Are There Really Any Debt Cures?

By Adam Tijerina

Can you cure your debt problems overnight? Are there secrets that the credit and lending industry wish you did not know? Are they doing their best to keep you drowned under a massive pile of debt with no hope of getting out from under it? This article will attempt to answer those questions using tips from the latest book on debt - Debt Cures.

Are there ways to get rid of your debt problems overnight? No, nothing that is legal anyways. There are ways you can reduce the amounts you owe; you can negotiate your debts down if you are facing collections and the credit card company does not want to risk losing all of what you owe them. Kevin Trudeau in Debt Cures says to show them an income statement and balance sheet showing your assets and liabilities and your ability to pay. If the credit card company can see that you have little to pay them then they may be willing to reduce the amount you owe.

If you are a good customer and pay all your bills on time, you can call up your bank and ask for a lower rate. This is the tip you see all over the net and in most of the finance books by Suze Orman, Dave Ramsey, Kevin Trudeau, and others. You have to do the legwork and ask for a lower rate. Harass them to lower your rate the way a debt collector will harass you if you do not pay. Keep calling, write letters, send emails. If they refuse to budge, go to a bank that will.

There are several ways that people get into bad debt - medical bills, unexpected car troubles, school books, Halo 3, etc. Some of these reasons are unavoidable and some - buying new TVs, buying a new car, buying the latest iPod - are some that should be avoided if you are trying to get out of debt.

The credit card company has no problem lending you money and increasing your credit lines when you keep paying the minimum payments. They love making 10, 15, 20% interest on the money they lend you. And then if you miss a payment or go over your limit, they get to charge you a $29 or $39 fee. When you add this fee onto your annual percentage rate, you are actually pay a much higher rate of interest than the stated rate. This is when it is hard to dig out of debt.

But you know all this stuff right? Many people do, but there are millions who do not take the time to read their statements and watch out for all these hidden fees that compound your debt problems. They have more important things to do. But when you're in debt and struggling to pay the bills, you're full of worry and anxiety and you want a way out. The solution is to take the little time to understand what you are being charged for and control your spending.

The banks do not want you out of debt. They do not want you to pay your balance off every month. They want you to go over your limit, miss a payment or two and they especially want to charge you the highest interest rate possible. How else can anyone explain the Universal Default Clause that more banks are adding to their terms? If you make a late payment to one card, this clause gives any bank the right to charge you a higher rate even though you did not make a late payment to them. How does this help someone who is in a financial bind? It only makes the situation worse and makes it harder for the person making the late payment. And then it starts a downward spiral.

How to get out of debt? Stop watching TV. A.C. Nielsen Co. states that the average American will spend 9 years of their life watching TV. That works out to about 4 hours a day. What does TV watching have to do with getting out of debt? If you're spending your evenings watching TV and you are deep in debt, you're going to stay that way. What you could be doing is working a second job or selling stuff on eBay to make more money. What you could be doing is reading books about making money and personal finance.

Conclusion

There are no overnight debt cures. There are tips you can follow to help you reduce your debt and keep your interest rates low. Do not give the credit card companies an opportunity to get you in their snares. Pay your bills on time, earn more money to pay off your debt faster, spend less than you earn, check your credit score and you can get out of debt.

Learn more about Debt Cures - the latest book by Kevin Trudeau.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_Tijerina

Laser Home Security - Inside, Outside, All Around Your Home

By David Faulkner

Laser home security alarms, which create beams of laser light, can be installed either around your homes exterior perimeter or in your homes’ interior rooms. If installed on your home’s exterior, the alarms can be positioned at set intervals high enough above ground level to give your home’s perimeter complete protecting from intruders by sounding an alarm when the beam of light is penetrated.

Exterior Laser Home Security

Laser home security perimeter alarms are among the most costly home security equipment available, but are popular because they can be concealed beneath the homes shrubbery and are easy to arm and disarm. They will neither harm the lawn or other landscaping around a home, nor damage any lawn ornaments or furniture.

Laser home security perimeter alarms are also ideal for use around the perimeters of swimming pools, where they can be set to project light beams between one and two feet above ground level, and sound an alarm whenever a small child approaches the pool.

Like other security alarms, laser home security systems can be installed so that they alert local police as soon as their light beams are disturbed and the alarm sounds. Having this feature is becoming essential; the increasing numbers of car alarms which sound with regularity have desensitized people to the sound of an alarm. So you can’t depend on your neighbors to notify the police if your laser home security alarm should be triggered in your absence.

Interior Laser Home Security

You can purchase an interior laser home security device capable of covering a room of up to eleven hundred square feet with its sensors, and signaling its master control unit when its light beam is broken. The control unity will then sound an alarm; if you pay a modest monthly fee for a monitoring service, they will contact the police for you. One of these systems has a device to prevent your pets from unnecessarily tripping the alarm.

Most interior laser home security systems are compact and very simple to install; they will ply into your regular telephone jacks and power outlets, and can be connected to the master alarm control and to each other with a remote. The monitoring company will first contact the homeowner in the event of a laser home security alarm sounding, and then contact law enforcement if necessary.

Most laser home security systems come with a one-year warranty on parts and labor, which will be upgraded to a lifetime warranty for those who use the monitoring systems. And they have backup batteries which keep them functional even during power failures.

You can also find more info on Home Burglar Alarm and Home Security Alarm. Homesecuritysystemsguide.com is a comprehensive resource to know about Home secrity.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Faulkner

Should I Establish An S-Corporation For My Business?

By John L Murray

The sub-chapter S corporation was originally created in 1958 to provide the benefits of operating a business inside a corporation, with the liability protection of a corporation but it has many similarities to a partnership.

If a business is incorporated, the corporation will pay the taxes as a C corporation unless you elect to be taxed as an S corporation. The owners of the corporation must file an S corporation election on form 2553. It may be filed anytime during the year prior to election as an S corporation or up to the 15th day of the third month after the beginning of the year. In community property states the spouse of the shareholder must also sign. Basically, this is consent by the owners to have the profits flow through to them as individuals and not be taxed at the corporate level.

Normally S-Corporations must operate on a calendar year.

There are some limitations on who can be an owner of an S-corporation. A C corporation cannot be a shareholder, nor can a nonresident alien. The S-corporation must have 100 or fewer shareholders. There can be only one class of stock. Shareholder debt convertible into stock can be a trap and invalidate the S-election. If one shareholder sells so much as one share of stock to an ineligible shareholder it will terminate the election and the S-Corporation is not allowed to reelect for five years.

The income or losses, of the corporation are taxed to the owners, in the same percentage as they own stock in the corporation. If they own 20% of the business they are taxed on 20% of the profits, 100% ownership taxes 100% of the profits. This is reported on schedule E of their personal income tax return, form 1040.

It should be noted that an owner is not allowed to take a loss from a corporation if that loss exceeds his basis in the S-corporation. Basis is the amount the shareholder has invested in the company, including both stock and loans. It is a very important point to remember that a bank loan to an S corporation even though guaranteed by the owner does not create basis. Should the S corporation have a loss exceeding the investment by the owner, it would not be deductible by the shareholder even if covered by the bank loan the shareholder has guaranteed.

The corporation is required to pay out reasonable salaries. Much litigation has taken place on what is a reasonable salary. Wages and salaries of owners are subject to payroll taxes. Profits beyond salary can be paid out as dividends. There is a tax advantage to this. Dividends are not subject to self-employment tax. This can be a huge savings over a sole proprietor.

The IRS position on dividends seems to hold that profit in an S-Corporation needs to be generated by something other than the efforts of the owner in order for dividends to be paid and not be subject to employment tax. Realtors are a case in point. If all their income is generated by their own efforts, there is little rationale, according to the IRS, for paying out profits as dividends.

There is a fringe benefit problem with an S-Corporation. If getting health insurance and certain other fringe benefits are an issue to the owners, they should be wary of an S-corporation. Health benefits are passed through to an owner as though he received the income and paid for them himself. He is allowed to deduct them on schedule A of his personal return, but oftentimes with income limitations on personal medical deductions that does him little good.

S-elections of existing C Corporation can have tricky tax consequences. That is beyond the scope of this article. Look carefully before you leap.

Liquidation of an S-corporation is less difficult than a C corporation. The basis of the stock is usually roughly equal to the basis inside the corporation, so there is usually no gain on liquidation.

