Car Stereo Amplifier Work

Introduction

Car stereo amplifiers are used to boost the incoming signal from the head unit or stereo, and direct the new, more powerful signal to the speakers. These amplifiers are very complicated and different qualities exist. A cheap amplifier will advertise peak power only or will double the number of watts put out by each channel for a "total" power rating, which is misleading.

How They Work

Through a series of inductors, transistors, conductors, resistors, rectifiers and capacitors running through a computer-like circuit board, the electrical signal coming into one end of the amp is boosted and released out the other side to the speakers.

RMS vs. Peak Power

The RMS, or root mean square rating of an amplifier is approximately 70% of the peak output the amp is capable of. For this reason, simply advertising the peak power of an amplifier is not the correct way to do it, because the amplifier is only capable of these numbers for split seconds. To figure out the actual output of an amplifier that advertises 400 Watt Peak Power, for instance, just multiply the peak number by .70, and then subtract the new number from the peak and you will be in the ballpark of actual constant RMS output.

Fuses

Another way to get into the ballpark of actual power ratings is to look at the amperage rating of the fuse the amplifier calls for, and multiply that number by six. For instance, if an amplifier advertises itself as 320 watts, and calls for a 20 amp fuse, this formula tells us that the amplifier's rating is actually closer to 120 watts, so it can be assumed that they doubled the channel wattage numbers or took the peak rating as the amplifier rating.

Bridgeable Amplifiers

The term "Bridgeable" simply means that the amplifier has the capability to combine the left and the right channel wattage into a single output for one subwoofer. Many amplifiers are not bridgeable, however, so read the manufacturer's recommendation before bridging the channels. To bridge an amplifier, simply place the negative cable of the speaker to the negative terminal of one channel, and the positive cable to the positive of the other. The combined power will send the total of both channel's power to one speaker.

Tags: amplifier rating, ballpark actual, channel wattage, Peak Power, peak power, rating amplifier, that amplifier

Night Time Photography Tips

Since light is the medium of the photographer, working with an absence of light can be difficult. It requires skill and an understanding of the way light affects the image. Nighttime photography can offer artistic opportunities that daytime cannot, as the photographer can minutely control the amount of light being used. By using lenses with extremely wide apertures, on and off camera flash and slow shutter speeds, the photographer can create a range of effects for an image.

Fast Glass

Fast glass is a term for lenses that have wide aperture settings. The "speed" of the glass refers to the aperture, the wider the aperture setting can go, the faster the lens is considered to be.

Average lenses have apertures that open to around 3.5. Faster lenses can go to 1.8, 1.4 or lower. These lenses allow two and four times the light in. However, as with most photography concepts, there is a reciprocal rule--the wider the aperture, the narrower the plane of focus will be. Less of the image will be focused; at f 1.8, this distance is measured in inches. The photographer must then take great care in focusing images and choosing subjects.

Shutter Speed

Shutter speed is another way to alter the amount of light that enters the camera. A fast shutter speed will effectively "freeze" action, capturing a subject with little motion blur; a slow shutter speed allows more light to enter the camera by holding the shutter open longer. In the case of night photography, slow shutter speeds can be used to great effect, as any movement or light will be recorded on the film. This can be used to show motion in an image.

Shutter speed works hand in hand with aperture---as you increase one, it becomes necessary to decrease the other. In order to freeze motion, a faster shutter speed must be selected, so decreasing the f-stop (making the aperture wider) will allow more light in. Conversely, to use a slow shutter speed, the f-stop must be increased.

Flash

Using flash in night time photography can help immensely, especially if the aim is to take a clear photo of a moving object. The flash burst works to illuminate the subject for a brief moment, which is captured on the film---coupled with the correct shutter speed and aperture, only this moment will be recorded and other motion will not be detectable to the camera.

There are two types of flash used in this manner. Front curtain sync means the flash burst is synchronized to go off at the exact moment when the shutter is open fullest. Motion blur will appear in front of the subject. Rear curtain sync freezes motion at the end of the exposure, synchronizing the flash burst to the last part of the shutter's movement. This gives a more standard look and any captured motion blur will be behind the subject.

Flash can be a harsh method of lighting. Using an on-camera flash unit or flash head pointed directly at the subject will cause high contrast and harsh shadows. To soften this effect, the photographer may use off camera flash fired remotely or aim the flash head away from the subject and allow a diffuser, bounce card or other object to bounce light back onto the subject. This makes for a softer, more evenly lit image; however, this will interfere with flash metering, so the photographer must remember to compensate for the amount of light lost by either decreasing the shutter speed, selecting a wider aperture or increasing the power of the flash burst.

Tags: flash burst, shutter speed, slow shutter, amount light, wider aperture, aperture wider, blur will

Camera'S Focus Work

Focusnig the camera involves adjusting the lens to adapt to the light.

For cameras to create images or photos, light must pass from the subject through a convex lens onto the film surface or sensor in the camera. The film surface or sensor creates a negative or upside down copy of the image. Photos are out of focus when the light from the subject passing through the lens hits the negative at a different point from the real image.

Manual Focus

When an image is out of focus on a camera the light passing through the convex lens of the camera is not hitting the same spot on the upside down negative as it is the real image. Moving the lens closer or farther from the real image changes where the light hits the negative, focusing the negative image.

Autofocus

Cameras with autofocus move the lens closer or farther from the real image automatically. Autofocus technology is very accurate, although most autofocus technologies struggle shooting dark settings or objects with no contrast or a single color. There are two types of autofocus: passive or active.

Passive Autofocus

Passive autofocus mimics the way people focus their cameras by selecting a focal point of the image and adjusting the lens. The autofocus typically focuses around the center of the image and the camera then directs the lens to move closer and farther from the image to decide on the best focus. Passive autofocus cameras struggle in dark settings because there isn't enough light entering the camera for it to see the object, adjust the focus and decide on the best focal point. Usually the camera will use a flash which white washes images and can distract from the subject. Passive autofocus cameras need contrast to find the focal point.

Active Autofocus

Active autofocus bounces a beam of infrared light from an emitter on the camera body to the subject and back to the camera. The beam measures the distance between the camera and the subject and sets the lens for the correct focus. Active autofocus struggles in settings with heat sources like candles that emit infrared light and other objects can absorb the invisible light causing out-of-focus shots. However, active focus doesn't have the same problems with no contrast subjects like white fences or walls because it measures distance rather than mimicking the human eye.

Tags: real image, closer farther, closer farther from, farther from, focal point, from real, from real image

Print Passport Photos On An Hp Photosmart A610 Printer

Don't wait for beautiful full color photos from the store. Instead, print your own whenever you want with an HP Photosmart A610 Printer. Do regular prints, panoramic photos and photo stickers. You have plenty of options and the printer gives you immediate professional results. You can even use the printer to print out U.S. passport photos, saving yourself a trip to the portrait studio.

Instructions

1. Insert the memory card into the printer. Once the light changes from blinking to steady, the printer can read the card and is awaiting the next command.

2. Choose the photo you want to use. On the printer, you can use the screen and navigation buttons to scroll through the photos to locate the image you want to use for the passport photo.

3. Press the "Menu" button.

4. Select "Print Options," then "OK."

5. Choose "Passport photo mode" and then choose "OK."

6. Select "On" and then "OK."

7. Choose a passport photo size from the selections, then "OK." Load the photo paper into the paper tray at the back of the printer.

8. Press "Print" and see the passport photo print out. The paper will hold as many copies as can fit. The number of photos just depends on the size of passport photo you chose. While official U.S. passport photos must be 2 x 2 inches, the HP Photosmart A610 printer does allows you to adjust the size of the image.

Tags: passport photo, Photosmart A610, passport photos, then Choose

Shift Through The Lens

An SLR camera with a zoom lens can create motion-like photos with a longer shutter speed.

Shift through a camera zoom lens using a single-lens reflex or SLR camera and you will produce unique images that seem to be moving on their own. Instead of taking a flat image, the photograph may seem to be moving outward or inward in a particular direction. This gives the photograph more context as to what was happening at the time of capture. The best part of the process involves very easy manipulation of a camera lens that produces more interesting images with practice.

Instructions

1. Obtain an SLR camera and attach an adjustable zoom lens to the camera body. Insert a memory card or film, depending on the camera type -- digital or film.

2. Turn the camera on. Adjust the SLR camera controls to manual settings for Time Value -- also displayed as TV or Tv on the camera. Turn the setting dial on the camera body back surface until the time value setting registers a point within 1/8 of a second to 1 second. Take a practice photo to confirm the shutter speed has indeed slowed down accordingly.

