is from the point on screen where the light from the subject and the light from the green screen blend. Keylight also has a handy setting that helps you get rid of this. Depending on the size of the outline you can enter a value into the screen shrink and grow setting. If you enter a negative number it will cause the subject image to shrink. If you set the value low enough then this will get rid of just your outline. I suggest starting with -3 and then tweaking from there.

Tags: After Effects, after effects, green screen, After Effects, Chroma After

Instructions For Develop 35mm Film

A film tank with multiple reels adjustable for 35mm film.

Among the various film formats that exist, 35mm is the simplest to develop. You only need a sink and a completely dark closet to develop a roll of 35mm film, aside from the chemicals that you can purchase at a photo store. Use black and white film when learning to develop, as color involves the timing and temperature precision of a mechanical processor.

Instructions

1. Open the film canister with the can opener in complete darkness. Cut off the film's leader, the portion of the film that is narrower than the rest, using your scissors. Try to handle the film only by its edges, and take care to cut the leader off in between the sprocket holes.

2. Load the film onto the reel by pushing it through the entry point with the ball bearings, and then twisting the reel back and forth until all the film is wound around the reel. Cut off the remaining plastic core from the film canister once the film is wound.

3. Insert the column into the tank and place the reel inside. Top the reel with the funnel that will either screw in or snap in place. At this point, the film is protected from the light. Bring the tank into a lighted sink area.

4. Rinse the film by filling the tank with water, applying the lid, and agitating it constantly for 30 seconds. A reliable agitation method involves inverting and twisting the tank at the same time, making sure the water thoroughly washes the film. Discard this water down the drain.

5. Measure out the developer chemistry, taking note of its temperature with a thermometer. The amount of time necessary to develop the film depends on the film brand, its speed, the temperature of the developer, and the dilution of the developer. Consulting both your box of film and the instructions with the developer is necessary. Agitate for five seconds every 30 seconds, and tap the tank to release air bubbles. When done, discard the developer down the drain.

6. Add water to the tank, and agitate constantly for 30 seconds. Discard water down drain.

7. Add fixer chemistry to the tank and agitate once every minute for five seconds. Repeat this process for five minutes. Do not pour fixer down the drain, as it contains silver. Collecting it and bringing it to a lab for disposal is highly recommended.

8. After another water bath, add hypoclear chemistry. Agitate constantly for two minutes. Discard hypoclear down the drain when finished. Pour constantly running water into tank for five minutes to rinse.

9. Find a place to hang film to dry where it won't be disturbed. Use clothespins to attach the film to the clothes hanger, and place a clothespin at the bottom of the roll so it will dry straight.

Tags: down drain, 35mm film, constantly seconds, film canister, film wound, five minutes, five seconds

Use Your Windows Mobile Dash Phone For Laptop Internet

The Dash is a smartphone that is capable of many functions. The ability to use your Windows Mobile Dash phone for laptop Internet provides wireless connectivity anywhere. This process is known as tethering or using your device as a modem and will access your cellular network to get on the web from a laptop.

Instructions

Set Up the Phone

1. Make sure that the Dash is not connected to the computer.

2. Hit the "Start" tab.

3. Select "More" to get to "Accessories" and then press "Internet Sharing".

4. Set the "PC connection" field to "USB."

5. Set the "Network Connection" field to your network's data option (your mobile carrier's name).

6. Select the "Connect" option.

7. Connect the Dash to computer via the USB cable that came with the phone.

Set Up/Connect from Computer

8. Verify that the add new hardware wizard appears and locates the Dash once it is connected via USB.

9. Wait about a minute before doing anything.

10. Open up the Internet browser.

11. Test that you can connect to the Internet and browse normally.

Tags: Mobile Dash, Windows Mobile, Windows Mobile Dash

The Latest Philippine Inventions

The Philippines has produced its share of groundbreaking inventions.

Filipinos are people from the country known as the Philippines, an archipelago consisting of more than 1,000 islands in the Pacific Ocean. Over the years, many Filipino inventors have created groundbreaking inventions for a wide variety of functions and uses. Past inventions in which Filipinos have had a hand are karaoke machines, the moon buggy and the fluorescent lamp. Filipinos continue to be responsible for major breakthrough products.