As with all corporations it is wise upon forming a corporation to file articles of incorporation and create bylaws with corporate minutes. Jump through all the legal hoops. A federal corporate identification number is required for payroll, depending on the state, a state number for payroll and corporation tax or sales tax will normally be necessary. Attorneys currently often favor forming an LLC and then filing an S-election. This will work. Some attorneys feel there is a slight advantage in doing so.

There is no magic, if you incorporate your business. Generally with very few exceptions, you are not able to deduct any expenses, which you could not deduct as a sole proprietor, partnership or other form of business organization. The standard for allowing a deduction is that it must be an ordinary and necessary business expense.

One final piece of business advice. The lawyers are quick to make the argument for incorporation as a protection of personal assets from business liability. Each case must be examined separately, because circumstances vary. However more than 30 years of business experience have convinced me the best protection is to carry adequate insurance coverage.

S-Corporations are complicated. The above gives the general rules, but the tax law, and life are riddled with exceptions. Setting up an S-Corporation is not a do it yourself project.

John Murray is a CPA in Minnesota with over thirty years experience in the area of tax. He has represented numerous taxpayers in IRS audits. Author of many tax articles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_L_Murray

Helpful Energy Saving Tips

By Michael C Podlesny

We are looking for ways to help the environment. Whether it is "going green" and driving a hybrid car or using solar panels to assist with electric in our homes or maybe turning off the lights earlier than you wanted to, we are looking for ways to get the most out of energy.

With good practice on energy also comes the ability to save some money. Saving money in these tough economic times is also a good thing as well. So let's go ahead an outline some great energy saving tips that will also save you some money.

Heating & Cooling
One of the best things you can do as a homeowner for your heating and cooling unit is to clean it and change the filter. You do not need to be a licensed pro to accomplish this task. You just need about 10 to 15 minutes of your time. Keeping your unit clean makes it run efficiently and in turn you save on your home energy bill.

Appliances & Electronics
According to the Federal Department of Energy, "Many appliances continue to draw a small amount of power when they are switched off. These "phantom" loads occur in most appliances that use electricity, such as VCRs, televisions, stereos, computers, and kitchen appliances. In the average home, 75% of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off. This can be avoided by unplugging the appliance or using a power strip and using the switch on the power strip to cut all power to the appliance."

Insulation & Air Sealing
Now you may need to bring in a handyman to do this but if you are even a bit handy you can do this one yourself. Your local home center sells protective film that can be applied onto your windows. This film helps to increase the energy efficiency of your windows. Follow the installation instructions on the package to maximize your savings.

Landscaping
Again according the D.O.E., "Planting shrubs, bushes, and vines next to your house creates dead air spaces that insulate your home in both winter and summer. Plant so there will be at least 1 foot (30 centimeters) of space between full-grown plants and your home's wall."

Lighting
For the exterior of the house use lights that only come on when they are activated by motion. These lights also let you set them so that the lights will only come on when the sun goes down and activated motion. This gives you double savings. Now replace that regular light bulb with an energy efficient bulb available at any home center, Wal-mart, Target etc.

Summer Specific
Keep lamps or anything that might generate a form of heat away from your thermostat if you have central air. This heat will give a false reading to thermostat and make your air run when it might not have to.

Use a fan during cool nights to pull air from the outside and circulate it through your house. Fans run a lot more efficient than your AC. Also when you are using your AC use the fan to circulate the cool air throughout the house more evenly.

Winter Specific
During the day keep your blinds and drapes open to allow the warm sun to come into your home.

Change your thermostat to a programmable one and set it to only run a comfortable level of heat when you are home and reduce the temperature when you are not. This also works well for the summer time also.

Check the insulation in your home to make sure it meets the minimum standard required by the area that you live in. One call to your local housing department and you can get that information.

Above I have given you a variety of ways to help curtail your energy costs making your home more environmentally friendly as well as bank account friendly.

About the Author:
M.C. Podlesny is a freelance writer for Indocquent, an online advertising and social network medium.

Don't forget to read more of his money saving tips by Clicking Here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_C_Podlesny

The Environmental Cost Of US Electricity

By Sam Greyhawk

Each day more and more forward thinking people are worrying about their personal carbon footprint. The understanding that we all share a single planet has motivated many people to consciously change patterns in their lives for the better of the planet. If you are trying to reduce your carbon footprint, then it's important you understand the impact of generating electricity on our environment.

Residential Electricity Generated by Fossil Fuels is the Third Largest Contributor of Carbon Dioxide Emissions in the US

Electricity is a basic part of nature, and it is one of our most widely used forms of energy. While it's possible to generate electricity in many "green" ways, the number one source of US electricity is coal. In 2006, nearly half (49%) of the country's 4.1 trillion kilowatt hours of electricity used coal as its source of energy.

Many power companies don't even offer consumers the option of using 100% renewable energy - even when consumers are willing to pay a higher rate. Why? If one ignores the pollution, generating electricity from fossil fuels such as coal is inexpensive and for many people willing to exploit our planet that is enough.

Fighting Against Big Coal

While Governor Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas recently vetoed a bill to allow two more coal based power plants from being built in Kansas. It only took three days for a "new" proposal bill to come from the House committee which would allow for the coal fired plants construction. Why would the Governor of Kansas fight against the installation of the new power plants when it could mean more jobs for her constituents? Last October, Rod Bremby, the state secretary of health and environment stated the plants could potentially produce 11 million tons of CO2 a year.

4.1 Trillion Kilowatt Hours of Electricity

A number as large as 4.1 trillion is staggering, so what does that translate into for the average American household? The average US home uses 9,000 kilowatt hours a year. 9,000 kilowatt hours a year has the same environmental impact as:

• Driving a Car 13,392 miles
• Chopping Down 50 Trees

What You Can Do

While some of us fight to save our planet others look to exploit it that's why it is important for everyone to firmly understand the environmental cost of generating electricity from fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas. The key to stopping this exploitation is knowledge. If people understand the hard costs of the resources they use, they can make informed decisions. They can choose to be more energy efficient and conserve electricity.

Conserving Energy through Energy Efficiency

All of the small changes made individually can combine together to make a major impact. What can you do? The answer is simple - reduce the amount of energy you use. An easy way to do this is to use more energy efficient appliances, electronics and lighting. Energy efficient devices offer you the same quality of service but at a lower energy cost. Energy Star rated devices are a perfect example of energy efficiency, they can offer between 15-75% savings over comparable devices.

Energy Star

If you are looking to reduce your personal energy consumption then look for the Energy Star label. In 2006 alone Energy Star saved consumers over $14 billion on their utility bills. Translated into greenhouse gas emissions, in 2006 Energy Star prevented greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 25 million cars.

Remember fighting global climate change starts at home. Stopping global warming won't come from the single step of one individual, but rather through many small steps by many different people.

Sam Greyhawk is an energy efficiency evangelist who works with Cool-N-Save(tm), an Energy Star Partner based in Huntington Beach, California.

Cool-N-Save(tm) is an energy efficiency add-on for your existing air conditioner. In the hottest months your AC can use be responsible for up to 90% of your total monthly electric bill. Installed in ten minutes with no tools required the Cool-N-Save(tm) is an Energy Star Partner and has been scientifically proven by Tulane University to improve air conditioner efficiency by up to 30%. Saving energy helps fight global warming. Cool-N-Save(tm) is a low cost way for you to dramatically reduce your energy usage.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sam_Greyhawk

How a Power Inverter Can Save You Money Over a Gasoline Generator

By Dan Hahn

It is based on using an inverter in home emergency purposes rather than a completely built unit that would power an entire house. These units often require large battery banks with an external source of power such as sun or wind generators to keep the batteries charged. Nor will it cover large gasoline, diesel, or propane generators that are connected to the fuse box of a house and power an entire house.

What it will be covering are small home generators that usually have a 3-5 gallon gas tank and a 2- 6 HP engine. These are run outside the house and power certain appliances inside the house via an electrical cord attached to the generator. The electrical power inverter we will be discussing will be powered by a single car battery which will require recharging every one to two hours by running the engine of the car.