3. Hold the camera firmly or place it on a camera tripod to keep it still. Grip the camera body with one hand and the zoom lens with the other. Point the camera at a target and press the trigger button half-way to cause it to auto-focus.

4. Take a photo of the target. Twist the zoom lens to cause the image to zoom close or zoom out while the camera shutter is open recording the image. Practice taking a number of photographs with different levels of zoom twisting and time value settings. Write down notes with a pen and notepad regarding which photos were at specific settings.

5. Examine the photos taken and compare specific photos with notes on your camera settings. Look for images taken that show light lines or shade lines stretching outward from the image as it was photographed. Compare those with the time value effect on the shutter speed and the emphasis on zoom lens adjustment.

6. Continue practicing to improve shooting and producing specific camera zoom lens effects.

Tags: zoom lens, camera body, shutter speed, time value, camera zoom, camera zoom lens, photos with

Order Online Photos From Walgreens

You can go online to order prints of your digital photos from Walgreens.

Walgreens is the largest drug store chain in the United States, with more than 7,500 stores. Most of those stores offer photo services. Walgreens knows that some people may not have a convenient store location, or would simply prefer to order prints of their digital photographs online. Through its website, Walgreens offers digital photo printing and free online photo sharing.

Instructions

1. Go to the Walgreens Photo Center welcome page (see References).

2. Fill out the form and create a Walgreens Photo Center account.

3. Log in and upload your digital photographs.

4. Click the album of uploaded photos.

5. Click "Order prints," to the right of the images.

6. Select the photos to be printed and click "Add to cart."

7. Select the size and desired photo finish of your prints and click "Check out."

8. Select "Ship my prints" and type in your shipping and billing information. Confirm your order.

Tags: digital photographs, order prints, Photo Center, Walgreens Photo, Walgreens Photo Center, your digital

Determine The Gps Location Of A Cell Phone Number For Free

Determine the GPS Location of a Cell Phone Number for Free

Maybe you want to keep track of your friends, employees or your children. Maybe you're just tired of misplacing your cell phone. There are any number of reasons why you might want to track the GPS location of a mobile phone. Today's technology has made it easier than ever, and best of all you can actually do it for free.

Instructions

1. Find a free mobile phone tracking service. Most services today cost money, but Mologogo.com is not only one of the oldest GPS services--and it is also the only one that is free.

2. Sign up and download the software. Enter your name and e-mail address, then create a username and password. You can then download the software and install it to your phone.

3. Track the phone. Log on to the website and you will immediately see your location on the website. It will be denoted as a circle. You will then need to decide whether you want your location to remain public, private or available to your friends only. You can also take your location and publicize it to your blog or website.

4. Add your friends. Log on to the website and click on "Add Friends" to allow them to see your location. You can also add search functions such as weather data and keep track of your last 100 points from your personal homepage on the website.

Tags: your location, your friends, Cell Phone, Cell Phone Number, Determine Location

Troubleshoot For An Invalid Cell Phone Battery

Use the right battery, people.

Without a battery your cell phone is nothing more than an expensive paperweight. Throughout the life of a phone you may need to purchase a new battery; however, if the wrong battery is used or improperly inserted into the phone, you either receive an "invalid cell phone battery" message (if the phone is connected to a wall charger at the time) or the phone does not power on at all. In order to correct the issue there are a few different troubleshooting steps to take.

Instructions

1. Open the user manual for your phone and look up the battery information. The exact battery model number is listed here. Compare the model number to the battery you are attempting to use. If the model number is different, you are using the wrong battery. Even if the battery is for an updated version of the phone you need to find the exact model number. To do this, you may need to purchase the replacement battery from the cell phone's manufacturing site.

2. Remove the battery case from the phone once you are sure you have the correct battery. Look on the battery for a white piece of adhesive with installation instructions. On the adhesive it states which side should be facing away from the phone.

3. Slide the battery into the phone following the instructions given on the battery. If you attempt to slide the battery in upside-down or flipped over the phone is not going to power on.

4. Place the battery cover back onto the phone. The cover holds down the battery and protects it from moisture. If the battery becomes wet, you may have to replace the entire phone.

Tags: model number, cell phone, from phone, into phone, need purchase, phone need, wrong battery

How Does An Amplifier Work

An amplifier is any device used to increase the quality and power of an audio signal and then translate that signal into a physical sound wave. To perform the transmission process, the device measures the pressure fluctuations found in the sound wave and, using an extremely sensitive and thin external microphone diaphragm, generates an electrical current that pushes the external speaker cone back and forth. The diaphragm boosts the audio signal to a large enough current (while at the same time maintaining the pattern of charge fluctuation) that the cones can be pushed. Such is the job of an amplifier: to take a weak audio signal and use it to translate a more powerful and enhanced version.

To create a more powerful sound, the amplifier generates a new output signal based on the input signal it first received. The input circuit is the electrical audio signal provided from the tape of a cassette player, for example, or entering from a microphone. Its function is to modify the output circuit by generating a varying resistance to the output circuit to transplant the voltage fluctuations of the original audio signal.

If the load is too great for the signal, a pre-amplifier will boost the signal by retrieving a stronger signal from the output amplifier. The input uses varying resistance to build up or create a high-voltage output signal that can be used to complete the process. The complex circuit and components of the amplifier make the process easy and allow the function of the amplifier to continue seamlessly without additional user adjustments to aid the process. Amplifiers can be installed in cars, television and CD players and computers.

Tags: audio signal, more powerful, output circuit, output signal, sound wave, varying resistance

Place A Spy Camera To Watch A Nanny

According to the Safety Basement website, a spy camera installed to observe the behavior of a nanny is known as a nanny cam, which is often installed by a parent when a child care provider is suspected of improper behavior.

Audio

One of the problems with nanny cams is the capturing of audio, which in some cases can be seen as wiretapping or eavesdropping. The Safety Basement reports that each state has its own rules regarding the legality of capturing audio, with most states allowing audio to be captured with the consent of the parents of the child.

Visible

The A1 Hidden Camera website explains that cameras that are not hidden, are entirely legal for use as a nanny cam in non-private areas. No cameras, either visible or hidden, are allowed to be placed in private areas, such as bathrooms and bedrooms.

Wiretapping

The Security Basement website reports that the 1998 court case of State vs. Diaz is used as the standard for nanny cam use. The court ruled that video use without audio was legal and could be used as evidence in cases of mistreatment.

Tags: Basement website, capturing audio, reports that, Safety Basement

Take Portraits With A Nikon D40

Create a beautiful and balanced portrait, such as this, using the Nikon D40.

The Nikon D40 digital SLR camera is inexpensive and easy to use, making it an excellent entry level camera for a dedicated amateur or budding professional. Taking a portrait comes naturally using this camera, thanks to a dedicated Portrait mode and the intuitive features, such as autofocus and light metering. These features ensure the best use of lighting and soft, even tones for a natural, balanced looking portrait, without the need for detailed technical knowledge.

Instructions

1. Prepare your Nikon D40 for use. Check the batteries and make sure that they are fully charged--a drained battery can impair the camera's functioning and cause defects, such as grain or stripes on your portrait. Insert an SD memory card into the memory card slot located on the left-hand side of the camera, then turn the camera on using the On/Off dial located on the upper-right surface of the camera.

2. Set the Nikon D40 into portrait mode. Use the dial on the upper right-hand side of the camera body to select this mode--the Portrait icon resembles a woman in a hat. This mode provides soft, even tones and programs the auto focus to treat the closest object as the portrait's subject, softening the background details to help center attention on the subject.

3. Pose your portrait subject. Choose an area with even, steady lighting. Avoid areas with direct light, such as sunlight, or areas with heavy shadows. Position your subject as the closest object to the camera.

4. Compose your image. Press the shutter button halfway to lock the auto focus on to the subject and to set the shutter speed and aperture automatically. Portrait mode is fully automatic, so no input is needed from the photographer. The flash may pop up automatically at this point, if the light provided is insufficient.

5. Press the shutter button on the Nikon D40 to take your portrait. The image will appear on the LCD screen on the back of the camera for your review. Take multiple photos to ensure you capture the best portrait possible.

Tags: your portrait, areas with, auto focus, closest object, even tones

Get An Independent Movie Into Blockbuster

Independent films can be marketed to Blockbuster.

