Who Made The First Disposable Camera

The disposable camera was first introduced several decades ago. Its creation arose out of the need to have an inexpensive camera handy, one of the most attractive features of the device. Disposable cameras are used by a wide range of people including tourists on vacation and children who are just learning about the art of photography.

Photo-Pac

The first disposable camera was produced in 1949. The innovative device was created by A.D. Weir, who was looking for a camera he could keep with him without having to worry about losing or damaging it. Cameras at this time were very expensive, and it was not uncommon to leave them at home where they would be safe. Feeling frustrated that he was missing beautiful pictures, Weir created the first disposable camera: the Photo-Pac.

Features

In order to market a disposable camera that was practical, Weir had to develop a device that would be inexpensive to produce. The Photo-Pac was enclosed in a simple cardboard box. The device was unique because Weir created a method to feed 35-mm film without the need for any type of winding mechanism or spooling system. The weight and the cost of the Photo-Pac were kept low, and when it debuted, it cost just $1.29.

Function

The Photo-Pac was operated in the same way a point-and-shoot camera is operated today. There was enough 35mm film for eight photographs. Once each exposure was used, proper postage and a return address were added to the back of the Photo-Pac enclosure. The device was then mailed to a processing lab, and about a week later, a package returned with both the prints and negatives.

Significance

The Photo-Pac disposable camera was not a commercial hit when it debuted; it was considered more of a novelty than a practical device. But the idea paved the way for a new generation of disposable cameras that proved to be very popular. In 1986, Fujifilm introduced a modern disposable camera. Kodak released their version the following year. Both companies continue to produce variants of the disposable camera.

Evolution

The disposable camera remains an important part of the photography industry today. When this type of camera re-emerged in the late 1980s, it had only the most basic capabilities. The disposable cameras today are much more sophisticated and include features such as flash and panoramic lenses. Some have waterproof housings and have become great accessories for the beach. There are even digital disposable cameras.

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Equipment Needed To Develop One'S Own Film

Developing film can be a labor of love. It is an intensive chemical process that can be sometimes frustrating, sometimes rewarding. By controlling the film processing, the photographer may choose to "push" the film by overdeveloping, "pull" the film by underdeveloping, or cross-process the film by using alternate chemicals. This adds an extra dimension of creative latitude to the art of printmaking. Film developing requires some specialized equipment, patience and knowledge, but it can be done easily at home.

Darkness

A darkroom is necessary for the opening of film canisters and the loading of film. This room does not have to be dedicated to the process, it simply must be free of light and light leaks. A windowless room is ideal, however, windows may be blacked out by placing aluminum foil over the opening or by creating a removable wood panel to fit the window. Light leaks from below the door can be stopped with fabric.

Once the room has been light-proofed, test the quality. Enter the room and douse all light sources. Allow five to 10 minutes for the eyes to adjust. If light is visible after this time, adjust the light-proofing and try again.

A special "dark bag" may also be used to load film. The film, loading reels and tank are placed into the bag. The photographer then inserts his arms into the bag and loads the film onto the reels. While this can eliminate the need for a darkroom, it is much easier to make mistakes, allow light leaks and get dust and debris trapped in the film.

Loading

Loading the film involves a few tools. A standard can opener is used to pry off the top of the metal film cartridge. This must be done in complete darkness or the film will be ruined.

Film spools and a developing tank are the next part of the process. Film spools may be metal or plastic and are designed to hold one roll of film, spacing it so that chemicals flow freely to every part. The developing tank may hold more than one spool at a time.

The developing tank is a metal or plastic tank with two or more lids. The use of multiple lids creates a light trap---once all lids are secured, the outer lid may be removed to add chemicals without risking the film being exposed to light. These are sold at camera supply shops and may come with one or more film spools designed to fit in the tank.

Developing

Developing film requires an area with a steady supply of running water. If developing color film, a large, shallow tray filled with water of a precise temperature is used to keep the chemicals at the exact temperature needed.

Chemical concentrates are the four chemicals needed to develop the film. They are developer, stop bath, fixer and film wash. The first develops the film, the second stops the action of the developer, the third "fixes" the image on the film so it is no longer affected by light, and the fourth adds a protective coating to the finished negative. To mix these chemicals, graduated beakers or containers are necessary, as is running water. A chemical thermometer can be used to determine the temperature, as each chemical manufacturer will specify an optimal developing temperature. Gloves and goggles should be worn when handling these chemicals, and it is crucial that the area be well ventilated.

Once the film is developed, the tank will need to sit under running water to rinse the film. This can be as easy as placing the developing tank under a running tap.

Tags: developing tank, running water, Developing film, Film spools, film This, light leaks, metal plastic

Diy 35mm Slide Projector

Need a slide projector? Make your own!

Creating a 35-millimeter slide projector takes a little woodcraft, a little electrical know-how and basic understanding of lenses and film. Materials to do the job include some balsa wood sheets, wood glue, a hobbyist's knife, framing wood, an electrical lightbulb socket, insulated tape and two large lenses from an old camera or telescope

Making the Slide Holder

To hold the slide, you'll need a wood sleeve with 35 mm-sized holes cut through the middle. Using the balsa wood and hobbyist's knife, cut two identical pieces three inches long and two inches high. In the middle of each piece, cut out the window the same size as the 35 mm film. Then cut three ribs, two the length of the height of the slide, one the length of the width. Glue these equally spaced around one window. When the glue is dry, glue the second piece to the other side. The top of the slide holder is open to drop in and remove the slides. Carve a half moon on the top of both pieces the size of the thump tip. This will allow pinching the slide and removing it.

Making the Projector

Using the balsa wood, build a box 12 inches on the sides and three inches tall. No need to miter the corners if that's too difficult. Use the hobbyist's knife to open a two-inch round hole in one side. Use either wood glue or brass tacks to assemble. Do not glue or tack on the top piece. Leave the box open on top.

Installing the Light

Place the light socket in the box sideways and attach it to the box. Fasten the base of the socket to the side of the box. Open a small hole for the electrical cord. Under the lightbulb, put a piece of insulation tape to prevent the wood from heating.

Installing the Lens and Slide Holder

Focusing the image means either moving the lenses or moving the projector to and from the screen area. Probably, moving the small box would work best. Place one lens over the two-inch hole and secure it with either tape or glue. Place the slide holder assembly in the box between the light and the hole. Position it perpendicular to the bottom and glue it in place. Position the second lens directly in front of the slide holder and secure it in place.

Closing Up the Projector

On the top 12-by-12-inch piece of wood, attach a piece of insulated tape where it is over the light. Also, use the hobbyist's knife to cut a rectangular opening over the slide holder. Make it large enough so that the thumb and forefinger can remove the slide. Depending on the lens position, the slides may have to go in upside down to project right side up. Place the top cover on the box and either leave it unsecured or attach with two frame hinges. Focus by moving the projector forward or back.

Tags: hobbyist knife, balsa wood, insulated tape, moving projector, slide holder, slide projector

Iphone Ifrogz Installation

Protect your iPhone with an iFrogz case or screen protector.

The iPhone is Apple's signature smartphone that is available for both the Verizon and AT&T networks. If you have an iPhone, chances are you want to protect your investment and prevent accidental damage to your unit. iFrogz offers a third-party protection solution using a series of protective cases and screen protectors to help prevent damage to both the body of the phone and prevent scratches and fingerprints on the touchscreen. Installation is a simple and straight-forward process for both the case and the screen protector.

Instructions

Install Screen Protector

1. Clean the screen before you install the iFrogz screen protector using the included microfiber cloth to remove any fingerprints currently on the screen. Wipe from left to right and remove any fingerprints or dust on the screen.

2. Peel the white tab on one end of the back of the screen protector slightly, pulling the plastic protection layer off the adhesive side of the screen protector. Remove the protection layer and throw it away.

3. Grasp the screen protector by the edges, face the adhesive side towards the phone and line up the wide flat hole in the protector with the speaker on the top of the front side of the iPhone and the larger round hole with the "Home" button on the bottom-front side of the iPhone.