Studies have shown that a V-6 automobile engine uses approximately 0.5 gallons of gas for every 90 minutes it is run. What this translates out to is that if you were to run a 750 watt inverter, you would have to recharge a 120amp battery every 2 hours by idling the car for 10 minutes. This means that you could get 36 hours of use from a 750 watt inverter on one gallon of gasoline. This equals a $3.00 fuel price every 24 hours if gasoline is priced at $4 a gallon.

A 4400 watt gasoline generator uses about 3.2 gallons of gasoline for every 8 hours of service. This comes out to 9.6 gallons of gas for a 24 hour period or around $38 for 24 hours of use.

If you are using a smaller generator such as a 1000 watt model, which in most cases is more practical, you would be using 1.2 gallons every 5-8 hours depending on the load. This comes out to $5 every 8 hours ,or $15 for every 24 hour period.

Now for the power inverter numbers. If you were using a 750 watt power inverter, which would be enough to power a laptop, small tv, dvd player, satellite dish box, and a lamp it would use 0.2 gallons for every 8 hours or 0.6 gallons for every 24 hours. for a cost of $2.40.

In summary the cost of running a 4400 watt generator for 24 hours is $38 and a 1000 watt generator for 24 hours is $15 and the cost of the inverter for 24 hours is $2.40

I feel many people do not use power inverters in emergencies just because they aren't familiar with them. They're easier to hook up then a generator. You just have to clip it on to your battery, plus the savings is substantial if you have a power outage for an extended period of time. For more information on this subject and the products come visit http://www.inverterssavegas.com

http://www.inverterssavegas.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_Hahn

Need to Blame Someone? Hire a Realtor!

By Gary Waters

I must admit that this article was written a little tongue in cheek, a little sarcastic. Sometimes sarcasm works well when you need to get the point across! As a general rule, we do not like to accept blame when something does not go as planned. When we try something for the first time and it does not succeed, we have a need to point the finger of blame to someone else!

Why do some folks choose to sell their home themselves? It is a simple question, why be a FSBO? FSBO??? I know I have seen those initials before....hhmm, oh I know...For Sale By Owner. Selling a home in a buyer's market takes know-how and I can get that know-how from lots of available books and the internet. As an owner I can find out what neighborhood homes are selling for, right? I can advertise in the newspaper, right? I can certainly place a sign out front. A sign can be picked up at Home Depot or Lowe's for a few bucks, right? I can show my home to any interested buyer who knocks on the door, right? I can read any book on negotiating and just do it, right? I can do all the mechanics of a sale without training! It can't that difficult, right?

Any Realtor worth their salt will tell you there is much more to marketing a property than just doing the above things. What about screening potential buyers? Can they really afford your home or are they just wishing upon a star or something? Who is that stranger you will be letting into your front door? Are they wasting your time? Are you potentially placing yourself in a dangerous situation? You work during the day? Don't we all? How can you show your home when you are not at home? Hey, why not just place a key under the doormat with a note to lock up when you leave? That is kind of absurd I know but showing a home when a real buyer is available to see it is an important aspect of marketing. How can someone buy a car if you just put a sign on it out front and wait for the calls? They need access, they need a test drive, they have questions that need answering. THEY NEED TO BE SOLD! Are they going to just drive by, call up, make an offer and then bring a check by later? Most Realtors employ other marketing strategies and techniques beyond those listed.

Why would you pay someone else to do what you can do for yourself? This is a principle most of us live by, for sure. Would you pay a plumber to come by your house and adjust the thermostat on your hot water heater? Of course not. Would you pay an air conditioning company to come by and replace your AC unit? Probably. Why? The books are out there that tell you how to do it step by step. What happens if you try that installation and fail? You call the AC guy out later and have him do it because he is, what is the word? Oh yeah, a professional! And, what do you do if you have a problem and the new system doesn't work right? Oh yeah, blame him because he is a PROFESSIONAL and should have done it right!

Just like the do it yourselfer with the AC system, homeowners can try to sell themselves. So, what do you do when that does not succeed? Call a Realtor! Why? Because he or she is a PROFESSIONAL!

So if Selling on your own because of the principle is not working, call a Realtor! When your FSBO becomes FAILED Sale By Owner, hire a Realtor so you don't have to blame yourself! And, by the way, putting it in the MLS (multiple listing service) is not the only step to selling a home!

Florida Licensed real estate agent with Century 21 The Turner Group in Rockledge Florida. Former U.S. Navy officer and healthcare administrator. Recived BS in Health Sciences from The George Washington University, Master of Public Administration (MPA) from Troy University.

http://www.Moving2Brevard.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Waters

Gas Prices Soaring-and Nothing is Being Done About It

By Alan C Johnson

When President Bush took office gas was about $1.35 a gallon, and crude oil sold for $30 a barrel. At the time of this writing the average price per gallon of gasoline is about $4.19 and oil is hovering around $150 per barrel. I also witnessed a speech from President Bush, you all know the kind of speeches telling us, we're not in a recession, as he puts it, it's simply a slow down.

It may be what the president of our country describes as a slow down in our economy but there is no slow down for the oil industry, it's only "we the people" who have to suffer. We are all being sold a bill of goods, oil companies are making, not just record net profits, there experiencing the highest net profits in the entire history of the oil industry according to the news media.

Along with the obscene profits and by means of propaganda and spin, the oil industry tries to convince the America public in believing that the cost of research and development justifies their outrageous earnings. They must think we are all stupid, net earning means the profit after all the expenses including research and development.

What is the government doing, as usual, not much of anything? Well the advice is to learn how to save on fuel, use public transportation, save gas usage by not driving as much on vacation and weekend trips. Is there any talk for the big guys in D.C. about hydrogen as an alternative fuel? I haven't heard any, and the news media says very little, if anything at all. Do you know why? It's because the giants in the oil industry can't make any money on hydrogen. They don't want you to know that you can have a kit installed in your car that extracts hydrogen from water and mixes it with gas and you can get up to a 50% to 70% savings on your gas costs.

The oil companies tried to develop this type of market but the problem is that their system requires hydrogen to be delivered to the car engines via a storage system called "Cells." Two things wrong with this system, as they discovered, one the cell system can be potentially dangerous, storing hydrogen is risky, and the other reason and the major reason is that any type of company could also sell this type of system, which of course would cut into the immoral profits of the oil parasites.

Don't kid yourself the only reason the hydrogen for fuel system isn't being touted and for that matter, is actually being avoided in the news media and among our representatives is because the oil industry doesn't want you to know about it. This technology had been squashed years ago and rumor has it to the extent there was evil tactics to destroy the technology from getting out to the masses. Does that surprise you, it doesn't surprise me.

The kit we have installed in our vehicles works fantastically and the hydrogen being extracted from water, which water of course being free, delivers free hydrogen for fuel. This system doesn't have toxic emissions so therefore it benefits every living soul on earth except the oil maggots, and our illustrious leaders in D.C.

For more information that can change lives, click http://www.thesurvivalpassport.com/gas6.html

Alan Johnson is the founder and host of a seminar on the subject of retiring in style in Costa Rica on less than $1,000 a month. Alan, nickname (Rusty) is the author of numerous articles on subjects of natural health remedies, the benefits of retiring in Costa Rica, and many other subjects. He likewise has reviewed many other products, services and offers, which will be on a continuing basis. Rusty's Reviews

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alan_C_Johnson

Testing a Transformer - How To Accurately Test A Transformer

By Jestine Yong

There is two types of transformers in the market- linear transformer and switch mode power transformer. The transformers design is different. Sometimes it is just referred as ac transformer. Linear transformer mostly used in radio, project kits, VCD and etc while switch mode transformer can be found in Monitor, Tv, Fax and so on.

A transformer consists of two or more coils wound on the same core. For power transformers, the core material is usually iron. For a radio-frequency transformer, the core material is usually ferrite or air. The basic property of a transformer is to change AC voltage. A transformer cannot change direct current voltage. A step down transformer has a lower AC output voltage at its secondary winding than the AC input voltage to its primary winding. Conversely, a step up transformer has a higher secondary than primary voltage. The transformer laminations or coating of shellac, enamel or varnish is to insulate adjacent turns from shorts between winding. I will not go too details about how transformer work and transformer calculation as you can read more details from most electrical and electronic transformers books.

