Optical Express Reveals Ambassador Programme Yielding Impressive Returns
GLASGOW, Scotland, July 23 /PRNewswire/ — Optical Express has revealed that six months after the initial launch of the Ambassador Referral Programme, the programme directors are reporting consistently high figures across the UK and Ireland. “Since January, we’ve paid out over 300,000 pounds Sterling in rewards, which is phenomenal for a brand new initiative,” Joanna Patterson, head of the … Read more on redOrbit
Optical Express Reveals Ambassador Programme Yielding Impressive Returns
Optical Express has revealed that six months after the initial launch of the Ambassador Referral Programme, the programme directors are reporting consistently high figures across the UK and Ireland. Read more on PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance
Simple Steps to Check Your Engine Regularly and Thus Protect Your Car Investment
So, OK, you paid your thousands for your vehicle. You feel great with it and also relax a bit and put some check up tasks for later.
Well, you better watch out!
Some of the most common mistakes car owners make at this point are to skip fluid checks and also the service their engines between longer periods of time.
You must always check at least the fluid levels on your car. If you don’t, you may miss a minor defect, for example, a coolant leakage.
If you don’t detect that leakage, then you will eventually run out of coolant in your vehicle, his leading to major damages to the engine and eventually diminishing your vehicle overall performance.
Protect your vehicle investment by checking your engine regularly.
In order to keep the engine in good condition this is what you must take into account:
- Engine lubrication: This can be achieved with oil servicing on time.
- Overheating prevention: Done with periodical coolant and radiator check ups
- Proper and properly scheduled engine maintenance and tune up
- Immediately eliminate any minor engine defects
—————————— Checking the Engine Condition. ——————————
Do you hear any noise when the engine is running?.
The engine should run evenly and you should not hear any strong noises, knocking, pinging, or whistling while the engine is idling or during acceleration.
When pressing the accelerator, the engine should accelerate quickly, with no delays or loud noises.
The idle should be stable during a stop. No smoke should come out from the tail pipe.
A good engine should be dry. The more leaks on an engine, the more damage your engine may have.
During routine engine maintenance and tune ups, cleanings, adjustments, and necessary replacements, check for the following:
- Fuel Filter: related to the loss of engine power when dirty.
- Air Filter: related to the loss of engine power, increased fuel consumption, and so on
- Spark Plugs: must be replaced to increase engine performance.
- Timing Belt, when it is damaged it can induce serious problems for the engine
- Coolant: must be replace to maintain the anti-corrosive properties.
———————– Check the Oil Pressure. ———————–
Always check the oil pressure on a cold engine. Start the engine, and look at the low oil pressure warning lamp or oil pressure gauge on the instrument panel.
The time between the engine start and the time you note oil pressure at the instrument panel should be no more than one to two seconds. If this time is longer than two seconds, it means that either the oil filter is bad or the engine is too worn.
If the low oil pressure warning light goes on while engine is running or idle, there is definitely a problem with the engine. Stop your vehicle immediately if the oil pressure warning lamp goes on while driving to avoid further damage to the engine.
—————————————– Check the Engine Oil Level and Condition. —————————————–
This is very critical. Without oil a running engine will damage in a matter of seconds.
If the engine is leaking oil, try new gaskets or seals to fix the leak.
If the engine is burning oil, the valve guides and seals are most likely worn out, but the rings and cylinders could require replacement, too.
Check the engine oil on the dipstick periodically, especially if your car isn’t brand new.
Change to oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles. Immediately after performing an oil and filter change, check for oil leaks to be sure that the oil filter has been installed properly.
During oil level check up the oil should normally reach the “FULL” mark on the dipstick.
Do not add oil unless level is below the “ADD” or the “LOW” marks on the dipstick.
Never add oil to reach above the “FULL” mark, to avoid damaging of the spark plugs.
When you regularly check your oil, you will become familiar with the rate of oil consumption of your car and you’ll know when the consumption is rapidly increasing.
Also check for the oil condition. Here’s how:
The oil should look clean and translucent. If the oil is slightly-brown, it can be fine too.
