Transfer personal travel videos from an iPad to Windows Photo Gallery.
Transfer a video from the iPad to a PC by treating the iPad like a digital camera. The iPad comes bundled with a connection cable that plugs into the computer's USB port. Both Windows Vista and Windows 7 operating systems automatically recognize the iPad as a connected device, so you can import both videos and pictures to Windows Photo Gallery. Once imported, you can view your videos. Due to copyright laws, only personal videos may be transferred.
Instructions
1. Power on both the iPad and the computer. Connect one end of the iPad connecting cable to the iPad. Connect the other to the computer USB port. The computer automatically recognizes the iPad.
2. Click "Import Pictures and Videos using Windows" in the "AutoPlay" dialog box.
3. Type tags for the imported pictures and videos, as an optional step. Click the "Import" button.
4. Wait for Windows to import the iPad videos. Once complete, Windows Photo Gallery automatically opens.
5. Click "All Pictures and Videos" at the top of the left-hand menu in Windows Photo Gallery. Click "Videos" to see the imported video.
Tags: Photo Gallery, Windows Photo, Windows Photo Gallery, Click Import, computer port, from iPad
When shopping for a camcorder, you must first determine what you will use it for. The average consumer can get by with a middle-of-the-road camera, while a budding college film student will want a high-end camcorder with lots of bells and whistles. Since this is a high-ticket item, your objective should be to determine which features you need and which are unnecessary. Here are some steps to help buy a high-end camcorder.
Instructions
1. Determine your level of filming, and decide if you need a high-end camcorder or not. Would you like to just point and shoot, or do you want a lot of manual features that let you adjust settings such as focus, exposure, shutter speed, gain and white balance?
2. Research various cameras online and in consumer magazines. Review the side-by-side comparisons of the high-end camera models.
3. Compare different camcorders and determine which manual features might prove useful to you. Consider features such as shutter speed and zoom speed.
4. Ask yourself which of the various components, features and manual override controls would prove most useful to you as a filmmaker, memory compiler or proud parent at a baseball game.
5. Visit your local electronics retailer and test out some of the camcorders. Ask your salesperson plenty of questions.
6. Compare the prices online and with the local retailer. Remember to include shipping costs and customer-service plans in your decision.
7. Check online auction sites to see if there are used or close-out variations of the camcorder you want. Sometimes you can get lucky and find a new camera for half the cost.
The Denon Avr-488 5.1 stereo surround sound receiver allows you to listen to music, watch DVDs and listen to the radio. There are a number of issues you may come across while using the receiver. Some of these issues include the receiver not turning on properly, audio issues and video issues. There are a number of fixes you can try in an attempt to to solve these issues.
Instructions
1. Check the main power cord if the receiver does not turn on. If it is loose or unplugged, securely plug it in. Try unplugging the receiver and plugging it in to another electrical socket. If it turns on, the problem is with the electrical outlet. Call and electrician to fix it. Try turning the receiver on with the remote control. If it does not work, try turning it on with the power button on the front panel. If this works, change the remote's batteries.
2. Check the speakers' connections if there is no sound produced from them. If any of the connections are loose or disconnected, securely connect them. Press the "Input" button on the remote until the "Auto" indicator light on the receiver lights up. This sets the receiver to automatically detect and select the right input mode for producing sound with the device you have hooked the receiver to. Press the "STD" button on the remote to set the receiver to "Standard" mode, which allows the receiver to use surround sound and ensuring you receive sound from all of the speakers.
3. Check the video cables if you are not receiving images from the receiver. If they are loose or disconnected, securely reconnect them. Press the "Input" button on the remote until you see images from the receiver appear on screen. You can also set the "Input" to "Auto" so that the receiver automatically detects and sets the appropriate input source for sending images.
Tags: button remote, button remote until, disconnected securely, from receiver, images from, images from receiver
If a rattling, popping or hissing noise is coming from your car speakers, or if one of your speakers is dead, it may be time for repair or replacement. To fix the speakers in your car, you will first have to gain access to them. You can then perform a few minor repairs or replace the speaker entirely.
Instructions
1. Begin by accessing your dashboard, door mounted or rear deck speakers. Check your car's manual if you don't know where to begin.
2. Examine the grills covering the speaker to determine if they can be removed. If there are screws holding the grill in place, remove them with a screw driver. If no screws are present, try prying the grill off with a butter knife or flat-head screwdriver.
3. Consult your car owner's manual to learn remove your dash board pads or door panel if you can't remove the grills. Remove the dash pads or door panel carefully and set aside all of the screws or clips you remove.
4. Remove the screws holding the speaker in place. Detach the speaker from the harness attaching the speaker to the dashboard or door.
5. Check whether your speakers are top-mounted or bottom-mounted. If your speakers are top-mounted, you will gain access to the speaker from the inside of your car. If they are bottom-mounted, you will have to climb into your trunk.
6. See if you can remove the grill covering the speaker. Remove the screws mounting the speaker to your car and then detach the speaker from the harness.
7. Try tightening the butt connectors on your speakers, and then test to see if they are working properly.
8. Check your speaker for short behavior. Disconnect your speaker from your car and connect it to the leads of a 9-volt battery. If you here a "pop" or "thump," then your speaker is probably working properly.
9. Examine the cone for any cracks or warping. "Gorilla Glue" and "Shoe Goo" are good adhesive products for repairing cracks because they are light and durable. Severe warping typically means that it's time to replace your speaker.
10. Check the voice coil and the magnet for damage. If nothing is wrong with the cone and your speaker is still not working properly, then the voice coil or magnet is probably damaged. If this is the case, you will have to replace your speaker.
11. Take a look at speaker wiring for signs of short circuit. Test for a short circuit by wiring a speaker you know to be functional. If no sound can be heard from the new speaker then you will need to replace the wiring.
12. Check all the fuses associated with your car speakers if your speakers, voice coil and wiring all seem to be in order. You may be able to solve your problem by replacing a fuse. Consult your manual for a complete list of fuses.
Tags: your speakers, your speaker, speaker from, speakers your, voice coil, working properly
A vented subwoofer enclosure is an outstanding way to pump up the volume. The vent in the subwoofer enclosure provides extra reinforcement for the sound produced by the subwoofer. Building an enclosure requires some basic materials, as well as a few special parts. With attention to a simple plan and some basic carpentry skills, you'll be slamming bass in your car in no time.
Instructions
1. Decide on the size and dimensions of your enclosure. Check the specifications for your subwoofer--there will be a recommended air volume for the sub. This correlates to the size of your box. In addition, a vented subwoofer enclosure will require a specific length and diameter of port tube in the box for venting. Your box will need to accommodate the port tube within the enclosure.
2. Cut the front, back, top, and bottom panels for your enclosure out of 5/8-inch MDF. Use your circular saw or a table saw. When the panels are cut, use your drill and jig saw to make an opening in the front panel for the subwoofer, and make an opening in the top panel for the port tube. See additional resources for subwoofers and port tubes.
3. Put together the front, back, top, and bottom panels with carpenter's glue and wood screws.
4. Cut end panels for the enclosure out of 5/8-inch MDF. In one panel, make an opening for your terminal cup (see additional resources). Mount the end panels to the enclosure with carpenter's glue and wood screws.
5. Attach a 12-18 inch piece of speaker wire to the inside tabs of the terminal cup, then mount the terminal cup into the opening in the end panel with wood screws.
6. Attach the other end of the speaker wire to the terminals of the subwoofer and mount the sub into the opening in the front panel using wood screws.
Tags: wood screws, make opening, port tube, subwoofer enclosure, additional resources
It's simple to download a picture from a cell phone to any computer with Internet access. The method described allows you to send a picture from your cell phone to any PC. This way you can both store and share those great pictures you took with your phone.
