Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
Banana trees (Musa) are great additions to warm-weather gardens, if your climate will support them. If you garden in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plant hardiness zones 10b or above, you may well be able to grow these tropical plants and benefit from home-grown bananas. Banana trees may grow in colder zones but the fruit may be unsuitable for eating. If your zone is unsuitable for planting trees in the yard, you might consider growing banana trees in containers.
Guppies, or Poecilia reticulata, are one of the most well-known species of freshwater aquarium fish. Males of the species are known for their brightly colored tails, while females of the species appear dull in coloration. Keeping guppies in the home aquarium can be very enjoyable, because these active, colorful fishes are a joy to watch and very easy to keep. Though guppies are likely to survive in a variety of water parameters, there are certain conditions in which they are most likely to thrive.
Just as your electronic devices have different options you can turn on or off from within their graphical user interfaces, electrical components have their own system for turning hardware options on or off. These controls are called jumpers and individual jumper blocks, such as J7, let you switch certain features on or off by moving the jumper band to different positions within the block.
The Pantech Laser is a thin smartphone that boasts a full, sliding keyboard and a 3.1-inch touchscreen. The phone includes several private settings that you can modify to keep your phone out of the wrong hands and your personal data safe.
Diode shaping is a waveform manipulation technique that can be used to reduce distortion in a signal. A diode is a basic circuit component that regulates current, which is measured in amps. You can mathematically evaluate current by dividing values of volts by resistance measured in ohms. These values can be evaluated with equations and graphs. Waveforms can be manipulated with various diode orientations that affect voltage, current and resistance.
A TV that doesn't come on or shows an odd picture or coloration has an electrical problem. In most cases, you might be tempted to box the TV up and send it to the manufacturer for repair or replacement. This can cost you hundreds of dollars especially if the warranty is expired -- not to mention the cost of shipping and handling. If you have a multimeter, you can diagnose problems on your TV's main, or circuit, board and buy the parts to replace faulty components.
The Kelvin scale of measuring heat has a few distinct advantages over other scales. Learn about the advantages of using the Kelvin scale with help from a high school math tutor and teacher in this free video clip.
RSS is an file extension from XML programming. The file is designed to share news headlines and other recent content on the Web. Many blogs use RSS feeds to publish content syndicated from other websites. (RSS files are sometimes called Really Simple Syndication files.) A tab-limited file is a plain text file with a tab controlling each column in the text. A RSS file must first be converted into a CSV format before it can be converted into a tab-delimited file. You can convert an RSS file stored on a disk or directly from the Web using an RSS feed's…
Almost universally speaking, a burning smell is bad news, including when that smell comes from any part of your computer. Burning occurs due to high temperatures, which are also bad for your computer's well-being. When you notice a burning smell from your keyboard, shut down the computer immediately, unplug it from the wall outlet and wait for the smell to dissipate before troubleshooting. This helps prevent the possibility of burning yourself on hot computer components. If you can, point a fan at it to help it cool down faster and minimize component damage that may be occurring.
The circuit board on a Goodman home furnace lies at the system’s center. It performs the same functions as circuit boards in other gas furnaces, including starting the motor or closing the pressure switch whenever heat is needed. Once the system ensures the operations have been safely accomplished, the circuit board allows the pilot light to ignite. Although furnaces should be installed by professionals, you can usually troubleshoot a furnace, and its circuit board, yourself.
Modern air conditioning units are equipped with dual fuel circuit boards to deliver cold or warm air. They run on both gas and electric current. Gas furnaces that function as a heat source during the winter rely on natural gas fuel while the more economical heat pump functions as both a heater and air conditioner with electrical current. If you only plan to use your air conditioner, then you don’t need the dual fuel system, and you can bypass it with a standard circuit board and thermostat. You can either call a mechanic or try to repair it yourself.
Interwise is a video cassette recorder that connects to the TV via a coaxial or RCA cable. Although Interwise was designed to be connected to a TV, you can connect it to other devices, such as a computer. Once you connect the Interwise VCR to the computer, you can import the file on the VCR to the computer and convert it to a digital file. You can then view the file on any media player and even use it if you want to create a movie.