However, if it’s dark-brown, but still transparent, although still admissible, it would be better to change it. If it’s too black, it’s time to change it.
If the engine oil on the dipstick is color “latté” or if it is foamy, then the engine coolant is mixing with the engine oil, i.e. an evidence of an internal engine defect (such as a blown head gasket or cracked block).
Also, the oil should never have a gasoline smell. It means there is some fuel leaking and this can be dangerous.
———————————- Check the Coolant Level and Leaks. ———————————-
Check the coolant (antifreeze) level and investigate the system for leaks periodically.
NEVER open the radiator of a car that has just been running. Wait at least 15-20 minutes after the engine has been turned off for the engine temperature to drop before adding any fluid into the system. The cooling system of a car is under high pressure and the fluid is usually hotter than boiling water.
Begin your check of the cooling system by viewing the front side of the radiator and the space between the engine radiator and air conditioner radiator; it should not be clogged with debris, such as leaves or heavy pollen. One of the most common reasons for overheating is debris buildup in this area.
Be sure that electric fan operates, and water pump drive belt has proper tension. The water pump should not have coolant seepage.
Check the radiator for any trace of damage and all water hoses for leaks. If you find any coolant leak, try to stop it up as soon as possible to avoid engine overheating and have a mechanic inspect the damaged area immediately.
Next, look for the cooling system expansion tank; it is usually translucent white so you can see the fluid level without opening it.
The expansion tank has two level marks on the side of it: “FULL” and “LOW”. Check the coolant level in the expansion tank. The coolant level should be between “LOW” and “FULL” marks in the coolant expansion tank. If it’s lower, you should add it, because a low coolant level may cause the engine to overheat and therefore result in engine damage.
When engine temperature is reduced (in 15-20 minutes after the engine has been turned off) , simply add a coolant into the expansion tank till its level be at “FULL” mark.
If the level frequently falls below “LOW” after adding fluid, you probably have a leak and must have it checked as soon as possible. If there is no coolant in the expansion tank at all, you should add the coolant directly into the radiator.
If the coolant color brown or rust-colored, the car may need a radiator flush. The coolant should not have any engine oil in it. If you see oil in the radiator or expansion tank, it may be evidence of an internal engine defect, such as a blown head gasket.
Antifreeze is toxic, so be sure to capture and recycle the drained fluid. Keep it off your skin and away from your eyes. It can also damage painted surfaces, so avoid spilling it on your car.
Automatic transmission is a very complicated device and its repair is costly. Most automatic transmissions must be checked with the engine running and warmed up. Also, make sure the car is on a level surface and fully warmed up.
If you not sure how to check the automatic transmission fluid, here is a step-by-step explanation:
Begin by letting the engine idle with the parking brake engaged and your foot on the brake.
Move the gear selector through each gear. This ensures that the fluid is circulating through the pumps, thereby providing you with an accurate reading.
Once you have done this, put the vehicle in park, but leave the brake engaged and the engine running.
The transmission dipstick is located near the rear of the engine. Pull the transmission dipstick out, wipe it clean with a rag, and note the markings on the end of the stick. The usual markings are “FULL” and “ADD 1 PINT”. Inset the dipstick fully and remove it again to take a reading.
If the engine is cool, it should be at the upper end of the “COLD” mark.
If the engine is hot, the level should be at the upper end of the “HOT” mark.
When the transmission is warm, the level should be in the safe zone between the hash marks. If it’s lower, you should add some amount of automatic transmission fluid.
Check the fluid condition also: If it’s too black and has a burnt smell – your transmission is going to break!
Normally it should be clean and transparent. Its color may be different, from red to brown. Wipe the dipstick with clean white paper and look at the paper. Normally there should be no black deposits, no metal particles, no dirt left on the paper.
How to add the transmission fluid:
Never add fluid unless it is below the “ADD” mark and never bring it above the “FULL” mark. Make sure you check the transmission fluid type in the owners manual and use the correct transmission fluid for your vehicle. Do not substitute anything else. For example some Chrysler transmissions need only Chrysler specific type of fluid and usual fluid like Dexron II can destroy the transmission.
