If your looking to find great unbiased resources for private investigators, investigation equipment and information check out Mass Private I.
"Created to bring together BU Professional Investigation students and Alumni in an effort to provide links and resources in our field."
Plenty of useful information on this web site, including news, events, and many a great listings of more quality resources.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Uses Of Thermal Imaging Cameras
Over the years, the use of thermal cameras has expanded. Once widely used only for surveillance and security, the current technology has made these cameras serve many other useful purposes.
The infra red technology which detects heat energy can detect the minute temperature changes and this is generated as an image on a screen. The thermal imaging camera can easily identify hot or cold spots by measuring surface temperature variations. This ability to monitor the slightest change in temperatures is being used to:
Read the entire article
The infra red technology which detects heat energy can detect the minute temperature changes and this is generated as an image on a screen. The thermal imaging camera can easily identify hot or cold spots by measuring surface temperature variations. This ability to monitor the slightest change in temperatures is being used to:
Read the entire article
Top Reasons To Install A Security Camera In Your Home
We live in a world where crime is everywhere and despite what the law enforcement claim; crime statistics have reached epidemic proportions. To deter criminals, now we have security cameras. Security cameras have grown exponentially in the business of law enforcement and they can be found on almost corner of the road in Europe. North America is fast catching on with security cameras as a crime deterrent. Today, most home owners have also started installing security cameras for various reasons.
Read the entire article
Read the entire article
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Drop.io - Privacy on the Internet? .....What?
Cool alternative to Facebook and other social networks that always seem to be in a state of controversy to do with privacy. Not sure if this will really catch on with the social networking community, but who knows? Seems as though we may be turning another corner in the web 2.0 world.
What I like is that they claim that the information you provide or "drop" is unsearchable by Google or other search engines. I did a quick search for "drop+io" and sure enough no profiles come up. I'm also intrigued by this phone number service. Each "drop space" or account is given a unique phone number where you can call and leave mp3 messages for other to collect. It also supports conference calling and fax. Here is an interesting article, and it covers many points of interest to do with privacy issues with Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, etc.
Sam Lessin is preoccupied with digital privacy. And for good reason: It’s more than a little scary how much you can find out about him with a simple Google search of his name. More than 41,800 results scrounge up articles about his Internet start-up company, Drop.io, where he serves as CEO. You can find his LinkedIn profile and Facebook account (Harvard ’05!). There’s his blog at drop.io/swl and his Twitter.com account. (A recent tweet: “downloading gossip girl on our work WiMAX to watch later - the cable at home is unacceptable - not proud of it, but am doing it.”) Most of these sites include Mr. Lessin’s public information, tidbits that he volunteered to share. But there are some things Mr. Lessin, like the rest of us, would prefer not to communicate to 10 million other Internet users.
“Look, if my entire life is going to be searchable and findable, I’m going to change how I live my life, or at least how I live it online,” said Mr. Lessin, a fit, bespectacled 25-year-old sitting in the coffee shop at the basement of Drop.io’s office (literary magazine n+1 is in the same building). He lives in Tribeca and commutes to Brooklyn, walking over the Brooklyn Bridge each day to his office on Jay Street. “I’m going to change the power of the Internet as a tool for communication.”
Read the entire article
What I like is that they claim that the information you provide or "drop" is unsearchable by Google or other search engines. I did a quick search for "drop+io" and sure enough no profiles come up. I'm also intrigued by this phone number service. Each "drop space" or account is given a unique phone number where you can call and leave mp3 messages for other to collect. It also supports conference calling and fax. Here is an interesting article, and it covers many points of interest to do with privacy issues with Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, etc.
Sam Lessin is preoccupied with digital privacy. And for good reason: It’s more than a little scary how much you can find out about him with a simple Google search of his name. More than 41,800 results scrounge up articles about his Internet start-up company, Drop.io, where he serves as CEO. You can find his LinkedIn profile and Facebook account (Harvard ’05!). There’s his blog at drop.io/swl and his Twitter.com account. (A recent tweet: “downloading gossip girl on our work WiMAX to watch later - the cable at home is unacceptable - not proud of it, but am doing it.”) Most of these sites include Mr. Lessin’s public information, tidbits that he volunteered to share. But there are some things Mr. Lessin, like the rest of us, would prefer not to communicate to 10 million other Internet users.
