Rebreather diving

Information about 3 the great different of Rebreather systems.
Azimuth Rebreather

This is consider the the “state of the art” in diving systems for Nitrox breathing mixtures.
Designed and constructed by OMG, most of 30 years of vast experience in the professional underwater rebreather technology.
formerly known as the “Mares Azimuth”. This rebreather is a semi-closed design, with constant mass flow. Manufactured in Italy, with many components supplied by Mares, it features user-adjustable flow rates, twin cylinders, an integrated bailout system, and the ability to select either of the two cylinders while diving. The history of the unit is that it was originally produced by an independent manufacturer in Italy, using many Mares components, and was then proposed by Mares for sale as a Mares product. It was shown at several dive shows by Mares, but for liability and marketing reasons never made it into the Mares distribution network.

Functionality of the Azimuth Rebreather:
Azimuth Rebreather is a semi-closed cyclical circuit breathing apparatus , giving constant and controlled flow.
The gas mixtures follows a single direction circular path utilizing two different separated way of circulation, to and from the breathing bag. Especially, the constant flow of gas mixture coming from the single cylinders,( trough the respective dosing group) goes in to the inhalation breathing bag and reaches the corresponding pressure to the diving depth.

The diver breathes the gas mixture contained in the inhalation breathing bag trough the corrugated hose connected to it, via the mouthpiece assembled on the four-way valve and exhales the gases produced by the breathing process in to the exhalation hose connected to the exhalation breathing bag.
The excess pressure generated by the constant flow is vented from the relief valve connected to the bag itself by means of a short flexible hose.
In the Azimuth Rebreather gases from the exhalation breathing bag go in to the filter and once purified from the carbon-dioxide, enter into the inhalation breathing bag.

The DrägerRay rebreather is the latest semi-closed sports rebreather by Dräger. For divers who prefer to take full advantage of all the benefits offered by a rebreather in shallow water, the DrägerRay offers smooth unrestricted breathing effort, reduced bubbles and exhaust noise.
It’s unique design boasts an built-in Buoyancy Compensator
some o the key features of the Drager Ray Rebreather are
Recreational semi-closed rebreather with constant gas and bypass for additional gas demand supply, CO2 absorption with scrubber canister.
Depth limited to 130 feet (40m) with optional 32% O2 bypass valve.
Includes: Buoyancy compensating jacket with inflator and five integrated weight pockets, breathing hoses, mouthpiece assembly, inhalation breathing bag (integrated), exhalation breathing bag with integrated relief valve assembly, pressure reducer with hose and gauge, scrubber canister, bypass valve with integrated constant dosage for Nitrox 50, bailout regulator, flow meter, and operator’s manual.

Does not include Cylinder, Fill Adapter or Oxygauge
The semi-closed rebreather allows you to experience diving as never before.
What is special about rebreather systems is that your exhaled gas is not released into the water as in conventional open circuit systems, but is purified and returned to the breathing circuit. As a result, you can enjoy your dive to the fullest – not only longer dive, but also a completely undisturbed adventure.

Another aspect for rebreather diving that you will enjoy is that the inhaled air is pleasantly warm and moist. This is because the chemical reaction involved in the absorption of carbon dioxide generates warmth and moisture, and as a result even ice diving can become a real joy
So what about the Dräger Dolphin

The first CE approved rebreather released in 1995 as the Dräger Atlantis before having a minor facelift and becoming the Dräger Dolphin, this semi closed unit is still as popular as ever with recreational and even technical divers. Equipped with a variety of flow orifices to give the diver optimum gas duration and minimal decompression in depths down to 45m.
The unit is simple to operate and cost effective to maintain, with purchase cost’s in the region of a decent set of doubles which the unit easily replaces.

With the standard 5l cylinder provided with the unit it is capable of around 2 hours of bottom time using EANx regardless of depth.  Fitted as standard with an auto diluent addition valve and auto dump the unit easy to learn and enjoyable to dive.

Dräger Dolphin Matched to a rebreather capable dive computer such as the VR3 and our unique PO2 interface the unit is capable of giving long in water times with optimised decompression.

Radio Controlled Cars – A Model To Suit All Needs

Whether you choose the simplicity of electric radio controlled cars or the realistic sights and sounds of nitro rc cars, one major decision the newcomer is faced with is just what type of radio controlled vehicle will best meet his needs.