Excellent short subject and feature length films are being made today by relative unknowns. Gone are the days when high-powered movie moguls and Hollywood production studios were the sole proprietors of the cinema.

Blockbuster video offers an abundance of movies, TV shows and games for rent or sale, and its inventory includes independently produced films. To get your movie into Blockbuster, you must first attract the attention of a film distributor who can make that happen.

Instructions

1. Create a buzz. If there's excitement about your film, it will make selling it to a distributor easier. Use the Internet to capitalize on "that special something" about the movie that can perpetuate some interest. If you have a famous personality in the film, or if there's some historical or social significance about it, use it. Tap into that niche through social networking and comments on blogs of those who'll identify with your subject. Encourage them to spread the news for you.

2. Get a sales agent. If you're willing to pay a significant portion of the film's income for this person's expertise, hiring an agent could be your ticket into Blockbuster. The agent will have the know-how and connections to promote your movie.

3. List your film project in trade magazines and on targeted websites. These outlets are read regularly by studio executives and professionals in the industry. It's likely that you'll first be asked to complete an online application for your project to be accepted for review.

4. Enter a film festival to showcase your work. It costs money to do this, but it's well worth the investment. Plan your budget to include festival entry fees and residual costs. The audience of professionals who'll view your film at the screening are looking for great products to promote. Presenting a quality independent film at a showcase event can draw the contact you need right to your doorstep.

5. Call Blockbuster's corporate headquarters. Find out who its independent film distributors are. Ask for a contact name and address so you can send a trailer as a sample of the product. If you're able to get an email address, attach the video trailer and make a follow-up call.

6

Tags: your film, independent film, into Blockbuster, your movie

What Is Iso Sensitivity

ISO sensitivity refers to the sensitivity of the image sensor on a digital camera. High ISO sensitivity allows you to take pictures in low light. However, high ISO sensitivity can also cause noise, or graininess, in the photograph.

Basics

ISO originally referred to a camera film's sensitivity to light. In digital cameras, ISO stands for ISO 12232:1998 specification, a noise ratio and brightness standard set by the International Organization for Standardization.

Default ISO

100 ISO is considered a "normal" setting. The ISO cannot be adjusted in some digital cameras, but other cameras automatically adjust the ISO setting or allow users to manually change the setting.

Altering the ISO

Increasing your ISO setting may improve pictures shot in low-light situations, especially settings that don't permit flash photography, such as concerts or churches. Higher ISO settings also enable you to shoot with a faster shutter speed, which may improve sports photography.

Tags: digital cameras

Creative Photography Posing Ideas For Four Children

Having all four of these kids look to the ocean creates the feeling of a shared experience.

Thinking up creative poses for kid pictures is one way to have fun to a photo shoot and keep the kids occupied during the session. A group of four children can be particularly challenging, as diverse personalities can sometime be a lot to handle. Matching their energy with your creativity, however, can make for a pleasing set of photographs.

Character Quirks

If the four kids are having nervous jitters about the photo shoot, take advantage of it and capture them reacting. Be ready to capture the moment if the kids make faces at each other, stick out their tongues or even laugh. Take several pictures continuously until you get a good frame. Not only does this provide a good image, but it also breaks the ice.

Emotional Appeal

If two or more of the kids are older than the others, capture the age relationship between them. It could be as simple as the older kids putting their arms around the younger kids or as complex as the older kids in the act of taking care of a younger kid. An example of this would be two 10-year-olds kneeling down beside two toddlers, while all have their arms around each other.

Use an Engaging Prop

Include a prop in your picture that engages all four kids equally. Bubbles are a prop that most kids enjoy. The bigger the bubbles, the better your chances are of capturing pleasing moments. Try using balloons, a beach ball or a kite as props, too. Take your camera off of the tripod for this type of shoot, so you're able to move around the scene.

Goofiness

Never underestimate the power of goofiness in a children's photo. Instruct the kids to all make a goofy face at once. Keep taking pictures after they make the faces, because they'll likely be laughing afterwards. In that moment, you'll be able to record warm smiles on all four kids.

Tags: four kids, arms around, each other, kids make, make faces

Diy Rackmount

Knowing install a rack mount yourself saves you time and money of hiring a professional to do it for you. An audio rack mount displays your audio equipment on your wall cleanly by hiding all of the audio equipment wires. Hiding all of the wires is possible since the rack mount has a cord-management system that runs down the spine of the rack mount unit that tucks away all of the wires. The installation process uses common household tools and you do not need any technical knowledge to complete.

Instructions

1. Use a stud finder to locate a vertical wall stud. Mark the width of the stud using a pencil.

2. Place the wall plate of the rack mount against the wall so it lies over the wall stud. Fill in the mounting holes of the mount with a pencil and remove the plate from the wall.

3. Drill a starting hole for each of the pencil marks for the mounting holes. Place the wall plate back against the wall so the mounting holes line up with the drill holes. Insert the mounting bolts through the mounting plate and tighten into the wall using a wrench. The mounting plate is now attached to the wall.

4. Place the shelves into the shelf notches on the mounting plate. Insert the screws through the top of the shelves and tighten them into the notches of the wall plate using a Phillips screwdriver.

5. Arrange your audio equipment on the shelves. Tuck the cords into the spine of the wall plate. Snap the spine coverings over each section on the wall plate between the shelves.

Tags: rack mount, wall plate, audio equipment, mounting holes, mounting plate

Install A Turntable Belt

Though we have many choices for music delivery these days, including digital files and CDs, some people are still loyal to the warm, rich, unique sound of vinyl records. Despite the durability of the average turntable, if you are an avid listener you may have to install a new belt sometime during the lifetime of your unit. But don't fret--it's an easy fix.

Instructions

1. Take the rubber platter mat off your turntable.

2. Lift the platter off of the center spindle. This will give you access to the turntable belt.

3. Remove the original belt. It may have simply slipped out of place, but it's likely that the belt is also damaged. If it's damaged, you'll need to buy a new belt.

4. Take your new (or undamaged old) belt and loop it around the cylinder under the platter.

5. Replace the platter. Be gentle as turntables are often delicate. If you find yourself having to force the platter into place, you're risking damaging the unit.

6. Turn the platter until the motor pulley and the platter hole are in alignment.

7. Loop the turntable belt over the motor pulley with a gentle pull. Make sure it's in place in the pulley groove.

8. Turn the platter clockwise to make sure the belt is in the groove firmly.

9. Return the rubber mat back to the platter.

10. Turn on the unit and play a record. If it runs smoothly and the speed of the album sounds correct, you've done the job correctly.

Tags: motor pulley, Turn platter, turntable belt

Hide A Spy Camera In Car

The act of spying with video surveillance devices can raise some tricky ethical issues, but there are some times when what goes on in your own car is your business. A sneakily installed spy camera in your vehicle can be a great way to catch a car thief or just keep an eye on how other people are using your car (and who's driving in it). The close quarters of a vehicle make for a good place to easily catch sight of the people in it, but also create challenges for effective concealing of such a camera.

Instructions

1. Buy the smallest and most portable camera possible. There are hundreds of different tiny, battery operated spy cameras available, including many that are already disguised as other objects. Check out you local electronics store for basic offerings, or look at sites like the Spy Review Blog (see link in "resources") for the more speciality offerings. As you buy, be sure to consider factors like length of recording time (how much time will you need to spot whatever it is you're looking for?) whether you will want an Internet feed, and whether you will need your recording to have audio. In general, the cameras that are the smallest (and therefore, the easiest to hide) will have less power and the fewest extra features.

2. Choose a good location for your camera based on what you hope to see. For example, if you're hoping to catch a glimpse of a car thief's face, you'll want your camera to be positioned somewhere on the dash board, facing the driver's seat, whereas any shenanigans you hope to spot in the backseat will require a camera positioned somewhere in the back of the front seats. While it may seem like a good idea to get a camera whose angle and focus can be remotely adjusted, bear in mind that this will likely make a sound that will be noticed by whomever you are trying to spy on.

3. Disguise your camera in an object that can be removed from the car. This is the easiest way to hide the camera, but you'll want to choose an object and position that the passengers will be unlikely to move. Good options include sunglass clips on the overhead flaps, hulu or bobble-head sculptures on the dash, large objects hanging from the rearview mirror (like fuzzy dice) or reusable trash bags that hang behind the front seats.

4. Hide your camera somewhere in part of the car itself. This method will take a bit more work, but if you can pull it off successfully, it will be the most secure way to hide a camera that won't be noticed or removed. Try hollowing out a space for it in a seat cushion (a seat cover made of a translucent, stretchy fabric will hide this well), inside the dash board, or inside vents or speakers.

