Fix A Torn Stereo Speaker

Many modern speakers are quite durable, but speaker cones can still tear. The driver moves up and down thousands of time every second, putting wear on the cone and sometimes tearing it. This is especially likely if you listen to your music at a very high volume. Fortunately, a tear isn't the end of the story. You can fix that annoying buzzing - at least well enough to last for a while.

Instructions

1. Use the balance to find out which side the torn speaker is on. First, turn the balance all the way over to the left side and listen for buzzing. Then, adjust the balance all the way to the right side. Some equalizers do not turn a side all the way off, so you may hear buzzing all the time. However, the side which buzzes more strongly when the equalizer is adjusted to it is the side with the torn speaker.

2. Use the equalizer to find out which speaker is torn. Many stereos have tweeters, woofers and subwoofers on both the left and the right. Turn all the bands all the way down on the equalizer. Then, turn up the highest band. If you hear a buzzing, the tweeter is torn. If not, turn down the high-band and turn up the next highest. Keep going down until you hear a buzzing. A buzzing on the high end of the range means the tweeter is probably the problem, a mid-range buzzing means the woofer, and a low-range one means the subwoofer. If you only have one speaker on each channel, you can skip this step.

3. Turn off the stereo and take off the speaker grille by unscrewing the screws holding it in, Look closely at the speaker. You should see a small tear somewhere on the cone. If you don't, turn the sound way down and listen closely to the speaker. You should be able to hear where the buzz is coming from and then see it.

4. Unplug the speaker from the stereo. Mix water and white glue in a proportion of one-to-one or slightly more watery. Use a Q-tip or a brush to dab it on the rip. Then, tear off a small piece of tissue paper, just big enough to cover the rip. Put it on the glue and smooth it down with your fingers.

5. Wait for the patch to dry, then add a second layer of glue and a second piece of tissue paper. You can add a third and a fourth patch if you wish to make sure the patch is strong.

Tags: hear buzzing, closely speaker, closely speaker should, find which, piece tissue, piece tissue paper

Teleprompter Work

How Does a Teleprompter Work?

A teleprompter is used to display text in front of a video camera. It allows a person to look directly into the camera while still being able to read notes or a script.

Teleprompters are often used in newsrooms and other professional video settings where a presenter must talk for long periods without looking away from the camera.

The teleprompter system has three main parts: glass, screen and camera.

Glass Reflection

A teleprompter is essentially a one-way mirror, an effect created by using glass.

While glass is transparent in normal conditions, it becomes reflective when shrouded. This is why windows cause reflections when they are in shadow. In a teleprompter, a sheet of glass is placed at an angle. A black plastic or fabric shroud surrounds this glass pane, darkening the surface.

Because of the shroud, the glass appears to be a mirror when viewed by the person speaking.

Display and Camera

A computer screen is used as the source of the words being projected. This can be either a traditional CRT TV screen or a smaller LCD display. In either case, the screen is placed at the top of the teleprompter, facing down.

Just like a standard computer monitor, the screen displays information from a computer. Because it is facing down, however, the image reflects off of the angled glass. The result is that the teleprompter words are reflected into the eyes of the speaker.

Finally, the video camera is placed behind the angled glass. There is no image or light on this side of the glass, so the camera has a clear view onto the stage. The teleprompter's words are invisible to the camera, which records normally.

Tags: angled glass, facing down, teleprompter words, Teleprompter Work, video camera

Guide To Taking Underwater Pictures With A Digital Camera

Guide to Taking Underwater Pictures With a Digital Camera

Underwater photography used to be the exclusive province of the best professional photographers. That was before the days of waterproof and digital cameras. Today, you can take digital pictures with an underwater camera that will create memories that last for years. Even if you don't have a specialized underwater digital camera, you can use a waterproof case for your digital camera that will allow you to use it underwater without fear of damage.

Get Close

You might be swimming around in the water and a fish or a coral arrangement will catch your eye. It looks good to you, so you point and shoot. When you look at that photo, though, it is grainy and dark. Chances are that you did not get close enough to do the picture justice. Get as close as possible--while keeping your own safety a priority--to get the best underwater pictures with a digital camera. Usually you will need to get as close as 5 feet to your subject. If you are farther than 10 feet away, the picture probably will not come out the way you hoped.

Shoot Up

The best way to take a picture in the water is to shoot up at it. If you shoot up, the subject of the picture is going to appear the size you saw it in the water or perhaps even a little bigger. If you shoot down on the subject, it will look smaller--sometimes much smaller. Take your time when you are assessing your shot. It might take you a few seconds longer to find the shot you are looking for, but if you take the time to find the shot you want while shooting from below the subject, you will probably get the shot you want.

Proper Lighting

To get the clearest photos, you need to use a waterproof strobe light made for underwater use. Some amateur photographers aren't aware of this until they try to take underwater pictures and they come out dark and muddled. There are other well-meaning underwater photographers who have strobe lights and forget to turn them on when they are underwater. Again, this will result in failure. However, if you turn on your strobe and get close to your subject you will produce memorable shots.

Tags: digital camera, subject will, camera that, camera that will, find shot

The Best Cell Phone Plans For Tweens

The Best Cell Phone Plans for Tweens

If you're shopping for a cell phone for your tween, your best option is a pre-paid plan that not only enables you to control the amount of time the youngster spends talking and texting, but also gives you the assurance that there will be no costly overage bills at the end of the month. A prepaid plan is a great way to teach your tween to be responsible and about the monthly minutes. Top carriers, including T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T, have, in response to the ever increasing number of parents with tweens in the cell phone market, expanded their plans to enable you to choose one that works best for both your tween and your budget.

T-Mobile to Go

T-Mobile offers a prepaid plan that allows you to choose whether you want to pay daily for minutes used or pay as you go, refilling your minutes in increments of $10, $25, $50 or $100 dollars. Regardless of the payment structure you choose, your plan includes nationwide long distance and roaming, caller ID, three-way calling, call waiting and a unique email address. There are no credit checks, long-term contracts or deposits required. This plan works well for a tween's first cell phone and is not yet accustomed to the discipline that is required. Tweens can choose from an assortment of name brand phones, including Samsung, Nokia and Motorola.

Verizon Wireless Prepaid

With Verizon Wireless prepaid, you pay only for the days that the phone is actually used, which allows you to more closely regulate the amount of time your tween spends talking. This plan works best for parents who want to limit cell phone usage to certain days of the week or emergencies only. You can choose from several price points that range from $0.99 to $3.99 per day, and you have the option to add upgrades, including music downloads and navigation. Choose from phones by LG, Samsung and Motorola.

AT&T Go Phone

AT&T Wireless Go Phones are a great option for parents who want to set up automated monthly payments with credit or debit cards to replenish minutes, rather than purchasing airtime cards, which can be an added inconvenience. Night and weekend minutes are included with most plans, and the featured packages offer text and data plans as well. Tweens can enjoy unlimited talk with other AT&T users and carry over unused minutes from one month to the next. This plan is a nice upgrade for tweens who have shown responsibility with a more basic plan. Tweens can choose from upgraded camera phone brands like Motorola, Pantech and Samsung, and refurbished phones are a great way to save on cost.

Tags: your tween, This plan, your tween your, amount time, Best Cell, Best Cell Phone

Take Photos Of Moving Cars

Moving car shot

Taking action shots of cars may be one of the trickiest disciplines to master. But it can also be one of the most rewarding. And, with a few tips and tricks, not to mention a lot of memory space, you could begin churning out some of the most exciting images in photography.

Instructions

Panning from a Stationary Vantage Point

1. Prepare your telephoto lens. A 70 to 200mm one works perfectly, but a lot depends on how much distance you have from the passing car. Still, even if you're able to get up close, it is best to work with anything over 70mm (working with a 1.6 crop factor) to get a more compressed shot.

2. Set your camera to shutter priority. Start at around 1/100th. Work with the ISO to achieve a narrow aperture. F/8 and above should do the trick.

3. Have the car drive past you several times so you can build up a rhythm. Don't be frustrated by your first few shots, and avoid deleting the images until you get home. Every image is worth something, even if it is to teach you what you are doing wrong. To improve, you will need to understand why your images are coming out the way they do.

