Free to Air receivers that "open wide" dish network satellite channels… is that true?

The people selling the receivers say it’s Legal, and that you get all of Dish networks Channels, inluding the PPV… it just seems to me to good to be true… then why pay for the Dish network service if you can get the same programming for free?

Do they exist? Yes.
Are they legal? No.
Can you get busted? Yes.

They work using pirated authentication cards, but since Dish is always fighting them tooth-and-nail, your ‘free’ service only works for about a week or so, and then you need a new pirated card, and so on.

A question about the muzzle energy of a pumpkin…?

Took the family to the local "Oktoberfest" today for the hay rides and other activities, and they had a "Punkin Chunker" there. For $3.00 you can pull the trigger on the punkin chunker and try to hit a beat up pick up truck about 100 yards downrange. Really is a lot of fun. It’s basiscally a huge air gun attached to an industrial air compressor that shoot the pumpkin out of a 15 ft. long or so barrel.

Anyhow, I got to thinkin, this looks like it is quite powerful and started thinking about the ballistics. It seems to take about 1.5 seconds to hurl a pumpkin what looks to be just about 100 yards with about 30 vertical feet of arc in the flight path. I’m guessing that each pumpkin is in the nieghborhood of 5 lbs. and the muzzle velocity somewhere around 300 fps.

This comes out to a muzzle energy of nearly 7000 foot pounds with each pumpkin, does this sound right? 7000 foot pounds is so much more powerful than all but the most magnum rifles, yet this guy is out here chucking pumpkins with that much force, I must be mistaken. How much kinetic energy do you think a pumpkin has in this scenario?

I don’t have the formula for figuring the kinetic energy of a pumpkin whose weight is figured in pounds rather than in grains. However, you can convert pounds to grains by multiplying by 7,000. nce you have the weight in grains, you can calculate the foot pounds of kinetic energy by multiplying the weight of the pumpkin in grains times the square of the velocity in ft./sec. and dividing by 450,400. If we assume that your figures are correct, a 5 pound pumpkin will weigh 35,000 grains. If that mass is moving at a velocity of 300 fps, we can multiply 35,000 by 300 squared and divide by 450,400. Doing this we get 6993.7 ft.pounds of kinetic energy. This confirms you calculation of "nearly 7,000 ft. pounds". The reason for this amount of kinetic energy is the tremendous mass of the pumpkin as compared to the mass of a bullet.

How can I convert 120 Volts DC into 120 Volts AC???

This is for a project I am working on. I need to run an small air compressor (120V – 15 amps). I know I could use a power inverter that converter 12V to 120V etc, but my friend said since I already have a 10 battery bank, I could build a 120DC to 120AC for a fraction of the cost of a big inverter. can someone tell me how to build one or give me and schematic?

Thanks

A VFD is a variable frequency drive. It uses electronics to rectify AC into DC, generate a frequency, then use output electronics to synthesize an AC waveform. With a battery bank, you need to do only the last part of this. I don’t know if anyone makes just this module. AC motors are generally pretty forgiving of waveform, it doesn’t need to be a perfect sine wave. They generally are made using a pulse width modulated output.

120VAC has 170V peak to peak. I expect your batteries need to be this, or half this, to work directly.

Google to find circuits used for VFD’s. You can leave yours at 60Hz, don’t need to change speed, though this may not make much difference. PIC microprocessor site and others have example VFD circuits. Their application note nicely explain the PWM schemes and tradeoffs. Yours could be fairly simple.

Some VFD’s may also run on DC. Check their specs. A 3HP unit is about $300 USD, so probably not too much cheaper than the inverter. Why not start by checking pricing on a 2000 watt inverter powered by 12V or 24V? Should be able to find for about $200 new. Plus, if you get an inverter, it could be used to drive other loads if needed.

Maybe you can get a used inverter to use or VFD to experiment with on ebay, if you are comfortable working with transistors. I would use 96V, use a MOSFET bridge to allow positive and negative going waveforms, then set up a controller and output transistor to PWM the output. It’s actually a fairly complex project, and the time required may be big compared to the money saved. Maybe your friend can help…

The voltages involved make it a little bit dangerous. Be safe, use caution.

What kind of air compressor should I buy for spraying automobiles?