“Look, if my entire life is going to be searchable and findable, I’m going to change how I live my life, or at least how I live it online,” said Mr. Lessin, a fit, bespectacled 25-year-old sitting in the coffee shop at the basement of Drop.io’s office (literary magazine n+1 is in the same building). He lives in Tribeca and commutes to Brooklyn, walking over the Brooklyn Bridge each day to his office on Jay Street. “I’m going to change the power of the Internet as a tool for communication.”
Read the entire article
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
How-to: Motion Triggered Spy Cam
Instructables.com has a how-to for motion triggered spy cams. Click through to watch it in action.Motion Triggered Spy Cam
Technorati Tags: spy cam, spy camera, motion triggered spy cam, how to
New Bacolicio.us adds bacon to any site
Follow the wikipedia link, very funny!
Let's give it a try: http://bacolicio.us/http://www.techblogtoday.com - Hilarious!
Technorati Tags: bacon, bacolicio.us
Need a side of bacon on your web site. Just put it at the end of http://bacolicio.us/
For example: http://bacolicio.us/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vegetarianism
Bacolicio.us ~Mmmm, Bacon~
Let's give it a try: http://bacolicio.us/http://www.techblogtoday.com - Hilarious!
Technorati Tags: bacon, bacolicio.us
Google Earth 5.0 released featuring Ocean
Google Earth 5.0 was released recently and includes these new great features:
Technorati Tags: google earth, ocean
I dunno about you, but I could waste days exploring Google Earth. Download the new version here: http://earth.google.com/• Ocean in Google Earth: a new feature that enables users of Google Earth to dive beneath the water surface, explore 3D under water terrain and browse ocean-related content contributed by leaders in ocean science and advocacy.
• Historical Imagery: a feature that enables users to virtually travel back in time through archival satellite and aerial imagery.
• Touring: a simple new way for users to to create narrated tours of imagery and content in Google Earth and easy to share with the world.
• Google Mars 3D: this is the latest stop on Google's virtual tour of the galaxy. Users can travel to Mars with the click of the button and see high resolution imagery and 3D terrain.
Google Earth Newsletter
Technorati Tags: google earth, ocean
Monday, February 16, 2009
WorldTracker GPRS Extreme With Magnetic Box & Extend Life Battery Pack
New WorldTracker GPRS, the first tracking device with real-time updates every 15 seconds. Direct GPRS data connection gives you the most accurate and reliable tracking data ever! The entire functioning unit is as small as a set of car keys. Tiny, accurate, discreet, and reliable. The next generation of GPS tracking is here.The WorldTracker GPRS is a self-contained complete hardware and software package small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. When placed with packages, vehicles, or personnel, the WorldTracker GPRS provides detailed reports of routes traveled for quality-control and security purposes.
Featuring SiRF star III technology for extra sensitive reception outdoors, indoors and through metal. WAAS enabled receiver providing GPS signal corrections, giving better position accuracy. How much better? Try an average of up to five times better. A WAAS-capable receiver can give you a position accuracy of better than three meters 95 percent of the time.
WorldTracker GPRS provides real-time navigation in urban canyons as well as high sensitivity acquisition needed for indoor use.
WorldTracker GPRS Features
* Self contained device fits in the palm of your hand. No external antennae needed, just plug-&-play.
* Location information is reported using a direct GPRS data connection.
* Mapping for the entire world using the latest cutting edge 3D map from Google and Microsoft.
* Real-time location reports every 15 seconds.
* Geofence feature sends alert if the target moves from pre-defined area.
* Parking and Anti-theft Function: Pressing the Parking Button will start the anti-theft function. If your vehicle has been moved 100 meters the WorldTracker will send messages to the pre-set phone numbers to warn you of the vehicle movement.
* GPS assist function using GSM network, boosting location sensitivity when GPS signal is temporarily lost.
* Durable, lightweight, water-resistant housing.
* Enhanced sensitivity for indoor and outdoor reporting.
* Tri-band GSM 850/1800/1900 MHz for worldwide coverage.
* 12 volt DC adapter connects to vehicle power.