4. Signal the driver to increase his speed or focus on cars running at up to 50 mph. Drop your shutter speed down to 1/80th to get a decent contrast of motion blur in the background and the wheels, maintaining crispness along the edges of the car.

5. Try to keep the subject fairly close and use a wide angle, like 18mm and above on a digital SLR. Film and full frames can use a 28mm and above. Try not to go wider than this because it will distort the lines of the car, and unless you really know what you're doing, this can be terribly unflattering.

6. Keep in mind that while panning, especially during cornering, if you're trying to take the three quarter view, the front and rear of the car are actually traveling at different speeds in perspective to your camera lens. This is why you see a lot of shots where the front is crisp but then begins to trail off at the rear, try to keep the car as "flat" as possible; a side view works best with this shot.

Tags: what doing, your camera

Difference In Analog Vs Digital

Analog signals and digital signals are commonly referred to in contemporary television and stereo systems. But what do the terms mean? More importantly, what difference to they make in terms of the TV or stereo's performance? Digital is generally regarded as a cleaner and more effective signal, with analog slowly going the way of the dodo. But what is the cause of that transition and how does it impact the way we listen to our music or watch our movies?

Analog Signals

An analog signal is a constant electrical signal sent through wires into a speak or television monitor. The signal is analogous to the original data it is copying (i.e., the sound or image), hence the name. It has proven to be an extremely reliable technology, effective for decades and applicable not just to televisions and sound systems but also to telephone lines.

Digital Signals

Unlike analog signals, digital signals are not constant. Instead, they constitute a series of pulses, each the exact same amplitude and lasting the same length of time. The pulses thus create a binary code of 1s and 0s, similar to the way computers store data. They don't rise and fall the way analog signals do, and the pulses are cleaner.

Advantages of Analog

The primary advantage of an analog signal is that it's much cheaper than a digital signal. If you have an older TV, phone or stereo system, it won't be able to translate the clarity of digital the same way. Analog also reproduces the subtleties and variances of sounds more readily, since its signal can vary in tone. For those who don't worry too much about extra clarity, analog can work just fine; it's done so for quite awhile without many complaints.

Advantages of Digital

Because digital signals consist of binary code, they can travel through digital lines much more quickly. This allows more data to be transferred, which results in a sharper, clearer signal. Digital signals also lack the distortion and "hiss" of analog signals, which further enhances the clarity (though some would argue at the cost of nuance). In terms of phone signals, the 1s and 0s make it much harder for eavesdroppers to listen in, as well as increasing the range of cordless phones and cell phones.

Considerations

The principle consideration of digital versus analog remains one of price. Music aficionados also debate the advantages of subtler signals with analog. But digital is largely seen to be the wave of the future, especially with television. As of February 17, 2009, all television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and start broadcasting in digital. This likely won't affect anyone with cable TV or satellite TV, but viewers who still use their old rabbit ears will need to purchase a digital upconverter if they want to keep receiving television signals. (Upconverters are available at most electronics stores for about $40.)

Tags: analog signals, analog signal, binary code, digital signals, signals digital, signals digital signals

Proscan 100 Scanner Instructions

Race scanners enable users to tune into the same frequencies used by race car drivers and their crews. Users can listen in live as drivers and crew exchange information during the race.Take some time now before the big race to review the device's basic instructions.

Instructions

1. Slide the "Race/Off/FM" switch to the "Race" option to pick up race broadcast, or to "FM" to listen to FM radio signals.

2. Use the "Tune" arrow buttons to search for an FM or race frequency. Alternatively, key in a specific frequency. Press the "Mode" button to switch to "Direct" mode. Use the Proscan 100's numerical keypad to input your frequency, after pressing "Mode."

3. Press the "Save" button to store a frequency to one of the scanner's 199 memory banks. Key in the bank where you'd like to store the frequency. Use any three-digit value between 001 and 199. Press the "Save" button to store it.

4. Delete any unwanted channels. Hold down the "Mode" button until "Delete" appears on the screen. Key in the three-digit bank number, and then press the "Save" button to delete the frequency from the bank.

Tags: Save button, button store, Mode button, Press Save, Press Save button

How Do You Put A Picture On A Tv From Your Computer

Display computer images on a TV by connecting the video output on the PC to the television.

Putting a picture on a TV from a computer involves a cable connection to send the video signal out to the television. Most personal computers and laptops are equipped with either a Video Graphics Array (VGA) or S-video port to connect the computer to an external monitor or television. Once connected, the TV can be used as a screen for projecting a slideshow of digital images. The cable may also require an adapter to modify the connection from the PC to a compatible connection for the TV.

Instructions

1. Check the back of the computer or the edge of the laptop to determine which ports are available for the TV connection. A round S-video port contains four holes to align with the four metal pins in an S-video plug. Most television sets are equipped with S-video or RCA video jacks and often offer both types of connections.

2. Connect an S-video cable to the computer's S-video port, if available, then attach the other end directly to the "S-Video In" jack on the back of the TV.

3. Use a VGA to S-video adapter if the computer has only a VGA output for connecting a video device, then plug the S-video or RCA video cable into the adapter on the other end. Connect the plug on the opposite side of the cable to the TV video "In" jack.

4. Turn on the equipment and double-click the "Display" icon on the computer. Select "External Monitor" or "Connect to a Projector" to activate the computer's video "Out" port. The computer screen image should be displayed on the TV.

5. Double-click the folder containing the desired images for display on the TV, then select a picture by double-clicking on it. Slideshows of images can also be displayed in the same manner using software such as Windows Photo Viewer or iPhoto. Advance the pictures in a slideshow using the computer keyboard.

Tags: S-video port, connecting video, equipped with, S-video video

Make Your Own Photography Studio Equipment

It is possible to make your own photography studio equipment.

Professional photography studio equipment is expensive, according to "Perfect Digital Photography." You can save money by making your own backdrops and props, and can customize them to your photography needs. Many items needed for a photography studio can be found in your home. With a little creativity and the proper setting, you can take professional-looking photos in your homemade studio.

Instructions

1. Paint the walls of your studio black. This eliminates distracting backgrounds and focuses the light on your subject.

2. Make a backdrop with bed sheets. Bed sheets make excellent backdrops and look like professional studio equipment behind the subject. Twin-sized sheets are recommended for one or two people. Use queen- or king-sized sheets for three or more people. White, navy blue, mauve and green are acceptable colors for bed sheet backdrops. A satin bed sheet slightly gathered creates a pleasing backdrop effect.

3. Make a backdrop stand using a large piece of cardboard. For example, a presentation board is suitable for a backdrop stand. Use a clothespin or tape to attach the bed sheet to the backdrop stand. You can also purchase a background stand, according to Adorama Camera, Inc., that holds the bed sheet between two bars.

4. Use lamps for lighting. "Perfect Digital Photography" suggests directing the light toward the backdrop.

5. Use props that accentuate the portrait, such as footballs, solid building blocks or feather boas. Use contrasting colored props to make a bold statement or matching colored props for texture and interest.

6. The computer has become an important part of photography studio equipment.

Designate a computer area for your photography studio that allows you to view digital photographs as you take them. This is handy in case you need to retake photos in order to get the desired shot.

Tags: backdrop stand, photography studio, studio equipment, colored props, Digital Photography, Make backdrop, Perfect Digital

How Do You Get A Computer To Recognize A Mic When You Have An Audio Card

Connecting a microphone to your computer can allow you to chat with another person through your computer, or even make professional-quality sound recordings for your band, podcast or other audio projects. If you have an audio card already installed in your computer connecting a microphone is easy.

Instructions

1. Pug in a USB microphone to an available USB port on your computer. Most consumer microphones are plug-and-play, meaning you can plug them in and start using them. If your computer does not recognize your microphone try installing any software that came with the microphone, or downloading the drivers for the mic from the manufacturer's website.

2. Use a USB audio interface before connecting it to your computer. USB audio interfaces can be purchased online as well as at most music supply stores.

3. Connect your USB audio interface to an available USB port on your computer, and install any software that came with it.