Anti-Cancer Skin Cream

In 2005, Filipino inventor Rolando de la Cruz claimed to have invented a skin cream that combats skin cancer. At the International Inventors' Forum in Nuremberg, Germany, that year, his skin cream was judged the most significant invention of that year. The cream contains cashew nuts and other simple herbs and is intended to treat basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The skin cream has proven to be successful in 16 out of 39 documented cases, with more tests currently underway. The skin cream was also recognized at the 93rd Annual Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons in New Orleans.

Solar-Powered Incubator

Members of the College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology at the University of the Philippines Los Baños developed an incubator that can help duck eggs to develop into balut --- that is, a fertilized egg --- while being fueled by solar power. The machine covers an area of about 5 square meters. Heat emanates primarily from a solar-powered water heater, with photovoltaic cells to regulate the heat inside the incubator. The machine could double the income of Filipino farmers.

Superkalan

The Superkalan is a stove that can be powered by any substance that burns. Narciso Mosuela of the Filipino province of La Union invented it and received the Best Design award from the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) in 1987. Among the substances that can power the Superkalan are wood, paper, dried dung and leaves, corncobs and coco shells. Mosuela has also invented a functional rice thresher.

Mole Remover

Rolando de la Cruz also developed a mole remover made from cashew nuts. The remover can be used without surgery. In September 2000, de la Cruz won a gold medal at ITEX, an international invention, innovation, industrial design and technology exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, run by the Malaysian Invention & Design Society.

Vaznbuilt

Filipino inventor Edgardo Vazquez created a modular housing system known as Vazbuilt. A Vazbuilt house can be created within weeks and possesses a design that's resistant to typhoons and earthquakes. In 1995, Vazquez was awarded a gold medal by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) for his invention.

Tags: skin cream, cashew nuts, Filipino inventor, gold medal, groundbreaking inventions, Rolando Cruz

Sync Your Cell Phones Text Messages To Your Pc

Whether you use your cell phone for work or just to stay in touch, you can rack up a lot of messages in your phone's memory in a short time. If you like to send and receive text messages, you may want to save some of these messages on your computer and free up the memory for other things. If you sync your cell phone text messages to your PC, you don't have to enter each message by hand.

Instructions

1. Organize your text messages into easy-to-synchronize folders. Make sure each folder has a short, unique name for fast, accurate identification.

2. Find cell phone syncing software that works with your computer's operating system. Many software manufacturers offer free limited time trial versions of their software online.

3. Install the software on your computer. You may need to restart your computer after you have installed the cell phone syncing software.

4. Plug in your cell phone to your computer. Open the cell phone syncing software.

5. Synchronize text messages from cell phone to computer.

6. Wait for the syncing process to finish, and then unplug the cell phone from your computer.

Tags: cell phone, your computer, text messages, cell phone syncing, messages your, phone syncing, phone syncing software

Fix Old Rca Cd Players

Do you have an old portable RCA CD player that keeps having problems, but somehow you still cannot part with it? Power problems, sound and disk errors are some of the problems that interfere with your musical experience on your CD player. Now you can fix some of the common issues that arise from constant usage. Using these simple steps and guidelines you can troubleshoot and fix some of those common problems when they arise.

Instructions

1. Insert new batteries into your CD player if it is not powering on. Try connecting to AC power then try power it on.

2. If you come across an "ER" error when pressing play, remove the batteries for a few moments. Remove the AC power cord from your player as well. After a few minutes, placed the batteries or AC power back, then power on your player.

3. Check the battery and AC power if your player is not reading discs. Make sure the batteries you're using are fully charged. Check the battery light on the LCD to know the status of your battery power.

4. Slide the LOCK/UNLOCK switch to unlock if all is well with your batteries. This switch removes the protection from the CD. Try using another disc, if you are still having problems. If all discs fail, your CD player head may need cleaning.

5. Place your head cleaning disc into the CD drive, then follow the cleaning instructions to clean the lens. Clean your lens every 4 to 6 weeks.