* Can be hooked up to 12 volt DC for permanent hard wire connection
Up to one full month of unattended automatic, historical, and "on demand" GPS real time tracking now possible with our waterproof, motion activated, magnetic mount "hibernator" case for WorldTracker GPS trackers. Only 6 1/2 x 4 x 1 3/4 inches, unit operates on 8 "AA" standard alkaline batteries. (Even more time can be obtained by using lithium batteries). After 5 minutes of no movement, tracker reports current position and automatically shuts down, saving all battery power until next motion. When next motion is detected, unit comes instantly to life and reports new position within 2 minutes. With the WorldTracker's unlimited reports option, your vehicle or asset will be continually tracked until motion ceases. Case available for both WorldTracker SMS Real Time Tracker and WorldTracker Historical Logger.WorldTracker GPRS
Spy Gear
Surveillance Equipment: What You Need to Succeed
by Ryan Temple
Today’s world is becoming a more dangerous and scary place to live. Burglary, vandalism, and violent crime run rampant in some areas, and often the police presence required to mitigate the threat in residential areas leaves a bit to be desired. But there are options available for homeowners to protect themselves and their families from this threat, and to help police identify and apprehend perpetrators.
There are companies out there who want to charge consumers an arm and a leg to install a state-of-the-art CCTV or digital surveillance system in the home. But fortunately, you don’t have to be one of those people who get taken advantage of. By installing your own digital surveillance system, you can save yourself thousands of dollars, and end up just as secure as your neighbor who paid handsomely for the privilege.
Installing a home surveillance system is a good weekend project. While there will be some manual labor involved, if planned out properly, your project will go smoothly and you will be on your way in no time! Here are some tips to get you started.
1. Identify what you need to watch. Maybe you need a camera to watch your driveway, your back yard, your pool, and your front door. Maybe you just need to watch your baby’s nursery. The point is, identify how many areas you need to keep an eye on. This will give you the approximate number of surveillance cameras that will be required for your system.
2. Identify where you need to position your cameras. Now that you know how many cameras you will need, you have to identify where you are going to mount them. This can be accomplished using a floorplan or drawing of your property layout, and perhaps a ladder and digital camera to take some photos of where cameras will go, and what you would like them to see/cover. This should also give you an idea as to what materials will be needed to perform the installation, such as mounting hardware, cabling, etc.
3. Identify what kind of cameras you need. Now that you know how many cameras you need and where you intend to put them, you need to put that info to use in identifying the kind of cameras you need. Is the camera being placed indoors or out? If you are placing the camera outside, it needs to be able to withstand the elements, so you need a camera that is weatherproof, or you will need a weatherproof camera housing to protect the camera.Is the area being covered always well lit, or is there little or no light available at times, and do you even need coverage during those times? If you need coverage in near or complete darkness, you will need a camera that is either low-light sensitive or an infrared/night-vision camera.
4. Identify what type of viewing and recording system you need. Now that you know how many cameras you need, you already know how many channels are required on your recording/viewing device. Further, you need to identify about how long you need to store recorded video. For example, is this your permanent residence, or a vacation home or cabin, where you might not be there but once every few weeks? These will all be important when buying your system.
5. Identify where the viewing/recording unit will go. Once you know where you want to place your DVR or other recording device, you can easily decide how much wiring you will need to install the system, and get an idea where and how the wiring will be run.
6. Decide which installation materials, hardware, and accessories you will need to install. How long are your wire runs going to be? Will you need to run your power separately, or together with the cable? If you run them together, you can save a great deal of headache by using Siamese coaxial cable, which consists of a shielded coaxial cable, bonded to a two-conductor power line.If you run your own cable, you may need BNC or RCA video connectors and power connectors for the cameras. Also, depending upon how many cameras you need, you may use individual power transformers (similar to a cellular phone charger), or go for a distributed power box instead.On the mounting side of things, you may need mounting brackets, housings, and other additional hardware (screws, nails, etc).
Once you have accurately identified what you need, it’s just a matter of calling our friendly and helpful sales team for help choosing the right product, or making a visit to our online store to place your order, anytime day or night. You’ll have your product in just a few days, and be ready to move forward with your project.
At this point you should have a pile of information and hardware at your disposal. Here is a quick checklist of everything you should have:
* Cameras
* A Viewing/Recording System
* Power Transformer(s) for the Cameras
* Cable(s) (Video and Power)
* Connectors (unless you have pre-made cables)
* Camera Mounting Hardware and/or Housings
* Instruction Manuals for all of the above.
* Spare parts (in case you make a mistake)
Additionally, it can be a big help to have a “field monitor” on hand when installing your cameras. A “field monitor” is a handheld video screen that you can connect directly to the camera while on the ladder, and will help you get the camera in just the right position before you come down. This will save you tons of headache and hassle as you install your equipment, and will help ensure a good install on the first try.