4. Plug the XLR cable from your microphone into an available port on your USB audio interface.

5. Launch your favorite audio program and start recording.

Tags: your computer, audio interface, available port, available port your, port your

Use An Olympus Digital Camera As A Webcam

Many models of Olympus digital cameras are considered to be unusable as a webcam on a computer. It is also considered unnecessary due to the relative low cost of actual webcams. But if you absolutely want your Olympus camera to double as a webcam, you can with the right computer device. You need a video capture device that will transmit video images to your computer and a cable that will connect this device to the video port on your camera. If the camera doesn't have a video port, there is one other semi-option.

Instructions

1. Make sure the Olympus camera has audio-video outputs. These will look like mini stereo ports. If the camera doesn't have them, skip to the last step.

2. Connect a video capture card device to your computer. You need one with a USB-to-RCA composite connection. Plug this adapter into an open USB port on the computer.

3. Link the camera to the video capture card through a mini-to-composite video cable. This cable has the the three RCA composite plugs (yellow, red and white) on one end and a mini stereo plug with three black bands on the other end. Plug the composite plugs to the video card, making sure the colors link up and connect the mini to the camera's video output.

4. Go to "My Computer" in your PC's Control Panel. Locate the icon for the video capture card and click on it. Turn on the camera and you should see the image from the camera lens on your computer screen.

5. Open your video chat program or any other program you want to use the camera with. The Olympus camera will act as the webcam for the program.

6. Attach a microphone to your computer since this makeshift webcam does not transmit sound. An electronics store should have a microphone that will connect via USB or other audio input port on your computer.

7. Download a digital camera control software program like Cam2Com, install it onto your PC and connect the camera through its USB cable. With this, the camera can take pictures and transmit them directly to the computer. However, you can't send live streaming video through the camera this way.

Tags: your computer, video capture, capture card, Olympus camera, that will, video capture card, camera doesn

Mount Roof Tv Antennas

Your roof TV antenna catches television signals that travel through the air. The antenna then delivers that signal to your television so you can watch your favorite programs and sporting events. One of the best ways to enjoy a strong, over-the-air television signal is with a roof TV antenna.

Instructions

1. Find the location of the TV towers in your area. This will help you determine which direction to point your antenna so you can receive the best signal. AntennaWeb (see Resources) allows you to enter your information and find out the location of towers in your area so you know which direction to point your antenna.

2. Determine the spot on your roof where you will mount the TV antenna. If possible, a clear line of sight between the antenna and the tower is ideal. However, usually that's not likely. Therefore, try to find a location where the antenna isn't blocked by trees or buildings. In addition, the higher you can place your antenna, the better chance you have of receiving a strong signal.

3. Unfold your tripod mount and loosen the pipe support bolts. Insert the antenna pipe into the tripod, then tighten the pipe support bolts. Set the tripod mount on the peak of your roof.

4. Note where the tripod legs hit the roof and glide a stud finder across the shingles in that area to locate the center of the roof rafters. Mark each rafter with a piece of chalk, then place each tripod leg over the chalk marking.

5. Apply a roof sealing pad to the bottom of each tripod leg, then place the sealing pad directly over your chalk markings on the center of the rafter. Place a level against the mast pipe, then level the tripod with each leg sitting on the chalk markings. Firmly press each leg to the roof so the sealing pad sticks to the shingles.

6. Drill pilot holes into the roof rafter where the two outside holes on the tripod leg platform are. You'll need a drill bit that's about half the diameter of your lag screws to do this. Pre-drilling these holes helps prevent your lag screws from cracking or splitting the wood in your rafter. Drill a lag screw into each pre-drilled hole until it's secure. The sealing pad will ooze underneath the screw when you have screwed far enough. Repeat this for all legs on your tripod antenna mount.

7. Point your antenna properly. The antenna director, or the long horizontal part of the antenna, should point towards the television towers. That means the reflectors, which look like a fan on the back of the antenna, should open up towards the television towers to help catch the incoming television signal.

Tags: your antenna, antenna should, chalk markings, direction point, direction point your, each tripod, find location

How Do Wireless Headphones Work With A Stereo

Basics

Wireless headphones are a convenient device that allows a user to listen to music, TV, movies and other programming without disturbing others. Since they don't use a hard-wired connection, wireless headphones allow the user additional comfort and mobility. Wireless headphones consist of two separate parts: the transmitter and the headset.

Connections

Since the headphones do not have wired inputs they do not connect directly to the stereo. Instead, the transmitter is connected to either the headphone jack or one of the available audio outputs on the stereo. The transmitter receives the audio signal from the stereo and in turn sends it to the headphones.

Transmission

Wireless headphones use one of two methods of transmission: infrared or radio waves. Infrared headphones require a direct line of sight with the transmitter without any walls, furniture or other objects between the headphones and transmitter. This is because infrared systems are light-based; just the way you can't shine a flashlight through a wall, infrared cannot be transmitted through a solid object. Radio waves are less directional than infrared and don't require a direct line of sight. They can be picked up from a variety of angles and often in other rooms. However, other devices that operate on similar radio frequencies, such as cordless phones, can interfere with headphone reception. With both systems, the audio signal that is processed in the stereo is simply sent out through the air and then picked up by a receiver built into the headset.

Dynamic Drivers

Once the signal has been received by the headphones, the current from the signal is sent to the dynamic drivers in each headphone. A dynamic driver is essentially the same as a speaker driver. Alternating current creates a changing magnetic orientation in the electromagnetic voice coil. The changing polarity of the coil causes it to repel and attract with a stationary magnet, essentially vibrating rapidly in tune to the music. When the coil moves, it moves an attached diaphragm and sends vibrations (sound waves) into the listener's ears.

Tags: audio signal, direct line, direct line sight, line sight, require direct, require direct line

Convert Standard 8mm Film To Dvd

As media technology advances, many people worry about preserving the memories they have on older types of film. Converting standard 8mm film to DVD allows you to view your old films again, while also providing the option of creating a back-up file in case the DVD or film is damaged. While many video transfer services allow you to mail your 8mm film out for professional conversion to DVD, you can also convert 8mm yourself with the help of current recording devices and software.

Instructions

1. Locate the firewire port on your home computer before playing the 8mm film. The firewire port may be rectangular or pentagonal depending on the version, and has a metal rim inside the port, as well as a receptor slot for pins in the firewire cable.

2. Connect the Digital 8 camcorder to your computer using the firewire cable. Find a cable for connecting the camera to your computer in the box when you buy your Digital 8 camcorder. Check that the cable fits a slot on your computer, because depending on the age of your computer and the type of serial inputs it has, you may need an adapter to connect the cable to your computer. Buy an analog-digital converter if necessary to convert the signal from V8 to DV when recording 8mm to DVD.

3. Use the Digital 8 camcorder to play the V8 or Hi8 tapes of standard 8mm film while the camera is connected to the computer.

4. Record the 8mm film playback as a digital file on your computer using software included with the camcorder. Try the noise reduction and editing options available in most digital film editing software to clean up the recording before burning to DVD, but remember to save an original file of the recording before editing.

5. Burn the digital recording of your 8mm film to DVD using a DVD burning drive. If your computer has a built-in DVD burner, insert a blank DVD and use the DVD burning program to burn the file. If your computer does not have built-in DVD burner, buy a peripheral DVD burning drive and connect it to your computer using the USB port. Use the instructions included with the drive to install and start burning files to DVD.

6. Back up your recordings by saving files in several locations and by burning additional DVD copies in case the original film or the burned DVD is lost or damaged.

Tags: your computer, computer using, Digital camcorder, your computer using, built-in burner

A Stepbystep For The Nikon Cls

Using Nikon's Creative Lighting System a photographer can create studio effects with handheld units.

The Nikon CLS, or Creative Lighting System, allows photographers to use their Nikon digital SLR (single lens reflex or detachable lens) camera and Nikon flash units as a studio lighting system complete with remote flash control. Photographers can control flash intensity in groups and use separate channels when multiple photographers are sharing a studio. Basic operation of Nikon's CLS features varies slightly from older to newer models of cameras and flashes, but system operation is simple, allowing creative lighting arrangements to be formed using any number of Nikon flash units. For example, the D300S camera and SB-900 flash unit can be used to add off-camera lighting options.

