Aquarium care is pivotal when eliminating fish parasites.
Although fish are not high-maintenance pets, they do require a good deal of care in order to keep them and their environment healthy. When new fish or plant life are introduced to your aquarium, there is a chance that parasites may be introduced as well. In the event you discover that your aquarium is infested with parasites, you can perform some straightforward procedures that will eradicate them and prevent re-infestation.
Instructions
1. Look for behavioral indications that parasites are attacking your fish such as the fish rubbing against the sides and bottom of the aquarium tank and the aquarium plants. Your fish may also try to leap out of the water and plunge down to the bottom of the tank. These behaviors are a result of the itch your fish feels when parasites are attacking it.
2. Sprinkle one tbsp. of non-iodized salt per gallon of water into the aquarium. Non-iodized salt will kill the majority of parasites without harming your fish. Do not sprinkle too much salt into the water, however, as a larger amount will upset the aquarium environment and harm your fish. Allow the fish to swim in the salt solution for one to two minutes.
3. Clean the interior of the aquarium. Transfer the fish into a tank of normal salinity and thoroughly clean the aquarium to eliminate the source of the parasites and prevent infestation of new parasites.
4. Install a clean aquarium filter. Replacing the filter will help to prevent parasite infestation.
Tags: your fish, clean aquarium, parasites attacking, that parasites, your aquarium
Pioneer has been a respected name in car audio for quite some time and they continue to produce quality products at reasonable prices. While receivers tend to receive the most credit for Pioneer's success, they offer a variety of products including sub-woofers and amplifiers. If you are putting together your first car stereo and have everything ready but need to know hook the sub-woofer, it can be your next DIY project.
Instructions
1. Cut two lengths of speaker wire that reach from your amplifier to your sub-woofer. Strip one eighth of an inch of plastic casing from the ends of the wires.
2. Locate the speaker wire terminals on your amplifier. On the GM-5400T, these terminals will be next to the power and ground terminals on the side opposite of the RCA inputs.
3. Bridge the connection by connecting one end of a speaker wire to the positive terminal labeled as the bridge terminal on the amplifier. Connect one end of the other wire to the terminal labeled as the negative terminal for a bridged connection on the amplifier. This particular amplifier makes it easy by labeling which connections to use for bridging. Use a small screwdriver to secure the wires.
4. The amplifier is running safely at 4 ohms so you need to be certain that the sub-woofer you are using is not a 2 ohm sub. Consult your sub-woofer manual if you are unsure about this before connecting the speaker wires to the sub-woofer. After making certain your sub-woofer does not run at 2 ohms, connect the positive speaker wire to the positive terminal on the sub-woofer.
5. Connect the other end of the negative speaker wire to the negative terminal on the sub-woofer. Secure the wires by using a screwdriver or Allen wrench if needed.
Several battery manufacturers offer rechargeable AA batteries.
Electronics are a part of most people's everyday lives and a great deal of those electronics -- including remote controls, toys, clocks and digital cameras -- require batteries to operate. Instead of repeatedly purchasing packs of batteries, many consumers invest in rechargeable batteries. Not only do they eliminate waste and save money, they also hold a charge longer than regular batteries. Consumers have several choices when buying rechargeable AA batteries.
Energizer
Energizer's rechargeable batteries offer a longer charge than their nonrechargeable counterparts, powering a digital camera up to four times longer than regular batteries. You can recharge Energizer brand rechargeable batteries up to 150 times, and they will retain a full charge for up to six months when not in use.
Duracell
Duracell's rechargeable NiMH batteries are available in AA and AAA sizes. You can recharge them hundreds of times. They are specifically designed to be used in high-drain and frequently used devices, such as digital cameras or video cameras.
Rayovac
Rayovac rechargeable batteries come in two varieties: everyday use and platinum. You can charge everyday-use rechargeable batteries up to 500 times. Rayovac recommends them for high-drain devices, such as mobile media players and hand-held games. They can also take up to 300 digital pictures per charge.
Rayovac's platinum batteries retain their charge two to three times longer than most other rechargeable NiMH batteries. The extra power allows the platinum batteries to take 400 digital photos without recharging.
Kodak
Kodak's NiMH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Digital Camera Batteries are designed specifically for use in digital cameras and come fully charged. These rechargeable batteries last up to four times longer than regular rechargeable batteries.
Sony
Sony's rechargeable AA batteries last up to five times longer than regular alkaline batteries. Sony recommends them for use in hand-held gaming devices and digital cameras.
Sanyo
Sanyo's Enelope rechargeable batteries are one of the best-performing rechargeable batteries on the market. You can charge their AA batteries up to 1,000 times, receiving a full charge every time. The batteries also have a low discharge rate when not in use, retaining approximately 85 percent of their charge after one year.
Tags: rechargeable batteries, longer than, digital cameras, longer than regular, than regular, times longer, times longer than
TomTom produces mobile GPS units for cars, bikes and mobile users. Download new maps for your TomTom device to ensure you have the latest navigation tools on your device. Connect your TomTom to your computer with the included device cable or a USB cable to facilitate the download process. You must use the TomTom Home software to transfer the maps from your computer to your TomTom device.
Instructions
1. Connect one end of the device cable to the mini-USB port on the TomTom's body. Connect the other end to your computer's USB port and turn on the TomTom.
2. Click "Start" and "All Programs". Choose "TomTom" and click the "TomTom HOME" listing if the software does not automatically open.
3. Click the "Update my device" button to search for new maps.
4. Check the box for the map you want to download to your TomTom and click "Update and install". The software will download and install the map to your device.
5. Click "Done" to complete the process.
Tags: your TomTom, your computer, device cable, TomTom device, your device, your TomTom device
There are several companies available online for purchasing cell phones and service plans including Alltel, AT&T, Wirefly and Verizon. The Internet has made previewing service plans and purchasing new cell phones easier than ever. With the Alltel website, you can find a phone and plan in just a few simple steps. Alltel’s My Circle gives customers the ability to choose five to 20 numbers from any provider for unlimited calling anytime day or night.
Instructions
1. View the website. The Alltel website was created to help present and future Alltel customers find cell phones and service plans to suit their needs. On Alltel.com you can sign up for new service, access an existing account and learn use several of their features.
2. Review the service plans. Click on the “Plans” link on the left side of the screen. There you can view all of the service plans available to new Alltel customers including the My Circle Family plans, National Freedom plans, Pay per Day plans and several other options.
3. Add a plan to the cart. Preview all of the service plan details. Some plans are designed for families who need more than one phone, some have features geared towards people who travel, and others include special text messaging, emailing and web access. Choose the plan you prefer and click on the “Add to Cart” button.
4. Choose a cell phone. Once you have selected a service plan you will see a recommended phone listed on the page. Preview the phone features to decide if it is the one for you. If you are looking for different options click on the “Select a Different Device” link located in the top right corner of the device box. Scroll through the available phones until you find the one to best fit your needs and click on the “Add to Cart” button.
5. Complete your order. To check out, click on the “Continue” button next to the “I am a new customer” option at the bottom of the screen. Next choose through the add-ons and accessories page and click on “Continue to Cart” located at the bottom of the page. Review the cart details and continue to checkout. Next enter your billing and shipping address, enter your credit card information, fill out the credit check application and click the “Continue” button to place your order.
The JVC KD-S23 is an in-dash car stereo that includes a CD player capable of playing MP3 CDs, an AM/FM radio and a remote. The unit's display can be configured to display the current time of day, which is helpful if the vehicle's clock was originally located on the factory radio. The clock on the JVC KC-S23 does not automatically adjust itself, so it must be set by the user when the radio is first installed as well as to adjust for daylight savings time and whenever the vehicle's battery is disconnected.