4. Press downward on the screen protector to adhere it to the screen of the iPhone.

5. Run the edge of the included squeegee along the screen protector on the phone and push any air bubbles towards the side of the screen protector to remove them.

Install Case

6. Slide the top colored half of the iPhone iFrogz case over the top half of the iPhone, lining up the sides of the phone with the grooves along the inner side of the case. Ensure you face the screen towards the open side of the case and the back towards the enclosed side of the case.

7. Slide the bottom black half of the iPhone iFrogz case over the bottom half of the iPhone, following the same pattern as the top half of the case.

8. Slide the tab from the bottom half of the case below the round clasp on the back of the top half of the case. Press down on the circular clasp to lock the case in place.

Tags: screen protector, half iPhone, screen protector, half case, iFrogz case, side case, adhesive side

Memory Card Data Recovery

Recovering data from a memory card can be as simple as using specialty software or as detailed as sending the card to a professional data recovery center. The choice depends on two key factors: the importance of the data on the card and whether the card has any physical damage.

Common Causes

Deleted files, formatted cards and corrupted cards are three of the most common reasons people need data recovered. These recoveries can often be performed by the user through the use of a specialty recovery software such as CBL Pro V or PhotoRecovery 2009.

Card Damage

If the memory card has any physical damage, such as cracks or a lost metal pin, it needs to be sent to a professional data recovery location. In these cases, the cards are opened and the technician will recover the data directly from the internal chip.

Chip Damage

If the internal chip is damaged, the data cannot be recovered. These cases are rare, though their causes are generally the same: physical damage to the internal chip (cracking or breaking) or electrical shorting.

Overwriting

Overwriting occurs when one file is saved in the same physical space on a memory card as another. In these cases, the original can sometimes be recovered, but the recovered file is usually fragmented. The original is rarely recovered in good condition.

Cost

The cost for data recovery depends on how the data is recovered. Software for user-based recoveries usually ranges between $40 and $120. Some professional recovery companies, such as CBL Data Recovery Technologies and LC Technologies, offer a software trial and only require payment if the trial is successful. Shipping a memory card to a professional for data recovery can be expensive, often costing hundreds of dollars.

Prevention/Solution

Most cameras and digital devices offer the option to "lock" selected items on the memory card. This feature aids in avoiding accidental file deletion. Users also must properly eject a memory card before physically removing the card from a device to allow the internal chip to finish writing its information and to prevent card corruption. Also keep a backup copy of any important documents or images, so that in the event one device fails, a copy exists.

Tags: memory card, internal chip, data recovery, physical damage, professional data

Elementary Math Activities For Counting By Two

Learning to count by twos teaches children about counting strategies.

Counting by twos is an important step to master in elementary math. It helps students learn that there are faster ways to counting larger numbers. It also prepares children for more complex math learning subjects in the future. The best way to help kids learn to count by twos is to incorporate fun games into the lesson plan.

Rhymes

When teaching children count by twos, incorporate popular children's rhymes or songs. Print out copies of the rhyme for all the students. Read aloud the rhyme together a few times and ask the students to circle certain words in the rhymes. Once they have done this, ask students to count by twos for each instance the words appear. A good example is "Three Little Kittens," because many key words, such as "kittens" and "mittens," are repeated many times.

Images

Children learn better with the use of imagery and pictures, so use pictures to help them visualize counting by twos. Provide them with pictures of animals' tails and animals without tails, for example. Ask the children to count by twos the number of animals with tails. Images help kids count by twos and help them visualize math equations that would otherwise be difficult. This also is a fun and playful way to help students learn, because it seems like a game.

Participation

Ask for a volunteer to count the class. Have two children stand together and ask the student volunteer to count each group of two. Alternatively, you can pair marbles or other objects and ask students to take turns counting them. The object of the lesson is to show children that counting by twos is faster than by counting by ones.

Groups

Students also need to be able to count in twos without images and hints. Put students into groups of four and ask each student in the group to write down the next number in sequence, counting only in increments of two, all the way to 100. This is a good way for students to work as teams and learn together the importance of being able to count by twos without visual aids.

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Effects Of Strobe Lighting

Effects of Strobe Lighting

The history of the strobe light begins with a photographer named Harold Eugene Edgerton, who used a flashing lamp to study moving objects. The techniques eventually improved enough to let him take photographs of bullets in flight. During World War II the technique was used to photograph atomic explosions. Strobe lights have had a number of applications outside of photography. Their effects are found in theaters, alarm systems, emergency vehicles, signaling devices, and night clubs and concerts. There is some danger in staring directly at strobe effects. A condition in which strobe flashes can cause seizures is known as photosensitive epilepsy.

Stroboscope

A stroboscope is a type of light or bulb that flashes. The system works by having a gas like xenon or krypton in a bulb, and an electronic discharge that sends several hundred volts through the bulb. The power required can be achieved through an oscillator circuit. In older cameras, the high pitched whining sound was due to the capacitor charging before releasing the proper voltage.

Alarm Systems

Strobe lights are often coupled with loud audible devices for use in alarm systems, especially for large buildings. Tornado and fire alarm systems may have strobe lights in halls, above exit doors or in stairwells. The noises produced by alarm systems are to alert bystanders aurally, while the strobe flashes can do so visually. The strobe flashes are also powerful enough to guide bystanders through smoke.

Theatrics

Strobe lights are used in theater to create various effects like lightning, flashes or pulses. During performances or plays, the lights are often set up to face the performers and are usually hidden from the audience. Sometimes strobe lights can be used as backlighting, positioned behind performers to give them a slow motion silhouette effect. Strobe lights work best in low light when they don't compete with other light sources.

Signaling Applications

Strobe lights are often used for emergency purposes on law enforcement vehicles, fire trucks and ambulances. The distinct colors help identify the type of emergency occurring. The lights are also used on construction equipment, large moving trucks and aircraft. Strobe lights are also effective in conditions with low visibility, such as fog, smoke screens and even underwater.

Photosensitive Epilepsy

Photosensitive epilepsy is a condition in which seizures are caused by rapid pulses, flashes, patterns and other visual stimuli. The flashing of strobe lights has been found to cause these attacks in some cases. Some forms of seizure include jerks by the epileptic timed with the flashes of stroboscopic lights, or clinical seizures as a result of exposure to the lights. Stroboscopic lights are sometimes used in testing for reflex epilepsy, to check if light exposure is a factor in a patient's epilepsy.

Tags: alarm systems, lights often, strobe flashes, Strobe lights, condition which

How Connect My Garmin 182c To My Computer

With the Garmin GPSMAP 182C global positioning system (GPS), you can navigate unfamiliar routes and locations with confidence. In order to fully maximize the features and functionality of your GPS, you will need to occasionally connect it to your computer to install updates.

Connect Garmin System to a Computer

Connecting your Garmin GPSMAP 182C to your computer is a simple procedure once you have the proper cables. Along with the unit, the box it came in should include a data cable to connect the unit to your computer's 9-pin serial port. If your computer does not have such a port, you will need a universal serial bus (USB) to recommended standard 232 converter cable, or RS232 for short. Plug the RS232 end into the corresponding end of the cable that came with your GPS, and the USB end into your computer's USB port. Plug the remaining end into the port on your GPS unit, and it will be successfully connected to your computer.

Tags: your computer, Connect Garmin, Garmin GPSMAP, Garmin GPSMAP 182C, GPSMAP 182C

Connecting Two Vcrs Together

Connecting two VCRs is a common way to perform the following tasks:--recording a cable-delivered show on the first machine while watching a VHS tape (or DVD, if it's a combo player) on the second;--copying a VHS tape (or DVD, if the first is a combo player) while watching it; and --performing basic editing of a VHS tape by playing it on the first machine while intermittently recording with the second.Connecting the two machines can seem difficult, especially if you have a hard time hooking up just one! But when performed correctly, the process is both easy and quick.

Instructions

1. Position the VCRs and the TV so you can easily see and reach all the connections. Although you may need to change the arrangement later, you are in "learning mode" right now, so you should arrange the equipment for easy visibility. Make sure each piece of equipment is unplugged and that a power outlet is within easy reach of each power cord, so you can do a test when you're finished.