How to test transformers: Transformer failures are relatively rare in most electronic equipment, compared with other components. If too much current goes through a coil or winding, the winding heats up and can either open up completely, or the insulation between turns of wire can break down, causing the coil to be partly or completely shorted.

Just like a coil, you can check continuity of any primary or secondary transformer winding. The actual value of DC resistance you read is rather meaningless, but at least you will know whether a winding is open. Checking linear transformer is quite straight forward. Apply the ac voltage to the primary winding and expect output voltage at the secondary side. No or low output voltage means the transformer winding has open or shorted winding. Look for any evidence of overheating, such as darkened or blackened areas or a burnt smell.

About how to test a power transformer-it is a little bit complicated. You cannot apply ac voltage to the equipment and expect the desire output at the secondary side without connect to load otherwise over voltage will happen (because you have removed all the secondary load) and will blow the power section which consist of power fet, pwm ic and etc. Switch mode power supply are designed to run with load while linear transformer can be test without load.

The best way to test a switch mode power transformer is first remove it from the board. Check only the primary winding as secondary winding failures are exceedingly rare. How do we know which one is the primary winding? Trace from the big filter cap the positive pin to see where the circuit goes. It will go to one of the pin of the transformer. Then look for the power fet middle pin which is the Drain and it will lead to another pin of the transformer. This two pins is the primary winding of the transformer. Checking the resistance of the primary winding only can reveal whether it is open but it cannot check if it has developed a shorted winding. Only by using a ringer test you will know if it shorted or not. A shorted turn in the primary winding can cause the power section to blow.

The cheapest ringer tester that i came across is Dick Smith LOPT METER or flyback tester. Just connect the probes to the primary winding and the result are instantly seen from the Led bar graph. 4-8 bar represent a good winding, 1-2 bar represent partial short and if the led goes off means there is a heavy short in the winding. Besides checking the transformer it can be use to check B+ COIL, horizontal yoke coil and flyback primary winding and ballast (choke).

The expensive ringer tester is from sencore equipment. Sencore LC102 and LC103C besides checking capacitor it also have the capability to check all kind of winding. Whether it is a low voltage transformer, high voltage transformer, current transformer, pulse transformer, electric transformer, custom transformer this equipment will be able to check and test it.

If you do not wish to invest on this tester you may use a light bulb to check it. Remove one of the primary winding pin and connect a 60 watt light bulb. One end to the circuit while the other to the transformer pin. If the bulb light and didn't goes off suspect a shorted winding and if the light goes off, the winding is ok.

Transformer repair is not easy and it require a good skill to do it. Most of the transformer repairer preferred to rewind bigger winding such as fan, car alternator and starter. Switch mode power transformer is a little bit difficult to rewind because of the small size and low price.

Jestine Yong is a electronic repairer and a writer. For more information about how you can test electronic components like a professional please visit his website at http://www.testingelectroniccomponents.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jestine_Yong

Cushman Truckster - Adding A Honda 20HP V-Twin Engine

By Ben Anton

Cushman Trucksters are considered one of the best hauling vehicles available because of their durability and long-lasting construction. Their reasonable price makes them a favorite of many greens keeping and landscaping operations who use hauling vehicles like these every day for basic debris and equipment transportation.

Proper maintenance will keep a Cushman Truckster running for years. In fact, these vehicles will often times out-live the quality of the engines inside them. While the body, electrical components, engine, even the tires will continue to run strong the power may not be up to what the modern models can provide. Rather than ridding the fleet of the older Cushman, repower kits are available so that stronger, newer engines can be easily placed into the machine. These rebuild kits cost a fraction of the price of a new engine and will give new life to an older truckster by adding more horsepower and new engineering.

Cushman Truckster small engines can be easily replaced using a number of different rebuild kits available. One of the best options is a repower kit using a Honda 20HP V-Twin overhead valve engine.

A Honda 20HP V-Twin overhead valve engine rebuild kit is best suited to replace any Cushman Truckster 18 or 22 HP small engine. Like any good rebuild kit, a Honda small engine kit will include the engine itself, an exhaust system, a motor mount, a clutch adapter, the complete installation instructions and the bolts and other items necessary to complete the installation. Before purchasing any repower kit, make sure you understand exactly what does and does not come in the package you are purchasing.

Though relatively simple, repowering a Cushman Truckster with something like a Honda 20HP engine does take some understanding and planning. It is not as simple as swapping one engine for another. It is important to read through the details of the instructions and take note of what will and will not function exactly as before and what additional parts may be necessary beyond those included in the kit. Below are some simple things to consider, specifically when using as rebuild kit for a Cushman Truckster.

Hydraulic System: If your truckster has a hydraulic system that uses a chain drive or a belt drive, additional parts or kits may need to be ordered in order to make the system work properly.

Equipment Heater: Changing the muffler system may render the equipment heater inoperable.

Power Converter: If your truckster has a 120 volts AC power converter, it may require additional changes in order to function after the repower kit is installed. This is because using a kit like one for a Honda 20HP eliminates the alternator.

All of these functions can be built back into the construction of the truckster through other means. The amount of money saved using a rebuild kit is often considered well worth the cost of a couple of additional maintenance hours to get these features back on line. Reviewing the information about any rebuild kit before you buy will help you understand what additional work may need to be done.

Cushman Trucksters are quality built machines with an excellent track-record for longevity and performance. Repowering their engines using a high-powered Honda 20HP V-Twin small engine will extend the life of the vehicle while giving it the power available in newer models.

~Ben Anton, 2008

Ben Anton lives in Portland, OR and writes for Repower Specialists, LTD.
Read more about Honda rebuild kits available online by visiting the Repower Specialists site specializing in the repowering of Cushman Trucksters and other golf course equipment.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ben_Anton

How Do You Save Money On Gas?

By Ronnie Wilson

Gas prices are very high today and it seams that every day that the price at the pump keeps getting a little higher. A couple of cents today and a few more cents tomorrow. A few cents may not be a lot at one time but when you have to buy 10 to 20 gallons of gas a week that can add up to some big money over a short period of time.

I drive about 500 miles a week and when you have to stop and pay for 20 gallons of gas a week that can get very expensive and in a hurry, But when you have to drive you have to pay the high gas prices but there are ways that you can save gas and in turn save a few bucks.

By improving your gas mileage by just one or two miles per gallon can save you one or two hundred dollars over the period of a year, But with a few changes in your driving habits you may be able to get even more milage per gallon.

Here are some tips to get you started that are easy to do and will help you save on gas.

Lighten up on the accelerator. The faster you drive, the more gas you use. Speed limits have gone up around most of the nation, but you don't have to see your fuel consumption go up drastically as well. For example, driving 55 miles per hour rather than driving 65 miles per hour can improve your fuel economy by two miles per gallon.

Combine errands into one trip and plan your stops for the most efficient route. You'll save yourself time and money.

Be smart with the air conditioning. On the highway, closed windows decrease air resistance, so run the air conditioner. But in stop-and-go traffic, shutting off the air conditioning and opening the windows can lighten your fuel use. Air conditioning can lower your fuel economy by 10 percent to 20 percent.

Get the junk out of the trunk. A weighed-down car uses more fuel. For every extra 250 pounds your engine hauls, the car loses about one mile per gallon in fuel economy. Carry only the basic emergency equipment and items you really need.

If you use those tips you will see that each one can make a little difference and every little bit helps.

There are many other ways to save money on gas and how to find the best gas prices around.

Author Ronnie Wilson You can save a lot more gas and gas money but it is up to you to make a difference, You can continue as you are or make some simple little changes. Gas Buddy
http://www.articleinferno.com/article110.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ronnie_Wilson

Keeping It Cool

By Brendan Cassidy

Pontiac vehicles boast of having the most advanced technology in providing passenger comfortability. This automaker regards passenger comfortability as one of their top priorities in car production and they were undoubtedly successful in doing so as customers soon became their loyal patrons because of their satisfaction for the finished product. In their quest to provide customers with quality performance, they managed to perfect the production of parts that have to do with giving passengers a relaxing ride. The company's air conditioning system is one of these parts which has given Pontiac the reputation of being a comfortable vehicle.

