When Kodak first started manufacturing cameras, around 1890, photography was still in its infancy. This is reflected in their early-model cameras, such as the folding Kodet camera. The lens and glass plates of a folding Kodet camera are housed in a wooden box. To make them compact, Kodak designed the internal camera to be pulled out of the box, much like an accordion. This feature made the camera less bulky and allowed for greater portability. If you own an antique Kodet and want to know access the camera from the box, the good news is that pulling it out and folding it in is a relatively easy process.
Instructions
1. Place the Kodet on a sturdy and level surface, such as a table. You can also place it on a stand or tripod with a top plate large enough to support the Kodet.
2. Unlock the metal clasp on the front of the box by depressing the lock button at the top of the box. Once unlocked, the front panel of the box is free to be lowered.
3. Lower the front panel and pull the lens out of the box by the metal finger guard located just under the lens. Slide the lens out of the box until it can't be pulled out any further, but be careful not to force it.
4. Unlock the metal clasp on the back of the box on the outside of the panel. Lower the panel to access the interior components, such as the shutter and glass plates. Replace the panel when finished.
5. Slide the lens back into the box using the metal finger guard. Lift the front panel of the box and secure it. You'll know it's in place when the metal clasp on the interior of the panel connects to the top lock. Your Kodet camera has now been folded.
Tags: front panel, Kodet camera, metal clasp, finger guard, folding Kodet, folding Kodet camera
Sansa is a chain of portable media players manufactured by the SanDisk Corporation. These players come in different sizes and with different amounts of memory. Some Sansa players can play videos. As with other media players, you must first add your music to the Sansa MP3 player before you can use the player. Regardless of which Sansa player you own, putting music on it is easy when you use Windows Media Player.
Instructions
1. Open Windows Media Player. Maximize the window for the program, as doing so makes it easier to put music on a Sansa MP3 player.
2. Connect the Sansa MP3 player to your computer using the USB cord that came with your player.
3. Click the "Sync" tab in Windows Media Player. You will see the name of your Sansa MP3 player on the right side of the program.
4. Click the "Artist," "Songs" or "Album" link on the left side of the program to search for the music you want to put on your Sansa player.
5. Click on a song that you want to put onto the Sansa MP3 player. Drag that file to the column labeled "Drag items here." Do this for every song you want to put onto the player.
6. Click "Start Sync" when you're done adding files to the list. The music will then be added to your Sansa MP3 player.
Tags: Sansa player, your Sansa player, Media Player, player Click, Windows Media
The Snap Sights Flash 35mm camera is a disposable camera that can take underwater pictures down to 100 feet below the surface. It comes pre-loaded with 800 speed film, ideal for both dark and light conditions. And even though it's disposable, it can be reloaded. So feel free to take as many pictures as you like when you're swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving.
Instructions
1. Put on your goggles so you can get the best possible view for your underwater photo taking.
2. Turn the small knob on the top right side of the camera in a counter-clockwise direction until you hear it click and feel it stop moving.
3. Bring the camera up to your eye and look through the aimer located atop the center of the camera. Press the little black protruding button on the top of the camera to take the picture.
4. Wind the film as you did in Step 2 before taking your next picture.
5. Open the Snap Sights housing unit by twisting the cam lock dial on the side of the camera. Remove the camera and press the release button located at the bottom. Wind the film in a clockwise motion, using the winder, until it spins without clicking. Pull on the rewind knob until the film falls out of the camera.
6. Place another roll of film into the space from which you removed the last roll. Line up the holes in the side of the film with the sprocket's gear teeth. Shut the back of the camera, then wind the film using the winding knob until you hear it click and stop moving. Place the camera back into its housing unit and you're ready to take more pictures.
Tags: Snap Sights, Flash 35mm, hear click, housing unit, knob until, side camera, Sights Flash
Radio frequency identification, RFID, offers real-time data on the location of goods. While a boon for large retailers who would be able to manage their goods more efficiently, there are a variety of barriers in the way of RFID technology. The cost alone will delay its full implementation for some time, but the larger issue of privacy has many individuals and groups fighting RFID technology.
RFID Defined
RFID consists of two parts: an RFID tag and a RFID reader. The tags are small microchips connected to an antenna. The antenna usually looks like copper wire going in a uniform pattern around the microchip. Readers stimulate the tags through electromagnetic energy, causing the tags to emit a radio signal containing a unique identification number associated with the product. The radio signal is then picked up by the reader. These tasks are automated and do not require human management once the reader and tags are in place.
Goals for RFID
The goal for RFID technology from the corporate end is to have greater control over the supply chain. RFID would allow a retailer to know exactly how much of a certain product is on hand, how much is in the warehouse, and how much inventory is in route. All this information could be obtained in real time, and would help retailers and manufacturers of goods more accurately meet the needs of their customers with less guesswork.
RFID Obstacles
The primary barrier to RFID technology is the cost. With a cost per unit of about 25 cents as of 2011, it is still cost prohibitive to place RFID tags on every product. The goal of the industry is to create tags with a cost per unit of five cents. However, because the technology has to be widely adopted in order for price to drop, there are still barriers to ubiquitous RFID tag use.
RFID Concerns
RFID technology raises many significant privacy concerns. Each RFID tag contains a unique number to ID the product. This is different than barcode technology, which uses the same number for every product of a certain type. If that identifying number is then tied to a reward card number or a credit card number, people and products could be identified with a RFID reader. Additionally, RFID tags are small and usually hidden. They are already used in the supply chain, and it is likely that you have them in your home. Since they are always on, it is possible for anyone with a RFID reader to pick up the unique ID numbers of your goods, or even track your movements by strategically placing RFID readers in the community.
Tags: RFID technology, RFID reader, card number, cost unit, every product, goods more
RealD is the brand name for polarized 3D glasses that are used with a 3D TV for watching 3D video. The lack of electronics in RealD glasses makes them lightweight and inexpensive, so they are often used in movie theaters. You can watch real 3D using these glasses at home, provided that the 3DTV is compatible with the polarizing technology used by the glasses. The set-up for 3D on the 3D TV does not require any settings to be made on the 3D glasses.
Instructions
1. Turn the 3D TV on with its remote. Seat yourself in front of the screen, about 15-18 feet away and so that your eyes are even with the screen if you drew an imaginary line between its center and the bridge of your nose.
2. Press the remote's "Menu" button. Navigate to the "Video input" setting and select the "HDMI" input that your 3D Blu-ray player is connected to. Press the "Exit" button to return to the main TV screen.
3. Press "Menu." Select the 3D icon from the menu settings. Select the style of 3D that is compatible with the 3D Blu-ray disc that is going to be played -- this information is listed on the box the disc comes in. Press the "Exit" button.
4. Turn the Blu-ray player that is connected to the 3D TV on with its remote. Insert the 3D Blu-ray disc onto the disc tray and close the tray. Press the "Play" button, if the 3D Blu-ray disc does not start to play automatically.
5. Put on the 3D glasses and watch the 3D video on the screen just as if you were in a movie theater.
Tags: Blu-ray disc, Blu-ray player, compatible with, Exit button, Press Exit
Lighting a scene with multiple flash is done using the same techniques used with incandescent lighting. But since you cannot see how much "light" each flash emits when triggered, a flash meter is necessary because it reads the amount of light from each flash first. You can use a Minolta Flash Meter III to set up a lighting pattern to properly illuminate a person or area. The procedure is straightforward and does not require any previous experience in using a flash meter.
Instructions
1. Open the battery compartment cover on the back of the Minolta Flash Meter III. Remove the battery sleeve. Insert six fresh batteries into the sleeve. Place the sleeve back into the battery compartment and close the cover.
2. Screw the tripod screw at the top of a tripod's platform into the mounting hole in the bottom of a camera. Stand the tripod so that the camera lens is aimed at the person or object that is to be photographed with electronic flash.