2. Locate the audio-video (red/yellow/white) output jacks on the first VCR. Plug in all three cords of an audio-video cable, matching the colors from the jacks to the cords. Next, locate the audio-video (red/yellow/white) input jacks on the second VCR. Plug the other ends of the cords into these input jacks. Match the colors: red to red, yellow to yellow, and white to white. One or both of your VCRs may not have audio-video (red/yellow/white) input jacks or output jacks. In this case, you'll need to use an RV cable (the kind with a pin in the middle). On the first VCR, connect the RV cable to the RV output jack. On the second VCR, connect the other end of the RV cable to the RV input jack.

3. Locate the red/yellow/white output jacks on the second VCR. Matching the colors of its audio-video (red/yellow/white) output jacks to your second audio-video cable, plug red into red, white into white and yellow into yellow. Next, locate the red/yellow/white input jacks on the TV. Plug the other ends of the audio-video cable into these, matching the colors. You may find that your second VCR and/or your TV don't have audio-video input jacks or output jacks. In that case, use an RV cable to connect the RV output jack of the second VCR to the RV input jack of the TV. If you have used an RV cable to connect the first VCR to the second VCR, you can still use audio-video cables to connect the second VCR to the TV. The opposite is also true: If you have used audio-video cables to connect the first VCR to the second VCR, you can still use an RV cable to connect the second VCR to the TV. However, the more often you can use audio-video cables, the better your picture and sound will be.

4. Double-check all your connections, then plug in and turn on all devices. From your first VCR to your second VCR, cables should run from OUTPUT to INPUT. From your second VCR to your TV, cables should run from OUTPUT to INPUT. All colors on cables and jacks should match: red to red, yellow to yellow and white to white.

5. IIf you have used audio-video cables to connect your first VCR to your second VCR, set your second VCR's "channel" to "Video In." It might also be called something like "Line In" or "Video 1." If you have used RV cables to connect your first VCR to your second VCR, set your second VCR's channel to 3. If you have used audio-video cables to connect your second VCR to your TV, set your TV to "Video in," "Line in" or "Video 1."If you have used RV cables to connect your second VCR to your TV, set your TV to channel 3.

Tags: your second, yellow white, cables connect, have used, second your, your second your

Find A Dvd System With Multiple Monitors For Your Car

Viewing movies from the comfort of your vehicle has come a long way since the heyday of drive-in theaters. Today's travelers can watch multiple screens within the confines of their vehicle while tooling down the highway. Use these steps to find a DVD system with multiple monitors for your car.

Instructions

1. Answer the seemingly obvious question: Are you looking for a new system or a new vehicle? An increasing number of vehicles from a variety of manufacturers including Nissan and Honda (which originated the built-in system with the 2002 Odyssey) come equipped with built-in DVD systems. Several are offered with multiple monitors.

2. Set your goals and price range. Would you prefer a built-in system, or a portable system that can be switched between multiple vehicles? Do you require top of the line everything or are you willing to sacrifice quality to save money?

3. Gather input from other theater patrons. If your children will primarily use your system, install the monitors at a height that is comfortable for them to watch. If you want to be able to control their viewing and volume, make sure the player is within reach of the driver's seat.

4. Shop around. Visit stores like Best Buy or shop online at Crutchfield to find great deals on DVD systems with multiple monitors.

5. Travel in style. Christen your new DVD system on your next road trip and revel in silence while your children are mesmerized by Disney favorites on the screen before them.

Tags: with multiple, with multiple monitors, built-in system, monitors your, multiple monitors, multiple monitors your

What Are The Impacts Of Global Warming On Economic Activities

Global warming affects food production, energy production and even the recreational industry.

Most effects global warming has are adverse, although occasionally beneficial effects can be seen. The impact of climate change on the physical landscape means that some areas suited traditionally to certain uses like crop production, fishing or recreation can lose their business due to the effects of higher temperatures or changing weather. The energy industry has also been economically affected by climate change as governments enact laws restricting greenhouse emissions and encouraging the beneficial use of more environmentally friendly technology.

Crop Production

Crop yields can be adversely affected by global warming. The Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming says that in southern Indiana and Illinois, crop yields are likely to decline in the coming years, with some areas projected to lose 10 to 20 percent of yield. The low yield could raise crop prices and affect the income of farmers. On the other hand, areas of crop land are being converted to produce bioethanol crops, which could be economically beneficial if the area becomes a leader in bioethanol production as a replacement for gasoline or diesel fuel.

Food Production

In areas that rely on fishing as a major source of income the economy can be impacted by rises in temperature. The select committee says that cod may disappear from the waters around Cape Cod, and the shellfish and overall industry could deteriorate from its present $700 million a year industry.

Energy Industry

The energy industry has been altered to become more environmentally friendly by the advent of global warming, and measures have been put in place by governments to encourage the use of greener technology. For example, since 2007 California has required that builders offer home buyers solar panels as an option on their new house. The state also provides financial incentives to buyers for green technology, boosting the sales of environmentally friendly energy systems. Laws stemming from climate change have altered the types of long-term energy industry projects permitted in the state. The projects must now use clean energy that emits less greenhouse gases than traditional fossil fuel energy.

Recreational Industry

The Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming states that in areas where the climate is changing, traditional pursuits such as skiing and fishing will be impacted. In New England, for example, warmer winters result in less snow for skiers and therefore a shorter season for the ski industry. This will adversely affect businesses like lodge owners, equipment manufacturers and tourism service businesses. Tourism in places like Florida, which in 2010 earns $3.2 billion a year from tourism, could decline due to more intense hurricanes and beaches disappearing due to rising sea levels. Destroyed nature habitats could lead to less wildlife tourism, fishing and hunting that will affect the multi-billion dollar a year industry.

Tags: climate change, energy industry, environmentally friendly, Committee Energy, Committee Energy Independence, Energy Independence, Energy Independence Global

Do I Need A Converter With Basic Cable Service

If you subscribe to basic cable TV service you, you do not need to use a digital converter box to view material provided through your cable connection. Other televisions in the house may need a converter.

Features

Any TV set that is hooked up to your basic cable service does not need a digital converter box. The cable box, in effect, functions as the converter box. Digital cable boxes modify incoming digital TV signals so they may be viewed on analog TV sets.

Exceptions

If you have an analog TV set that is not hooked up to your cable service, to watch over-the-air local TV channels on this set, you do need to use a digital-to-analog converter box. Also, to use an analog VCR or DVD recorder to record over-the-air local TV channels, this device needs to be hooked up to a converter box.

Verification

To determine if a TV set, VCR or DVD recorder is analog or digital, check the device's user manual for its specifications. If the specifications indicate that the device is equipped with an NTSC tuner, the device is analog. If it's equipped with an ATSC tuner, it's digital.

Tags: cable service, basic cable, basic cable service, channels this, digital converter, equipped with, hooked your

My Media Card Reader Won'T Work

A media card reader, also called a "memory card reader," reads data stored on media cards such as SD, mini-SD, xD, CompactFlash, SmartMedia, for example. A media card reader usually comes with a USB connector that you can plug into a USB port in your computer. You have to know properly use the card reader and troubleshoot problems whenever it cannot read data from a card inserted into it.

Instructions

1. Ensure that the media card inserted into the card reader is compatible with the device. For instance, a card reader that is capable of reading a 2 GB SD card may not be capable of reading an SDHC card with a capacity of 16 GB. Consult the documentation of your media card reader for the card specifications that it is able to read.

2. Inspect the card currently inserted into the reader for cracks and apparent damages. If the media card is included in the list of devices that it can read and it follows the specifications, but the card reader still cannot detect the card, the card may be damaged. Insert a different card into the card reader. If the card reader still cannot detect the card, the card reader may be malfunctioning.

3. Plug the card reader properly into the USB port of your computer if it cannot detect the device. If this does not work, try plugging the device into a different USB port.

Tags: card reader, media card, cannot detect, inserted into, media card reader, cannot detect card

Use Component Coolant Spray

Component coolant spray is a type of aerosol spray that is used to cool system components so that they can be safely handled for repair, replacement or cleaning. There are several types of coolant sprays.