However, there are certain parts that are included in the whole of the car's air conditioning system like the AC Condenser, that should also be credited for the efficient function and operation of this system. Like in the case of the Pontiac AC Condenser, which is the very heart of the air conditioning system. Because this component has the responsibility of providing the car's cabin with cool and fresh air. The condenser is usually strategically placed at the front of the radiator. This way, the Pontiac AC Condenser would be the first part to receive the cold air that flows through the car's grille. It also acquires the air it breathes in from the car's fan and that's what it uses to cool the refrigerant.

The process starts when the pressurized refrigerant liquid from the car's evaporator starts flowing into the AC Condenser The air contained in the AC Condenser which flows through the coil would then cool the liquid refrigerant. After which, the cooled liquid will have to pass through the expansion valves where it is subjected to flow back to the evaporator. This process of cooling is repeated consecutively in order to make sure that the liquid refrigerant is cooled to the required degree. Because the refrigerant needs to go through two processes, car engineers have designed the AC Condensers to have two hoses. These two hoses are used for the passage of the liquid refrigerant. The first hose is used to transport incoming highly pressurized liquid coolant and the second is then obviously used for the outflowing highly pressurized refrigerant coolant.

Stress is a common thing that a Pontiac AC Condenser experiences due to the nature of its work. As it is nestled just behind the grille, aside from breathing in first-hand the air that flows through it, it is also the part which suffers the most from the foreign particles that also come in through the grille. This then causes a lot of strain and pains to the AC Condenser For this reason, it is critical for car owners to regularly check this part for particles that may have gotten stuck in the body of the condenser, which are often small rocks and dead insects. These things are dangerous as it could cause severe damage to the highly pressurized coils and hoses of the AC Condenser

Car owners may not be able to prevent these particles from penetrating into their Pontiac AC Condenser but a solution is just around the corner when this part starts to retire. Lots of after market dealers offer originally manufactured AC Condensers for Pontiac vehicles. Thus, owners would have no valid reason not to be able to replace this broken part.

Brendan loves his flashy car and along with his good looks, he uses his car to attract girls along the way.

ponpartsonline.com/pontiacaccondenser

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brendan_Cassidy

Fuel Economy Mileage, Tips and Myths on How to Get the Best Fuel Economy Mileage

By Joe Keller

There are really several ways to keep or make your car sip on your gas tank rather than guzzle it down. They can range from very simple to slightly complex. I want to talk about some real things you can do to keep your money in your pocket, (when it comes to gas) and get the fuel economy mileage, for a longer period of time. I also would like to mention some myths about saving gas.

Ok let's start with some myths.

Myths #1 Windows down vs. Air-conditioning: tests were done and it actually is worse with the windows down which disrupts the aerodynamics of you car. Turning your air conditioning on, is less than 1 mpg difference and you're going to be comfortable.

Myth#2 Keep a clean air filter: this doesn't matter at least on modern cars because your cars computer adjusts the air to fuel ratio to what it needs to be, but it never hurts to have a clean air filter, just not for gas purposes.

Myth#3 Tailgate down vs. up: This is for us truck drivers, putting your tailgate in the down position does not help but actually hurts your mileage slightly. Based on how the air flows down from the roof of your cab, it actually hits the tailgate in its flat down position and creates somewhat of a drag, but when its up the bed forms a pocket of air which keeps the air flow from ever going into your bed it just roles right over, so the car companies already had that right for us.

But here are some things we can do to get the fuel economy mileage:

We can make sure we have the correct tire pressure which the manufacturer specifies, this will give you optimal mpg and make your tire properly meets the road and not only that but you wont be replacing your tires to early because they are not wearing correcting.

Take off slowly from a stop, if you're coming to a stop light slow down gradually and possibly keep from having to stop all the way, keeping your momentum going, notice I said stop light, not a stop sign this could cost you a lot more.

Before you go to fill up your tank, take 2 minutes and get online and got to real-time gas price monitoring site like gasbuddy.com, and find out where you should fill up, instead of coming to the first gas station. Don't you hate it when you fill up for one price and go a mile down the road and see it a lot cheaper?

Keep your vehicle tuned up, change that distributor cap and rotor and give it some new sparkplugs and sparkplug wires.

Run your car with water, there is a ton of buzz around making your car or truck into somewhat of a hybrid, people are making there own hydrogen generators from stuff around the house or from your local hardware store. They claim to get potentially triple the gas mileage. I have seen videos were they prove it.

People in the US alone, waste millions of gallons of gas, simply by not keeping the correct pressure in their tires, imagine how much you can save yourself when you do all things possible: http://www.simplewatertechnologies.info

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Keller

6 Fuel Saving Tips When You Drive Your Rental Car

By Noemi Beres

Fuel prices have climbed record levels. It affects our everyday life, and it even makes us conscious when we are on holiday.

Here are 6 tips how to save money on fuel when you drive your rental car in Dublin and in Ireland.

1. Choose the right rental car

When you book your car rental, reserve the smallest available model that suits your needs. Smaller cars are more fuel-efficient. In Ireland is very popular to rent economy cars, for example Ford Fiesta. It is easy and comfortable to drive on the narrow Irish roads and it also delivers good fuel economy. Its fuel efficiency is around 6l/100km. While an intermediate size rental car could consume 9l/100km. An SUV's fuel efficiency is over 10l/100km.

2. Rent a car with a manual transmission

Cars with manual transmission are more fuel efficient and have more power than vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. Hiring a car with manual transmission would help you to save money on fuel because you decide when you need to change gear.

3. Plan ahead

Plan your travel ahead while you are at home and plan your route too. There are many good route planner sites are available online, check them out. Buy a good map, but most of the rental cars come with free Ireland map. You can hire your rental car with GPS navigation or you can bring your own. It helps you to navigate to any town in Ireland, it can save you time, money and headache.

4. Air conditioning or no air conditioning

Ireland's summers are not really hot, the country doesn't really suffer from extreme temperatures. Average annual temperature is about 9°C, so air conditioning is not a must. When you drive in the city at low speed, opening windows do not greatly increase your rental car's aerodynamic drag, it means that your car will use less petrol than if you used your air conditioner. However at high speed, close windows and sun roofs, so your engine doesn't have to work that hard and you may switch on the air conditioning if you really need it.

5. Turn off the lights

This tip might be a safety concern. Most rental carshave daylights enabled which are rather efficient. Every electrical equipment, which is powered from the alternator, will increase its load on the engine. When you use them, the engine burns more fuel. When you can do it safely, turn off the headlights. If you rental car has fog lights, do not turn it on unless the weather is foggy. Many drivers in Ireland use them for no reason, don't follow their example, use it if it is only necessary.

6. Turn your rental car off

When you are on a driving holiday, you tend to stop frequently. You take a picture or you check your travel guide where the next Irish village is. Turn your car off when you know that you will not be moving for more than 1 minute.

These tips will help you to keep your driving vacation in Ireland on a budget. If you want to save even more money, it is advisable to plan your holiday ahead and book your car online.

ReservaCar Dublin Airport is specialist for car rental at Dublin Airport, in Dublin and worldwide. ReservaCar Dublin Airport is dedicated to comprehensive online car hire service at Dublin Airport. From Dublin Airport car rentals to holiday car rentals in Florida, ReservaCar Dublin Airport have got it covered.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Noemi_Beres

Will Beckham Stay in Milan Or Go to America?

By Musa Aykac

When you hear the name David Beckham you always know that there is going to be some interesting news behind the story. Beckham who was born in Leytonstone, London, his career began when he signed a professional contract with Manchester United; he first hit our screens with his debut at the age of 17 in 1992 and since then has gone on to become a worldwide football icon winning various trophies such as the Premier League, Champions League and Spanish Titles.

Beckham who left Manchester United and signed for Real Madrid in 2003 then stayed with them for four seasons before signing a huge contract with Los Angeles Galaxy. After the end of season in America, Beckham decided to join AC Milan on a short loan so that he gains higher chances of being called to the national team.

Beckham's loan contract which ends in March, is one that is playing on his mind, as it has been reported that he is torn with whether to stay at AC Milan or return back to the LA Galaxy. As he tells Sky Sports,

"To play here is the dream of any player," said Beckham in an interview with Corriere della Sera. "But deciding is not easy, it's a situation that requires time. "I am under contract and I have a lot of respect for Galaxy. But the possibility to play at Milan proves the level and reputation of their football. The league in the USA is young. I think 10 years have to go by to achieve results."