Instructions
As Easy as Email
1. Go to the picture browser on your cell phone. This can usually be easily found by pressing the camera button. When the camera loads up at the bottom of the screen, you should see one of the following options: "Browse," "Gallery," "Options," or "Tools." Press the button on your phone that corresponds with one of those (the top-left and top-right buttons on your phone perform whatever action the text on the bottom-left and bottom-right of the screen says). If there is only "Options" or "Tools," then a pop-up menu will open within which you will be able to select "Browse" or "Gallery."
2. Select the picture you want to send from your picture gallery. You should now be viewing just that picture.
3. Find the options for "Send," "Options," or "Tools" at the bottom of the screen. If there is "Send," push the button the corresponds with it. If there is only "Options" or "Tools," push the button for that, then select "Send" from the menu that comes up.
4. Enter the email address you want to send the picture to in the "To:" field. Use the numberpad on the phone to enter the letters. Any special symbols, including @, are most likely under the number 1 - just keep pressing it in succession until you get the symbol you want. If you make a mistake, the "Clear" button will backspace.
5. Press the "Send" button on your phone (the same one you would use to make a call). Your picture will be sent to the email address you specified.
Tags: Options Tools, your phone, cell phone, bottom screen, Browse Gallery, button your
It used to be that an answering machine simply gathered your phone messages when you weren't home. Motorola offers modern answering machines that double as video surveillance cameras, work with Bluetooth technology and use separate ringtones to identify different callers. The key is figuring out which features can best serve you
Instructions
1. Review the different Motorola answering machine models on the market. Note the various technologies available. Most Motorolas are 5.8GHz, and have standard features like caller ID and speakerphone. Others will have high-tech perks like a video camera for monitoring, extra headsets, intercom, different ringtones and Bluetooth.
2. Determine which features you need. If you have small kids, the Motorola SD4581 allows you to use the machine as a video baby monitor. For small businesses, Motorola answering machines with multiple mailboxes replaces the need for voicemail.
3. Check out Motorola answering machines in person. Grab a handset and see how it feels when you wear it. Make sure you'll be comfortable talking on it. See if the keypads are easy to touch, or if numbers are awkward to dial.
4. Establish a budget. The more you're willing to spend, the more features you can order. You'll also enjoy the advantages of more sophisticated technology. With a lower budget, choose between a basic Motorola answering machine or a refurbished model.
5. Read reviews on websites like Amazon.com and Cnet.com once you've identified the models that have the technology you seek and are within your budget. See how readers rank the various Motorola answering machines. Note if the same complaints keep coming up for certain models.
6. Get the best deal. Search for the model on Ebay.com, Buy.com and Froogle.com. If you want to buy your Motorola answering machine new, you can find good deals at Target, Sam's Club and other discount retailers.
Dell's Inspiron 1525 is a laptop computer with a 15.4-inch LCD display and a variety of ports for hooking up peripherals. The S-video jack on the rear edge of the Inspiron 1525 provides a direct connection to TV sets, so you can view your work, Web content or videos on the larger screen. Use a standard S-video cable to connect the two, which takes only a few seconds. The Inspiron's function keys control video output, letting you switch from the laptop display to the TV at will.
Instructions
1. Turn the plug on one end of the S-video cable to line up the pins inside with the holes in the round socket on the rear edge of the Inspiron 1525. Push the plug into the port as far as it will go.
2. Plug in the opposite end of the S-video cable to the corresponding jack on the rear of your TV.
3. Log on to your Inspiron 1525 normally, then press the "F8" and "Fn" keys simultaneously. This turns off your Inspiron display and sends the video signal to your television.
4. Press the input/video button on the TV's remote control until the Inspiron screen appears on the set.
Magnetic tape has come a long way since it was first invented. Surprisingly, it is much older than the 8-Track most commonly associated with it. Magnetic tape was first used for military purposes in Germany to record messages and conversations as far back as World War II.
Origins
Fritz Pfleumer files the first patent for audiotape in Germany in 1929. AEG creates a prototype playback machine in 1935, and BASF refines the tape creating usable magnetic tape later that year.
Reel to Reel
This was the next type of player introduced for magnetic tape. These machines were large, complicated and awkward to use.
8-Track
The 8-Track was invented in the late 1950s and would become the standard playback method in the late '60s and early '70s; they used an endless loop format to play the tape continuously.
Cassette
The cassette was the next use of magnetic tape; this was first created in 1963 in the Netherlands, and made using the tape fast and easy compared to prior methods.
Digital Audio Tape
As recent as the 1990s, plastic tape has begun to replace older styles of magnetic tape. By recording in binary code, digital eliminates the distortion that occurs when recording a copy of a particular music or sound track .
Save music to a tiny SD card for portable listening on compatible devices.
A Secure Digital card is a small flash memory device that stores and transfers a variety of files, generally from computers to other portable devices like cameras and smart phones. The card can carry music files to listen to on SD-compatible smart phones with MP3 players. Although you cannot directly transfer YouTube music to the card, you can convert and save songs from YouTube to a compatible file type for your SD card.
Instructions
1. Visit YouTube and locate the video with the music you want to save.
2. Click the "Share" button. Right-click the URL that appears and select "Copy."
3. Visit a YouTube conversion website, such as ListenToYouTube, Bender Converter or Xenra. Right-click the indicated field for your link and select "Paste" to enter the URL for the video. If the website asks for a file type to which the video will be converted, select MP3.
4. Click "Download" when prompted to convert and download an MP3 of the audio from the YouTube video.
5. Insert the SD card into your computer. Click the Start menu and select "Computer" to browse your disk drives. Select and open the SD card directory, labeled as an external media device.
6. Locate and right-click the MP3 you downloaded from the YouTube video, which is stored in your "Downloads" folder by default. Click "Copy."
7. Right-click inside the SD card's folder and click "Paste" to copy the MP3.
Tags: from YouTube, file type, from YouTube video, smart phones, Visit YouTube, YouTube video
When purchasing a mini-DV camcorder, it is important to think about how you will connect the camera to the computer. Connecting the two devices will allow you to take the content from your camera and put it on your computer so that you can edit content or place it on a DVD. The easiest way to connect the two devices is through a USB connector because computers are more likely to have a USB port than any other type of connecting port (such as FireWire).
Instructions
1. Before purchasing the camera, you will need to think about how you will be using the camera. This will help you narrow down the choice of cameras once you reach the store. If you are just purchasing a mini-DVD camera for simple purposes, then a no-frills, easy-to-use mini-DV camera will be perfect. It is less expensive and most, if not all of them, will have USB connector ports.
If you need a camera for professional use, however, you will need a camera with either 3CCD and/or HD capabilities. Most cameras use 1CCD, which is a chip, to collect all the color information the lens records, while a 3CCD camera uses three chips (one for blue, one for green, and the other for red), which will guarantee a picture that looks closer in color range to the original object. These cameras will also be more expensive and can cost at least a thousand dollars.
2. Go to a local electronics store such as Best Buy, Target or any other store which carries mini-DV cameras.
3. For simple uses, look through the cameras that are in the three-hundred dollar range. They will be adequate for what you need to do and should have a USB connector cable port.
If you are looking for the more professional cameras, make sure the camera says 3CCD and/or HD on the side of the lens or elsewhere on the camera body.
4. Pick out the camera that fits your budget and still has all the functions you want. Next to the lens or back by the hand grip there should be a small USB port (sometimes covered by a plastic cap). If you cannot seem to find it, ask a store associate who should be able to point out where on the camera the USB port is located.
Tags: about will, camera will, have connector, need camera, think about, think about will
Free television requires that the digital TV receives the broadcast signal from the broadcast towers which are usually many miles away. You can make a digital TV antenna to connect to the TV and receive the digital television signals. You will need a few hardware supplies as well as a few items from an electronics store. You will also need some tools found in most households. No electrical skills are needed, although adult supervision is suggested if the person making the digital TV antenna is underage.
Instructions
1. Unscrew the 75 ohm metal TV coax plug with your fingers. Place the four parts on a work surface. Slip the screw end of the 75 ohm metal TV coax plug over one end of the coaxial cable.
