Boat Lights: LED, Versus Halogen, Versus HID

LEDs have generated a lot of interest among boaters over the last several years due to their high efficiency, powerful output, and unheard of longevity. Although early LED offerings were lacking in light quality and lumen output, rapid advancements in LED lighting technology have for all intents brought LEDs up to par and now they are considered a superior alternative to almost every other type of light source. This is not to say that traditional light sources are no longer worth consideration, but as LEDs continue to increase in quality and output, justifying the use of other lighting designs is becoming harder and harder to do. To see just how effective LEDs have become, let's take some time to compare some performance averages across the three main types of standard boat light types.
Halogen-
Halogens have been a longtime favorite among boaters due to their good power and affordable purchase price. There is often some confusion as to whether or not a halogen bulb qualifies as an incandescent light source, but the basic design is the same, only halogens contain added halogen and or bromine gases. The addition of these gases causes a reaction with the tungsten filament which results in vaporized tungsten being re-deposited on the filament as the lamp is operated. This increases the longevity of the lamp and allows it to run at higher temperatures, which in turn improves the color quality and overall lumen output of the bulb. However, halogen bulbs are as we mentioned, at their core a basic incandescent design, and like all incandescent bulbs are highly inefficient and relatively short lived. Some specs for a typical 50 watt halogen bulb commonly used on boats are listed below.
17-20 lumens per watt output.
2800-3400 Kelvin color temperature.
Lamp life 1700 - 2500 hrs.
Color rendering index 100.
1,500 to 2,000 hour operating life.
Very hot operating temperature.
Fragile wire filament can break under abusive conditions.
HID-Metal Halide-
HID bulbs produce light differently from halogen or LED light sources and represent some of the most powerful types of lighting available. Most HID bulbs used onboard boats are of the metal halide variety, which produces high output combined with good color quality and good longevity. HID lights are more commonly used in spotlights due to their intense output, but also see significant use in spreader applications where larger amounts of deck area need to be covered with substantially high lumen levels. HID lights produce light by creating an arc within a glass bulb that ignites gases and metallic salts to create a plasma ignition, in turn creating intense light output. HID lights are very efficient, have good longevity, and like halogen lamps produce large amounts of heat. For applications requiring the most powerful light output possible, HID systems are at the top of the list. The following are some basic performance specs for a typical 50 watt HID bulb.
Lamp life 5,000 - 20,000 hrs (varies greatly according to wattage).
2700K to 20,000 Kelvin color temperature.
75-95 Color rendering index.
Very hot operating temperature.
Erratic operation when bulb nears end of life rating.
Slow warmup, slow hot restart.
Requires ballast assembly for operaton.
Solid State Lighting- LEDs-
LEDs represent the newest generation of boat lighting technology and provide an excellent alternative to halogen and metal halide lamps. LEDs also produce light much differently than halogen or HID bulbs. LEDs consist of thin layers of semi conducting material coated with materials such as phosphorus which is affixed to a metal base and fed current through two contacts. When electrical current is passed through an LED, a process called electroluminescence takes place where in electrons pass through the semiconducting material and as they do they eventually release some energy in the form of photons, or visible light. This process is very efficient, produces low amounts of heat as compared to the amount of light produced, and works natively with direct current rather than alternating current.
Although LEDs do produce far less heat than incandescent or HID lamps, the LED chip itself is more sensitive to high heat levels, and it is possible for too much heat buildup to damage the LED and shorten its operating life if not dealt with. Because of this most manufacturers design LED fixtures with built in heat sinks, represented by finned housing designs which work to efficiently dissipate heat and maintain maximum performance. This heat management issue and heat management solution is why most LED fixtures look so different from standard lamps and is the leading source of trouble with LEDs, but these days most manufacturers of quality LEDs have produced designs which effectively reduce the issue to a minor one. The following are some basic specs for an LED equivalent to 50 watt halogen lamps.
60-100 lumens per watt output.
Lamp life 20,000 - 100,000 hrs.
2,700 to 7,000 Kelvin color temperature.
60-90 Color rendering index.
Very cool operating temperature.
Instant on, no warmup.
Voltage sensitive and requires additional voltage managing circuitry.
No glass, no filament, highly durable.
If we look at these basic specifications we can easily see why LEDs are now so popular with boaters. Highly efficient, cool running, and extremely long lived, LEDs represent an almost tailor made lighting solution for boat illumination. LEDs can easily replace halogen lamps for almost any type of onboard installation, and their small size and cool operation means you can install them in cabins without the need for bulky fixtures or worries about potential fire hazards. Although LEDs don't as of yet have to intense output of HID lamps, they still provide comparable output that is quite effective when used in applications requiring significant beam reach or coverage of large areas. LEDs don't need any warmup time to reach full operating output, and since they are solid state can handle the vibrations and impacts that come with running through rough seas.

Cool Messenger Bags

A messenger bag is more than a practical way to get stuff from one place to another: it's a fashion statement. Messenger bags come in classic leather, easy-to-clean polyester or downright groovy corduroy, it's your choice. A messenger bag is the perfect way to carry your things without feeling burdened, and you can even personalize it so can be identified if you ever leave it hanging around. Here are some samples of messenger bags:
Personalized Soft Sided Briefcase - This gorgeous soft leather briefcase is designed to serve the organizational needs of both women and men. It features a small interior pocket, pen holders and a business card holder inside. There are also pockets which can accommodate everything from file folders and the morning paper to umbrellas, keys or cell phone. Briefcases such as these are usually only found in luxury departments but this one allows for luxury but with a smaller price tag.
Urban Corduroy Messenger Bag - To go with casual cords, faded blue jeans and your other laid back urban gear, this messenger bag is available in earth tone colors, brown, olive or blue. It is made of comfortable corduroy fabric and has large front and back zipper pockets, a back zipper and a velcro compartment, inner zipper pocket, adjustable shoulder strap, and an olive green and white mini floral print fabric lining.
Personalized Computer Portfolio Bags - When you're a professional, you take your laptop everywhere you go, to coffee shops to surf the net, to the park to write a paper, or to the library for cram sessions. Don't settle for an ugly old laptop bag, or a nonpadded bag just because it fits. This handy laptop bag comes in a trendy, practical messenger bag design that has great extra features, including all the extra pockets, a secure padded laptop sleeve, and padded straps for comfortable carrying. You can give it as a useful gift to yourself, or to that busy college student or career guy you know.
Personalized Leather 17" Laptop Briefcase - Crafted out of top grain Nappa cowhide, this Leather Laptop Briefcase is loaded with features and styling and is perfect for the new 17" notebook computers. Not only can it be personalized, it also has an adjustable shoulder strap and grab handle, also crafted from matching soft leather. It features wonderful storage, the large center compartment is padded to protect your laptop from damage and has a sturdy Velcro strap to hold the computer down. With the laptop safely zipped away, you'll need space to bring some paperwork and supplies home with you, which is what the pockets are for! It has two front pockets and a large file pocket and the interior is lined with exclusive striped moire' lining for an extra touch of class.
Personalized Messenger Style Bag - With enough pockets for everything, this bag needs no improvement. So versatile, you wouldn't need another bag. This is also a cool alternative to a duckie diaper bag because it has plenty of pockets to carry baby wipes, powder and baby oil. Moms and dads will definitely love it. It also has additional features, which include 2 more interior zippered pockets for keys and other electronic devices.