6. Open the CD cover on your player, then moisten a Q-tip in rubbing alcohol. Swab the lens glass gently with the Q-tip. Perform this action if you do not have a cleaning disc. Never blow your breath directly into the lens. Try playing your CDs again, if you are still having problems, your player may need servicing.

7. Plug a head phone jack into the green port on your CD player rather than the black line out. Perform this action if your volume is faint when you try adjusting it.

Tags: your player, having problems, battery power, Check battery, cleaning disc

Camera Lens Characteristics

The camera lens is a vital part of the photo capturing process because it molds and shapes the light that comes through to the sensor. On single-lens reflex cameras, the lens can be changed to help the photographer achieve the perfect shot. Some of the features to be familiar with when looking for a camera lens are aperture, focal length, focus type, size and cost.

Aperture

The aperture is how much light a camera lens is able to take in. The wider the aperture, the more light can enter, and the smaller the aperture number. When more light enters, this allows for a faster shutter speed which gives the photographer the ability to freeze action.

Focal Length

A camera lens can either have a fixed focal length or a range of focal lengths, which is referred to as a zoom lens. Focal length is measured in millimeters and the higher the number, the more a lens has zooming power. For example, between 40 and 60 mm represents the viewing range of the human eye. A telephoto lens of 200 mm can zoom in about four times as far.

Focus Type

Most cameras offer manual focus and automatic focus, meaning the photographer can set the focus or allow the camera to do it. However, some go a step further and allow the photographer to adjust the manual focus without having to change the mode on the lens. This is useful when you want to slightly alter the auto focus.

Size

Depending on the usage, a smaller, lighter lens may be more practical to buy than a larger one. Typically, the more powerful the zoom, the larger the lens. However, Canon has introduced lenses with the abbreviation DO, for "Diffractive Optic," that have significantly less length and weight.

Cost

A camera lens can cost under $100 to several thousand dollars. It is important to set a budget based on your usage to help determine how much you want to spend on a lens.

Tags: camera lens, manual focus, more light

What Are The Dangers Of Radar Detectors

Radar detectors may make drivers overconfident on the road.

Many people, particularly those who do a lot of driving, use radar detectors to avoid speeding tickets. Most radar detectors beep when a police cruiser using radar is in the vicinity, warning drivers to slow down. Some can detect the distance between your car and a police radar gun. Others claim to send out signals preventing radar guns from reading the car's speed.

Danger to Self

Drivers with radar detectors may feel overconfident that they can avoid a speeding ticket and speed excessively. This can result in loss of control and crashes, particularly during rain and other inclement weather. Additionally, a speeder may not see a vehicle stalled on the road just beyond a bend until it is too late.

Danger to Others

Similarly, traveling too fast may prevent a driver from stopping in time to avoid hitting a child or pet that has run into the street, or workers in the middle of the road. Speeders may think they are the only ones at risk but this is not the case.

Danger of Illegal Use

Many states have banned the use of radar detectors in an effort to get drivers to obey speed limits. Drivers in those states who continue using detectors not only risk a hefty speeding fine, but additional consequences for illegal use of a radar detector.

Danger of Malfunction

Many newer radar detectors can alert drivers of approaching high-speed emergency vehicles and upcoming road hazards. However, the radar detector market is full of cheap knockoffs that can malfunction. This means overconfident drivers may not pay adequate attention to their surroundings and risk a collision. In addition, consumers who believe their radar detectors will make their speeds invisible to radar guns may be in for a surprise. New radar gun technology can override the jamming signals sent out by some older radar detectors.

Tags: radar detectors, radar detectors, avoid speeding, radar detector, radar guns

Get Digital Cable Tv On A Mac Notebook

Get Digital Cable TV on a Mac Notebook

Watching digital cable TV on your computer screen is easy with the right hardware and a small amount of setup. There are multiple devices that help connect your cable service to display on your Mac, PC and multiple other devices as well. Specifically for Mac is the EyeTV and for multiple devices there is the Slingbox or LocationFree players.