Instructions
1. Press and hold the "Sel" button, located to the right of the "Volume" knob to access the "Options" menu.
2. Press the vertical "Track Forward" and "Track Backward" buttons to navigate through the menu options. Stop when "Clock H" is displayed on the screen. This is the setting used to set the hour of day on the clock.
3. Turn the "Volume" knob left or right until the correct hour is displayed. Press the same vertical "Track Forward" and "Track Backward" again until "Clock M" is displayed on the screen. "Clock M" is used to adjust the minutes on the clock.
4. Turn the "Volume" knob to the left or right until the correct minute is displayed on the clock.
5. Press the "Sel" button once again to save the current time and to exit the "Options" menu.
Tags: Volume knob, Clock displayed, Clock displayed screen, clock Turn, clock Turn Volume, current time, displayed screen
Nikon announced the D700 digital camera in July 2008. The camera features 12 mega-pixel resolution, a full-frame sensor and had an initial market price of around $3,000. Features of the D700 resemble those of the professional Nikon D3 model, but in a smaller size (similar to the D300) and lower price. The D700 offers a sturdy magnesium alloy body, with the features professional and semi-professional photographers need in a digital camera.
Menu Banks
The D700 allows users to set four menu banks, designating separate settings for each bank, labeled A, B, C and D. Users can change each bank to meet the needs of specific shooting situations. For example, if a photographer often shoots outdoors in bright sunlight, he might set memory bank A at an ISO setting of 200 and aperture priority exposure. For indoor shooting, he might set memory bank B at an ISO of 400, with a shutter priority setting of 1/60 of a second to maintain steady shots. The menu banks do not automatically recall a preset menu setting, but recall the last settings the photographer uses for each bank. The D700 does, however, allow users to reset default memory bank settings from the menu. Users can also add custom names to their menu banks.
Auto ISO Setting
The auto ISO setting can also incorporate an auto shutter speed setting. A photographer can set the base ISO she prefers and the maximum ISO, along with the lowest shutter speed. For example, if the photographer prefers an ISO of 400, but does not like an ISO over 1000, she can set the base ISO at 400 and the maximum allowed at 1000. She can then select the lowest shutter speed, such as 1/60 of a second. In response, the camera will always start with the base ISO setting of 400. If the light level requires a shutter speed slower than 1/60 of a second at the 400 rating, the camera will automatically adjust to a higher ISO. The feature allows the photograph to maintain control by pre-programming her preferences, while allowing her to use the technology the camera has to offer. She can see any automatic ISO changes in the menu and switch to a manual ISO setting if she prefers.
White Balance
The D700 offers a number of white balance settings, including auto, tungsten, fluorescent, sunlight, flash, cloudy, shade, preset and continuously variable, for making manual adjustments to the degrees Kelvin. While the D700 provides multiple settings under fluorescent lighting conditions, each type of fluorescent bulb can emit a different color of light. Preset fluorescent settings rarely match the actual color of the the light emitted. Selecting the tungsten setting can also prove inaccurate, as tungsten bulbs can emit light at different degrees Kelvin. Auto white balance often provides the optimal setting for most shooting situations, allowing the camera to measure the light temperature. Photographers can also select the preset white balance option, for making manual settings with a gray or white card.
Tags: shutter speed, each bank, memory bank, white balance, camera will, color light, D700 offers
The Pentax Optio W20 is a waterproof digital camera.
Released in 2007, the Pentax Optio W20 digital camera is a replacement for the Pentax Optio W10. The Optio W20, like its predecessor, is a waterproof digital camera. Pentax is known for making a wide variety of waterproof cameras. Be sure to look at the specs before deciding which digital camera is right for you.
Features
The Pentax Optio W20 features a waterproof design that can endure up to 5 feet or water, or 30 minutes of continuous use in water. It is a lightweight device weighing 5.3 ounces. The display lense is 2.5-inches in size. The camera has a total of 7 megapixels, 3-times optical zoom and auto and manual focus. It also includes 21.9 MB of internal memory. The W20 is also certified as Class 5 dust proof, making it apt to use in locations where there is dust and dirt. An SD or SDHC memory card can be added to give the camera additional memory for storing photos and videos. A rechargeable lithium ion battery is included.
Shooting Modes
There are 25 shooting modes and 15 playback modes included with the Pentax W20 that make it suitable for different situations and environments. Modes include auto, night scene, portrait, underwater, sport, self-portrait, and museum mode. There is also a blur reduction feature to ensure that photos are clear when taken.
Picture Settings
Color effects such as black and white, sepia, brightness, and fish eye can be added to your pictures. Various flash modes are available including auto-flash, soft flash, which can be used for close-up photographs and red eye reduction. The shutter captures pictures in as quickly as .5 seconds.
The Green mode helps simplify picture by letting the camera control the settings. With the push of a button the camera will automatically reset itself to the default settings while locking the current shooting mode. This feature is great to use when others are using your camera because it gives you the option of not having someone make a mistake and change your camera settings.
Movie Features
Movies are captured at 15 to 30 frames per second. The camera includes features such as an anti-shake function and Mermaid mode. The anti-shake feature makes it easy to capture videos and eliminates any movement that may take place during filming. Mermaid mode makes it possible to film underwater.
Other Features
The Pentax W20 features a power saving mode that dims the backlight to save battery life. Additionally, a self-timer is featured that can be set to either two or ten seconds. The camera is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems. Connectivity is included for video in and out modes.
Tags: digital camera, Pentax Optio, Features Pentax, Mermaid mode, waterproof digital
Digital photographs are now as much a part of our computers as documents. The wide availability of large hard drives, compared with the low cost of digital cameras and compact flash cards, gives users the ability to keep literally thousands of photos on their computers. But when it comes time to open those photographs, it is important to know use both native programs and third party programs to open them.
Instructions
1. Log onto your computer and locate your digital photographs. Click on the "Start" button, choose "Search" from the menu then select "For Files and Folders."
2. Click on "Pictures, Video and Music" then select "Pictures" to find all pictures on your computer.
3. Right-click on one of the photographs and choose "Open With" from the menu. You will see a list of all of the photo editing and photo viewing software packages installed on your computer. Microsoft Paint and Picture and Fax Viewer come standard with the Windows operating system. There are also other programs available from third party vendors.
4. Choose the program you want to use to open your pictures by highlighting that program. Make sure the "Always use the selected program to open files of this type" box is checked then click "OK." This will ensure that picture files will always be opened with that particular program.
Tags: your computer, from menu, then select, third party
Reel-to-reel recorders once were the height of home audio
Reel-to-reel or "open reel" magnetic-tape recorders were the first audiotape machines available to the public. This was before CDs and iPods, before cassettes and eight-tracks. The reel-to-reel recorder became the elite audiophile's showpiece. Even when cassettes arrived, the bigger tape and faster speeds of open-reel recorders kept them at the forefront of stereophonic sound. Those who have boxes of the tapes, either prerecorded albums or homemade recordings of their garage bands, don't need to give up hope of reviving them. Here's transfer them to CDs.
Instructions
1. Get an analog to digital converter for your computer. The magnetic tape contains analog sound that must be converted to digital signals to be recordable to CDs. You can get a converter online, at computer stores and at audio stores. It will have input jacks for RCA cables from the tape player, a converter box and a USB cable for output.
2. Get audio recording software. If you are using a Macintosh computer, you can get a low-end package called SoundStudio that can handle most applications. You may also find freeware and shareware applications such as Audacity, which also works on Windows and Linux. The recording software not only records the audio, it lets you reduce tape hiss and other noise factors.