Instructions

1. Learn how component coolant sprays are used. Components (elements of a system) get quite hot when in operation. In order to be able to safely handle components of any type of system, be it electronic or automotive or whatever, it's necessary to cool down the component parts. Coolant sprays can be obtained in aerosol spray cans or a type of spray tool attached to a canister.

2. Use Freon in an aerosol spray can for cooling component parts. Freon in convenient cans has been the most widely used type of component coolant spray. It is easy to use and several workers can use it simultaneously. Environmentalists have determined that the disadvantage of the Freon cooling spray is that Freon can be damaging to the ozone layer.

3. Consider the use of component coolant spray in the form of carbon dioxide spray tools. Carbon dioxide is not as detrimental to the environment or the ozone layer. However, this form of component coolant spray is not as easy to use or as flexible as Freon spray cans. To use component coolant spray in the form of carbon dioxide requires a canister that must be refilled. The canister is heavy and awkward to handle when it's filled with carbon dioxide.

4. Handle either type of component coolant spray carefully when in use. Each type can be fitted with a nozzle that controls the spray so that it only goes on the component you need to cool.

Tags: coolant spray, component coolant, component coolant spray, aerosol spray, carbon dioxide, spray that

Tape Recorder Work

How Does a Tape Recorder Work?

Introduction

Tape recorders are devices used to record and play back audio signals stored on tape inside of plastic cassettes. Sound vibration causes movement of the diaphragm in the microphone, which creates electrical pulse patterns. The pulses flow through electromagnets that touch a moving tape encased in a plastic cassette. The tape is coated with a metal powder, which changes with fluctuations of the magnetic field. Each fluctuation represents a sound that is recorded on the tape permanently unless erased or overwritten. Playing back a tape works in the opposite way, with tape signals flowing to the tape head, creating electrical pulses that are boosted before being sent to the speakers.

History

The first recording tape was created by Friedrich Matthias of IG Farben/BASF in Germany in 1935. Magnetic tape recorders were developed in the 1940s by the Brush Development Company, and magnetic tape media was developed by the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company.

The Tape

Tape is comprised of a thin plastic film that is coated with a metallic and magnetic powder, usually ferric oxide powder. The powder is combined with a binder material to attach it to the tape and a dry lubricant to protect the recorder. Different qualities are produced, depending on the metal coating; from standard to best, there is ferric-oxide, ferric-oxide particles mixed with chromium dioxide, and metallic particles rather than metal-oxide particles are used in the tape. Metal tapes offer the best sound quality but need special recorders to record; they can be played back on any player. Tape can be encased in a variety of media formats, from reel-to-reel and 8-track to cassette tapes, which were patented in 1964. Cassette tapes are flat, rectangular shells with the tape wrapped around two spools of tape that are spun. Small felt pads provide a backstop for the record and playback head in tape recorders.

Tape Recorder

The outside of tape recorders come in many sizes and shapes, but the internal mechanisms operate on the same principles. Tiny electromagnets add a magnetic flux, or charge, to the surface of the metal-coated tape as it slides over the electromagnets, which are iron cores wrapped in wire. An audio signal is sent through the wire, creating a magnetic field in the core that magnetizes the metal coating on the tape. During playback, the tape creates a magnetic field in the core and a signal in the coil is amplified through speakers. Usually tape recorders have two tiny electromagnets that are each a quarter the width of the tape for stereo sound. When the tape is turned over, the other half of the tape touches the electromagnets. The cassette is snapped into the tape recorder so that the two sprockets of the recorder fit into the two holes on either side of the cassette. The sprockets are spindles with square edges that fit snugly against the teeth of the spools of tape within the cassette, so when the sprockets spin in the same direction, the cassette spools both turn and pull the tape from one reel to the other across the electromagnets. Two heads below the two sprockets, one used to erase the tape clean of signals before recording and the other contains the record and playback electromagnets.

Tags: tape recorders, magnetic field, coated with, electromagnets that, field core, magnetic field core

Which Pins Are Used On The Canon Dslr Flash Shoe

On the top of Canon cameras is a Hot Shoe that sends signals to an attached flash.

The advancement of camera and external flash technology now has cameras and external flashes communicating with each other. The data that flow from the camera to the flash and back is designed so that the camera and flash work together to produce the best possible picture. At the top of Canon cameras is the hot shoe. This device has four small round contacts and one larger one in a "U" shaped configuration. It is through the hotshot that these data are transferred.

Large Round Contact

The larger round contact is the contact which ultimately sends the signal for the flash to fire. A small electrical charge travels through this contact to the corresponding contact on the flash. If you look at non-automatic flash units, you will see they only have one pin in the center.

Four Small Round Contacts

These contacts are used for the transmission of exposure information between the camera and the external flash. While Canon has not released exactly what each contact does, we know the larger contact sends the flash signal, leaving the smaller ones for data transfer.

Locking Pin

There is one additional pin that is held in a recessed position until the external flash is connected and secured in place on the camera. This pin usually is in front of the larger contact and is exposed when the locking ring on the external flash is tightened.

Tags: external flash, camera external, camera external flash, camera flash, Canon cameras

Make Chinese Paper Lamps

If you have ever seen an array of brightly colored Chinese paper lamps or lanterns suspended overhead, you may well have wondered at their apparent complexity. At first glance they look intricate with their lattice-like sides, but the lamps are surprisingly simple to make. Most traditional lamps of this type are made in shades of red and orange, as these colors are considered "auspicious" in Asian culture, but feel free to be creative and use different colors for variety. Once you have successfully made one paper lamp, you quickly create many more in less than an hour.

Instructions

1. Take one sheet of construction paper and position it on the workspace in front of you so that the sides measuring 8 1/2 inches (the shorter sides) are horizontal, top and bottom, and the sides measuring 11 inches are on the left and the right.

2. Use your ruler to draw a horizontal line from left to right approximately 1 inch down from the top of the paper. Cut this strip off of the top of the paper with scissors. Set it aside for now.

3. Rotate the paper a quarter turn so the paper forms a horizontal rectangle. Grasp the top horizontal side and fold it downward to meet the lower horizontal edge evenly. Press with your fingers to create a firm crease.

4. Turn the paper again a quarter turn so that the creased-and-folded side is on your right side (if you are right-handed). If you are left-handed, place the folded side to your left so the paper opens on your right.

5. Cut horizontally from the crease only three-quarters of the way to the opposite side. Remove your scissors carefully, making sure that you have not cut completely through to the open side of the folded paper. Move down about a 1/2 inch below the first cut, and create another slit three-quarters of the way through the paper, but keeping the far side intact. Continue down the paper in equal intervals until the paper vaguely resembles a thick comb.

6. Open the paper. It should look a little like window shutters with a deep vertical crease in the center. Place glue from your glue stick along the bottom edge of the paper in front of you. Take the top edge with both hands and pull it straight down, curving the top of the paper over at the end, to press the rear of the top horizontal edge onto the glue along the bottom. Press gently to adhere the two ends without crushing the cylinder that you just created.

7. Stand your lamp or lantern up on its end. Press down on it gently to enhance the crease in the center and for better balance. It should now stand on its own. Take the horizontal strip that you previously set aside. Place a bit of glue on each end of the strip of paper and press one glued tip of the strip to the inside rim of the lamp. Place the other glued tip against the inside rim of the lamp directly opposite the first one. This forms a handle for the lamp.

Tags: along bottom, crease center, horizontal edge, inside lamp, left right, measuring inches

Operating Instructions For Jvc Cd Player

When walking through an electronics store audio sections, JVC is one of the most recognizable brands. They make many high-quality audio components ranging from speakers to turntables. JVC CD players offer high-quality sound at an affordable price, and are generally very easy to operate. With only a few button pushes, you'll be listening to your favorite CDs in no time.

Getting started

If you haven't already, place the CD player near your receiver or stereo system. Make sure the shelf you put it on is solid and free of vibrations, as these can reduce the sound quality. Plug it in securely to a wall outlet and press the power button to ensure it turns on. Push the "Eject" button to determine if the CD tray is operating properly. Insert a CD and wait for the player to read it. If everything is working correctly, you're ready to hook it up to your receiver.