Instructions

Setup for EyeTV

1. Purchase EyeTV Hybrid device. EyeTV is a USB device created by Elgato Systems that directly connects via a cable to your Mac.

2. Screw your incoming cable cord into the EyeTV Hybrid just the same as you would as if plugging the cable into the back of a television.

3. Plug the USB end of the EyeTV Hybrid into one of your Mac's USB ports.

4. Install provided software. EyeTV provides its own software to broadcast and control live TV on your Mac. Install this software and begin watching TV.

Set Up a Slingbox or LocationFree Device

5. Purchase a Slingbox or Sony LocationFree Base Station. Both of these devices serve the same purpose and operate almost identically. These devices plug into your Digital Cable service and let both Mac and PC users wirelessly watch live TV over an Internet service.

6. Connect the Slingbox or LocationFree devices using the provided RCA A/V cables. One set of RCA A/V cables will be attached to the output on the back of your cable box or DVR and the other end will connect to the back of the Slingbox or LocationFree device.

7. Connect the Slingbox or LocationFree device to your home Internet network. Connect an ethernet cable from your home router to the back of the Slingbox or LocationFree device.

8. Install provided software. Both companies will provide software to watch live TV over your home network or even connect over other Internet connections from other locations.

Tags: Slingbox LocationFree, Digital Cable, EyeTV Hybrid, your home, back Slingbox, back Slingbox LocationFree

Get Cobwebs Out Of A Philips Big Screen Tv

Clean cobwebs out of your Philips big screen TV with air.

Discovering cobwebs in your Philips big screen TV is not a pleasant surprise, because not many people want spiders living in their TVs. When this happens, it's time to evict the eight-legged freeloaders. You won't have to disassemble the TV since man has been able to harness the power of air in two very different ways. Both methods of shooting the cobwebs with a stream of compressed air and sucking them out with a vacuum are all that needs to be done to get your Philips TV clean and cobweb free.

Instructions

1. Unplug the power cord from the electrical wall outlet. This is to minimize the risk of damage to the TV and injury to yourself.

2. Attach the nozzle to the end of a handheld vacuum. Position the nozzle above the vents on the TV. Turn on the vacuum and suck the cobwebs out of the TV. Reposition the vacuum nozzle as needed to reach other cobwebs.

3. Insert the tip of the compressed air nozzle into the vents closest to the cobwebs that the vacuum cannot reach. Squeeze the trigger to shoot the air from the can to dislodge the cobwebs. Blow the cobwebs out of the TV, or at least in range where the suction from the vacuum can reach them.

Tags: your Philips, cobwebs your, cobwebs your Philips, Philips screen, your Philips screen

Troubleshoot Colored Gels For Lighting In Digital Video Production

Lighting gels can add drama and emotion to a scene.

In the world of digital video production, lighting can be the difference between a good video and a very bad one. Colored lights, meanwhile, give filmmakers the chance to paint a scene a certain way, adding any number of emotions to the picture. If you're looking to add a little color to your shots, colored gels are one way to achieve the effect you want. To make the colored gels work, include a bit of planning and troubleshooting to your production.

Instructions

1. White balance your camera. Among the troubleshooting steps you can take for lighting in digital video, this one is probably the most crucial. When you're planning to color your scene with a gel that makes it blue, red or another color, be sure to white balance your camera first to get the camera to recognize true white in the scene. Before you add gels, hold a plain white card in front of the camera and press your white balance button. If you do this after placing the colored gels on your lights, a scene that's supposed to look blue could look yellow because the camera thinks your blue hue is true white.

2. Completely cover your lenses. When you're setting up your gels, the idea is to cover the lights with a certain color. If you don't completely cover the light with the gel, you'll find that some light escapes out the sides, causing your light color to soften or change. Use a gel frame designed to cover the light source to ensure even coloring.

3. Take test shots. After you've white balanced and set up your gels, the only real way to know what the scene is going to look like is to take test shots and view them on a proper monitor. Don't rely on the LCD monitor on your camera; instead, take some sample shots and play them back on a computer or larger monitor. With the larger monitor you'll be able to tell if the light is even and colored the way you want it to be.