3. Plan to record to the hard drive first. If you have a lot of reel-to-reel tapes to convert, you may need a separate hard drive you can dedicate to the project. A dedicated HD will not only work better than recording directly to CDs--because it's faster and won't produce lags between input and recording--it can also serve as a permanent archive of your tapes.
4. Connect the reel-to-reel recorder to the converter and connect the converter to the computer. Open the recording software and create a new file to record to. Start the tape and start the recording software. Don't make noise adjustments here. Increase the recording volume if necessary, but don't turn it up too high or you may get clipping, which will cause dropouts and cracking sounds.
5. Once the tape has been digitized, use the recording software to clean up the sound. You can add noise filters and graphic equalization in SoundStudio and other programs before transferring the file to a CD.
6. Use a CD authoring software package such as iTunes or Roxio's Creator to burn a CD. Creator is a good choice because it lets you place the files (songs) in any order you want with appropriate silences in between. It also gives you a readout of how much time you have on your CD for recording.
Tags: recording software, hard drive, reel-to-reel recorder
A wire chase, also called a "raceway," is a PVC or EMT metal conduit placed in a wall that is used to run wires from one floor to another after the drywall is installed. A raceway can also be surface-mounted to the wall. The wire chase generally runs from the basement to the second floor or attic to provide easy access for electrical wiring, coax cable and phone lines. The coax cable can't be run in the same wire chase as the electrical wires because of the high voltage running through the electrical wiring. Coax cable and phone lines can be run through the same wire chase, however, because the coax cable and phone lines are both low voltage.
Instructions
1. Drill a 1-inch hole through the bottom plate into the basement, between the wall studs. Center the hole in a 2-by-6-inch or a 2-by-4-inch wall to prevent the conduit from getting punctured with nails or screws. Keep the hole close to one of the wall studs so the conduit can be secured. Drill a 1-inch hole in the top plate to the second floor or attic, exactly over the hole in the bottom plate. This may require a little measuring to line the holes up exactly.
2. Measure from the floor to the ceiling on the wall. Add 5 inches to ensure that the conduit will extend from the basement to the second floor or attic. Cut the conduit to the measurement.
3. Slide the conduit up through the top plate enough to get it into the wall, then slide the conduit down through the bottom plate 2 inches. The conduit will be through both holes, extending from the basement to the second floor or attic. Screw a conduit strap in the center, between the top and bottom plate, to secure the conduit in place. Use two conduit straps, one near the top plate and one near the bottom plate.
4. Install drywall on the wall, covering the wire chase. Run the coax cable from the basement to the second floor through the wire chase.
Tags: bottom plate, second floor, basement second, basement second floor, floor attic, from basement
The Nokia 7600 is a stylish, palm-sized phone specially designed for advanced digital imaging. It is also known for its high-quality color screen and well-designed user interface. Keep your Nokia 7600's keypad locked to ensure that keys will not be pressed when the phone is not in use. The Nokia 7600 offers two different options for locking your phone. Lock your phone by pressing "Menu" then holding down the function key, or program your phone with a security code that has to be entered to unlock the phone. The security code will prevent others from accessing your phone.
Instructions
Unlock Phone
1. Press "Unlock."
2. Hold down the function key at the bottom left (the key with an asterisk).
3. Enter the programmed security number if this function has been set and select "OK."
Set Security Code
4. Press "Menu."
5. Select "Settings."
6. Select "Phone Settings."
7. Select "Security Keyguard."
8. Enter a security code and press "OK." Select "On" to turn on the security function. Use a code that is memorable so you won't forget. Select "Off" at any time to disable the function.
Tags: Nokia 7600, your phone, security code, code that, down function, Settings Select
Slide film is one of the most difficult photography mediums to expose correctly. On occasion, 35mm slides will turn out dark, or under exposed, due to lack of sufficient lighting, improper exposure or camera error. When using a slide scanner to input them into a computer, it can be frustrating to see a dark image on the screen. However, with a few quick adjustments on the scanner and in photo editing software, images from dark slides can be improved for visibility and clarity.
Adjust the 35mm Slide Scanner Settings
Look for exposure compensation adjustments on the scanner menu. Often labeled with a + or - symbol, a sliding scale will allow you to adjust the exposure of the slide being scanned. Also look for tone, hue, brightness and balance adjustments. Don't use the auto setting, and manually adjust these settings to the positive, or brighter setting, to improve your initial slide scan. Try the settings a few times for each image to get a feel for the adjustments, and save the brightest scan for further manipulating.
Adjust the Dark Slide Post Scan
Dark images captured on slide film can be further lightened and brightened after the initial scan. Open the image file in a photo editing program, and look for a levels, brightness or exposure setting. This will allow for adjustments to the midtones, highlights and shadows in the image, making the overall image more visible. Remember, the image will never be improved to a perfect status, because information was never recorded in the shadowed areas. You can't reveal data that was never captured.
Improve the Slides with Software
Use a photo editing software to further improve the dark slides by reducing the visible grain, or soft fuzzy areas, in the image. Filters or programs that despeckle or offer noise reduction options will make the dark slides more clear, increasing the overall content of the image, by smoothing out the grain.
Technology can be a fun thing. The phones that are on the market now are capable of doing so many things. One such thing is game playing. Sometimes people can find downloading mobile games to their phones confusing. It is easy to download the proper programs that you will need to install the games, as well as the specifics, like input codes, for downloading games to your Samsung mobile phone.
Instructions
1. Download and install the Samsung uploader program.
2. Download and install the SofTick PPP program.
3. Access the game site for downloading mobile games. You can find one that has mobile games that are made specifically for the model that you have. Select your model and receive a selection of games.
4. Select the game file that you want to download. Choose the "Save As" button. The file will be saved on your computer. You will need both the jad and jar files for the game.
5. Enter the code *#9998*52824678255# on your phone. You will receive an activation message.
6. Hook your USB cable to your computer and your phone.
7. Transfer the game files to your phone by highlighting the file and right clicking it. Choose "Send To" and select the proper choice for your phone.
Tags: your phone, mobile games, Download install, downloading mobile, downloading mobile games
Hard starting, faulty operation of electrical accessories or the battery going dead overnight are symptoms that there may be something wrong with your car's charging system. The battery is just one component of that system. It is, however, the easiest to replace and service. If you are experiencing problems with your car's electrical system, the battery is the first thing to check.
What you will need
1. A DC voltmeter
2. A set of box-end wrenches (metric or SAE, depending on whether your car is foreign or domestic)
3. A wire brush
4. For batteries that are not factory-sealed: hydrometer, distilled water
Charging light on
This is the car's warning system telling you that the battery is not being sufficiently charged. This could be due to an internal fault in the battery, or because the alternator is not putting out a sufficient charge. To test whether sufficient voltage is reaching the battery, place the probes of the voltmeter onto the terminals of the battery while the car is running (positive to positive, negative to negative). The meter should indicate approximately 14 volts. If the meter indicates 13 volts or less, the fault is in the alternator, not the battery. If the meter indicates 14 volts or more, then sufficient voltage is reaching the battery, and the battery is likely faulty and/or needs servicing.
Battery goes dead when car is sitting
This can be due either to there being a slow drain on the battery, such as a dome or trunk light left on or to the battery itself being faulty. A simple test is to disconnect the battery and leave the car sitting overnight. If the battery remains fully charged, there is a drain and/or a short in the electrical system and not the battery.