"I feel Milan is very similar to Manchester United," he said. "It has that kind of tradition that only great clubs have. Milan, just like at United, you breathe a particular atmosphere, whether it's in the training ground or the stadium. And then Milan has that trophy room - this makes you feel special."

So will Beckham stay or will he go, it was always reported that Beckham chose to move to America to support his wife Victoria Beckham and her career. But in my opinion if Beckham wants to make the most of the rest of his career then he should stay in AC Milan. We all know that Europe is a lot more developed in the form of football then America. Just look at the likes of Ronaldo and all the other Brazilian players that join European teams.

If Beckham wants to have a permanent role in the International team and play Champions League games then he should think very hard about staying in AC Milan.

Why not buy New Cars, Buy a Mercedes and Buy a Renault. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Musa_Aykac

The Do's And Dont's Of A Cellular Phone Battery

By Neil Day

After the performance and features of the cell phone, nothing is more important than the life of the cellular phone battery. The longer the battery life, the more talking before it needs a recharge. Eventually your cellular phone battery will wear out. It won’t hold its charge as long and your talk time will be noticeably diminished. At that point it’s time to get a new battery. Make sure you get the correct battery for your cell phone model. If it’s the wrong one, it won’t fit.

There are actually three different types of materials that make a cellular phone battery. The metals are nickel metal hydride, nickel cadmium and lithium ion. The lithium ion cellular phone battery is the most common because it has the longest battery life, about 3 to 5 hours of talk time. They can be recharged around 200 times before you need to purchase a new one. When you replace your cellular phone battery, make sure to dispose of the old one at the correct hazardous waste place or at a store that will accept old batteries to be disposed.

The cellular phone battery should be stored at room temperature as extremes in heat and cold can damage it. Wait till the battery has completely run dry before recharging. These batteries have a memory, which means that if it normally would have 2 hours of talk time, and you recharged at 1 ½ hours of talk time, then that’s the max charging the battery will accept now. You’ll be stuck at 1 ½ hours of talk time. Read the instructions on charging and recharging the cellular phone battery and make sure you don’t overcharge as well.

When purchasing a replacement cellular phone battery, I would suggest buying only OEM (original equipment manufacturer). There have been problems with third party cell phone batteries blowing up. They were sold and made specifically for a certain phone model, but if the battery was manufactured incorrectly it will overheat and blow up during charging. OEM batteries are more expensive, but I think they are well worth the cost.

You can charge up your cellular phone battery with an AC adapter (desktop charger) or car adapter charger. You will generally have to buy the car adapter separately but I have found it to be invaluable on trips. You can buy the car charger from the same store that you bought the cell phone. Make sure you check the make and model number so that you buy the correct one for your phone.

For more cellular phone battery information, visit http://www.cellphonesinfosite.com, the #1 website specializing in providing news, advice, tips and the latest resources on cellular phones.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Neil_Day

Transmission: Automatic to Manual Conversion

By Duane Boodasingh

When I purchased my EG4 Civic hatchback in 1998, I loved everything about it, the body interior and engine were all in excellent condition. However, there was one thing that I would not have chosen: the automatic transmission. The original engine was a JDM D15B SOHC VTEC, rated at a respectable 130 p.s. especially for a 1500 cc!

So I started my research on the net to find out my options with respect to getting the car converted to manual transmission. In my search, I discovered Eric's B16A site and the Hybrid site among others. So I began to think, why go through the trouble of changing the transmission on the 1500, might as well go for it an put in a DOHC 1600cc VTEC and gain 40 hp in the process! I considered a B18C but those engines are rare and expensive in Trinidad. In any case the JDM second generation B16A puts out the same horsepower, with a bit less torque. From what I had learned on the Internet I knew the engine would fit fine. Also because my car originally came with a VTEC engine, I knew that the wiring would not be very difficult.

I read as much as I could find on swaps, and tried to plan the operation to the best of my ability. Let me point out, that there is no substitute for good information, so if you are planning any sort of hybrid, read as much as you can BEFORE you start; web sites, FAQs, articles, magazines, whatever. I chose to have a local shop with considerable Honda experience do the work and I was able to locate the engine from a local importer.

MY MISTAKE
I knew that it would be best to purchase the engine and accessories as a package, and that's just what I did. But I focussed on the big items, Engine, Y21 LSD trany, ECU, Complete engine wire harness, axles, and in so doing, I did not even realize that the engine did not have the mounts! (No AC unit either!) Now although In my country we have quite a brisk trake in JDM parts, some things are almost impossible to get, like mounts!

The solution? Alter the original D15B mounts to fit. That mistake made a project that would have taken a little less than two weeks, last five weeks. You could imagine how my wife loved me for this!

STARTING UP
The mounts took a really long time to complete, plus as you would expect, my car wasn't the only one in the shop! Anyway, it turns out that the rear (center) engine mount could be used on the B16A. I was able to get a front transmission mount, leaving three mounts to be custom adjusted. By the way the lower front engine mount / ac bracket on the B series motor is totally different to the D series mounts so I fabricated an adapter flange to accept my old AC unit. (No way did I have intentions of buying an AC).

After the mounts were adjusted and the engine was in the proper place, the axle hardware was mounted in a jiffy, and necessary fluids and hoses were connected. All the electricals plugged right in, including the new computer. The only difference was the D series motor had the MAP sensor fixed on the Throttle Body, so a remote unit was added for the new engine. The engine fired up, no problems. By the way, you guys should hear what the beast sounds like with only the tri-y headers! Since the headers were longer than the original, I had to adjust the length of the exhaust pipe so that it could bolt to the headers

DETAILS

Electrical
Now the Automatic Specific facts. Remove the Automatic Gear Lever and toss it! There is a plastic slider underneath which is connected to the car's harness. This slider should be set to the PARK position and locked there by some means. The guys at the shop put a big blob of silicone sealant over mine. This is necessary if you plan to take your key out of the ignition after you drive!! Also on the plastic slider, there are two wires soldered near the center of the device (yel, blk/grn). When these wires are shorted they activate the reverse lights and chime. (At least my car has a reverse chime). My advice is to find the reverse sensor on the transmission, trace them to the connection junction on the right side of the engine bay, then run a pair of wires from the reverse sensor leads to the plastic slider. Voila! Your reverse lights will work fine.

I had to add a knock sensor wire and an O2 sensor wire as detailed on the Hybrid Site. However, I still got a code 23 after driving the car for a few minutes. Then it occurred to me, that the computer still thought the car was automatic. Now, I really tried to find the Transmission Control Module but for the life of me I couldn't. Maybe you have to remove the dash of something extreme. Anyway, with the help of a B16A2 wiring diagram from my friend Christian in Austria, I was able to identify the ECU leads that were no longer needed. Just cut the leads and tape'em up! The first four are the TCM leads; the other two go to AT sensors for which I don't have the German translation :-)

ECU leads
B3-grn/blu

B4-grn/blk

B7-grn

B13-grn/orn

B17-grn/blk

B19-yel

Mechanical
Of course when you remove the automatic gear shifter, there will be a gaping hole under there. I found that my car did not have any mounting holes for the shift linkage. This is good in a way, as you get to choose where the shifter will lie. I used a CRX shifter in my application and just bolted it on through the sheet metal in the floor arch. Depending on the linkage you use, and the plastic moldings that you choose to put over the shifter, some adjustment of the linkage length may be necessary.

You will see a picture of the pedal box from a CRX on the left. If you are really observant you will notice that this pedal box is made for a cable clutch system. The verdict: scrap the idea of changing the pedal box. The guys cut off the clutch pedal, and welded on a hinge so it could be used to actuate the plunger on the clutch master cylinder. We used a soft line to connect the slave cylinder (on the trany) to the hard line, which connects to the clutch master cylinder. Very simple. In the interior picture you can see the large (AT) brake pedal next to the clutch.

THE RESULT
The car works beautifully and is a joy to drive. Every feature and sensor is operational. Since I kept the original AT housing around the shifter I did not loose one of my favorite features of the car; the fold in cup holder! The shifter boot is custom made from Italian leather. I also got the white faced gauges with the deal!

I would really advise against swapping in the other direction though since all the car's wiring behind the firewall would have to be changed in order to get a fully functional (all features working) automatic.

