Mutchus

We live in a world that is constantly changing and evolving. We see it every time we buy a new car, a new television, or a new computer. We see it every other month when the iPod is putting out a new an improved model that offers more features, more disk space, and more everything, in a smaller package (well not since they added video but until then, the gadgets were getting smaller while the features were growing exponentially). The truth of the matter is that technology seems to be advancing at a rate that is nearly impossible to keep up with. That being said, you can quite literally drive yourself insane by trying to keep up with the pace of modern technology. What you need to do in order to maintain proper sanity is decide on a level of technology that you are comfortable and confident with and go with it until it is time (by either necessity or desire) to upgrade. You do not have to be the first to purchase the latest and greatest in software and gadgetry (this has become my mantr...

We live in a world that is constantly changing and evolving. We see it every time we buy a new car, a new television, or a new computer. We see it every other month when the iPod is putting out a new an improved model that offers more features, more disk space, and more everything, in a smaller package (well not since they added video but until then, the gadgets were getting smaller while the features were growing exponentially). The truth of the matter is that technology seems to be advancing at a rate that is nearly impossible to keep up with. That being said, you can quite literally drive yourself insane by trying to keep up with the pace of modern technology. What you need to do in order to maintain proper sanity is decide on a level of technology that you are comfortable and confident with and go with it until it is time (by either necessity or desire) to upgrade. You do not have to be the first to purchase the latest and greatest in software and gadgetry (this has become my mantr...

With this sound activated switch, control by sound may be very useful, not just on a robot but also for a bit of home automation, for example a sound-activated light responding to a knock on the door or a hand clap. The light will be automatically switched off after a few seconds. An alternative use is burglar protection — if someone wants to open the door or break something the light will come on, suggesting that someone’s at home. The circuit can work from any 5–12 VDC regulated power supply provided a relay with the suitable coil voltage is used. Sound activated switch circuit diagram When you first connect the supply voltage to the sound activated switch circuit, the relay will be energised because of the effect of capacitor C2. Allow a few seconds for the relay to be switched off. You can increase or decrease the ‘on’ period by changing the value of C2. A higher value results in a longer ‘on’ period, and vice versa. Do not use a value greater than 47μF. Biasing resistor R1 det...

The risks of installing your own auto sound system may be greater than you realize. The fact is that there are people that are professionally trained in the installation and proper handling of these delicate sound systems for a reason. If it weren't a difficult task they wouldn't be able to demand the rather hefty price tag that most installation centers charge. The problem is that mistakes can actually cost more than the installation. If you aren't one hundred percent certain that you can handle the installation process alone it is best to leave it up to the experts. To prove my point, I will give you my very own personal story of how auto sound system installations can go horribly (well, perhaps hilariously would be the better choice of words in my particular situation) of course. You see I wanted a CD player in my mini van about 13 years ago. This was back in the dark ages when these types of sound systems were still relatively new and on the 'cutting edge' when ...

If you are seriously hoping to save a significant chunk of change when it comes to your auto sound system, you should consider saving on installation. Under ordinary circumstances I urge people to be very, if not overly cautious when it comes to installing your own auto sound systems. The thing is, that some people really are talented when it comes to activities such as this. Beyond talent, some people have frightening skills with electronics and if you are one of those, then by all means consider the money you could save yourself (or the extra money you'd have to invest in your system?). We all know that money doesn't grow on trees and when you've been saving up for quite a while to get the sound system you really want it's a serious joy killer to have to wait another month or two in order to save up enough money to cover the cost of the installation of your sound system. If you or someone you know and trust (trust being the operative word in this instance) can do the ...