What kind of air compressor should I buy for spraying automobiles? Let me know the hp and how many gallons the compressor should have for use in a place like a body shop. Thanks.

you need at least a 5.5 hp compressor. I’ve painted a car with a pancake compressor. I know you’ve seen the compressors that stand upright, like they’re on a dollie. One of these will be fine, don’t go buy some 10hp big ass compressor. Use your money to buy a quility paint gun. Look up bink online. They are reasonable.

New Tools for Trapped Motorists

Automobile safety is one area of an automobile that has received much attention in the past years. The number of fatalities in the past decades as result of traffic accidents led to the development of safety features for automobiles. Before safety was made a prime concern for vehicles, there have been no seat belts or airbags to protect victims of traffic crashes.

Currently though, car makers are making safety one of their foremost concerns in designing and manufacturing vehicles. One of the most renowned car makers that specialize in safety is Volvo – the company has made safety their first priority when it comes to their products. Volvo and a host of car manufacturers have created ways to protect passengers and drivers of vehicles in cases of collision.

Today, seat belts, head restraints, air bags, and a host of other features are integrated into mass produced vehicles. These safety features have become a must have for automobiles. Currently though, these safety features are not yet enough to cut down the number of fatalities as a result of traffic accidents.

In 2001, the Bureau of Transportation compiled over 42,000 fatalities as result of traffic accidents. Of the total number of fatalities, 500 persons died while they were still trapped inside the vehicles. In their case, the seatbelts and the construction of the car that was meant to protect them have caused indirectly their death.

In relation with that, new products appear in the market which is aimed for cases of entrapment in a car after an accident. One of these is the LifeHammer®. The LifeHammer provides a means for trapped victims to get out of their car to safety. The device has steel points which are designed to shatter side windows with one powerful strike. It is also equipped with a razor sharp blade which can cut through seat belts easily. The device is compact and it also offers good service when it is needed. It can be easily installed on a car’s dashboard. The device is also easily visible thanks to its luminescent pin.

Another similar device is the ResQMe™. The ResQMe is based on the LifeHammer and comes in a very small package. It is equipped with a center punch that can break windows and it also comes with a blade than can cut through jammed seat belts.

These tools are designed for use when a victim is trapped inside wrecked vehicles. When safety features, good driving skills, and equally good EBC brake pads are not enough to keep motorists safe from meeting accidents on the road, these devices can save the day. With more and more motorists focused on driving safety, devices such as the LifeHammer and the ResQMe are definitely very welcome in the market.

Anthony Fontanelle
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/new-tools-for-trapped-motorists-118629.html

Top 3 NFL Picks for Week 2

Top play: Rams/Cardinals OVER 44 One way or another,whether by
trailing early or just plain stubborness, Mike Martz ALWAYS
seems to abandon the run. No reson for to believe he’ll
consistantly hand the ball to Jackson and Faulk and let them
pound away.

The Cards running game has been just awful since preseason, so
they’ll once again try to take advantage of their top notch
receivers Boldin and Fitzgerald and the arm of Warner.

As seen before, both these qb’s Bulger and Warner love to put it
in the air and we could see quite a shootout in the desert
between the former MVP and the guy who replaced him in STL.

Neither one of these secondaries impress me, as Tim Rattay and
Eli Manning both made plays against them. No reason to think
they’ll fare much better this week.

Considering that both of these teams special teams don’t stop
anyone on returns, we could see some entertaining plays here.
Both QB’s can be turnover prone, so we may see a defensive score
or two also.

Noreason this game can’t turn into a 35-31 shootout, where the
team who has the ball last may have the advantage.

Top play of the week: Rams/Cards OVER 44

Regular play: NY Jets -6 over Miami Okay, anyone believe the
Dolphins are that good, or the Jets are that bad based on last
weeks results?? Not me.

I like how this one sets up, Miami off a big home victory
against what I see as a poor Broncos team, and the Jets go into
one of the toughest places to play, KC, and laying an egg.

If these teams played up to (or down to) their talent level,
this spread would look more like the 49ers/Eagles spread. I’ll
lay these 6 points with glee.

The Jets still have a great linebacking corps, and add to that
the addition of cb Ty Law, and this could be a rude awaking for
qb Frerotte and coach Saban. Don’t think rookie rb Brown will be
able to shoulder this huge of a load, and Frerotte will be
running for his life this week, making bad decisions.