Hard/slow cranking of the starter
This could be due to either a fault in the starter itself or the battery's failing to deliver sufficient voltage to the starter. Use the voltmeter to test the battery's voltage while the engine is shut off. It should be just over 12 volts. If the battery passes this test, then use jumper cables to connect a second battery (or install another known, good battery) and see if the starter turns properly. If it still does not turn properly, then the problem is with the starter.
Servicing the battery
If your battery is not the kind with sealed cells, it may be possible to add distilled water to the battery's cells and restore its performance. Carefully pry of the caps the cells with a screwdriver and add small amounts of water until the cells are full. If you have a hydrometer, this is the time to check the state of the battery's charge. Insert the hydrometer into one of the open cells and withdraw a portion of electrolyte, then consult the hydrometer reading.
If your battery has sealed cells, then you can't service it. Getting a replacement is the only option.
Replacing the battery
Using the box end wrenches, first remove the negative terminals and then the positive. Be careful not to allow the other end of the wrench to touch anything else, including the other terminal post of the battery. Use the wire brush to clean the terminals. Install the new battery, being careful to position it the same way as the old battery. Make doubly sure that the negative cable is being reattached to the negative post and the positive to the positive. First connect first the negative cable, then the positive. Make sure that the terminals fit snugly all the way down the posts. Tighten securely.
Any time you handle a car battery, wash your hands thoroughly, as battery acid residue can linger on your hands.
Safety precautions
It's always to a good idea to wear eye protection, rubber gloves, a shop apron or old clothes whenever handling a battery.
Tags: sufficient voltage, system battery, battery being, distilled water, electrical system, electrical system battery, indicates volts
Buying a used or refurbished camcorder off of eBay is a great way to find a deal, but if you aren't careful you can get ripped off. Not all eBay vendors are ethical. Make sure you follow these steps when you buy a used camcorder from eBay.
Instructions
1. Sign up for eBay. Visit their website and click register. Be sure to read the user terms before filling out the form and submitting. Wait for your confirmation email and follow the instructions to complete your registration.
2. Find a camcorder. Browse around on eBay for a camcorder you like that fits your price range. Or try searching for a particular model that you have read about. Simply type in "camcorders" in the search bar on the eBay frontpage.
3. Review and research. Most sellers will have descriptions of the product on the bidding page, but you'll want to check out some user reviews on other websites, too. Do a quick websearch to find user ratings and compare prices.
4. Examine the auction. Once you have found an auction you are interested in, it's time to scrutinize the item. This will be an appraisal of both the item you are about to bid on and the seller. Take a close look at the pictures.
5. Meet the seller. There will be a short summary of the seller in the top right corner of the auction page. But you'll want to look more in-depth.
6. Read positive feedback. Click "read feedback comments." Take a look at their positive feedback percentage. Be wary of anyone with less than 95%. Also, read some of the actual comments. Make sure they are genuine, not generic positive feedback left just to boost the seller's rating.
7. Read negative feedback. Read these closely. Look out for things such as "item not as advertised" or "no item received." You can contact specific users to ask them about their experience as well.
8. Contact the seller. It's harder for a seller to fudge over flaws when you confront them directly with questions. Click CONTACT SELLER and ask them about specific aspects of the camcorder: the lens, the aperture, the mounts and electrical contacts, the zoom and focus rings, and any other notable issues.
9. Make a bid. Once you are confident that you can trust the seller and his product, go ahead and make a bid. Don't be afraid to bid as much as you are willing to pay-eBay will automatically increase your bid in increments when someone else bids.
10. Watch the item. Keep a close eye on the auction. Bidding picks up quickly near the end, so take note of when the bidding closes and be near the computer at that time.
11. Make your payment. After you've won the bidding, contact the seller to arrange payment terms.
Tags: positive feedback, Make sure, page want, them about
You can fix a Kodak Easyshare Printer Dock that is only half-printing your photos.
Kodak Easyshare cameras and printers combine the best of both worlds---digital photography and photo printing without having to leave your home or office. Kodak Easyshare Printer Docks even let you print photos directly from the camera, so no computer is needed. But like other printers, problems do arise, including the printer not functioning properly and only printing half of your selected photo. The half-printing issue is due to the printer becoming clogged with ink fragments and debris. This problem is easily corrected by cleaning the printer.
Instructions
1. Turn off the Kodak Easyshare Printer Dock, if it is on.
2. Pull the paper tray from the printer.
3. Check the exposed paper slot for paper fragments and/or jammed sheets of paper in the slot. Use tweezers to remove any paper fragments from the paper slot.
4. Fill a small bowl with one-half cup of cold water. Wear latex gloves to keep your hands from getting wet.
5. Dip a lint-free cloth in the bowl of water. Wring out excess water.
6. Wipe the paper-feed rollers located in the paper sloth with the damp cloth. Turn the rollers with the cloth to remove any caked-on debris from the rollers.
7. Turn the cloth to a clean side. Continue cleaning the rollers until the debris is gone.
8. Let the paper-feed rollers air dry.
9. Remove the paper from the paper tray. Fan the paper to keep the sheets from sticking together.
10. Reload the paper tray with additional paper from a Kodak Easyshare paper kit. Place the new paper below any older paper in the paper tray. Do not load more than 30 sheets of paper.
11. Reinstall the paper tray. Print a test picture to check the Kodak Easyshare Printer Dock.
Tags: Kodak Easyshare, Easyshare Printer, Kodak Easyshare Printer, paper tray, Easyshare Printer Dock, Printer Dock
Understating the actual zoom capabilities of a lens can be very confusing. When lenses were exclusively manufactured for 35 mm film SLR cameras, zoom was a straightforward set of numbers. But now that digital SLR cameras have a different size recording plane than the 35 mm film plane, the zoom lens number will not give you the same results as if you were using a 35 mm film SLR. Additionally, some digital cameras list their zoom capabilities as a magnification factor rather than a range. By calculating the zoom for each of these listings, you can determine the actual zoom capabilities of your camera or lens.
Instructions
Magnification factor to focal length.
1. Find the magnification factor listed on the camera (for example 7X or 10X).
2. Locate the 35 mm equivalence of your zoom (most cameras are a 28 mm or 35 mm minimum range).
3. Multiply the figure in Step 1 by the figure in Step 2 to calculate the maximum length of your zoom. For example, a 28 mm lens with a 10X zoom will have a maximum zoom of 280 mm.
Focal length to magnification factor.
4. Examine the camera lens to find the listed minimum focal length.
5. Look at the space next to the minimum focal length to see if there is a maximum focal length listed. 'Prime' lenses have a fixed focal length and do not zoom. A Standard lens is a 50 mm lens, which approximates the view seen by the human eye. Zoom lenses have a range over which they zoom. For example, a 28 to 80 mm zoom lens can zoom out to a 28 mm wide angle and zoom in to an 80 mm telephoto.
6. Divide the higher number by the lower number to calculate the magnification factor of your lens.
Figuring telephoto lens length for a Digital Camera
7. Find the multiplication factor for your digital camera (the amount that the camera increases the zoom of the lens).
8. Multiply this number by the maximum focal length of your zoom lens to calculate the new zoom length. For example, if your digital SLR has a multiplication factor of 1.8, and your 35 mm film lens is a 45 mm wide angle, then on a digital SLR it becomes a 85 mm lens.
9. Multiply the number by the minimum focal length of your wide angle to calculate the new wide angle length. For example, if your digital SLR has a multiplication factor of 1.5, and your 35 mm film lens is an 18 mm wide angle, then on a digital SLR it becomes a 28 mm lens.
Ever since the advent of the digital camera, saving and sharing your photos has never been easier. Although photos are most commonly transferred from a camera onto a computer, one can make transfers from the computer back onto the Kodak camera's SD (or Secure Digital) memory card as well. There are a number of reasons why transferring photos onto a memory card is beneficial. These include wanting to move the photos to another computer or developing the images at a photo center.