Add a little amount of the fluid at a time. You will need a special funnel to get the fluid into the small tube that the dipstick came out of.
Wait for a couple of minutes for the fluid to flow down. Start the engine and check the level again before adding more fluids.
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I know what I’m doing this weekend UPDATE: To the sudden explosion of people who commented on this, allow me to clarify a few things. I’m not an engineer, I am a nerd and do like making odd stuff like this occasionally. I made one of these devices using this vid and posted it up here so a mate of mine in Canada could see it. To the people leaving rather idiotic comments about me needing a life, to each his own, but someone did this in plastic and is probably making millions. I didn’t make the video, something I should have clarified, I don’t own the company shown, and yes I know they use em in department stores, that would be where I got the idea of making my own, seeing as this probably took bit of nutting out to make I think it qualifies as engineering, as most engineers I know like complex solutions to simple problems Lastly, it’s a bit of fun. Remember that? Or is a pre-requisite to have all whimsy forcibly extracted when you get an internet connection?
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TAOS collaborates with QuickLogic to deliver TV-quality viewing in mobile devices
QuickLogic Corporation has verified and approved the TAOS TSL25711FN digital ambient light sensor (ALS) offered by Texas Advanced Optoelectronic Solutions, Inc. (TAOS) for use with QuickLogic’s Visual Enhancement Engine (VEE) and Display Power Optimizer (DPO) Proven System Blocks (PSBs). Read more on Microwave Engineering Online
Samsung Vibrant Review
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Question by got.to.get.over.him. =]: video cameras…..????
Best video cameras…..????
i want a camera thats between $ 50 and $ 150
becasue i’m gooing to alsaska this summer and i want someting that will shoot good quality clear videos and i’m also very interested in filming….
any suggjestions would help!!!!!!
Best answer:
Answer by NYC fan Quite frankly, I’m afraid that you’ll be disappointed with what’s available in that range, especially if this is a hobby of yours.
My suggestion is to wait a while, dedicate yourself to saving up more, and invest the extra money into a good-quality camera, ESPECIALLY if you’re interested in doing stuff like this as a hobbyist or a professional someday. Believe me, the better stuff is worth the extra investment.
You won’t find much in that price range except for memory-card camcorders, which don’t offer you many options and take highly-compressed, low-quality video. Not the greatest thing to really preserve memories of what will be an incredible trip (believe me, it is!). I’m just afraid that you’d get home, watch the video, be disappointed in the quality you get from cameras in that range, and wish you’d gotten something better when it’s too late.
Basic MiniDV camcorders start around 0. This is roughly the starting point of decent, full-screen digital video. Cameras in this range include the basics; decent picture quality, basic features, but little control over the image settings (white-balance, shutter, exposure, focus, and so forth).
When you get up near 0-0, you start seeing hints of features that are available in professional-quality camcorders; full control over the image, good sound, and some really great-looking video. Panasonic’s PV-GS series (NV-GS if in non-North American countries) comes to mind. Some of the better ones in that series use three CCD imaging devices, the way professional camcorders do. Lower-end cameras use one CCD. Three-chip cameras produce GREAT colors; they split the beam into red, green, and blue, each handled by a different chip for the finest detail.
I was VERY pleased with how video from our Alaska trip last summer came out on my PV-GS65. Furthermore, one professor saw a project I shot with that camera, and couldn’t tell if it had actually been shot with a Canon XL-1, which is roughly a ,000 camera.
If you can afford to wait a while and save up for a good-quality camera, then definitely go for something better; it is completely worth it. I always go by the philosophy that if you really have a passion for something, then INVEST in it if it’s in your power to do so. You’re showing a strong interest in camera work, so this is worth the investment.
A good family camcorder is worth the investment. It’ll last a long time. Better yet, the memories and great video will last even longer. Go for it.
By the way, if you have any Alaska questions, maybe I can help you there too. It’s a great trip. We drove up from New York, and it was right up there with our best road trips ever. We had a great time, you will too!