The Jets were killed on the ground last week by RB’s Johnson and
Holmes. This Dolphins O-Line is nowhere near the class of the
Chiefs blockers.

Now, I give Miami credit for having a nice, but again defense.
But, I’ve watched a lot of Dolphins football the last few years,
and they are less imposing when they go on the road.

And as bad as people say Pennington looked, he still put up some
numbers when he wasn’t getting bad snaps in the shotgun. I’m
sure coach Edwards has began to fix that snafu, and the Dolphins
secondary looks a little weak without the guys who had good
games vs the Jets last week, CB Surtain and S Knight.

The Jets won’t get behind early, so RB Martin will be a bigger
factor in the gameplan.

This is a regular play, but a “strong” regular play, imo

Regular play: Jets -6

Regular play: Detroit -1 over Da Bears

Ok, Lions, you want to be a contender, you have to win these
type of games against teams like the Bears.

I believe the Lions can take advantage of the Bears secondary
and their short defensive backs. The line must block well for
Harrington, and even though his numbers weren’t the most
impressive last week vs. GB, I did like that he spread the ball
around to the receivers and tight end.

Blocking Urlacher will be the key to the success of the
offenmse, as with Schlesinger still hurt, his replacement FB
Smith must step up.

On the other side of the ball, I look for the Lions D-line to be
able to stuff the run early, and force Orton (who I am high on
for the future), to make plays. I like the Lions secondary
matchup against the bear receivers and believe they can generate
some Orton mistakes in only his secong career start.

The Lions got a taste of black and blue football last week, and
came out on top. They hit hard and played with emotion. Like I
stated at the beginning, if the Lions are to be contenders, they
must beat teams like the Bears.

Regular Play: Lions -

John Onan
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/top-3-nfl-picks-for-week-2-2689.html

Geothermal Heat for your Home: Green, Clean and Lean

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, geothermal systems are the most energy efficient, cost-effective and environmentally clean heating/cooling systems available. A 1,500 square foot home in Colorado that uses a geothermal heat pump, averages energy costs of $1 a day. This includes all heating, cooling and hot water needs!

Geothermal heat pump systems can reduce a building’s energy consumption by 25% to 75%, as compared with conventional heating systems. Not only do they reduce energy consumption, but GHPs significantly lesson corresponding emissions. Emissions can be reduced up 44-72%, as compared with standard air-source heat pumps and air conditioning equipment. If you want to upgrade your space conditioning sources or are building a new home, these systems are green, clean and lean. In the long run they will benefit your pocket-book and the environment.

The simplest description of the geoexchange process is the movement of heat from the earth (or a groundwater source) into the home in the winter, and the discharging of heat back into the ground in the summer. Much of the country experiences extreme seasonal temperatures. But, did you know that just a few feet below the earth’s surface, the ground remains a relatively constant temperature? Ground temperatures range from 45 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. As in a cave, the ground temperature is warmer than the ambient air in the winter and cooler than that air in the summer. Geoexchange systems take advantage of this natural phenomenon.

GEOTHERMAL HEAT PUMPS: THE NUTS AND BOLTS OF HEAT EXCHANGE

The geothermal system includes these principal components:

- Earth Connection

Using the earth as a heat source and sink, a series of pipes is buried under ground, near the house. A fluid (water or a mixture of water and antifreeze) is circulated through these pipes. If the surrounding air is cooler than the soil, the pipes will absorb heat and if the air is warmer, they will sink heat back into the soil.

- Geothermal Heat Pump

For the actual heating of your home, a geothermal heat pump is installed. This heat pump removes heat from the fluid in the pipes, concentrates it, and then transfers it to the building. The process is reversed for cooling.

- Heat Distribution

Generally, conventional ductwork is used to distribute heated or cooled air from the pump into and throughout the building.

THE “DESUPERHEATER”: REDUCE YOUR HOT WATER COSTS BY HALF!

Geothermal heat pumps can be equipped with a “desuperheater. Yes, it sounds like a super hero and in some ways, it is. This device will heat your household water. The heat extracted from the house by your GHP during the summer, is then transferred from the GHP’s compressor into the house’s hot water tank. Winter water heating costs can be reduced by half with use of the “desuperheater”. HOT STUFF!