3. Open the battery compartment lid on the back of a hot shoe-equipped electronic flash. Insert fresh batteries into the battery compartment and close the lid.
4. Slide the hot shoe at the bottom of the flash into the hot shoe mounting plate at the top of the camera. Aim the camera so that the lens is facing the person or object that is to be photographed.
5. Screw the tripod screw at the top of the platform of another tripod into the mounting hole in the bottom of an electronic flash that has a "slave" mode built-in. Insert fresh batteries into the battery compartment in the same manner as was done with the other electronic flash.
6. Stand the tripod with the "slave" flash even with the other tripod. Move the tripod with the slave flash away from the other tripod, along an invisible horizontal line, until it is 10 feet away. Employ a tape measure to get the distance right. Aim the "slave" flash so that it is facing the direction of the person or object that is to be photographed.
7. Set the "slave" flash's setting to "Slave" so that it will fire when the other electronic flash goes off. Turn on the electronic flash that is on the camera.
8. Press the power button to turn the Minolta Flash Meter on. Adjust the "film" setting to the same speed as the film being used in the camera. If a digital camera is being used, adjust the setting to the same light sensitivity number that has been set on the camera. Adjust the "Measuring Mode" knob to "None C." Press the "Measuring" button on the meter.
9. Have an assistant hold the meter so that its front-mounted dome is pointing toward the camera. Press the manual flash button on the flash that is on the camera to fire it off. Write down the setting that is displayed on the meter's LCD screen. Press the "Measuring" button on the meter again.
10. Turn on the "slave" flash. Have the assistant hold the meter so that its front-mounted dome is pointing toward the "slave" flash. Press the manual flash button to fire the "slave" flash. Write down the setting that is displayed on the meter's LCD screen.
11. Compare the two numbers of the two flashes. Weaken the intensity of the "slave" flash by halving its number, compared to that of the flash that is on the camera. This can be done by decreasing the power output by 50 percent, if the "slave" flash has a selector button of this type. Or, it can be done by moving the tripod while holding the "slave" flash straight back half the distance from the camera to the person or object that is being photographed.
12. Adjust the "Measuring Mode" knob to "Multi." Press the "Measuring" button on the meter again. Have the assistant hold the meter so that its front-mounted dome is pointing toward the flash on the camera. Press the manual flash button on the flash that is on the camera to fire off both flashes.
13. Set the camera's "f-stop" to the number setting that is now on the meter's LCD screen before taking any pictures. Turn the meter off.
Tags: slave flash, electronic flash, flash that, battery compartment, that camera
You may decide to add a video capture card to your PC for a variety of reasons, and there are two different ways to do it. The exact card you want depends on exactly what you plan to use it for.
Purpose
People use capture cards to record video games or television input. Since you're dealing with HD input, you'll obviously need to compare capture cards that have an HDMI input port. If you plan to use it primarily for video games, look for a card that claims it can easily connect to a machine like an Xbox 360 and PS3.
Internal or External
Internal cards require an available PCI express card slot on the computer. The advantage of using an internal capture card is the card uses your system resources directly, meaning they respond faster than an external device. Most external devices connect via USB, and the speed limits of the USB port make it difficult to record HD material. These devices are easier to set up, but may be slower than an internal card.
Reviews
Check for reviews before you buy. There are a few useful video capture card buying guides online, including the "Reflectzyn" guide and "Videomaker's" comparison of external and internal solutions. "CNET" has a comprehensive list of video capture cards that can be organized by manufacturer, price or review score.
Tags: capture card, video capture, capture cards, capture cards that, cards that, video capture card
Searching for modern day treasure doesn't involve following a map with an X to a hidden bounty, but rather a popular pastime involving portable GPS units. Geocaching involves using your handheld GPS unit or a phone with built-in GPS abilities to attempt to locate a cache, which is often a small container. Geocaches are hidden throughout the world, and you can even track all of your cache finds online as part of the greater geocache community.
Instructions
1. Visit GeoCaching.com, and sign in or create a new account using the links in the upper right portion of the screen.
2. Click "Hide & Seek Cache" from the menu on the left.
3. Enter the zip code you will be searching into the box and submit the search to find caches in the area.
4. Choose a cache from the search results and click the "Check Coordinates" option.
5. Add the coordinates to your GPS as a waypoint. The exact method of this will vary based on your GPS device. Repeat if desired for further caches if you wish to search for more than one cache.
6. Follow the directional arrow on your GPS to the location of the cache.
7. Find the exact location of the cache once you reach the area, as most GPS units will be accurate to about 50 feet, meaning it can not lead you directly to the cache, rather to the general vicinity.
8. Add your name to the log book in the cache once located, and place your trinket, while removing the trinket left by the previous hunters, if desired.
The Nikon Coolpix S230 digital camera uses a slim, lightweight lithium ion (Li-Ion) removable battery that allows for approximately 160 shots before a recharge is required. The S230 pack includes a Li-Ion battery charger that's simple and fast to use.
Instructions
1. Place the battery for your Nikon S230 camera into the battery charger compartment using your fingers. The battery compartment is on top of the charger unit and is the same size as the battery, which is about 2 inches by 3 inches and slim; it resembles a cell phone battery. There are metal contacts at one end of the battery compartment, so ensure the contacts on the end of the battery line up with the contacts on the charger. The battery only fits one way, so you won't get it wrong.
2. Use the wire that came with your Nikon S230 charger to connect to the charger unit and the power supply. The wire has a regular three-pin plug on one end, the same as you find on most electrical devices in your home. The plug on the other end is a small molded plastic unit. Insert the small plug into the charger socket on the side of the battery charger. Push it in place using your fingers. Insert the plug on the opposite end of the wire from the charger unit into the power supply socket.
3. Turn on the power supply using the wall socket switch, if it has one. If not, then electricity is already going to your charger unit. Turn on your battery charger by sliding the switch on top of the charger to the "On" position. An LED light illuminates to indicate your Nikon battery is charging.
4. Let the battery charge until the light changes color; it starts off red and turns green, once charging is complete. The battery takes between 30 and 60 minutes to charge, depending how discharged it is.
5. Turn off the charger by sliding the switch to the "Off" position. Remove the battery from the charger using your fingers. Pry out one end, then lift the battery out of the battery compartment. Put the charged battery back into your camera.
Tags: battery charger, charger unit, battery compartment, Nikon S230, power supply, using your, using your fingers
In a satellite/subwoofer speaker system, the large subwoofer speaker produces the bass, while the smaller satellite speakers produce the high notes. Subwoofers are an important component of a home theater or surround sound system.
Instructions
1. Look for an active subwoofer for use in a stereo system.
2. Consider active or passive subwoofers for use in a home theater system.
3. Look for clean, tight, accurate bass for music reproduction.
4. Look for realistic dynamics for home theater use.
5. Read reviews in audio magazines, like AudioReview.com, and elsewhere on the Internet to help narrow your list.
6. Take a few familiar CDs to stores you visit. Choose pieces with prominent bass information.
7. Arrange to listen to a speaker at home through your own system if it sounds good to you in the store. Ask the dealer to provide appropriate cables if you don't already have them.
8. After you've found the best subwoofer in your price range, listen to your system without the subwoofer. If you perceive the same amount of bass but a collapsed soundstage, you've made a good choice.
Tags: home theater, subwoofer speaker, your system
A flash is one form of lighting used in photography.
Studio photography is a style of photography in which photographers set up sites, either inside a studio or on location, to shoot a vast variety of subjects--from food to brides to commercial products. Getting the best lighting on the subject is one of the most important elements of photography. Studio photographers usually work with numerous pieces of equipment, including strobe lights, tripods and backdrops.
Instructions
Set-Up
1. Set up your backdrop. If you're using a muslin backdrop, set it up according to instructions in the kit.
2. Assemble the light stands and attach your strobe lights or continuous lights to the stands. Arrange the lighting in front of the backdrop. Adjust the lights in the direction of where the subject will be placed.