Bluetooth Speakers

LEDs: The Light of the Future

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), “semiconductors that emit light when zapped with [positive polarity] electricity,”[1] are on the verge of taking over the commercial and consumer sectors of the lighting industry. With greater efficiency, longer useful lives, and their “clean” nature, LEDs are the future of light, pushing traditional incandescent and fluorescent bulbs toward extinction. Only the higher production costs for LEDs has extended the existence of traditional bulbs.
History
When viewing the history of traditional bulbs, the higher costs associated with producing LEDs is not an insurmountable hurdle to overcome. The incandescent bulb lingered for about 70 years before supplanting “candles, oil lanterns, and gas lamps” as the main source of lighting.[2] When the first crude incandescent bulb was created in 1809 by Humphrey Davy, an English chemist, using two charcoal strips to produce light, it remained impractical. Later when the first true incandescent bulb was created by Warren De la Rue in 1820, utilizing a platinum filament to produce light, it was too expensive for commercial use. Only when Thomas Edison created an incandescent bulb utilizing a carbonized filament within a vacuum in 1879, did the incandescent bulb become practical and affordable for consumer use.
Although considered relatively novel, the concept for LEDs first arose in 1907 when Henry Joseph Round used a piece of Silicone Carbide (SiC) to emit a dim, yellow light. This was followed by experiments conducted by Bernhard Gudden and Robert Wichard Pohl in Germany during the late 1920s, in which they used “phosphor materials made from Zinc Sulphide (ZnS) [treated] with Copper (Cu)” to produce dim light.[3] However, during this time, a major obstacle existed, in that many of these early LEDs could not function efficiently at room temperature. Instead, they needed to be submerged in liquid nitrogen (N) for optimal performance.
This led to British and American experiments in the 1950s that used Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) as a substitute for Zinc Sulphide (ZnS) and the creation of an LED that produced invisible, infrared light at room temperature. These LEDs immediately found use in photoelectric, sensing applications. The first “visible spectrum” LED, producing “red” light was created in 1962 by Nick Holonyak, Jr. (b. 1928) of the General Electric Company who used Gallium Arsenide Phosphide (GaAsP) in place of Gallium Arsenide (GaAs). Once in existence, they were quickly adopted for use as indicator lights.
Before long these red LEDs were producing brighter light and even orange-colored electroluminescence when Gallium Phosphide (GaP) substrates were used. By the mid 1970s, Gallium Phoshide (GaP) itself along with dual Gallium Phosphide (GaP) substrates were being used to produce red, green, and yellow light. This ushered in the trend “towards [LED use in] more practical applications” such as calculators, digital watches and test equipment, since these expanded colors addressed the fact that “the human eye is most responsive to yellow-green light.”[4]
However, rapid growth in the LED industry did not begin until the 1980s when Gallium Aluminium Arsenides (GaAIAs) were developed, providing “superbright” LEDs (10x brighter than LEDs in use at the time) – “first in red, then yellow and… green,” which also required less voltage providing energy savings. [5] This led to the concept of the first LED flashlight, in 1984.
Then in parallel with emerging laser diode technology, which focused on maximizing light output, the first “ultrabright” LEDs were created in the early 1990s through the use of Indium Gallium Aluminium Phosphide (InGaAIP) led in part by Toshiba’s creation of an LED that “reflected 90% or more of the generated light…” In addition, during this same period, it was discovered that different colors, including “white” (although a “true” white light was only recently produced through the use of an organic LED (OLED) by Cambridge Display Technology, in the U.K.) could be produced through “adjustments in the size of the energy band gap” when Indium Gallium Aluminium Phosphide (InGaAIP) was used, much in part because of the work of Shuji Nakamura of Nichia Corporation, who developed the world’s first blue LED in 1993.[6] Today, this technology is used to produce LEDs that even emit “exotic colors” such as pink, purple and aqua as well as “genuine ultra-violet ‘black’ light.[7]
A critical milestone was reached in 1997 when it became cost effective to produce “high brightness” LEDs in which the intensity (benefits) exceeded the associated costs to produce it.
In conjunction with this milestone, newer technology is emerging that will likely reduce costs even further (and improve lighting) – the introduction of quantum dots or microscopic crystals ([8]
Advantages
The advantages of adopting LEDs to provide sole source lighting for every application are significant. LEDs emit virtually no heat (wasted energy) and are “in fact… cool to the touch” unlike incandescent light bulbs. They are also more durable (encased in a hardened shell and resistant to vibration and shocks) than and last up to 50 times longer than traditional incandescent and fluorescent bulbs ( some can be used for up to 10 years), and they “use a greater proportion of the electricity flowing through them” translating into “savings for consumers.” [9] According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “widespread adoption of LEDs could cut U.S. consumption of electricity for lighting by 29%”[10] since they require less energy to function and by their nature, reduce the amount of air conditioning needed to keep areas cool and comfortable.
The shape of LEDs also provides lighting benefits when compared to that of traditional bulbs. Unlike incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, LEDs do not require the use of an external reflector to collect and direct their light. In addition, “LEDs light up very quickly… achiev[ing] full brightness in approximately 0.01 seconds – 10 times faster than” traditional bulbs.[11]
LEDs also produce no ultra-violet output, which can damage fabrics, unlike traditional bulbs; they are light-weight, ecologically friendly, and can produce different colors (without the use of color filters) based on the amount of power provided to each primary color ensuring that electricity is not wasted. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Nano Structures Lab) is presently conducting research that could lead to the creation of an LED “where both color and intensity (brightness) can be set electronically.”[12]
Uses and the Future
As LEDs gain a greater portion of the lighting market, they are currently used in a variety of devices and applications ranging from traffic control devices (e.g. traffic lights, which include the single signal device that changes colors from green to yellow to red), barricade lights, hazard signs, message displays (e.g. Times Square, New York, commodities and news message boards, scoreboards), cellphones, televisions, large video screens used at sporting and other outdoor events (e.g. Miami Dolphins end-zone screen), calculators, digital clocks and watches, flashlights (including models for which 60 seconds of manual winding provides one-hour of light, eliminating the need to stockpile fresh batteries for emergencies), Christmas lights, airport runway lights, buoy lights, and automotive applications (e.g. indicator lights as well as head lights and signal lights in some vehicles; driver’s of the new 2006 Ford Mustang can even change the color (125 different varieties) of their “LED-laden dashboard by using the ‘MyColor’ feature”[13]).
In fact the automotive industry plans to replace all bulbs with LEDs by 2010, while efforts are currently underway to replace all traffic signals with LED devices. At the same time, plans are in place to eventually use LEDs to light streets as well as much of the Third World and other areas “with no means of electricity” since “solar charged batteries” can power LEDs for the duration of each night. [14]
In addition, “Phillips Electronics is developing remote-controlled LED room lighting [while] Boeing Corp. plans to use LED’s throughout the interior of its new 787 Dreamliner commercial jet.”[15]
With the promise that LEDs hold, it is likely that someday they will provide illumination for houses and offices, X-Ray capabilities for the medical field, power computer monitors, as well as an assortment of other devices and applications. The possibilities are endless. However, before LEDs can supplant the traditional bulb, “designers and advocates of the technology must overcome… the usual obstacles to mainstream market adoption: Industry-accepted standards must be developed and costs must be reduced.”[16] Currently costs are coming down and some companies are moving towards these industry standards (e.g. Phillips Electronics is working on LED bulbs that can screw into existing light sockets, while besthomeledlighting.com already offers LED screwable bulbs -- one consisting of 70 LEDS that emits a "warm white color similar to the light from an incandescent bulb"[17] using only 3 Watts of energy and another LED bulb that actually changes colors when lit). With these efforts along with the adoption, exploitation, and production of LED technology by growing numbers of companies, it is inevitable that LEDs will become the sole source of lighting rendering traditional incandescent and fluorescent bulbs extinct. In short, LEDs are the light of the future, a light that will benefit not only consumers but also industry and the Earth in general.

LED Headlights To Light Up The Horizons

The majority of car owners everywhere take whatever lights that come with the car without complaint. And why not? Today's OEM headlights are a far cry from the feeble incandescent sealed beams that passed for headlights in 50s and 60s. Nowadays, the very minimum lighting that can be found in cars are halogen-type bulbs, with high output HID lights standard in luxury and sporting cars.
At the bleeding edge of automotive headlight development are the LED headlights introduced by luxury German manufacturer Audi for their R8 sports car. Where filament type headlights generate only five percent of the power input as light, LEDs offer much more. The heat you feel from incandescent and halogen bulbs is energy that is being wasted. In contrast, LEDs run cooler and being more efficient, use up less power to generate the same light output. But as with any new technology, cost is a prohibiting factor for early and widespread adaptation. Audi has offered these headlights as an option for selected models, but the owner has to fork out 5,000 dollars to enjoy the benefits of LED headlights.s
For manufacturers who have begun to share platforms with partner automakers, LEDs also offer a critical advantage. For decades, designers have had to design the front ends of their new cars with round or rectangular lights in mind. In fact, if you look at car designs from the 40s to the 60s, the round headlight was a constant design element that designers were powerless to modify. Now, LEDs can be arranged into less restrictive shapes, freeing designers to style the front ends of their cars in newer and more visually exciting ways.
Owners of older cars don't have much of an option when it comes to upgrading to LED headlights. There is an American company that has introduced replacement LED lights but reviews have been mixed, and the shape of the lights are limited to the round and rectangular headlights that have been a standard design for decades. Still, development is continuing and any issues and technical challenges that have appeared will undoubtedly be addressed. But even without this option, many aftermarket lighting systems are available to the car owner who wants to modify his or her car's lighting system. Halogen and HID systems have proven themselves to be proven and reliable alternatives, and with the technology well-known, are available for price far below the thousands that OEM LED options charge.

Dodge Ram LED Headlights

The problem with many models of these brands made today mean that they come stock with Halogen Dodge Ram Headlights. From 1981 all the way to 2010 and up, there are a myriad of differing lighting options available to you. The early favorites have been for many years a Ram projector headlight setup. Instead of the wavy light pattern that come stock, a projector beam focuses and directs the light exactly where it is needed. As with clipping a hose slightly, you spread the wave, however when focused out as a stream, it is much more powerful and effective. This headlight technology is also the best method of controlling a High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lamp. With the excessive brightness that these emit, it can be dangerous and ineffective to not focus the beam directly but rather to point it exactly where it needs to be for maximum vision and safety.
A Dodge Ram HID conversion kit coupled with some new Ram headlights can transform your truck into a whole new animal. The light output will increase nighttime visibility to unparalleled levels at an incredibly affordable price compared to dealer installed options. Going off road or driving late at night can be very dangerous with old lighting technologies. Step up and invest in your safety with a quality set of Dodge Ram Xenon Headlights to illuminate the road like never before.
The next step up from projector style headlights are Dodge Ram Halo LED (Angel Eye) headlights. These add a beautiful looking LED ring around your headlights and have the award winning and lasting LED technology which ensures they can be seen even in the day. This is the newest technology you see being utilized first by Audi and now Mercedes and BMW, which are now available for your Dodge Ram. The biggest improvement that these newer Ram headlight technologies also add is the much lower power usage by these new lighting parts.
What this means is that technology will now allow your Ram to have much better lighting while also cutting electrical energy use by half. What's more the life of these new Xenon HID and LED bulbs will most times outlast the vehicle they are installed on. Looking at Ram CCFL LED Halo headlights will mean you are researching the highest quality and best performing Ram headlights available anywhere. The CCFL LED technology for your Dodge Ram means LED's that are up to 4x brighter than standard LED's, while also adding a substantial lifespan to your Ram headlight. This allows you to have peace of mind when investing in new Ram headlights from . The beauty of all of these headlights also is that there is little to no modifications needed on almost all the differing brands that are carried. Having a direct fitting and installing set of Dodge Ram headlights guarantees a long term relationship with your new technology that will always and continually remind you of the great investment you have made in your safety and those of other drivers.

