The Ricoh AF-40 is a film camera that is no longer manufactured. Although it is not an SLR camera, the Rioch AF-40 can be adjusted to successfully use a variety of film speeds. It runs on AA alkaline batteries.
Lens
The Ricoh AF-40 has a 38mm F2.8 lens, with a filter diameter of 46mm. The low aperture allows for low-light photography with high-speed film (ISO 800) without graininess or blurring and without the need for a flash.
Film
The Ricoh AF-40 can take film from ISO 100 to ISO 1000 for high-speed photography. The film-speed selector on top of the camera needs to be adjusted according to the type of film being used; this is not an automatic function. The camera has an auto-loading system for film.
Flash
The built-in flash can be enabled and disabled by turning the flash unit switch on top of the camera. There is a seven-second delay between flashes.
Battery Life
With two new batteries, the Ricoh AF-40 can take up to 70 rolls of film (36 exposures without flash) and up to seven rolls of 36-exposure film with continuous flash usage.
The whiteboard feature on the Casio Exilim 10.1 megapixel camera is a great feature for taking pictures of flat surfaces at odd angles. You won't always be able to be directly in front of a poster or chart to get a perfect shot, but with the whiteboard feature selected, you will have a clear and centered picture every time.
Instructions
1. Turn on the camera, and press the BS button just below the radial menu button on the back.
2. Go left to Best Shot mode number 37, whiteboard mode, with the radial menu button. Then press the set button.
3. You are now in the whiteboard mode. You can tell by the BS icon on the top of the screen.
4. Line up your shot of the desired flat surface. In this mode, you can be off at an angle, but the shot does have to be kind of centered and must be clear of obstruction.
5. Click on the top button to take the shot.
6. Preview the picture on the screen. Press left or right to cycle through the "boxes" that frame the photo. When you select the correct box that frames the desired object, press the set button. If the boxes don't frame the whole object or surface, then delete and try the shot again.
Tags: press button, Casio Exilim, menu button, radial menu, radial menu button, whiteboard mode
Zeiss Jena binoculars are older style optics, produced by the company between 1894 and 1991. These binoculars use ground glass lenses, adjustment focus-dials, and are 10x50 magnification. The fixtures, the optic barrels, house the lenses and eyepieces and are attached via the forward and back binocular plates. If a fixture is loose, use two methods of securing them in place. If your lenses are out of alignment or damaged, send the Jena binoculars to Zeiss as it is not recommended you fix the lenses themselves.
Instructions
1. Push the fixture in need of repair with your finger. Look at the movement of the ficus circles surrounding the eyepiece fixture for movement or looseness.
2. Fill a small and disposable eye dropper with clear, liquid super-epoxy. Open two small C-clamps -- use hobby C-clamps found at hobby shops -- and set them next to the binoculars.
3. Insert a very small amount of the epoxy on the fixture at the loose point. Quickly wipe away any excess with a cotton swab. Prevent drips or running of the epoxy down the fixture or barrel.
4. Attach the C-clamps around the fixture once glued. Let the epoxy cure. Different epoxies have different times for curing; consult your bottle to ensure adequate drying-curing time is allotted.
5. Tighten the center screws in the front of the binoculars. This is the screw that controls the closeness of the two chambers.
6. Remove the C-clamps after curing. Push the fixture to test the hold.
Subwoofers, a component of home theater systems, replicate the lowest bass frequencies on a soundtrack. Although subwoofers are add-ons and a home theater system will function without them, a subwoofer helps provide accurate reproduction of movie soundtracks. If you want ground rumbling special effects, a subwoofer is a must.
Function
Subwoofers are basically speakers dedicated solely to the lowest frequency sound. They are particularly useful in home theater applications because many soundtracks include low frequency effects, such as explosions, that a regular set of speakers cannot accurately reproduce. Many soundtracks actually have a dedicated LFE (low frequency effects) channel recorded in, so you will not get the full effect of the soundtrack without a subwoofer. The .1 in home theater soundtracks like 5.1 represents the LFE channel.
Types
There are two basic types of subwoofers: powered and passive. A powered subwoofer relies on a built-in amp to provide the increased power necessary to produce low frequency sound waves. These subwoofers require their own separate electrical power supply to operate.
Passive subwoofers function more like traditional speakers, using power and amplification from the amplifier or receiver.
For most common home theater applications a powered subwoofer is preferable because most receivers do not have the power output to effectively drive a passive sub.
Effects
Like most audio equipment, subwoofers come in a variety of sizes and price ranges. They are classified largely by power output, an indicator of how loud and effective they are. The power necessary depends on the size of the room that your home theater is located in and how much bass you want. Audition subwoofers at local shops and get a feel for what you're looking for.
Significance
Subwoofers are particularly important in home theater systems that rely on a series of small surround speakers. Smaller speakers are incapable of producing deep, quality bass and therefore rely on the use of a subwoofer. An example is the cube speaker systems designed by Bose that uses an array of tiny cube speakers and a subwoofer.