5. Test the positioned camera to see what it's recording. Even if you're sure you've positioned it well, you will want to take some test footage (or perform a test feed) to make sure you're getting the view you want. If possible, test with people in the car to make sure you're catching their movements and have the camera adjusted to proper head heights.

Tags: your camera, camera positioned, camera positioned somewhere, dash board, easiest hide

Use A Cell Phone In Columbia

Columbia's tough reputation makes it a difficult place to visit. It has even been called "The Least Visited Place on Earth." If you ever have the opportunity though, a vacation in Columbia offers excitement in every corner. While you're late-night salsa dancing and watching a bullfight, you want to make sure that you are able to use your cell phone in the case of an emergency. Using a cell phone in Columbia is easy if you follow the correct procedures.

Instructions

1. Ensure that your cell phone charger has the correct plug for Columbia. Columbia uses the same plugs as the United States, so unless your charger was purchased in another country, you should not need a plug adaptor. If your charger has a different plug type, purchase plug adaptors "A" and "B" from an electronics store before you leave home so that you can charge your cell phone while in Columbia.

2. Use a transformer that can handle 110 volts, which is the voltage used in Columbia, when charging your cell phone. Your cell phone will likely fry if you do not use the correct transformer.

3. Call your cell phone provider to make sure that they offer phone coverage in Columbia. Ask to be upgraded to international roaming.

4. Consider renting a cell phone or SIM card to use with your personal cell phone if your cellular company does not offer coverage in Columbia.

5. Know dial locally within Columbia. If you are dialing a place in Columbia with the same city code as which you are calling, just dial the number. If the number has a different city code, dial "03," plus the city code, plus the phone number.

6. Know call the United States from Columbia. First dial "000" (this is the international prefix to dial outside of Columbia). Then dial "1" (this is the international code used to dial to the U.S.). Follow that by the area code and phone number.

Tags: cell phone, your cell, cell phone, city code, your cell phone, coverage Columbia

Improve The Quality Of Your Scans

Your scanned photographs, graphics and documents can be improved with a few adjustments to your scanning software or graphics-editing software.

Instructions

Scanning Software

1. Set the color setting to match the item to be scanned. Scan photographs with color (or comparable setting); scan simple color graphics with lower color setting (256 colors or less); scan line art with line art setting; scan documents with optical character recognition (OCR) software.

2. Set the resolution to 200 dpi or greater for optimal resolution of a photograph.

3. Increase brightness setting for underexposed photographs, decrease for overexposed photographs.

4. Adjust colors for photographs that are too green or red.

Graphics-Editing Software

5. Use brightness and contrast settings to adjust underexposed or overexposed photographs (similar to scanner software, but finer adjustments).

6. Adjust colors for photographs that are too green or red. Also, use your program's color settings for touchups (to improve skin tone) or effects (to make landscape pictures greener or bluer).

7. Sharpen fuzzy pictures or line art with the Sharpen or Sharpen Edges setting.

8. Reduce graininess or dirt specks in a picture with Reduce Noise setting.

Tags: Adjust colors, Adjust colors photographs, color setting, colors photographs, colors photographs that, line with

Fix My Slr Lens After It Was Dropped

SLR lenses are delicate and difficult to work on, but you can do some repairs yourself.

Dropping your single lens reflex lens usually brings out an involuntary gasp of disbelief. These lenses usually cost a lot of money, or at least did before SLRs went digital. If you drop one, the main components that can get damaged are the lens elements, the focusing ring, the aperture ring, the lens mount and the filter mount. Some of these components are much easier to fix than others.

Instructions

1. Assess the damage to the lens. If you look through it and see cracked or shattered lens elements, you will need to take the entire lens apart and replace the unusable element or elements. This is the main deciding factor for most people as to whether to fix the lens or discard get a new one. Replacing lens elements takes a lot of delicate work and strong skills. You also run the risk of getting the wrong lens element or one that is just slightly off from the other lens elements. In either case, the new element can distort or at least change the way your lens takes photos. If you see a single small chip in the front or rear lens element, try shooting some photos to detect if the ding actually affects the images. In some cases, a very small chip or pit will not cause problems on the film.

2. Look for dents in the filter mount or lens mount. Dents in either can be fixed with a little controlled pressure from a pair of needlenose pliers, if the dents are small enough. Be careful to align the dented area correctly with the rest of the mount or it can affect mounting. You can replace the lens mount, usually by unscrewing several small screws and obtaining a new mount for your camera. Because the filter mount is a much more integral part of the lens, you will need to straighten it without flattening the screw-in grooves or you will no longer be able to use filters on the lens.

3. Test the focusing ring to make sure it turns smoothly and brings your images into sharp focus without difficulty. If it does not, again you will need to disassemble the lens to discover what got bent or damaged during the fall of the lens. You can replace the focusing ring, but since it is quite integral to the lens, you might need to salvage the entire assembly from another, similar lens. You may be able to get it to work a little better by using a light lubricant oil in the crevices. This should make it turn more effectively.

4. Hold the lens up to a dim light source to avoid hurting your eyes and watch what happens when you turn the aperture ring. The leaves of the aperture should come together smoothly and fully, just a little bit more each time you click to another f-stop. If the leaves do not move smoothly, or one or more are missing, take apart the lens and either replace the aperture leaves or replace them.

Tags: lens elements, filter mount, focusing ring, lens mount, will need, aperture ring, lens element

Lcd Tv Calibration Repair Fixes

LCD screens offer crisp, colorful images in high definition; and are often cheaper to sell and manufacture than alternative display technologies. This has allowed the format to become increasingly popular with consumers, with LCD HDTVs becoming a mainstay in many homes. Unfortunately, the LCD HDTV format is prone to some unsightly problems, including stuck pixels, dead pixels, occasional burn-in, backlight bleeding, and excessive image shimmering. These problems can require costly repairs, but sometimes can be fixed using specialized image calibration tools.

Backlight Bleeding

First, you need to determine what the problem with the monitor is, as different problems will require different solutions. Many times you will be able to complete the necessary repairs without leaving your home.

If you are experiencing excessive backlight bleeding, you may simply need to adjust the picture settings on the television. Ideally, your brightness should not be higher than 80% of the possible amount. Similarly, your contrast may be turned up too high, and should be lowered to below 80%. Some modern LCD TVs have a separate "backlight control" option, which can be modified independently from the picture controls. These options are usually accessible through the "Menu" command on your television or remote control. If you cannot find the menu controls, you can reset most modern televisions to their factory settings by leaving them unplugged for five or more minutes.

Excessive Image Shimmering

Excessive image shimmering is usually caused by a problem with connector cables, rather than with the screen itself. It can occur when cables are damaged, or not completely making contact with the necessary components. Check the quality of your A/V cables, and ensure they are properly fitted into your television and auxiliary device. If the shimmering continues, you may need to invest in newer cables.

Stuck or Dead Pixels

Stuck pixels and dead pixels can be more difficult to deal with, and they can occasionally be a permanent flaw in the screen. If you have a large number of dead or stuck pixels in your screen, examine the warranty for your device. Many manufacturers will offer a free replacement after a set number of dead pixels. If you are dealing with a smaller number of these troublesome pixels, you may be able to repair them using a built-in calibration option, or a special screen-calibration DVD. You should check your television's built-in calibration options.

Modern televisions often have the option to turn on pixel-shifters which reduce the load of still images and prevent burn-in problems. This option can occasionally resolve a stuck pixel. Your television may also have a mode in which it circulates a thick white bar across the screen horizontally. This can be used to clear away burnt-in images, as well as to resolve stuck pixels. If your television does not feature this mode, you can simulate it by obtaining a calibration DVD. These DVDs are usually available for purchase in large electronic stores.

If your television can be connected to the Internet, you can navigate to the website http://www.lagom.nl/lcd-test/ to run a large battery of LCD calibration tests to optimize your settings and attempt to resolve any stuck or dead pixels. If your problems persist after following all of the above steps, you may have a more serious problem than can be resolved with calibration or settings adjustment. Check your warranty for additional repair options.

Tags: your television, dead pixels, pixels your, resolve stuck, backlight bleeding, built-in calibration

Safely Use A Pressure Cooker

Usually pressure cookers are large and used for canning. A smaller pressure cooker is available for everyday use and perfect for making venison or tough cuts of meat, fork tender.