Before you install, here are a few other things to know:
1. Know the laws regarding surveillance in your jurisdiction. For example, it is illegal in some jurisdictions to record video AND audio. In others, it is necessary to post that surveillance is taking place. If you don’t already know what the laws regarding surveillance are, consult your attorney or your local law enforcement agency for more information.
2. Know the building and fire codes for your jurisdiction. Some states require special types of cabling to be used (such as PLENUM), where others require such installations to be handled by a licensed electrician or installer. Other areas may require you to have some type of building permit to install surveillance on your property. It’s best to check with your local building inspector to find out for sure.
3. Know that all your equipment works before permanently installing it. Some folks make the mistake of not testing the equipment right out of the box, only to find that they installed a camera that was damaged in transit on the peak of their roof, and it takes several hours more to take down the bad camera, and again to reinstall it after a replacement is received.
Finally, remember, SAFETY FIRST!! Don’t get into an install that you are not physically capable of, or that you lack adequate knowledge or experience to perform. Be especially cautious working around other electrical wiring and utility connections. Having great security is worthless if you’re dead.
Ryan Temple is the Director of Operations for PC Surveillance.net. PC Surveillance has been serving integrators and manufacturing customized Surveillance Systems throughout the US since 2002. You can read more of Ryan’s articles at the PC Surveillance Company Blog Ryan can be reached at ryan@pcsurveillance.net
Today’s world is becoming a more dangerous and scary place to live. Burglary, vandalism, and violent crime run rampant in some areas, and often the police presence required to mitigate the threat in residential areas leaves a bit to be desired. But there are options available for homeowners to protect themselves and their families from this threat, and to help police identify and apprehend perpetrators.
There are companies out there who want to charge consumers an arm and a leg to install a state-of-the-art CCTV or digital surveillance system in the home. But fortunately, you don’t have to be one of those people who get taken advantage of. By installing your own digital surveillance system, you can save yourself thousands of dollars, and end up just as secure as your neighbor who paid handsomely for the privilege.
Installing a home surveillance system is a good weekend project. While there will be some manual labor involved, if planned out properly, your project will go smoothly and you will be on your way in no time! Here are some tips to get you started.
1. Identify what you need to watch. Maybe you need a camera to watch your driveway, your back yard, your pool, and your front door. Maybe you just need to watch your baby’s nursery. The point is, identify how many areas you need to keep an eye on. This will give you the approximate number of surveillance cameras that will be required for your system.
2. Identify where you need to position your cameras. Now that you know how many cameras you will need, you have to identify where you are going to mount them. This can be accomplished using a floorplan or drawing of your property layout, and perhaps a ladder and digital camera to take some photos of where cameras will go, and what you would like them to see/cover. This should also give you an idea as to what materials will be needed to perform the installation, such as mounting hardware, cabling, etc.
3. Identify what kind of cameras you need. Now that you know how many cameras you need and where you intend to put them, you need to put that info to use in identifying the kind of cameras you need. Is the camera being placed indoors or out? If you are placing the camera outside, it needs to be able to withstand the elements, so you need a camera that is weatherproof, or you will need a weatherproof camera housing to protect the camera.Is the area being covered always well lit, or is there little or no light available at times, and do you even need coverage during those times? If you need coverage in near or complete darkness, you will need a camera that is either low-light sensitive or an infrared/night-vision camera.
4. Identify what type of viewing and recording system you need. Now that you know how many cameras you need, you already know how many channels are required on your recording/viewing device. Further, you need to identify about how long you need to store recorded video. For example, is this your permanent residence, or a vacation home or cabin, where you might not be there but once every few weeks? These will all be important when buying your system.
5. Identify where the viewing/recording unit will go. Once you know where you want to place your DVR or other recording device, you can easily decide how much wiring you will need to install the system, and get an idea where and how the wiring will be run.
6. Decide which installation materials, hardware, and accessories you will need to install. How long are your wire runs going to be? Will you need to run your power separately, or together with the cable? If you run them together, you can save a great deal of headache by using Siamese coaxial cable, which consists of a shielded coaxial cable, bonded to a two-conductor power line.If you run your own cable, you may need BNC or RCA video connectors and power connectors for the cameras. Also, depending upon how many cameras you need, you may use individual power transformers (similar to a cellular phone charger), or go for a distributed power box instead.On the mounting side of things, you may need mounting brackets, housings, and other additional hardware (screws, nails, etc).