Instructions
1. Remove the memory card. Take the Kodak camera and look for the memory card slot. Open the slot and lightly press on the card to eject it. Consult your camera's user manual if you are unable to locate it.
2. Insert the card into a memory card reader. This can either be on a computer or by using an external device. Look around the edges of your computer. The slot will be listed as "MS Pro SD." Acquire an external reader if your computer does not have one. Insert the card into the slot and plug it into the USB port of your computer.
3. Locate the image files. Go to the folder where the files are saved. Pictures are often saved in the "My Pictures" folder unless you have chosen elsewhere to save them.
4. Select the photos. Click each photo while pressing the "Ctrl" key to select the files that you want to transfer. Right click on the highlighted files and select "Copy."
5. Transfer the photos. Go to "My Computer" and open the memory card reader. Open the DCIM (Digital Camera Image) folder or a sub-folder of the memory card. Right click the folder and select "Paste."
6. Remove the memory card at the end of the transfer process. Insert it back into the Kodak camera or a memory card holder.
Mounting a camera in a car to film time at the track, street races or motion pictures is a tricky project. Mounts are available in many forms and designed to work in different environments. Knowing where and mount a camera on the car requires careful consideration and the right tools.
Instructions
1. Find the right mount for the job and the camera you use. Handheld camera mounts are available in suction cup and hard mount designs while large motion cameras require heavy-duty mounts that install inside or outside of the car.
2. Determine the best position for the mount based on the application. For track footage, dash or between the front seats mounting is preferred. Over the shoulder mounting allows the camera to capture the cars gauges for performance evaluation.
3. Set up suction cup mounts on the windshield or dash. Ensure the surface is clean before applying the suction cup and test stability between shoots.
4. Drill holes for a hard mount per the manufacturers instructions by locating a stiff surface that won't bend or flex under the weight of the camera. Dashboards and consoles make good mounting locations. Secure the mount with the provided hardware and adjust the camera as desired.
5. Install motion picture cameras on metal supported areas of the car. Remove any molding or covers from the inside of the car before drilling to uncover any hidden obstacles. Drill the holes through the roof, doors or other mounting location and assemble the supports.
6. Tighten the bolts on the camera-mounting frame and test to verify there is no flex in the metal. Connect any extensions and finally place the camera into the mount.
7. Test the camera position and any motorized controls before shooting. Adjust shooting angles and verify the camera is secure.
Disposable cameras are designed for single use, in the event that a user wants to take pictures, does not have access to a camera and does not want to buy a new one. The user drops the disposable camera at a photo center and the film developers develop the photos. These cameras do not always produce high-quality pictures, with some photos having a grainy appearance. Fortunately, photo editing programs can make changes to the photos, improving their quality.
Instructions
1. Scan the photo using a scanner. You must convert the grainy image into a digital format that can be altered using a graphics program.
2. Identify what you want the focal point of the picture to be. You can crop out the main part and eliminate the rest, reducing the amount of work that you must do. In either Photoshop, GIMP or SAI, drag a selection tool across the area that you want to crop. In GIMP, click the "Menu" drop-down and select "Crop to Selection." In Sai, click the "Canvas" drop-down and click "Crop by Selection." In Photoshop, click "Menu" and then click "Crop."
3. In Photoshop, go to the menu at the top and click on "Layer." Point to "New Adjustment Layer" and then "Levels." Click "Auto." In GIMP, click "Colors," select "Levels" and click "Auto." SAI does not have this feature. This feature will often improve the picture significantly. There are also "Highlight" and "Shadow" sliders that you can play around with to tweak the appearance of the photo until the picture looks the way you want it to look.
4. Decide if you want to remove graininess from the entire image, or just part of the photo. If you want to change only part of it, use a selection tool such as the "Marquee" or "Lasso" tool found on the toolbars of SAI, GIMP and Photoshop, to select the area that you want to change. In GIMP, the "Lasso" tool is called the "Free Select" tool. Skip this step if you want to reduce graininess in the entire image.
5. In Photoshop click on "Filter," go to "Noise" and select "Reduce Noise." Set "Strength" to "8," "Preserve Details" to "20 percent," "Reduce Color Noise" to "82 percent" and "Sharpen Details" to "9 percent." Click "OK." In GIMP, click on the "Filters" tool, point to "Enhance" and click "Despeckle." Click "OK." SAI does not have this feature.
Tags: does have, GIMP click, area that, area that want, click Crop
Choosing the right camera for you can be a tricky decision to make.
Choosing your first professional camera can be a scary experience. You will be faced with a number of difficult decisions, and there are many cameras and hundreds of lenses on the market. By following a few simple steps and taking some important factors into consideration, finding the right camera at the right price can be easier than you might think.
Instructions
1. Set yourself a budget. Many professional cameras can be expensive. Before you start looking for your camera, it is a good idea for you to decide how much you are willing to spend the shop within your budget.
2. Decide how you'll use your camera. Each camera has different specifications that can affect the outcome of your images; some can improve the detail others can add a more grainy effect. If this will be your first professional camera, look for a basic one that can produce simple, good-quality images.
3. Decide whether you want to work with film or digital. Digital (DSLR) cameras are more expensive, but one of the advantages is that you can view your images to see if you are happy with them. You also don't have to buy film for digital cameras. However, many professional photographers like to work in film, and although the film can be expensive, you might find the process worthwhile. It is a personal choice.
4. Look for deals. When buying a professional camera, there are often many deals where you get a lens with the basic camera body. Don't forget you will need a lens for your professional camera to work, so look for a package with one included as this can save you money in the long run.
5. Don't forget that a professional camera is a major investment. It may cost you a lot of money but the aim is for it to last you a couple of years. So when choosing a professional camera, try to choose one that won't become outdated within a year. It may cost a little more, but this can increase your camera life.
Tags: professional camera, your camera, film digital, first professional, first professional camera, professional camera, right camera
With a 15 megapixel sensor, Canon's 50D prosumer level SLR is the perfect camera for photographers looking to get more professional results with their photography. The 50D shoots 6.5 frames per second and its LCD screen can be used for live view shooting. Additionally, its convenient dual jog wheel controls make changing shutter and aperture settings on the fly easy. The 50D is ruggedly built, and many common problems can be fixed at home before sending the camera for service.
Instructions
Error codes
1. Check for error code messages on the top LCD screen and follow the suggestions for each in the manual.
2. Remove the lens from the camera and clean the contacts on the lens and camera body with isopropyl alcohol, then reattach the lens.
3. Remove the BP511A battery from the compartment and put it back in, then turn on the camera.
4. Check the battery charger to make sure it is getting power and the light turns a blinking red to indicate the battery is charging.
5. Replace the battery with a new one if the charging light is blinking but the battery doesn't seem to hold a charge and dies quickly.
6. Check that the battery door is properly closed and that the memory card door is closed if the camera doesn't power on.
7. Clean the lens glass and the camera sensor if your images have spots in them.
8. Format the memory card before shooting to avoid slowdowns during shooting or problems saving images. Formatting deletes any prior data on the card, so make sure to download images before formatting.
9. Turn off the Auto Power Off option in the camera settings menu if the camera is turning itself off before you are ready to shoot.
10. Check that the memory card is properly seated inside the compartment if you cannot record images. Check that the pins inside the compartment are not bent if the card seems difficult to insert; take the camera in for service if the pins are bent.
11. Turn the auto focus mode on the lens to AF instead of MF if the camera does not seem to auto focus or objects are blurry; turn the IS switch (Image Stabilizer) on the lens to "on" if the lens has IS.