Instructions

1. Pressure cookers can be very dangerous. If you have a new one, follow the manufactures directions to the letter! If you don't have other written instructions use these, but realize different cookers ... are different.

2. Always make sure that your equipment is in good condition. The lid should have a rubber seal around the lip and it should be flexible and clean. If it's stretched out of shape or dry and cracked replace it with a new one.

3. The pressure valve on the lid should be loose and move up and down freely. Make sure no food has gotten dried in it so that it won't move. It is attached, so normally doesn't cause a problem.

4. Your jiggler should be the same one that came with cooker. The jiggler is the weight that goes on top of the lids steam vent. The wrong weight jiggler would probably just not let the steam build up inside the pan, but it could blow off and hurt someone.

5. The pressure cooker relies on steam to work so always use at least one cup of liquid and more for a larger cooker. The steam vent is on the top of the lid and needs to be clear. I blow through mine every time I use it just to make sure nothing is stuck in it.

6. Place the food to be cooked in the cooker and use the rack that fits in the bottom. This isn't absolutely necessary but it keeps anything from sticking or getting scorched. The lid (that you've already check out) is placed on the pot. The lid and the pot each have half of the handle and grooves that need to be meshed. The lid will be fitted onto the pot's grooves with the handles about five inches apart and then squeezed together until they match up. This will lock the cooker.

7. Place the cooker on your stove's burner and turn it to a medium high heat. Put the jiggler on the steam vent. When the steam in the cooker is built up, the valve will pop up and stay in place. NEVER take the jiggler off the pressure cooker while the valve is up. It can be easily knocked off, so don't try to move the cooker at all. Adjust your burner so the jigglier has a nice rocking motion to it. If it is hissing and looks like it's about to blow up - it might. Turn down the heat. Carefully, slid it off the burner in an emergency.

8. Usually, a recipe will call for the cooker to cool down on it's own. After you've cook for the allotted time with the jigglier, turn off the burner and leave it there to finish cooking.

If the recipe calls for a fast cooling so you can other ingredients (like in the venison stew recipe - see my other article) turn off the heat and wait for the jigglier to stop moving. Carefully carry the pressure cooker with the jiggler to the sink and let cool water run over the whole thing. When the PRESSURE VALVE GOES DOWN, you can remove the jiggler and the lid. It will still be very hot. Add the other ingredients and replace the lid. Put it back on the burner with a medium high heat. The valve will pop up again and the jiggler will start to jiggle. Again, don't let the jiggler get out of control.

Tags: pressure cooker, steam vent, high heat, jiggler will, medium high

Surround Sound

The experience of feeling like you are right in the middle of a rock concert or an action movie can be adventurous. Especially if the presentation is coming at you in a digital format. Surround sound systems are mainly used to add life and character to a movie or concert DVD/CD, and to provide a lifetime's worth experience for the viewer.

Facts

Surround sound systems enable the listener or viewer to hear sounds coming from all directions. The systems are available for you to listen to and use in movie theaters and your homes.

Significance

The importance of experiencing a surround sound system is for pure pleasure and entertainment. Watching a movie or listening to a live concert CD can make your experience life-like, even though you are being digitally entertained.

Function

The earliest and simplest method of presenting a sound recording is called monaural (or mono). This means that whenever a sound was initially recorded, it was recorded onto a single tape track, also known as one audio track or channel. That usually comes from one speaker. Two-channel recording is referred to as stereophonic (or stereo), and is supposed to represent the two ears of a listener. The two-channel sound format is a standard representation for surround sound, as surround sound is usually recorded on a multitude of channels (sometimes up to six channels). When you sit in a room with a surround sound system, you will hear sound coming at you from the front, from the sides, from behind you and from the low frequency speakers known as the subwoofers.

History

One of the earliest and most popular movies to use surround sound was Walt Disney's "Fantansia" in 1941. William Garity, Disney's audio engineer, recorded the orchestra for the movie's sound track on multiple channels. He separated each orchestra section and mixed them into four different audio tracks. They were recorded as optical tracks (recorded along side of the film) on a separate reel of film.

Types

Types of surround sound systems that are used today are: Dolby Digital, DTS Digital Surround, Dolby Surround Pro-Logic, Dolby Digital EX, THX Surround and EX & DTS Extended Surround (DTS-ES). Dolby Digital was one of the first versions of surround-sound that was available to the public. Since the mid-1990s, most DVDs and VHS tapes use Dolby Digital as its surround sound provider. DTS Digital Surround has basically become Dolby's competing format of surround sound. DTS is not the standard of use of surround sound like Dolby, but it has been claimed by theater enthusiasts that its quality of sound is better than Dolby.

Tags: surround sound, Dolby Digital, surround sound, sound systems, coming from

Use A Jvc Video Camera

Record family and friends with your JVC video camera.

If you have just purchased a new JVC camcorder, you shouldn't have much trouble using the equipment, even if you have never used a video camera before. The controls are straightforward; the main difference between the different cameras is the method of data storage used.

Instructions

1. Slide the provided lithium-ion battery onto the dock at the back of the camera. To charge the battery, plug the power cable running from the charger into the small battery connector port, next to the battery. Plug the charger into a wall outlet.

2. Insert the storage device used to save the video files. Most new JVC camcorders use a built-in hard drive, while others require a miniDV tape or mini DVD. Insert the tape or the DVD into the deck on the side of the video camera, then close the deck.

3. Pull open the LCD screen on the side of the camera to view everything the lens does. Some JVC camcorders have a built-in viewfinder toward the rear of the camera, which is helpful in bright sunlight.

4. Push forward on the zoom controls to zoom in; pull back to zoom out.

5. Press "Record" to begin the video recording process. Push the button again at any time to view the recorded content.

6. Press the "View" option. This changes the view of the camera, showing each file you have recorded. Scroll through the video files and press "Play."

Tags: video camera, charger into, video files

Motorola Tracfone Instructions

TracFone helped revolutionize the way people use cell phones. With its prepaid format, TracFone has given users the option to have cell phone service without the hassle of being locked into a long-term contract or paying for minutes they'll never use. While the per-minute cost tends to be more expensive with prepaid cell phones, the phones--including several Motorola models--are reasonably priced and offer many of the same features as their more expensive counterparts.

Purchasing Your Phone

Motorola TracFones can be purchased at a variety of retailers, including Target and WalMart as well as a variety of grocery stores and convenience stores. A TracFone starter package includes the phone, its battery, home charger, instructions and $10 of starter airtime for the initial setup of the phone.

Adding Airtime

There are multiple ways to add airtime to your Motorola TracFone. The first is to purchase airtime cards that add minutes and 90 days of service to the phone. These cards come in increments of 60, 120, 200 and 450 minutes and can be purchased at more than 70,000 retail locations across the United States, including Target, WalMart and Super America. These cards have a PIN that users enter directly into the phone via the phone's main menu. To access the menu on a Motorola W370 you press the "Menu" key, which is located in the middle of the circular navigation key. Use the navigation key to scroll to the "prepaid" option and press the select key, which is located on the top left of the phone's keypad. Scroll to "add airtime" and press the "Select" key. When prompted, enter the PIN from the airtime card and press the select key. The new minutes will be automatically added to the phone. You can also add airtime to the phone with a credit or debit card by going to TracFone's website or by calling their toll-free number.

Checking Your Minutes

By accessing the prepaid menu on the phone, users can keep track of the minutes they have remaining before it's time to add more airtime. Check the status by pressing the menu key, scroll to the prepaid menu and press the select key. Scroll "airtime info" and again press the select key. This will take you to a screen that will tell you exactly how many minutes are left on your phone.

Making a Call

There are two ways to make a call on the Motorola W370. The first is by simply dialing the number you wish to call and then pressing the "Send" key, which is located on the left side of the phone, directly above the 1 key. Just as you can with a contract phone, you can also set up a phonebook with all of your contact's numbers. To call one of these numbers press the menu key, scroll down to "Phonebook" and press the "Select" key. Scroll to the phonebook entry you want to call and press the "Send" key.

Answering and Ending Calls

To answer an incoming call, simply press the "Send" key just like you would to make a call. To end a call that you've either made or received, you press the "End" key, which is located on the right side of the phone, directly above the "3" key.

Tags: press select, which located, cell phones, directly above, including Target

Satellite Receiver Work

Signal

The satellite TV receiver, receives a digital broadcast signal via cable from the satellite dish. The signal contains all your programming information which was originally broadcast from your provider.

