Archive for October, 2008

What is Bluetooth Technology?

October 31, 2008

Bluetooth technology is a type of the wireless technology that eliminates the need for the number of inconvenient cables and devices that are used to connect the computers, mobile phones, digital cameras, handheld devices and new digital appliances. Bluetooth enables the users to connect to a wide variety of telecommunication and computing devices easily, without cables.

It makes rapid ad hoc connections, automatic unconscious connections between two or more digital devices.

Bluetooth provides the opportunity of using the mobile data in different applications. Bluetooth makes wireless communication between the two devices in a localized area of a room of office or home very easily. Bluetooth technology uses radio-based links and all the connections between the devices and invisible and instantaneous.

By Bluetooth technology your laptop can send print request to a printer in your next room. Bluetooth is actually a standard for wireless communication between the devices in a relatively small area and it is therefore works fine in the personal area network (PAN) using radio frequency.

Any two devices that follow the Bluetooth standard can communicate with each other. A number of the Bluetooth devices like digital camera, mobile phone and handheld pc can form a network. You can send emails to your mobile phones from your laptop without any physical connect between your laptop and your mobile phones.

Features of Bluetooth technology

•Bluetooth technology uses radio waves for communication in 2.4 GHz

•It supports multipoint communication not just point to point.

•Bluetooth works in a small area of 10-15 meters.

•Bluetooth offers speed of 1-2 Mbps.

•Bluetooth chipsets are less expensive though more expensive than IrDA.

How Bluetooth Technology Works

Bluetooth is a high speed wireless link technology that uses the radio waves. It is designed to connect the mobile phones, laptops, hand held devices and portable equipments with almost no work by the end users. Unlike infrared Bluetooth does not require line of sight between the connecting units. Bluetooth technology is a modified form of the current Wireless LAN technology and it’s more acceptable for its relative small size and low cost.

The current circuits are contained on a circuit board of 0.9 cm square and a much smaller single chip version is in development and soon it will be in use. The cost of the Bluetooth device is expected to fall rapidly. Bluetooth chip has to be equipped in many devices. In Bluetooth technology, small and inexpensive transceivers have been placed in the digital devices.

The radio waves operate at 2.45 Ghz band on the Bluetooth devices. Bluetooth supports the data speed up to 721 Kbps and 3 voice channels. The Bluetooth chip can either be built into the devices or it can be uses as an adapter. In computer it can be used with the USB port. Each Bluetooth device has a 48 bit address from the IEEE 802 standards and the Bluetooth connections can be either point to point or multipoint. Bluetooth range is 10 meter but it can be extended up to 100 meters by increasing the power.

Bluetooth devices are protected from the external interference because they change their frequency up to 1600 times in a second. Bluetooth radio technology provides the bridge between the existing data network. Bluetooth guarantees security at the bit level and the authentication is controlled by the end user by using 128 bit key. An important face of the Bluetooth technology is that it instantly forms a network when two or more devices come closer in the range of each other.

Bluetooth Technology Benefits

Bluetooth technology is a convenient choice of communication in a wire free, short range environment. Bluetooth is a globally available standard for connecting the devices like mobile phones, digital cameras, laptops, MP3 Players, cars, stereo headsets etc. Bluetooth enable devices do not need to install any drivers. The key benefits of the Bluetooth wireless technology are its built-in-security, low cost, easy of use, robustness, and ad hoc networking capabilities.

The Bluetooth wireless technology is available globally. Many manufactures from the different companies are busy to implement the technology in their products. Bluetooth technology operates in the 2.4 Ghz, one of the unlicensed, industrial and scientific radio band. Bluetooth technology is a free of charge service but your mobile phones set should support the GSM and CDMA technology.

Today mobile phones have built in capabilities and Bluetooth functionalities in them. Bluetooth technology is available in the different range of the devices like mobile phones, automobiles, medical devices, industries and enterprises etc. Due to the key features of the Bluetooth technology like low power consumption, low cost and wireless features make it more popular. Bluetooth technology does not require any fixed infrastructure and it is very simple to install and setup.