Geography
Low frequency sound is not directional the way higher frequencies are. Therefore, subwoofers are very versatile as far as placement. While it is common to place the subwoofer in front of the system next to one of the speakers, you could also place it on the side or in the rear and get largely the same effect. Experiment with different positions to find the one that is most favorable to you.
Considerations
Most receivers allow you to make adjustments to the crossover (frequency where the subwoofer takes over bass reproduction from the speakers). This is particularly useful when using small speakers with limited woofers. You may need to turn the subwoofer "On" using your receiver. Many receivers utilize a simple adjustment that allows you to designate your surround speakers as "large" or "small." When you choose "small," the receiver diverts all low frequency directly to the sub. Experiment with settings to find the best balance.
Tags: home theater, frequency sound, Experiment with, frequency effects, home theater applications, home theater systems
8mm film is a commonly utilized film in tradition motion picture cameras. This film, just like many traditional cameras, requires a developing process to finalize the film so that it is ready to be placed in a projector. Developing the film is a chemical process that makes the film no long sensitive to light (which seals the already exposed image onto the film). Processing 8mm film is a great way to save money on processing and have complete control over the final product.
Instructions
1. Mix the development chemicals. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing.
2. Turn out the lights. Make sure that the room is completely dark, with no light cracks, as the smallest amount of light can ruin the film.
3. Hold the film cartridge on its side, at a slight angle, against a sturdy surface. Strike the top of the cartridge with the hammer to crack it. Pry open the cracked cartridge to reveal the film.
4. Gather the entirety of the film and put all of it into the development tank and seal it.
5. Follow the chemical manufacturer's specifications for the processing and development time.
6. After the final rinse, specified in the manufacturer's processing instructions, hang the entire film on a shower rod. Use the blow dryer to gently blow-dry the entire film.
When beginning any camcorder repairs, first start with finding out and researching the specific brand and model that you own. This will help you recognize any differences involved in opening the device and/or identifying any problems you may have. Many websites are available that either have pictures of the various available models, and/or downloadable manuals to help you with your device.
How Your Camcorder Works
To understand and diagnose problems with your camera, you need to know what is going on inside your machine. To get the picture, the camera captures the light beams through a lens that reads the light and sends it to the camera via digital processing. The camera processes this light as a series of "1"s and "0"s that represents each individual colored pixel that makes up the image. The more pixels your camera records, the better the image you can capture. The camera then puts the image together to be capture onto the tape via tape heads. Tape heads are the only thing that can be cleaned and repaired at home.
General Maintenance
Some stores will carry a tape that cleans your heads, but using a cotton swab and alcohol is the best and most effective means. Reading your manual or looking up online manuals to open up the camera may be necessary. Once you have opened up your device, identifying the heads is your next step. In most cases, the heads are cylindrical metal parts that resemble a spool. You will see them just above where the tape touches the inside of the camera. After locating the heads, carefully rub a cotton swab with a little alcohol over the entire head. Do not ever use a swab that is dripping wet because this can damage the inside mechanics of your recorder. When you use a wet swab, follow immediately with a dry one. You should soon see a brighter color coming through on the surface of the heads. If you see brown residue, you may have to repeat this step a few times. If this still does not help, there is certainly nothing wrong with using store-bought cleaner tapes to finish the job. The alcohol should have loosened it up enough to make the tapes more effective.
Problems that Require Professional Service
One common problem in all analog recording devices would be a stuck tape. If the tape will not eject or eject fully, there really is no practical way to get it free. Attempting to do so will more then likely prove to do more harm then good to the recording medium, and to the camcorder itself. If you are sure the device has the proper power and is turned on, but the tape will not eject, sending it to the shop to be disassembled is the best option.
If your camcorder is having trouble focusing, or if the picture deteriorates, you may find replacing the lens to be the easiest fix. Diagnosing this problem may too be left in the hands of a professional technician as it is difficult to detect. The viewfinder on your camera can also be a virtually impossible problem to recognize and repair at home. In some cases, the viewfinder will show a picture during recording, but then fail when playback mode is selected. This is almost certainly an internal problem with your device. Due to the fact that it is a digital display, only trained individuals will be able to properly handle such issues. If your playback function has little to no sound and/or the picture is fuzzy or difficult to view, you may need to replace those heads, which is best done by a professional technician.
Tags: with your, your camera, your device, cotton swab, device identifying, professional technician
Detailed close-up shots can be taken with a DIY macro lens.
There are many possible ways to create a macro lens for your camera. The trick is to find the right combination of lenses in order to create one super macro lens. The created lens works best when a medium focal-length lens is attached to the camera and a fast secondary lens is held at the end of the primary lens. You will have to experiment with the lenses that you already own to see which combination works best for your camera.
Instructions
1. Attach an18 to 55 mm lens to your camera, as usual. To eliminate creating a photograph with a vignette, you will need to zoom this lens to 55 mm.