Instructions

Setting Camera Commander Mode

1. Press the "Menu" button on the back of the camera.

2. Select the "Custom Settings" menu using the joystick buttons. Press the middle "OK" button.

3. Select "Commander Mode" from the Custom Settings menu.

4. Select a channel at the bottom of the Commander Mode screen. This will apply to all flashes controlled by the camera.

5. Make any desired adjustments for flash groups A, B or C and the on-camera flash. Select "TTL" to use camera metering and adjust flash intensity by exposure value (EV), "M" to adjust to a fraction of full intensity, or "--" to disable that group's flashes.

6. Press "OK."

7. Raise the camera's on-board flash by pressing the small button on the left side of the flash.

Setting Flash Remote Mode

8. Turn the power switch on the back of the flash to "Remote."

9. Press function button "1" just below the bottom left of the LCD display on the back of the flash unit to change the group letter.

10. Rotate the selector dial to select the group letter for the flash (A, B or C). Press "OK."

11. Press function button "2" to change the channel number.

12. Rotate the selector to select the channel, matching the channel number selected on the camera. Press "OK."

Tags: Commander Mode, back flash, channel number, Creative Lighting System, Custom Settings, Custom Settings menu

Use Old Military Radios

Old military radios are collectors items for many military memorabilia enthusiasts. A popular older model of military radio is the AN/PRC-77 portable radio. This radio was a popular, highly dependable man-pack and vehicle-mounted radio that was used by the U.S. military in 1968 during the height of the Vietnam war. The AN/PRC-77 replaced the earlier model AN/PRC-25 and since then has been replaced due to the advent of digital technology with the radio system known as SINCGARS (Single Channel Ground and Air Radio System). The AN/PRC-77 is a very simple radio to put together and use for most VHF FM channels.

Instructions

1. Extend the collapsible antenna into a working position. The antenna is similar to a set of flexible tent poles. Connect each segment of the antenna together and screw them into the top antenna post of the radio.

2. Hook the battery up to the bottom of the radio. The battery box is rectangular shaped and fits neatly onto the bottom of the receiver/transmitter. Slide it into position and pull the clamps down on the sides to lock the battery on.

3. Press the power button on the top of the radio. The power button is clearly marked. Press and hold down the button for a couple of seconds and it will turn on.

4. Change frequencies using the "freak" knob that is clearly marked on the top of the radio near the power button. Turn the knob to your desired frequency.

5. Turn the channel knob on the top of the radio while listening to the handset. Once a live channel has been found, you will hear voice or "chatter." Depress the button on the side of the handset to talk into the radio. Release the button to hear or listen to communications. You have to release the button in order to hear.

Tags: power button, clearly marked

Diy Remote Cameras

Build your own remote control to operate your camera's shutter with a few inexpensive electronics.

Having a remote on your camera allows you to take pictures without setting the timer or having someone else press the shutter button. If your camera did not come with one, you can build your own using some easy-to-find electronics. Remotes can be helpful when taking self-portraits or wildlife photos, and in reducing camera shake.

Instructions

1. Remove the round, rubber sleeve off the earphone jack. The headphone jack is threaded, so turn it counterclockwise to loosen the sleeve and slide it down to reveal the three connectors. The top part of the connectors is for the left channel (tip) while the middle part is for the right channel (ring). The bottom part, which is the longest, is for the ground (sleeve).

2. Connect the green wire to the top part of the jack by soldering it. Solder the red wire to the middle part (ring) and the black wire (ground). Slide the sleeve up to reassemble the audio jack. Turn it clockwise to tighten.

3. Open the project box by removing the screws and prying open the casing. Make three holes to accommodate the two momentary delay switches and the toggle switch. Make another hole for the telephone wire. Make the holes with an electric drill. The upper part of the project box should contain one hole to house the toggle switch. The lower part should contain two holes side-by-side that will house the momentary delay switches.

4. Attach the toggle switch and the momentary delay switches to the box. Secure the switches and tighten the washers that came along with them.

5. Solder one connector of the toggle switch and one end of the momentary delay switches to the red wire. Solder the other end of both switches to the black wire. For the toggle switch, decide which side to solder to the red or black wire because it will determine the on/off state of the bulb. The switch is used to release the shutter.

6. Solder one of the connectors of the remaining momentary delay switch to the green wire. Solder the other one to the black wire. This switch will be used for auto focus.

7. Reassemble the project and begin testing you shutter release gadget with auto focus.

Tags: momentary delay, toggle switch, black wire, delay switches, momentary delay switches, your camera, auto focus

Things To Do With Old Cameras

You don't have to toss your old cameras into the trash. One man's trash can easily become another man's treasure, and there are plenty of ways to recycle your camera--whether by turning it into an art project or donating it to charity. Even if your camera is in non-working condition, you can still find resourceful ways to transform an old camera into something new.

Create An Artistic Display

Creating a display of old cameras on a shelf or bookcase in your home showcases your hobby and becomes an interesting conversation piece when guests come over. According to design blogs like Unplggd and Apartment Therapy, pieces of old technology, like vintage cameras, typewriters and old telephones can become sculptural works of art. Additionally, photographs of your old cameras can actually become works of art. Hang a series of three or more photographs in a group in similar frames. You can even sell your photographs on Etsy.com, a marketplace for handmade goods.

Donate It

If your camera is in working condition, you can recycle it by donating it to a charity. Check with your camera producer to see if they offer recycling options. For $6, Canon, for example, lets you print a pre-paid UPS shipping label off their website. Send it back, and they'll recycle your camera for you. You can recycle Sony cameras for free if you drop them off at a Waste Management eCycling drop-off center. Or you can mail your cameras to RecyclingforCharities.com, an organization that donates your old electronics to a charity of your choice.

Use It

Photography with vintage cameras has become a trend, especially in the wedding industry. Brides are paying high prices for old photographs, like the old Hasselblad. Tintypes and Polaroid shot by New York City photographers like Weddings by Two. Even if you're shooting for your own personal collection, the grainy, shadow-and-light-filled images created by older film cameras can create a photograph much more interesting than the standard digital camera photograph.

Sell It

You can sometime sell your old cameras, working or non-working, to antique stores in your area. Alternatively, the website Used Camera Buyer will give you an instant quote for your old camera, pay for you to pack and ship it to them, and mail you a check. Ebay is an option for selling a camera to the highest bidder. And if you have an especially antique model, the Historic Camera Collector Club will also buy cameras.

Tags: your camera, your cameras, donating charity, recycle your, sell your, vintage cameras

The Best Digital Slrs For Taking Sports Pictures

A DSLR camera

Many photographers dream of getting those classic sports images, such as the crossing of the finish line or the winning touchdown. To capture those moments of glory requires a camera that is capable of shooting at high speeds without losing the clarity of the image. Fortunately, there are several different DSLR cameras available that are designed to do just that. Whether you are a die-hard Canon or Olympus fan or are looking to branch out and try something new, you will be able to find what you need among the current range of DSLR cameras.

Canon EOS7D

An established brand name, Canon has one of the fastest DSLR cameras on the market in the EOS7D. Its fastest shutter speed is 1/8000 of a second, making it suitable for recording images of fast-paced sports such as tennis or football. A high-specification camera, the EOS7D has an 18-megapixel resolution along with an ISO sensitivity setting that reaches as high as 12,800 ISO. Another setting useful for sports photographers is the wireless flash control that is built into the camera, a handy tool for night games and when if a photographer needs to adjust the flash on the move.

Nikon D7000

Although the Nikon D7000 is not as high in specification as some of their other models, it is a good camera to use in the world of sports photography. Featuring Nikon's latest AF system, the D7000 produces sharper images than previous Nikon cameras of similar specification. This is thanks to the new AF system's 39 focal points, which allow the camera to focus on the subject anywhere within the frame. Capturing high-speed action is easy with the continuous shooting function, which allows the photographer to shoot six frames per second. There is also an option for an additional GPS system, enabling you to record the precise location of each image.

Olympus E-30

The E-30 is a high-end DSLR from Olympus. It is able to take continuous images at five frames per second, and its fastest shutter speed is 1/8000 of a second. For adjusting to different environments on the fly, the E-30 has 16 different shooting modes for quick changes. For more in-depth adjustments, the E-30 also has twin dials to navigate the settings and functions of the camera. Although the resolution is not as high as that of some of its competitors, the Olympus is still able to produce sharp images with its 13-megapixel resolution. Other features within the E-30 include an 11-point AF system and six built-in filters for in camera editing.