No wires are required to connect the Bluetooth devices. You can connect to other Bluetooth enabled devices anytime if they come in your range. Bluetooth wireless technology is widely supported and is secure wireless standard today. Bluetooth devices has built-in security features such as 128 bit encryption and pin code authentication when Bluetooth devices identify themselves they use the pin code when they first time connect.
bluetooth

PC Tuner Game Box

October 30, 2008
GADMEI Multifunctional USB 2.0 TV to PC Tuner Game Box
1. Watching TV on PC:
connect the TV box to desktop or laptop for using computer and watching TV at the same time

2. High resolution 1680 x 1050:
support switching between 800×600/ 1024×768/ 1280×1024/ 1440×900/ 1680×1050

3. USB 2.0 interface:
support switching between VIDEO/ AUDEO by USB cable, no need extra audio cable

4. PIP (picture in picture) function:
(works when console is on), adjustable window size and position

5. Recording function:
real-time recording the program you are watching, or preset recording

6. Images capturing function:
capture the high quality dynamic screen or still images, support multi-format storage (MPEG、AVI、DVD, etc.)

7.TV wall function:
16 screens display for conveniently viewing programs broadcasting on every channel
8.Gaming function:
play PS, WII, XBOX, etc. on PC by connecting to game console with an adaptor cable

The method to Track Your R/C Helicopter Blades

October 29, 2008

Track your blades? I really didn’t know what the heck that meant. I’m certain I am not the only beginner that had this challenge.
I’m going to explain tracking based on what I have learned throughout the years. People might have different and possibly better tracking methods, but I will break it down for you from my perspective.

You might be asking yourself why your blades need to be tracked. You should track your blades because if they are misaligned, they will cause your helicopter to shake too much. The shaking will loosen parts that shouldn’t be loose.

With aligned blades, you will notice your helicopter fly smoother when you give it a command.

It will also keep the RPM of the blades at the intended speed.
A word of advice: try reading the following section twice. I’ve noticed I tend to pick things up I’ve missed in previous readings when I go over technical writing a few times.

STEP 1: Place some temporary red tape or even some grey duct tape on the tip of one blade.

This will allow you to tell the difference between each blade when they are spinning. It’s a great way to get a visual on misaligned blades
Up to this point, tracking is strictly done by eye.

If the blades are correctly tracked and you have one tagged with tape, you’ll see the tape continuously. If the blades are misaligned, you will see two blades, one on top of the other: one with tape and the other without.

When you get closer to aligning the blades, you won’t be able to see the individual blades. As this is difficult to convey with words, take a look at the picture below. Notice that the blades look like one big spinning disk holding the helicopter in mid-air. It may take you awhile to be able to recognize this.

STEP 2: With the R/C helicopter placed on flat ground, gently increase the throttle stick until you see the blades speed up.

Notice how it bunny-hops right before it starts to lift – that’s what you are aiming for.

Don’t allow it to hover. Keep your eyes on the helicopter at all times.

I mean it, at all times!

Then, get on your knees or your belly. Keep a safe distance. Inspect the blades: both blades have to follow the same straight path. In other words, when you look at the rotating blades you’ll notice only one blade that looks like a spinning disk.
If the blades look like they are following the same path, then you are good to go.

But if they are off track, the blades will appear on top of each other. If they are off by at least one quarter of an inch, you will need to adjust them.

NOTE: Notice the blade with no tape on top and the one with red tape on the bottom in this picture. This is a good example of blades that are not tracked correctly.

Where do you make the necessary corrections to ensure a good track on your R/C Helicopter?
STEP 3: The tracking is adjusted by turning the pitch rods located on the main rotor.

For the blade that’s spinning on the top path (blade with no tape), make the length of the rod longer by half a turn. For the blade that’s spinning on the bottom path (the blade with tape), shorten the length of the pitch rod. Once again, turn the pitch rods one half turn each time. Keep repeating steps two and three until you get it right.

STEP 4: Once the tracking is more closely aligned and you can fly safely, increase the throttle so that the heli starts to lift.

Bring the helicopter to eye level; keep your eyes on it and double check that the blades are perfectly tracked.

This step will let you increase the blades’ speed so you are better able to see if they are aligned. If not, make the necessary corrections as mentioned in the previous steps.

Congratulations!
Now that you have your helicopter tracked you can go ahead and practice some hovers, flips, or whatever you enjoy doing with your helicopter. Once again, it might be difficult to tell if your blades are misaligned if you have never diagnosed this problem before. But trust me, you will get it!
toy helicopter

Does LED lighting work for artificial plant light?