Technology jobs for Inverness
An English-based technology business is opening in Inverness with plans to create at least 50 new jobs in the area. Read more on BBC Highlands
NI Technology Updates Outlooks for STEC, Marvell Technology Group, Avnet, Arrow Electronics and Nu Horizons Electronics
PRINCETON, N.J., July 23 /PRNewswire/ Next Inning Technology Research (http://www.nextinning.com), an online investment newsletter focused on semiconductor and technology stocks, has published updated outlooks for STEC (Nasdaq: STEC), Marvell Technology Group (Nasdaq: MRVL), Avnet (NYSE: AVT), Arrow Electronics (NYSE: ARW) and Nu Horizons Electronics (Nasdaq: NUHC … Read more on redOrbit
Riverbed Technology Has Climbed To A New High After Q2 Report
Riverbed Technology (RVBD) reported second quarter adjusted net income of $ 0.25 per share after the bell Thursday, up from $ 0.14 in the prior year period. The consensus estimate was for EPS of $ 0.22. Read more on RTT News
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iPod nano now has a built-in video camera that lets you spontaneously shoot video wherever you are. And that’s just the beginning. It has a dramatic, polished anodized aluminum finish and a larger screen. The new Genius Mixes feature acts as your personal DJ, automatically searching your iTunes library, then making mixes you’ll love. Take iPod nano anywhere and the new Pedometer counts your steps. Also making its debut: a built-in FM radio with two amazing features–iTunes Tagging and Live Pause
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Question by U?ur Gümü?han: What’s the differences between two high definition cameras with different brands in terms of video quality?
I’m thinking of buying a new camera but i can’t decide whether buying an expensive one or a cheaper (but good one) Japanese product. Is the HD term enough to distinguish between these video cameras or are there any other qualifications-standards for these devices?
Best answer:
Answer by damon HD video on most cameras today is 1140-1280×720 lines of vertical resolution. it can be in MJPEG or H.264 format. Most non-HD cameras record up to a resolution of 640×480 or Casio’s wideVGA, 848×480
fphoto: good opinion… just a sign of the times. also. the P&S Panasonic lumix fx-35/37 capture 1280×720@30fps and the up-coming Canon SX1 will capture 1080p video
Millions of people around the world own cameras, so you are probably aware of the huge range that there are to choose from. In years gone by, the pictures produced were black and white; a product that is now sought after again as an art form in many cases. Some scenes just lend themselves so well to an absence of colour.
As cameras evolved, they developed the capability to produce colour images. The colour from the earliest colour cameras left a lot to be desired. Looking at pictures produced from cameras of those days leads one to imagine that the subjects were all seriously ill, judging by the tone of their skin.
More recently, with the advent of the digital age, we now have the ability to put pictures on our home computers and on the Internet. And instead of having the rolls of film developed, you can take your images to a store on a memory card or stick, and get them professionally printed. These days you can even print your images out at home and still produce excellent results.
These days, high definition video cameras dominate the marketplace. Not only can you capture beautiful still pictures, but HD cameras can also produce good quality video as well, courtesy of the huge amounts of memory that these cameras now hold on board.
HD video cameras come with great capabilities these days. Zooming to 10x or greater are no longer unusual. This allows everyone to capture images or video that were once only in the domain of the professional photographer. In fact many of the cameras that are available and considered standard fare in this day and age would have graced the work places of many famous photographers of bygone eras.
The quality of the images produces are often quite stunning. With very little photographic skill, you can produce professional quality pictures. This is why so many people try their hand at wedding photography, with excellent results. The on board computers of these cameras can correct lighting conditions and can counteract hand shaking. They really are very clever pieces of equipment.
With any technology, the goal posts keep changing. Science improves, and these improvements are quickly reflected in the marketplace. HD cameras are no exception to this rule. Take a careful look around what is on offer. If you really want the top of the range HD cameras, then you will have to expect to pay a premium for this privilege.
If however, you are willing to wait a little while, prices on exceptional cameras will drop as the new recruits arrive. You can buy top quality high definition cameras at knockdown prices. In my view, this is the way to go for the best value for money in HD cameras.