2. Turn on the camera and switch the setting to manual focus. Dial in compatible shutter speed and aperture settings and a positive exposure compensation.
3. Invert the secondary lens so that the side that usually connects to the camera is facing outward. You will have to hold this lens steadily in place while you take photographs. Because there will be an incredibly small depth of field, any movement will create the possibility of throwing off the picture completely. To focus your shots, you will have to press the shutter button halfway down and move the camera closer and further away until the subject in the frame is fully focused.
4. Place the ISO at a setting of about 800 so that you will be able to use a somewhat quicker shutter speed. You should then be able to set your shutter speed at 1/100 or higher.
5. Use a tripod to gain more stability and to decrease any chance of blur while taking your shots. While a tripod can help, holding the secondary lens in place while setting up your shots can become tiring to some people. It is more of a personal preference of how you want to set up your shot.
6. Start shooting and experiment with the settings on your camera until you find the one that works best for the lighting you are in and the subject you are shooting.
Tags: your camera, macro lens, secondary lens, shutter speed, will have, works best, your shots
Flash drives are considered the best personal storage devices, as they are portable, fast and durable. Flash drives offer storage capacity ranging from 32 MB to 2 GB. They are Mac and PC compatible and can hold most types of data. Flash drives are also called pen drives, ThumbDrives, USB drives and key drives. Here's choose a flash drive.
Instructions
1. Assess your storage needs. Flash drives offer 32 MB to 2 GB of storage space. The most commonly used flash drives are 512 MB and 1 GB. The 2 GB flash drives can store up to 9 hours of music or 3 hours of video/DVD content.
2. Get the USB 2.0 interface that is backward compatible, as it fits most computers.
3. Get information about makers and vendors of flash drives. Kingston, Transcend, Memorex, Verbatim, LG, Scandisk Cruzer, Sony, Lexar and Iomega are among the popular and reliable names.
4. Explore the main features before choosing a model from a particular brand. It should have a built-in security lock and password protection features.
5. Choose a design and style that allows sufficient portability and comfort when traveling.
6. Plan your budget for purchasing a flash drive. Remember that flash drives, both new and used, are priced differently.
7. Check the warranty. Some flash drives come with up to 5 years of warranty. The best brands usually offer a lifetime warranty.
Copy cassettes to CDs before the tape becomes too brittle.
Tape decks in cars are becoming a thing of the past, while cassette tapes themselves begin to lose audio quality and wear out over time, increasing the risk of snagging inside the machine while playing. If you have a lot of musical memories on cassette and want to enjoy more life from them, transferring the analog signals on tape to a CD is one answer. Use a computer with a sound card and CD burner for the transfer and an amplifier to boost the tape deck's signal for recording to the PC.
Instructions
1. Connect one set of audio cables from the tape deck's Line Out or Playback jacks to a set of audio input jacks on the amplifier.
2. Hook up the second set of cables from the Line Out jacks on the amplifier, such as the Tape Monitor jacks, to the Line In jacks on the sound card on the back of the computer tower.
3. Open the audio-recording software on the computer by double clicking the program name.
4. Load an audio cassette in the tape deck and cue the tape to the desired position, then press "Play."
5. Click the "Record" button on the computer software to capture the audio-tape analog signal and convert it into a digital format. Click "Stop" when finished.
6. Click the "File" tab and select "Save As" to save the new recording as a .WAV file, which is a suitable format for burning to CD. Click "Save" again to store the file on the computer.
7. Load a blank CD in the computer's media tray, then open the software that manages the CD burner, such as Windows Media Player or iTunes on a Mac.
8. Click the "Burn" tab and select "Library" on Windows Media Player to open a folder containing audio files on the computer, then select the files for burning to a CD by clicking and holding the mouse button on each file. Drag the file to the Burn list and release the mouse button. In iTunes, click "New Playlist" and select "Import Files" to select audio files for burning to CD.
9. Click the "Start Burn" button at the bottom of the software screen to record the CD.
Cleaning CDs is a simple process that can be done with common household items. You don't need to be an expert to do it properly if you keep some simple pointers in mind.
Benefits
It is beneficial to clean your CDs regularly because keeping them clean will prevent problems such as read errors. A dirty CD can eventually stop working completely, but if you stick to a regular cleaning schedule you can prevent this issue. Even if you don't clean your CDs regularly, you may need to do so if you spill something onto a CD or if you discover a stain. By keeping your CDs clean, you also prevent dirt and dust from being transferred into your computer or CD player by a dirty disc.
Considerations
You can purchase a commercial CD cleaning kit if you want to play it safe, but you can also use a simple clean cotton cloth and water. Make sure that the cloth is lint-free. Hold the CD between your fingers with one finger on the edge and the other poking through the middle hole, and use the cloth to carefully wipe against the direction of the tracks. Never wipe in the direction of the tracks because this can cause damage and scratches. Always start in the middle and wipe in an outward direction. If water isn't removing a substance that is stuck on the CD, it's safe to try alcohol. Let the CD dry off completely before you try to use it.