3. Place a solid surface, chair or table in front of the backdrop. Set up your camera and computer. Place the camera on the tripod and the computer on an additional table. Attach the computer to the digital camera with a USB cable. Open the studio lighting software.
4. Place your subject on the surface in front of the backdrop and adjust both the subject and the lighting to achieve the desired effect.
5. Use the light meter or gray card to measure the light and set the camera. Take test shots to adjust shutter speed, ISO or f-stop for the desired effect on subject. Adjust lights to achieve desired effects.
Exit power-saving mode by moving the unit or pressing a button.
Portable CCTV magnifiers, such as the Senseview P430, are handheld LCD screens that digitally enhance small printed materials, such as book text or important documents. Basically, it's a modern-day magnifying glass, only it magnifies to varying levels with optional effects at the press of a button. After obtaining the magnifier, you might have questions about use it. You'll want to know your magnifier inside and out before taking it to school or work.
Instructions
1. Plug the supplied AC adapter into the P430's "DC input" jack (located on the upper right edge) to begin powering the device. Plug the pronged end of the adapter into a wall or strip outlet. Allow the P430 battery to charge for approximately three hours, if it's being used for the first time.
2. Push the "Power" switch (located on the upper left edge) to "On" to turn on the device. You will see the GW Micro logo appear for two seconds. The last-used zoom, brightness and color settings will be remembered and restored.
3. Lay or hold the magnifier over of a piece of text or picture, such as a newspaper or map. The area below the magnifier will be visible through the view screen. Use the view screen to see or read pictures or text more clearly.
4. Push the "Zoom In/Out" buttons (located on the face of the device to the left) to control the magnification rate. The P430 has 10 zoom settings, with 1 being a standard view and 10 being the most magnified. Push the zoom button up to make text bigger and more visible.
5. Plug a camera cable into the external video input jack (on the top edge of the magnifier) to connect an external camera. External cameras can help with tasks, such as writing, where you aren't able to lay the CCTV on top of the paper.
6. Push the "Color" mode button (on the face of the magnifier to the right) to switch screen colors. Push the rotor button (above the "Color" button) to cycle through and choose from "1 (full color)," "2 (white background, black text)," "3 (white text, black background)," "4 (blue background, yellow text)," "5 (yellow background, blue text)" or "6 (white background, blue text)."
7. Push the "Brightness" button (on the bottom left edge) to make the screen brighter. Push the button repeatedly to cycle through the four brightness levels until the screen is comfortably viewable.
Tags: background blue, adapter into, background blue text, blue text, cycle through
The Motorola Spectra radio is a two way radio that is portable and can be mounted in vehicles. The Spectra Series of radios have been discontinued, but parts and servicing of the radio are still available from Motorola. Troubleshooting a Spectra radio is a fairly easy process. There are a number of items that can first be checked before requiring you to contact Motorola for servicing of the radio.
Instructions
1. Change the radio frequency channel on the radio to see if the error is occurring on all channels or just the channel that you have been trying to access. Try testing multiple channels to see if there is anything that can be picked up by the radio.
2. Check all the connection cords into and out of the radio. Make sure that all connections are secure and are not loose in the connection ports. Unplug to examine the plugs and the ports on the radio. Plug back in and test the radio.
3. Turn off the radio and let it set for a few moments. Turn the radio back on and watch the display screen. The Spectra radios will display fail and error messages at startup. Write down the codes seen on the screen and reference the error on an error list.
4. Contact Motorola product support at 1-888-325-9336 if none of the above troubleshooting measures results in a fix for the radio.
Tags: have been, Motorola Spectra, servicing radio, Spectra radio, Turn radio
Each portrait session should highlight the subject's personality.
Variety and creativity abound in a portrait studio setting. With a comfortable controlled climate, variable lighting options and digital effects, photo shoot ideas can be overwhelming and it can be difficult to narrow down your options. Whether you have children, families or individual portrait sessions filling your day, each shoot should reflect the personality of your subject. Choosing the right session style starts with a meeting between the photographer and client. Discussions regarding the final desired look and the purpose of the portraits will help you determine the type of shoot to set up.
Natural Ambiance
When rain and wind threaten the possibility of an outdoor photo session, take the session indoors. Shooting next to a large window flooded with natural light diffused by looming clouds or the use of a digital backdrop recreates the serenity and ambiance of an outdoor scene. Children who become easily distracted outdoors sit longer in the controlled setting of a portrait studio. Hand the child a flower to smell or a pint-sized fishing pole to better capture images of the child at play.
Playful and Simple
Children like entertainment, especially during a photography shoot. For bouncy, active groups of siblings, forgo the perfect hands-clasped poses for a more youthful, playful portrait. Place the children on a solid white or black backdrop and add one element for them to discover. For a spring portrait, give each child a brightly colored balloon and watch as they smile, poke and wave the balloons around. For a winter portrait, introduce a string of illuminated holiday lights or plastic holiday tree ornaments. Capture unique portraits as the children wrap themselves in the lights or gaze into the shiny ornaments.
Classic and Comfortable
Groups of adults and older couples enjoy studio portraits that recreate a comfortable home-type atmosphere. Push away the backdrops and opt for a classic hardwood floor and neutral earth-tone painted wall. Stage the studio with a sturdy sofa or love seat, an end table and a floral arrangement. Position the family members on and around the seating in natural comfortable poses.
Wild and One-of-A Kind
Every high school senior wants their graduation portraits to highlight their personality. With the magic of green screen backdrops and digital photo editing software, the senior can be magically transported to a Parisian bridge overlooking the Seine River, the cockpit of an old B-52 bomber airplane, or safely dangling their toes over the edge of a scenic cliff. For a more wild, yet still classic look, work with color in the studio. Contrast neon-colored paper backdrops against funky contemporary chairs for a modern look. Use a ladder or unusual poses to achieve portraits with uncharacteristic angles.
The primary purpose of the Pro 94 scanner is to pick up frequencies and transmissions from other communication systems. Upon receiving your device, you might have some questions about properly set your device. Following a few steps, you will have your device operating effectively and efficiently in little time. Learn properly power your device using alkaline or Ni-Cd batteries, connect the supplied external antenna, adjust the "Squelch," and save frequencies to channels.
Instructions
1. Install new batteries in your unit before powering on. Turn the unit over onto its back and slide the battery chamber door open with your thumbs. Install two AA batteries (alkaline or Ni-Cd) into the battery chamber. Use a small pointed object (such as a pen tip) to switch over the battery switch (inside the battery chamber). Flip the switch either "Alkaline" or "Ni-Cd," depending on which kind you're inserting. While inserting the batteries, be sure to correspond to the polarity indicators printed on the inside of the chamber. Replace the battery chamber door.
2. Connect the supplied antenna to the top of the device. Line up the slots on the bottom of the external antenna with those of the scanner's connector. Lower the antenna down on the connector and rotate the antenna clockwise until it clicks into place.
3. Adjust your "Squelch" to the desired level by first turning on the scanner. Turn the "Squelch" knob (located on the top of the device to the right of the "Volume" knob) all the way counterclockwise. Turn the "Volume/Power" knob (located on top of the device to the left) clockwise until you feel a click and hear a low hissing noise. Stop the Pro-94 from scanning (it automatically begins to scan upon starting) by pushing the "Man" button (located below the display in the center). Turn the "Squelch" knob slowly clockwise until you don't hear the hissing anymore. The "Squelch" is your signal threshold. If the threshold is too high, you won't pick up any signals. If the threshold is too low, you'll pick up all thresholds within the area.
4. Store known frequencies into your memory by first pressing the "Man" button and holding down "A/B" (hold) for approximately two seconds. Enter the channel number where you'd like to store the frequency. Push "Prog," and you will see the channel number appear on your display. Use the numbered keypad to enter in the frequency you'd like to program. (Insert any decimal points necessary.) Press "E" to store the frequency to the channel.
