Hot Electronics Posts
How To: Use external Speedlite controls on the Canon 5D
Bruce Dorn from Canon breaks down the exposure and Speedlite controls on the Canon 5D Mark II. His explanations are especially helpful as he gives certain shooting scenarios in which tweaking these settings will improve your overall image quality.
How To: Calculate compound interest using a TI-84 and solver
This is a video tutorial in the Electronics category where you are going to learn how to calculate compound interest using a TI-84 and solver. Press the apps button on the calculator and press enter to load the TVM Solver which is the 1st choice. Here the meaning of various notations are N is time, I% is the percentage, PV is present value, PMT is payment, FV is future value and C/Y is compounding period. The problem is find the compound amount and the interest earned on $12,903.45 compounded...
How To: Reset and restore an iPod Classic 5G to its factory-default settings
Something amiss with your fifth-generation Apple iPod Classic? Before you send it in for repair, you should reset your iPod to its factory-default settings and see if that doesn't clear up your problem. This iPod owner's guide offers a complete overview of the process.
How To: Convert super 8mm film reels to DVD
Kevin Hnatiuk (the Digital Dad) shows you how to convert your old Super 8 film reels to DVD, easily at home. Knatiuk goes over how to get started, what you need, and what to expect when digitaizing your super 8mm movies.
How To: Use the movie mode on the Canon EOS 7D
You can use the Canon EOS 7D to shoot digital video at a variety of frame rates and resolutions up to full HD. In this video, see the basics of movie mode and how to use it. This is the best digital SLR camera to film video with.
How To: Restore a 5th generation iPod Nano to factory settings
If you're 3rd generation 8GB iPod Nano has frozen or broken in some other software-related fashion, you probably have to restore it to factory settings. DOH! Fortunately this isn't a hard process, and this video will teach you how to do it.
How To: Use a wireless remote control with a Canon 5D Mark II
Family photos, concert pics, and general events. All valid reasons for a wireless remote control for your Canon 5D Mark II. This tutorial details great, cheap options for use with your DSLR so you can mount your camera wherever you want and control it from wherever you want.
How To: Troubleshoot common problems with a CD player
CD players are largely a thing of the past, but their audio quality is still top-notch. If your old CD player is broken, watch this video for ideas on ways to troubleshoot common CD player problems and repair them.
How To: Resize a Breitling watch bracelet
Here is a video showing how to resize a Breitling Watch Bracelet. If you have small wrists, or just like a loose fitting watch, just get a screwdriver and watch.
How To: Take close-up macro shots with a Canon EOS DSLR camera
Want to know the best way to take close-up, highly-detailed pictures of small objects? This brief video tutorial from the folks at Butterscotch will teach you everything you need to know. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get started taking macro shots on your own Canon 550D, Rebel T2i, 5D or 7D DSLR, take a look.
How To: Use zoom and telephoto lenses on a Canon DSLR camera
Need a primer on how to use zoom lenses with your Canon DSLR camera (a 7D, 5D, or Rebel T2i, for example)? This brief video tutorial from the folks at Butterscotch will teach you everything you need to know. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get started using zoom and telephoto lenses on your own Canon digital camera, take a look.
How To: Use the Autofocus on a Nikon D3100 DSLR Camera Correctly
The autofocus functions showing up on new DSLR cameras are quite useful if you know how to use them. The Nikon D3100 is no exception, and this video will teach you about the different auto-focus modes and which ones you should use to make your pictures look as good as easily as possible.
How To: Make your own air conditioner with a fan and copper tubing
The heat can be oppressive, and air conditioning can be expensive. But you can build your own air conditioner for just $40, with a fan, styrofoam cooler and a length of quarter-inch copper tubing. Cool your home inexpensively with this mod!
How To: Fix an iPod with a "folder & exclamation mark" warning
This video shows us how to fix an iPod that is displaying a folder icon and exclamation mark warning and does not function. The first thing you will need is obviously the iPod, typically the 1st Generation to 5th generation iPod. The second thing you will need is your sync cable, and also a wall charger. The first thing you have to do with the iPod is to reset the iPod by holding down the center button and at the same time hold down the menu button. After a few seconds without letting go the ...