Decoding

The satellite receiver decodes the encrypted digital signal. Your receiver includes a decoder chip for this. Signals are encrypted to ensure that anyone who receives them is a paying subscriber. As a paying customer, you have the receiver with the appropriate chip, to decode satellite programming that you've subscribed for.

Conversion

The signal is then converted from digital to analog so that the your television is able to read and display the programming information. Satellite receivers may have a HD or standard tuner depending upon what type of satellite TV package that you have.

Channels

Finally, the receiver is responsible for splitting the full programming signal into the individual channels that you tune into. Along with the channels, the receiver sends enhanced programming guide information to the television which details the channel and program to allow you to view what's on.

DVR

Satellite providers offer some satellite receivers with built-in Digital Video Recorders so that you can record programming. You can then play, fast forward, pause and rewind programming, providing a way to watch the programs you like, how and when you want.

Pay-Per-View

If you've connected your satellite receiver to a phone line, you can order pay-per-view programs with a few clicks of the remote. The receiver stores the order information and sends it via phone connection to the billing office, where they can add it to your monthly statement.

Tags: satellite receiver, programming information

Use A Photo Booth

Photo booths are a fun and easy way to capture memories with family and friends, especially when you don't have a camera. Their inexpensive price and quick picture printing capability make them the ideal choice while you're out-and-about. It's important to know properly use one of these machines so that you never miss a moment.

Instructions

Using a Photo Booth

1. Find the attendant in charge of running the machines so he can give you a token. The token is necessary for operating the photo booth; however, the cost can vary but is usually around $4 per token as of 2009.

Some places do not have attendants, and in this case you simply deposit the money into the machine.

2. Most places that have photo booths, such as fairgrounds, have more than one booth. Locate one with the curtain open, which indicates it is available.

3. Enter the booth and close the curtain for privacy. Insert your token into the coin slot and follow the on-screen instructions. You can select different options, such as adding a decorative border around your final prints.

4. After making your selections, pose for the camera. There is usually a blinking light to inform you when the camera is about to go off. With most machines, there are about three to eight exposures.

5. When all of the exposures have been taken, exit the machine and wait for your pictures to be printed; pictures are generally 40 mm by 205 mm and usually consist of four stacked vertically. Today's digital machines can print in as little as 30 seconds; however, traditional analog booths can take up to three minutes.

Tags: Photo Booth

How Calculate My Paycheck After Taxes

With some resources, you can calculate your net paycheck.

Every payday when you pick up your paycheck, you see that several taxes have been deducted. You may wonder sometimes how those taxes are figured and if you can calculate your paycheck after taxes yourself, or at least make a close estimate. The answer is yes. You'll need a calculator, your personal payroll information and instructions for each tax, which are available online.

Getting Started

To calculate your paycheck after taxes, you need some basic information. First, determine the number of withholding exemptions you claimed on your W-4, and keep your filing status in mind (single or married). Make a list of any non-tax deductions, and list which are tax deductible and which aren't. Of course you'll also need to know your gross (before tax) pay. Gross pay includes your regular wages plus any overtime, tips or commissions. It does not include any business expenses you will be reimbursed for along with your paycheck. Finally, you need the instructions. For federal taxes, this is Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Publication 15, Circular E. For state tax instructions you will need to go to your state Department of Revenue (or Taxation) website.

Federal Taxable Earnings

Before you can calculate the federal income tax to be withheld, you must determine your federal taxable income. First, take the number of withholding allowances you've claimed on your W-4 and multiply by the current year's allowance amount (found in IRS Publication 15, Circular E). Subtract this amount from your gross wages. Then subtract any tax-deductible items (like a contribution to a 401K). This is your taxable income. For example, suppose you are single with two withholding allowances and earn $1,000 during a biweekly pay period. You also put $50 into a 401K. You would subtract two times $146.15, or $292.30 (2012 withholding allowance) plus the $50 401K contribution, leaving $657.70 subject to federal income tax.

Federal Income Tax

To find the amount of federal tax, go to the appropriate tax table in Publication 15. Federal income tax is levied on a sliding scale with the rate increasing as your pay goes up. For the example above, you use the table for single paid biweekly. Out of the $657.70 taxable income, the first $83 is not taxed and the amount from $83 to $417 is taxed at 10 percent (this works out to $33.40). The amount over $417 is taxed at 15 percent ($36.11). Add the two amounts together for a total federal tax required of $69.51.

Other Taxes

The other federal taxes are much simpler to calculate. For Social Security in 2012, it's 4.2 percent of gross income and for Medicare, it's 1.45 percent of gross income. There is an annual earnings cap for Social Security. If you've earned more than that amount, no more Social Security tax is taken out. However, you keep paying Medicare tax no matter how much you make. Next, follow the instructions to calculate any income taxes levied by your state or city.

Finishing Up

For the final step, return to your gross wages. Subtract the federal income tax, Social Security tax and Medicare tax. Subtract any state/local taxes. Next, subtract all other deductions, whether tax deductible or not (retirement plan contributions and health insurance, for instance). What remains is the amount of your paycheck after taxes.

Tags: your paycheck, Social Security, calculate your, calculate your paycheck, taxable income

Troubleshoot The Moultrie Digital Trail Camera

Make quick fixes to your Moultrie game camera so you can get back to tracking game.

Moultrie produces a large line of digital trail cameras that help hunters track down game in the wilderness. The cameras are equipped with motion sensors and powerful flashes that allow the cameras to detect moving objects without human operations. Hunters typically mount the cameras on posts or tie them to trees and leave them for one or two days. Operating a Moultrie digital camera is quite simple, but their functions may be impaired from time to time.

Instructions

1. Reduce the chances of getting a blurry picture by setting the camera to "Multi-Shot" mode. Turn the main dial to "Setup" and press either of the directional buttons until the screen reads "Multi-Shot." Press "Change" to select the mode. Chose either 1,2, or 3 on the screen, which will dictate how many shots will be consecutively made in this mode. Then press "Select." Put the camera back into "Auto" mode so that it will resume operation.

2. Maximize the camera's line of sight by moving any branches, grass or other unwanted objects that may get in the way of the lens. Moving these objects will maximize the space in the camera frame where game can appear. If you cannot move the objects, reposition the camera itself.

3. Look at the liquid crystal display (LCD) screen to see if the battery power is low. The battery's remaining power is listed on the screen beside the letter "B." If the battery percentage reads "B:10%" or less, it is time to replace the batteries. Check the manual of your Moultrie Digital camera to see what sort of battery it takes. Most units take either "C" or "D" sized batteries.

4. Set the camera to "Auto" rather than "Handheld" if the Moultrie camera is not taking pictures when you leave it at a post. The camera will stay on when left in "Auto" mode and will take pictures of anything that moves by its frame of view. In "Handheld" mode the camera turns itself off if not used within two minutes in order to save battery power.

5. Ensure that your Moultrie camera has sufficient memory to take pictures. If the memory card on the camera is full, it will not be able to record anymore game images. Turn off the camera and take the Secure Digital (SD) card out of the camera and connect it to a computer with an SD reader, or connect the camera itself to a computer. Check the capacity of the SD card to make sure there is memory left on it. If the card is full, load the pictures onto the computer and format it. Reload the SD into the camera and test it to see if it will record pictures.

6. Look at the bottom of the SD card you are using with the camera to make sure that it is not switched to "Protect" mode. If the card is in "Protect" mode, it will not be able to record images. When "Protect" mode is switched off, the disk will be able to record images again.

Tags: able record, Protect mode, will able, will able record, your Moultrie, able record images, Auto mode

Find Out If You Are Being Electronically Bugged

Find Out If You Are Being Electronically Bugged

Whether you feel you are having your privacy impeded upon or are afraid that potentially confidential information could be leaked from your home, you may want to find out if you are being electronically bugged. With today's technology it is very possible to be bugged without being aware of it, and sadly there are not any devices you can buy that are 100 percent accurate in letting you know if you are in fact bugged. However there is a method you can use yourself that will tell you if Big Brother is listening.

Instructions

1. Notice any odd noises or variances in volume while you are on your phone. If you hear any scratching type sounds or pops, you will want to be cautious as it may mean that you are bugged. These could be signs that there is a wiretap on your lines--but usually they would indicate the method of an amateur.

2. Turn the radio on in the room where you suspect the phone line is tapped. Dial the radio to one of the AM stations and then turn the volume up very loudly.

3. Turn on a second radio and then dial this one to FM. Start the dial at the bottom of the stations and then you will begin to inch the knob up slowly.