Tags: battery chamber, your device, clockwise until, alkaline Ni-Cd, battery chamber door, chamber door, channel number
Using a calling card is a good alternative to signing a contract with a long-distance carrier. AT&T offers phone cards in a variety of denominations that can be used from any phone. Phone cards are handy in emergencies and do away with the inconvenience of scrambling for spare change to use a pay phone. As with prepaid cellphones, you can purchase phone cards with cash or personal checks at a variety of stores.
Instructions
1. Visit AT&T's website to learn about the types of cards offered and the costs involved.
2. Click on "Find a Store" to locate a store near you that sells prepaid cards. Enter the city and state to find results, as the zip code function doesn't always work. You can also purchase cards at many discount department stores such as Wal-Mart and Target.
3. Visit the store you choose. The cards are usually located near the checkout stations.
4. Pay for the card with either cash or check. The cards come in specified denominations and no tax is added.
Boost mobile is a popular prepaid cell phone service that offers trendy phones and low monthly service charges. It's popular among young people because it's not a contract plan. Since you pay month to month, you don't need to have established good credit to get a cell phone. Boost mobile keeps your account active for 60 days after your service ends. You can reactivate at any time, but the procedure before and after 60 days differs slightly.
Instructions
Before 60 Days
1. Call Boost Mobil Customer Care at 866-402-7366, pay online at www.boostmobile.com/reboost/ or visit a Boost Mobile in-store location. Make sure your phone contains its original SIM card.
2. Log into your account or tell the customer service representative your phone number. Choose a monthly rate plan and purchase it using a prepaid Re-Boost card, a credit card or a debit card. Visit an in-store location to pay cash.
3. Sign up for automatic monthly billing to help prevent future service interruption and to skip having to purchase more service each month.
4. Expect your phone to reactivate within the hour. Sometimes Boost Mobile phones reactivate within minutes.
After 60 Days
5. Call Boost Mobile's Customer Care line at 866-402-7366.
6. Explain to the customer service representative that your account has been canceled for more than 60 days due to inactivity. The representative will determine if your phone number is still available. If it isn't, you'll need to register for a new account and get a new phone number.
7. Pay the $10 reactivation fee plus the amount of our first month of service. If you have a Re-Boost card, you can use it to pay for your first month of service. Your phone will be reactivated within the hour.
Marine night vision equipment provides for a diverse range of applications.
Marine night vision equipment offers a variety of uses to include military, law enforcement, industrial and scientific applications. In each sector marine night vision equipment allows observation during darkness. Marine night vision offers two main mediums for such scenarios, binoculars and cameras. With the use of marine night vision equipment, operators gain valuable data and intelligence, without disturbing or alerting the subject being watched.
Military Applications
In the earliest stages of development, night vision equipment began with military applications, mainly on land, providing soldiers the ability to engage in nighttime maneuvers. The natural outgrowth in the development of such applications, extended to combat maneuvers in a marine environment, allowing military commanders to gain valuable intelligence under the cover of darkness. With technological advances marine night vision equipment now allows commanders to observe targets at night and attack them with an accuracy unheard of before.
Law Enforcement Applications
Law enforcement application of marine night vision equipment includes preventing piracy, catching drug runners, gathering intelligence on criminal enterprises and limiting human trafficking. Law enforcement agencies use marine night vision equipment such as binoculars to observe traffic on the high seas, to spot suspicious maneuvers and recognize undocumented boats. These applications increase security on the seas and national borders, enabling law enforcement officials to gather important intelligence about criminal activities without being seen themselves.
Industrial Applications
Shipping and transport vessels, yachts, seaplanes, fishing vessels, or any other industrial vessel makes use of marine night vision equipment to navigate the high seas, improve situational awareness and keep the vessel and its occupants safe. With the aid of night vision binoculars, vessel commanders can illuminate the darkness and spot dangerous obstacles, allowing for planning of evasive maneuvers in advance. The capability of seeing in darkness helps vessel commander's spot when a vessel drifts off course and to make the required adjustments to navigational equipment.
Scientific Applications
Observing and capturing images of nocturnal creatures in the oceans and on seashores around the world, proves an important accomplishment for scientists. Scientists use marine night vision equipment to gain an understanding of the habits and actions of such animals in the course of their studies. When scientists need to rig up a camera ahead of time and then return the next day to retrieve the device and data, marine night vision equipment allows scientists to capture images of creatures highly sensitive to human presence, while limiting disturbances.
Tags: night vision, marine night, vision equipment, night vision equipment, marine night vision, night vision equipment
It is easy to connect your Sony DVP-NS50P CD/DVD Player to your television, projector or AV amplifier using a video cord. Below are instructions on connect using a video input jack, S-video cord or component video cord.
Instructions
Connect to a Video Input Jack
1. Connect the yellow plug of the supplied video cord to the yellow video jack on your television, projector or AV amplifier labeled "Input" on your television.
2. Connect the other end of the yellow cord to the yellow video output jack on the back of the DVD Player.
3. Connect the red plug of the supplied video cord to the red audio jack on your television, projector or AV amplifier labeled 'input' on your television.
4. Connect the other end of the red cord to the red audio output jack on the back of the DVD Player.
5. Connect the white plug of the supplied video cord to the white audio jack on your television, projector or AV amplifier labeled "Input" on your television.
6. Connect the other end of the white cord to the white audio output jack on the back of the DVD Player.
Connect Using an S-Video Cord
7. Connect one end of the S-video cord to the S-video input on the back of your television, projector or AV amplifier.
8. Connect the other end of the S-video cord to the S-video output on the back of the DVD Player.
Connect Using a Component Video Cord
9. Connect the green plug of the supplied video cord to the green labeled jack on your television, projector or AV amplifier labeled "Input" on your television.
10. Connect the other end of the green cord to the green colored component output jack on the back of the DVD Player.
11. Connect the red plug of the supplied video cord to the red labeled jack on your television, projector or AV amplifier labeled "Input on your television.
12. Connect the other end of the red cord to the red colored component output jack on the back of the DVD Player.
13. Connect the blue plug of the supplied video cord to the blue labeled component jack on your television, projector or AV amplifier labeled 'input' on your television.
14. Connect the other end of the blue cord to the blue colored component output jack on the back of the DVD Player.
Tags: your television, your television projector, projector amplifier, television projector, television projector amplifier
There are three general types of camera lenses. First is a wide-angle lens. Second is a "normal" perspective lens. Third is a telephoto lens. Focal length defines the lens type, with shorter lenses being wide-angle and longer being telephoto. Although single focal-length lenses are available, many modern cameras come with zoom lenses on which the focal length can be adjusted. In most cases, two types of lenses may be covered in a zoom, for example, wide-angle and normal or normal and telephoto. Several recent lenses have been released that do a good job across all three lens types.
Wide-angle Lenses
Wide-angle lenses can capture a wider field of view than the human eye. They are shorter in length than other types of lenses, and they are very good for landscapes. They also are very useful when trying to capture more detail in a confined space, such as when photographing a small room. Wide-angle lenses tend to emphasize differences in perspective. Objects in the foreground will appear larger than in reality. Because of this, wide-angle lenses are rarely used for portraits. Facial features closer to the lens will often appear larger than they really are.
"Normal" Lenses
A "normal" lens is a lens that captures approximately the same field of view as the human eye. These lenses tend to keep the relationship between the size of objects consistent throughout the field of view. Differences in sizes between foreground objects and background objects will appear normal.
Telephoto Lenses
A telephoto lens is a longer lens that has a narrow field of view. Telephoto lenses are good for filling the frame with distant objects. A telephoto lens has the opposite effect of a wide-angle in that it will compress objects in the photograph. Close objects appear to be closer in size to distant objects. In portraits, this is often flattering for a subject and many portrait photographers use medium telephoto lenses. At wide apertures, telephoto lenses have the shortest depth-of-field of any lens. This results in backgrounds being thrown out of focus, which can be a good way to visually isolate the subject of a photograph.