The 1N4148 is a general-purpose signal diode having a maximum reverse voltage of 100 and forward current of 300 milliamps. The designation 1N4148 is an industry-standard part number from the Joint Electron Device Engineering Council, or JEDEC; numerous semiconductor manufacturers make the device with the same characteristics. The diode functions as a high-speed switch and signal detector in audio and radio applications.
A DIM file is a raw disk image containing an exact, sector-by-sector copy of a single partition or disk. DIM is not a widely used format, so if you have a DIM image, you must consider converting it to another image format. For example, ISO images are supported by almost any operating system. All you have to do is mount the current DIM image on a virtual drive and create an ISO image from it. You can find dozens of virtual drive tools on the Web, both free and paid.
Digital Light Projection televisions are normally illuminated using a high-pressure lamp or light emitting diode cluster. A third option in the mix are lasers. These televisions produce more colors, use less energy, and are usually lighter than their flat panel cousins. Laser DLP TVs can bring big screen excitement into a home theater.
Computer hardware functions as a conductor of electricity, sending signals across the motherboard of the computer to different functioning parts. These charges are transformed and modified during the course of their travels through a series of gates. Through these gates, the computer functions as a logical calculator. One configuration of gates, the logical buffer, serves a specific function as a signal amplifier inside the computer.
Use modules included with the Python command line interpreter program when you wish to optimize Python code with pre-compiled “PYC” files. Python source code files typically include a “PY” suffix and are compiled at run time. “PYC” files are “PY” files compiled into bytecode that can be used to optimize Python program speed by reducing the time required to load files. Generate “PYC” files from “PY” files before running a Python program when you need the program to load faster.
A differential amplifier is an electronic circuit that amplifies the difference between two voltage signals typically from low-level to line-level. Line-level is the signal strength needed to send analog sounds to and from stereos, mixing boards and televisions. Amplifier bandwidth is the frequency range at which the amp functions at peak efficiency. Bandwidth can be increased by adding resistance to the parallel differential amplifier circuit.
Your computer's central processing unit naturally generates heat as it operates. The more powerful the processor, the more heat it creates. Your desktop tower or laptop case is designed to vent this heat before it builds to destructive levels using internal cooling measures and air vents. If the heat isn't vented properly and allowed to build, it can cause operational problems and result in the death of your computer.
Digital embroidery machines make monogramming, embroidering logos and decorating fabric objects faster and simpler than embroidering by hand. These machines aren't standardized, however. Most brands use their own proprietary embroidery file format. A PES file meant for use on a Janome brand embroidery machine won't work on a Brother, Babylock or Bernina machine, which uses only JEF files. Specialized software allows you to convert your embroidery files to the correct format.
The alternator is driven by a serpentine or accessory belt that is connected to the crankshaft pulley. The alternator's job is solely to generate electricity to power the vehicle's electronics and recharge the battery while the engine is running. Most alternators put out around 14.5 volts of electricity and between 80 and 120 amps, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. When an alternator fails, all of the electronic components of the vehicle will rely on just the battery, and once that battery charge drops, your vehicle will stall.
Mixcraft 4 is an audio mixing application that uses a file format called MX4 to store uncompressed audio. This application allows you to convert MX4 files into the MP3, OGG, WMA and WAV audio formats. If you do not have Mixcraft 4 on your computer, you can get it from the Acoustica website.
In Erdas Imagine, IMG is the default file format and is used to store raster data. Erdas Imagine is a powerful and flexible geographic information system (GIS) tool. The shapefile format was introduced by ESRI and is a geospatial vector data format for geographic information systems software. Although Erdas is unable to convert IMG files to shapefiles, ArcGIS can read IMG files by default and create shapefiles from them.
The DS2 file format is an audio format used for recording and storing high-quality audio. This file format was developed by Olympus for use in its digital voice recorders. However, this file format is newer and not as widely used as the previous DSS file format, prompting users to want to convert the DS2 files to the DSS format. Do this by plugging the Olympus recording device into your computer and changing the file format of the audio files in the device's settings.
Flat files format database records into plain text files, which can be referenced by a website or application for its data. Because of the plain text formatting, flat files are ideal for tabular, or "two-dimensional," databases. The tabular data can be arranged into parent rows and children. If you have a two-dimensional table that you'd like to convert into a flat file, Microsoft's Visual Studio integrated development environment (IDE), along with the BizTalk Server Developer package, enables you to generate flat files from your data. Other software will also allow you to perform the task.