Whatever you choose, think carefully about just how you will be spending your time with your new hobby and balance this against your current level of experience. Here is just a taste of the options open to you.

On-Road vehicles.

On-road cars are undoubtedly the most popular type of radio controlled vehicle. The standard for on-road radio controlled cars is the 1/10 scale model, although 1/8 scale models are also commonly seen. With the recent influx of micro and mini rc cars, there are now also a number of hobby quality on-road cars as small as 1/18 scale.

Both electric and nitro radio controlled cars come in on-road versions, and can be purchased either ready to run or as self-build kits. Built and geared for speed, on-road radio controlled cars should be your choice if you plan to race your cars.

Off-Road vehicles.

If you want to be able to run your radio controlled cars just about anywhere, you’ll definitely need the rugged construction of an off-road vehicle. These sturdy cars and trucks will handle hills, uneven terrain, jumps and even sand. Available in two or four-wheel drive versions, off-road vehicles can be driven in your back yard, a vacant lot or just about anywhere you like.

Like their on-road counterparts, off-road radio controlled cars can be purchased ready to run or as self-build kits and there is a wide range of both electric and nitro cars, as well as trucks, for you to choose from.

Although they are not the fastest cars available, off-road rc cars are durable, rugged and can be run practically anywhere.

Buggies.

These durable little vehicles are powerful enough to handle on and off-road terrains with speeds of up to 60 mph and are becoming increasingly popular. Although buggies can be great fun, for a wide choice of models, you will need to buy your buggy as a self-build nitro kit and this can be a lot to handle for the beginner.

Airplanes.

Radio controlled flyers also feature amongst the most popular and exciting of rc vehicles. Electric and ready-to-run versions are the most accessible for the beginner, though of course there are nitro and self-build kits available to allow for growth and customization.

Radio controlled airplanes are extremely light weight, and can be made to fly at very low speeds. The electric versions are also quiet enough to be run in a school yard, which makes them a great option for the newcomer to the radio controlled scene. If you wish to include competition as a main element of your new hobby though you should be aware that there are many fewer competitions run for rc airplanes than there are for rc cars.

Helicopters.

Though perhaps a little too complicated the beginner, radio controlled helicopters are both exciting and challenging to fly. They are normally run on gas, and can be great fun for the more experienced hobbyist.

Boats and Watercraft.

Available in both electric and nitro powered versions, radio controlled boats are normally only available in kit form and the need for waterproofing adds an additional level of difficulty. As a result, boats and other watercraft are not recommended for beginners but, once you become familiar with the workings of radio controlled vehicles, you will find boats and other watercraft possibly the most fun of all to build and race.

Although it is very much a personal choice, the newcomer would be best advised to start with ready-to-run, on-road electric radio controlled cars and, once he is familiar with the basic art of running and racing rc cars, he can then move up in stages towards his preferred model.

Rasheed, Leave the Predictions to the Experts

“We’re gonna win the game, I guarantee it.”

Do you recognize that quote? If you don’t, you should. This is probably the greatest prediction ever made by a player, in a time when player predictions actually meant something. Who is the player, you ask? None other than Joe Namath, predicting the outcome of Super Bowl III. The New York Jets were facing off against the Baltimore Colts and were 10-point underdogs. The brash young QB would follow through on his prediction, winning 1969’s big game 16-7. His boldness was innovative and would be copied time and again throughout sports history by some of the game’s greatest athletes. Recently, however, this trend has gotten a little out of hand.

“I know we goin’ win. I know we goin’ bust they ass. Tomorrow night is the last game here in this building this year. Y’all can quote me, put it back page, front page, whatever.”

Now I know most of you know who this is. It’s Detroit’s Rasheed Wallace giving his usual playoff prediction. This prediction came after a Game Three loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Lebron James. Rasheed was pretty much explaining, in his own crazy language, that the Pistons would defeat the Cavs in Game Four and wrap up the series back home in Game Five. Wallace’s predictions have become so common that writers have coined the phrase ‘guaransheed’ to explain his constant predictions. This is Wallace’s fourth such prediction and there is one problem. The Pistons lost Game Four. This forces me to bring forth the ultimate question; do player predictions mean anything anymore?

I have thought long and hard about this topic and came up with a checklist of sorts to see if this ‘guaransheed’ actually constitutes a meaningful prediction.