Pentax K-5

A very fast camera that is easy to navigate, the K-5 can take up to seven frames per second of continuous shooting. It has a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 second. It is equally capable of long exposure, with its lowest setting being a 30-second shutter speed. Pictures are sharp and precise, largely thanks to the 16.3-megapixel resolution and 11 AF points. Perhaps one of its most useful features is the ability to view the live image on the LCD screen. This is very handy when tracking a sports game or motor race.

Tags: shutter speed, 8000 second, DSLR cameras, frames second, shutter speed 8000

Set The Date Stamp On A Z812 Camera

Kodak designed the Z812 EasyShare camera with a date stamp feature that prints the date on each picture that you take. When you print the pictures out on a home printer, through an online printer or at a physical location, such as an in-store picture printing kiosk, the pictures will have the date on them. This feature is useful for photographers who need or want to remember when exactly their pictures were taken.

Instructions

1. Move the "On/Off" switch on the top of the camera to the left so it is in the "On" position. The "On/Off" switch is in front of the mode dial.

2. Push the "Menu" button to get to the main menu. The "Menu" button is on the back of the camera, below the down navigation arrow. The main menu is set up in a series of tabs marked by different symbols. The "Capture" tab has a symbol of a camera; the "Capture Plus" symbol is a camera with a + next to it; the "Video" symbol is a video camera; and the "Setup" symbol is a camera with a wrench next to it.

3. Press the left or right arrow button to highlight the "Capture" tab.

4. Press the down arrow button to highlight "Date Stamp" and then press "OK." The "OK" button is in the center of the navigation arrows.

5. Push the up or down navigation arrow button to highlight "On" and press the "OK" button.

6. Press "Menu" to exit the menu screen.

Tags: arrow button, arrow button highlight, button highlight, camera with, symbol camera, Date Stamp, down navigation

Do A Chroma Key Monochromatic Screen

Chroma keying can be used for video and photography.

Chroma keying, which combines two images by removing the color from one image to display another image, is a dynamic tool if you are limited in production budget, or just want to add some special effects to a video or picture. A monochromatic screen suitable for chroma keying is not hard to make.

Instructions

1. Purchase enough matte and opaque material to cover your workspace. For chroma keying, you will want to use a solid color like bright green or bright blue, because these colors are not typically found in human skin tones.

2. Cut your fabric to fit the area you wish to use as a background, if necessary. Keep in mind your ultimate use for chroma key, and make your studio the size you will need. If you think you might expand your studio, purchase extra material so you will have the same color on hand when you expand.

3. Hem the edges of the material with a sewing machine or hot glue, if you wish. Hemming the edges isn't necessary unless you plan on shooting a sharp, clean edge for some effect. Typically, shooting chroma key is done without edges in the shot.

4. Attach your piece of material to a flat wall or the inside of a box to create your workspace. You can use thumb tacks to attach it to a wall temporarily, or you can attach the material to any number of surfaces. You're ready to shoot.

Tags: Chroma keying, chroma keying, your studio, your workspace

Read An Xd Picture Card

xD cards are smaller than SD cards.

XD cards are flash memory cards that are used to store pictures in Fujifilm and Olympus digital cameras. They are smaller in size than SD cards, which are the most commonly-used memory cards in other brands of digital cameras. There are several ways a user can read an xD memory card. Currently, both Fujifilm and Olympus digital cameras are phasing out xD cards in favor of SD cards.

Instructions

1. Use a Fujifilm or Olympus camera to read your xD card. These are the only two cameras that use xD cards. Cameras that use SD cards will not be able to read the xD card.

2. Use a memory card reader. These are relatively inexpensive devices you can find at electronics stores or on large retail websites. Some readers look like flash drives that work through a computer's USB port. Just slip the xD card into the other end of the memory reader and the computer should be able to read the card.

Other readers are small units that have multiple ports to allow users to read multiple types of cards, such as xD, SD and memory sticks.

3. Employ an xD memory card adapter, which usually looks like an SD card that you slip your xD card into and then plug into a computer's memory card reader slot. These adapters are useful if your computer only has an SD slot.

4. Read the xD card on a computer with a slot for xD cards. Some computers offer multiple memory card slots.

5. Take your xD card to a store that has a digital camera picture processing machine. These machines usually have multiple slots to handle the different types of memory cards available today.

6. Unlock your card if you are getting a locked card message. There is a small tab on the side of the xD card that you can slide up and down to unlock the card.

Tags: memory card, your card, digital cameras, Fujifilm Olympus, memory cards, able read, able read card

Use The Nikon Coolpix S60 Digital Camera

The Nikon S60 is part of their Coolpix point and shoot digital camera series. The S60 features a 10-megapixel camera, 5x optical zoom, 4x optical zoom, 3.5-inch LCD screen and many more features. Though the Nikon S60 can take a long time to fully master, getting started with the camera is simple.

Instructions

1. Connect the power cable and charge to an electricity wall socket. Plug in the battery and wait for the charge LED to stop flashing. This shows that the battery has fully charged. Disconnect the charger and remove the battery once charged.

2. Push the "Card Battery" slot on the Nikon S60 up so that it unhinges. Follow the diagram to correctly insert the battery into the slot. Insert your memory card into the slot just above the battery. Close the battery cover.

3. Press "On/Off" to turn the camera on. The first time you turn the camera on you will have to set up the camera. Either use the stylus that is attached to the camera, or your finger to click on the screen. Select your language, set the time and date and choose your time zone. Choose "Yes" to format the memory card when prompted.

4. Press the "Shoot Mode Control" icon in the top left, then press the camera icon to enter Auto Mode.

5. Aim the camera so that you compose a shot. Press the trigger down halfway so that you focus the image, then press the trigger down the whole way to capture the image.

6. Press the "Play" button (second down on the left) to look through your existing photos, use the arrows to scroll through them and the recycle bin to delete them. Press the camera icon again to return to shooting mode.

Tags: camera icon, into slot, memory card, optical zoom, then press, trigger down, turn camera

Configure The Slingbox

Configuring the Slingbox requires setting up SlingPlayer software to function properly with your Internet network and device. You must connect your controllable Slingbox stream to a computer to make this possible. If your Slingbox is connected to your television and broadband modem, you'll be ready to configure the device once you have downloaded and installed the SlingPlayer software.

Instructions

1. Install the SlingPlayer software from the Sling Media Downloads link in the Resources section if you have not done so already.

2. Open the Slingbox menu in the SlingPlayer software.

3. Select the "Slingbox Directory" tab.

4. Choose the Slingbox you wish to configure from the list on the left side of the Slingbox Directory window.

5. Click the "Edit" option on the right side of the Slingbox Directory window.

6. Click "Slingbox Configuration" to open the Slingbox Setup Assistant wizard. Follow its onscreen instructions to complete the Slingbox configuration.

Tags: SlingPlayer software, Slingbox Directory, Directory window, Directory window Click, side Slingbox

Recover An Sd Memory Card For Free

There are lots of free SD card recovery programs available.

If you've lost files on your Secure Digital (SD) memory card, a variety of free resources are available to help you recover them. SanDisk flash cards are recovered the way you rescue deleted or lost files from any removable storage device or hard disk drive. Special recovery software scans the card, identifies files that are damaged and moves them to a safe location.

Instructions

1. Search software download sites like Tucows or CNET for freeware data recovery software. The product descriptions will include a rating, user comments and a list of the capabilities of the software. Pick one that specifies that it recovers SD cards.

2. Download and install the SD card recovery software. Insert the card to be recovered into the SD card reader slot.

3. Create a new directory in your "My Documents" file in which to copy the files recovered from your SD card.

4. Start the data recovery software. Select the drive letter your computer assigned to the SD card. Choose whether you want to recover a specific file or the whole card. Select the directory that you created in "My Documents" as the location into which the software will recover the files Don't try to recreate the damaged directory on the SD card. You could accidentally overwrite the files you want to recover.

5. Start the recovery process. When it's finished, the files that were recoverable will be placed in the new directory you made. Remove the damaged SD card and toss it. If it failed once, it will probably fail again.