Bluetooth Speakers - Advantages and Disadvantages

Bluetooth speakers are the latest advancements in the wireless world. Working on the same Bluetooth technology that allows you to share music and files on your mobile phone wirelessly with friends, these speakers provide a high quality listening experience without using any wires. As far as wireless technologies go, Bluetooth is still in its nascent stages, but nevertheless, offers a compelling performance.
If you own a cell phone, you've probably used Bluetooth already. Nowadays, you can buy everything from earphones and headphones to headsets that run on this technology. Many modern laptops and netbooks also utilize Bluetooth to connect devices wirelessly, including speakers, headphones and small printers.
The two common technologies most prevalent in wireless speakers are RF (radio frequency) and Infra-Red. While both have their own merits, their functionality is somewhat limited. Radio Frequency, for instance, can sometimes suffer from interference and reception issues, while Infra-Red requires the device and the receiver to be in-line with each other, thereby limiting portability.
Bluetooth speakers, on the other hand, can work without any spatial restrictions as long as the speakers and the receiver are within 30 feet of each other. You need not fiddle around with any settings; the connection can be established wirelessly between the receiver and the Bluetooth speakers.
Advantages of Bluetooth Speakers
- Bluetooth speakers generally consume very low power. More often than not, you don't need a hefty external power adapter to keep them running. In fact, many popular models run on AA batteries.
- One major advantage of Bluetooth speakers is portability. Many people use them like headphones or earphones, carrying a small pair of speakers in their laptop bags to be used outdoors. Their low power consumption makes them an ideal choice for such use.
- Since these speakers work without wires, you will never have to fiddle with cumbersome cables and adapters.
- No installation. The connection between the speakers and the device (cell phone, laptop, etc.) can be established automatically. You need not hunt for drivers or installation CDs.
- Perfect for personal outdoor use. If you are out on a camping trip, or spending some time with friends on a picnic, you'll find Bluetooth speakers very handy. Since there is no installation required, you can set up and start listening to music within minutes.
- Work with cell phones, iPhones, etc. The great thing about Bluetooth speakers is that they work seamlessly with cell phones. While other wireless speakers employ RF or infra-red - features that few cell phones have - Bluetooth is ubiquitous in mobile phones. And since most modern day phones already have music playing capabilities, you can listen to your favorite music instantly.
Disadvantages of Bluetooth Speakers
- Range. The device (i.e. music player, cell phone, laptop, etc.) and the speakers need to be within 30 feet of each other to function. This means that you will find it hard to play music while sitting in another room.
- Power. Bluetooth speakers cannot compete with regular speakers when it comes to delivering raw power (i.e. wattage). Their sound will be weaker, lacking the richness and depth of regular speakers.
- Compatibility. While most cell phones are Bluetooth capable, many music players are not.
Conclusion
Bluetooth speakers are perfect if you want to listen to music while outdoors. If you want to catch up on your favorite songs while on a picnic, in a park, or on a camping trip, these are ideal investments. However, for home use, you may want to look at other wireless speakers that can deliver more power and better sound quality.

LED Headlights Gaining Popularity in the Auto Industry

Light emitting diodes have been used in a number of different applications as a light source, since they were developed in the early 1960s. For the last few years, they have found an increasing amount of use as the headlamps in many automobiles, but they must be introduced as replacements in the automobile aftermarket. Installation is easy, but there are a few important considerations.
There may be several advantages and disadvantages that come with the use of LED headlights, and one of the most obvious disadvantages is the initial price. LED headlights will usually cost more than traditional halogen headlights. They can cost almost as 3 times as much, and are more heat-sensitive. Some cooling device or mechanism, such as a heat sink may be needed.
There may be some legal issues with the lights, in your region, that is regulated at the state or municipal level, and you should check with your local authorities, before you install LED headlights in your automobile. The light may be required to be of a certain brightness that is specified in lumens.
Light emitting diodes are a high-efficiency light source. The quality and brightness of the light is much better while less energy is consumed, and they also last much longer than traditional halogen lights. Because of the higher efficiency they are being used in an expanding amount of applications in both industry and residences.
• When used in automobiles, the increased brightness results in improved visibility over longer distances, which can improve safety on the roadways, when accidents are avoided.
• The average LED light may last as much as 5000 hours, which is 200 times more than the traditional halogen light. Lower replacement costs, results in considerable savings.
• The quality of the light created with LED is more natural, as the color temperatures at specific ranges, are much closer to those of natural sunlight. LED lights require almost no maintenance and emit very little heat radiation.
These are only a few of the advantages, but as the costs of manufacturing the lights are reduced, as mass adoption introduces greater cost efficiency, the cost disadvantage can very easily be overcome. It may still be a bit too early to tell whether the auto industry is going to switch completely to LED lights, but they are slowly being introduced in the luxury vehicle category. The reasons are much more than aesthetics, as they have proven to be more economical.
Recent surveys show that the top priority as far as technology is concerned for new car buyers is LED headlights.

LED Lenser Flashlights - Headlamps

LED Headlamps

LED Lenser flashlights and LED Lenser headlamps for that matter are not your everyday flashlights and headlamps. These are high-quality LED products manufactured by one of the leading companies in the portable light industry and designed with durability, functionality and beauty in mind. These hand-held flashlights use state-of-the-art engineering and a variety of patent pending reflector systems to create the brightest, most energy-efficient LED lights available. Incredibly compact, LED Lenser lights provide up to 200 hours of light from one set of batteries and up to 100,000 hours of light from the LED light chip. With their sleek, metal casings and only the highest quality LEDs these revolutionary LED lights are the new benchmark in the hand-held light industry.
Indeed, Lenser flashlights and headlamps are investments in portable lighting technology that every home, school and office should make for their everyday uses, emergencies and even defense!
How LED Lights Work
Both flashlights and headtorches from Lenser are obviously based on LED technology. Basically, an LED consists of two types of semiconductors that have varying abilities in the conduction of electricity:
• N-type semiconductors have an abundance of electrons
• P-type semiconductors provide more room for electrons to pass through its holes
When an electrical current is applied to the diode, the electrons travel from the N-type semiconductor to the P-type semiconductor. The energy released from the electron transfer - or from the electrons falling through the holes in the P-type semiconductor - is known as a photon, a particle of light. The continuous movement of electrons causes the LED Lenser flashlights and LED Lenser headtorches to emit light for their users.
LED can also be designed to emit specific wavelengths of light depending on the semiconductor used. For example, aluminum gallium arsenide is for red LED, aluminum gallium phosphide is for greed LED, and indium gallium nitride is for blue LED.
What Benefits LED Lights Provide
The LED flashlights and headlamps from LED Lenser are considered among the best products in the industry for good reasons. These portable lighting products provide for the following benefits:
• Longevity
LED lights last for up to 1,000 times longer than conventional incandescent lights used on non-LED flashlights and headtorches. An average Lenser flashlight can last up to 50,000 hours, thus, proving its longevity.
• Versatility
Unlike most conventional flashlights, many LED Lenser flashlights and headtorches are fitted with microprocessors that allow for low, medium and high light output settings. Users can then decide which setting is appropriate for the situation at hand.
• Durability
Lenser flashlights and headlamps are manufactured from high-quality, shock-resistant materials that will last for decades to come. Many of these products are, in fact, used for commercial purposes such as by security personnel and police forces, as is the case with the Lenser P7 and Lenser P14. The Lenser P7 has a 210-meter beam range and 200 lumens while the Lenser P14 provides for a 280-meter beam range and 210 lumens; both come with belt sheath and lanyard for professional use. The H14R headlamp which produces 220 lumens of light and a beam range of 210 metres is very common headlamp for fishing.

Importance Of Using Relay Harness With HID Conversion Kit!

This is one of the most important questions that is confusing many people these days! Many of us while handling our HID kit are confused as to whether or not to opt for using a relay harness. Well, the answer to this important question depends upon a number of other factors, such as the type of application, HID kit installation location, low beam/high beam/fog light use, etc.
Most of the time an small lcd screen kit can be plugged directly into the headlight panel socket. However, the results will vary depending upon the type of the wiring in the vehicle and the use of automatic light controls. In the older car models, generally the headlights withdraw power directly from the switch socket.
After the installation of the HID kit, the power consumption will increase, which can burn out the switch over time. This damage can prove to be extremely heavy on your pocket. Especially, if your car was manufactured around 1980, you had better pay close attention to this warning.
But, if your car belongs to the league of the newly manufactured vehicles, you might just escape this disaster. In most of the newly manufactured vehicles, a more dedicated headlight relay based circuit is provided for handling the low beam/high beam/fog lights, etc.
Every car is provided with a light circuit, which is designed around a certain wattage level for the bulb. If the installed HID kit withdraws more power than the reference bulb, the protection fuse most will blow. In some cases, people make use of bigger fuses, but that is really not the safe solution. In doing so, you might just end up burning the wiring harness or even igniting electrical fire. Then, where does the solution lie?
Well, the solution lies in installing an HID based relay harness. Such a system makes use of the light socket in the car for clicking over the relay. This enables the easy flow of power directly from the car battery through the gauge wire, as well as suppling the right fuse size for the operation of the HID ballasts.
If your vehicle has automatic lights or employs low voltage based DRLs, then you should certainly opt for the HID relay harness setup. Most of the relay harness setups cater to the voltage dipping troubles associated with automatic car lights. The operating voltage of the DRLs used in your car will determine the configuration of DRL to be used. If the operating voltage is more than 6.5 volts, a single HID relay harness will work, or else a DRL module has to be used.