2. With the blade of a utility knife, strip off 10 inches of the outer shielding from the end of the coaxial cable.
3. Bend the paper inside the coaxial cable out of the way to reveal the copper braid. Cut off the paper with the blade of the utility knife. Bend the copper braid away from the end of the coaxial cable. Slip the bottom piece of the 75 ohm metal TV coax plug onto the end of the coaxial cable.
4. With the wire strippers, strip off an inch of the plastic cable inside the coaxial cable to reveal the middle copper wire.
5. Screw the white plug from the 75 ohm metal TV coax plug onto the end of the exposed wire stripped off from the plastic cable.
6. Screw the remaining piece of the 75 ohm metal TV coax plug onto the white plug. Screw the other parts of the 75 ohm metal TV coax plug that are on the coaxial cable together.
7. Strip off 10 inches of the outer shielding from the other end of the coaxial cable with the blade of the utility knife.
8. Bend the paper inside the coaxial cable out of the way to reveal the copper braid. Cut off the paper with the blade of the utility knife. Twist the copper braid between your fingers.
9. Strip off an inch of the plastic cable inside the coaxial cable with the wire strippers to reveal the middle copper wire.
10. Cut the 20 inches of copper wire in half with the wire cutters.
11. Loosen the screw on the top of the connector block with the Phillips screwdriver. Insert one of the ends of one of the copper wires into one of the two holes in the front end of the connector block. nsert one of the ends of the other copper wire into the other hole in the front end of the connector block.
12. Insert the end of the middle copper wire into one of the two holes in the back end of the connector block. Insert the copper braid inside the coaxial cable into the other hole in the back end of the connector block. Tighten the screw down with the Phillips screwdriver.
13. Screw the 75 ohm metal TV coax plug onto the coax connection on the back of the TV. Trail the coaxial cable across the baseboards of the walls to a window and stand it up so that the two copper wires are facing up.
Tags: coaxial cable, coax plug, metal coax, metal coax plug, connector block, copper braid
A Sony DLP TV is a large projection TV. The bulb is stored within a lamp housing inside the TV that must be removed to replace a burnt-out bulb. Use extreme care when replacing the bulb in your DLP TV, as it is fragile and can be damaged from the oils on your skin. Replace the bulb with an identical, Philips-manufactured bulb.
Instructions
1. Make sure the TV has been turned off for at least five minutes. Unplug the TV and leave it for another 30 minutes. This ensures that the bulb is cool, especially if you have recently been watching the TV.
2. Remove the screws to open the panel labeled "lamp" on the back of the Sony TV. Remove the screws that hold the lamp in place inside the TV. Pull the lamp out.
3. Unscrew the black screw that is on the side of the lamp's metal cage. Remove the screws on the silver metal extensions on opposite sides of the lamp.
4. Disconnect the cables from the bulb. One cable is bolted to the back, and requires a wrench or pliers. The other cable is screwed on to one side, and requires a Phillips-head screwdriver.
5. Remove the two metal clips holding the bulb to the base. The clips are on opposite corners, held in place by a large black pin. Twist off the black pin to remove the bulb from the base.
6. Place the new bulb inside the base. Wear latex gloves and use a clean, lint-free cloth to avoid getting any oils on the bulb. Secure the new bulb in place with the clips and connect the cables.
7. Place the bulb base back within the lamp enclosure. Attach the screws to the lamp in the same order that you removed them, starting with the black screw on the cage, then the two screws on the metal side extensions.
8. Wipe the lamp with the cloth, including the bulb, to clear away any dirt or oils. Insert the lamp back inside the DLP TV and replace the screws. Replace the cover on the lamp.
Tags: Remove screws, black screw, bulb base, lamp back, Place bulb
The Garmin's battery icon lets you see the device's power while on the go.
Your Garmin GPS contains a lithium ion battery that charges when you connect the device to a computer or other power source, and even charges when you use it in your vehicle. If you charge the Garmin without using it at the same time, you cannot tell when the battery is fully charged. To check the Garmin's power level, you only need to power the device on and look at the battery icon on the screen.
Instructions
1. Connect the Garmin to any suitable power source. To connect it to your computer, plug the USB cable into the Garmin's USB jack, then plug the cable into a free USB port on the computer.
2. Wait for up to four hours for the Garmin to charge completely. Your Garmin may not need to charge for four hours if the battery is not fully discharged.
3. Press the "Power" button on the Garmin to turn it on. The green battery icon in the top-right corner of the display represents the available battery power. If you see three green bars, this indicates a complete charge.
Tags: battery icon, battery fully, cable into, charges when, four hours, plug cable, plug cable into
Unlike AM/FM radio, satellite radio requires specific equipment to receive its signal. Satellite radio receivers are the primary piece of equipment necessary to properly receive and listen to satellite radio programming. There are a variety of satellite radio receivers on the market for all kinds of applications.
Function
A satellite radio receiver is necessary to decode the programming signal sent from your satellite radio provider. The receiver garners the audio signal from the antenna, usually included with the receiver package, and processes it so that it can be heard. When you activate your satellite radio account, you unlock your receiver allowing it to decode the satellite programming signal.
Types
There have long been two North American satellite radio providers Sirius and XM. Traditionally, equipment was specific to one provider meaning that Sirius receivers were not compatible with XM and vice versa. As of July 2008, the satellite radio providers merged into Sirius XM Radio. Currently, equipment is still specific to each individual company; however, they have begun merging their programming offerings and fully compatible equipment/programming should be available in the future.
Significance
Satellite radio has long been linked to car audio where it provides a diverse selection of channels for the daily commute. Many vehicles come with satellite radio built in and a variety of aftermarket satellite radio receivers are designed with vehicles in mind. Several types of satellite radio receivers exist for vehicle use: plug and play receivers, which can be mounted to the dash or air vent and transfer between your vehicle and home; satellite ready receivers, which require a separate plug-in tuner like the XM mini-tuner but provide a built-in car stereo receiver for controlling the programming; and built-in satellite radio receivers which don't require extra equipment and operate just like any car tuner once activated. Plug and play receivers use various methods of connecting to your existing car stereo including FM modulator, cassette adaptor or auxiliary input.
Benefits
Outside of the car there are a number of other types of satellite radio receivers. Plug and play receivers of course work beyond the vehicle; however, they require an audio system with speakers to play music. Home kits allow for installation into an existing home audio system while docks or boomboxes allow a quick, portable connection. Portable satellite receivers like the Pioneer Inno allow the listener to travel anywhere and listen to satellite radio programming using a built-in antenna and headphones. Separate portable kits are available for older receivers for the same purpose. Home audio satellite receivers like the Polk XRt12 are component-style receivers that stack into your stereo system and provide the best audio. Receivers are even available for boats.
Misconceptions
XM-ready or Sirius-ready receivers require the purchase and connection of a separate tuner, such as the XM mini-tuner, for reception. These "ready" devices can be deceiving to consumers that believe all they need is activation. The advantage of a satellite-ready receiver is that you can use the same home audio or car receiver to control your satellite radio tuning, without having to install a separate receiver.
Tags: satellite radio, satellite radio, satellite radio receivers, radio receivers, play receivers
The Promedia 4.1 is a personal audio system used to play audio signals from DVD and compact disc (CD) players, MP3 players, video game units, televisions and video cassette recorders (VCRs). Klipsch manufactures this speaker system, which consists of a single subwoofer and four satellite speakers. The company initially released this speaker system in 2000 and this model has since been discontinued.
Size
Each satellite speaker weighs 2.1 lbs. and measures 8.5 inches in length by 4.2 inches in width by 5.67 inches in height. The subwoofer has a slightly rectangular shape and measures 9.25 inches in length by 10.25 inches in height by 13 inches in width. The weight of the subwoofer is 17.5 lbs.