12. Clean the LCD screen if images appear dirty or blurry when displayed; the LCD's operation can also be affected by heat and cold, so take the camera inside and let it rest and then check the images.
Tags: Check that, memory card, auto focus, camera service, inside compartment
Instant cameras, such as Polaroids, use instant film and require exposure to a light source. Instant cameras can also include a flash or light bulb that flips up from a compartment before a picture is taken. Before a picture can be taken with an instant camera, instant film must be insert into the camera. For the majority of instant cameras, you must insert the film into the back of the camera and slide it into the appropriate slot. This process is also very similar to inserting printer paper into a printer. To take the picture you must look through a view finder to see how you want to frame your picture. The picture is taken by pressing a small button on the top or side of the camera that will either activate the flash or instantly take the picture. The film will then release itself from the top of the camera. You then must wait for the picture to develop. This process could take from 20 seconds to twenty-four hours. Despite popular belief, the picture should not be shaken. Doing this can result in the colors bleeding in the picture.
Mechanisms
After the film is exposed when a picture is taken, the film passes between two stainless steel rollers. A chemical in the film is then broken and smoothed over evenly. The picture is slowly ejected out from an ejection pod to make the picture slowly comes out of the camera. The picture should never be pulled out until the frame has been completely ejected. The user then must slightly tug the edge out of the ejector pod. Instant cameras produced after the 1970s included electronic exposure control and automatic focusing systems. For example, such models as the SX-70 use a high-frequency sound emitter. This is used by an electronic circuit measuring the time that is required for a sound to be reflected back from the object being photographed. The time measurement from this is then converted into a distance measurement that properly focuses the lens for the best possible exposure.
Instant Film
According to Edinformatics, Polaroid instant negative film can only develop properly between temperatures of 55°F and 95°F. These packs of instant film that were sold were typically refrigerated to maximize the shelf life of the film. Instant film is manufactured different than normal photographs, which are rectangular. Instant film was manufactured as a square, with the exposure chemical locked into the film by use of a white frame that borders the photograph. The instant film was manufactured as integral film, pack film, four-by-five sheet film, and eight-by-10 sheet film. Since 2008, Polaroid film is no longer manufactured, and the use of instant camera has been replaced with use of digital cameras.
Tags: picture taken, film manufactured, Instant cameras, Instant Camera, instant camera, instant film, Instant film manufactured
GPS tracking devices come in all shapes and are available for a variety of essential tracking functions. While the particular asset or entity is being tracked, it is important that the GPS device be able to change networks easily.
Better Points
GPS trackers provide users location points based on the readings of satellites. If the asset or entity that is being tracked by these satellites tends to travel over great distances, the ability to switch satellite networks during this action is very imperative. A particular network will have a single satellite, or series of satellites working together, to provide the best possible location points of the tracked target. Better location points can be achieved by switching networks if the global position of the target changes drastically.
Location Assist
While tracking a particular entity or asset through a cellular network can usually yield results far less accurate than with a satellite, a device that has the ability to switch to a cellular network while being tracked is a comforting feature. For example, if you happen to be tracking a particular vehicle that has entered a very rural area, the best network signal a device may offer is from nearby cellular towers.
Battery Improvement
If the GPS device needs to change networks at any time, this could also save battery life. A device that struggles to communicate with the intended satellite or satellites for global positioning will waste battery life. The sooner a device is able to switch networks and more easily communicate data, the longer the battery will last.
Use a tripod or mono-pod when shooting with a 500mm lens.
For many photographers attaching a lens to a camera is all they need to do to start shooting. However when you start using super-telephotos lenses like the Canon 500mm f4.0 and the Canon 50D digital single lens reflex camera (DSLR) there are some further adjustments you need to make to set up the system. When set up properly the Canon 50D and 500mm f4.0 telephoto lens is a powerful combination that can be used for a number of photographic applications.
Instructions
1. Attach the Canon 50D to the Canon 500mm f4.0 lens by lining up the red dots on the cameras mounting ring and the dot on the outside of the lens barrel. Rotate the camera until it locks into place. Normally you would attach the lens to the camera, however with the size and weight of the 500mm lens, you attach the camera to the lens.
2. Attach the lens to a tripod or mono-pod. While the lens has Canon's Image Stabilization program built into it, this is a big heavy and expensive lens and you will need to use a sturdy tripod or monopod to support it.
3. Turn the "Auto Focus" switch to "AF" in this mode the lens will still accept manual inputs from the photographer.
4. Turn the Image Stabilization feature to "On" by sliding the "Image Stabilization On/Off" switch located on the lens barrel. Turn the "Stabilizer Mode" to match your shooting needs. Mode "1" is for subjects that are not moving. Mode "2" is for subjects where there is some movement. Mode "3" is for subjects that require panning: where you follow the subject with the lens.
5. Set the "Focus Preset" to "(I)" which turns on the focus preset but does not provide a sound warning, adjusting the switch to "(II)" will turn the system on and provide an audible sound when activated.
6. Loosen the knob on the side of the lens to allow you to rotate the lens from vertical to horizontal. You can adjust the knob to provide a little bit of resistance when turning, lock the lens in place, or let it slide completely loose.
7. Turn the Canon 50D on and set the exposure mode to "Tv" which is Canon's designation for "Shutter priority" and rotate the "Main dial" just behind the shutter release and set the shutter speed to 1/250th of a second or higher.
8. Press the "AF-DRIVE" button and rotate the "Main dial" and select "AI Servo" this will place the camera and lens into Canon's "Predictive" focus mode which is used when you are photographing moving objects. If you subject is stationary you can select "One shot" mode that will lock in the lens focus when the shutter release is pressed halfway.
9. Position your eye to the viewfinder, compose the image and press the "Shutter release" button to take the picture.
Prevent water damage on a digital camera with rice.
Nothing is worse for digital cameras than liquid, namely water. Once water touches a digital camera you only have a short amount of time to prevent the water from completely destroying the digital camera. Water that is allowed to infiltrate the camera while it is on can cause the digital camera to short circuit. There isn't a thing you can do about this except purchase a new digital camera. However, if the digital camera is turned off in time it is possible to repair the water damage.
Instructions
1. Turn off the digital camera as soon as you realize the camera is wet.
2. Remove the battery and the memory card from the camera. The memory card is typically housed in the same chamber. Open the housing chamber and turn the camera upside down. The battery should fall right out. If not, push the battery down to unlock it, then slide the battery out. Push down on the memory card to unlock it. It should pop up like a click pen. Slide the memory card out of the camera. Close the housing chamber lid.
3. Bury the camera in a bag of rice and let it sit for a day. The camera should be completely covered. The rice naturally draws out the moisture in the camera. Make sure the housing chamber lid is closed. You do not want rice sticking in the chamber and clogging the memory card slot.
4. Take the camera out of the rice and open the battery and memory card chamber. Let the camera sit in the sun for another day or two.
5. Place a fan near the digital camera and turn the fan on to whatever setting you'd like. Let the fan blow air directly into the open part of the camera. This promotes air flow through the camera and speeds up the drying process.
6. Replace the battery and memory card in the camera after a few days.
Tags: digital camera, memory card, battery memory, battery memory card, housing chamber, camera rice, card camera
Fiber-optic cameras can be very small and an ideal way to gather information.
Private detectives, law enforcement agents and other investigators sometimes use small fiber-optic cameras to gain audio-visual footage of suspected persons. Many times when gathering evidence, fiber-optic cameras can be undetectable due to their ability to be placed in small, confined areas without being seen. Knowing about the smallest fiber-optic cameras available on the market can help determine the best tool for your investigation.