How to Order Your Guitar's Effects Pedals

It is important to follow a few basic guidelines when you begin running multiple effects pedals for you guitar in a series. Improperly ordering your effects chain or pedal board can result in poor tones and unwanted noise. Remember, these effects pedals are actually altering the signal of your guitar, so when placed in a chain, an effects pedal could be processing a signal that has already been altered many times. This is what makes the order of them so vital to your sound.
1st Position - Chromatic Tuner / EQ
I always recommend placing a chromatic tuner (if you have one) , first in your chain. This ensures that the pedal is getting the strongest signal possible, which will make accurate tuning much easier. Now is a good time to also add your EQ pedal to your chain. This allows you to shape your sound before it starts to have effects applied.
2nd Position - Distortion/Overdrive/Fuzz
It is important to have your distortion pedals as the leaders of your chain because they are what your guitar tone is based on. Placing these pedals first in your chain ensures that you are only distorting your true guitar sound.
When you start playing with multiple effects, this keeps the integrity of the more complex effects pedals like chorus and flange in tact. These pedals carefully alter your guitar's signal, and distorting them could taken away from their tone.
3rd Position - Wah Pedal
There are some guitar players who prefer having their Wah Pedal in front of their distortion pedals (Jimi Hendrix), but I have found that I get the best results by placing it after them in the chain. A Wah Pedal is basically an EQ that sweeps the high ends, and low ends of your sound, which will cause the signal going to the distortion pedal to be altered if it is placed before it. Placing your Wah pedal after your distortion pedals will provide a nice linear sweep because you'll have one steady signal coming into it.
4th Position - Delay
At this point in your effects pedal chain we have shaped the tone of your guitar, and added the foundations of distortion. Placing a Delay pedal in this position will result in only the signal coming into it to be repeated, thus preserving the sound of the modulation effects that will come after it. You do not want to add delay to effects like flange, and chorus. If you were to place these before your Delay pedal, the effects they create would also be delayed. You want these to be consistent while the core sound of your guitar is being delayed.
Position 4 - Modulation
Modulation effects consist of flange, chorus, phase, envelope filters, etc. All of these add color, and depth to your sound. As we noted earlier, it is important to keep these signals as true as possible on their way to your amplifier. Running a flanger effect before a distortion, or overdrive pedal would distort the flanger's sound, and would harm the subtlety of the effect.
Position 5 - Volume Pedal
This position should be reserved for any pedal that is going to take away from the sound of your guitar, primarily a volume pedal. You want to place your volume pedal in this position so that you can accurately decrease the effect volume for ALL your pedals. If you were to place it in the middle of your chain, you would only lower the effect volume for all of the pedals that come before it. This is also an acceptable position for a Tremolo pedal.
Position 6 - Reverb
Reverb is an effect that usually occurs naturally. For this reason, you want to place this effect after all of your modulations, distortions and EQs have been applied so that the Reverb can shape your sound as realistically as possible.

So that is all there is to it. Those are the basics to effects pedal ordering and I hope they can help you organize your pedal chain or pedal board so you can get the best sounds possible.
I do want to note though that the great thing about creating music is experimentation, and that there is no "set in stone" way to order your pedals. The ordering I have provided for you is what I use, and it is what creates the best tones out of all the combinations I have tried. If you have any questions, or would like to add your own opinions on effect pedal ordering, please leave a comment.

Solar Powered Bluetooth Speakers

Did you even know they made solar powered blue tooth speakers? Well I didn't until I ran across some recently. I always love to check out new iPhone accessories and especially any wireless accessories that are coming out. I love to let my phone set on the desk, on the dashboard of my car or in my pocket and still be able to listen to music and take calls on my phone. So these new blue tooth speakers really caught my eye and then I found out they don't even need a charger to run!
There are so many speaker sets for cell phones these days it seems ridiculous, now when you are talking about iPhone accessories, well there are even more. In most cases the portable speakers are compatible with multiple phones or at least any phone that has a standard output mini jack. Howver, if you own an iPhone 3g or iPhone 3gs you know how finicky the blue tooth can be. I don't know why apple has not fixed the bluetooth issue in a firmware upgrade yet, but they have not.
The good news about the newest models of bluetooth speakers and even the special solar powered speakers, is that they all work with the iPhone. There are still one or two bluetooth 2.0 devices that are not compatible, but for the most part you should be OK with all the new iPhone speakers coming out.
I love to use the bluetooth speakers for my iPhone while I am camping. I love the outdoors and unfortunately the little iPhone speaker does not do to well in the great outdoors. Inside, I can deal with the built in iPhone speaker, but while I am by the fire and kicking back a cold one, there is nothing better than having your tunes within a fingers reach. Of course you can get the speakers that are wired, but it is really nice to be able to set your speakers on the picnic table and use your iPhone like a remote to the solar powered blue tooth speaker system. This is a really cool way to keep the tunes coming!
If you love being outside as much as I do, I highly suggest you look into finding some bluetooth speakers to rock your phone while you are outside as well. If you don't like bringing a boat load of batteries with you, the solar powered iPhone speakers may be the set for you!

You Can Easily Fix HID Lights on Your Car

Even though the HID lights appearing at the front of your car may appear quite attractive, there is more to them than that good appearance they give your car, they play a big role in assisting with illumination especially during those times when there is low light. These lights first made their debut with luxury car models especially the BMW 7 series and as time has moved on they have found their way into many other models. These lights which are more expensive than your ordinary car lights or halogen bulbs can easily be identified because of their blue hue. Apart from being used in trucks, cars and bikes they are also used in lighting different other areas.
HID lights are produced in different shapes as opposed to the regular headlamps that are almost always rectangular in shape. Most drivers have come to love them because they produce brighter light than what you get with your every day car headlights. If that is not enough, you should probably know by now that they are also friendly because they consume very little power thereby increasing your car's battery life. These lights come with an inbuilt intelligent microprocessor that can automatically sense different types of lamps so as to determine the correct voltage depending on its use.
The initials HID mean high intensity discharge and instead of the normal filament found in bulbs, they contain xenon gas. The bulbs come in different strengths such as the 4300K, 600K or 8000K; you only need to learn that the 4300K specification has its color closest to sunlight and will therefore be more comfortable to the eyes; the later models have special features that make them easier to use. It may appear that as time is moving on it will only be a matter of time before we forget about the use of the regular halogen lamps since HID lights are becoming the order of the day. They give so much light in comparison to the small amount of energy they consume.
The best thing about the energy efficient lamps is that if you are a DIY person you can actually fix them on your own. When you buy them you will receive special instructions that come along with the kit so that you have a step by step procedure on how to do the installation. When you buy your kit, you just need to ensure that they have a sufficient warranty period. Before you begin the process of installation it always important to make sure you have in your possession all the components and that there is a good position where you can mount them. There should also be sufficient wiring for both your bulbs that is long enough to do a clean job. As soon as you decide where you are going to mount them, ensure that you fasten them securely so that they don't fall off from your vehicle. The next step will include plugging the HID bulb inside the housing of the headlight before you finally secure them and you are good to go.

How to Connect Your iPod Touch to Bluetooth Speakers

Support for Bluetooth speakers on the iPod touch is now a reality. When released the second generation of Apple's iPod touch platform replaced the Wi-Fi chip used with one that supports Bluetooth. Out of the box Apple did not enable Bluetooth. With the release of OS version 3.0 the Bluetooth chip has been enabled for pairing with Bluetooth speakers or headphones.
The second generation of iPod Touch was released September 9, 2009. The second generation iPod touch's came with OS Version 2.1.1 originally. Currently the latest released OS is version 3.1.2. For a small fee (currently about five dollars) you can upgrade your touch to the latest and greatest OS release. Along with many other features the latest release includes the Bluetooth A2DP profile (The Advanced Audio Distribution Profile is a Bluetooth profile that allows for the wireless transmission of stereo audio.) to be enabled.
There are a few things to verify before attempting to connect to your Bluetooth wireless speaker or headphones. First check your serial number and the apple website to verify that you do actually have a second generation or newer touch. Once you have verified that you have the required hardware, verify that your software version is correct. To determine your software version first tap the settings icon, then tap general, then tab about to see the version number. You need at least version 3.0 to be able to be able to connect to Bluetooth stereo speakers. If you are not at the very latest version I would strongly recommend that you upgrade to version 3.1.2 (at the time of this writing this is the latest version and can be purchased from iTunes for about 5 dollars).
Once you have determined that your iPod is capable and has the appropriate software it is time to pair with your Bluetooth wireless speaker. Follow the instructions that came with the headset or car kit to make it discoverable or to set it to search for other Bluetooth devices. This may involve entering a passkey or PIN number. Choose Settings > General > Bluetooth and turn Bluetooth on. The touch will begin searching for nearby Bluetooth devices. Choose the wireless Bluetooth speaker. The touch may prompt you to enter a passkey or PIN number. The instructions that came with your wireless speakers should contain this information.
Connecting to your wireless speakers from a touch is now very easy. Just make sure that you have a second generation or newer touch. Be sure to get the latest version of the OS. Turn on Bluetooth and search for your speakers or headphones. You will be enjoying your new wireless freedom in no time at all.