Misconceptions
Many people believe that you should wipe a CD in the direction of the tracks. This misconception is left over from the days of vinyl record albums, when wiping in the direction of the tracks was essential. However, the opposite is true with CDs and it's critical to remember this to avoid damaging your CD.
Prevention/Solution
Even though you should clean your CDs regularly, you can prevent them from getting dirty or scratched by always storing them properly. When they are not in use, store them in their case in an area where they will not be exposed to temperature extremes. Never leave them lying around. When they are not in use, get in the habit of immediately putting them away.
Warning
Never use solvents, abrasives or cleaning agents with a high acid content to clean your CD. These can cause damage that will render your CD unusable. Only use water, alcohol or a commercial cleaning solution in a kit made specially for CD cleaning.
Tags: clean your, direction tracks, clean your regularly, your regularly, cause damage, commercial cleaning, When they
Paper negatives require slower ISO speeds than film negatives.
Large format cameras rely on light that shines through a hole to produce an image. Using paper negatives in large format photography is a cheaper alternative to film and yields more interesting results, such as stronger contrast. The fibers and texture of the paper give the photographs a retro effect.
Paper
Different types of paper can be used in large format photography. For example, some papers are more sensitive to blue or green light. Single weight paper is usually recommended so that the light can penetrate the negative. Fiber paper is the best type of paper for retouching, as the photograph can easily be modified on the back of the paper.
How it's Done
The paper is fitted into the camera by cutting it down to the same size of film that the camera uses. After it is placed inside of the camera, it is held in place by tape if the paper won't stay put on its own. The photographs are exposed at a low speed, equivalent to ISO 6 or slower.
Processing
Paper negatives are usually processed by scanning or contact printing. They are scanned using reflective light scanners, or scanned into computers using consumer-grade scanners. The back of the negatives are saturated in oil to make them transparent before the negatives are scanned as prints and inverted in a photo processing program such as Photoshop. In contact printing, the paper negative is placed face down on an unexposed sheet of paper. A sheet of glass is placed on top to ensure good contact between the papers, then the papers are exposed in the same way as standard negatives.
Retouching
Most paper is orthochromatic and only sensitive to blue and green lights. Because red light is absent, red tones such as red hair or autumn leaves take on an intense contrast and appear dark or black, and whites appear brighter. Retouching is done by coloring the desired areas in pencil on the back of the photo paper to give them a sharper contrast. Coloring in red with a red crayon or red lipstick whitens areas.
Tags: blue green, contact printing, format photography, large format photography, paper give
Perhaps the most interesting photos are the candid variety, when the subject doesn't know he or she is being photographed.
Instructions
1. Keep your camera at the ready, loaded with film and fresh batteries for the flash.
2. Allow the subject to be busy or in action.
3. Get to your subject. For candid shots, this can be achieved by using a long lens. A 90mm lens will allow you to stand several yards away from the subject, so he or she is unaware of your presence.
4. Keep visual distractions away from the edges of what will be the final picture.
5. Keep good visual elements inside the picture. Bright shapes or objects too near the edges of the frame will pull the viewer's eye away from the subject.
6. Avoid clutter in the picture. Reframe the shot by moving the subject left or right in the viewfinder. If the background continues to be too cluttered, use a wide aperture. Using a wide aperture in the camera's aperture priority mode can throw the background out of focus so that the eye concentrates on the subject.
7. Place the subject off-center.
8. Avoid shooting into bright lights or the sun.
9. Hold the camera still as you take the picture. Brace your elbows against your body to minimize movement, or use a tripod.
Tags: away from, away from subject, from subject, wide aperture
Careful positioning of your subject matter can make or break a great photograph. Take time to frame your photographs, and be aware of everything within the frame. Move around, room in with the camera or get a wider view.
Features
The key element to framing a photograph is to be aware of the subject, as well as the foreground and the background. Choose your subject matter and make it the focal point of the picture. Focus should be sharp on the subject and soft on the foreground or background to draw attention to the person or thing
Frame your focal point, or main subject, by using the foreground to enhance your framing. Stand under a tree and let the weeping limbs create a natural border around the subject. The natural lines of architecture can create a frame within the camera's viewfinder. Windows, arches and fences also create easy frames.
When framing a subject, always look past them and take note of the background. Look for natural distractions, such as street signs, garbage cans or telephone poles. Avoid placing the subject next to unnatural backgrounds or undesired elements.
Time Frame
Take your time when framing and composting a photograph. Don't simply raise the camera and shoot. Look around the perimeter of your viewfinder and make sure that everything you see within the frame is wanted in your final photograph.
Misconceptions
Framing your subject matter in the center is not always best. A photograph can be made more visually interesting when the subject is placed off center, allowing some of the surroundings to tell a story. This is very effective for vacation photos, group pictures around interesting scenery and in architecturally interesting locations.