Once you have accurately identified what you need, it’s just a matter of calling our friendly and helpful sales team for help choosing the right product, or making a visit to our online store to place your order, anytime day or night. You’ll have your product in just a few days, and be ready to move forward with your project.
At this point you should have a pile of information and hardware at your disposal. Here is a quick checklist of everything you should have:
* Cameras
* A Viewing/Recording System
* Power Transformer(s) for the Cameras
* Cable(s) (Video and Power)
* Connectors (unless you have pre-made cables)
* Camera Mounting Hardware and/or Housings
* Instruction Manuals for all of the above.
* Spare parts (in case you make a mistake)
Additionally, it can be a big help to have a “field monitor” on hand when installing your cameras. A “field monitor” is a handheld video screen that you can connect directly to the camera while on the ladder, and will help you get the camera in just the right position before you come down. This will save you tons of headache and hassle as you install your equipment, and will help ensure a good install on the first try.
Before you install, here are a few other things to know:
1. Know the laws regarding surveillance in your jurisdiction. For example, it is illegal in some jurisdictions to record video AND audio. In others, it is necessary to post that surveillance is taking place. If you don’t already know what the laws regarding surveillance are, consult your attorney or your local law enforcement agency for more information.
2. Know the building and fire codes for your jurisdiction. Some states require special types of cabling to be used (such as PLENUM), where others require such installations to be handled by a licensed electrician or installer. Other areas may require you to have some type of building permit to install surveillance on your property. It’s best to check with your local building inspector to find out for sure.
3. Know that all your equipment works before permanently installing it. Some folks make the mistake of not testing the equipment right out of the box, only to find that they installed a camera that was damaged in transit on the peak of their roof, and it takes several hours more to take down the bad camera, and again to reinstall it after a replacement is received.
Finally, remember, SAFETY FIRST!! Don’t get into an install that you are not physically capable of, or that you lack adequate knowledge or experience to perform. Be especially cautious working around other electrical wiring and utility connections. Having great security is worthless if you’re dead.
Ryan Temple is the Director of Operations for PC Surveillance.net. PC Surveillance has been serving integrators and manufacturing customized Surveillance Systems throughout the US since 2002. You can read more of Ryan’s articles at the PC Surveillance Company Blog Ryan can be reached at ryan@pcsurveillance.net
Plastic power
By Barney Gimbel,
A startup has a new solar technology so light and malleable that it could charge your laptop - or light up a skyscraper.
Inside a converted textile mill in Lowell, Mass., Rick Hess unfurls a roll of brown plastic film attached to a small electric meter. "Three volts," he says, smiling. "And that's just from the light in this room. Imagine what this reads when we're outside."
Hess, who runs solar upstart Konarka, is showing off Power Plastic, a new lightweight, flexible, and cheap material that converts indoor and outdoor light into electricity. Think of it as a solar panel that rolls up like camera film. "Soon you may not even need batteries," Hess says, holding a prototype of a portable device that will recharge your cellphone in an hour. "We can put this stuff anywhere."
Lowell-based Konarka (named after a temple dedicated to a Hindu sun god) currently sells small amounts of its Power Plastic for use on outdoor umbrellas and tote bags that will recharge a cellphone whether you're on the go or on the beach. That potential impressed investors, who have put $145 million into the closely held venture, including a recent $45 million in funding from French oil giant Total. "We believe the solar market in the U.S. will accelerate between 2010 and 2015, and we need to be ready for this," says Philippe Boisseau, president of Total's gas and power business. "By then Konarka products could become mass market." Konarka won't disclose its revenue.
Sure, solar chips have been used to power calculators, watches, and other small gadgets for years. But most are made of silicon, the material found in computer chips - and they are rigid, fragile, and expensive to manufacture. (Think clean rooms with skilled techies in space suits.) Konarka's film rolls off a converted printing press that used to belong to Polaroid. It prints a secret plastic ink onto rolls of thin film. As it absorbs light, the polymer ink emits electrons, producing electricity.
In a few years, Hess says, Konarka will have perfected a translucent version of its product that could be built into the windows of skyscrapers, generating enough power to run whole buildings. It is also working on projects for the Department of Defense to make solar-power tents that recharge soldiers' equipment in remote locations. Eventually the technology could even be woven into clothing - imagine slipping your cellphone into your pocket to recharge it.