Hooking it up

It's very easy to hook up a CD player to a stereo system, and JVC players are no different. First, determine your connection method. If your CD player's rear panel only has analog left/right output jacks (these are colored red and white), use a corresponding red/white audio cable. If your player has digital coaxial or optical outputs, use these. Simply connect the appropriate digital or analog cable from the CD player outputs to the receiver inputs. You'll have to buy the appropriate coaxial or optical audio cables at your local electronics store, if you don't have them already.

Playing a CD> and << buttons to rewind, fast-forward, or skip to the desired track number. Control the volume through your receiver. When finished, eject the CD and insert it back into its case to prevent it from getting scratched.

Tags: coaxial optical, electronics store, stereo system, very easy, your player

Set Your Stereo Equalizer

Set Your Stereo Equalizer

Stereos come in all shapes and sizes. They also produce all types of sound. An equalizer that is not adjusted could end up costing your stereo its performance. Believe it or not, there are special equalizer settings for each music genre. Tuning your stereo's equalizer is the first step in getting the most out of your system.

Instructions

1. Position your speakers correctly. Place them about 3 inches away from the wall to reduce bouncing wave reflections. Make sure that they are equally spaced from each other.

2. Set all of the settings to 0. The equalizer ranges from low frequencies to high frequencies. Listen to some music and note how it changes when every knob is set to neutral.

3. Position the lowest bass setting to the highest it can go. Do the same with the highest treble setting. Notice how the sound of the music changes when you alter its frequencies. Raising and lowering a setting effects the amount of decibels that is being produced. Raise the setting to increase decibels and add more bass. Lower it to decrease decibels and increase treble. Adjust the highest and lowest setting to a level that you want.

4. Raise the middle settings to a level that you think suits best with the type of music that you are playing. Remember, depending on the type of music that is being played, the equalizer settings will have to be altered.

5. To set an equalizer to fit rhythm and blues music, there should be a dip in the middle so bass and treble levels are high. Raise bass and lower the higher frequency levels for rap type music. Adjust treble levels so that they are high and bass levels so that they are low to suit pop and vocal type music. Set all levels to an equal position for Rock.

6. Experiment with your own settings to get a feel with what sounds best to the type of music you like. Many stereos come with built in digital equalizers . Choose settings that include, rock, pop, and heavy, if you have this option.

Tags: type music, that they, changes when, equalizer settings, level that, levels that, levels that they

Use The Iso Feature In Digital Cameras

Your ISO feature will help with low-light photography.

It used to be that if you wanted to change the ISO settings on your film camera, you had to use a faster film. Now with digital cameras, all you need to do is adjust it on the camera's menu. The ISO number on a digital camera indicates its sensitivity to light. The higher the number, the less light you need for a clear picture. Here's use the ISO feature on your camera to your advantage.

Instructions

1. Almost all digital cameras have an auto ISO setting that can be changed from the camera's menu. In your camera's manual, find out where you can adjust your ISO settings.

2. The auto ISO feature is best used for bright lighting situations such as outdoors. You can leave this setting on for most casual daytime photography.

3. When selecting an ISO setting for your camera, you need to evaluate your photo. How is the lighting? Is the subject moving? Are you using a tripod? Changing the ISO settings also changes the shutter speed and aperture settings.

4. ISO 50 to 80 is a good setting for bright lighting as well. You can use this for portraits and landscapes. It will give you good detail and good image quality.

5. ISO 100 is the setting for a little extra light sensitivity without any quality loss. This is the standard setting for most cameras.

6. ISO 200 is good for cloudy days and overcast conditions. This setting will let you take pictures in lower light but reduces the quality of your picture by adding visible noise (grainy appearance of photos).

7. ISO 400 and up is used for indoor photography and for action photos like sports photography. Most compact digital cameras will produce a lot of visible noise at this setting.

8. Digital SLR cameras have a higher ISO sensor and thus take clearer pictures with less noise than compact digital cameras. You may need to experiment with your camera to find the correct settings.

Tags: your camera, bright lighting, camera menu, cameras have, cameras need, compact digital

Types Of Bluetooth Technology

It seems like where ever you turn some new product features Bluetooth technology, but what does that mean? Basically, Bluetooth is a high-speed, low-power wireless link that was originally designed to connect phones, laptops and other similar equipment with no hassle caused to the consumer. Bluetooth is also the name of the short-range radio frequency (RF) technology used to wirelessly transmit voice and data.

The Facts

There is currently an overwhelming number of ways that people can wirelessly connect. There is WiFi, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, GPRS, IrDA and Bluetooth. These of course are just some of the terms used to describe various forms of wireless connectivity. Different types of wireless connectivity might be more useful to you depending on your specific needs, but Bluetooth in its many different forms usually delivers whatever users require, such as wireless music transmissions and making wireless cell phone calls.

Function

Bluetooth technology functions as a 10-meter personal bubble that supports the simultaneous transmission of both voice and data information for more than one device. As a matter of fact, up to eight data devices can be connected in a single piconet, with up to 10 piconets existing within the 10-meter bubble. Not only that, but each piconet also supports up to three simultaneous full duplex voice devices.

Types

There are many types of Bluetooth technologies out there, all of which help users stay connected without actually having to be connected. Types of Bluetooth devices include dongles, headsets, radios, and PC cards, among other products. Stereo headphones are becoming increasingly popular as a wireless Bluetooth option that can be used with iPods, music phones or other MP3 players. Also, laptop's and other small Internet-enabled devices are offering accessories that utilize Bluetooth technology for wireless functionality, such as in wireless keyboards and mice.

Features

Bluetooth technology features a specific class that dictates the range at which the device can still connect. For example, most personal computing devices feature Class 3 Bluetooth technology, which means they have a short 30 ft range. While high-powered Class 1 devices, on the other hand, have the longest range at about 300 feet. Class 2 falls somewhere in between the two.

Benefits

There are many benefits to utilizing Bluetooth technology. For example, Bluetooth dongles enable consumers to simply plug their dongle into an Internet-enabled personal computer. This allows them to wirelessly check email, download Windows updates or transfer files, among other tasks. Bluetooth headsets may offer the most benefits because they allow us to use our cell phones hands-free, which is especially useful now that many states have passed laws that make it illegal to talk on your cell and drive at the same time.

Tags: Bluetooth technology, among other, Bluetooth technology, such wireless, There many, Types Bluetooth

Edit A Music Video

Filmmakers give music an extra element by creating a visual complement: the music video. Before the video is shown to an audience, the director or artist may have varying ideas of what the concept should be. In order to get to the final and agreed upon vision, the editor may remove audio or video clips completely or cut the video and place it in another scene of the video. Step-by-step, learn be a music video editor.

Instructions

1. Open Windows Movie Maker.

2. Go to "Import" and click on "Videos."

3. Navigate to the video that will be edited and click "Import." The video will appear under "Imported Media." If "Imported Media" is not available, go to the "Location" drop-down box and select "Imported Media."

4. Select the music video that was previously imported and drag it to the timeline at the bottom of the screen. If the timeline is not available, go to "View" in the menu bar and select "Timeline." The video will appear beside the video row in the timeline.

5. Click the plus symbol beside the video row; this will expand the Video row to show the transition and audio rows.

6. Click at the place in the timeline that will be edited. A green line will appear at the selected location.

7. Click "Split" located in the far right corner of the program display. When "Split" is selected, the video and audio will split into two separate clips at the green line.

8. Go to the end of one of the clips. A double-headed red arrow will appear. Click and drag the arrow to the left which will shorten the duration of the clip. Drag the double-headed arrow to the right to extend the duration of the clip. The clip will not extend past the duration of the split.

9. Click on "Transitions" in the left menu bar. Select the transition and drag and drop it to the transition row in the timeline at the split in the video.

Tags: will appear, Imported Media, music video, beside video, double-headed arrow

High Frequency Electrical Tools

Angle grinders operate at a high frequency which saves electrical costs.