Experiment with your framing by placing your subject in the center, to the left and to the right in the viewfinder. Shoot all three varieties, and choose later which one is most dramatic.
Type
Follow the classic photography rule of thirds. Imagine dividing your viewfinder into thirds, both vertically and horizontally. Where the lines intersect among the 9 boxes is said to be the perfect placement of the main subject.
Effects
Taking the time to frame your photographs carefully will leave you with more usable photos that will become "keepers." The solid composition, and more powerful photos, will be admired by friends and family, and have a more professional edge.
Tags: your subject, subject matter, your subject matter, everything within, everything within frame, focal point, foreground background
A multi-directional TV antenna captures television signals from more than one direction. The antennas will collect both digital and analog signals, but beginning in 2009, television stations are required to broadcast only digital signals.
Types
A multi-directional antenna usually is metallic and can be a saucer-shaped omni-directional reception device or a stacked-rod structure comprising several directional antennas.
Features
Omni-directional antennas collect information from all angles. There is never a need to turn them because of cloud cover or other interference. They are best used in locations that are surrounded by more than two broadcast stations. The stacked system of directional antennas usually will yield a higher range of signal reception, and works best for locations with only a few available broadcast stations.
Benefits
Multi-directional antennas are beneficial for most television viewers. In most locations, an antenna will collect free local channel broadcasts, and will not suffer weather interference as often as satellite service.
Tags: broadcast stations, directional antennas, more than, multi-directional antenna, will collect
Created solely for Jeeps, the Trail Guide will assist the Jeep driver though adventures in the car or by foot. The extra powerful speakers designed especially for the Jeep wrangler, driven with the top down, is just one aspect that sets the Trail Guide apart from the rest. Because it is waterproof and provides 20 hours of battery life, it can easily be removed from its cradle and taken to the trails. According to Garmin, the Trail Guide is loaded with detailed, street-level maps of the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
Upgrading GPS Memory
Updating the software for the Garmin Trail Guide is simple and free. To update the software you must navigate to the Garmin website and select the Trail Guide as your model. Garmin suggests that before you begin your software upgrade, you disable all running programs on your computer because it can interfere with the updating process. Then follow the prompts to download the software onto your computer. As you download, be sure to remember the files that you are saving your data to, for you will need access them throughout the downloading process. Once the software is successfully saved on the computer, connect the Trail Guide to the computer using the USB cord provided with purchase. Once you click download on the Trail Guide, the upgrade will begin and your new software will be installed. Once the files are transferred, be sure to restart your GPS.
Materials Needed
In order to get your software, you need to ensure that you have the proper equipment. It is pertinent you have the USB cord that was given to you when you purchased your GPS. If it is lost, contact Garmin and you will be issued a new one.
Additional Capabilities
In addition to the many features, the Trail Guide is also compatible with Garmin's "Mapsource US Topo" that provides detailed and precise images of different trails all over the world. It is described as having detailed topography, including terrain contours, elevations and geographical points. It even has 3-D terrain shading on compatible devices. This feature is available on the Garmin website for an additional charge.
Tags: Trail Guide, Garmin Trail, Garmin Trail Guide, your software, begin your, begin your software, Garmin website
The Sony MP-120 is a small, 8mm video cassette created for use with handheld camcorders. Playback of these cassettes require either the camcorder itself or an 8mm cassette player. The stand-alone players are expensive and difficult to find, so your best bet is a camcorder that supports the format, even if that means purchasing a new one.
Camcorder models that use the Sony MP-120 come with RCA outputs on them so you can connect the camera to another device for playback. Most televisions should do the job, and if you wish to watch the 8mm footage without hooking the camera up every time, you can record it to VHS.
Instructions
Connecting RCAs to Camcorder
1. Insert the 8mm tape into the camcorder. Your camcorder should be equipped with a button for switching between "record mode" and "playback mode." Switch it to "playback mode," press "play" on the camcorder, and look in the view finder to make sure you are are getting an image. You may have to rewind or fast-forward your tape to a spot where something has been recorded.
2. Attach the RCA cable to the output slots on your camcorder. Make sure you match them by color; the yellow cable and output is for the video signal, and the red and white cables and their corresponding outputs are for the left and right audio channels.
3. Connect a mono-to-stereo adapter into one of the RCA cables if your camcorder only comes with a single audio output. This splits the single channel into two so you get sound out of both speakers on the device to which you are connecting the camcorder.
4. Connect any adapters that may be required, such as RCA to 1/8 inch or S-Video.
Playing the Tape Via Television
5. Plug the unused ends of the RCA cables into your Television, VCR or computer. Any newer television should have an adequate amount of inputs for video devices in the back or side.
6. Change the channel on the television to the video input into which you have your camcorder plugged.
7. Press "play" on your camcorder. If you are not getting a signal, check your connections and the video input selected on the television.