4. Examine light sources. If you're shooting digital video, you could find yourself in a situation where you have multiple light sources in one shot, such as a window mixed with overhead fluorescent lights. In this case, you'll want to determine what color light you want and work to minimize the light source that isn't what you want. In this example, do what you can to minimize the green hue that a fluorescent light gives off by adding in a red or blue gel. Experiment with turning off lights, blocking out windows or otherwise manipulating the sources of light in the room and then using the gels to achieve the color you want from what's left.

Tags: colored gels, your camera, balance your, balance your camera, color your

Parts Of A Document Camera

Document cameras, also known as digital visual presenters or visualizers, are electronic imaging devices that create large-screen displays of printed material, three-dimensional objects or even people. You can display these images on large monitors or project them onto screens. Unlike traditional overhead projectors, images displayed by document cameras do not have to be transparencies. Document cameras enable you to display small visual detail at high resolution to groups in business conferences, classrooms, courtrooms and online audiences. At its most basic form, a document camera consists of an imaging device mounted on a stand focusing on objects placed on a lighted platform beneath it, and a processor to process the image digitally.

Image Sensor

Document cameras usually incorporate either a CCD or CMOS Active Pixel chip for imaging. Most cameras accommodate a motorized zoom lens and a lens with extreme close-up characteristics.

Camera Mounts

The arms that support the document camera are either rigid or the flexible "gooseneck" variety. Rigid arms may be telescoping to allow extension of the camera height. Gooseneck arms that flex allow greater maneuverability of the camera head to adapt it to imaging unusual shapes, or for specialized applications such as imaging through a microscope lens or displaying oblique views of small components.

Base Stand

Also known as the stage, a document camera's base stand serves two functions. First, it provides a flat, level area for display and illumination of the imaged objects. Second, it contains the digital imaging processing equipment, the control panel, inputs/outputs and serves as the mounting base for the camera lights. The control panel typically contains controls to zoom in and out, rotate the image, adjust brightness and contrast and capture the digital image to the unit's RAM. Input/output connections usually include 15-pin VGA, S-video, BNC and Composite Video. Many models also include a DVI connection.

Lights

Normally mounted on columns to either side of the base stand, camera lights usually have adjustments for angle of lighting and the proximity of lights to the imaged material. The light source is usually CCFL (cold cathode fluorescent light) bulbs or neutral LED lights.

Tags: document camera, arms that, base stand, camera lights, control panel, Document cameras

Troubleshoot Innovage Photo Keychains

A photo key chain is a small digital photo frame that fits on your keychain. It operates exactly like a digital photo frame, displaying digital computer images on a small LCD screen. Photo key chains are small enough to fit on your existing key chain, and fit nicely in your pocket. If you've having trouble with your Innovage photo key chain, a little troubleshooting can help correct these issues.

Instructions

1. Charge your Innovage photo key chain's battery using the included USB cable. Connect your USB cable to the key chain and to your computer, the same way you do when you transfer photos to the device. Innovage photo key chains have a small rechargeable battery inside their case, which needs to be replenished every so often so that the device can continue to operate.

2. Verify that you're using a picture format that the Innovage photo key chain can recognize. There are many different types of picture formats, and the Innovage photo key chain cannot recognize them all. Your pictures need to be in a format like GIF or JPEG to be displayed on the photo key chain. If your picture is in a format like TIFF or PNG, the key chain won't be able to recognize it.

3. Install and use the Innovage key chain software when transferring pictures. Do not try to transfer them using Windows Explorer. The Windows operating system recognizes the Innovage key chain as a Flash-based storage device. When you transfer photos to the device using Windows Explorer, it simply stores them on the device and doesn't format them properly for display purposes. You need to use the Innovage software to transfer photos to the device so they can be displayed properly.

Tags: photo chain, Innovage photo, Innovage photo chain, photos device, transfer photos, transfer photos device, chain your

Fix The Head On A Canon Inkjet Printer

Canon printers have removable printer heads that hold the ink cartridges when they are in the printer. These printer heads often become clogged after a long period of inactivity. Some Canon printers include software that automatically fixes any problems that might have arisen as a result of dried ink. If you have run this software and the printer is not printing correctly or you are getting error messages, you may have to manually fix the problem by cleaning the printer head.