Sound
The maximum acoustic output of all five speakers combined is 110 decibels (db) SPL. Sound pressure level (SPL) refers to the amount of noise produced relative to the quietest sound that a human can hear. The Promedia 4.1 system can play sounds in a frequency range of 29 hertz (Hz) and 20 kilohertz (kHz), which covers all ranges of sound to which the human ear can respond.
Satellite Speakers
The ProMedia 4.1 personal audio system comes with four satellite speakers that can utilize the ProMedia v.2-400 surround system to provide the effect of surround sound. Each satellite speaker utilizes Klipsch MicroTractrix Horns, which are capable of handling high frequency sounds. Klisch claims that these speakers provide an imitation of a movie theater surround sound experience. These woofers utilize 3-inch fiber composite cones to deliver smooth sound, and a control pad allows the surround volume to be adjusted.
Subwoofer
The subwoofer in the ProMedia 4.1 system produces more sound than the satellite speakers. The subwoofer features two 6.5 inch fiber composite cones and is capable of producing five channeled sound. According to Klipsch, the ProMedia 4.1 subwoofer produces high output sound with lower power requirements and low distortion at high volumes.
Connections
The ProMedia 4.1 personal audio system has a four channel soundcard so that users can connect four different devices to the speaker system at the same time. This means that a user can have a DVD player, a television, a video game console and a VCR player all hooked up at to the unit at the same time. A plug is also included to play music directly from an MP3 player. Headphone outputs also come standard with the Klipsh ProMedia 4.1 audio system.
Tags: audio system, personal audio, personal audio system, speaker system, composite cones, Each satellite
Bose manufactures high-end stereo systems noted for their compact size and simplified setup with speaker cable connections using special plugs that are unique to the company. Bose systems such as the Lifestyle series are designed to set up in minutes straight from the box. The distinctive, wedge-shaped Bose speakers hook up in a single audio connection to the stereo receiver, while two electrical cords provide power for the audio system. Installing a Bose stereo should take less than 10 minutes. All materials needed for the set up are included.
Instructions
1. Set up the left and right speakers on each side of the Bose stereo receiver. The supplied audio cable can connect the speakers up to 30 feet apart from each other.
2. Insert the plug on one end of the audio cable into the input jack on the back of the right speaker and attach the other end to the output jack on the left speaker.
3. Plug the audio cable from the Out to Speaker System jack open the back of the Bose receiver to the input jack on the back of the left speaker.
4. Connect the power cord on the Bose receiver and the cord on the left speaker to electrical outlets. Press the power button on the front of the Bose receiver to activate the sound system.
Tags: audio cable, Bose receiver, left speaker, Bose stereo, input jack, input jack back, jack back
Get close-up photos of wildlife with a 300mm zoom lens.
When a photographer wants to get close to the action, but not disturb the scene, reaching for a 300mm zoom lens does the job. Whether the photographer uses a film or digital camera body, electronics manufacturers offer 300mm zoom lenses to fit both camera types. With this lens, photographers can shoot sports, wildlife or distance landscapes unobtrusively--by standing at a distance from the subject--while creating close-up detailed images. Since a 300mm zoom lens often weighs a few pounds, the camera gear requires special handling to achieve clear, sharply focused pictures.
Instructions
1. Remove the body cap or lens from the single lens reflex camera body by twisting with a clockwise or counter-clockwise motion.
2. Hold the 300mm zoom lens over the camera body opening and line up the matching alignment symbols (usually dots or squares).
3. Place the lens over the body and twist clockwise (or counter-clockwise, depending on lens brand) until the lens clicks into place.
4. Turn on the camera using the power button. This turns on the lens too, so it will begin to respond.
5. Twist the zoom ring on the barrel of the lens to change the focal length. The most zoomed-in view will be the 300mm setting. The widest view will be the shortest focal length available.
6. Look through the lens finder of the camera, frame the subject and rotate the zoom ring of the 300mm zoom lens to the desired focal length. Press the shutter button to capture the image.
7. Lock the lens at its shortest focal length for easy transportation by adjusting the lock tab on the side of the lens.
Transfer pictures to your computer to make sharing easier.
Digital cameras have increased the ease of sharing photos by leaps and bounds. Photos can be shared minutes after they are taken. However, these photos don't do you much good while they are still on the camera. They must first be transferred to your computer or another device. Photos can be transferred from your camera to your computer using a memory card or a USB cable. Methods may vary slightly from camera to camera, but the basic concept is the same.
Instructions
Using a USB Cable
1. Insert the appropriate ends of the USB cable into the USB ports on your camera and computer. Typically the connector for the camera will be the smaller end.
2. Go to "My Computer" and open the drive for the camera. If you have "Autorun" enabled, it may open on its own.
3. Select all the photos you want to download to the computer.
4. Drag the photos on to the computer into the folder of your choice.
Using a Memory Card
5. Remove the memory card from your camera.
6. Insert the memory card into the appropriate slot on your card reader.
7. Go to "My Computer" and open the memory card drive.
8. Select all the photos you want to download to your computer.
If you want to edit your video after recording it with a camcorder you need to download the video content to a computer. Although there are a wide range of camcorders available on the market, you can download the content of all the cameras to your computer in roughly the same way. With a video editing program and a few extra cables, you can download the contents of your camera to a computer in no time.
Instructions
1. Connect the video camcorder to a computer. Plug either the USB or FireWire cable into the specified ports on the camera. Although most digital video camcorders have a FireWire port, not all computers do. Check your computer for a port that looks similar to a USB port, except one side is rounded and a "Y"-looking symbol is next to the port. You want to use FireWire if possible because it provides a faster data transfer speed.
2. Plug the other end of the cable into the port on the computer. If using a USB cable plug it into an available USB port. If using a FireWire cable plug it into the FireWire port on the computer.
3. Power on the video camcorder and set it to "VCR." This is the playback mode and you need it to be here in order to download the content to your computer.
4. Launch the video editing software on your computer. Most computers come pre-installed with some sort of editing software, such as Windows Movie Maker on Windows-based computers and iMovie on Macs.
5. Select the "Capture" function on the video editor. The computer now scans for any video camera connected to the system. Select the video camcorder you have connected to the computer and momentarily the content on the video camera appears on the capture screen.
6. Click the "Record" button on the editor and the video content begins to download directly to the computer. When you want it to stop, either click the "Record" button again or click the "Stop" button.
Tags: your computer, video camcorder, cable into, cable plug, cable plug into, Camcorder Computer
The Plantronics Explorer series is a relatively low-cost collection of Bluetooth headsets. Connecting one to your phone may seem complicated, but these headsets are designed to allow you to make the connection (a process also known as pairing) in five minutes or less.
Instructions
1. Make sure your Plantronics Explorer headset is fully charged and turned off.
2. Press and hold the call control button (the button on the face of the headset opposite the earbud) for six seconds. When the light begins flashing blue and red, the headset is now ready for pairing with your phone.
3. Select the Menu on your cell phone. Once the menu is displayed, select Settings, then Bluetooth Menu.
4. Select the option to add a new device. This will both turn on Bluetooth capabilities in your phone and put it into a setting known as "Discovery mode." The phone should discover your Plantronics headset automatically and display "XXXPlantronics." ("XXX" represents the model series number, such as "320Plantronics.")
5. Select the Plantronics option on your phone. In many cases, the phone will automatically recognize the headset, but if you are prompted to enter a passkey, proceed to the next step.
6. Enter "0000" if you are prompted for a passkey. Your headset will flash blue once it is successfully paired with your phone. Once paired, the Bluetooth headset willautomatically recognize your cell phone each time it is turned on.
Tags: your phone, Plantronics Explorer, automatically recognize, cell phone, headset will
AT&T and T-Mobile both use the Global System for Mobile Communication, or GSM, network. As a result, it's easy to switch between the two carriers and keep your existing phone and phone number. So easy, in fact, that AT&T attempted to acquire T-Mobile and absorb it into its network. However, as of this publication, T-Mobile still provides a viable alternative to AT&T customers interested in changing cellular service providers.