Tags: recovery software, card recovery, data recovery, data recovery software, files that

Program A Twoway Radio

The purpose of a two-way radio is to allow a person to communicate with others in a certain radius with a hand-held device. A two-way radio comes in handy on construction sites and in heavily wooded areas where parties are spread out. Upon receiving your device, you may have a few questions about tune it. Following a few steps will have you programming your device effectively and efficiently in little time. You can power your device, turn on the radio, select an appropriate zone, choose a channel and communicate using the "PTT" button.

Instructions

1. Charge the radio's battery before programming it. Place the battery in the charger and plug your charger into a functioning wall outlet. You will see a flashing green light illuminate on the charger, letting you know the battery is charging. The light will remain a steady green when the battery has finished charging. If you see no indicator light at all, the battery may be inserted incorrectly. Remove the battery from the charger after it has fully charged and insert it in the back of the two-way radio with an audible click. Fasten all battery latches, which are located on the bottom or edges.

2. Turn the radio on by twisting the "On/Off/Volume" knob located on the top of the radio. Turn the knob clockwise. You will hear a click and then noise. Adjust the volume to a comfortable listening level.

3. Specify the zone of channels you wish to explore. A zone is made up of 16 channels, and your radio offers eight zones to choose from. Push the "Menu" button, then the "Up" or "Down" button continuously (located on the front of the radio) until you see the word "Zone" appear on the display. Push the "Menu" button again to select the "Zone" function. Use the "Up" or "Down" keys again to highlight the desired zone, then push "Menu" to select it. Choose the same zone as those in your party with whom you wish to communicate.

4. Select a channel within the specified zone. Turn the "Channel Selector" knob (located on top of your radio) counterclockwise or clockwise to cycle through the different channels. Use the same channel as those with whom you wish to communicate.

5. Send a call by first selecting the zone and channel of the person you wish to call. After you've set your radio, hold the speaker (located on the front of the radio) up to your mouth, push the "PTT" (Push-to-Talk) button (located on the left edge of your radio) with your fingers and speak into the microphone. When you are finished speaking, let go of the "PTT" button to hear a response. Confirm that the volume has been turned up loud enough to hear your party.

Tags: your radio, two-way radio, your device, front radio, knob located, located front

Use A Noise Canceling Headset

When you are listening to music on planes or other crowded, loud places it is often difficult to hear your music over the noise. Regular headsets allow background noise to seep in, so you hear the plane engine and other noise. Called "white noise" this is mostly low frequency vibrations and a noise canceling headset works by reducing low frequency sounds. You hear only the sound playing in your headset.

Instructions

1. Choose the type of noise canceling headset you want to use. The basic types are over the head, over the ear and ear buds.

2. Use your noise canceling headset to listen to music from your iPod or MP3 player. This is great for long commutes on the train or international plane trips.

3. Take phone calls with your noise canceling headset. When calls come in the voice is clear and you do not hear any background noise. No more asking your caller to repeat himself, you can hear him clearly the first time.

4. Watch movies on your portable DVD and hear the sound clearly with your noise canceling headset. You will not miss a beat of the action when it comes through loud and clear on your headset.

5. Put your noise canceling headset on just for some quiet time. If you want to block out all background noise use your headset but do not plug it into anything. This is ideal for taking a nap on a train or plane.

Tags: canceling headset, noise canceling, noise canceling headset, your noise, your noise canceling

Differences Between Incandescent & Infrared Deer Cam Settings On A Remington Ghost

Trail cams are excellent at capturing photos of local wildlife.

Trail cameras are an excellent resource to use when determining which game trail to hunt. Setting up your trail camera ahead of time, you get to view the various wildlife that uses that particular game trail. This can save time and money by not spending time on trails that have little to no activity. Trail cameras can also be used at home for security purposes. Taking a photo of things that move can photograph a burglar, the stray dog who is destroying your property or your children coming home after curfew.

Incandescent Flash

This type of flash is similar to regular digital camera flashes.

Incandescent flash is very similar to the regular flash on a digital camera, making a bright white flash. While this is better for taking higher-quality color pictures with good resolution, it does have its downside. Even though the incandescent flash is supposed to produce color photos, in various flash tests the images appear to be very washed out with little color. The flash also requires more energy than the infrared flash, thus depleting the battery life faster. Another draw on the battery life is that most cameras with incandescent flash use the flash every time they take a picture. It doesn't matter if it is day or night. While the flash doesn't register in daytime photos because the of sun overpowering it, it still flashes, draining excessive life out of the batteries. The bright white flash also spooks some animals, causing them not to enter into the camera area.

Infrared Flash

The small red light on infrared settings does not spook animals.

Even though the quality of photos produced using an infrared flash is lower than with an incandescent flash, the low red light typically does not deter animals from entering the camera area, providing a more accurate image sampling of the animals in the area. The low red light doesn't require a surge in power like an incandescent white flash, reducing the battery draw and extending the life of the batteries. The trigger time for infrared flash is quicker, resulting in accurate, if sometimes blurry, images. On the majority of cameras, the trigger time for an incandescent flash is close to a full second longer than an infrared flash. This is enough time for an animal to leave the camera area, resulting in empty frames. For trail cameras that take color images, when the infrared flash is in use for nighttime images, the images are in black and white.

Incandescent vs. Infrared Cost

Price should not be the deciding factor in purchasing a camera.

Typically the cost of a camera with an infrared flash is $30 to $50 more than the same camera with an incandescent flash, and those that offer both types of flash can run considerably more. Cost alone should not be the deciding factor when determining the camera flash type. For those who are interested in the use of a trail camera for taking quality images, an incandescent flash takes the highest-quality photographs. For hunters, who are mainly interested in knowing the variety and number of animals in a specific area, infrared is definitely the way to go for not spooking the animals.

Incandescent vs. Infrared Flash Range

This varies widely between all cameras, even those with the same type of flash. The Remington Ghost Trail Cam infrared flash boasts 18 LED lights with a range of up to t20 feet. When you're using the incandescent bright white flash, the flash range is increased to up to 30 feet from the camera.

Tags: infrared flash, incandescent flash, white flash, bright white, bright white flash

Tom Tom Route Planning

Tom Tom Route Planning

Navigating to a destination on a TomTom GPS unit requires very few steps, and regardless of the model you own, the general directions for planning a route on a TomTom GPS do not vary. TomTom makes it simple to navigate a route and provides you with several different options you can choose from when making an itinerary for your trip.

Navigating to an Address

Navigating to a street address on a TomTom GPS is a popular feature. While you can choose to navigate to a city, zip code or cross street, the address icon will lead you closest to your destination.

Start by turning on your TomTom unit and tap the screen to select the first option. Tap "Navigate to..." and select the "Address" icon followed by the "Street Address" button.

TomTom requires you to enter address details in backwards order of how you would normally write down an address. Use the up or down arrows on the screen to select the state, province, or country of your destination before typing in the city name. Next, enter the street name and finally the house or business number. The software will ask if you would like to arrive at a certain time; after making your "Yes" or "No" selection, the GPS will automatically plan the route from your current position.

GPS manuals on tomtom.com stress the importance of entering information and navigating to an address before you begin driving, as it is unsafe to make selections on the GPS while driving.

Preparing a Route

You can prepare a route from one destination to another by selecting the "Prepare Route" button located on the second page of the main menu. From this position, you can choose to depart from the home position, an address saved as a favorite, a recent destination, a point of interest or a specific address. Once this information is saved, you can choose the appropriate destination from this same list of options, and the GPS will calculate the route based on these instructions.

Using Favorites

Enter your most frequent destinations into the "Favorites" category on your TomTom GPS. This will save you from entering these addresses more than once. Save any address as a favorite by selecting the "Add Favorite" button from the main menu. Enter the address data the same way you would to navigate to an address, except this time you can name this location for future reference.

To plan a route to one of your favorites, simply tap "Navigate to..." from the main screen and select "Favorite" to choose from your saved locations.

Tags: screen select, choose from, from main, from your, main menu

Diy Camera Case Patterns

A camera case can protect your camera, preventing damage to the lens and delicate mechanics. You can purchase a variety of camera cases at discount, electronics or specialty photography stores; however, these may not always be well suited to your personal style or needs. Depending upon your camera, you can make a very simple camera case, or one that is quite complex. At minimum, your camera case should hold your camera and charger or camera and spare batteries. You may also need storage for specialty lenses or other items.