Tags: field view, telephoto lens, appear larger, appear larger than, distant objects, larger than, lens that
With laptop computers and cell phones, anyplace can be an office. A power inverter or power adapter can turn a car into a mobile office, making time on the road more productive. Here's make use of a car power adapter and inverter.
Instructions
Using a Dedicated Adapter
1. Check to see that the output cable connector matches the AC jack on your computer or cell-phone charger. Some universal adapters come with a set of connectors to match the most common jacks. If you're using a proprietary adapter, be sure it's the same brand as the appliance to which you're connecting it.
2. Connect the adapter to your device.
3. Place your vehicle's ignition key in the "on" or "accessory" position.
4. Remove the vehicle's cigarette lighter and insert the adapter's 12-volt connector into the lighter socket.
5. Ascertain if the indicator light on the adapter, if any, is lit. If not, recheck the connection to the cigarette lighter. The plug may have pulled out, your key may not be in the correct position, or the lighter fuse may need replacing. If none of these is the case, you may need to replace the adapter.
6. Turn on the device.
Using a Power Inverter
7. Place your vehicle's ignition key in the "on" or "accessory" position.
8. Plug the inverter's connector into your cigarette lighter socket.
9. Turn on the inverter.
10. Plug the power cord for your device into the inverter's plug. Some inverters may feature a single plug, while others may feature two.
11. Connect the power cord to your AC device's jack.
12. Turn on your device.
Tags: your device, cigarette lighter, your vehicle ignition, accessory position, connector into
Before the advent of video cameras, 8mm film cameras served as the best method of recording home film footage. Once recorded, the only way to watch the information is to use an 8mm film projector. This requires you to correctly feed the film into the projector. Even if you have never set up an 8mm film projector before, the process is straightforward and only takes a moment or two.
Instructions
1. Place the 8mm film spool that currently houses the film strip onto the spindle at the front of the 8mm film projector.
2. Slide the second film spool onto the back spindle located at the rear of the 8mm film projector.
3. Take the free end of the 8mm film strip and pull it towards the film projector. You want the film strip to rotate from the top of the film spool, not the bottom (like a roll or toilet paper).
4. Slide the film strip into the opening at the top of the projector. There are a series of brackets along the opening. The brackets fit right into the holes along the side of the film strip. This allows the film to feed smoothly into the projector.
5. Pull (gently) the film strip out the back end of the projector and up towards the second spool. There is a small slit inside the middle of the spool. Slide the end of the film strip into this slit, then turn the spool towards the projector until the film rotates onto the spool (if you don't, the film strip is just going to slide out of the spool when you begin to play the film). Once in place, turn on the projector and press the "Play" button. The 8mm film now begins to project onto the display surface.
Tags: film strip, film projector, film spool, film strip into, into projector, Slide film, Slide film strip
The Nikon D40 has been recommended as a wonderful DSLR camera to use for photography amateurs looking to go pro in the future. At times, the new owner of a Nikon D40 may feel overwhelmed with the camera and may need to seek guidance on utilize it for picture taking.
Instructions
1. Visit the Nikon digital website. By visiting this site, the new camera owner can click on products, then D40 and enter the Digitutor tutorial. This tutorial covers information such as turn the camera on, put on the lens and various shooting methods. It is very insightful and can lessen the anxiety of the amateur photographer.
2. Read an online information article from Ken Rockwell about the D40 (see Resources). This article offers a lengthy article with tips and tricks that you can apply when using the Nikon D40. The new photographer can learn much about set exposure compensation, optimize size and use the metering function.
3. Purchase a video to help understand use the Nikon D40. For those who learn better by visual assistance, there are a few videos that have been made by various companies to help the owner learn more about their camera. The two companies that make such videos are Elite and QuickPro.
4. Take photographs in various lighting with various settings.
5. Practice using your Nikon D40. This camera will hold true to its value and to the new owner. Although it has been compared with the Canon Rebel, some professionals have agreed that the Nikon D40 is better built.
The advent of the digital age brings exciting new television options: plasma and LCD screens and high-definition TVs, all available at affordable prices. With so many choices, you may have a hard time determining which type of TV is best for you. Basic information can help you find a TV that fits your needs.
Space Measurement
Bigger is often better when purchasing a TV, but not if it comes at the expense of a good viewing experience. Make a few measurements before you buy your TV so you know which size is best for you. Provide a good 6 inches of free space on either side of the TV (though you don't need to worry about that if you have a section of an entertainment center set aside for it). Be sure to measure both the height and length of the space that will hold the TV, and ask for those dimensions when you buy (the listed size of TVs describes the screen's diagonal width only). Finally, make sure you have sufficient space between the TV and the spot you intend to watch it: two to three times the diagonal width of the screen. If you can't manage that much distance in the space you have, consider a smaller TV.
Flat-Screen Options
Most TVs sold these days are some variety of flat screen: either plasma or LCD. Both types have benefits and drawbacks, which you should consider before making a decision. Plasma screens tend to provide a richer, deeper picture, and are available in larger sizes than LCDs (though LCDs are catching up in that department). LCDs, for their part, tend to be lighter and easier to carry. They also work better in higher altitudes, which can cause problems for plasma screens. Consider the best options for your circumstances before deciding between the two.
High Definition
You can purchase an HDTV, but in order to take full advantage of it, you may need several additional pieces of equipment. Contact your cable or satellite provider to see if they offer HD services; you'll probably need to pay a little extra each month for them. You'll also need HDMI cables to connect to the cable or satellite box (and a Blu-ray Disc player or upgraded DVD player if you intend to watch DVDs or Blu-ray discs on your new TV). Once you have them, then you can consider the television itself. Check the image resolution on the set. It needs to be at least 720p (720 lines of pixels broadcast "progressively," or all at once) to be considered high definition. Ideally, you should buy a set that offers 1080p resolution, which is the highest possible screen resolution as of 2009. Otherwise, you're not getting the optimum high definition for your set.
Set your digital camera's resolution before taking pictures.
If you've left your camera on the default settings from the manufacturer, you may not be using all the pixels you paid for. Although you can't change the size of your digital camera's pixels, you can change the quantity of pixels used to create each picture by altering the resolution settings on the camera. Setting your camera resolution to utilize all pixels available produces the clearest, sharpest pictures within the capabilities of your digital camera. The more pixels used, the more details you have in your pictures.
Instructions
1. Turn the camera on by pressing the "Power" button.
2. Press the "Function" button to display a menu of options on the LCD screen.
3. Scroll down to the "Image Quality" or "Resolution" setting. Press the "Function" button to choose this option.
4. Use the arrow keys on the back of the camera to scroll through the various resolution settings available.
5. Choose the "L" or large setting for the highest quality photos available. Select "M" for medium or "S" for a small resolution setting.
6. Press the "Function" button to lock in your resolution selection. Press the "Function" button once more to clear the menu from the screen and start taking photographs.
Tags: Function button, Press Function, Press Function button, digital camera, your digital, your digital camera, camera resolution
A "push-pull" subwoofer, sometimes referred to as an "isobaric" subwoofer, is a subwoofer setup that's capable of producing enormous quantities of bass output. But to work at it's true capability, an isobaric push-pull subwoofer must be wired properly for the application at hand.
Instructions
1. Choose the right amps for your subwoofer setup. Perhaps you already have the amplifiers you'll be using in your push-pull subwoofer setup. If not, be sure your amps are up to the task. Choose an amplifier that has an RMS power output of at least 75% of the subwoofer's RMS power rating--more is better.
2. Run speaker wire from the amplifier(s) to the push-pull subwoofer. A push-pull subwoofer setup uses two subwoofers, so you'll need two amplifiers or two amplifier channels to power the subs. From each amplifier or channel, run heavy gauge speaker wire (at least 14 ga) to each subwoofer.