The Benefits of LED Headlights

LED headlights produce a much brighter light than the normal head lamp bulbs produce. The amount of light you receive from LED headlights is as much as twice the amount of light you would receive from an ordinary comparable head lamp bulb. The increased lighting allows you to see more on the roadway and thus be safer.
Oncoming traffic will attest to the fact that the LED headlights on the newer cars are much bright than their original counterparts. The oncoming traffic will notice your vehicle because the light being emitted from the LED headlights is much brighter and more noticeable. The good thing is that the increased brightness of the light does not blind the other drivers. These types of signal indicators, brake lights and headlamps create a safer car.
Another good benefit of the LED headlights is they require less energy to be operated. The head lamps on your vehicle are powered by your battery. Many other things are also powered by the car battery. If the items require less power from the battery to work then your battery will not be under a strain and will ultimately last longer. You also get the benefit of when your battery is low on power it will still be able to cause things that use less energy to work. You will not be left in the dark when you have these headlamps on your vehicle.
A lot of the newer models come standard with this type of headlamp. The headlamps are more expensive than the ones that were installed on older model cars, but they last twice, if not three times, longer than the older style headlamps. The increased safety is one of the major reasons that car manufacturers are installing these items, but the fact that the head lamps use less energy and burn at a lower temperature is also a major advantage.
If you have an older model car then you will need to install a kit that allows the light emitting diodes style head lamps to work on it. These kits are available at most automotive parts stores, and you can take the vehicle to the dealership and have their mechanics install the item for you. Even if you do not get the head lamps replaced with light emitting diodes consider replacing the tail lights and turn signals to increase the safety of your vehicle. LED headlights are a huge improvement over the original style of head lamps.

How Does HID Lighting Work?

HID, or high definition, lamps are typically required when high levels of light are needed to cover large areas. They are the lights you see at ballgames and theme parks, at stadiums and in gyms.
There is a high demand for HID lamps because of their efficiency on a wide scale and their ability to clearly cover huge areas. They come in several versions: mercury vapor lamps, metal halide lamps, and standard high-pressure sodium lights.
Mercury vapor lamps were the first commercially available high definition lamps (HID). They are swiftly becoming outdated by newer more efficient counterparts like high-pressure sodium lamps and metal halide lamps.
High-pressure sodium lamps generally emit a more yellowish light, but are available with whiter light. They are usually the most efficient, and thus most commonly used, type of HID light. Metal halide lamps produce a beautifully white, natural light, but are also less efficient.
How do HID lamps produce light?
High intensity discharge lamps produce light when the gases inside the fused alumina tube are heated to the point of evaporation. Tungsten electrodes are kept in the alumina tube, and when the metal elements begin to heat up, they strike the tungsten electrodes, creating an arc of light.
Similar to fluorescent lights, HID lamps need a ballast (a device used to start gas discharge in a lamp and limit the flow of electrical current) to even start producing heat. If they don't have the ballast, the reaction won't begin, and there won't be any light.
What are tungsten electrodes?
Tungsten is a chemical element that is known for its high melting point and robust physical characteristics. It is used widely in electrical applications like lighting because of these properties. It is a hard, non-alloy metal that ranges in color from steel gray to tin white. It is shaped, or "drawn" into the very thin metal wires you see inside a light bulb.
What applications are there for HID lamps?
There are numerous applications for HID. They are in high demand in areas that require lots of lights, like stadiums, football fields, warehouses, parking lots, roadways, sidewalks, and more.
However, they have come into habitual use in smaller areas as well, such as department stores, houses, indoor gardening, and a number of other applications. Because of their bright, natural light, HID lamps can also cause those extra bright headlights blinding you across the road.
They are such a powerful light source, in fact, that high definition lights have come into use on the airbus 380- super jumbo airplane

Acer V223-WBD 22" TFT LCD Monitor Vs Samsung Touch of Color T220HD 22-inch LCD HDTV Monitor a

A good monitor is indispensable, especially for those of use who work in front of the computer for prolonged periods of time everyday. A large monitor makes it easier for us to multitask and also improve the multimedia experience on our computer. If you are planning to get yourself a larger desktop monitor for your PC, consider getting yourself a 22" LCD monitor. Here is a comparison of two of my favorite models, the Acer V223-WBD 22" Widescreen TFT LCD monitor and the Samsung Touch Of Color T220HD 22-inch LCD HDTV monitor.
Price: The Acer model currently costs around $170 each, while the Samsung model costs around $270 each. That's a huge $100 difference. The huge price difference can be justified by the amount of features found one each model. Nevertheless, the budget conscious will find it to be a no-brainer in choosing between the two.
Winner: Acer V223-WBD 22" Widescreen TFT LCD monitor
Specs: The Acer model has a 2500:1 dynamic contrast ratio and a brightness level of 300c/m2. The Samsung model on the other hand has the same level of brightness, but a considerable 20'000: 1 dynamic contrast ratio. Both models have a 1680 x 1050 resolution and a 170/160-degree viewing angle. The Samsung also comes with a TV tuner and hidden surround sound speakers (not found on the Acer model).
Winner: Samsung Touch Of Color T220HD 22-inch LCD HDTV monitor
Design: The Acer monitor has a basic and simple design, with angular corners and a rectangular stand. The Samsung monitor on the other hand has a much more stylish design. It's a black glossy frame with a hint of red. It also has a sleek and curvaceous stand. The bold design of the Samsung monitor may not suit to everyone's taste and may not blend well into certain interior designs. The simple design of the Acer monitor on the other hand is much more versatile.
Winner: Draw
Verdict: Both these models are designed for very specific market niches. If you have some cash to spare, you should get your hands on the Samsung Touch Of Color T220HD 22-inch LCD HDTV monitor (if you like the design) as it comes with way more features than the Acer monitor. It is also a great choice for those who often watch movies, videos or work with animations on their computer, as the Samsung model is a much better monitor for watching videos. If you are on a budget or seldom use your PC for watching videos, the Acer V223-WBD 22" Widescreen TFT LCD monitor will prove to be a good choice.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Work Lights for Harsh Conditions

Illuminating work areas at night can increase safety and productivity. It's important to choose work lights that light up the area effectively to improve visibility and increase safety aspects. This is especially true in harsh conditions, such as the Australian outback, or in touch industries, such as mining, drilling, earth moving or agricultural industries.
Here are some things to look for before choosing work lights for harsh conditions:
Durability and Toughness
Always seek out heavy-duty lighting built specifically to withstand the environment they'll be used in. This means ensuring that all lamps are encased in high impact nylon housing that reduces the risk of breakage. Lights should also be made with hardened glass lenses.
There are plenty of Mining Lights and spot lights available that are specifically designed and made to withstand extreme conditions that exist in the mining, drilling, earth moving or agricultural industries.
Longevity
Illuminating work areas properly at night is important for safety and for productivity. For this reason, you need to be sure you choose lighting that will last a long time without needing to be replaced. This reduces maintenance time and ensures work areas remain well-lit when you need them most.
Halogen bulbs do offer long life spans, but there are also many benefits to considering LED lights as well. For instance, LED lights don't simply go out when their life span ends. Rather, they tend to dim gradually over a period of time. This still allows the area to remain well-lit until the lamp can be replaced, thus improving safety on the work site at night.
Weather Resistant
The harsh weather conditions in the Outback mean that any lights or lamps chosen need to be able to withstand the elements. Ideally, you should always choose work lights that are encased in dust resistant and water-resistant casing.
The power switch should also be housed in waterproof silicon rubber casing to prevent electrical shorting and other hazards.
LED vs. Halogen Lighting
Halogen burns very hot, producing plenty of yellowish light and plenty of heat. Work lights using halogen bulbs are good for casting a wide area of light around a work space. This makes them ideal for use as flood lights or for spot beams to Cap Lamps Cordless specific areas properly. Take care that safety precautions are taken, as the bulbs can become extremely hot after use.
LED lights cast a very bright, white light, which can be ideal for lighting work areas for maximum visibility at night. These lights use much less power than other forms of lighting, so they're very efficient. They also don't generate heat, which increases safety and reduces risk of fire accidents.
Working in extreme or harsh conditions is difficult enough. Don't make it any more difficult than it needs to be when working at night. Choose the right work lamps to keep important areas well-lit and you'll reduce safety risks dramatically.