Mini Snake Camera
The Mini Snake Camera is thin and flexible and features a 3.7mm pinhole lens, a 1/4-inch color charge-coupled device and a .01 area of illumination. The camera is ideal for private investigators as it is controlled by fiber optics and has the ability to see around corners, under doors, inside drain pipes and in other limited areas.
After you have recorded with this camera, you have the ability to hear precise dialogue in the immediate area, as it is also equipped with a built-in microphone. The high-resolution lens allows investigators to receive a crystal-clear video of their surveillance and easily adapt the camera to record real-time events.
Flexible Fiber Camera
The flexible fibercCamera is sold as a kit that contains a 3 1/3mm fiber optic cable, a true color charge-coupled device and an automatic electrical iris with a view of 1/60 to approximately 1/10,000th sensitivity. This fiber-optic camera is powered by a 12-volt battery and allows viewers to be able to utilize a fully adjustable focus that ranges from 0.5 inches to infinity.
This camera is typically used with a micro video Walkman, which is ideal for private investigation jobs. The Flexible Fiber Camera can also be hooked up to different televisions and video cameras, as it is also equipped with 330 cable lines. This fiber camera is small enough to fit under doors and in hard to reach places and remain invisible to suspected parties.
Fiber-Optic Inspection Scopes
The fiber-optic inspection scope can be purchased with a variety of cord lengths. Perfect for looking under doors, in locked rooms or in drainpipes, the cord lengths can be 3.3 feet, 6.7 feet or 10 feet long. In order to record with this scope, investigators can purchase an adapter to record to a video camera or other viewing device.
The fiber-optic inspection scope can typically see what the naked eye can; however, during night investigations an attachment can also be purchased to allow the scope to see and record in total darkness. The eyepiece of the scope contains a lens that is 2mm in diameter that is attached to a flexible fiber-optic bundle.
Tags: fiber-optic cameras, under doors, also equipped, also equipped with, charge-coupled device, color charge-coupled
The battery in your cell phone may not seem dangerous, but it can actually pose several hazards. Most cell phone batteries are Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries. These small batteries contain large quantities of energy in a small package. There have been news reports linking cell phone batteries to fires, but more likely risks include overheating, burns and bacteria.
Overheating
Cell phone batteries can overheat. In some cases, overheated batteries can explode. Exploding batteries send hot fragments out of the phone. These fragments can spark a fire. In 2004, overheated batteries caused several fires. In most cases, the batteries were defective or counterfeit. The danger of overheating is greatly reduced by using a legitimate battery for your cell phone.
Burns
Cell phone batteries can also cause burns. In the case of overheated batteries, users can receive second-degree burns. A teenager received second-degree burns on his ear after his cell phone battery overheated. Other users have been burned when batteries overheated while the phone was stored in a pocket.
Bacteria
Cell phone batteries can harbor dangerous bacteria. These bacteria only survive in this particular environment. They can infect humans and even lead to death. The bacteria living in your cell phone battery don't pose a daily threat, but they can be dangerous if you have a weakened immune system. Strains of drug-resistant methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, also known as MRSA, have been found in cell phone batteries. Most cell phones contain at least one type of bacteria. Wiping down your phone can reduce your risk of infection.
Electrical Problems
Lithium-ion batteries are fragile. Dropping your phone can lead to dangerous damage to the phone's circuitry. Putting the phone in close contact with water can also short-circuit the battery. In addition, putting the battery near metal objects such as keys or coins can disrupt the circuitry.
Preventing Danger
If you take care of your cell phone, the risks posed by the battery are minimal. Following a few simple rules will further reduce the risks. Do not drop the phone. If you do drop your phone, have it checked for damage by your provider. Avoid letting the battery come into contact with water. If the phone comes into contact with water, replace it and the battery immediately. Keep the battery away from metal objects. Use only legitimate batteries designed for your model of phone.
Tags: phone batteries, your cell, your cell phone, contact with, contact with water, have been, overheated batteries
The cellphone allows you to talk while conducting other tasks.
Cellphone technology first got underway in 1843, when an analytical chemist named Michael Faraday began researching space to see if it could conduct electricity. Flash forward to 2011, and the cellphone has become a part of our daily lives. Much more than just a phone, the cellphone continues to revolutionize the way we communicate with each other.
Super Communication
The cellphone's main purpose is to keep people connected, regardless of the distance that separates them. Cellphones, much like traditional phones, allow you to place and receive calls. Unlike traditional phones--such as payphones or landlines--the cellphone is mobile, allowing you to place a call while on the move as long as you have battery life. Once the cellphone battery dies, the device needs to be recharged. Charges can be plugged into any outlet and are portable as well. Antennas, transmitters and receivers have been mounted around the world to create a cellular network, allowing cellphones to operate. These are often referred to as cell towers.
More Than Talk
Call-waiting, built-in answering machines and three-way calling where some of the added features traditional phones offered. Cellphones have so many added features that they can hardly be called phones anymore. For example, many modern cellphones can be equipped with the Internet, allowing users to browse the web or check their email accounts on the go. Cameras have been built-in to cellphones, allowing users to capture memories and send them to friends. Video game enthusiasts can enjoy gaming on a cellphone. Cellphones have altered the way we communicate, with many users sending text messages instead of placing calls. Text messaging is ideal when you need to send a quick piece of information. However, these added features are determined by the type of cellphone you purchase, and the type of plan you establish with the cellphone company. Make sure to read your contract carefully, before signing up for a cellphone plan.
Safety
The cellphone allows anyone in an emergency to contact the help they desire immediately. Those who travel long distances should always have a fully charged cellphone on hand, in case of emergency. In Singapore, a cellphone developer has created the EPI Life mobile phone, which has the ability to take your pulse and summon an ambulance for you if need be. A built-in receptor checks the pulse when you apply finger pressure to it. The results are then sent to a medical call center which operates 24 hours per day. The EPI Life has an estimated starting price of $700, as of 2011.
Contacts
The cellphone acts as a library for all of your most important contacts. Gone are the days of writing down the phone numbers of everyone you know on a sheet of paper. These numbers can now be stored within the cellphone and added to a contact list. Stored numbers can be deleted or altered in seconds. The contact list--which you create--includes the names and numbers of those you know. However, if the cellphone is lost or damaged, those contacts cannot be retrieved. Having contact information stored elsewhere may still be a good idea after all.
Tags: added features, allowing users, cellphone allows, Cellphones have, communicate with, have been
Since the late 1940s, people have been intrigued with small, inexpensive cameras. The ability to take snapshots of everyday life ended the era when photography studios and newspaper photojournalists were the only ones with cameras. With the invention of the disposable camera, photography became even more accessible to common people, not simply those who could afford expensive cameras.
History
According to the encyclopedia section of the Seattle-based reference website AbsoluteAstronomy.com, the first single-use film camera without a film transport mechanism was created by A.D. Weir, a mechanical engineer, in 1949. The camera was called the Photo-Pac and retailed for $1.29.
Size
The cardboard Photo-Pac camera was larger than the compact palm-sized disposable cameras made popular by Kodak and Fuji in the mid-1980s. Similar to the size of a brick, the Photo-Pac disposable film camera was pre-loaded with enough film to expose eight frames. Once used, the entire camera was mailed for processing. Prints and negatives would then be returned to the customer by mail.
Time Frame
Kodak developed The Fling camera in the 1980s. This disposable camera used 110 size film. Later, the FunSaver line was introduced with the popular 35mm size film. During that same time period, Fuji developed the QuickSnap line of disposable cameras, which also used 35mm film.