October 28, 2008

Question:
I am growing some herbal plants that require a delicate balance of lights and nutrients. Unfortunately it’s not always sunny where I from, so I grow indoors. I setup a LED blue/red 255 tiny light system 12×12 inch over the small flat of rosemary/chives…etc. How close should it be and will it be effective? I want first hand experience.
Answer:
I am growing some herbal plants that require a delicate balance of lights and nutrients. Unfortunately it’s not always sunny where I from, so I grow indoors. I setup a LED blue/red 255 tiny light system 12×12 inch over the small flat of rosemary/chives…etc. How close should it be and will it be effective? I want first hand experience.
led light

Guides On Buying And Using LED Light Bulbs

October 27, 2008

Green is good, and right now, energy efficient lighting is all the rage. With the looming phase-out of old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs in many developed countries, people are faced with choosing between a handful energy efficient forms of lighting – compact fluorescents (CFL) and light emitting diodes (LED). This article will help you make good decisions when buying residential LED light bulbs.

CFLs are good for now, but…

You have likely already adopted energy efficient compact fluorescents (CFL) as part of your effort to reduce your carbon footprint. While CFLs are energy efficient, they have drawbacks such as mercury and relatively short lifespan. Also, CFLs are not available in sizes that replace track light bulbs, such as MR16 and GU10. It is unlikely that CFLs will be available in these sizes.

CFLs have made giant inroads over the last couple of years. The low cost and high energy efficiency of CFLs have made them favorites with people replacing incandescent lights. According to the Energy Information Administration, a government agency, 9% of a household’s energy costs are related to lighting. People are genuinely concerned with lowering their energy consumption, and lighting is one of the easiest things a person can improve on. With worldwide support from mass-market retailers, governments, and citizens, energy efficient lighting is seeing a new dawn. While CFLs provide a good combination of efficiency and cost, there is an even better option on the horizon – LED light bulbs.

Introducing the next generation of ultra energy efficient light bulbs – LEDs

LED light bulbs are semiconductors, just like the chips in your computer. These semiconductors emit energy in the form of photons of light. LEDs have come a very long way since they were invented in the 1960s. You have seen LED lamps for decades in the form of indicator lights on electronic products. Now, these LED lamps light bulbs have evolved to the point produce enough light for household and commercial applications. LEDs are extremely energy efficient, and have lifetimes ranging from 50,000 hours to 100,000 hours. LED light bulbs are the perfect complement to your collection energy efficient lighting products.

Tips for Buying LEDs

There are several varieties of residential LED light bulbs on the market. Presently, LEDs best replace track lighting and flood lights, both of which take advantage of the directional nature of LED light. Below are some tips for buying LED light bulbs.

• The Basics

You want to find an LED bulb that produces a healthy amount of light, but at the lowest possible power consumption. A good metric that equalizes your search is “lumens per watt”. To derive this figure, simply divide the bulb’s number of watts into the number of lumens. Right now, a good LED bulb should have at least 40 lumens per watt, but preferably more.

The question is often asked about comparisons between normal light bulbs and LEDs. Here are some examples to guide you:

5-watt, 3 high power CREE LED, MR16 ~ 25-watt MR16 Halogen

5-watt, 3 high power CREE LED, E27 spot ~ 30-watt E27 spot Halogen

6-watt, 165 traditional LEDs, PAR38, ~ 50-watt PAR38 incandescent

• Lifetime of Bulb

Many manufacturers of LED bulbs claim lifetimes of 50,000 hours to 100,000 hours. The lifetime of an LED lamp is generally considered to be the point where the light output has declined to 70% of it’s initial output, measured in lumens. So, a 300 lumen LED bulb with a lifespan of 50,000 hours will have 210 lumens at the end of it’s lifetime. However, the lifetime of a bulb does not mean it is unusable, only that it’s light output has degraded to a certain point. The LED bulb may continue to be useful for several thousand hours past it’s stated lifetime. Unlike old-fashioned light bulbs, it is extremely rare for an LED light to simply burn out. Rather, it will gradually fade over time.

• Color

As a general rule, you should use warmer light indoors, and whiter light outdoors. A color temperature of 2500-4000 Kelvin works great indoors. You should use a bulb with a color temperature of 5000-7000 Kelvin outdoors, as the whiter light allows your eyes to see better at night.

White light in the 5000-7000 Kelvin range is also excellent for display cases, boutiques, artwork, or other settings where you need excellent color rendition.

• Type of LED lamp

LED light bulbs use one or more tiny semiconductor lamps to produce very focused light. Contrast this with normal light bulbs that generate light in all directions. LED lamps are currently available in two forms: traditional LEDs (typically 5mm), which are smaller, and high power LEDs. Light bulbs using traditional LEDs require a large number of LED lamps to produce sufficient light, whereas high power LED bulbs use one or more lamps to generate light.