Thin-film solar technology is a promising new field in alternative energy - and it's attracting loads of venture capital. Many startups, including HelioVolt in Austin, Miasol in Santa Clara, Calif., and Nanosolar in San Jose, are working on similar products. Most, however, are made of metal foil as opposed to plastic, which means they're not as light or flexible.
Power Plastic, however, does have its drawbacks. So far it is not nearly as efficient or durable as traditional silicon panels. Konarka's cells convert about 6% of the light that hits them into electricity, whereas silicon solar panels typically are 16% to 20% efficient. Hess says Konarka hopes to double its efficiency within a few years. Power Plastic also doesn't last nearly as long - about five years as opposed to more than 30 with silicon panels. But Hess argues that it doesn't matter because his product will be cheap to replace.
Barry Maranta, president of SkyShades, an Australian company that makes solar patio umbrellas and lightweight awnings for parking lots, says he plans to purchase a few hundred thousand square meters of Power Plastic this year. (It sells for $100 to $200 per square meter.) He hopes to put enough Power Plastic on parking lot canopies at Orlando International Airport to generate $150,000 of electricity a year, which translates into a 35% return on investment over a decade, he says. "People used to buy solar panels because it made them feel good about themselves," Maranta says. Thanks to companies like SkyShades and Konarka, perhaps going solar will also lead to brighter balance sheets.
Fortune Magazine
A startup has a new solar technology so light and malleable that it could charge your laptop - or light up a skyscraper.
Inside a converted textile mill in Lowell, Mass., Rick Hess unfurls a roll of brown plastic film attached to a small electric meter. "Three volts," he says, smiling. "And that's just from the light in this room. Imagine what this reads when we're outside."
Hess, who runs solar upstart Konarka, is showing off Power Plastic, a new lightweight, flexible, and cheap material that converts indoor and outdoor light into electricity. Think of it as a solar panel that rolls up like camera film. "Soon you may not even need batteries," Hess says, holding a prototype of a portable device that will recharge your cellphone in an hour. "We can put this stuff anywhere."
Lowell-based Konarka (named after a temple dedicated to a Hindu sun god) currently sells small amounts of its Power Plastic for use on outdoor umbrellas and tote bags that will recharge a cellphone whether you're on the go or on the beach. That potential impressed investors, who have put $145 million into the closely held venture, including a recent $45 million in funding from French oil giant Total. "We believe the solar market in the U.S. will accelerate between 2010 and 2015, and we need to be ready for this," says Philippe Boisseau, president of Total's gas and power business. "By then Konarka products could become mass market." Konarka won't disclose its revenue.
Sure, solar chips have been used to power calculators, watches, and other small gadgets for years. But most are made of silicon, the material found in computer chips - and they are rigid, fragile, and expensive to manufacture. (Think clean rooms with skilled techies in space suits.) Konarka's film rolls off a converted printing press that used to belong to Polaroid. It prints a secret plastic ink onto rolls of thin film. As it absorbs light, the polymer ink emits electrons, producing electricity.
In a few years, Hess says, Konarka will have perfected a translucent version of its product that could be built into the windows of skyscrapers, generating enough power to run whole buildings. It is also working on projects for the Department of Defense to make solar-power tents that recharge soldiers' equipment in remote locations. Eventually the technology could even be woven into clothing - imagine slipping your cellphone into your pocket to recharge it.
Thin-film solar technology is a promising new field in alternative energy - and it's attracting loads of venture capital. Many startups, including HelioVolt in Austin, Miasol in Santa Clara, Calif., and Nanosolar in San Jose, are working on similar products. Most, however, are made of metal foil as opposed to plastic, which means they're not as light or flexible.
Power Plastic, however, does have its drawbacks. So far it is not nearly as efficient or durable as traditional silicon panels. Konarka's cells convert about 6% of the light that hits them into electricity, whereas silicon solar panels typically are 16% to 20% efficient. Hess says Konarka hopes to double its efficiency within a few years. Power Plastic also doesn't last nearly as long - about five years as opposed to more than 30 with silicon panels. But Hess argues that it doesn't matter because his product will be cheap to replace.