Instructions
1. Determine if your phone number is eligible for switching. T-Mobile provides a tool to assess whether your phone can switch to T-Mobile (full link in Resources). Enter your phone number and click "Check Eligibility."
2. Select your plan on the T-Mobile website (full link in Resources) or by shopping at a retail outlet. You can also call their customer care at 1-800-866-2453.
3. Provide your existing account information to T-Mobile and authorize the transfer of service. Do not cancel your existing service with AT&T as it can take up to two days to complete the transfer. T-Mobile contacts AT&T to manage the transfer of service. You receive a text message confirming the transfer from T-Mobile when the process is complete.
Tags: phone number, your existing, your phone, full link, full link Resources, link Resources
The base unit, or transmitter, connects to a sound-generating piece of equipment, such as a TV, receiver or surround system. This transmitter converts sound impulses into one of three main transmission types currently used--radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR) or the more recent Bluetooth, which is a kind of radio wave, as well.
The range of each differs--with radio being the most versatile and best suited to mobile listening. Infrared tends to have a short range, typically under 30 feet, because of wave dispersion and lower penetration of barriers such as walls and furniture.
A receiver that is actually on the headphones takes the transmission and converts it into sound, as per normal headphones, except the compression ratio is different. The amplification process is identical to corded, or wired, sets. Most headphones have an autonomous speaker for each ear. However, unlike wired models, wireless headphones rely on an immediately finite power source--batteries. This is because they are not passive, as are wired headphones, and call for a power source to drive their sound engines and amplifiers. Wired sets get their power directly from the driving device.
The transmitter also needs a power source in most cases--but can be easily connected to a wall outlet. Some models have amplifiers that can get power from the driving device, but these tend to be low impedance, shorter range sets.
Wireless headphones rarely have impedance over 64 ohms because it has been shown amplification at higher levels drains batteries to the point of impracticality. Many now use rechargeable NiMH batteries that power up very quickly.
Compression plays a more important role in wireless headphones than in their normal counterparts--due to sound dissipation into the environment and the lack of insulated wire conduction, wireless models rely on more powerful compression. As a result, they cost more compared to similarly performing wired units.
Tags: driving device, from driving, from driving device, power source, that power
The WWE has seen explosive growth throughout the world. Whether you're an old school Hulk Hogan fan or are all about the new guys like John Cena, there is a fan club for you. And to join usually costs little or no money, plus you get updates and special offers from all of your favorite stars!
Instructions
1. Determine what kind of club you want to join. Are you a big fan of just a handful of wrestlers or do you want to join an overall fan club for every wrestler? Better yet why not do both. Make a list of all the clubs you want to join.
2. Surf the Web. Plug the name of your favorite WWE wrestler into a search engine followed by the words "fan club" and you should receive many, many results. Also you can go directly to the WWE Web site. There you will find many links to your favorite wrestlers past and present. Click on their bios. From there you should find off site information about their own personal sites. Scan the sites and see which are your favorite.
3. Go to autograph signings and events. The WWE has many officially sanctioned events that aren't just wrestling shows. Also you can go to trade shows focused on the WWE and their stars. There you will encounter other fans like you who are die hards. Many times official fan clubs can be joined right at the trade show. Check your local paper, the WWE Web site or even your favorite search engine for shows coming to your area.
4. Start your own fan club! With the Web today, it's easy to start your own fan club. You can advertise on Craigslist or even sites like meet-up.com. There you create a group and schedule a time to do a Web chat or meet in person!
5. Join the WWE wrestling clubs. After you've compiled the information, visited the sites, and been to the trade shows, decide which clubs to want to join. Usually you just need to fill out a simple questionnaire inclusive of name and address and pay a nominal fee. From then on you should receive info directly to your email about your WWE wrestling fan club and their latest events!
Micro SD cards are used in everything from cameras, to cellular phones to gaming devices. They store data in a small and compact format for later retrieval. They are also reusable, meaning that the entire device can be repurposed, and all information can be removed from them to clear up space.
Instructions
1. Remove the SD card from the device you were using it in, and plug it into the Micro SD adapter.
2. Connect the micro SD adapter to the computer via a USB port. You computer will recognize it instantly.
3. Open the "my computer" tab in the start menu. Your SD card will be available via the screen as the "F:" drive.
4. Right click on the "F:" drive icon and a menu will pop up. Scroll to the "format" command in the menu. A progress bar will appear on screen as the card formats.
5. Once the progress bar is complete, a prompt will inform you that the SD card has been formatted and you may remove it. You are done once the prompt appears. The card will be formatted and ready to use again.
Science and technological advances of the 20th century have changed and, in many ways, shaped our modern existence. There are a number of inventions that have been able to improve the lives of many people. The inventions outlined in this article have had a tremendous impact on our world and have saved countless lives.
LifeStraw Portable Water Filter
The LifeStraw Portable Water Filter, developed by the Swiss design company Vestergaard Frandsen, is a small hand-held device, distributed freely in developing nations, which filters more than 99 percent of bacteria, viruses, and parasites out of water, making nearly any water safe to drink. The filter has an effective life span of 700 liters, which equals enough water for one person for an entire year. The device has allowed millions of people without access to safe drinking water to purify their local water sources regardless of their conditions.
The Atlas Rope Ascender
The Atlas Rope Ascender is a portable, hand-held device that allows people to scale buildings and effectively reverse repel up a building in record speeds. The device allows the user to be pulled up to 600 feet in the air, at a weight of up to 250 pounds, and at a rate of over 10 feet per second. The device was invented by an MIT graduate in 2007 and has since been adopted by many firefighters, military, and other emergency technicians to help reach and rescue people trapped in high or difficult to access places.
Artificial Pacemaker
The artificial pacemaker, developed in the early 1900s, is a portable device that electronically monitors and maintains the heart's natural rhythm in the event that the heart seizes or fails. The device was first successfully tested on a human in 1926, when it was used to revive a stillborn infant. The first artificial pacemaker to be successfully implanted in a human being was in 1958, with millions receiving the device in subsequent decades.
For certain types of photography, a tripod becomes one of the most essential pieces of gear. Landscape, architectural and food photographers use a tripod on 95 percent of the images taken. Since the introduction of carbon fiber material in tripod manufacturing, it has become the material of choice for most photographers. Build quality, features and usefulness separate the best carbon fiber tripods from the rest.
Induro C414
Induro uses the most recent generation of eight-layered carbon fiber material to make its tripods. The company claims a 60 percent increase in strength with its carbon fiber over conventional carbon fiber. The Induro C414 features a grooved and reversible center column to prevent unwanted rotation, reversible tripod head mounting screw, a spring loaded weight hook, non-rotating leg sections to prevent dust and moisture from seeping in, adjustable angle leg locks, and a built-in bubble level. The C414 has a maximum load of 26.5 pounds and a maximum height (with center extended) of 77.2 inches. The C414 weighs 6.2 pounds and when folded measures 25.2 inches. The C414 comes with a carry bag, strap and tool kit. Induro offers a two-year standard warranty plus three additional years if purchased online. The C414's retail price ranges from $669 to $690, as of January 2010.
Gitzo GT2541EX
Gitzo's tripod legacy goes back 93 years to France. The Gitzo GT2541EX does not break from the Gitzo tradition of quality. The GT2541EX uses six layers of carbon fiber for added strength. This tripod measures 21.26 inches when folded and 64.57 inches when fully extended with the center column. The GT2541EX carries a maximum load of 26.46 pounds and weighs 4.06 pounds. The Gitzo GT2541EX also features Anti-Leg Rotation (ALR). ALR makes opening the tripod legs quicker. It allows the user to simultaneously unlock all of the legs instead of unlocking them individually. This allows the user to open the tripod in 15 seconds. The GT2541 also offers 90-degree leg-angle positioning. The Gitzo GT2541EX's retail price ranges from $675 to $705, as of January 2010.