More Honda Technical Articles Read More at: http://forums.trinituner.com/forums/archive/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Duane_Boodasingh

PSP Wallpaper And PSP Downloads

By M. Xavier

Imagine having the ability to hold an entire multifaceted entertainment system that fits within your own hands. Compact enough to carry with you anywhere, the PSP system makes the vision a reality. In March 2005, the Sony Computer Entertainment Company developed the PSP (PlayStation Portable System).

The PSP system is a handheld, wireless, portable entertainment device. The system has the ability to run highly developed video game products, as well as the ability to view live, pre-recorded television, listen to music through your own music downloads, view photos, videos and video slide shows, and enjoy full length feature films. A wireless connection to the Internet is also available through the device. All images are displayed upon a widescreen LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).

The PSP system maintains quality through ongoing downloads through the PlayStation website. PSP users have the ability to routinely obtain software updates for the system as well as add a variety of content to their system, such as game demos, game trailers, game audio tracks, screenshots, and PSP wallpaper.

A PSP user connects directly from their PSP system to the PlayStation website. Once the user has reached the website, they have several different options in downloads. PSP wallpaper can be obtained through the Content Pack, which is available free through the PlayStation website. If the user chooses to download the Content Pack, the pre-selected data within the Content Pack is automatically downloaded to the users PSP device.

The PSP system offers more than one-hundred and thirty-five games available for download. PSP wallpaper may include certain PSP game picture content or PSP movie photos. Once the PSP wallpaper has been chosen and downloaded, the photo will remain on the main LCD screen until the user chooses to remove it or chooses another option.

Currently, the PlayStation website has one-hundred and eight PSP wallpaper choices available for download. Choices include, but are not limited to, Pursuit Force, ATV Off Road Fury Pro, XMen Legends II, and Dragon BallZ. Personal photos may also be downloaded to the PSP handheld device and viewed on the main LCD screen as well. Movies and photos are also available for download on the PSP system. Through the utilization of a memory stick, this data can been downloaded and saved to the PSP system for use at any time.

In order to make this highly efficient handheld portable device even more efficient, the PSP system offers a plethora of accessories such as headphones with remote, AC adapter, car adapter, carrying case, extended life battery, and battery charger. Yet to be released in the United States, Sony Computer Entertainment has developed The Chotto Shot, which is a camera and a GPS device that can be attached to the PSP device. With the addition of this device, users will have the ability to take their own photographs on the PSP device and download the picture for their PSP wallpaper. The Chotto Shot has been released in Japan as of December 2006 but has yet to have a release date for the United States.

The development of a multifaceted, handheld, portable entertainment system is a remarkable step for our generation and for other generations to come. The future of both entertainment and gaming devices is wide open.

http://www.AllPSPInfo.com brings you the latest on PSP. PSPs are very popular, and we want to bring you the most up to date information online! Be sure to check out our latest information page on the PSP game download.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M._Xavier

Hyundai Avante Launch Upcoming in India

By Satish Kalepu

Hyundai Avante

Hyundai Avante shall be available in India by end of July this year. It shall replace its mid-size sedan Hyundai Elantra which was launched in early 2003 but the Korean car maker started phasing out the model globally since mid-2007. Hyundai Elantra shall be replaced by the new Hyundai Avante in India this month. The new model was launched in India earlier this year at the Delhi Auto Expo 2008. Hyundai currently has only one car in this segment and a new model shall give a face-lift to the existing product portfolio. It shall be pitted against successful sedans in India like Honda Civic, Skoda Octavia, Toyota Corolla, and Chevrolet Optra.

The Engine and the Machinery

The new Avante is expected to be launched as with a 2 litre DOHC petrol engine and a 1.6 litre CRDi diesel engine that produces a 1582cc displacement with a maximum power of 115bhp@6000rpm and a maximum torque 26kgm@1800rpm. The 1.6 litre diesel engine has been developed at Hyundai's power plant and you cannot expect much from its 121bhp does not actually give a scintillating performance. However, you cannot really blame it to be slow either. Once you floor the throttle, you would be surprised to find enthusiastic response from the car. The car has four-speed automatic transmission which performs its business unobtrusively.

The Looks and Style

The car is basically a face-lifted Elantra but still carries contemporary looks of modern day sedans. The grille design may disappoint you a little and the bumper would have looked good with more chiselled look. However, you can be happy with its rear look as its gets its tail lamps and chunky bumper from the looks of a Corolla. Avante looks at its best from the sides as well which has a small crease-like lining running along the sync. The sleek design and the curve originating from the side doors and curving at the tip of the head lamps gives a stunning look from the outside.

Interiors are plush just like any luxury sedan and the car has quite a roomy cabin. It has comfortable seating capacity for five people. The sleek dashboard gives a pleasant look and the controls and instruments come with a soothing blue back-lighting. The car comes with standard luxury features like AC with climate control, power windows, remote central locking, remote boot, remote fuel filler, rear defogger, steering adjustment, electric driver seat adjustments, MP3 CD player, tinted glass and button controls on steering.

On Road Safety and Other Features

The car comes with two airbags and fog lamp for damp weather conditions. It comes with anti-braking system for smoother and safer ride but lacks other safety features like parking sensors, traction control, EBD and ESP.

The new Avante is expected to be priced at around Rs. 11 lakh in India. Elantra has failed miserably in the country but what remains to be seen is the face-lifted version, Avante will be able to make its mark in the luxury sedan segment in India. There are already strong competitors in this segment for Hyundai to occupy a considerable market share.

For more information on the Hyundai Avante, you can visit CarTradeIndia.com, where you can buy the Hyundai too!

Satish Kalepu has been an avid auto fan and reporter for many years. He frequently writes about new car launches in India and researches trends in the Indian auto market.

His articles are published in various media, among which CarTradeIndia.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Satish_Kalepu

Fuel Economy Tips to Maximize Your Gas Mileage

By Dean Forster

You probably already know many of the most familiar fuel economy tips. A lot of the things you can do to get more mileage out of a tank of gas are simply common sense measures. For instance, it seems pretty obvious that if you drive slower, your car won't burn as much gas as if you're running five miles over the speed limit all the time. But what else can you do to increase your fuel efficiency?

By the way, it has been estimated that every five mile per hour faster than you really need to go increases your costs to a tune of twenty cents per gallon. Sure, it is not what any of us wants to hear, but driving a little slower can save lives, too.

Having your car tuned up properly and in peak operating condition is a pretty obvious way to improve fuel efficiency, too. Actually, this is one of the most important fuel economy tips, because a poorly tuned engine can add as much as 40 per cent to your gas usage. Here are some more things you can do.

Use your cruise control whenever it is appropriate. It has been found to increase gas mileage a lot more than you might think. Also, don't carry around a lot of unnecessary things in your car, because extra weight uses up more gas, and a little here and there adds up. So keep your car cleaned out.

Think aerodynamics for really good gas mileage. For instance, driving with the windows down increases gas consumption because it creates drag. So do things like a flag on the antenna or a luggage rack. Removing the tailgate on a pickup can improve mileage by as much as 30 percent.

And then there are the things you can do to simply use the car less. For instance, you can walk, ride a bike, or use public transportation in many instances. Car pools are another good idea for reducing gas costs for a people who make the same trip frequently. Think about where you need to go and plan your trips efficiently, combining errands whenever possible.

When driving, the accessories on the car use energy and can be used more sparingly. One of the most notorious gas burners is the air conditioner. It is more efficient not to use it, but if you have to open the windows because of the heat, you might as well turn on the AC, because you'll be using the extra gas, anyway. Lights use more energy, as does the defroster. Use your accessories just enough to be safe for best economy.

Choosing the right kind of vehicle is one of the best fuel economy tips of all if it is time to replace your car. Smaller cars virtually always get better mileage than larger ones, unless they have powerful engines in them. Look for the smallest car that will meet your needs, and especially look for a four cylinder engine. It also helps mileage to use a car with manual transmission instead of automatic, so learn to drive a standard if you don't know how already.

Find out more about saving money on your Gas Mileage including information on hybrid cars, fuel additives and engine chips at http://www.gasmileageimprove.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dean_Forster

New Car Road Test - Go For a Test Drive Before Buying a Car

By Ethan Williams

Are you planning to buy a brand new car this year? And you are already in dilemma which one to buy and which one not! Do not get confused. There are experts to guide choosing your new car. A car is worth buying if it passes the road test. So, the new car road test is a must before you actually buy it. It may happen that you are charmed by the look and features of the car that you have chosen. But the time you go for a road test you at once realize that the car is not made for you.