Barry Maranta, president of SkyShades, an Australian company that makes solar patio umbrellas and lightweight awnings for parking lots, says he plans to purchase a few hundred thousand square meters of Power Plastic this year. (It sells for $100 to $200 per square meter.) He hopes to put enough Power Plastic on parking lot canopies at Orlando International Airport to generate $150,000 of electricity a year, which translates into a 35% return on investment over a decade, he says. "People used to buy solar panels because it made them feel good about themselves," Maranta says. Thanks to companies like SkyShades and Konarka, perhaps going solar will also lead to brighter balance sheets.
Fortune Magazine
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Cuba launches its own Linux variant, Fidel reportedly cool with it
by Joseph L. Flatley
It hasn't been a year since Cuba lifted the ban on PCs for the majority of its citizens, and now it looks like ou neighbor to the south has been giving some serious thought to the implications of open source operating systems. To this end, the nation has recently announced Nova -- its own Linux variant -- at a conference on technological sovereignty in Havana. Not only does the nation see reliance on Microsoft Windows a security threat, but the U.S. trade embargo makes it virtually impossible for folks on the island to get the software legally. According to Hector Rodriguez of Cuba's University of Information Sciences, about twenty percent of machines in Cuba are using Linux -- a number he would like to see climb as high as fifty percent in five years. "The free software movement," he says, "is closer to the ideology of the Cuban people, above all for the independence and sovereignty." Be sure to check out the video of this latest weapon in the battle against U.S. software hegemony after the break (music by Jaco Pastorius and The Weather Report).
Continue reading Cuba launches its own Linux variant, Fidel reportedly cool with it
It hasn't been a year since Cuba lifted the ban on PCs for the majority of its citizens, and now it looks like ou neighbor to the south has been giving some serious thought to the implications of open source operating systems. To this end, the nation has recently announced Nova -- its own Linux variant -- at a conference on technological sovereignty in Havana. Not only does the nation see reliance on Microsoft Windows a security threat, but the U.S. trade embargo makes it virtually impossible for folks on the island to get the software legally. According to Hector Rodriguez of Cuba's University of Information Sciences, about twenty percent of machines in Cuba are using Linux -- a number he would like to see climb as high as fifty percent in five years. "The free software movement," he says, "is closer to the ideology of the Cuban people, above all for the independence and sovereignty." Be sure to check out the video of this latest weapon in the battle against U.S. software hegemony after the break (music by Jaco Pastorius and The Weather Report).
Continue reading Cuba launches its own Linux variant, Fidel reportedly cool with it
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Recording Technology
I've been in the music business for years now, as you can read about in my other blog Steamroller Music Blog. Over the years I've seen a lot of different audio recording systems, back from the analog tape days, through the digital tape days, and to the hard disk era. I'm not going write about the differences or preferences between analog and digital for audio in this post, but it does give me ideas for another! Right now what I want to touch on is how portable, and efficient these new systems have become.
I'm almost always working within a tight budget, and forced to make something out of nothing, or very little. This can make for good creative inspiration. I'm a big fan of working with what you have and making the best of it, rather than going and finding the "perfect" solution, which usually ends up being anything but perfect. Now maybe it's the "budget" talking, but I've always been able to make it work. This brings me to my current situation.
I like to be able to record live drums. In an age where it seems to be becoming a thing of the past with awesome sounding drum synths, and software, why spend the time in studio working with a live kit? The tuning, the microphones, cables, stands, drummers? Why bother? Well call me a purist, or maybe it's because I am a drummer and can mic up a kick and play the part quicker than I could program a drum machine. But honestly I really love recording drums. I love having the ability record multiple simultaneous tracks on my laptop like I only could have dreamed about even 5 years ago. For me to be able to record drums in a way that I deem worth while, I need at least 8 tracks. Obviously 8+ is always nice. I've had setups in the past which have given me 16 tracks live off the floor. Mind you I never had enough microphones to make use of all 16 at one time, I did however record some awesome sounding drums with that rig.
Since then I have downsized somewhat and have gone more portable. As I mentioned I need at least 8 simultaneous inputs to make drum recording worth while, and I found a great,
inexpensive, and portable solution. A while back I picked up an M-Audio 1814 FireWire interface. I know this is now an older model, and in fact I don't think they even make this model anymore, but I love this thing. Why they would discontinue it is beyond me? Right off the bat I'm blown away because of the 8 line inputs. Plus 2 mic pre's on the front, which can't be used in addition to the 8 line ins, but still very versatile. I wouldn't say these are top of the line preamps or anything, but they get the job done. Then this thing gives me 4 line outputs which is awesome for when recording drums and running some scratch tracks at the same time to play along to. There are 2 headphone outputs, which come in extremely handy and I can even send separate mixes to each pair of headphones.