4. Listen to the radio that you are changing the stations on. If at any point during the tuning you hear the radio that is tuned to the AM station in your other room, you can then be assured that the room is bugged.

5. Keep the radio tuned to the FM station that is broadcasting the radio in your room tuned to the AM station, and then proceed to slowly move around the room or house with that FM radio. Listen for any squealing or screeching noises that will come out of the FM radio as you move, because the nearer you get to the bug, the louder you will hear these noises.

Tags: tuned station, Being Electronically Bugged, radio that, stations then, that will

Troubleshoot A Blurry Nikon Coolpix L11

Dim lighting, subjects moving and an unstable camera when the shutter is released may all cause blurry pictures. One of the Nikon Coolpix L11's solutions is the Best Shot Selector (BSS) feature. When BSS is activated, overexposed or underexposed sections of the picture are clearer. If BSS is not used, the flash mode must be set correctly to eliminate haziness. The self-timer and tripod are a couple more troubleshooting arsenals you can use to help steady the camera. Any one of these features or methods may help you quickly cure the blurs.

Instructions

1. Move the "Mode Selector" switch to the camera icon "Auto" mode.

2. Press the "Menu" button and then press the "Lightning bolt and arrow" and "Tulip" buttons on the Multi-Selector to navigate up and down. Select "BSS" for Best Shot Selector and then press "OK."

3. Press the "Lightning bolt and arrow" and "Tulip" buttons on the Multi-Selector to navigate up and down and then select "On." Press "Menu" to save your new settings and exit. If you still see blurry pictures, go to the next step.

4. Press the "Lightning bolt and arrow" button on the Multi-Selector. Press the "Lightning bolt and arrow" and "Tulip" buttons to navigate and select: "Auto" to use the flash to take pictures in dim lighting; "Fill Flash" to even out shadows and subjects where lighting is in the back background; or "Slow Sync" to brighten the main subject and capture the background when the picture is taken in dim lighting or at night. Other flash options include "Auto (default setting)" to set the flash to fire instantly in poor lighting; "Auto with red-eye reduction" to reduce the red eye; and "Off" to set the flash not to fire even in dim lighting.

5. Press "OK" within five seconds of making your selection. Try another flash mode if the first mode you try does not result in clearer pictures. If after trying several flash options, you still see blurry pictures, go to the next step.

6. Attach the tripod to the Tripod Socket on the bottom of the camera and verify that it is securely attached.

7. Mount the tripod on a flat, stable surface and then press the "Self-Timer" clock button on the Multi-Selector.

8. Press the "Lightning bolt and arrow" and "Tulip" buttons on the Multi-Selector and select "On."

9. Set up the picture and then press the "Shutter-Release" button only halfway to set the focus and exposure.

10. Wait two seconds and then finish pressing the "Shutter-Release" button all the way down. The light will blink until one second before the shutter releases. The countdown will also be displayed on the monitor.

Tags: bolt arrow, Lightning bolt, Lightning bolt arrow, arrow Tulip, arrow Tulip buttons

How A Camera Barrel Works

The lens barrel indicates focal length and maximum aperture.

The camera's lens barrel contains the optical equipment that helps produce a clear, focused and correctly exposed image. A well-constructed, durable lens barrel helps minimize the effects of rough handling that can damage the precision lens elements. Advanced lenses provide manual focusing and auto-focus options that work with the camera body's shutter system.

Lens Assembly

The lens barrel houses and protects a group of lenses or lens elements. Lenses made from optical glass are precision ground and polished. Different lens shapes include convex lenses with an outward curve or thickness in the center. Plano-convex lenses feature one flat side plus an outward curved side. Concave lenses are curved inward or thin in the center. One lens barrel can group the lenses in various configurations, such as the Canon EF 100 mm f/2.8L with 15 elements arranged in 12 groups. Adjusting the grouping of the elements optimizes the light-bending properties for a crisply focused image.

Internal Structure

The lens barrel is made of either plastic, aluminum or brass. A chassis or internal framework supports the lens elements. The iris diaphragm, known as a stop, consists of thin metal sheets that adjust to variable light conditions. The diaphragm's leaf-like metal pieces slide into the barrel's interior walls to open the diaphragm and let in light. When the aperture adjusts to a higher f/stop, such as from f/4 to f/16, the metal leaves slide to the center to minimize the opening and restrict the amount of light. The ring-shaped lens mount attaches to the camera body. Advanced lenses also contain auto-focus components. An auto-focus lens communicates electronically with the camera body through the lens mount.

Exterior

The exterior of the lens barrel contains printed specifications. Notation includes the focal length, such as "ZOOM LENS 70-200mm." This details a lens with varied focal lengths ranging from 70 mm to 200 mm for a medium telephoto effect. A distance indicator window displays values in feet and meters. Interchangeable lenses include a focusing ring on the barrel's exterior. Rotating the focusing ring moves the internal lens, and adjusts the distance between the lens element and the camera body's film plane or focal plane. The maximum aperture is indicated as a fraction, such as "1:3.5-4." As the lens zooms, the maximum aperture varies.

Image Stabilization

Hand-held photography in low light conditions sometimes leads to camera shake that produces blurry images. Certain advanced camera lenses include image stabilization components in the lens barrel to counteract this motion. An acceleration motion sensor or gyroscope adjusts the internal optical elements. Images recorded at slow shutter speeds will appear sharp with this system. The exterior of the lens barrel will note if an image stabilization system is present. For example, the notation for image stabilization is "IS" on Canon lenses and "VR" on Nikon lenses. The lens barrel provides an On/Off switch to enable or disable the image stabilization feature.

Tags: lens barrel, camera body, lens elements, maximum aperture, Advanced lenses

Polish A Scratched Fisheye Lens

Take mesmerizing photos such as this with your freshly polished fisheye lens.

While unscrewing your wide-angle fisheye lens after a productive photo shoot at the beach, you notice several long scratches down the center of it -- likely the result of a few stubborn sand particles. At best, scratches on a lens are only a cosmetic nuisance, causing no noticeable effect to the resulting image. At worst, they can blur edges, cause a loss in sharpness and attract dirt. If your fisheye lens is not as smooth and clear as it could be, you can return it to its original luster through cleaning and polishing.

Instructions

1. Remove the lens from your camera by depressing the small release tab near the thread mount. If you are using a fisheye adapter, simply unscrew it from the lens on which it is mounted.

2. Hold a can of compressed air 6 inches away from the front element of the lens. Blow away any visible dust or dirt particles. Repeat this for the rear element of the lens.

3. Moisten a microfiber cloth with lens cleaning solution. Starting from the center of the glass, wipe the lens clean using a gentle circular motion. Repeat this for the rear element.

4. Apply a small dab of lens polishing compound to a fresh microfiber cloth. Gently wipe the compound over the scratched area and allow it to dry for 10 minutes. Also apply to the rear element if required.

5. Buff off the polishing compound with a dry portion of the microfiber cloth. Wipe in a smooth circular motion until all the polish has been buffed away.

6. Inspect the scratched area. If there are still scratches evident, repeat steps 4 and 5 until results improve.

Tags: fisheye lens, microfiber cloth, rear element, circular motion, element lens, polishing compound, Repeat this

Make A Scanner Camera

Turn your digital camera into a scanner.

A scanner camera will allow you to make digital images out of text passages that appear to have been created by a flat-bed scanner. The image will arrange itself automatically into an easy-to-read format without the need to manipulate it with another program. Best of all, some of the software that can turn your camera into a scanner is completely free of charge as of 2010.

Instructions

1. Choose a program. There are currently three programs that you can use to turn your digital photographs into scanned images. These are QiPit, ScanR and Snaptr. As of 2010, the first two are free to download, while Snaptr comes with a 14-day free trial and costs $49.

2. Download and install the application. You will need to be running Windows XP or Windows Vista and you will need at least 512 MB of RAM.

3. Launch the application by going to the "Start" button and clicking on the program.

4. Take a picture of the image that you wish to turn into a scan with your digital camera. You will need to make sure that it takes up the entire frame of the window and that none of the edges are cut off. The document needs to be sitting on a flat surface.

5. Transfer the digital photo from your camera to your computer. The easiest way to do this is to remove the memory chip from the camera and insert it into the card reader on your computer.

6. Go to the "Computer" icon, click on it and go to "Removable Drives." You will see the memory card there; double-click on it.

7. Drag and drop the picture of the document that you wish to process on to the software program window. Click on "Documents" and then "Process," wait about 30 seconds and the document will come formatted as a scan. Click "Save" to save it to your desktop.