Instructions

1. Remove the ink cartridges from the printer head. Grasp them and firmly pull them out of the head. Place them upright in an area where they will not be knocked over.

2. Remove the printer head from your printer. The printer head snaps out when you firmly pull it. If you are having difficulty removing your printer head, consult your Canon instruction manual.

3. Soak the printer head in warm water. Heat up a bowl of water in the microwave for no longer than one minute. Cover the bottom of a pan with paper towels and pour enough water on them so there is about 1/2 inch of water in the pan. Place the printer head on top of the paper towels and let it soak. For worse clogs, soak it overnight. Dry ink will dislodge itself from the printer head.

4. Flush the printer head with warm water. Run your faucet and let the temperature of the water increase until it is warm. Hold the printer head under the faucet and use your finger to guide the stream into all areas of the head. The water will be dirty at first but will start to become clear as the head is cleaned.

5. Dry the printer head. Rinse the printer head once more, but with distilled water this time. Shake the printer head to accelerate the drying process after rinsing it. Place some paper towels onto a flat surface and set the printer head on them. Let the head air dry for an hour or two. When it is dry, place it and the ink cartridges back into the printer and print a test page to confirm the head is fixed.

Tags: printer head, paper towels, Canon printers, firmly pull, from printer, from printer head

Get A Free Sim Card

A SIM card is what stores your cellphone account information (allowing the cellphone network to access your phone and number) as well as your contacts and in some cases your stored messages and files. Most cellphone service providers use SIM card technology in their cellphone handsets; only a few services offer phones that lack a removable SIM card. SIM cards are often interchangeable between locked phone handsets on the same cellphone service provider network and many will work freely in unlocked phone handsets. Generally if your SIM card is no longer functioning properly or you have lost the phone, you can get at least the SIM card for free.

Instructions

1. Contact your cellphone service provider if your SIM card is damaged or no longer functions. You can visit a store, go online or call the service provider. If you have lost your phone, contact your cellphone service provider to get a replacement phone with SIM card.

2. Ask for a new SIM card if your phone still works but the existing SIM card is not working. If there is no sign of water damage, the company will send a new SIM card to you or install a new one in the store.

3. Purchase a new cellphone handset from your service provider. While it will cost money to purchase the new phone, you will get a free unactivated SIM card inside the phone packaging. If you want to add a new line to your existing plan and your cellphone service provider offers SIM-enabled phones, you will get a new phone with a SIM card that is ready to be activated. The cards are included in the cost of the phone or plan.

Tags: service provider, cellphone service, cellphone service provider, your cellphone, your cellphone service, your phone

Make A Digital Picture Card For Christmas

Creating a Christmas card featuring a photo of your family is easier and less expensive than ever using technology available with any digital camera, a home computer and printer, or a photo center. It's a one-of-a-kind gift. You even have the option of selecting different pictures and designs appropriate to send to family, friends, business colleagues and others on your Christmas card list. The idea can be used to easily create cards for other holidays and birthdays.

Instructions

1. Choose a few photos for possible use in your Christmas card. Pick either a picture posed specifically for the card or one taken at another time during the year, such as a family vacation or another candid moment. Make sure everyone's eyes are open and will feel the photo flattering of themselves.

2. Select a way to design and print your cards. There are several options. Websites such as Snapfish, Shutterfly and My Cardmaker offer card-making programs. Many discount stores such as Walgreens and Target have picture printing and card-making kiosks. The Kodak Picture Maker allows you to scan a photo or use a picture from a digital memory card to create a card. Bulk buy stores such as Costco and Sam's Club have card-making options on their websites or kiosks in store for members to create holiday cards. You can also purchase or download card-making software onto your own computer.

3. Insert your memory card into your computer and log onto a card-making website or into the store's card-making kiosk. Select and upload your pictures. It's not necessary to send the same card to everyone on your Christmas list. You can choose different pictures and different card designs. You can also take your digital memory card into a store with a kiosk and create the card on site.