With these features alone I'm sold, but then they add on the ADAT Lightpipe. If you're not familiar with Lightpiping it's great. You take your old Alesis ADAT and then run a single optical cable from your ADAT to your Lightpipe unit, in this case my M-Audio 1814. Now I can expand my inputs to 16. What? 16 inputs with this tiny little unit? Yes indeed. The downside is that you have to haul your ADAT around, and either a second mixer, or a 16 input mixer. I currently don't have an ADAT, sold it about a year ago, but what I'm most excited about with this is that I can go and rent an ADAT and then use the Lightpipe feature on my M-Audio 1814 and transfer all my old ADAT tapes to my computer and then an external drive for backup. I can then toss those bulky old ADAT tapes! If I choose I can then go and remix those old tapes, finish some old projects, add some additional tracks that I couldn't back then, or just store them. Options, that's what I like. I hate being limited by my equipment, and I hate having to upgrade every 6 months.
Like I said, you have to be flexible and work with what you've got. No matter what gear you have, how new, how old, how many tracks, how few, it doesn't matter. Make it work! I specialize in creative solutions for recording within a limited budget and I am always happy to share my ideas.
I'm almost always working within a tight budget, and forced to make something out of nothing, or very little. This can make for good creative inspiration. I'm a big fan of working with what you have and making the best of it, rather than going and finding the "perfect" solution, which usually ends up being anything but perfect. Now maybe it's the "budget" talking, but I've always been able to make it work. This brings me to my current situation.
I like to be able to record live drums. In an age where it seems to be becoming a thing of the past with awesome sounding drum synths, and software, why spend the time in studio working with a live kit? The tuning, the microphones, cables, stands, drummers? Why bother? Well call me a purist, or maybe it's because I am a drummer and can mic up a kick and play the part quicker than I could program a drum machine. But honestly I really love recording drums. I love having the ability record multiple simultaneous tracks on my laptop like I only could have dreamed about even 5 years ago. For me to be able to record drums in a way that I deem worth while, I need at least 8 tracks. Obviously 8+ is always nice. I've had setups in the past which have given me 16 tracks live off the floor. Mind you I never had enough microphones to make use of all 16 at one time, I did however record some awesome sounding drums with that rig.
Since then I have downsized somewhat and have gone more portable. As I mentioned I need at least 8 simultaneous inputs to make drum recording worth while, and I found a great,
inexpensive, and portable solution. A while back I picked up an M-Audio 1814 FireWire interface. I know this is now an older model, and in fact I don't think they even make this model anymore, but I love this thing. Why they would discontinue it is beyond me? Right off the bat I'm blown away because of the 8 line inputs. Plus 2 mic pre's on the front, which can't be used in addition to the 8 line ins, but still very versatile. I wouldn't say these are top of the line preamps or anything, but they get the job done. Then this thing gives me 4 line outputs which is awesome for when recording drums and running some scratch tracks at the same time to play along to. There are 2 headphone outputs, which come in extremely handy and I can even send separate mixes to each pair of headphones.With these features alone I'm sold, but then they add on the ADAT Lightpipe. If you're not familiar with Lightpiping it's great. You take your old Alesis ADAT and then run a single optical cable from your ADAT to your Lightpipe unit, in this case my M-Audio 1814. Now I can expand my inputs to 16. What? 16 inputs with this tiny little unit? Yes indeed. The downside is that you have to haul your ADAT around, and either a second mixer, or a 16 input mixer. I currently don't have an ADAT, sold it about a year ago, but what I'm most excited about with this is that I can go and rent an ADAT and then use the Lightpipe feature on my M-Audio 1814 and transfer all my old ADAT tapes to my computer and then an external drive for backup. I can then toss those bulky old ADAT tapes! If I choose I can then go and remix those old tapes, finish some old projects, add some additional tracks that I couldn't back then, or just store them. Options, that's what I like. I hate being limited by my equipment, and I hate having to upgrade every 6 months.
Like I said, you have to be flexible and work with what you've got. No matter what gear you have, how new, how old, how many tracks, how few, it doesn't matter. Make it work! I specialize in creative solutions for recording within a limited budget and I am always happy to share my ideas.
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