In general, the more LEDs, the better the light dispersion. Always get LED bulbs with more than one LED. You will find that single LED bulbs produce a very conspicuous outline, similar to a halo. Unless you enjoy halos across your walls, it’s better to buy light bulbs with multiple LEDs.

Here are some common track light and flood light bulb types, and suggestions for the LED arrangements:

For track bulbs such as MR-type and GU-type, try to get bulbs with 3 high power LED lamps (preferably using CREE or Nichia lamps). Avoid buying track bulbs using an array of traditional LED lamps, as these are not as effective as high power lamps.

For flood light bulbs, such as PAR-type, you can find reasonably priced traditional LED arrangements. High-power LED flood lights produce good light, but are also very expensive. In my experience, a PAR bulb using 120 or more traditional LED lamps works just as good, at a fraction of the price.

• Cost and energy savings

LED bulbs have a higher upfront cost, but they pay for themselves several times over their lifetime. Because LEDs have lower power consumption and a very long lifetime, they are very energy efficient. Let’s take an example of a $45, 5-watt, 50,000 hour MR16 LED bulb. Let’s assume a constant electricity cost of $0.10 per kilowatt hour, and a 0.61 electrical grid CO2 output factor. Compared with a similar $8, 25-watt halogen MR16 bulb, the LED will save $255 and reduce carbon emissions by 1,345 pounds. Not bad for a light bulb.

As energy costs continue to rise, the cost savings and carbon reduction from using LEDs will become far more pronounced.

Buyer beware – LEDs cannot replace general illumination bulbs (yet)

Right now, there are plenty of options for LED light bulbs. And that’s a bit of a problem. Several sellers of LED bulbs claim their bulbs are powerful enough to replace general illumination bulbs such as incandescent and CFL. This is simply untrue. Many of these “replacement” bulbs cost nearly $100 and use over 10 watts of power. You are much better off using a $3.00, 10-watt CFL for now. However, keep an eye out for LED general illumination bulbs over the next few years, as they will become very competitive with normal light bulbs.

Start today with LEDs

As LED technology rapidly advances, you will see them replace all other forms of light bulbs, including CFLs. If you have track lights or flood lights, you can begin incorporating LED light bulbs right away. Remember, now is the time to take steps to save energy and money. Your wallet and the planet will both thank you.
led light

3.If you convert a cabled LAN to a wireless Ethernet LAN, what must be changed on every host on the network?

October 25, 2008

Q:
3.If you convert a cabled LAN to a wireless Ethernet LAN, what must be changed on every host on the network?
A:
You will have to install a wireless ethernet adapter in each computer and set them up to connect to the network.
wireless ethernet adapter

iPod Accessories-Make Your Car Trip Much Better

October 24, 2008

Apple has done a very good job at marketing iPods to the mass market. Nowadays, iPods are so popular that they have become an essential in our life. When you think of MP3, the first thing that comes into your mind will be usually the cool white device from Apple. With iPods getting easier to use, there are a lot of iPod car accessories that are around in the market. With an iPod in your car, it can make your car trip more interesting and lively

There are different types of iPod accessories that are available in the market and they can be categorized into 3 types of usage. The first type of accessories is to allow you to play your iPod directly from your car stereo. The second type allows you to keep your iPod in place when you are driving, and the last type will be to charge your iPod.

To play your iPod through your car stereo, you can do it by using audio jacks and FM transmitters. With these accessories, you will save yourself the troubles of carrying CDs around or listen to over-commercialized radio programme. Nowadays, newer cars allow you to connect the cable from your audio jack to the iPod earphone jack. You can also play anything from your iPod through your audio jack, such as other speakers.

A FM transmitter allows you to play your iPod music directly inside your car. To do this, you need to connect one end of the transmitter into your car’s cigarette lighter adapter. Then adjust the radio station inside your car to the same one on the transmitter and you will be able to play the music from your iPod.

Next, to keep your iPod in place inside your car, you need a car mount. You can purchase an iPod mount whereby you can mount it at different areas inside your car. The best place to place the mount is at the dashboard as it is closer to the radio. A good iPod mount should keep your iPod firmly in place and enable you to reach it easily. You can also use a cup holder mount to hold your iPod firmly in place. This will help prevent your iPod from getting any scratches and free from shaking.