Mechanism Behind TFT Monitor

As we know that the TFT LCD Display is the ultimatum, this TFT monitor uses thin film transistor technology. In the olden days, cathode ray tubes were used, but now it is replaced by LCD monitors that has another name, flat panel displays. The abbreviation could be explained as Thin Film Transistor or Liquid Crystal Display.
The advantage of this system has been dealt in many devices. Some of the examples are television, mobile phones, computer monitors, navigator systems, projectors etc. In the calculator which has a small liquid crystal display, the voltage could be applied without the interference of the other segment. But this becomes impossible when the display is large like television or computer monitors.
In such a case, the pixel elements are arranged in rows and columns which reduce the number of connections from millions to thousands. The rows could be driven with a positive voltage and vice versa with the column. Even then, there is another problem. The intersection points or pixels will be driven with higher voltages. The intersection segments tend to be darker. This could be dealt with supplying each pixel with its own transistor.
The pixel is made of a capacitor with the layer of insulating material which is inserted between conductive layers. Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition is the process used for the deposition of silicon. Though TFT monitors and IPS LCD panel are used inter-changeably, there exists some difference. LCD is a device which uses any number of color pixels arrayed in front of light source. The electric power used is very less when compared to TFT monitors. LCD uses flat panels where as TFT uses both flat panel displays as well as projectors. TFT monitors are commonly available in sizes 12 to 30 inches.
There are different types of TFT monitors. They are Twisted Nematics display, In-plane switching, Multi-domain vertical alignment, Patterned vertical alignment and advanced super-view. The most common one is Twisted Nematics display which is inexpensive.
The TFT monitor can be called as active matrix LCD. Though this is not the only active matrix LCD, it is the commonest one. There are also passive Lilliput 7-inch lcd monitor is used in calculators and other small devices. The active matrix-LCDs have the best resolutions and the maximum color display. Now let us look for the commonest type of TFT monitors, Twisted Nematics display type. The best part of this type is the fast response of its pixels. It also uses the method of Frame Rate Control, which causes the simulation of pixels in cycles to provide the needed shade.
The negative part of this type is the poor viewing angle and poor color reproduction which is replaced by In-plane switching. As the name suggests that the crystal molecules move perpendicular to the panel which paves the way to get good color reproduction as well as wide viewing angles. Initially the response was slow but later it was somewhat modified by some new evolutions.
The next type of the TFT monitor is Multi Domain Vertical Alignment which satisfied the color reproduction, wide viewing and also the fast response. But this was overtaken by the inexpensive Twisted Nematics display type. The patterned vertical alignment also uses modernized CRT technologies. The next type is the advanced super view, as the name suggests that it provides wide viewing angle. Even-though there are different types of monitors, the Twisted Nematics type stands the commonest due to its inexpensiveness and the fast response.
The current usage by TFT monitors is very much less when compared to the usual CRT monitors, since this can allow very fast re-drawing of the display as the image is refreshed of repainted many number of times per second.

How Does HID Lighting Work?

HID, or high definition, lamps are typically required when high levels of light are needed to cover large areas. They are the lights you see at ballgames and theme parks, at stadiums and in gyms.
There is a high demand for HID lamps because of their efficiency on a wide scale and their ability to clearly cover huge areas. They come in several versions: mercury vapor lamps, metal halide lamps, and standard high-pressure sodium lights.
Mercury vapor lamps were the first commercially available high definition lamps (HID). They are swiftly becoming outdated by newer more efficient counterparts like high-pressure sodium lamps and metal halide lamps.
High-pressure sodium lamps generally emit a more yellowish light, but are available with whiter light. They are usually the most efficient, and thus most commonly used, type of HID light. Metal halide lamps produce a beautifully white, natural light, but are also less efficient.
How do HID lamps produce light?
High intensity discharge lamps produce light when the gases inside the fused alumina tube are heated to the point of evaporation. Tungsten electrodes are kept in the alumina tube, and when the metal elements begin to heat up, they strike the tungsten electrodes, creating an arc of light.
Similar to fluorescent lights, HID lamps need a ballast (a device used to start gas discharge in a lamp and limit the flow of electrical current) to even start producing heat. If they don't have the ballast, the reaction won't begin, and there won't be any light.
What are tungsten electrodes?
Tungsten is a chemical element that is known for its high melting point and robust physical characteristics. It is used widely in electrical applications like lighting because of these properties. It is a hard, non-alloy metal that ranges in color from steel gray to tin white. It is shaped, or "drawn" into the very thin metal wires you see inside a light bulb.
What applications are there for HID lamps?
There are numerous applications for HID. They are in high demand in areas that require lots of lights, like stadiums, football fields, warehouses, parking lots, roadways, sidewalks, and more.
However, they have come into habitual use in smaller areas as well, such as department stores, houses, indoor gardening, and a number of other applications. Because of their bright, natural light, HID lamps can also cause those extra bright headlights blinding you across the road.
They are such a powerful light source, in fact, that high definition lights have come into use on the airbus 380- super jumbo airplane

Advantages of HID Lights

HID lights have got more popular today and have replaced most of the halogen headlights. An HID light consists of a glass tube that contains tungsten electrodes, gas, and metals. Light is emitted when an electrical arc is struck across the electrodes. They provide better light intensity and lower power consumptions compared to a normal halogen lamp. These HID lights have reformed the world of car headlight system due to the several advantages they offer. More or less all recent and sophisticated car models are equipped with HID headlight system and hence most of the style conscious people are opting for these HID lights.
HID lamps or High Intensity Discharge lamps are much brighter than the conventional halogen lamps. They offer superior lighting that is more within the spectrum of visible light and hence is more helpful for the human eye. Since they are brighter and offer almost three times the light as compared to conventional lights, they are the best options while driving at night or in rains. They provide a clear and bright view of the object making driving a safe option. Apart from the brightness, these lamps also add to the car's overall appearance; they can easily make the car look classy.
HID lights are more energy efficient and produce light that can be used by the human eye. Another advantage is they consume less energy than regular halogen headlights; they practically last for four to five times than the conventional lamps. They not only help the car owners save some cash but also help the environment; they consume help save fuel and contribute less to pollution from cars.
These HID Lights can be brought from a lot of sites on the Internet. However, it is advised the store should provide good quality and branded lamps with warranty. hidkitscheap.com is one such site that provides great quality HID lights for cars. The products they offer are guaranteed and add to the functionality and look of the car. The kits they provide 100% plug and play and work with nearly any type of headlight. The kits are custom designed and have a one year warranty.

Safe and Stylish HID Bulbs for Your Car

In the United States of America and Canada, conventional halogen headlights are gradually being replaced by HID bulbs as more car owners are looking to enhance the look of their vehicle as well as giving it a performance boost.
Composition of HID headlights
HID stands for High Intensity Discharge and refers to the manner in which light is produced by the bulb. HID bulbs have no metal filament but instead, around 20,000 volts is used to ignite the xenon gas and metal halide held within a sealed glass tube between two electrodes above the base of the bulb. A car's normal voltage is twelve volts so a ballast is used to generate the extra initial power to illuminate the bulb. The light produced is three times brighter than a halogen bulb.
Advantages of using HID headlights - safety and efficiency
Not only do HID kits improve the look of your car, they are also a safety feature. HID lights are three times brighter than ordinary halogen headlights. This gives a significantly clearer view of the road which is especially useful for travelling at night and in the rain. According to statistics, sixty percent of accidents which occur at night are caused by poor lighting. Studies conducted on drivers' reaction speed to roadway obstacles using halogen lamps and HID bulbs found that drivers were faster and more accurate in responding to obstacles when their vehicles were fitted with HID headlight bulbs.
The bulbs are also very durable, being designed to last up to ten times longer than conventional halogen headlights. HID lights have an average life span of three thousand hours compared to a halogen bulb which lasts around three hundred hours. They are also shock-resistant as there is no filament in the bulb since the light emits from plasma material. The ballasts also prevent dust and water from entering the HID bulb. HID kits are also energy efficient since less power is needed compared to normal halogen bulbs. Reduced power consumption means less fuel is being used and so vehicles with HID light bulbs are more environmentally friendly as they emit less carbon dioxide.
Size, brightness, color and cost considerations when buying HID headlights
Before buying a HID kit, you need to find out the H number of the halogen bulb used in your vehicle. Bulb fitment plugs come in sizes from H1 to H12. They refer to the sizes of the bulb holders in cars and differ to ensure the HID bulb you buy fits.
The letter W represents watt which is the unit of power. The higher the wattage, the more power the bulb will use. Since HID bulbs are already very bright, a 35W bulb is sufficient and gives greater illumination than a conventional halogen bulb of 55W.
There are several color options which are determined by the temperature at which the xenon gas inside the HID bulb burns. The temperature is denoted by a K on the bulb which stands for Kelvin as the unit of measurement. Therefore, a 6,000K HID bulb means that the gas inside the bulb burns at 6,000 degrees Kelvin. Hid kits range in color/temperature from 3,000K - 10,000K. The higher the Kelvin (K), the dimmer or bluer the light will be. 3,000K produces golden yellow, white with 4,300K - 5,000K, diamond white with 6,000 K; higher than this gives ice burg blue at 8,000K, brilliant blue at 10,000K and an exotic violet at 12,000K. The most popular range for HID bulbs is from 6,000K - 8,000K as they most closely resemble sunlight.
HID bulbs cost significantly more than halogen bulbs but then this has to be balanced against their increased durability and the advantages they offer drivers as well as their stylish appearance.

HID Light Bulbs - How Do They Work?