Record 8mm Footage to VHS
8. Plug the camcorder into the VCR.
9. Set the viewing channel (the channel that displays when you are not watching a movie) on the VCR to the video input into which you have the camcorder plugged.
10. Connect the VCR to one of the inputs on the television, and change the channel on the TV to that particular input.
11. Press "play" on the camcorder. The footage from the 8mm cassette should be playing on your TV. If not, check your connections and be sure you have the proper channels selected on your VCR and television.
12. Insert a blank VHS tape into the VCR. Press "record" at any point on it to transfer the 8mm footage to the tape.
Tags: your camcorder, Sony MP-120, video input, cable output, camcorder plugged
The Sony Trinitron KV-32S15 is a powerful and innovative digital TV that is an excellent addition to any home entertainment center. If you plan to make the significant investment of a top-of-the-line TV like this one, it is well worth your while to know address any issues you may encounter when using the TV. Even seemingly catastrophic problems like the TV not powering on can sometimes be solved with some simple and painless home troubleshooting skills.
Instructions
1. Check the power cable's connection to the electrical source into which it is plugged. Even a slightly loose power cable can cause this problem, so secure any cords that may come loose. Also, if you use a surge protector, make sure its power cord has not come loose from the electrical outlet into which it is plugged.
2. Plug the KV-32S15's power cable into an alternate electrical source. If you use a standard electrical outlet to power the KV-32S15, simply plug its power cord into a different outlet. If you use a surge protector, plug the KV-32S15's power cord into a different slot on the surge protector, a different surge protector altogether or simply bypass the surge protector by plugging the cord into a single electrical outlet. This is a good way of diagnosing the source of the problem; an electrician should examine any malfunctioning outlets. Any malfunctioning surge protectors should be replaced immediately.
3. Contact Sony customer support. If indeed the power cable has gone out, its replacement may still be under warranty. Contacting Sony is therefore a good first step before spending any of your own money.
Tags: surge protector, power cable, cord into, electrical outlet, power cord, come loose, cord into different
Safely store NiHM Batteries and prolong their life.
Nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries are widely used in consumer electronics, as well as plug-in and alternative energy vehicles like hybrid and electric cars. While NiMH batteries may not be as potentially toxic as others like nickel cadmium (NiCd), they still need special care in either recycling or storage. How they are stored depends on how long they will remain dormant. Still, they need to be kept in a place where the temperature is constant, but NiMH handling also depends slightly on brand.
Instructions
1. Find a place that where the temperature and humidity will be constant. This could be a locker or a closet, but a freezer is an ideal solution. The temperature around NiMH battery should never sharply fluctuate, and heat should never rise over 35 degrees Celsius, for most batteries. Panasonic NiMH should not go over 30 degrees. A freezer would be ideal for any brand, however, because NiMH batteries self-discharge at a lower rate in colder temperatures.
2. Clear out a space in your freezer.
3. Place the batteries into a zipper-storage bag.
4. Place the batteries in the freezer area you cleared out in Step 2.
5. Shut the freezer door.
Tags: NiMH batteries, over degrees, Place batteries, should never, where temperature
Secondary-cell (such as lead-acid and nickel-cadmium) batteries can be discharged and recharged several times. As a part of regular battery maintenance, a battery must be charged fully to rejuvenate the battery's internal electrode plates.
A DC adapter plug may be converted into a battery charger by cutting off the adapter tip and attaching battery clamp terminals or alligator clips to the adapter wires.
Instructions
1. Each wire's polarity is marked at the adapter tip.
Cut the tip off the adapter. Pull apart the wires until there is a six-inch separation between the wires, and remove 1/2 inch of insulation from the wire ends. Cut a piece of electrical tape, and place the tape over the positive wire lead.
2. Loosen and remove the top screws on both battery clamps. Take the first battery clamp, and place the end of the negative adapter wire into the hole created by removing the screw. Insert the screw, and tighten until the screw holds the wire firmly against the battery clamp. Write the word "negative" on this battery clamp.
3. Remove the electrical tape from the positive adapter wire. Take the second battery clamp, and place the end of the positive adapter wire into the hole created by removing the screw. Insert the screw, and tighten until the screw holds the wire firmly against the battery clamp. Write the word "positive" on this battery clamp.
4. Attach the positive battery clamp to the positive battery terminal. Attach the negative battery clamp to the negative battery terminal. Plug the adapter into the wall socket.
Tags: battery clamp, adapter wire, adapter wire into, against battery, against battery clamp
You can upload video files directly onto a video memory card.
You can transfer saved videos from your computer to just about any device, ranging from an external hard drive to a video memory card. These cards are commonly used in external cameras, cellphones and other portable devices and connect to your computer using card reader. To transfer the videos to a video memory card, you need to have the proper card reader attached to the computer.
Instructions
1. Determine what kind of video card you are using. The name of the format, such as SD, microSD or XD, is generally printed on the front of the card.