3. Connect the speaker wire from the amplifier(s) to the subwoofers. As the name suggests, a push-pull subwoofer works because while one sub is pushing air, the other is pulling it in. Therefore, the subwoofers must be wired "out of phase." Wire the first subwoofer as such: positive terminal of the amp to positive terminal of the sub, then negative terminal of the amp to the negative terminal of the sub.
4. On the second subwoofer, wire the positive terminal of the amp to the negative terminal of the subwoofer, and the negative terminal of the amplifier to the positive terminal of the subwoofer. While it seems counter intuitive, this arrangement allows the two subwoofers of a "push-pull" arrangement to work in harmony.
A receiver in general is the component that provides the main control of an audio system. Dolby Digital is one format of receiver that provides a high-quality video stream. For that movie theater experience, Dolby Digital can bring your DVDs to life and create the ultimate cinema feel at home. Dolby Digital is typically the standard for DVD and HDTV equipment.
Instructions
Pick a Dolby Digital Receiver
1. Plan a budget and stick to it. The higher-quality receivers may have amazing performance, but they usually come at an extremely high cost.
2. Determine how many inputs you will need. This will depend largely on the number of components in your system. It is best to get a receiver that has a few more inputs than needed.
3. Make sure some of your inputs are for S-video connections rather than coaxial. S-video usually provides a better quality of picture.
4. Pick the Dolby Digital receiver with the correct number of channels. For instance, you will want a 5.1-channel receiver if you have five speakers and one subwoofer.
5. Figure out the number of watts that are needed. A good rule of thumb is 100 watts per channel.
6. Find out about the dealer or seller's return policy. You may not be able to return a receiver you've purchased used or on sale, even if you have a receipt. You should be particularly conscientious about picking the exact equipment your system requires to avoid the hassles of returning unneeded products.
Tags: Dolby Digital, Pick Dolby, Pick Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Receiver, receiver that, that provides
The RED ONE video camera is ideal for low-budget film and documentary makers because its modular and lightweight. You can wire it to audio equipment and external video equipment. You can add pieces such as viewfinders and lenses of your choice to customize the way the camera works for you. Here are some tips to get started.
Basics
The point of the RED ONE video camera is to get professional-level high definition digital video recording. This is not a camera for home movies but for making a professional movie. Essentially, the camera body is a foundation to build your own custom movie camera. The body itself has a slot for a Secure Digital (SD) memory card near the front left, but it also has a clip-on hard drive. You can mount it on a tripod or use it on the shoulder. You can use the video monitor that swings and pivots to exactly the position you want, or attach an external, full-sized monitor. Basically, the camera body has rails or tubes that can be attached at the bottom and top to add accessories. Nearly everything is an accessory, too, from the video monitor to the battery and hard drive.
Assemble the Body
To get started, take the basic body and attach the rails. On the top rail, slide on the video monitor and connect it to the monitor socket. Attach the battery and hard drive assembly at the back by sliding them onto the top rods. Both plug directly into the rear of the camera, just below the menu window. On the lower rails at the front, slide on the follow-focus attachment, either right-handed or left-handed to your preference. The on-camera monitor adapter also slides onto the rods at the top and can be positioned to either side, too. To get full use of the camera as a movie-making machine, attach a matte box to the front of the lens. This will give you the film frame aspect and it allows you to add filters in a convenient slot. You can add "French flags" to the matte box to keep out stray and unwanted light.
Using Attachments
To attach a viewfinder, use the row of three connectors on the right toward the front. To connect audio devices for input, use the second row of four connectors. For audio output, use the next row of two sockets near the middle of the right side. You also can use SDI or USB cables in in the next row. There also are four recessed sockets for video output near the front of the right side. The audio and video connectors are not standard. For example, for video out, the RED ONE does not have standard BNC (Bayonet Neill-Concelman) outputs. Connect an adapter cable here. The same holds true for SDI (Serial Digital Interface) and XLR connectors. Once assembled and powered up, you are ready to shoot.
Tags: camera body, hard drive, video monitor, battery hard, battery hard drive
Wide-angle lenses are a staple lens for many photographers, as these lenses can be used for landscapes, portraits, and tight indoor shots. Tokina is a third-party lens manufacturer that makes a variety of lenses for cameras offered by Canon and Nikon. The two lenses at the widest end of the spectrum offered by Tokina are an 11-16 and 12-24, both of which are DX lenses, so they are optimized for cameras with APS-C sensors. These lenses are not compatible with Nikon or Canon's full-frame sensor cameras.
Aperture
Both the 11-16 and the 12-24 have fixed, rather than floating, apertures. The 11-16 has an f/2.8, while the 12-24 has an f/4 aperture. As a result, the 11-16 will be able to shoot better in low light at comparable ISO settings than the 12-24. Photographers using the 11-16 will also be able to shoot hand-holding the camera at slower shutter speeds as a result of the better aperture.
Zoom
Both the 11-16 and the 12-24 are designed for APS-C cameras, which induce a crop factor of 1.5 on Nikon cameras and 1.6 on Canon cameras. The actual 35 mm zoom for the 11-16 is 16.5 to 24 on a Nikon and 17.6 to 25.6 on a Canon. The zoom range for the 12-24 is 18 to 36 on a Nikon and 19.2 to 38.4 on a Canon.
Construction
Both the 11-16 and the 12-24 are autofocus lenses, and you can switch between autofocus and manual focus on the fly with Tokina's One-Touch clutch mechanism, which allows you to move the focus ring back-and-forth to engage manual focus. Both the 12-24 lens and 11-16 have 13 lens elements in 11 groups, two of which are aspherical to reduce chromatic aberrations.
Specs
Both the 11-16 and 12-24 take 77 mm filters and lens caps. The 11-16 measures 3.3 inches wide by 3.5 inches long/84 mm by 89.5 mm and weighs 19.75 oz./560 grams. The 12-24 measures 3.3 inches wide by 3.5 inches long/84 mm by 89.5 mm and weighs 20.1 oz./570grams.
Tags: 11-16 12-24, Both 11-16, Both 11-16 12-24, Nikon Canon, 11-16 will, able shoot, inches long
The Stylus 850 is a digital camera made by technology manufacturer Olympus. This waterproof camera comes equipped with such features as 8-megapixel resolution, 3x optical zoom, digital image stabilization and automatic face detection technology. According to the Olympus Stylus 850 user manual, users may encounter some common specific problems with this camera.
Water Damage
Although the Olympus Stylus 850 is a waterproof camera, it can still suffer water damage. According to the Olympus website, the camera can only withstand depths of up to 10 feet for a duration of no more than an hour. In addition, camera accessories, including the battery charger, are not waterproof and are susceptible to water damage.
Poor Audio Quality When Recording Movies
Olympus has addressed the common problem consisting of the Stylus 850's poor audio quality when recording video. Olympus has issued a firmware update that users may download from the Olympus website in order to correct this audio problem.
Card Errors
The Olympus Stylus 850 relies on the use of a memory card to store images and video. Users may receive an error message reading, "Card Error." If this occurs, you may have a damaged card, in which case you must insert a new memory card. You may also have improperly inserted the memory card; reinsert the card as specified by the user manual. You may also receive a message signaling that the card is full. In such cases, either delete information from the existing card or replace the card.
Camera Does Not Connect To Computer
The Olympus Stylus 850 can sync with your computer via USB cable to transfer images and video to your system's hard drive. In some instances, you may receive an error message reading that no connection exists between the camera and the computer. Check to ensure the camera's USB cable sits firmly in both the camera port and the computer port, and that the cable is not damaged. Finally, check the Olympus website for any firmware updates that may apply to your camera, which may also correct the problem.
Light meters are a professional photographer's best friend --- after his assistant.
Light meters are invaluable tools used by nearly every professional photographer. Modern cameras have built-in light meters, it's true, but none can ever be as accurate or as versatile as a dedicated model. These meters allow a photographer to quickly assess the necessary exposure to produce an image under any sort of ambient light just by pressing a button. Studio photographers also employ light meters when setting up a shot with flashes. In corded flash mode, when the lights are connected to the meter by a PC cord, the meter triggers the flashes and simultaneously takes an exposure reading.