4. Choose a card design or background. For example, Costco's website has many Christmas and winter designs appropriate for a Christmas card, including a few that carry the sentiments Feliz Navidad, Mele Kalikimaka and Happy Hanukkah. Several designs even give you the flexibility to use more than one photograph. Once you click on your selected background, most websites will automatically insert your photograph for you to preview.

5. Add a personalized greeting. Most card designs give you a few lines to type in information such as your family's name and a special Christmas message such as "May peace and love surround you at Christmastime" or a short synopsis of the events of your year, such as a new home, new baby, new job or new school.

6. Preview your card. Check for spelling errors. Double-check for photo problems such as red-eye.

7. Finalize your digital photo Christmas card, pay for it and print it. Some kiosks allow you to print immediately. At Sam's Club, for example, you can design and order the cards from home and pick them up in the store. Many sets come with matching envelopes. Shutterfly's Christmas cards will be delivered by mail. Some websites allow you to print on your home printer.

8. Send your cards. Use proper postage. Most cards available on digital printing websites require only one stamp.

Tags: Christmas card, memory card, your Christmas, allow print, card designs, card into

Digital Slr Lens Filters Tutorial

Different filters have different applications, and they can be used with film or digital cameras.

The advent of digital technology has resulted in some significant advancements in the field of photography. Rather than being recorded on light-sensitive film, images are now captured by an electronic sensor that takes the image viewed through the camera's lens and converts it into a digital file. With that file there are a number of changes and effects you can add in photo editing programs. Even with these advancements it is in the photographer's best interest to create the best possible picture at the time of capture. You can use the same lens filters you used on your film camera with digital cameras and lenses.

Instructions

1. Attach a UV/skylight filter to any lens you buy. This filter is designed to cut down on the amount of ultraviolet light your camera lens may pick up, and therefore can be used anytime you are taking pictures. It also protects your lens from getting scratched or broken.

2. Attach a circular polarizer filter to your lens if you are shooting outside in very bright sun or hazy conditions. This filter is designed to filter out certain wavelengths of light, and will reduce the amount of reflection or glare on objects. The amount of filtration is controlled by rotating the filter. Hold the camera to your eye focus and compose the picture you are photographing.

3. Rotate the circular polarizer with the camera still held to your eye and you will be able to see the way the filter changes the scene you are shooting. When you achieve the desired effect, press the shutter release to take the picture.

4. Attach a neutral density (ND) filter, or series of ND filters, when you want to reduce the amount of light entering your lens. ND filters are used when you need to shoot with a slow shutter speed. You may want to blur the water running in a river or stream, and using a slow shutter speed will do that. One problem is that during daylight hours it may be too bright to use the shutter speed you need to blur the water. By reducing the amount of light entering your lens you can the slower shutter speed with apertures available on the lens.

5. Attach a red colored filter to the front of your lens if you are shooting black and white film to increase the contrast and tonal range of the film. Black and white film records the tonal ranges from pure white to all black. Red, orange and yellow filters alter how the film records the different tonal ranges, producing interesting effects. A dark red filter on a camera loaded with black and white film will create a near black sky, while leaving any clouds in the sky white.

6. Screw a close-up filter to the front of you lens when you want to shoot small or detailed objects. Close- up filters are similar to a magnifying glass for your camera. Close-up filters have a very shallow depth of field, requiring accurate focusing and a smaller aperture of f8 or higher for the best results.

Tags: your lens, shutter speed, white film, amount light, amount light entering, blur water, camera lens

Sew A Camera Strap

A camera strap keeps the camera secure while you shoot.

All but the tiniest, pocket-sized cameras need a sturdy neck strap so that the camera can be carried around the neck or shoulder. Smart photographers wrap the neck strap around their wrists so that they won't accidentally drop their expensive cameras while shooting. Plain Jane commercial camera straps are pricey, and attractive, colorful designer straps are even more expensive. If you have good basic sewing skills and access to a sturdy sewing machine, you can make a custom camera strap that's less expensive and reflects your style.