2. Connect an external card reader to one of your computer's USB ports. The card reader has a USB cable that runs from the rear of the device.
3. Insert the video memory card into the card reader. Close the AutoPlay window that loads onto the screen.
4. Click "Start," select "Computer" and double-click the removable device icon. This loads a window with all the files currently stored on the video card.
5. Click-and-drag the video file from your computer into the open window. This process transfers the video file from the computer to the video card.
Tags: card reader, memory card, video memory, video memory card, your computer
Slides have become an outdated method of preserving memories. As such, many photography enthusiasts are attempting to update their collection by digitizing their slides. This can be done by utilizing a digital camera in the process of copying the slides or by making a CD of the pictures taken on a standard film camera. A few household items are all that is needed to make copies of slides. Once in a digital format, images can be used and preserved for years to come.
Instructions
1. Cut two holes in an empty tissue box. One hole should be a circle large enough for the camera's lens barrel and the other should be exactly the size of a slide. Precision is needed to be sure the holes can perform their function and still maintain the dark atmosphere within the tissue box.
2. Place a piece of cardboard over the top opening of the tissue box and fasten with duct tape. Be sure no light enters through the opening. Flip the tissue box over.
3. Fasten a slide holder to the smaller opening of the tissue box. Use glue along the sides to ensure a solid fit. Make sure the top of the slide holder remains open, and remove the slides. A slide holder can be removed from an unused slide viewer.
Place the first slide in the holder.
4. Place a light behind the slide holder. Ensure the light is as white as possible and evenly diffused across the entire image so no part of the slide is brighter than another. Most household desk lamps or clamping lights will work for this.
5. Insert the camera's lens barrel into the circular hole, making sure no light can enter. Use a book or another small, flat object to brace the bottom of the camera, if necessary. Adjust the focus of the lens so the image on the slide is readily viewable. When attempting this, a macro focus option may be necessary for close range photos. Most modern cameras offer this feature. Take the first picture. If using a digital camera, ensure that the quality is good, and proceed with further slides.
Tags: slide holder, camera lens, camera lens barrel, digital camera, lens barrel
The Canon 580EX flash, replaced by the 580EX II in 2007, is Canon's flagship speedlight. The EX II recycles 20 percent faster than the original, has a better build quality, and an easier locking mechanism. The flash has a range of 30 meters and is dust and weather resistant.
Instructions
Getting Started
1. Open the battery door and install the four AA batteries, following the diagram for the proper polarity of each battery. Put the flash on the camera hot shoe and pull the switch to the right to lock it to the camera.
2. Turn on the flash and wait for the pilot light to cycle to green for Quick Flash and red for ready. Quick flash allows the flash to fire at 1/6 to 1/2 power for faster flash work.
3. Test fire the flash by pushing the pilot light. If it fires, wait for the flash pilot light to cycle back to red so that it is ready.
4. Turn on camera and turn the mode to Program, then choose your desired ISO setting. Push the Mode button on the flash until is displayed. Depress the shutter button on the camera halfway to focus on your subject, then depress the shutter button to take your photograph.
5. Check the flash exposure compensation light underneath the pilot light on the flash. If a proper exposure was obtained, this light will flash for three seconds. If it does not flash, move closer to your subject, recompose the shot, and take your photograph again.
Tags: pilot light, light cycle, pilot light cycle, shutter button, take your, take your photograph, your photograph
Photography can be a fun and rewarding career. Being a good photographer requires more than just pointing a camera and pressing a button. Good photography is its own brand of art. Composition, lighting and content of a photograph all combine to make a visual statement as individual to the photographer as a painting is to the artist who created it. The difference between amateur photography and artistic photography is the effort and love a photographer puts into learning the craft of picture taking. Here's how you can learn to be a photographer and turn your love for the camera into a good living.
Instructions
1. Buy books about photography. Two great books to start with are "Digital Photography" by Scott Kelby and "Understanding Exposure: Shoot Great Photographs with a Film or Digital Camera" by Bryan Peterson. Study all of the elements of photography, including the various types of cameras and equipment you can buy. Reading is a good place to begin. Get a few photographic book collections and study the way other photographers work. This is a good way to learn more about techniques and how they affect pictures.
2. Subscribe to a photography magazine (see Resources). "Shutterbug," "Popular Photography," and "Digital Journalist" are excellent choices. Subscribing to one or more photography magazines is a good way to keep up on all the latest equipment and techniques as well learn old-school styles of photography. Investing in one of these subscriptions is an expense well worth it.
3. Take pictures applying the various techniques you read about. Even if the style isn't something you enjoy, it might be worth the effort to give it a try just for the experience. Having at least a basic understanding of a wide variety of techniques can only expand your photographic talents.
4. Consider attending a short course at a photography school (see Resources). While you can learn to be a photographer on your own, a short course can be worth the expense and it will look great on your résumé.