Manfrotto 05CXPRO3
The Manfrotto (previously Bogen Imaging) 055CXPRO3 tripod features carbon fiber legs with an aluminum column and magnesium and aluminum castings. The tripod has three preset independent leg angles--47 degrees, 66 degrees and 89 degrees. The tripod features a maximum height (within center column extended) of 69.68 inches, a minimum height of 22.44 inches and weighs 3.92 pounds. The 05CXPRO3 comes equipped with a three-faceted (not round) center column, plus the column features a rapid-release mechanism. The legs come in three-section round tubes. The tripod has a maximum load bearing of 17.64 pounds. The Manfrotto 05CXPRO3 has an average selling price of $422, as of January 2010.
Tags: carbon fiber, center column, Gitzo GT2541EX, January 2010, maximum load
Security footage is vital to home and business protection. Not only can security cameras help prevent and catch criminal acts, but breakthroughs in technology have allowed the placement and accessibility of security cameras to improve. The use of wireless security cameras is rapidly expanding and with this use, surveillance footage can be captured from virtually any location.
Types
Wireless security cameras enable users to send footage to the recording source without having to wire through ceilings or walls. Most of the wireless security cameras feature an antenna that sends the data to a receiver - usually a monitor with a connected VCR or DVR hard drive. These cameras can be large and obvious like most video monitoring systems or they can be seamlessly blended into the environment around them. For example, you can purchase wireless cameras disguised as ordinary objects like clocks, tissue boxes, lamps, DVD players, and televisions.
Some wireless cameras are equipped with recording features built-in. For example, the Micro Eyes Color DVR features an SD slot to record high quality video directly to the card from the camera.
Function
Wireless security cameras are used in home and work environments. Home owners can feel safe and protected by capturing any intruders on camera, should a break in occur. The cameras can also be used for babysitters or suspicious partners. Businesses use the cameras for live protection as well as footage for investigations. Security teams are assembled at major buildings and businesses to monitor ongoing activity and many wireless cameras can be found in casinos. Private investigators also use wireless cameras for surveillance purposes or for getting footage. This type of footage can commonly be seen on the news during "Undercover Stories".
Features
Wireless security cameras come with a large selection of options. Each option affects the ultimate price of the camera. The most common option is either a black and white or a color format. In most cases, color cameras are not necessary unless the owner of the camera is looking for the best quality footage. Many wireless security cameras feature night vision so that footage is captured overnight. This option is essential for businesses and homeowners who want to shoot outside their home at night. In order to save disc space, cameras can include a motion setting that only turns on and records once the motion sensor has been activated. Cameras can also rotate around a room if necessary.
Benefits
The clear benefit of these cameras is right in the name: wireless. Owners of these cameras can place them at any location and any angle to retrieve footage. These are especially useful in capturing any "blind spots" that cameras may have previously had.
The cameras can also work as crime prevention, if they are made obvious to people at the location.
Considerations
Wireless cameras operate using batteries and if they are not properly charged the footage could be lost. Consider a wireless camera that features a DC outlet to help supply power to the camera but is still wireless to the receiver. This will insure that the camera always has power.
Installing microphones can be beneficial as footage without sound can be misleading. The microphone will remove any questions and give a clear picture as to what is happening.
Replacing the stereo on the 2003 Mitsubishi Galant is simpler due to the fact that, unlike many cars, you do not need to use a dash adapter to make an after-market stereo fit in the dashboard. Most after-market stereos fit perfectly in the factory stereo space.
Instructions
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable from your battery. Loosen the retaining nut on the black cable with a pair of pliers, and slide the cable off the battery terminal.
2. Use your fingers to pry off the trim panel surrounding the radio and climate controls. Start on the top and work your way around the panel, pulling the panel loose from its plastic retaining clips. Once the panel is free, remove it and set it aside.
3. Remove the four Phillips screws holding the climate control module in place. Slide the climate control module out of the dashboard and disconnect the cables from the back of the module. Set the module aside.
4. Remove the two Phillips screws, located behind the climate control module, holding the radio in place. Slide the radio out of the dashboard and disconnect the antenna cable and wiring harness from the back of the radio.
5. Slide your new stereo into the cage included with it. Keep in mind, all after-market stereos have slightly different installation instructions, so refer to your stereo's owner's manual for specific installation instructions.
6. Connect the antenna cable and wiring harness to the back of your new stereo. Slide the stereo and cage into the dashboard and screw it in place.
7. Reconnect the cables to the climate control module. Slide it back into the dashboard and replace the screws. Replace the trim panel and reconnect your battery.
Tags: climate control, climate control module, control module, your stereo, 2003 Mitsubishi, 2003 Mitsubishi Galant
A wet mount slide is the most common type of slide preparation for microscope work. Wet mount slides are used to view living organisms, as well as liquid substances of all kinds. They are also used for any sort of specimen that needs to be kept moist. If you work with microscopes or are planning to start, you should learn make a wet mount microscope slide.
Instructions
1. Use a flat glass slide to prepare a wet mount. The slide should be clean and free of dust or other fine particles.
2. Suck up a few drops of your liquid specimen into a medicine dropper.
3. Pick up a flat glass slide with one hand, grasping it by the outer edges.
4. Place one drop of the liquid specimen in the medicine dropper on top of the slide. Make sure the drop goes on the center portion of the slide.
5. Put down the medicine dropper. Do not tilt the slide in your other hand while you are doing this.
6. Use your free hand to carefully pick up a cover slip (they are extremely fragile). Grasp the cover slip by the outer edges.
7. Place the cover slip on top of the slide, making sure the edges of the cover slip match up with the edges of the slide. Do not press down on the cover slip.
8. Continue to grasp the slide/cover slip combination by the outer edges. You should keep the slide as horizontal and steady as possible, and place it on the viewing tray of your microscope.
Share digital photo albums with modern software and adapters.
Digital technology makes it easy to share digital photo albums. Uploading single pictures or full albums has become a quick matter of drag-and-drop or transferring data onto USB flash drives. The benefit of using a flash drive is having the photos backed up on an external source should something happen to the computer. Loading digital albums is fast and efficient.
Instructions
1. Insert the USB flash drive into one of the USB ports on a laptop or home computer. Turn on the computer and look for the USB drive icon or setting.
2. Open the photo software for your computer (iPhoto and Windows HD Media are just two examples of many). Highlight the photo album you wish to load or view. Drag the album to the USB flash drive icon.
3. Wait for the data transfer to take place. Open the file on the flash drive icon to ensure the album made the transfer.
4. Remove the USB flash drive. Insert the USB drive into another computer or electronic viewing device. Use an adapter if necessary to transfer and load the album to the new device.
5. Select the album to load into the new device, and drag-and-drop onto the desktop or hard drive to load.
Tags: flash drive, drive icon, digital photo albums, drive into, flash drive icon, photo albums
No ground plane style coaxial cable is a special kind of interconnect, designed to interface citizen band antennas with the transmitter/receiver modules that are part of the circuit. The NGP cable must be made according to specific parameters, according to the manufacturer of the CB radio. Successfully making an NGP coax results in ideal performance from the CB radio.
Instructions
1. Cut the RG-58 coaxial cable, according to the specific parameters demanded by the provider of the CB radio. Make sure the ends of the cables are as straight as possible.
2. Lay the ends of the coaxial cable into the coax stripper tool. Squeeze the handles on the tool to bite into the outer insulation. Rotate the tool to score the jacket and pull straight back to remove the unneeded material.
3. Snip the foil shield so it only covers the white plastic dialectric surrounding the copper center conductor.
4. Slide the crimp compression collar over the end and down the cable.
5. Push the center conductor insert over the exposed copper tip. Crimp this in the notched area of the insert using minimal pressure in the correct spot of the coax crimp tool.