High frequency electrical tools offer greater work capacity than standard electrical tools at roughly four times less the energy costs. Other advantages of high frequency electrical tools include reduced up-front purchase cost, ease of use, maintenance and overall practicality. Suited to continuous use projects in tank, metal and steel construction, these tools can be found in cabinet-making, machine shops, shipbuilding and foundries industries. A large selection of high frequency power tools exist, depending upon construction or machining needs.

Angle Sanders

An angle sander is found in a cabinet shop or a boatyard as its use includes smoothing curved or otherwise inaccessible wood and metal surfaces. Use an angle sander to sand a curved hull or those hard-to-reach places in cabinets or other woodworking projects. Whether taking paint off, sanding wood for painting or buffing a fine finish, an angle sander has multiple uses.

Angle Grinders

Angle grinders use a compressed wire wheel to cut, grind or even polish those tough surfaces on which other sanders have no effect. Used for harder metal or stone surfaces, angle grinders effectively smooth out the rough edges or reduce metal burrs left over during the manufacturing process. These tools exert anywhere between 125-volts, 200 hertz (Hz) and 200-volts and 300 Hz during operation, which is much higher than the traditional frequency of most electrical tools, but at a cheaper operating cost.

Straight Direct Cone Grinders

Designed for the removal of unwanted material, a direct cone grinder uses a carbide burr and mounted cone for grinding. This tool works best on softer metals and minerals. It operates between 100-volts, 220 Hz and 150-volts and 250 Hz.

Direct Die Grinders

A direct die grinder grind plastics, woods and metals. It exerts over 30,000 RPM, making it one of the faster grinders on the market. It cuts with coated abrasives and mounted burrs. You'll find a direct die grinder in a machine shop where its use includes cylinder head porting, engraving and shaping of materials. Exerting more energy than other high frequency power tools with a hertz range between 300 to 450, it still uses high frequency electricity, making it inexpensive to operate in spite of its high performance.

Tags: angle sander, electrical tools, Angle grinders, direct grinder, frequency electrical

Install A Zinwell Converter Box

Digital converter boxes are needed to receive broadcast television signals. The transition to digital television that occurred between April 16 and June 12 of 2009 prevented analog television sets from receiving a broadcast signal without a digital converter box. If you have cable or satellite, a digital converter box is not necessary. Digital converter boxes are made by manufacturers, such as Zinwell, that you can easily connect to your existing analog television.

Instructions

1. Attach the coax cable from your antenna to the digital converter. Make sure you are connecting the cable to the input marked "antenna."

2. Connect the Zinwell digital converter box to your television. You can use either a coax cable or an audio/video cable to connect the converter box.

3. Attach one end of the coax cable to the output on the digital converter box and the other end to the input on your television.

4. Attach one end of an audio/video cable to the audio/video output on the digital converter to the audio/video input on your television.

5. Turn on your television to set up the digital converter. The digital converter will use a specific station, such as 3 or 4, or a video/auxiliary input for the audio and video.

6. Turn on the digital converter and the Installation Guide should appear on the screen. You can choose either the "Quick" or "Custom" option to setup the converter.

Tags: audio video, digital converter, your television, coax cable, digital converter, analog television

Troubleshoot The Mustek Dv526l

Mustek makes many types of electronic devices, such as camcorders. One model of camcorder that you may own is the DV 526L. Problems that you may encounter with the camcorder include the device not turning on, files not being saved and memory being full. Checking for problems requires you to follow a series of steps that will help you determine the cause and to fix the issue.

Instructions

Not Turning On

1. Open the battery cover to verify that the battery has been inserted into the device. Push on the lock and then pull open the cover.

2. Insert a new battery into the compartment. Align the metal contacts on the battery with the contacts that are in the compartment.

3. Close the battery cover and then press the "Power" button to verify that the camcorder will power on.

Files Not Saving

4. Verify that the battery indicator light is illuminated. Press the "Power" button to turn off the camcorder.

5. Insert one end of the USB connector cable into the USB port on the camcorder. Insert the other end of the connector cable into a USB port on your computer.

6. Disconnect the connector cable from the computer and camcorder when the charging light goes off.

7. Resume using the camcorder and see if files are being saved properly.

Memory Is Full

8. Press the "Power" button to turn off the camcorder and then open the battery cover.

9. Press on the edge of the memory card to release it from the slot. Pull on the card to remove it from the camcorder.

10. Insert a new memory card into the slot and then close the battery cover. You can now save pictures and files to memory.

Tags: battery cover, camcorder Insert, connector cable, Power button, being saved

Diy Photo Studio Lighting

Good lighting is needed for a photo studio

Though photographers are the ultimate "one-man (or woman) shows" who can pick up their camera and go to the job, shooting in a studio allows you to be in control of the scene, the lighting and your subject.

You don't need a specially-built photography studio to take professional photos. Any room or garage can be converted to studio use. Even more important, proper lighting needed in a studio can be achieved without having to buy expensive photography lights.

Your Space

Before you choose a space to set up your studio, make sure you have enough space to have good amount of distance between the backdrop and the subject and between the camera and subject.

Make sure you have room around the area where your subjects will be photographed and around and behind the camera. Studio lights are often big and bulky, which means a wide room will work better than a narrow space. In addition, you need to have flashes, reflectors and other equipment behind you.

If your space has windows, place blackout curtains or blinds to eliminate outside light. Walls and floors should white if possible to help achieve the right lighting effects.

Basic Equipment

If your budget allows, buy an all-in-one studio lighting kit that includes three lights, an umbrella to soften and reflect light, a lighting stand, a softbox for creating soft light, a spill-kill (basic reflector that directs the spread of light, colored gels and different mountable reflectors such as "barn doors," (movable flaps for restricting the spread of light) and diffusers.

A must for your studio is a wireless or removable flash unit for your camera. This allows you to clamp or hold the flash off-camera to direct light where you need it.

But if your budget doesn't allow the purchase of bigger professional photography studio lights, you can find what you need at your local hardware store.

Types of light

LED---light-emitting diodes: Though LEDs emit low intensity light, they are energy efficient and last longer than any other light. You can attach Velcro strips to a string of small LEDs (think Christmas lights on a string) and use as a band of light or even wrap together to create a light ring.

Halogen: Look for "work lights" that already have clamps or a stand. Add a white or silver around the light to create a reflector. The drawback is that these lights tend to get hot fast; use caution when touching them to adjust your light.

Florescent lights and Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL): These lights are affordable and run cooler than Halogen lights. Find lamps that can be used with clamps or mounted to an adjustable stand.

Handy to have on hand when creating your own studio lights: duct tape, Velcro (with a stick-on side,) white foam board, black cardboard or foam board (to create a barn door).

If you can't afford a studio umbrella, invest in a white or silver rain umbrella, and create your own scrim (another light reflector) by? stretching white gauze over a thin plastic or wood frame.

Tags: your studio, foam board, lighting needed, need your, photography studio

Diy Photo Booths

Photo booths are becoming popular at weddings and parties.

Photo booths, once seen everywhere in malls, are becoming a popular attraction at weddings, birthday parties or any other event where large groups of people gather to celebrate. Photo booths date back to the 1890s, when they were popular at carnivals and fairs. Today, with the advent of digital photography, the classic photo booth concept has changed.

Instructions

DIY Photo Booths

1. Decide if you are going to have a photo booth at your reception or function. If so, you will want to pick an out-of-the-way corner or area within the hall that will allow your quests to congregate before, during, and after the picture-taking session. Stay away from kitchens and other busy rooms.

2. Hang the backdrop on the two walls leading into the corner. Attach the backdrop to the walls using duct tape. Be sure to speak with the management of the venue and advise them of your plans. By using a corner and material that is light in color, the angle of the walls and the material will act as reflectors, helping to create a picture with even and balanced light.

3. Position a stool three feet from the corner of the wall. Attach the camera to the tripod and position the tripod two to three feet directly in front of the stool. Turn the camera on and set the shutter release using a timer, which will allow your guests to get into position to pose.