HID light bulbs are High Intensity Discharge bulbs that are used by those people who need brighter light when they are driving. As you must be aware, the headlights of most of the vehicles are halogen lights and these lights are not as bright as the HID lights. You will also see these lights in gyms, theme parks, ball games and stadiums.
Many people are now buying the HID or High Intensity Discharge light bulbs because these bulbs are very effective in producing extremely bright lights. What's more, these bulbs can also cover very large areas. You may not be aware but these lights are available in various versions such as the regular high-pressure sodium lights, metal halide lamps and mercury vapor lamps.
The first HID or high definition lamps that were sold commercially were the mercury vapor lamps. After sometime, newer and better lamps started to be available in the market such as metal halide lamps and high-pressure sodium lamps.
How do the HID light bulbs create or produce light?
The HID or High Intensity Discharge light bulbs can produce light when the gas present inside the tube starts to heat up. When the gas becomes heated to the point of evaporation, light is produced. The tube contains tungsten electrodes and as the metal elements begin to heat up, they will strike these electrodes and as a result, light will be created.
HID lights are more or less like the fluorescent lights as they require ballast for the production of heat. Ballast is actually an instrument that is utilized to generate light. If the HID bulbs do not have ballasts then it will not be possible for them to produce lights because the reaction for the production of light will not start if there is an absence of ballast.
Tungsten electrodes: what are they?
Tungsten is actually an element (chemical) that is commonly known for its vigorous physical characteristics and high melting point. You will find this element in many electrical appliances and it is also found in HID lights. The color of tungsten ranges from steel gray to tin white.
What are HID lamps used for?
You may or may not know this but the HID lamps have many applications. These lamps are need in those locations or places that need very bright lights. Some of the examples of the places where the HID lamps are used are roadways, warehouses, sidewalks, parking lots, football fields, stadiums, etc. These lamps are also used in indoor gardening, houses, department stores, etc.
If you ask any vehicle owners about HID lights, they will probably tell you what these lights are because many drivers are aware of the High Intensity Discharge lights. These lights are more or less like the natural day light and this is the main reason why many vehicle owners install these bulbs or lights in their cars. With the HID lights, it will be possible for the drivers to see the road clearly even when the area is dark.

Best Bluetooth Speakers - Top 5 Bluetooth Speakers for Every Need

Bluetooth speakers are the latest innovation in wireless sound technology. While this technology is still in its nascent stages, it has already shown a lot of promise. If you own a bluetooth enabled phone, you've already seen this technology in action as it allows wireless transfer of data between two phones remotely. The same principles work with bluetooth speakers. In this article, I will talk about some of the best bluetooth speakers available and their salient features.
Bluetooth speakers are generally used as 'replacement' speakers. Currently, they do not have the power to replace a set of 5.1 surround sound system, or enough bass to liven up a big house party. Nevertheless, what they lack in power, they more than make up for in portability. Because they are wireless and relatively small in size, you can carry them around anywhere. In fact, a lot of manufacturers make speakers designed specifically for use with laptops that you can just toss into your laptop bag.
Some of the best bluetooth speakers are made by major electronics manufacturers, namely Sony, Samsung, Philips, etc. Bose, Altec Lansing and JBL - three important speaker manufacturers have an extensive lineup as well. Prices can range from less than $50 for a set of cheap, lightweight set to $400+ for a high quality Bose speaker system.
The first step to picking the best bluetooth speakers is understanding your own needs. If you just want a set of cheap, lightweight speakers you can use with your laptop, then an entry level Samsung or Logitech set would serve you well. But if you want something that you can lug around in your car, on picnics, and which can also serve as a desktop speaker replacement, you will have to shell out a few hundred dollars.
Some of the best bluetooth speakers available in the market today are:
1. Tenqa SP-109
This is an entry level offering from Tenqa that delivers 5 watts of stereo sound. It is small, lightweight, and is great for use with iPods and mobile phones. Just don't expect it to bring down the house with its volume. Prices start as low as $44.90
2. Altec Lansing inMotion SoundBlade Bluetooth A2DP Speaker
This offering from Altec Lansing delivers clear, high quality audio without compromising on portability. It connects automatically to your mobile phone or bluetooth enabled device. Small and lightweight, this mid-range bluetooth speaker delivers a great performance. Prices start at $149.
3. Sony SRS-BTM30
An entry level offering from Sony, the SRS-BTM30 runs on 3 AA batteries and doesn't compromise on quality. The two speakers work on bluetooth, and weigh in at just 1.6lbs. Prices start as low as $69.
4. Creative D100
This Creative offering weighs in at just 2.2lbs and works on 4 AA batteries that can play non-stop for 25 hours straight. It is compatible with all bluetooth enabled devices. The sound quality is uniformly high. Prices start at $76.
5. Bose SoundDock 10 Digital Music System
This Bose system is probably the best set of bluetooth speakers that you can buy. It is compatible with not just your bluetooth enabled devices, but also older iPod models. Like the various other offerings from Bose, this speaker system too offers almost life-like sound. If you have the extra cash and want a high quality speaker set that will make guests green with envy, the SoundDock 10 is the system for you. The price, however, is a hefty $599, though it is worth each and every cent.

Where to Find Bluetooth Peripheral Device Drivers

If your computer is equipped with a Bluetooth adapter and Bluetooth devices, there will come a time when you'll need to locate Bluetooth peripheral device drivers. Where to start? The three main places for finding Bluetooth drivers are: Windows Update, individual manufacturers' websites, and third party device management software.
Finding Bluetooth peripheral device drivers using Windows Update is relatively easy, though not foolproof. Windows Update updates your system with Microsoft-issued updates as well as hardware updates from many manufacturers. If Microsoft doesn't have a copy of the latest drivers, it won't be able to deliver it to you. On the other hand, it's easy to do and worth a shot. Simply go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Update and click the "Check for updates" link. Alternately, you can go to Control Panel > Device Manager and use it to check for Bluetooth peripheral drivers for a specific device. In this case, you'll need to find the device in the list, double-click it, click the Driver tab, click Update Driver, and then let Windows search its database for the right drivers.
If Windows Update doesn't find any Bluetooth drivers, your next step is to go to the manufacturer's website and search for the drivers you want. You have two choices here. One, you can go to your computer's manufacturer's website and search for all updates specific to your model computer such as Dell, Toshiba, or Sony; or two, you can go to the manufacturer's website for a specific device such as a Logitech keyboard or an HP printer. Once you've located the Bluetooth drivers, you'll need to download and install them. Many are self-executing and all you'll need to do is click the downloaded file and allow it to run. Others will need to be saved on your computer and then manually installed using Device Manager or the printer's driver update utility if you're updating a Bluetooth printer.
The third option for finding Bluetooth peripheral device drivers is to invest in a device driver management software tool. These programs are designed specifically for updating device drivers including Bluetooth peripheral device drivers. What's nice about these utilities is that once you set them up, they continue working for you, finding and installing the latest hardware and Bluetooth peripheral device drivers as they become available. You do not need to manually search for drivers and install them; the software does it for you. Plus with dozens of devices on your computer, keeping your drivers current is time consuming and tedious.
No matter how you update your drivers, make sure to set a restore point beforehand and reboot your system afterwards. The restore point will give you peace of mind and while the reboot will finalize the update process. If you need Bluetooth device drivers, you have several ways to find them. Whether you need to update a single device or want to update all devices on your system, these three options are easy to use.

Types of Computer Monitor Cables

If you've been using a desktop computer, you've probably experienced replacing your old monitor with a newer version. If that's the case, you now also know the importance of having a compatible monitor cable. Even for your TV set at home, you need monitor cables to run your video player onscreen. The constant developments in technology in the past years have also given birth to different types of connectors for all the versions of computers and gadgets. So how do you know the difference between a VGA cable and an HDMI connector? How do you know which would work with what type of equipment? Here are some of them and their descriptions.
USB cables are usually used with computers to connect mobile phones, digital cameras, and other external equipment. But there are monitors that can be connected through USB cables so they can be used as secondary displays. These monitors can work with any computer with a USB connection. USB-enabled monitors aren't commonly used as the main display, because they can only show up to a resolution of 1024x768.
The most common connector for your monitor is the HD15 cable. It is more popularly known as the standard video graphics array or VGA cable and is easily noticeable, because it's colored blue. It communicates analog image data directly to the array processor of the monitor, which then puts them forward for display on the monitor's pixels. This cable is limited to a maximum resolution of 640x480 only.
Digital Visual Interface or DVI cables, on the other hand, can work for both analog and digital types of video data transfer. It is one of the commonly used cables today for digital monitor connections, since it can support image resolutions of 1920x1200 and higher. The dual link type of DVI cables can support video with a resolution of 2560x1600. When used with LCD monitors, it helps minimize or even eliminate digital noise. It looks similar to a VGA connector, except that the DVI has several long flat pins in the center.
A High-Definition Multimedia Interface or HDMI cable is more popularly utilized with LCD TVs and other home theater equipment. But more and more computers are starting to use HDMI computer monitors and are now equipped with HDMI ports. With this kind of port, you can attach your LCD TV to your computer and use your TV as your monitor. An HDMI connector brings the same image resolution to your screen as a DVI cable would. However, the latter will also deliver digital audio together with the video.
These are the commonly used cables for computer monitors today. Always be sure that you use the correct type of cable so you can maximize the use of your equipment.