To convert a CPI file properly you must have the accompanying MTS file. The CPI file contains only specific metadata about the MTS file; no actual video footage is stored here. It stores data about the MTS video's aspect ratio and frame rate. Properly converting a video shot on a AVCHD camcorder requires both the MTS and the CPI.
CHK files are created after the Windows Chkdsk or Scandisk services finish scanning your file system for errors. These files were originally fully functional files that contained an error. No matter how small the error, the scan services remove the files from the hard disk and write them out as CHK files. The OGG file format is relatively fragile, so errors are common. If these errors are detected by Chkdsk, your OGG files are deleted and CHK files are created. Unfortunately, Windows does not provide a tool to help you get the files back. If you need your files back,…
Furnaces and air conditioners are often packaged together. They provide climate control for a home, which is important to quality of life, and when they break down it is important to repair them in a quick and timely manner. Manufacturers build in an easy diagnostic service with flashing red and green lights for HVAC, or heating, ventilation and air conditioning units.
A microscope may prove a useful tool for a variety of users, from scientists to horticulturalists, watchmakers and students. Those working with an optical microscope must first learn the correct technique, especially when using a high power objective lens. This lens provides the means to view objects in greater detail, although users must observe a few precautions to avoid damaging the delicate lens.
Most municipal water systems provide acidic water with a low pH, which is prone to corroding home plumbing systems. For this reason, acid neutralizing filters that add alkaline substances to raise the pH are available. Many health proponents also argue that high pH water, or alkaline water, is optimal for human health. You can purchase home water filtration and treatment systems that make the water more alkaline.
Machines intended to dry products in a manufacturing process are called dryers. They're analogous to your clothes dryer at home, of course, except that rather than drying clothes they remove moisture from a product. Although there are hundreds of different kinds of dryers, they can be divided into a number of broad categories or types. Some types like rotary and spray dryers are better suited to liquids and slurries, whereas others work with wetted solids.
The mouse is the primary input device that you use to control your computer. If the pointer stalls when you attempt to move it, it makes the computer very difficult to use. A laser mouse works by shining a laser against a surface to track movement. Although erratic pointer behavior can usually be traced to a problem with the laser or mouse surface, these are not the only potential causes.
The control circuit of a furnace manages a variety of data produced by the thermostat, the sensors near the burners, the ignition system and the blower mechanism. It is in charge of starting up components in the correct order and then shutting them down properly when the furnace finishes its job. A control circuit can fail in several key ways, requiring require a replacement of the board or nearby components to keep the furnace operating correctly.
Whirlpool ranges and ovens have a circuit board, commonly referred to as an electronic oven control board, or EOC, which functions as the brain of the oven. The EOC controls the heating elements in the oven, and relies on an oven sensor to detect the oven's internal temperature. If the EOC stops functioning, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to determine the cause of the failure.
While the computer revolution of the modern era has extraordinary benefits, it has simultaneously created a new issue that is cause for concern. Circuit boards are ubiquitous as they can be found in phones, cars, computers and a host of other electronics. When the gadgets you use everyday have reached their shelf life the components that make them up must be dealt with in an environmentally friendly and safe manner. This is where smelting comes in.
With the number of CRT monitors and television sets dwindling due to the introduction of inexpensive LCD technology, if you have a faithful CRT monitor that you want to hold onto, you might need to do some minor repairs yourself. To do these repairs, you might need to remove the circuit board at the bottom of the neck, which is known as the neck board. It can seem a little scary to get at, but with the proper tools it will be accessible.
FM modulation entails taking a signal and transferring it to a different type of signal to be transmitted. With an FM modulator device, you can hook up your MP3, satellite receiver or iPod to the radio channel in your car and listen to your favorite music.
Modern electronic devices use integrated circuits, or ICs, because they pack a high degree of functionality in a small space. Most ICs are soldered into a circuit board, but some have holders called sockets. The socket has a plastic base taking up the same area as the IC, metal pins that solder into a circuit board and tiny cup-like receptacles that accept the IC's pins.