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Pick Up Wireless Signals

Scanning for wireless networks

Wireless Internet works by broadcasting an Internet signal over the air that can be picked up by a computer's wireless card and can therefore connect you to the Internet without having to physically plug anything into the computer. If your computer is equipped with a functioning wireless card, the process of scanning for wireless networks is simple and painless.

Instructions

1. Configure your computer for wireless connectivity. Your computer's wireless card must be enabled in order for it to scan for wireless networks. Many computers are built with a "radio button" that allows you to turn your wireless card on and off. Turn it on if it is off. It is also a good idea to check your computer's device manager to make sure your wireless card has all the latest software drivers installed.

2. Verify you are close to a working wireless network. If you do not use your own wireless network at home, and if you do not have the computer located within the broadcast range of an active wireless network, you can search all day and night for wireless networks and you will not find any. If you use your own wireless router, determine its broadcast range (usually listed on the router's box or as part of its documentation) and if your computer is outside of its range, move either your computer closer to your router or your router closer to your computer.

3. Scan for wireless networks. Most modern computers will automatically scan for available wireless networks when the computer's wireless card is activated. In some instances, you may need to scan for networks manually. Navigate to the network connections manager on your computer and manually have it look for wireless networks. Any networks within range of your computer should now be displayed.

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Buy A Swivel Headrest Monitor

If you've ever gone on a road trip with a child, you know it's only a matter of time until they start asking when you'll get there or arguing with each other. It's simply a fact of life. Swivel headrest monitors are a great way to keep the kids entertained in the car. They can watch their favorite characters and movies. You can travel in peace.

Instructions

1. Determine what size monitor you want. They typically range in size from 5 inches to 10 inches. If you have one child who'll watch it, 5 inches is probably fine. If you plan to have them share it, opt for a larger monitor.

2. Research swivel headrest monitors, so you know what to expect when you're ready to buy. They tend to run between $200 and $400 and are easy to install. Some include a built-in DVD players. Others can be hooked up to travel DVD players.

3. Read product reviews. Many websites offer customers the opportunity to give their opinion on a product. This can help you make a choice.

4. Familiarize yourself with the product's features. Most swivel headrest monitors come with remote controls and brightness/volume controls. Other features include a wide screen display, headphone jack and video inputs.

5. Find a reputable dealer, either in-store or online. There are many websites that offer swivel headrest monitors. They are also available at several big box and electronic stores.

6. Consider buying an additional package. Some dealers offer under-seat or dash-mounted DVD or VCR packages. These run an additional $300 to $500.

7. Add a second monitor at a discount. Some websites allow you to purchase a second one for 10 percent off. This is a great idea if you have a few children and want each one to be able to view their own monitor.

Tags: headrest monitors, swivel headrest monitors, swivel headrest

Why Do Some Batteries Last Longer Than Others

Why Do Some Batteries Last Longer Than Others?

It's Monday and you're late for work thanks to the sudden death of your alarm clock's batteries--the same ones you replaced not too long ago. Yet while they only lasted a few weeks, the batteries in your remote control have thrived for over a year. So what's the difference between them? Is it the brand? Do more expensive batteries really last longer? And why do some batteries, even when they're the same brand, last longer than others?

When you insert batteries into a device, they have to be positioned in the battery compartment with the positive and negative sides, or terminals, facing a certain way. When properly inserted, the terminals then line up with a wire spring inside the device. This wire acts as a bridge between the two terminals, allowing electrons to flow from the battery into the wire, thereby charging the device and enabling it to function.

Batteries have a very long shelf life, typically lasting a year or more without losing power. Chances are, if a store is selling it, it has not yet expired and will work the same regardless of whether it's purchased a day or a year before its expiration date. So you really shouldn't have to be too concerned with the age of a battery and don't need to look for the pack with the latest expiration date stamped on it. However, even if they aren't ever activated, batteries can lose up to 20 percent of their original power per year if they're kept in a warm area (about 68 to 86 degrees F). Known as the battery's self discharge rate, this loss of power can be reduced if batteries are stored at lower temperatures. On the same token, however, extremely low temperatures can also reduce a battery's charge. So while it may help to store your batteries in a refrigerator, the freezer isn't such a great idea.

Assuming you already store your batteries at an appropriate temperature, what else determines whether or not they last a week, a month or a year? Well, contrary to what those commercials may state, it's really more about the type of the battery rather than the brand. An AAA battery, for example, will last longer than a D battery. In addition, a battery's life is greatly influenced by the product in which it is used and the amount of energy required to make the device work. Although most products like CD players and clocks tend to use less energy, others such as MP3 players and cameras typically require more energy. Lithium, titanium and premium alkaline batteries are designed for these high-energy devices, whereas regular alkaline batteries work best with low-energy devices. In terms of brands, countless studies have been done with independent testing from companies like TechTV and Zbattery.com, but there has been no conclusive proof that any particular brand works better than any other. Rather, the factors that determine how long batteries are based on how they're stored and how they're used.

Tags: alkaline batteries, Batteries Last, Batteries Last Longer, expiration date, Last Longer

Help With Setting A Home Stereo Equalizer

Home stereo equalizers come in a variety of configurations.

In audio production and reproduction, equalization plays a central role in determining the tone and timbre of recorded material. It does so by breaking the overall audible frequency range into sections, called "bands," the volume of which may be controlled independently. This makes it possible, for example, to boost the bass frequencies relative to higher frequencies, and vice-versa.

The Typical Stereo Equalizer

The equalizers on many stereos must be engaged to affect the audio signal. Some have a button, usually labeled "EQ," that must be pushed to engage the equalizer. The sliders or knobs on the equalizer are most likely labeled with the frequency ranges to which they correspond. Different equalizers have different numbers of sliders or knobs, but will generally have fewer than 10. The lowest frequencies are on the left and the highest on the right.

Preparing to Equalize

Place all frequency range sliders at zero decibels and listen to the music you want to equalize. When making adjustments, avoid adjusting any slider or knob more than 10 decibels in either direction at once. Good equalization is a subtle practice - make adjustments in small increments and give yourself time to become accustomed to the results. Listen carefully to decide what kind of equalization treatment the music requires to sound better.

The Lowest Frequencies

Increase the level of sliders or knobs corresponding to the 20 to 50 hertz range to boost the bass. Frequencies below 20 Hz are known as the "sub-bass" range - we feel sounds at these frequencies more than we hear them. Increasing the 20 to 50 Hz range increases the volume of the bass relative to the rest of the song. Decrease frequencies in this range if the bass is too dominant or loud.

The Lower Mid-Range Frequencies

Increase frequencies in the 100 to 500 Hz range to give a thin, weak-sounding recording more body. There frequencies represent the lower mid-range of the overall audible frequency spectrum. Lower-pitched male vocals occupy this range, as do a lot of background instrumentation, such as guitar, piano and certain elements of the drums. Reduce these frequencies if any of those elements over-dominates the mix.

The Upper Mid-Range Frequencies

Increase or decrease frequencies in the 500 to 1,000 Hz range to manage the level of upper mid-level sounds such as female vocals, instruments such as alto saxophone, trumpet and clarinet. Increasing these frequencies will lend brightness to the overall sound; decreasing them will make an overly bright or nasal parts, such as a trumpet solo, less bright. Decreasing frequencies in this range also helps to manage overly-loud or bright mid-range drum sounds, such as the toms or snare.

The Treble Frequencies

Increase frequencies between 1,000 and 5,000 Hz to further help a dull, overly bass-dominated song brighter. Boosting this range will also help to bring out higher-frequency instruments and sounds, such as a high flute solo or violin part. It will also make dull vocals stand out more. Decreasing these frequencies will help remove any shrillness in the sound. For example, cymbal crashes and similar drum effects are sometimes emphasized to the point of distortion in some recordings. Lowering the treble frequencies helps to manage this.

High Frequencies

Decrease frequencies above 5,000 Hz to further reduce shrillness and help remove static, hissing or other high-frequency noice in the sound. Decreasing frequencies above 20,000 Hz is particularly effective in dealing with hissing and static. Many equalizers include a built-in high-cut filter to automatically cut all frequencies above this point because sound information at these frequencies rarely contributes anything desirable to the sound. On the other hand, decreasing these frequencies too much may make high-pitched instruments, such as the piccolo, sound thin.

Tags: these frequencies, Frequencies Increase, this range, frequencies above, sliders knobs, sounds such, audible frequency