6. Fold back and slightly fray the braided outer shield. Push the main body of the connector over the insert, until it pops into place on the end of the cable.
7. Slide the crimp compression collar back up the cable until it rests firmly against the base of the main connector body. Crimp this using the haxagonal insert on the crimp tool.
Tags: coaxial cable, according specific, according specific parameters, center conductor, compression collar
Adobe Lightroom allows advanced amateurs and professionals to efficiently edit photos.
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom allows users to upload, edit and display photos or images by creating a virtual darkroom. Photographers can manipulate digital images with advanced editing tools and are able to create a library of photographs. This software is geared towards advanced amateurs and professional photographers with its high-end features and price tag.
Manipulating Photos
Convert color photos quickly into black and white by selecting the "V" key on your keyboard. If the photo is a fit for black and white, save it like this or simply hit the "V" key again to convert the photo back into color.
When exporting photos, always set the maximum size preferred for the photo, otherwise Lightroom exports the photos in the default settings. Choose "Create Previews" for imported images as this will speed up the editing process when wanting to preview changes.
Increase the Adobe Camera Raw Cache storage from the default 1GB to a maximum of 50GB (which may require the addition of a separate hard drive) by going into the "File Handling Tab." This allows more space with which to work, especially when using previews.
Panels
"Camera Calibration" is used when manipulating raw files. This allows for the manipulation of the primary colors (red, green and blue) on the computer and the addition of more color saturation.
Sharpen raw photos by using the "Detail Panel" and reduce blur and other noise from raw photos. This tool gives the user more control over fine-tuning photos than normal sharpening tools.
Remove extraneous panels from view by a right-click on the title bar on the panel and selecting "Solo Mode." This provides a view of the entire photo without obstruction from panels. Hit the "T" on your keyboard to hide the bottom toolbar to obtain a clear view of your photo, or hit the "Tab" key to hide all side panels.
Library
Rate photos in the "Library" by holding the "Shift" key down and selecting the number rating. For example, if you wish to give the photo a "3" rating, simply press "Shift" and the "3" key. This pops you to the next photo in the library. Alternatively, use the "Auto Advance" option on the photo menu for tagging. Tagging a photo automatically moves to the next photo in the "Library."
Always flag, tag or rate photos so that favorites are easily found without having to scroll through the entire library. The "Loupe View" allows the user to view and scroll through individual photos by using the right and left arrow keys. Select "Filter" options in the photo menu to search for photos with certain tags. The "Collections" option is for pictures taken at the same time which then can be filtered by ratings and tags for favorites.
Tags: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, advanced amateurs, black white, Lightroom allows, next photo
The TomTom 720 Go GPS, or global positioning system, device guides users to a preset location or destination using visual and verbal directions. It features Bluetooth technology, which enables the TomTom to be paired with a Bluetooth speaker so the verbal directions can be heard through that speaker. To disable this option, simply select another option for hearing the directions.
Instructions
1. Hold down the "Power" button located on the top of the TomTom 720 GPS unit.
2. Press anywhere on the screen to access the main menu.
3. Tap the "Speaker Preferences" icon. The icon appears as a speaker with a small wrench in front of it.
4. Tap on the speaker you want to use for announcing directions. To disable the Bluetooth option, select any of the other three available options, aside from the "Bluetooth Device" option.
5. Select the speaker option for playing music, again selecting any option aside from the "Bluetooth Device" option.
6. Tap "Done" to confirm and save your new options. Since the Bluetooth option is not selected, it is currently disabled.
Tags: aside from, aside from Bluetooth, Bluetooth Device, Bluetooth Device option, Bluetooth option
In this world of iPods, CD changers, and other modern audio technology, it might seem illogical to take a step back in time and build a tube-type stereo amplifier for your home. The fact is that many audiophiles prefer the sound and tonal quality of tubes over transistors, even today. A tube amplifier is a linear device; meaninng, it is intended to exactly reproduce the signal fed into it, only louder. Tubes and transistors both do that job, but they do it differently. The end result is a difference in tonal quality. Tube and solid state amplifiers also differ in how they respond to being pushed out of linearity and into distortion. Beyond a certain volume level, all amplifiers introduce distortion, but tube-based amplifiers gradually gain distortion while transistor-based amplifiers seem to become heavily distorted all at once. Most tube amplifiers perform acceptably well with some distortion, whereas most solid state amplifiers produce unacceptable sound quality once they have been driven outside of linearity.
Instructions
1. Learn to solder. Practice with small scrap wires and other disposable metals. Soldering guides are available online; there are even instructional videos on YouTube. Do not attempt to proceed until soldering has been mastered, which is something almost anyone can do in an afternoon.
2. Lay out your parts. If you are using a kit, this is the time to verify that everything that is supposed to be included in the kit is actually there. Note any missing parts and contact the distributor for replacements; some of the parts cannot usually be purchased at your local electronics store or hobby shop.
3. Use small scraps of paper or Post-It notes to keep track of small electronic parts such as resistors, capacitors and diodes. Many of these parts look almost identical; carefully separating these parts and labeling them with written tags greatly reduces the chance of a potentially expensive or dangerous mistake.
4. Follow the instructions included with your kit or schematic precisely. Start and finish one step at a time, and do not attempt to skip ahead under any circumstances. If you have any doubt about a procedure, read it again and look at any examples offered. Assume nothing. If you are unsure of proceed, contact the company that sold the kit or schematic for assistance.
5. Check and double check the amplifier before powering it for the first time. Be certain that nothing that isn't deliberately attached or soldered is touching, and that all attachments and solder points are secure.
Tags: solid state, solid state amplifiers, state amplifiers, these parts, tonal quality
Stereo equalizers balance the sound according to the speakers' surroundings. This is important in an automobile because of all the different surfaces, textures and materials making up the interior. An equalizer reduces or increases sound reverberation, improves bass and treble levels and equals the sound left to right, front to rear. Installing an equalizer is a matter of getting into the dashboard and making connections between the audio system and the speaker wires.
Instructions
Accessing the Audio Console
1. Examine the audio console. In some newer automobiles, the console (radio/CD or tape player unit) is easily removed by pulling forward. If this isn't true for your car, proceed to step 2.
2. Look under dashboard fascia and locate all screw or hex head nuts fastening the fascia to the dash area around the audio console. Remove the necessary section or the entire fascia if necessary.
3. Remove all the nuts. Open the doors and look around the edge for any additional fasteners. Check for additional clips or fasteners behind the fascia. Disengage any if you find them.
4. Remove the fascia components now free of all fasteners
5. Remove all surface screws and fasteners holding the audio console in place. Remove the audio console and be careful of any wires or connections in the back.
Connecting the Equalizer
6. Locate the wire supplying signal to the speakers from the audio console.
7. Disconnect these wires from the audio console. Most radios use screws for this but some may have soldered connections. Use a hot soldering iron to melt the solder and release the wire if necessary.
8. Locate on the dash where the equalizer will be postioned. Perhaps replacing an ash tray or cup holder is an option, or below the dashboard to a supplied bracket will work.
9. Bring the speaker wires from behind the audio console to behind the location for the equalizer.
10. Attach the speaker wires to the equalizer at the audio or signal OUT connections.
Connecting the Equalizer to the Audio Console
11. Use the wires supplied with the equalizer from the manufacturer and connect the audio or signal OUT connection on the audio console to the audio or signal IN connection on the equalizer.
12. Locate the power supply for the audio console.
13. Use the power supply cable contained with the equalizer to plug into the audio console power supply. This may require an adapter included with the equalizer.
14. Mount the bracket for the equalizer according to the manufacturer's directions.
15. Mount the equalizer in the bracket making sure the connecting wires are free of being crimped or crushed.
Reassemble the Dashboard
16. Mount the dash fascia pieces in the proper location.
17.Install all clamps and fasteners in their original position.