Where to go for a test drive:

It is wise to follow what the experts say while buying any kind of vehicle. Many of the cars for sale look like a new one. The best way to find out the truth is a test drive. A half-an hour test drive is sufficient to understand the condition of a car. Choose roads that have winding curves and rough surface. Highways are also a good option for test drives. Roads with frequent stop-and-go signals help to find out whether brakes are functioning properly or not.

What to check during test drive:

During test drive do not turn the music on as it will bar you from hearing noises made by the vehicle itself. Accelerate hard and take sharp but smooth turns. If there is problem in the car's drive train or transmission then you will get a noisy drive. Modern diesel fueled automobiles do not make sound and give smoother ride. So, noise is an indication of problem in the vehicle. Take a couple of miles ride with and without the AC turned on to check the power drain.

Check the position of the steering wheel. See whether the seats are lighter and comfortable enough for you. Simplified dash board ensures easy operation. Use brake while driving at least 50mph to know the car's emergency performance. If you are not driving a heavy vehicle then pressing clutch should not feel like working out at the gym. As you end your drive leave the motor running for a while and remove the oil-filler cap. Emission of white smoke is an indication of serious engine problem.

Choosing the right model:

It is not always that going for a hi-fi model will do. Your focus should be on purpose. You may have the money to buy a Ferrari or a Ford Mustang. But they are not a good choice for a traffic congested roads in a metro. Think about the condition of the roads where you are going to drive the car. If you need a car to pick your kids from school or drive down to your office every morning then a Ferrari will not do, although it has high speed and powerful engine. On the contrary, GMC trucks are heavy duty vehicles that are ideal for a family ride.

Now, you know the importance of road test and how to choose the right model. So, follow the tips to ensure the best buy. The more cars you take for test drive the easier it becomes for you to find the gem and weed out the lemons.

Ethan Williams is an automobile journalist. He writes car reviews and car buying guide; his favorite models are 2009 Ford Focus and 2009 Cadillac CTS. For latest car reviews, he recommends you to visit: http://www.caranddriver.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ethan_Williams

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Build an EV Car - Frequently Asked Questions

By Timothy Truel

Many people are learning about the benefits of building their own EV (electric vehicle). In case you are new to this or are just discovering what it is, here are some frequently asked questions about electric car conversions that you may be interested in.

Q: What are the differences between a gas car, electric car, and a hybrid?
A: A gas-powered car get its main source from fuel. These cars use gas to power the engine to make them run. An electric car uses batteries to provide electricity to an electric motor. A hybrid car uses both gas and electric to power the vehicle. Therefore, hybrid models continue to have a dependency on gasoline.

Q: What is the cost to convert my car to an electric car?
A: The cost can vary upon the price that you pay for your parts. However, you can use secondhand parts to complete your conversion. There are also resources available to obtain free parts.

Q: How far can I go with an electric car?
A: Electric cars do require you to recharge your batteries as the amount of energy stored is used. You can usually go about 50 miles before your car will require a recharge. This will depend on the batteries that you choose for your vehicle.

Q: How long does it take to build a EV car?
A: This depends largely upon the amount of time that you have available to work on this project. It can take any where from one week to longer.

Q: What kind of parts and equipment do I need to convert my car?
A: Although there are some tools and equipment that will be required for your conversion, the two main pieces of equipment that are needed are batteries and motors. Deep cell batteries work the best. DC or AC motors can be used.

There are several questions that can come up while you are building your ev car. It is always a good idea to have a guide that can answer any questions that you have while teaching you the conversion process step by step.

Build A EV Car provides a guide for you to learn how to build an electric vehicle. It provides answers to all the questions that you may have.

We used the guide to convert our first vehicle and it really helped us to complete it by explaining the process in an understandable way.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Timothy_Truel

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IPod Touch Accessories Make Great Christmas Gifts

By Jennifer Wasilewski

Each Christmas brings a plethora of new gadgets and gizmos that send frantic shoppers into stores to make sure they get one of these must have electronics. This year topping the list of must have gadgets it the IPod Touch, a MP3 player with the same hands on simplicity as the IPhone. If one of these great little musical gifts is tucked away under your tree this year you may want to consider arming the recipient with one of these terrific IPod Touch (or the IPhone) accessories, all of which are under twenty dollars.

• Universal Car Mount: Avid travelers or even the daily commuter will love this universal car mount. With three separate mounts, the IPod can be attached to the window shield, dashboard, or center consul allowing easy viewing and access. The car mount package also comes with a mount offering cushion side jaws making any vehicle IPod mount compatible. The Universal Car Mount package can also bring a little personality to any car with a built in picture frame to show off friends, family, pets, and great memories. If the sheer simplicity and visual appeal of the car mount isn't enough to convince you, this package also is compatible with pocket PC's, other SmartPhones, as well as other types of IPods.
• Sony Street Style Head Phones Head phones aren't just head phones with this ergonomically designed pair from Sony. Any music lover will fall head over heels with the clean notes and extended base that the Sony Street Style headphones offer. The design makes them comfortable and stylish. Anyone enjoying these headphones will never need to worry about ruining stylish hair or removing their baseball cap because these headphones run behind the neck. This design also offers a sense of freedom with out musical interruptions while running, biking, or taking part in other physical activities making them the perfect gift addition for any athlete.
• Apple IPod/IPhone Travel Charger Set This travel charger set is great for anyone who is on the go and doesn't always have the chance to charge their phone at home. The full set contains a travel/home AC charger adapter; a cigarette auto car charger, as well as a USB Hotsync charger cable. All of these chargers offer a great way to keep an IPod Touch rocking all night. It's also compatible with many other IPod styles and the IPhone. The travel/home charger offers a 45% charge up in mere minutes making sure the IPod Touch never goes long with out bring sweet music to it's user. The kit also has a few other perks including up to 470Mbps data transfer through the USB charger cable.
• DLO Action Jacket Neoprene Case w/ Armband Great for runners, walkers, bikers, or even just those who prefer to listen to their IPod while their doing chores, this Action Jacket with armband offers hands free enjoyment for any user. The benefits of this case don't stop with the arm band design; the neoprene case will protect the IPod Touch from bumps, scratches, and other trauma that can often effect the usability of valuable MP3 Players. While many cases are merely for storage and carrying, this case offers a see through neoprene shield so users can access the screen without ever removing it from the case. A must have for anyone prone to dropping or otherwise damaging things as well as those who are physically active or always on the go.

Look for great discount IPod Touch accessories, and discount cell phone accessories and great customer service visit SFPlanet. SFPlant is your one stop shop for discount ipod accessories and discount PDA accessories.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Wasilewski

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Factors That Affect the Price of Electric Car Conversions

By George Christodoulou

How much you pay for your electric car conversion will depend on so many factors. Primarily, the kind of car you are conversion will determine what components to buy. If you are using a heavy truck for your conversion, you may need to buy corresponding parts that cost more. If you are using a light truck or sedan, you would buy lowly priced components.

Aside the car, the kind of motor you want to use would affect your overall cost of the conversion. The DC conversion is cheaper to buy and easier to install. The cost is much lower because it cannot carry heavy load and acceleration is very poor. The DC system would also not last long. In contrast the AC system is more durable and suits larger vehicles. It provides better acceleration and would last long. It however comes with higher pricing.

The kit used for the conversion would also affect its price. The components vary in quality and in number. Though all kits would give you a full conversion may come with extra luxuries that will enhance your driving experience or make your conversion easier. These extra components would require a higher riving.

The one doing the conversion would also impact on its price. A garage would charge higher than an individual and a company would also charge higher than a garage. Whether the garage or company uses a kit or individual parts would also affect how much you eventually pay for the conversion.

Lastly, the transmission of the old vehicle would affect how much you spend on your conversion. Manual transmissions are known to be easier for conversions than automatic ones.

I hope you found the article informative. Are you interested in converting your car to electric? For more information about how to convert a gas car to electric, visit
gas2electric.net for an easy to follow electric car conversion guide. Finally rid yourself of polluting gasoline and drive a clean efficient electric car!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=George_Christodoulou

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