Instructions

1. Top stitch the strip of leather, suede or vinyl, right-side up, onto the length of 1 1/2 inch wide nylon webbing. Line up the edge of the sewing machine foot with the edge of the stacked strips and stitch down both long sides of the strips and through both layers to create a lined webbing strap.

2. Cut the narrower webbing in half lengthwise with sharp scissors.

3. Melt each end of the narrower webbing by running it through the flame of a match. Douse the flame and cool the melted edge of the webbing by pressing it into the damp sponge. The melted ends will prevent fraying.

4. Cut 4 squares, each 1 1/2 inch square, from the leather.

5. Tack-stitch one 3/8 inch webbing strap to the non-webbing side of the lined webbing strap: Overlap the narrower webbing end over the last 1/2 inch of the strap and center it before you tack-stitch it in place. Repeat with the other 3/8 inch webbing strap on the non-webbing side of the opposite end of the backed webbing strap.

6. Sandwich the end of the strap between two of the small cut squares of leather. Cover the tacked end of the 3/8 inch strap and match up the edges of both squares so that the sides are even with the sides of the strap. The ends of the leather should extend slightly less than 1 inch beyond the end of the strap.

7. Stitch a rectangular top-stitch across the bottom of the lined webbing strap, stitching through both layers of leather and the lined webbing strap. Catch the enclosed, tack-stitched end of the 3/8 inch webbing strap at one side of the rectangle and stitch back across the 3/8 inch webbing strap on the other. Stitch a squat "x" across the center of the rectangle, beginning at the last corner of the rectangle. This will securely attach the two webbing straps together. Repeat on the opposite end of the lined webbing strap.

8. Miter cut the unstitched ends of the leather so that they taper down from the width of the lined webbing strap to the width of the 3/8 inch strap. Cut the leather with sharp scissors and cut the tapers symmetrically on both sides of the 3/8 inch strap. Repeat on the opposite end of the lined webbing strap.

9. Top-stitch the triangular shaped leather tapers together, sandwiching and stitching the 3/8 inch webbing strap in place as you sew.

10. Thread a nylon slide adjuster onto the 3/8 inch strap, then follow with a nylon slide. Insert the end of the 3/8 inch strap through a camera eyelet, then back under the narrow strap and through the slide, and then through the slide adjuster. Repeat, attaching the other end of the strap to the remaining camera eyelet.

11. Adjust the camera strap length using the slide adjuster and adjust the slide to hold down the excess length of the narrow webbing.

Tags: webbing strap, lined webbing, lined webbing strap, inch strap, inch webbing, inch webbing strap, narrower webbing

How Do Gps Maps Work

GPS is an acronym for Global Positioning System. GPS is a network of satellites and receivers that communicate for navigational purposes. GPS satellites are used to create maps, survey land and determine distance, velocity and coordinates.

The process used to calculate the exact coordinates of a receiver is called three-dimensional trilateration. Each receiver has a quartz clock inside, and each satellite is equipped with an atomic clock. Distance is measured by calculating the amount of time it takes for a signal to travel from a receiver to a satellite. By measuring the distance of the receiver from three or four satellites, the coordinates of a receiver on Earth can be pinpointed within a few meters of exact location.

GPS receivers are available commercially for automobile drivers. Receivers are sold preprogrammed with road maps and detailed traffic information, such as speed limits, street names, flow of traffic and parking lot locations. By synthesizing the coordinates from the satellites and the preprogrammed maps, GPS receivers can tell a driver what roads to travel, where and when to turn and the travel time needed to reach a desired location. For most GPS receivers, maps are updated once a year via an upload provided by the navigation system manufacturer. Usually additional uploads and features, like maps of foreign countries, are available for a fee.

To use a GPS receiver, a driver must enter a destination address into the navigation device. The GPS receiver will wait for a signal from a satellite and then calculate the route of travel. Many GPS devices will include features that grant the driver some control over the route the GPS device chooses to display. For example, a driver can avoid highways, interstates or U-turns.

GPS maps are frequently programmed with information that can tell a user the nature of the businesses in his current location, along his travel route or near his destination. This allows a driver to search for specific businesses (such as restaurants and gas stations) while en route.

Tags: coordinates receiver