Sewing Camera Cases

If you use a small point and shoot style digital camera, you need only a very minimal or basic case to store it. The smallest new cameras will actually fit nicely into patterns designed for MP3 players or cell phones with only minimal adjustments to create a camera case pattern. If you wish to create your own simple camera case pattern, start with a tape measure. You need to know the height, width and depth of your camera. Sketch out a simple schematic with a front piece and back piece, both with simple square notches one-half the depth of the camera cut into the bottom corners. Include a pocket on the front or back to hold spare batteries or a charger if desired. Add 1/2 inch seam allowances and cut front and back pieces from lining, fleece or felt for interlining and outer fabric. Stitch the two outer pieces right sides together. Match the corner notches up flat and stitch, creating a squared off bottom for your camera case. Stack the two lining pieces right sides together and place the interlining to the wrong side of each. Sew both long sides, leaving the bottom end open for turning. Tack a loop of elastic to one side of the top edge of the outer fabric. Place the outer fabric and lining pieces right sides together and stitch around the top edge. Turn right side out and handstitch the opening closed. Add a button to go with the small elastic loop. You can opt to add a gusset for a thicker camera or make a flap for your camera case as well.

Knitting or Crocheting a Camera Case

Felted wool is a good choice for a camera case. It will not harm or scratch your camera and can provide some amount of protection against bumps and some degree of water resistance. In order to create a felted camera case pattern you will need to know not only the gauge of your knitting or crocheting, but also the finished felted gauge. Once you know this, cast on enough stitches to cover the width of your camera once felted. Knit or crochet a simple rectangle to the depth you need. Pick up stitches around this rectangle and work to the desired length. Bind off knit stitches or work on only the required stitches to create a simple flap. Work a buttonhole if desired, or plan to add a loop once the camera case is felted.

An SLR Camera Case

If you have a digital SLR or a hybrid SLR camera, you may need something with a bit more body and structure than the simple cases previously suggest. You may also need to carry lenses or other equipment. Use fusible fleece to pad your camera case. Take measurements for your camera and any other equipment. Make a T-shaped pattern. The top of the T should be the width of your camera plus two times the depth of your camera. Add 1 inch for seams. Make the stem of the T two times the depth of your camera plus the height of your camera, then allow a generous amount for a foldover flap. The width should be 1 inch wider than the camera width. Cut a lining and outer piece, as well as any interlining or interfacing. Fuse interlining or interfacing to the lining fabric. Sew the lining and outer together at the top of the T. Seam together the lining and outer separately, then stitch the liner to the sides of the top flap, leaving the end open for turning. Turn and topstitch the opening closed. Add pockets to this bag if desired or adjust size to include lenses and accessories. Use velcro or snaps to close and add a handle if desired.

Tags: your camera, camera case, your camera case, camera case pattern, case pattern

Unlock A C310

The Mio C310 GPS will "lock up" when the firmware is fragmented. When locked, the Mio C310 will not respond to commands and will appear frozen. A soft or hard reset can be performed on the Mio C310 to unlock it. A soft reset will just reset the internal software and unlock the device. A hard reset restores the Mio back to its factory configurations, and all current user data, such as favorites and POI files will be deleted.

Instructions

1. Turn off the Mio C310, if possible using the "Power" button next to the LCD screen. If the Mio will not power off, you can still perform a soft reset.

2. Insert the tip of the pin into the "Reset" hole on the bottom of the Mio C310 GPS.

3. Push and hold the pin deep inside the Reset hole until the Mio's home screen appears.

Hard Reset

4. Disconnect any cables currently connected to the Mio C310 (e.g., AC adapter or USB cable).

5. Slide the On/Off switch on the bottom of the Mio to the "Off" position with a pointed pin. Don't use the "Power" button next to the LCD screen.

6. Switch the On/Off switch back to the "On" position after one minute. The Mio will perform a hard reset and unlock itself.

Tags: hard reset, button next, button next screen, C310 will, next screen, Power button

Hightech Christmas Gifts For Men

High-tech gadgets are some of the most appealing Christmas gifts for the men in your life.

It's no secret: many men love fascinating gadgets and high-tech items. From the latest cellphone or MP3 player to coffee makers and high-definition televisions, a high-tech gift for Christmas can make many a man's holiday brighter. If you don't have the cash for a 51-inch, flat-screen television, don't fret. There are lots of high-tech gifts available in any price range

Coffee Maker

Coffee makers make a great gift for tech-savvy guys who are also fond of caffeine. The Handpresso is a portable, handheld espresso maker that brews up single servings. You can brew up a shot of premium, cafe-worthy espresso on the go. Just add a coffee pod and a little bit of water. This item, which costs about $100, is especially handy for bachelors, college students and guys who put in long hours at the office and need a quick shot of espresso now and then.

Techie Tie

High-tech tie, anyone? If you are looking for a gadget gift for the guy who has everything, the British clothing designer Thomas Pink sells a tie in which techies and geeks can store an iPod or mini-MP3 player in a small pocket on the back of the tie, according to the Huffington Post. Priced at $100, the tie is available in a range of colors, including pink, blue and green.

Smart Pen

The Smartpen is precisely that: a smart pen. It features a voice recorder to help link what you write and what you hear. Special Smartpen-friendly notebooks are required, and you'll need to download recorded information to your computer's hard drive. You can download multiple applications for the pen. There are a variety of Smartpens available, starting at about $169. The Smartpen is particularly useful for students and businessmen.

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Tutorial For Photo Booth

Photo Booth comes with all Mac computers running OS X.

Photo Booth is one of the default applications in Apple's OS X operating system for Mac. Photo Booth uses your built-in web cam combined with a retro-style photo booth interface to let you take fun photos and record videos on your Mac. Photo Booth has many built-in features such as effects, backgrounds and slide shows with the ability to import to iPhoto or share via email.

Instructions

1. Open Photo Booth by going to your Finder window and clicking on the "Applications" folder, which is located on the left side menu. The application should open with a dialogue box that uses your web cam to show a live image. Use the live preview to frame and compose your image.

2. Click the red camera button to take a plain photo with no effects. Photo Booth will give you a three-second countdown before taking the photo. You can change output settings by clicking on the single photo icon, four photo icon or film strip icon.

3. Click the "Effects" button on the right hand side below the live preview. This will open a window that displays all of Photo Booth effects and backgrounds. You can browse through the various effects by clicking on the arrows that appear on either side of the "Effects" button. Click on any effect preview window to choose the effect you want. Click the red camera button to take a photo.

4. Click on a background and remove yourself from the web cam frame so that the background can calibrate. When you re-enter the frame, your live preview will be superimposed onto the background. Click the red camera button to take a photo when you are pleased with your position on the background.

5. Select your still image from the horizontal gallery along the bottom of the Photo Booth application window. Click the "Email" icon to share your image with friends or family; click the "iPhoto" icon to import your image into iPhoto. You can also set your account picture and iChat buddy icon by clicking the icons on the right-hand side. To delete a photo, click on the small gray "X" located in the lower left hand corner of each still image.

6. Click on "View" and then "Start Slideshow" to see a slide show of your Photo Booth images. You can add Photo Booth photos to iPhoto from within the slide show by clicking on the "Add to iPhoto" icon in the slide show control bar, located on the bottom of the screen. You can also access an index sheet of all of your Photo Booth images for easier viewing by clicking on the "Index Sheet" icon in the slide show control bar.

Tags: Photo Booth, slide show, button take, camera button, camera button take, Click camera, Click camera button

How Does 35mm Film Work

How Does 35mm Film Work?

The 35mm film format was initially introduced to combine the use of smaller, more portable cameras and inexpensive movie film. Now, 35mm is the most widely used photographic film format available. The standard frame size for this format is 24-by-36mm, twice the size of movie images. The film has perforated sprocket holes on both sides that advance the film through a 35mm camera. When 35mm film was originally used by photographers, they would salvage ends and cut off pieces from motion picture stock. This film would have to be loaded in the dark. Modern 35mm film, on the other hand, comes on cassettes and can even be loaded into a camera during daylight hours. These rolls of film were originally called "daylight loaders".