To charge your iPod, you can buy car charges that allow you to charge it through your cigarette lighter adapter. For some FM transmitter, it will automatically charge your iPod as you play. The latter is definitely the better choice as it offers 2 essential usages within a single device.

With these iPod car accessories, you will be able to listen to your favourite music while you are on the road.

fm transmitter

Will a TV box allow me to connect my wii to my computer monitor?

October 23, 2008

Q:I was wondering if a TV box or something similar would let me connect my Wii to my computer monitor. My computer monitor doesn’t have the 3 colored component things or an S-video thing (please pardon my lack of computer knowledge xD) If a tv box wont work then please tell me what will =)

A:No, unfortunately. The one way to do this would be to buy a TV tuner card (available at Best Buy, CompUSA, etc) and put it in your computer. Then, hook the Wii up to your computer, and when you start the TV program, the Wii will be on your monitor. It’s a bit of a workaround, though.

Basically, unless your monitor has the connections (some Dells do, I’m not sure about any other manufacturer) it won’t work.
TV box

How To Choose Bluetooth Headsets

October 22, 2008

Creating a good wireless headset for Bluetooth is actually difficult to do. The regular wired headsets are easy to design – with ranging styles.

Bluetooth headsets can never be as small or as light as wired headsets, simply because it needs to include the battery and extra functions. This extra size will impact how the headset mounts on or around your ears.

Comfort

There seems to be two main styles of headsets for Bluetooth. Some are held into place with a loop around the ear. These styles are normally more comfortable, although they may be less secure. The others are held in place by being jammed into your ear – and usually prove to be less comfortable.

Factors to consider

Cost

The cost is an obvious issue, something that you really need to think about.

Ergonomics

1.Check to see if the device is easy to quickly and conveniently put on your ear then take it off again.
2.Are the control buttons on the headset easy to use?
3.The headset should be comfortable to wear for long phone calls.
4.Can you use it with a pair of glasses?
5.Check to see if you can wear it with either ear.
6.When you aren’t wearing it, you’ll need to se how you would carry it with you.
7.The weight is important as well, as you don’t want something that has the risk of falling off.

Ease of use.

1.The commands and controls should be easy to remember.
2.The volume level should be easy to adjust.
3.The unit should turn on quickly.
4.The manual should be very well written and easy for you to understand.
5.There should be a support number for you to call if you should experience any types of problems.

Features

1.You’ll need to know about the battery, the talk time, type, and how to tell when it is going dead or fully charged.
2.How many devices can the unit be paired with?
3.Compatability is also important, as well as the warranty period.
4.Check the sound quality for both sending and receiving audio.
5.What type of range does the headset offer you?

Other important capabilities include voice tags, last number redial, transfer calls, 3 way calling, link to other phones, call reject, and mute. You’ll also want to note if it looks attractive, and if it’s too big or too small.

Personally I chose to buy a Jabra headset to use with my Palm Treo because of the reliability as well as the look of the headset, it hides behind your ear so it doesn’t look like something from Star Trek.
wireless bluetooth headset

High tech takes webcam along

October 21, 2008

Tutors and Educators are now started using 360 degree fish eye webcam with audio and video recording to monitor students taking test from home. The online distance education university were always in dilemma that lots of student don’t wanted to go to test taking center and pay money to rent the testing computer just to take the test in those centers, while they already have computer at home and more to that those testing centers are very far from the home at times, not to mention impossible to find in the middle of the Ocean. This online university has most students from American military bases around the world, and even from the aircraft carrier. This way it makes it impossible to have any testing center at ease of access.

So to find the solution to eliminating to go to testing center, online universities let students take the test from their own home. This worked out well until the colleges found out that students were cheating while taking the test at home, where there is no way to tell if there is the actual student taking the test or someone else. There were few problems with student taking test at home, one was that the students were cheating by accessing the files they stored in the computer earlier for the test, they were also going online and find solution while taking the test and the biggest problem was sometimes the student was not taking the test bust his friend who knew the subject well.

To prevent students from cheating on their exams, the software company has developed the software and the webcam which can record 360 degree surrounding while recording audio also, so the person who is taking test cannot leave the desk or call on phone to get help from other people, but then there was the problem if the student ask someone else to take the test for him or he can get information from his own computer or internet? Well the software company developed the software and web cam which has finger print recognition technology with the software locking up your computer for the time of test so student cannot access his own computer or get on internet while taking test, so the student has to log in for the test with his own finger print, webcam records every move and audio, while computer cannot let you access your own computer for any other purpose but the test.
webcam,webcams,web cam,camera