How To: Hack an LCD screen & overhead into a digital projector
Digital projectors can be prohibitively expensive, particularly for those who stand to benefit the most from their use—that is, young people who prefer watch television and movies on their home computers. No longer. This hacker's how-to demonstrates how to make a simple digital video projector out of an old LCD flatscreen monitor and a slide, or overhead, projector. For detailed, step-by-step instructions on fabricating your own LCD/overhead digital projector on the cheap, take a look!
How To: Sync your iPod to your computer without a USB cord
If you have lost your USB cable or have a broken drive, you may need to sync your iPod without one. In this tutorial, learn how to sync your iPod Touch or iPhone to your computer without any cords at all.
How To: Format a memory card with a Panasonic G1 or GH1 camera
Learn how to format a SD memory card using a Panasonic G1 or GH1 digital camera. Whether you're the proud owner of a Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 or DMC-GH1 micro four thirds digital camera or perhaps just considering picking one up, you're sure to like this free video tutorial, which presents a complete overview of how to format a memory card when it's in a G1 or GH1 camera. For more information, including detailed instructions, watch this digital camera user's guide.
How To: Troubleshoot refilled printer inkjet cartridges that won't print
If you've gone through the process of refilling your ink cartridges and your printer still isn't printing, don't get your hair in a bunch, watch this video! This video will give you some tips on how to get that old print cartridge working again for your Brother MFC-240C. This video uses rubbing alcohol and soft cloth.
How To: Resurect your dead lighter
Need some fire in a pinch? Try this trick. It really works! 1 bad lighter + 1 bad lighter = 1 GOOD lighter.
How To: Connect your laptop or PC to an LCD or Plasma TV
Have you ever wanted to play on your computer on your Plasma TV? If so, this is the video for you. This tutorial teaches you how to use the Plasma TV as your computer screen. With its simple instructions and detailed explanations, you will learn how to turn your Plasma TV into a giant computer screen. In addition, this video teaches you how to identify all of the equipment you will use to make your Plasma TV become a computer screen. By the end of this video, you will be able to experience th...
How To: Sync an iPod with the Xbox 360
Do you want to know how to sync an iPod with the XBox 360? You must have an iPod and a XBox 360. Connect your iPod with your XBox with the USB cable. Transfer the files from the iPod to the XBox XBox helps play AAC format as well as MPEG movies. The iPod must be connected to the portable device section. This will help you share movies, music, pictures and other data and you can even copy the downloaded data to your iPod from the Xbox.
How To: Set camera exposure by yourself by using an 18% gray card
If the exposure for your camera is just a tiny bit off, the skin tone for your shots will be terribly off. You can use an 18% grey card to determine correct exposure, which is useful for setups when you are doing self-portraits or similar projects.
How To: Graph Mario on a TI-83 Calculator
When it comes to graphing and comparing functions, the TI-83 graphing calculator is the end-all device for math and science students. But one of the most entertaining aspects of Texas Instruments' powerful algebraic and trigonometric calculator is not the equations themselves, but rather the art that can be "equated" on them—just think of them as the mathematical equivalent of the Etch A Sketch.
How To: Fix an unresponce iPod Classic by hard resetting it
In this clip, you'll learn how to fix an unresponsive Apple iPod Classic MP3 player by hard resetting it. It's an easy process. So easy, in fact, that this how-to can present a complete demonstration of the process in under a minute's time. For complete details, and to learn how to force your own iPod Classic to reset, take a look.
How To: Fix a compact disc player drawer problem
When CD and DVD players stop working, it's usually because of the drawer not opening and/or shutting. For this CD player, the problem turned out to be a broken belt between the motor and the wheel that has the gear that opens the drawer. Look at these two video tutorials to see how easy it can be to fix, by replacing one belt with a rubber band.
How To: Use the electronic level display on the Canon EOS 7D
The EOS 7D has an accurate level display, which you can activate on either the read LCD monitor or in the viewfinder. See how to work the electronic display on the Canon digital SLR camera. This is great for getting a steady shot wherever you need it.