When light strikes the 35mm film, an exposure happens to the negative. This is usually termed principal photography in a production schedule. The more light that strikes the film, the more densities form on the silver halide ribbon. When shooting motion pictures, the frame rate is analogous to the length of time light is allowed to affect the negative. When syncing sound at 24 frames per second, the exposure time is 1/48th of a second. Another factor affecting how 35mm film works is the film sensitivity or exposure index. The silver halide grains on the film can vary in terms of size and sensitivity to light. The faster the film, the larger and more sensitive the silver halide grains can be. This means it takes less light to make an exposure on the film. The size of the aperture and the intensity of the light can also affect the quality of an image captured during principal photography.

After principal photography, 35mm film is processed at a film laboratory. The laboratory processes the film, makes duplicate copies, and can provide special services for filmmakers. The film can arrives via courier and has all of the film's pertinent information on the cover. This cover sheet tells the film lab what type of film was used, specific instructions on processing, and most importantly the name and contact information of the production company. The film itself undergoes a process which amplifies the image exposed on the negative. An accelerant is used to bring out the hidden image on the negative by converting the silver halide to a metallic silver image. Then, a stop bath is used to suspend the development process. This is usually an acid solution. To prevent fading and staining, the film is subjected to another wash, removing the fixer and soluble complexes on the emulsion. The developed 35mm film is then hung out to dry.

Tags: 35mm film, silver halide, principal photography, 35mm Film Work, Does 35mm, Does 35mm Film

Record To A Vcr With A Comcast Converter Box

The humble VCR still has a place in many home theater systems. You can use it to record cable television programming from Comcast by connecting to the company's converter box, which is a device that transforms the digital cable signal into an analog signal that your VCR can record. The connections take only a moment.

Instructions

1. Connect the VCR to your converter box using the RCA-type cables. Red and white connect to the right and left audio jacks, respectively, and the yellow cable connects to the video jack.

2. Connect RCA plugs from the VCR outputs to the TV inputs, following the same color scheme.

3. Set the VCR to record either Channel 3 or your line input. It depends on the setting of your converter box, which should display the setting.

4. Set the TV for cable reception, and tune to the channel you wish to record.

5. Insert a blank tape in the VCR, and press "Record" to being recording immediately.

6. Program the VCR to a preset time and load with a blank tape to delay recording, making sure your cable box or television is tuned to the channel you wish to record.

Tags: blank tape, cable television, channel wish, channel wish record, converter which

Connect A Stereo Equalizer

Using an external equalizer in your home audio setup will allow you to adjust equalization settings for different genres of music, and help you to boost or reduce frequencies in rooms that diminish or exaggerate parts of the audio spectrum due to furniture placement and room shape.

Instructions

1. Connect the outputs of your audio equipment such as CD player, record player or mp3 player to the inputs of the stereo equalizer.

2. Connect the outputs of the stereo equalizer to an input on your main amplifier that powers the speakers. Some stereo equalizers will only have one main output. If that is the case, you must choose which input to connect your audio sources to and keep it on that setting no matter which source you are listening to.

3. Purchase RCA adapter cables or 1/4-inch adapter cables if needed. Some equalizers have only RCA inputs and outputs. If you have only 1/4-inch outputs on your other equipment, you need RCA adapters. If your equalizer accepts only 1/4-inch jacks and your other equipment has only RCA outputs, use 1/4-inch adapters. These can be purchased at most stores that sell electronics accessories for less than $10.00.

4. Using powered speakers, connect the input sources to the equalizer and connect the main output of the equalizer directly to the speakers. For use with powered speakers, you may need the adapters mentioned above.

5. Connect the outputs of your preamplifier to the inputs of your stereo equalizer if you are using one for a record player or device that requires a preamplifier, and amplifier for the speakers.

6. Connect your stereo equalizer to the dedicated input on your amplifier if it has one. Though most amplifiers do not have dedicated inputs for external equalizers, some do. Connect all other devices to the marked inputs on the amplifier normally.

Tags: Connect outputs, outputs your, your stereo equalizer, adapter cables, Connect outputs your, have only

Troubleshoot A Comcast Dvr

Comcast offers its customers the chance to add DVR service to their cable package. With a Comcast DVR, you can pause and rewind live TV, record your favorite programs or set a season pass to record all episodes of a particular show. An example of a Comcast DVR set top box you can use is the Motorola DCT 6412. If you have a problem with the Comcast DVR, try these techniques before calling for service.

Instructions

1. Unplug the Comcast DVR and wait a minute. Plug the unit back into a working wall outlet. This will force the Comcast DVR to reboot. This can resolve frozen screen and blank screen issues that may occur.

2. Check that the outputs are installed correctly. If you can't hear or see Comcast programming, the DVR may not be hooked up correctly. Make sure the audio and video outputs are hooked into the corresponding TV inputs. You may need to adjust the output format if you are using a high definition TV. To do this, press the "Menu" key on the front of the set top box. Scroll through the options until you find the "Output" selection. Press the right scroll key to view the different formats until a picture displays on the screen. The coaxial cable also will need to be installed for operation.

3. Change the channel using the Comcast DVR remote. If you view a black screen, you may be tuned to an unauthorized channel. Also, select "Cable" on your remote control to view your Comcast channels.

4. Adjust your recording options. If you have a problem using the digital video recording features, view the options by hitting the "DVR" button on your remote control. Highlight a sreview the recording options to make sure that they are correct.

Tags: your remote control, have problem, recording options, remote control, your remote

Diy Underwater Camera

DIY Underwater Camera

Underwater photography is a great way of capturing interesting pictures. Whether you're interested in photos of nature or just want to have fun in a pool, using a waterproof camera is perfect for getting shots that will stand out. There are a couple of ways to waterproof a camera, all of which are fairly easy. You can create a camera case from household materials, you can buy one, or you can just use a Ziploc bag. Each way has positives and negatives.

Household Case

Making a household case is a great way to cheaply waterproof your camera, and is more effective than a just a Ziploc bag. However it will only work on small cameras. The first thing you need is a cardboard tube from a roll of paper towels. Measure the tube to the length of your camera lens. Then cut off that portion of the tube. Place the cardboard over the lens to protect it.

Cover the camera with an unlubricated condom right over the lens. Add a little packet of desiccant gel inside the condom with the camera. These can be found in any bag of beef jerky. Then tie the condom at the opening. Take another condom and place it over the camera from the other side and tie it off. Now your camera is ready to be used underwater.

Ziploc Bag

Using a basic Ziploc bag is faster and easier than any other method, but the pictures will not be as clear and there is more risk of water getting through. All you have to do is open the bag, put the camera inside, and then seal the bag shut. You may want to add some duct tape to the top of the bag for some added security. With this method your camera will be safe for the pool in only a minute or two.

Purchased Case

Most companies offer an accessory underwater case that you can buy for your particular model camera. This is the most expensive tactic. A camera case can cost anywhere from $30 to $100. However it is guaranteed to work, it will take good pictures, and it can be used over and over again. Check the website of the company that manufactures your camera to obtain the case.

Tags: your camera, camera case, just Ziploc, over lens, Underwater Camera, waterproof camera

What Format Do Most Audio Cd Players Use

Compact disc players have come a long way since they were first introduced more than 25 years ago. They are engineered to play a variety of formats from a number of different sources, but the main format is still CD Audio, also known as Audio CD.

History

Compact disc players hit the marketplace in the mid-1980s. The first models were expensive and a bit bulky, and the only CDs available to play were studio-produced commercial releases on the CD Audio format.

CD Audio

CD Audio (.cda) is an uncompressed format and doesn't contain the actual audio portion of the files. Instead, it is a representation of the individual tracks contained on the CD. They can only be played on a CD player or CD-ROM.

New Formats

As compact discs have evolved into a medium for data storage and recording, other file formats developed by different companies for use with their software have the ability to be recorded onto and played by a CD player.

CD Players

Different CD players will be able to play a varying number of formats; older home and car stereo CD players might only play CD Audio compact discs, while newer models are engineered to play a wider variety of the currently used formats. And CD-ROM drives in computers should be able to play any format that can be burned to a CD.

Labeling/Converting

Many home and car stereo CD players will list somewhere on the unit the accepted playback formats (MP3, .wav and .wma.).

Tags: able play, Compact disc, Compact disc players, compact discs, disc players, engineered play, home stereo