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How Does the Camera Auto Focus Work and Why Sometimes It Fails?
How does auto-focus work?
All of us use it every time we click on the shutter button. Practically all modern cameras include some sort of an auto focus system. Thanks to the auto focus system we can enjoy an easier photography experience and can concentrate on composing the right photo and capturing the moment rather than on manually setting the focus.
Automatic focus though has its limitations. For example sometimes one might want to produce photos which are a bit fuzzy as an artistic expression. Also the auto focus implementation has its limitations and in some scenarios it might fail. One example is using a high end SLR camera with a passive auto focus system to take a picture of blue skies. In most cases the camera will move its motor back and forth and will eventually give up and fail to focus.
To better use the auto focus system it would help to understand high it actually works. Although implementations can vary we can divide them all into two categories: passive and active. Most pocket cameras use the cheaper passive method while high end professional cameras use either the active or a combination of both.
Passive auto focus:
Passive auto focus can be perceived as imitating how we set the focus manually. The camera defines one or more regions in the picture (usually they are marked as rectangles on the viewfinder or the LCD). The camera then analyzes the picture seen through those regions and calculates a Focus Level number. The camera then tries to move its lenses back and forth as it recalculates the Focus Level. The camera looks for a position where the Focus Level is the highest. For that point if the Focus Level is above a predefined threshold the camera would define this region of the photo as being in focus.
The Focus Level can be calculated in many ways. The common attribute of all calculations is figuring out how much Contrast is there in the photo. Although not in the scope of this article one way to calculate such a number is by running the photo through a high frequency filter – this is based on the fact that high contrast is associated with high frequencies.
Active auto focus:
Active auto focus works by measuring the distance between the camera and the object in the picture. Technically if you knew the exact distance to the object you are taking a picture of you could set the lens to the exact focus position. The active focus system shoots a beam of invisible light, usually infrared, at the object at the center of the picture and measures the distance to that object. Based on that distance the focus is set.
Combined auto focus:
Some high end cameras combine both systems. The camera will pick the right system for the specific scenario or will cross check and use both at the same time. The photographer can also decide manually to use one of the two options. For example when shooting blue skies the camera can try to use the active system and measure the distance. Since the distance is infinite the camera can set the focus and skip the passive focus. In other cases when the distance is not infinite the camera can use the active system to put the lens in approximately the right position and then use the passive system for fine tuning. In dark scenarios the camera can opt to use the active system since the passive one will not work.
So why doesn’t the auto focus work all the time?
Even with all the electronics and computing power in the camera there will always be scenarios where the camera auto focus fails. Failure can be when the camera can not focus and the picture is fuzzy or sometimes when the picture is actually in focus but the camera “thinks” that it is not.
What causes such cases? The list is long but here are just a few examples:
– Taking low light pictures: The passive auto focus system needs to “see” the picture in order to work and in low light scenarios this is not possible. Some systems use a series of flashes to overcome this limitation but this solution fails many times. An active system can measure the distance to the object in such scenarios but will fail if the object is not in the center of the picture or if there are a few objects at different distances.
– Active systems can fail with objects that tend to absorb the infrared beam they are using. Some materials absorb infrared beams and will cause the active system to measure the wrong distance. In some scenarios other infrared sources such as candles and open flame fires can render the active system useless.
– Low contrast objects such as white walls or blue skies. The passive auto focus relies on the fact that the Focus Level changes significantly when moving the lens back and forth. This allows the camera to settle on the right focus position. The Focus Level of low contrast objects does not change much and fails the passive system.
Knowing how the auto focus system works helps a photographer understand why sometimes the camera can not focus. In such scenarios the photographer can look for other solutions. Sometimes the photographer will have to use the manual focus. In other cases focusing on another object in the picture that is in the same distance but easier to focus on and locking the focus on that object will solve the problem.
Ziv Haparnas is a technology veteran and writes about practical technology and science issues. This article can be reprinted and used as long as the resource box including the backlink is included. You can find more information digital photo printing printing and photography in general on printrates.com – a site dedicated to digital prints
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