How To: Operate the Nikon D90 digital camera
Watch this instructional video brought to you by Nikon's Digitutor to learn how to operate the Nikon D90. This Nikon D90 video tutorial demonstrates how to attach the camera strap, use basic features and use the different shooting modes (auto mode, flash photography, scene modes, P, S, A, and M modes, and adjusting settings). Use this Nikon D90 tutorial to familiarize yourself with your new digital camera. Operate the Nikon D90 digital camera.
How To: Fix the earphone jack on an Apple iPod Classic
Accidents will happen. This brief how-to will guide you through the process of fixing a broken headphone jack on an Apple iPod Classic quickly and efficiently without damaging any of the other components. This tutorial will also be of use to those who wish to learn more about the guts of their iPods without actually disassembling their units.
How To: Hack a VHS Camcorder into a Night-Vision Headset
Watch as Kipkay hacks a bulky VHS camcorder and turns it into a night vision headset. This video tutorial will show you that old technology can still be useful in today's world. Just think, you might not have ever been able to see in the dark corners of the night without this hacked VHS camcorder. Night vision isn't just for the military, it's for you, and me, and your dog...
How To: Watch iPod Videos on Your TV Using an RCA Cable
Have a great movie stored on your iPod, and you really want to watch it on your TV? This tutorial shows you how! All you need is an RCA cable. Plug the red cable into the video slot and the yellow and white cables into the audio slots, and you'll be able to watch anything off your iPod on a televison set!
How To: Use the basic functions of the Canon 7D
In this video, learn about the different functions of the Canon EOS 7D, which features an 8 frame per second shooting speed. This video goes over menu options & configuring the buttons, AF point selection, AF focus, & the flash functions.
How To: Set up a Canon digital camera as a webcam for digital chat
If you already own a Canon High-def digital SLR, you can set it up as a virtual webcam. This will allow you to record video podcasts or chat on Skype. You'll also need the CamTwist software and the Canon EOS utility (available from your install CD).
How To: Hack your iPod to change the screen background or wallpaper
Want to change your iPod background to something cool? This video shows you how to hack a click-wheel model to reset your iPod and gain access to the system center so you have the option to set a variety of different backgrounds and wallpapers for your iPod.
How To: Fix a frozen iPod Classic or Nano
This video describes the procedure of how to unfreeze, or reboot, an iPod Nano or classic. When an iPod of the Nano or classic design is frozen (not in temperature), and has a stuck screen, the procedure of how to unfreeze the iPod Nano or classic requires the user to press down the middle button of the iPod interface, and the menu button of the iPod. Keep the buttons depressed for the duration of approximately eight seconds until the frozen screen goes away, and is replaced with the Apple lo...
How To: Build a DIY 1080p HD projector
Projectors can be pretty pricey. 1080p projectors even worse. If that isn't reason enough for you to build your own, then what is? Systm shows you the complete, detailed process of building your own 1080p HD projector, so pay attention and take some notes!
How To: Spy on friends with a hidden camera
This video shows how to setup and use your DynaSpy wireless video surveillance camera.
How To: Use a Fuji FinePix digital still camera
Check out this video tutorial to show you how to use a Fuji FinePix digital still camera. This video was made by the equipment room at CUNY Journalism School in New York.
How To: Delete old photos from a Canon PowerShot A550 camera
Deleting photos may not be glamorous, but we bet you don't know the tricks. Watch this photography tutorial video to learn how to quickly delete old photos you don't want anymore from your Canon A550. Deleting photos will be easy once you've watched this instructional video.
How To: Use all the functions of a Canon 60D camera
The Canon 60D is a very popular, powerful, and cheap camera for those looking to get into high-end digital photography. If you've got one and need some help on using it's many functions, check out this video for a tutorial on the many buttons and tools in your camera.
How To: Set up a Panasonic Lumix G1/GH1 for product photograpy
Learn how to optimize a Panasonic G1 or GH1 for product photography. Whether you're the proud owner of a Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 or DMC-GH1 micro four thirds digital camera or perhaps just considering picking one up, you're sure to like this free video tutorial, which presents a complete overview of how to shoot terrific product portraits with a G1 or GH1 camera. For more information, including detailed instructions, watch this digital camera user's guide.