SHORT TERM COSTS VS LONGTERM SAVINGS

On average, a geothermal heat pump system costs about $2500 per ton of capacity. This would translate to roughly $7500 for a typical residential sized home. Other standard systems with air conditioning units usually go for about $4000. But, consider that with GHP’s high efficiency and much lower utility bills, your investment can be recouped in two to ten years. Financially, it is a golden ticket to strengthen the investment in your property. Not only in long term savings, but also in terms of increasing property value. A property that is equipped to heat/cool using geothermal is mostly self-sufficient, energy wise. There is real re-sale value, right there. Likewise, many geothermal systems can be financed with special loans from banks and other financial institutions. Get on board now, and invest in the investment that keeps on giving, naturally!

GEOTHERMAL IS SUPERIOR

DURABILITY

With fewer mechanical components that are all sheltered from the elements and possible vandalism, geothermal heat pumps are durable and highly reliable. Expect piping systems to come with 25-50 year warranties. The GHPs themselves last 20 years or more.

IMPROVED HUMIDITY CONTROL

GHPs are very effective in humid areas. GHPs improve humidity control while maintaining a 50% relative indoor humidity.

EFFICIENT AND QUIET

A two speed GHP system is so quiet. There are no tell-tale blasts of cold or hot air, as with other systems. Imagine, no A/C noise bothering the neighbors or buzzing the patio. With geothermal systems there are no outside condensing units, hence no constant hum, as with conventional air conditioners.

DESIGN IN MIND

Geothermal heat pump systems allow for design flexibility and can be installed in both new and retrofit situations. The hardware requires less space than conventional systems and so equipment rooms tend to be smaller. Imagine all the valuable home space freed up for other uses! The system also provides “zone” specific conditioning. Different parts of your home can be heated or cooled to different temperatures using GHPs.

There are so many advantages when you install a geothermal system in your home. First and foremost the immediate advantages will be for you, the consumer. Savings in utility costs will be from 20-70%! But, also consider what you will be doing for the environment with reduced emissions and reduced energy consumption. Every 100,000 homes built with geothermal heat pump systems reduce foreign oil consumption by 2.15 million barrels annually! What more do you need to know? An investment in a geothermal system for your home is undeniably wise for you, your future, the future of our planet and generations to come.

Andy Asbury
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/geothermal-heat-for-your-home-green-clean-and-lean-285106.html

getting free to air from expressvu receivers?

i want to start using free to air type satellite systems as express vu is starting to piss me off and I am not a rogers fan. i know that there is a way to take my existing receivers and use them for free to air but I am not sure of all the details if any one can tell me how to go about all this it would be great. I am usually pretty techy i just don’t know where to start with this

There are four Bell ExpressVu Receivers in the market. Depending what you need, you can get High Definition (HDTV), Recording capabilities & Interactive options.

For more information about getting free to air from expressvu receivers you can check
http://www.ftaworldcorp.com

How do you identify what type of power your commercial building has? or what type do I have?

Inside the fuse panel it indicates:
Type 1 (I assume this is the fuse box style/type)
200 amp Max
120/240V AC 1 phase 3 wire
208Y/120V AC 1 phase 3 wire
So would this be identified as a 3 phase 240V or a 3 phase 440V? also, is it a delta or a wye…or do I even need to know that before I purchase a new screw type air compressor for industrial use. I am in one of those stripstyle commercial warehouse buildings if that helps. Thanks in advance

your best bet is to consult a licensed electrician or EE for help. Just reading a label inside a panel will not tell you what you have.

Can i use this AC compressor on DC?

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=9189092

This is a great deal but i need it in the car on 12v dc so i want to use it to power my Air horns at 90 psi. The DC air horn compressors are hundreds of dollars.
I know i need an dc inverter to accomplish it.
Can you recommend a inverter?
How many watts or amps do i need it to be to work in the car?
And how much?
And where can iget one?

Any info , please give me all you know

WILL THIS BE WORTH IT? WILL THE JOB WORK?

I know nothing about this

thanks
LOOK I FOUND A 1 GAL ONE TOO

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=9189093

looks like a good deal. 500 watt or higher will run it. and by the way the idiot that told you to convert a freon tank to a air tank you need to ignore. aside from it being illegel the main reason for not doing this is moisture is in compressed air. The inside of a freon tank is uncoated steel. When moisture and uncoated steel are combined rust forms. the tank will rust from inside out and eventally blow up.Thats why a "freon"tank has a one way check valve on it so they cannot be refilled.