An XML blog file contains the dates, comments, titles, links and content of exported blog posts. XML is a universal language that is platform-dependent, so you can use it to export posts from your other blogs, including those published with the free weblog publishing tool Blogger. Use the import process Blogger provides to convert the blog posts to a readable format that shows up when readers access the blog URL.
Canon 60D cameras may shoot in RAW still image formats, known as CR2 files, or in a compressed QuickTime MOV format called H.264/MOV, which is a popular file type commonly used for uploading to the Web. Converting these files may require downloading and installing a program from the Internet, as your computer may not come standard with 60D conversion software. There are several programs to choose from, depending on if you are converting still images or video footage. If you're converting RAW CR2 images to JPEG or TIFF formats, you may want to try Canon's EOS Utility in Digital Photo…
When using a cell phone or another small mobile device to record audio, the device may save the audio as a QCP file. Your mobile device will play back the sound effectively, but many applications on your computer will not support this file type. Audio conversion software available both online and for desktop download can convert your files effectively into a supported format. The quality may be lower after the conversion because of any compression that takes place, but a properly completed conversion will not reduce any time from the audio track.
Before you can transfer a DJVU document file onto your Sony Reader, you'll need to convert it into a readable format. The EPUB format is a multi-platform e-book format that your Sony Reader will have no trouble opening. To get your DJVU file to play nicely with your Reader, you'll need some third-party software to bridge the gap. Calibre is a free, open source e-book management system that can both convert the file and transfer it to your Reader.
A MIPS file is a virtual hardware simulator that allows users and programmers to test hardware -- logic boards, RAM and video cards -- functions as software, before physically installing the device. They are compiled from C++ code and, once compiled, seem self-contained. However, reverting the MIPS file to its component C++ code files is actually quite simple. The MIPS file is just an archive in disguise, so by unarchiving it, you can extract the original C++ files.
Diodes are electrical components that contain two terminals (points leading to other circuits). Diodes come in many forms. When electrical engineers talk of well diodes and epitaxial diodes, they are talking about diode classes, classified via diode structure. While well diodes and epitaxial diode are similar in function and construction, careful observation will allow you to differentiate between the two.
Most commonly, the file extension ASD indicates an AutoSave file for Microsoft Word. When you're working on a document, Word automatically creates backup files in case the program crashes. Converting an ASD file may be your only chance to recover lost work. You can open an ASD file in Word and convert it to a DOC file.
To convert a file containing a line drawing of a shoe to a file containing polygon shapes, use the tracing tools of a vector graphics program like Inkscape, Illustrator or Google Docs' drawing program. Once you've created shapes from your line drawing, you can fill them with color. Search your program's help file for "Fill" or "Color" to learn how to do this. Vector graphics also allow you to enlarge your shoe's polygon shapes without degrading image quality. The fact that vectors are stored as drawing instructions, rather than pixel data, makes this possible.
Converting the contents of a PlayStation Portable UMD game disk to the ISO file format offers certain advantages to PSP owners. Running a game from a disk image instead of an actual disk helps to preserve battery life and often results in faster loading times in-game. However, ISO files tend to be large because they represent the entire, uncompressed contents of the original UMD disk. As a result, some PSP owners convert the ISO game files to a related format called CSO. Depending on the settings used, a CSO file can be as much as 30 percent smaller than the…
Increase creativity and play through online websites like Roblox. This virtual game allows you to take full advantage of your imagination by allowing users to build anything they want, whether it is just one machine or building or a full online playground with machines and play objects with which you can interact. You do this by stacking bricks in the shape you want, much like you do with toy Legos or erector construction sets.
Your DL file is primarily associated with animation and can be opened with Notebook or Text Editor. To convert your DL video into a usable Flexi or Flex file, you must employ an online file conversion service or a software program. Luckily, there are a variety of free software programs at your fingertips online to help you convert your animation files.
In August of 2011, Microsoft announced the discontinuation of Microsoft Reader, the Windows-based e-Book reader program compatible with .LIT files. Although you have several other possible ways to read e-Books, including Mobipocket Reader for Windows-based systems and Mobipocket-compatible e-Book readers such as the Amazon Kindle, those with large Microsoft Reader libraries will need to first convert their .LIT files before reading the e-Books on their new programs or devices. You can choose between two ways to convert .LIT files. The first method uses an online conversion service, which is simple but offers little in the way of conversion options. The…