Tags: allow your, backdrop walls, becoming popular, photo booth, Photo booths, three feet, will allow

What Is An Aperture Setting Of A Camera

A small aperture opening makes the subject look dominant.

When you're ready to move beyond the automatic controls of your camera, the aperture setting might just become your best friend. This manual exposure feature allows you to blur unattractive backgrounds, sharply focus a wide landscape shot and even brighten a dim scene. By adjusting the aperture setting on your single-lens reflex camera or fully loaded compact camera, you can partially control the amount of light entering the camera and the overall look of your photographs.

About Aperture

Aperture and shutter speed work together to expose an image on your camera's digital sensor or piece of film. The shutter speed determines how long light flows into the camera, while the aperture setting controls the size of the aperture ring opening in the camera lens where light flows through. Aperture settings are referred to as f-stops, or focal ratios. The larger the f-stop number, the smaller the opening, and less light is used to expose the photograph. F-stop numbers are derived from dividing the focal length of the camera lens by the diameter of the aperture ring in the camera lens. An aperture of f/8 is wider and allows more light into the camera than an aperture of f/16.

Depth of Field

The aperture setting -- noted by an A or AV on a camera's command dial or settings menu -- in part determines how much depth of field you notice in a picture. The more light that comes into the camera, the more shallow your depth of field. If you're looking for a shallow depth of field or to brighten a scene, pair a telephoto lens -- with at least a focal length of 105mm -- with an aperture setting of f/2.8 or f/4. By using a long focal length and allowing ample light into the camera, you can blur the foreground or background, making the other stand out. Think of a flower picture where the flower appears tack sharp and the green grass beyond the flower appears smooth and green with no detail.

If you want your entire scene tack sharp from foreground to background, use a wide angle lens. Set the aperture for a deep depth of field with a setting such as f/16. This will close down the aperture ring in the lens, allowing less light to enter the camera, which increases depth of field and detail.

Specific Subjects

Portrait photographers, sports shooters and others who seek to focus on one individual at a time often use the aperture setting to isolate their subject against the background. If you want to see a football player making a pass, but are bothered by the busy background of cheering fans, set your aperture to the lowest number possible on your camera, such as f/2.8. This will blur everything beyond your focusing point, which in this case is the football player.

Landscape and scientific photographers want to capture as much detail in their images as possible. They often use aperture settings to decrease light flowing into the camera so fine details are recorded and not blurred or washed out. If you want a detailed picture of a mountain scene, set your camera aperture to f/22 and place the camera on a tripod to steady the camera because the exposure may require a long shutter speed. By setting an aperture of f/22 with such a deep depth of field, the grass in the foreground should be as sharp as the distant mountain peaks in the photograph.

Reducing Unattractive Backgrounds

The aperture setting also works to reduce bothersome backgrounds. If you are trying to take a picture of a family picnic in a public park, but an old rusty car just parked behind the group, use the aperture setting to focus on the group, but blur the details of the distant car. For a group you need to increase your depth of field so people in both the front and back rows appear sharp. Experiment with settings ranging from f/4 to f/8 for a subtle transition between a sharply focused foreground and blurred background.

Tags: aperture setting, depth field, into camera, your camera, aperture ring, camera lens

Xbox Apps & Tools

There are many Xbox Live apps in the Android marketplace for gamers who spend more time on their phones than their Xbox. Whether your goal is to keep an eye on what people are playing, or to decorate your phone's main page with your friends' avatars, there are plenty of tools and apps to keep your head in the game.

1337pwn.com

The 1337pwn.com app for Android is useful for keeping tabs on your Xbox Live friends. Search "1337pwn.com" in the Android marketplace, and download. Once the app has finished downloading, open the app, press the "Menu" button and press "Add Gamertag." Type in the Gamertag you wish to follow, and keep track of all of your Xbox live friends when you are away from the Xbox. There are options within the app that allow you to get notifications when your friends come online or start playing a different game. This app is free to all Android users as of October 2010.

Xbox Live Avatar Widget

The Xbox live avatar widget is a fun tool for Android users who wish to decorate their phone desktops with their best friends', or their own, Gamertags. Search "Xbox live avatar" in th Android marketplace, and download. Once the widget is finished downloading, go to your phone's home screen and hold your finger on the homepage until a window pops up. A menu with multiple options will come up, choose the "Android widgets" option. Scroll down the list of widgets until you find the Xbox live avatar widget, and choose it. This is the only way to open the widget. Type in the avatar that you wish to have on your home screen and select "Add Widget." This will place the avatar on your phones desktop.

There is an optional addition that allows you to link the avatar to a contact in your phone upon placement to the desktop. If you link the avatar to a phone contact, whenever you touch the avatar located on the desktop, the phone will bring up the selected contact's phone information, giving you an option to call, text or email that person. This app is free as of October 2010.

Xbox 360 Live

With the Xbox 360 Live app, Xbox users can enter their login information and view everything that they would on the friends portion of the Xbox dashboard. Users of the app can view friends, send messages, compare gamer scores and games, and keep track of what all of their friends are doing. All you need to do is download the app and enter your login information, and the app takes care of the rest. No typing in your entire friends list to follow, all of your friends and information will already be loaded into the app. This is the easiest app to use, and the most useful when it comes to functionality. The Xbox 360 live app costs $1.99 on the Android market as of October 2010.

Tags: 2010 Xbox, Android marketplace, October 2010, October 2010 Xbox, Xbox live avatar, your friends

Reset The Bulb Timer On An Hd72 Optoma Projector

The HD72 from Optoma is a 720p DLP home theater projector. Like all DLP projectors, the HD 72 has a lamp inside it that helps to display the image on your screen. Since the lamp has a limited life span and must be eventually replaced, the HD72 has an internal lamp timer. The timer tracks the number of hours the lamp has been used and the projector notifies you when it's time to replace it. Once the lamp has been replaced, you must reset the lamp timer.

Instructions

1. Power on your HD72 by pressing the power button on your remote. Wait for the device to project an image on your screen.

2. Press "Menu" on your HD72 remote.

3. Press the right arrow key on your remote and scroll over to the "Options" heading. Use the down arrow key to scroll down to "Lamp Settings." Press the "Enter" button in the center of the remote.

4. Scroll down to the "Lamp Reset" heading and press the "Enter" key. Select "Yes" from the on-screen prompt to reset your lamp timer.

Tags: lamp timer, down Lamp, image your, image your screen, lamp been, your HD72, your remote

Motorola Walkietalkie Instructions

Motorola walkie talkies come in all types of shapes and sizes.

Motorola walkie-talkies are a useful tool, as well as something that can be fun to have for different recreational or creative activities. They are relatively simple to use, as long as you have properly charged batteries and both walkie-talkies are close to each other and on the same channels. The best way to learn use these walkie-talkies is to test them out in the field.

Charging and Batteries

Having fully charged walkie-talkies is one of the most important parts of a properly operating walkie-talkie system. As there are a number of different models of Motorola walkie-talkies, there are a number of different ways to power them. Some have batteries that are rechargeable, which will run for most of a day with steady use. These rechargeable batteries will wear down over time and usually take a few hours to fully charge. Other, smaller walkie-talkies rely on disposable batteries, which they will often chew through during a day of steady use. Constantly adding batteries can become very expensive over time.

Channels

With the two fully charged walkie-talkies now turned on by twisting the knob on the top, the channels should be explored to find the one which you want to talk over. Both walkie-talkies must be set to the same channel, which will either be marked on the top of the walkie-talkie where you twist the channel knob, or on a data screen which you can scroll through by pressing a button on the front or side. With a large number people using these walkie-talkies at once, different groups can be on different channels. For example, on a film production different departments of a film crew will use different channels on a walkie-talkie system. Art will be on channel 1 while the camera department will be on channel 2 and hair and makeup will be on channel 3. This way people won't be talking over each other and the walkie-talkies won't run out of juice as quickly.

Range

Different sized walkie-talkies have different amounts of range, based on their size and the structures or landscapes which may be interfering with their respective signals. Certain walkie-talkies claim to have ranges up to many miles away, but this is usually difficult to actually have unless you are out in a rural area and it is relatively flat. It is important to know the full range of the walkie-talkies if you are using them for certain purposes like hiking through a wilderness area or trying to keep track of someone who is with your group. The best way to test this is to test the walkie-talkies every so often as they move farther apart from each other. When the sound quality begins to disintegrate with a lot of static, then the range limit has usually been met.