Instructions
1. Light the scene you are about to photograph. It's important to position the lights the same distance from the subject that they will be when you take the photograph.
2. Turn on all your lights, battery packs and your light meter.
3. Select the ISO/ASA that you are shooting at in your light meter.
4. Set the light meter to take an incident reading. If necessary, attach the white semi-sphere used for incident readings, which resembles a halved ping-pong ball. This dome evenly distributes the light across the meter's sensor and is designed to approximate the exposure on a curved surface, like an apple or a human face.
5. Set your light meter to corded flash mode. This is usually shown as a bolt of lightning with an arrow at the bottom (the universal symbol for "flash") with a "C" nearby. On most light meters it is accessed by pressing the "Mode" button several times --- your meter's User's Manual has exact instructions.
6. Plug the PC cord that connects the flashes to the camera into the light meter. This connection allows the light meter, rather than the camera, to trigger the flashes.
7. Shut off the room lights, if there are any.
8. Hold the light meter directly in front of the subject with the measurement head pointed back toward the camera's lens.
9. Press the button to measure the exposure. When you press this button, the flashes will fire and the meter will take a reading in the fraction of a second that they are lighting up the scene.
10. Check the meter's LCD screen for the appropriate aperture setting. You don't need to consult the shutter speed as it won't have any effect on the exposure of a scene lit solely with flashes.
Tags: light meter, your light, your light meter, corded flash mode, flash mode, light meter, light meters
A ring light flash provides an even "circle" of light that illuminates a subject being shot from directly in front. You can make a ring light flash that will fit over the existing flash already built into a camera to change the quality of the light. You will need a few supplies from a home and garden store and some common tools found in most households. The sharpness and high contrast of the pictures shot using the ring light flash will make your digital or film-based pictures stand out in a way that they never did before.
Instructions
1. Place a sheet of newspaper on a table. Place the big plastic bowl face down on the newspaper. Stand the PVC pipe on the center of the plastic bowl. Draw a circle around the bottom of the PVC pipe with the pen.
2. Remove the PVC pipe from the big plastic bowl. Cut through the circle drawn on the big plastic bowl with the utility knife. Dispose of the cut out plastic.
3. Repeat this entire procedure with the smaller plastic bowl.
4. Place the head of the electronic flash against a side of the big plastic bowel. Draw an outline around the head of the electronic flash with the pen.
5. Remove the electronic flash from the big plastic bowel. Cut out the outline with the utility knife. Dispose of the cut out plastic.
6. Turn the big plastic bowl over. Apply bonding glue to the inside of the big plastic bowl.
7. Tear off sheets of aluminum foil. Apply the aluminum foil to the inside of the big plastic bowl. Continue adding aluminum foil to the inside of the big plastic bowl until it is completely covered. Let the bonding glue set for two hours.
8. Repeat this procedure with the outside of the small plastic bowl. Let the bonding glue set for two hours.
9. Stand the PVC pipe on the newspaper. Apply bonding glue around the sides of the PVC pipe. Wrap sheets of aluminum foil around the sides of the PVC pipe. Continue adding aluminum foil until the sides of the PVC pipe are completely covered. Let the bonding glue set for two hours.
10. Place the small plastic bowl face down on the newspaper. Apply bonding glue around the inside rim of the hole on the top of the small plastic bowl. Stand the PVC pipe inside of the small plastic bowel. Let the bonding glue set for two hours.
11. Apply bonding glue around the outer rim of the top end of the PVC pipe. Place the big plastic bowl face down over the PVC pipe. Let the bonding glue set for two hours.
12. Hold the ring flash light you have made with the hole in the side of the big plastic bowl facing you. Turn the big plastic bowl so that the hole is at the top.
13. Place the electronic flash against the hole in the side of the big plastic bowel. Push the lens of the camera against the hole at the end of the PVC pipe. Affix the camera to your ring flash light with strips of duct tape on each side.
Low-light photography requires a better understanding of camera functions than daylight photography. You'll need to know adjust your lens aperture and shutter speed, choose the right film speed and, when practical, add unobtrusive fill light. With study and experimentation, though, you'll get a feel for work in typical low-light situations. Learn photograph in low light and you can capture sharp, richly colored images of holiday lights, nighttime cityscapes and other low-9light scenes.
Instructions
1. Add a diffused light source. Bounce your flash off a white surface to diffuse it and prevent it from diluting other light sources such as candles. If you have only a build-in flash, turn it upward. Increase the light level with light from a source similar to your subject. For example, to photograph something by candlelight, line candles up in front of a mirror near the subject, but out of the shot. For night photography shots, start about an hour before dusk.
2. Switch to a lower f-stop number. This increases the lens aperture and lets more light through faster. A lens with a wide maximum aperture such as F/2.8 or F/1.8 is known as fast lens because it allows for a faster shutter speed. Fast lenses are typically more expensive than slow lenses, but they might be worth the investment if you do frequent low-light photography. Remember that at wide apertures, depth of field is shallow, so focus is especially important.
3. Choose a slower shutter speed. Keeping the shutter open longer allows more time for light to pass through the lens and act on the film or CCD sensor. With speeds slower than 1/250, use a tripod and a cable release or self-timer to avoid blurring. For shots in which blurring is desirable, like streams of car headlights, use the B (bulb) or T (time) setting to hold the shutter open for 30 seconds or longer.
4. Use film with a higher ISO rating or choose a higher ISO camera setting. The ISO rating tells how sensitive film or a CCD sensor is to light. High ISO film will be more sensitive to whatever light you have available. For dimly lit indoor shots when you can use a flash, try ISO 400. If you can't use a flash, consider ISO 1000 or 1600. Be aware that a high ISO increases graininess in film photographs and noise in digital photographs.
5. Select the right white balance setting. Digital cameras let you control your white balance, which effects how the camera reacts to lighting conditions and different levels of contrast. Take some shots in low light using a few different white balance settings, then view the shots to check which setting worked best. Film cameras don't let you adjust white balance, but you can improve color results with a warm lens filter. The 81-series of yellow-toned filters will correct for unwanted blue tones in low-light conditions.
Tags: white balance, shutter speed, film sensor, lens aperture, shutter open
You're on an Audubon chapter outing to nab some new birds, and your viewfinder captures a thumb print. Perhaps you're at a desert star party for some astronomical imaging, and sand has marred your lens. There's no time to lose with air blowers and cloths and bottles of cleaning solution. A lens pen gives you brush-and-wipe ability in one small package. Use a lens pen to clean all optical and digital lenses.
Instructions
Select a Lens Pen
1. Buy a regular lens pen for optical camera lenses and filters, binoculars, telescopes, spotting scopes, camcorders, rifle scopes, monoculars and night vision scopes.
2. Choose a mini lens pen for eyepieces, compact digital lenses and microscopes.
3. Select an instrument-specific lens pen for use with digital camera sensors, digital camera glass and cell phone camera lenses.
4. Purchase a camouflage lens pen for wildlife observation or hunting.
Use a Lens Pen
5. Expose the brush and gently dust your lens to remove particles from the surface and along the seal.
6. Uncap the cleaning end of the lens pen and gently rub the lens surface in a circular motion, from the center outward, until it is clean.
7. Employ your lens pen brush to knock sand, dust, dried salt-spray, hair or other debris from your lens.
8. Utilize the cleaning end of a lens pen to remove lens smudges from skin oil, mud, sunscreen or lotion.
9. Use the cleaning end of the lens pen to wipe away splatters or liquid residue.
Tags: your lens, cleaning lens, camera lenses, digital camera, digital lenses, lens remove
When you have a Windows Mobile smartphone, one of the many applications that comes pre-installed is the mobile-based Windows Media Player for the purpose of managing music on your smartphone. Once you have a sizable collection of music on your smartphone, you will invariably want to create playlists on your phone in the same way you create a playlist on your computer or portable audio device. This simple process will take only minutes to set up. Then you will be free to create a variety of different playlists.