Bluetooth Speakers - Advantages and Disadvantages

Bluetooth speakers are the latest advancements in the wireless world. Working on the same Bluetooth technology that allows you to share music and files on your mobile phone wirelessly with friends, these speakers provide a high quality listening experience without using any wires. As far as wireless technologies go, Bluetooth is still in its nascent stages, but nevertheless, offers a compelling performance.
If you own a cell phone, you've probably used Bluetooth already. Nowadays, you can buy everything from earphones and headphones to headsets that run on this technology. Many modern laptops and netbooks also utilize Bluetooth to connect devices wirelessly, including speakers, headphones and small printers.
The two common technologies most prevalent in wireless speakers are RF (radio frequency) and Infra-Red. While both have their own merits, their functionality is somewhat limited. Radio Frequency, for instance, can sometimes suffer from interference and reception issues, while Infra-Red requires the device and the receiver to be in-line with each other, thereby limiting portability.
Bluetooth speakers, on the other hand, can work without any spatial restrictions as long as the speakers and the receiver are within 30 feet of each other. You need not fiddle around with any settings; the connection can be established wirelessly between the receiver and the Bluetooth speakers.
Advantages of Bluetooth Speakers
- Bluetooth speakers generally consume very low power. More often than not, you don't need a hefty external power adapter to keep them running. In fact, many popular models run on AA batteries.
- One major advantage of Bluetooth speakers is portability. Many people use them like headphones or earphones, carrying a small pair of speakers in their laptop bags to be used outdoors. Their low power consumption makes them an ideal choice for such use.
- Since these speakers work without wires, you will never have to fiddle with cumbersome cables and adapters.
- No installation. The connection between the speakers and the device (cell phone, laptop, etc.) can be established automatically. You need not hunt for drivers or installation CDs.
- Perfect for personal outdoor use. If you are out on a camping trip, or spending some time with friends on a picnic, you'll find Bluetooth speakers very handy. Since there is no installation required, you can set up and start listening to music within minutes.
- Work with cell phones, iPhones, etc. The great thing about Bluetooth speakers is that they work seamlessly with cell phones. While other wireless speakers employ RF or infra-red - features that few cell phones have - Bluetooth is ubiquitous in mobile phones. And since most modern day phones already have music playing capabilities, you can listen to your favorite music instantly.
Disadvantages of Bluetooth Speakers
- Range. The device (i.e. music player, cell phone, laptop, etc.) and the speakers need to be within 30 feet of each other to function. This means that you will find it hard to play music while sitting in another room.
- Power. Bluetooth speakers cannot compete with regular speakers when it comes to delivering raw power (i.e. wattage). Their sound will be weaker, lacking the richness and depth of regular speakers.
- Compatibility. While most cell phones are Bluetooth capable, many music players are not.
Conclusion
Bluetooth speakers are perfect if you want to listen to music while outdoors. If you want to catch up on your favorite songs while on a picnic, in a park, or on a camping trip, these are ideal investments. However, for home use, you may want to look at other wireless speakers that can deliver more power and better sound quality.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6204161

What and Whys About CAR HID Lightss

Have you ever experienced the difficulty of driving at a pitch dark night on a bumpy road, in a foggy weather? The thought itself sends a shrill in your body. Right? But not anymore. You can basically imagine about it happily in the event you have the CAR HID Lights installed on your vehicle.

What are these HID Lights?ss

High Intensity Discharge or basically HID Lights are those that are highly powerful lights widely used nowadays and are speedy replacing the normal halogen bulbs. They use xenon gas in lieu of the flimsy filaments that are used by the normal bulbs. They have a color / temperature controller that ends in a whitish color being emanated from the lights.

Visibility and clarity - The increased visibility and clarity gives it the much necessary acceptance. The light that emanates from this appears to be something more natural like the sunlight which, the eyes get basically adjusted to.

Why have these CAR HID Lights become so popular?

Brightness - They produce a highly efficient and powerful beam of light that has a wider exposure thereby covering larger area at go.

High Intensity - As the name suggests the lights emanated from it are of high intensity which is helpful in tearing through thick foggy layers and helping the driver have a smooth drive despite the rough weather.
Energy Efficient - Despite emanating bright light, CAR HID Lights are highly energy efficient and can save up to 35 - 40 % energy as compared to normal bulbs.

Long Life Span - These lights are highly long lasting and can go on and on for years together and seldom do they need a replacement.

Custom-made option - can find these in the size and shape of their choice as they do not come only in standard shapes. Depending on one's taste they can go for a custom-made and make their automobile look different from its counterparts that have factory made lights.

Are these available in brands only?

There's plenty of manufacturers who are in to manufacturing these CAR HID Lights. Of them there's plenty of branded auto manufacturers who are in to the manufacturing these lights. Apart from this, can find different non-branded products . But it is always advisable to go for branded products, even if it means a tiny costlier, but quality is guaranteed.

These are available in automobile spare parts shops or even online stores.

Where are these available?

Online stores are always a better option given the fact that can sit at the comfort of their home and go around different sites, brands and products, compare prices and finally order the products. Within a few days, your product will be delivered right at your home.

Which is a better option?

Points of caution while purchasing online

Check for discounts and offers which plenty of of these sites provide for CAR HID Lights. You are definite to get the best deal online.

Make definite that the site is a reliable and the offers are reasonable

Though you can browse through various sites and compare the prices, seldom get allured of unusually low prices. They may give a run for your money one time you make the payments.

Mining Equipment - A Short Summary for Curious Individuals

When individuals hear about exploration, most will think about enormous trucks and bulldozers as the primary mining equipment. While this image holds true today, tools employed for mining have come quite a distance from its roots. Historic miners probably can't think about the existence of these devices. If you're curious to discover more, here are a couple of suggestions to get you started.
Pre-historic exploration
Former cultures applied mining as a means to obtain sources for everyday use and weapons. The equipment back then was absolutely nothing more than a high quality flint. In Europe, flint was found in sedimentary rock masses and individuals noticed them as the most effective equipment for excavation. A lot of specialists believe that these rocks also doubled as weapons throughout the Stone Age. Regardless of these extremely limiting equipment, individuals back then had been able to dig and collect crucial minerals and rocks for everyday usage.
Past files
Egypt is one nation known for its wealthy mining background. Evident of which are green stones used for pottery and decorations on some artifacts. The earlier Egyptians frequently excavated for precious metal. Later, they began quarrying for minerals in other countries. In those days, the Egyptians began using iron tools as their mining equipment while searching for minerals. They employed a method known as "fire-setting." This was their major means of removing gold from dug ores. Through this method, ores that contains gold undergone heating and were doused with water soon after.
The Romans were also accountable for the improvement of mining equipment. They had been the initial civilization to use large-scale methods to assist in bigger quarrying procedures. Their civilization utilised water to function simple devices and remove undesirable debris. Their strategy quickly grew to become popular and was known as hydraulic mining.This mining principle employed high-pressured water jolts to eliminate stones and debris. It will also remove rocks or minerals too.
As civilizations entered the 1300's, an incredible requirements for swords, armors and weapons came into being. Large numbers of individuals began substantially extracting iron and silver. The demand for coin during this period of time arrived at a fever pitch. This demand in turn resulted in silver scarcity. It's also along this time that iron grew to become a vital need. Iron is a very important part employed for construction and early machines. Due to these reasons, exploration and mining equipment grew even more popular.
Mining as we all know it
At this time, gear utilized for excavation and extraction evolved. Some grew to become far more complex. As an example, trucks employed for exploration are now much more refined. Several trucks being utilized at present have electronic machines employed for dumping cargo and driving close to the mines. These motor vehicles might also be furnished with sophisticated suspension systems for greater driving performance.
Another device which has come about in current occasions is a green laser light.They are employed primarily as saw guides. You may also rely on them for figuring out alignments. The lights assist miners to quarry lands efficiently thus conserving time and work. Green laser lights also provide better field of vision at evenings or on days with bad field of vision.
Since the world continues to excavate for oil along with other valuable minerals, mining equipment is here to remain. In the future, this gear may have far more refined capabilities to make work simpler for all.

Advantages of an Android TV Box

Android TV boxes have suddenly become very popular. Even though companies like Apple and Roku have sold many set-top boxes, another option has hit the market - the Android TV box. Also known as a 'Google TV' or XBMC Steaming player, these devices are simple. They are available for as little as $60 and as much as $100.
This android device is a small box shaped product that is about 5 inches wide and 2 inches tall.
This product has access to apps and functions that you can find on other android devices. However, it is able to run a variety of Android apps, games and even a web browser.
Advantages of buying Android TV Box
The question is should you buy an Android TV box? With the variety of functions it can perform, including downloading apps from Google Play store, you won't be able to stay away from it for very long. They are reliable and their hardware is just as good as the Roku or Apple TV. The supplied remote is great and they are able to play a 1080p video pretty smoothly.
These devices are a great investment for people who love to tweak their definition of fun. People who only want to watch videos can buy other simpler devices. It's like the difference between having a mobile with push buttons and one with a touch screen. Which technology would you prefer?
Because of popular demand, the market for Android TV boxes is growing. But the problem is where to find quality products, as most of the ones available on the market are fairly lackluster. You can, however, buy them from online shops. There are many Chinese products that have come onto the market. They are cheap, not a deal breaker and easily run for a long time.
This device has an advantage over an HDMI stick. The box has extra connectivity options, while for the stick you need at least a USB hub for it to be useful.
The main reason why the Android TV box is more popular is because other devices come with a lot of restrictions. These devices cater to specific platforms only.
Understand your requirement
It is important to know that not all Android TV boxes are created equally. So, you may have to buy a box that supports over 1GB RAM, if that is what you require. Basically, you need to understand what functionalities you are looking at before spending money.