Benefits
The disposable camera option made photography more readily available for the masses. The portability and low cost camera option allowed the industry to grow and expand the features of disposable cameras.
Features
Simple point and shoot operation was the key selling point for the first disposable cameras. A fixed focal length lens, and hands free focusing, made the portable lightweight camera enticing. Later developments such as built-in flashes, waterproof housings and the ability to zoom were added. In the early 2000s, disposable digital cameras were introduced. By paying a fee up front when purchasing the camera, the camera user could return the camera to specially designated photo labs to receive their final images on a CD.
Tags: disposable cameras, camera option, disposable camera, film camera, size film
computer equipment can be a challenge, particularly for a casual user, as opposed to a professional. There is the issue of ensuring that your personal information has been removed (and cannot be recovered) as well as prepping the computer to be its most presentable. Finally, an advertisement, one that lists the computer's specifications, needs to be created and made public to attract a buyer's attention. For the purposes of this article, a Microsoft Windows-based computer will be used as an example.
Instructions
Selling a used computer
1. Set the computer up, power the system up and enter Setup. When you reach the setup screen, record the size and model number of the hard drive, amount of RAM, along with the CPU (or processor) speed and type. All of this information will be visible in Setup, even though you may have to poke around a bit. While in Setup, set the CDROM to be the primary boot device.
2. Insert the Windows Installation CD into the CDROM drive. Exit Setup (usually by pressing the F10 key to save and exit, but there will be a menu choice that will allow you to save and exit Setup). The system will now reboot. When the system boots back up you will be at the Windows installation screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to completely reinstall Windows. Check to verify that your information is no longer available.
Please note, different versions of Windows have variations in the steps that need to be taken.
3. Clean the computer, keyboard, mouse, and monitor thoroughly using household cleaners. When you are finished, take a few pictures of the system, with Microsoft Windows running on the monitor.
4. Create an advertisement using the computer specifications you collected earlier. If you have any manuals, make sure this information is included, as well as mentioning that the system has just had a "fresh installation" of Microsoft Windows completed.
5. Select the selling medium you wish to use. Sites such as eBay and Craigslist will usually provide you with the ability to sell and ship the system after being paid and without having to allow a stranger into your home, if that is a concern.
Local newspapers as well as online forums/classified ad sites are also a possibility. However, this will usually lead to one or more people visiting your house and you take the risk of running into an unscrupulous buyer.
Tags: computer specifications, Microsoft Windows, save exit, Selling used, Selling used computer, that your, this information
Camera filters are an excellent way to make good photography great.
Camera filters are an excellent way to obtain more flexibility with, among other things, the color and exposure of your images. Using a neutral density filter is especially useful because such filters affect the quantity of light without changing the quality or color.
Function
Neutral density, or ND, filters reduce the amount of light passing through the lens of your camera, exposing your film or digital sensor. In photography, you change the ISO (the sensitivity of your film or digital sensor), the shutter speed (the length of the exposure in time, generally measured in seconds or fractions of seconds) or the aperture (how large the lens opening is) to control your exposure. A neutral density filter gives you more control over your exposure by allowing you to decrease the amount of light reaching your film or sensor.
Identification
A neutral density filter is a circular, gray piece of glass or gelatin that screws into the end of a camera lens. The darker the gray of the filter, the less light that comes through the lens to reach the film plane, which is the location of your film or digital sensor.
Uses
Use a slow shutter speed with a neutral density filter on a bright day to achieve a look of motion in a photograph.
Neutral density filters "offer an alternative method of controlling exposure when the conventional aperture and shutter controls are inadequate," according to the book "Basic Photographic Materials and Processes: Second Edition," by Leslie Stroebel, John Compton, Ira Current and Richard Zakia. For example, a neutral density filter is perfect on sunny days when you want to isolate your subject with a shallow depth of field using a wide aperture. You also can use neutral density filters with a faster shutter speed on a bright day to obtain a blurred effect in your images.
Density Gradings
There are two systems used to measure light reduction by a neutral density filter. The first system measures the physical density of the filter in millimeters to express the amount of reduced light hitting the film plane. The second system uses mathematical notations. Which system is used depends on the filter manufacturer.
Considerations
Avoid using a neutral density filter for a scene that is not consistently lit; for example, while framing your image at a shadowy area on a bright day. While everything in direct sunlight would be exposed correctly, you likely would lose detail in the shady areas.
Tags: neutral density, neutral density filter, density filter, your film, density filter, density filters
Though the iPhone can accept many different file formats, some video formats are not compatible with the device. For example, you may want to watch a DVD on your iPhone that you have made with iMovie (especially if you want to show your home movies to friends or relatives). Using iTunes, you can easily convert your DVD to an accepted format, and then add it to your iPhone.
Instructions
1. Turn on your computer and open the iTunes application.
2. Upload the DVD to your iTunes music library. iTunes may automatically ask you if you want to add it. Click on "Yes" if this is the case.
3. Attach the ends of a USB cable to your iPhone and computer. Remember to use one of the computer's ports and not the keyboard port.
4. Place the iPhone in the dock in order to begin syncing.
5. Try to sync the DVD directly to your iPhone by following the syncing instructions on your computer screen. It may transfer without you needing to convert it.
6. Convert a DVD or other video that is in a non-readable format by using the iTunes program. You will see a message saying the specified video cannot play on iPhone.
7. Click on the item to be converted in your iTunes library, in order to highlight it.
8. Go to "Advanced" from the main menu bar in iTunes.
9. Choose the option labeled "Convert Selection for iPod."
10. Wait for the conversion process to take place. You will received a message when it is finished. The converted file can be found in its new format in your iTunes library.
11. Re-sync your computer and iPhone. The converted DVD should now transfer to your iPhone without a problem.
Tags: your iPhone, your computer, your iTunes, iTunes library, your iTunes library
An optical encoder, or digital encoder, is an electro-mechanical device that converts the movement of mechanical parts into digital signals. Rotary encoders are the most common, and they are used in multiple domains that require position measurements. Even though optical encoders are generally accurate, because they are sensitive devices they may lose their accuracy in certain environments.
Operation
An optical encoder consists of a disk fitted on a rotating shaft. The disk has opaque and transparent sectors, and a light source focuses on the disk. When the disc rotates, the light passes through these sectors, creating a pattern that is read by a sensor on the opposite side of the light source. The sensor then decodes the resulting pattern, translating the mechanical movement into digital signals.
Types
Rotary optical encoders come in two main types: absolute encoders and incremental encoders. They are constructed largely in the same way; the main difference between them centers on the disk and the way its movement is interpreted.
Incremental Encoders
Incremental encoders, also called relative encoders, feature a disk that has transparent and opaque sections that are equally distributed. Incremental encoders measure the movement by counting the number of alternations of transparent and opaque sectors that pass in front of the sensor. They are not as accurate as absolute encoders, as a simple misreading error or interference can cause a miscount and render a wrong result.
Absolute Encoders
Absolute encoders use a disk that has a unique pattern. The rotation of the disk translates into a code, named the gray code, that is similar to binary code. These encoders are the most accurate, and because they calculate the result based on a combination of physical disk reading and code interpretation, the result will be accurate even in the event of some small interferences.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Initially optical encoders used a glass disk, which can be quite sensitive especially at high rotations, but plastic or steel disks are now available, making optical encoders more reliable.
Since they incorporate electronic components, they can be subject to magnetic or radio interferences. Another disadvantage is that, in some cases, external environmental conditions such as direct light sources can also interfere with the results.
Tags: optical encoders, absolute encoders, accurate because, accurate because they, because they, digital signals, disk that