Instructions
1. Turn your smartphone on and click "Start," then open the mobile Windows Media Player on your device.
2. Click "Menu" and then select "Library."
3. Select "My Music" to open a list of all of the music installed on your smartphone.
4. Highlight a media file (song name) and click "Menu."
5. Select "Queue Up." This will add this media file to a list of songs to play.
6. Repeat steps four and five to add as many media files to the list as you desire.
7. Click "Menu" and then select "Now Playing." Click "Menu" again and then select "Save Playlist" from the drop-down menu. Name the playlist with whatever name you desire. Click "Done" to finish. The playlist will save on your Smartphone.
8. Click "Menu" again and then select "Library." Select "My Playlists" to view the playlists you have created and saved on your smartphone. Highlight a playlist and click "Play" to play the playlist.
Tags: your smartphone, then select, Click Menu, again then, again then select
Enabling the GPS on your Verizon Wireless Windows Mobile phone will allow you to map directions to and from locations. Known as VZ Navigation, GPS-capable phones can guide you to your destination with voice-activated, step-by-step directions--essential if you are lost. Although, VZ Navigator does cost users to access the application, if you are lost or unfamiliar with a location, the benefit of having GPS on your phone may outweigh the price. Therefore, enabling GPS on your Windows Mobile phone will come in very handy.
Instructions
1. Select the "Settings" tab on your Windows Mobile phone followed by "Communications" then "Phone."
2. Open the "CDMA Services" tab followed by "Locations settings" then click "Get Settings."
3. Select the option "Location On" then click "OK." Press the "End" button to return to the main screen.
4. Access the Web browser on your phone and wait for the "Verizon Wireless Today" screen to load.
5. Select "Get Apps" from the menu then click "VZ Navigator" or "VZ Navigator Global." Scroll down the Web page and click the download link. Follow the prompts to install it on your device.
6. Return to your home screen and locate the VZ Navigator icon. Click on it to open the application.
7. Accept the user agreement and click "OK." The GPS is now enabled and ready for you to enter your route information.
Tags: Windows Mobile, Mobile phone, then click, Windows Mobile phone, your Windows Mobile, Mobile phone will
Orange Goblin under GNU Free Documentation License
An Internet camera, or webcam, lets you transmit video to the World Wide Web. Among other things, you can send images via email, transmit live video of yourself during video chats or show a live stream of your city or pet. Most video transmissions also include sound, which you can capture from an external microphone or from the one built into the webcam.
Instructions
1. Insert the webcam CD into your drive and then follow the instructions to install the software. If your camera requires an external cable, connect that cable to the output port of your camera. When prompted by the software, plug the cable into a computer port. (Most cameras use USB ports, though some require other formats such as Firewire.)
2. Put the camera where it can capture the best images. If you are using it for video chats, this position is typically at the top middle of your monitor. Avoid pointing the camera directly at highly reflective surfaces such as a mirror, which may cause distortion, or at very bright lights, which may wash out images.
3. Continue with the setup dialogues to adjust for such things as focus, image brightness and audio reception (if using a built-in mic). When you are done, a regular program window remains to show that the webcam is running. (You must typically always run this program to activate the device.) You can minimize this window as needed.
4. Test your installation by running any camera-dependent applications, such as Skype. Even though your webcam is already running, you may need to define it to your application by selecting it in the camera preferences of your application. You may then need to click an application camera button to activate the hardware. Don't forget to try still images as well as video. Adjust the setup as needed by returning to the camera program.
5. Use as much light as possible when filming interior shots (such as of yourself). Though many cameras can adjust for darkness, this task tends to slow down the video frame rate. You can prevent this by evenly lighting yourself as brightly as you can.
A spool holder holds numerous types of spools for craft projects. There are thread, ribbon, wire, string, sticker and yarn spools. Each spool has a hole through the center of the cardboard, plastic or wood from which the spool is constructed. The hole provides a location for a rod to be inserted. The spool moves freely on the rod for easy dispensing of the item on the spool. Make a simple ribbon, wire, string or sticker spool holder from a spring tension rod or a round expandable curtain rod.
Instructions
1. Expand the spring tension rod to fit snugly between the ends of an 18- to 24-inch book shelf, or between the sides of an 18- to 24-inch dresser drawer. Remove the rod from the shelf or drawer after adjusting it to fit.
2. Twist one of the rubber ends from the spring tension rod.
3. Slide the spools onto the tension rod, on the end where the rubber tip has been removed. Leave a 1-inch space between the last spool and the end of the tension rod. This space allows for easy spinning of the spools when the tension rod is full.
4. Replace the rubber tip onto the end of the tension rod.
5. Place the tension rod between the book shelf edges or the walls of the dresser drawer. Expand the rod slightly so that it fits snugly.
Tags: spring tension, book shelf, dresser drawer, from spring, from spring tension, Make Spool, Make Spool Holder
When you want to listen to music without disturbing those around you, nothing beats a good pair of headphones. In fact, because of their close proximity to your ears, you will hear details within the music that you may have never noticed before. This guide will explain properly setup your headphones.
Instructions
1. Remove the headphone from the packaging and inspect them carefully. Make sure that there are no obvious physical defects such as a tear in the cables, or damage to the headpiece.
2. Find the markings on the outside of each headphone speaker that identify the right and left headphone. It is important that the headphones be placed over the correct ears to ensure proper stereo imaging. Once you have identified the right and left headphone place them over your ears in the correct orientation. If the headband is adjustable, tighten or loosen it as needed to hold the headphones comfortably in place over your ears.
3. Plug the headphones in to an audio source. This can be a stereo receiver, computer, or iPod/MP3 player. The headphone cable will plug into the headphone input jack of the device. It may labeled either "headphones", "3.5 mm", or it may be marked with a picture of headphones above the jack.
4. Turn the volume to the minimum setting and begin a playing a song. Gradually turn up the headphones and listen for any distortion of unusual sounds that might signify a defective headphone speaker. If the music is reproduced cleanly, the headphones are set up and ready for you to enjoy.
Tags: your ears, headphone speaker, left headphone, over your, over your ears, right left
If your cell phone uses either a Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) or Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) battery, you will need to condition that battery before you start using it regularly on your device. Conditioning a phone's battery ensures the maximum amount of talk and standby time is allowed and helps ensure a longer lasting overall battery life.
Instructions
Conditioning Cell Phone Batteries
1. Turn your phone off.
2. Plug in a regular speed charger. It is not recommended that you use a rapid charger on these type of batteries. Your phone probably came with a regular charger.
3. Plug the phone into the charger for 24 hours. Do not use the phone during this time. Make sure to leave the phone in the off position.
4. Turn the phone on after 24 hours and continue to use the device until it completely shuts off (battery is completely dead).
5. Repeat the 24 hour battery charge cycle process three to five times.
6. Make sure to fully drain the phones battery every 15-20 uses to keep the batteries conditioning in place.
Amateur radio has been a popular hobby since the early 1900s.
A dual band radio is a communications system that is designed to allow operation on two separate frequency bands. This operation can be one of many types of transmission and reception arrangements depending on the capabilities of the individual radio.
Frequencies
Dual band radios allow for communications on the UHF (ultra high frequency) and VHF (very high frequency) bands in the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum. In amateur radio jargon, the VHF band is called the "2 meter band" and ranges from 144 MHz to 148 MHz. The UHF band is called the "70 centimeter band" and ranges from 420 to 450 MHz.
Transmission & Reception
Most dual band radios will allow the operator to transmit on one band and receive on the other. Other arrangements include transmitting and receiving within the same band, but on two separate frequencies within that band.
Amateur Radio
A dual band radio is an essential component of amateur radio operations. They allow for long range communications among individuals including engineers, scientists, emergency communications and amateur radio enthusiasts.
Tags: amateur radio, band called, band radio, band radios, band ranges