Tags: each other, will channel, charged walkie-talkies, different channels, fully charged, fully charged walkie-talkies, have different

Deal With Snow And Ice On A Satellite Tv Dish Antenna

It snows in most places in North America during winter, and continuous snowfall converts lower layers of snow into ice. This can be a problem for satellite TV users. Accumulation of snow and ice on the satellite TV dish antenna is one of several causes of poor signal strength. Subsequently, it is important to ensure that the antenna is not covered with snow or ice. These steps can help you deal with this situation.

Instructions

1. Check the snow buildup on your dish antenna soon after the snowfall stops.

2. Using a cloth or a brush, remove the snow gently from the antenna without disturbing its position.

3. Buy a good dish antenna cover to protect it from snow.

4. Avoid mounting the satellite TV dish on the roof if you live in areas prone to heavy snowfall. Instead, set the dish antenna up somewhere in your yard.

5. Check out the electrically heated satellite TV dish antennas. These antennas are especially useful for regions that expect heavy snowfall. They protect against snow and ice accumulation.

Tags: dish antenna, heavy snowfall, satellite dish

Sync Your Phone With Your Computer Using A Usb Cable

Syncing your phone to your computer allows you to field calls, keep messages and coordinate your email and scheduling so you can keep all your communications coordinated. Follow these instructions to sync your phone with your computer using a USB cable.

Instructions

1. Install the provided software. Your phone should come with the software needed to sync your phone with your computer. If not, go to your phone provider and ask where you can get it. Once you have it, download the program onto your computer.

2. Locate the "Sync Manager." Once installed, look for and select the "Sync" icon. Often the "Sync" icon is identified with your phone provider's logo. If you cannot find the icon on your desktop, use your computers search and type in "Sync."

3. Connect your phone. To start the Sync process, connect your phone to the computer's USB port using a USB cord. You may have to purchase a USB cord that fits your phone's USB port. Accessories can be purchased through the retailer you bought the phone through or online at CellPhoneShop.com (see Resources below).

4. Synchronize your phone with your computer. Once connected, the Sync process will automatically begin. Follow the prompts in order to sync your address book, contacts, date book or calendar and to-do lists. If the Sync process does not begin automatically, click on the "Sync" icon.

Tags: with your, your computer, your phone, phone with your, Sync icon

Polish A Plastic Lens

Polish a Plastic Lens

The plastic lens on most camera phones and inexpensive digital cameras scratches very easily. The plastic lens on the camera can be almost un-usable after just a few months of normal wear-and-tear. Polishing the plastic lens will remove a small layer of the plastic so that the surface is smooth and even again. The process is simple and will protect the plastic lens on your camera.

Instructions

Instructions

1. Clean the plastic lens with a damp tissue to remove any dust or debris.

2. Use the tape to mask off areas of the phone or camera you don't want to polish or have the polish come in contact with.

3. Put a few drops of the plastic display polish onto the plastic lens.

4. Use firm, but not crushing, circular strokes with the lint-free cloth to rub the polish into the lens. Rub for one to three minutes.

5. Repeat the treatment as necessary to fully polish the entire lens.

6. Wipe lens clean with a tissue to remove any leftover residue

Tags: plastic lens, Polish Plastic, Polish Plastic Lens, tissue remove

How Digital & Analog Tv Works

Analog

Analog TVs are mostly older types of TVs that are slowly going the way of the dodo. They were so named because they received analog signals--signals which were analogous to the sounds and images they transferred (hence the name). The analog signal contains subtleties and variances and takes up a comparatively large part of the broadband. For all its inefficiencies, it worked very well; television was broadcast in analog for decades and no one seemed to mind.

Digital

Digital TVs, on the other hand, work under an entirely different concept. Digital signals are sent in a series of short bursts, each identical in size and length. The process creates a binary code--a series of 1s and 0s, which can be used to send information much the same way a computer does. The television signal is still sent only much more efficiently, taking up less space on the broadband and carrying much more information.

Advantages of Digital

The advantages of digital TV are twofold. Firstly, because the signal can carry much more information, the sound and image are much sharper and clearer. Digital broadcasting is what allows high definition (HD) shows to be sent into your home with a crispness and clarity which analog simply cannot hope to match. More importantly, digital broadcasting takes up much less of the broadband spectrum. That frees up space for the government to use for emergency broadcasts, as well as making space available to wireless companies and similar interests.

The Digital Transfer

The U.S. government has ordered all TV stations in the United States to broadcast solely in digital by the summer of 2009. In order to help facilitate this transition, all televisions sold in the United States after March 2007 must contain a digital tuner . If you've bought a TV after that time, it should be able to receive digital signals just fine.

Upgrade Converters

Any television made before 1998 is likely an analog TV, which means it won't receive programming after June 2009. TVs made between 1998 and 2007 may or may not have a digital tuner, depending on the exact model. People with analog TVs shouldn't panic, however. Most cable and satellite services offer digital converters as part of their service. You can call them to confirm whether or not your current receiver is set up for digital and order one if it isn't. For consumers without cable or satellite service, a digital converter may be purchased at any electronics store for about $50. It plugs right into your antenna and will allow you to continue watching shows through your analog TV as normal.

Tags: much more, cable satellite, digital tuner, into your, more information, much more information, United States

Hook Up A Fisher Stereo

During the mid-1940s, New York native Avery Fisher formed the Fisher Radio Company. The Emerson corporation acquired Fisher Radio in 1969 and later became a subsidiary of the Sanyo Corporation, to form Sanyo Fisher in 1987. Although several makes and stereo models bearing the Fisher brand exist, the installation process for your particular model may remain relatively the same. Properly connecting and installing your Fisher stereo system will ensure maximum audio performance and functionality.

Instructions

1. Place the stereo receiver in a suitable installation area, such as a table or home theater cabinet. Ensure the installation area has plenty of "breathing" room for the top, rear and sides of the stereo receiver. Failure to provide adequate ventilation for the stereo receiver may cause heat issues and shorten the life of the internal components.

2. Examine the rear panel and locate the speaker wire terminals. Depending on your model, the receiver may feature speaker wire terminals for up to four speaker connections.

3. Place the front left and right speakers in the room, forward of the listening area. Place the rear left and right speakers to the rear of the listening area, if applicable. Keep the length of the speaker wires in mind when arranging the stereo speakers.

4. Connect the right-front speakers to the corresponding color-coded right-front terminals, found at the rear of the stereo receiver, using speaker wire. In an effort to ease the connection process, the pairs of speaker wire may feature color-coded insulation to differentiate the negative from the positive leads.

5. Connect the remaining speakers to the receiver terminals, accordingly.

6. Double check the speaker connections for correct positive and negative polarity. Although the speakers will produce sound with the negative and positive reversed, reduction in audio performance may occur.

7. Connect the supplied AM and FM antennas to the corresponding terminals on the stereo receiver. Certain models may require two separate antennas for AM and FM functionality; loop-style antennas connect to the "AM" terminal on the receiver, while the long single wire antenna connects to the "FM" terminal.

8. Examine the rear of the receiver and determine if the device supports external phone/RCA audio inputs. Connect the color-coded RCA patch cables to the corresponding "LEFT" and "RIGHT" input jacks, if applicable.

9. Connect the remaining ends of the RCA patch cables to the corresponding "AUDIO OUT" jacks, located at the rear of the external audio device. Repeat the connection process for additional external audio devices, if available; certain stereo receiver models may feature several audio input connections available for use.

10. Connect the stereo receiver's power cord to a suitable wall outlet. Turn on the receiver and external audio devices.

11. Switch the stereo receiver to an appropriate audio source and test for proper functionality. Adjust any available sound field, bass, treble and balance controls to suit the listening environment. Turn off the receiver and related audio components when not in use.

Tags: stereo receiver, speaker wire, external audio, audio devices, audio performance