5. Take pictures and study your work with a critical eye. Are you telling stories with the pictures you take? Do your pictures capture one-of-a-kind images? The more you take photographs, the better you will become at it. Like any artistic endeavor, you should spend time studying the craft, but practicing it is where you'll learn the most.
Tags: Learn Photographer, short course, Take pictures
Karaoke was first invented and introduced in Japan in the 1970's. Its popularity successively spread to the rest of Asia in the 1980's and was closely followed by the United States and the remainder of the Western World afterwards. A favorite activity at bars, weddings, and more recently in the home, the fundamental premise on which Karaoke is based has not changed-- one sings popular songs with the words to the song prompted on a television screen while the real band or singer's voices are muted or turned down significantly. This article reviews how a Karaoke machine works, get music for one, and current trends in the Karaoke industry.
Karaoke Machine Hardware Requirements
The fundamental components of a karaoke machine are one or many microphone inputs, pitch-altering capability for the music that is being played, speakers to play the music and singing, and a music player (either CD, DVD, or computer). Depending on the amount of money being invested in a Karaoke system, the required components can be purchases separately or as a single package sold as a Karaoke machine package. The current all-in-one systems for sale in the market also come with the ability to download new music directly to the hard drive of the machine in the event the consumer was choosing the computer driven music only for this reason. Most of the Karaoke machines sold on the market today use one of the following formats if using media other than downloaded music for play: CD-G, VCD, DVD, or Laser Disk.
Obtaining Music for a Karaoke Machine
Depending on the medium that one's Karaoke Machine plays, there are a few ways to obtain new music to play once the library that came with the machine has become stale. One is to use the manufacturer's online purchasing system to subscribe or buy new downloads. Another is to pursue other online options such as karaoke.com or acekaraoke.com. Typically packs of 50 songs can be purchased for significantly less than one dollar a song in the medium that the machine plays. The cheapest option is to purchase new music (or new to one's Karaoke machine) through a reseller such as Amazon or eBay. A fourth option worth exploring, if one is savvy with electronic music manipulation, is to attempt creating one's own Karaoke music from an existing music library using software such as the freeware available from mymusictools.com.
Tags: Karaoke Machine, Karaoke Machine, Karaoke machine, Karaoke Machine Work, Machine Work, medium that, music play
It is essential to put some forethought into the composition of your family portrait.
The purpose of a good family photograph is to capture a special time in your life with the people you love the most in the world. Think of it as a still-life meant for you and yours to treasure for generations to come. So if you are planning a family portrait, you must put some forethought into its composition in order to capture the true essence of your family.
Location
Find a location beloved to you and your family for your portrait sitting, such as a beach, park or your backyard.
Family portraits have come a long way since the days of posing in a studio. Today's photographer has taken creative license and turned the ordinary family portrait into one that captures more than just the family posing in front of a flat, lifeless background. Nowadays the photographer invites the family to step out of the studio and step into more familiar areas of their life, having them pose in places where they feel more at home. By selecting a unique location, you essentially add another family member to the photograph. Whether the family stands along the old, winding staircase of their home, perches on the dock of the lake nestled in their backyard, cuddles up on the couch, sprawls out on a picnic blanket on the grass or in the bleachers of their favorite sporting event, location can be as much a part of the family portrait as Mom and Dad.
Pets
Your family portrait won't feel complete without your furry friend.
Another great way to give your family portrait poses warmth and depth is to add your furry friends into the mix. Pets are often counted as another member of the family and bring joy into family life, so opt to include them in a pose or two. Consider the personality of your pet as it relates to your family, and incorporate that into the pose. For instance, if you have a large dog that thinks he's more of a lap-dog, try posing him on someone's lap. Or if you have a cat that loves to kiss, invite her to do so for the sake of another great family photo.
Close-ups
The close-up shares more about the people you are shooting.
If you wish to create a family photograph that captures the closeness of your family, zoom in tight to a close-up shot of your pose. Close-ups literally create an up close and personal feel to the photograph, delving deeper into your family's story. While the wide shot captures more of where you are shooting, the close-up shares more about the people you are shooting. Another great way to create closeness in a photograph is to have family members look at one another. For example, capture a child peeking at his mother or a wife and husband gazing at one another.
In-between Poses
Keep your lens at the ready for some creative in-between-poses shots.
While capturing the family in the perfect pose creates a memorable shot, some of the best family portraits are those taken between poses. Since the main purpose of shooting a family portrait is to capture a feeling of warmth and closeness, you might look out for those endearing interactions between family members in between poses: Grandma kissing the baby, Dad stooping to tie his 5-year-old son's shoe, Mom freshening up her lipstick, siblings sharing secrets or the family dog licking your daughter's face. Those are the real-life, spontaneous poses that can't be recreated. So keep your lens focused on what's going on in between poses, and don't be afraid to zoom in close. That's usually where the best shots lie.
Tags: family portrait, your family, between poses, about people, about people shooting