18. Check to see if all doors, latches, hatches, moving panels and switches are free to move.
Final Installation Steps
19. Consult the owner's manual for the equalizer. Adding the equalizer to the audio console power supply may require a fuse with greater amperage.
20. Locate the fuse box in your car and replace the appropriate fuse if directed in the equalizer operator's manual.
21. Test the equalizer installation by turning on the audio console and equalizer and listening to all car speakers through the full band of equalized sound.
Tags: audio console, power supply, audio console, audio console power, audio signal, console power, console power supply
The Uniden company produces emergency scanners, including a line with technology called trunk tracking that will allow you to listen in to multiple conversations that occur on one frequency. You can program these scanners with multiple emergency frequencies, including fire department, air control and police channels, to help you stay up to date during emergency situations. The instructions to program these frequencies into your scanner are easy to follow and remember to add channels throughout the life of the device.
Instructions
1. Press the "Power" button to turn on your Uniden trunk tracking scanner. Press the "Man" button to enter programming mode. Enter in the channel number that you want to program a frequency to by pressing the number on the keypad on the right side of the device. You can also move through channels with the up and down arrows on the device. The number of channels you can program will depend on the model of your scanner. Press the "Man" button again to move on.
2. Enter the first frequency you want to program into the channel you have just selected using the number pad. You can find a list of frequencies for your area from several sources, including RadioReference.com (see Resources). Enter in each number without holding them down and be sure to include the decimal point in the correct spot. Press "E" when finished to save the frequency.
3. Re-enter a new frequency if you hear a loud beeping noise. This means the channel you have entered is out of the range of your scanner. When finished with the first channel, repeat the programming process using a new channel and frequency. When finished, press the "Scan" button to begin searching through your new frequencies.
Tags: your scanner, channel have, Press button, program these, scanner Press, scanner Press button, trunk tracking
With digital cameras taking over the market, developing color negative film is becoming a thing of the past.
Digital cameras are everywhere today but some photographers continue to shoot and develop color negative film, preferring the hands-on work and the ability to manipulate the outcome. The C-41 film and developing process is a multiple-step process, mainly dependent on temperature of the chemicals.
Instructions
1. Load the film into a developing tank with a secure lid, working in a light-tight room and in complete darkness. Do not remove film or expose to light until the process is finished.
2. Turn the lights on. Open the pour spout on the tank (it is has a compartment to prevent light from reaching the undeveloped film). Add developer for three minutes at 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Agitate the canister for approximately 30 seconds.
3. Pour out developer and add bleach for four to six minutes at 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Agitate the canister for approximately 30 seconds.
4. Pour out bleach and add warm water, flushing for one minute at 75 to 100 degree Fahrenheit. Agitate the canister for approximately 30 seconds.
5. Add fixer for four minutes at 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Agitate the canister for approximately 30 seconds. Pour out.
6. Wash in warm water for three minutes at 75 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. You can rinse this way by placing the canister under a running faucet in a deep sink to avoid splashing or with a hose placed in the top of the canister.
7. Wash again in warm water for one minute at 75 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Open the container and remove the film strip.
9. Hang film strip to dry on a clothesline with clothespins in a dust-free environment.
Tags: degrees Fahrenheit, Agitate canister, Agitate canister approximately, approximately seconds, canister approximately, canister approximately seconds, Fahrenheit Agitate
Video surveillance cameras are popping up everywhere from street corners to supermarkets to home property. The key to using them is to place them where they can't easily be seen or they can't easily be accessed. Using these two concepts together will provide adequate surveillance of whatever area you need to protect.
Outside
People are far more likely to do things they shouldn't be doing, such as breaking into your house, if they don't think anyone is watching. For this reason, you need to place video cameras at locations not easily seen, yet that cover a wide range. For example, if you want to place a camera under the eaves, it's best to place it where it is in deep shadow at night and preferably during the day as well. Another good location is high up in a big tree. Be careful not to have the lens covered by leaves. With this camera facing the building, it is unlikely a potential burglar will see it or be able to do anything about it if he does.
Inside
While having a surveillance camera in a corner facing out into a room will give you wide coverage, it also may be obvious to someone breaking in. A less obvious location will be more covert. For example, if you have a high bookcase with knick knacks or other items on the top shelf, and you can angle the camera to cover the room, this will be less obvious. Of course, if the items near the camera are valuable, the thief may want them and while retrieving them, see the camera. You also can use the webcam sitting on top of your computer or, for Apple Macintosh computers, built-in, to capture anyone trespassing.
Built-in
Another idea, for inside or outside, is built-in cameras. If you have the room, you can build shelves inside walls, set the cameras on them, then cover all but the lenses. One possibility here, if your walls have paneling or hard wood, is to use natural knots in the wood to cover them. In low light, such as a thief's flashlight, it is highly unlikely anyone will notice built-in cameras.
Tags: built-in cameras, easily seen, less obvious, they easily
Over time, home movies captured on VHS tapes lose quality and fade until they bear only a slight resemblance to the original footage. Luckily, digital storage has made home movies last a lifetime, and not only can computers store footage, they are used to restore the footage and make it look nearly as good as the original. Through multiple steps, you can restore an old movie and then share it on a DVD, through an email or on a website like Youtube.com.
Instructions
1. Upload the footage to the computer. If the footage is on a VHS tape, an analog video converter is needed that features an RCA input. Plug the RCA cords from the output of the VCR into the input of the computer's capturing device. Capture footage around 10 to 15 minutes at a time to make restoration and editing easier.
2. Start a new project in Adobe Premiere Pro. Name the project "Restoration" or "Home Movies" to make it easy to remember and access later. Adobe Premiere provides all of the tools, filters and extras needed to really restore and make an old movie look new again.
3. Import the home movie files by clicking on the project window and selecting "Import . . . ." Find the files that you uploaded to your computer. Highlight multiple files by holding the "CTRL" key and clicking on each title.
4. Play the video in Adobe Premiere Pro. Take notes for key scenes where problems occur and write down a basic time line of scene breakdowns. For example, you could write "Birthday Party: Cake" for a scene and put notes like "Too Dark," "Audio Noisy" and "Add Music/Titles." Staying organized will make the restoration a lot easier and less time-consuming.
5. Drag and drop a video clip into the time line. Start with whatever clip you choose, because the order can always be changed later.
6. Click on the "Effects" window. Type in "Brightness and Contrast" in the search box. Click and drag the "Brightness and Contrast" filter onto the video in the time line. Click on the "Effect Controls" tab next to the preview window.
7. Click on the arrows to expand the brightness and contrast controls. To make a clip more vivid, bring the contrast up a little and the brightness down a little. If a clip is too dark, bring up both the contrast and the brightness. If it is too bright, bring the brightness down and play with the contrast until the picture looks good.
8. Use the "Color Correction" filter to fix faded color in videos. Often an older movie will look too yellow, too blue or too red, and this color is automatically adjusted by applying this filter. After the filter is applied, you can change the brightness and contrast again to make the picture appear even clearer.
9. Fix noisy audio by applying the "Denoiser" filter to audio on clips. The Denoiser helps eliminate most noises, but some distortion can occur if applied too heavily to clips. Expand the Denoiser in the "Effects Tab"" window. Bring down the noise meter to around 5 dB. Test the audio to hear how it sounds, and play with the slider until it sounds clean.
10. Add titles to video clips by going to "File," "New" and "Title." Use the text tools to create different titles for the home movies. Scroll through the bottom of the text window to choose pre-programmed fonts and styles.
11. Repeat this process with each clip, and order them on the time line. Press "Enter" to render the effects and see a preview of the finished video.
12. Export the final home movie by clicking on "File," "Export" and "Adobe Media Encoder." Choose a file format like AVI or MPEG and press "OK" to start the export process. Wait until the movie finishes, and then test it again in a separate media player to make sure it works. Compare it with the original file to see the differences and improvements.
Tags: time line, Adobe Premiere, home movies, brightness down, Effects window