First off, if you are trying to be bold and make a prediction, you or your team must be the underdog in the contest.

Nope. Sorry Rasheed, but your team is the heavy favorite to win the NBA Championship. This in no way constitutes the Detroit Pistons as the underdog against the fourth seed Cleveland Cavaliers. No one on this Pistons team should be making any guarantees, unless they find themselves down in a playoff series, and that is very unlikely to happen now.

Second, what does a guarantee mean if the game that is being predicted is not the championship? My answer: absolutely nothing.

You have come up short once again Rasheed. This is the second round of the playoffs, not even the Conference Finals. Save your predictions for that round, or even better, the NBA Finals. A second round prediction, especially when your team is up 2-1 games, means absolutely nothing to me.

Finally, make sure you come through with solid play in the game you made a prediction about. There is nothing more embarrassing than predicting a victory and then having a less than stellar performance. Ask Seahawks TE Jeremy Stevens, he’ll tell you.

Would you believe it that Rasheed falls short once again? I would hardly call 7 points and 3 turnovers a stellar performance. Simply said, Wallace talked the talk but did not walk the walk in Game Four.

So let’s sum up what we have learned today. The Pistons are heavy favorites to win this series, Wallace’s prediction did not come true during an all-important game, and Rasheed had a pretty poor performance in Game Four. To add further insult to injury, the Pistons actually lost the game. Rasheed’s predictions have come to mean absolutely nothing and these types of player predictions have become a real problem. If you can think all the way back to the first round of the playoffs, Ron Artest made a similar bogus prediction, but for different reasons. He predicted the Kings would win the championship; only the Kings were the eighth seed and no one took them seriously. Especially after they lost in round one to the Spurs. Some other athletes actually make predictions just to pump themselves up. A classic example is Joey Porter, the linebacker from the Pittsburg Steelers. Before the 2006 Super Bowl, Porter made all kinds of predictions for the sole purpose of giving his team reasons to win the game. If these predictions and trash talking are the only way to get pumped up for the SuperBowl, you have a serious problem.

I am going to close with one important message to all athletes such as these. Leave the prediction making to the experts and the media. We, like you, might not know what we are talking about, but at least we get paid for it. All your bogus predictions about games that aren’t very significant are just diluting your importance and turning you into a circus act. The next time I hear a player prediction, I’ll know it’s more valuable as entertainment than actual information.

RC Car Racing – The Basics

For a beginner, the sheer amount of brands, varieties and specs of RC vehicles can be overwhelming. There are literally hundreds of types of RC cars and trucks, all with different engines, performance levels and completely customizable details.  This puts hobby quality RC cars on a whole different level than toys and replicas, and is what makes them so much more interesting and exciting to play with.

While the actual mechanics of how each RC vehicle works can vary greatly from one to the next, the basic principles remain the same. Once you understand how RC cars work, you’ll have a better idea of just what’s involved, and which one would be right for you.

There are four main parts to an RC vehicle:

• Transmitter: This is the control you hold in your hand, usually powered by a 9-volt battery. Using radio frequencies, the transmitter relays the steering and control commands you give it to the receiver.

• Receiver: There are two parts to the receiver- an antenna and a circuit board inside the car. The radio frequencies sent by the transmitter are picked up by the receiver and relayed to the various appropriate parts of the vehicle.

• Motor(s): RC cars and trucks feature a variety of different types of engines, all with varying degrees of difficulty and output. The motor is often said to be the heart of the RC car and is the most intricate part of building your own RC.

• Power Source: Of course power is needed for acceleration, steering and overall engine output. Aside from the 9-volt battery in the transmitter, the power source depends on the type of car: electric cars run on rechargeable, replaceable battery pack while nitro cars use a fuel mixture similar to what runs a real car.

What does RC Stand For?

If you’re new to RC it can often be confusing just what is meant- radio or remote control cars. Though the two are often used interchangeably, this is incorrect; they are not the same thing at all, since the way they transmit signals is completely different. You can spot a remote control car by the wire connecting the controller to the car itself. Radio control vehicles, on the other hand, use radio frequencies to send messages from the steering controls on the transmitter to the receiver in the car.

There are FCC regulations for all consumer electronics that use radio frequencies, in order to properly allocate the frequencies on the band without too much interference. Usually RC vehicles operate at 27MHz or 49MHz frequencies- the same as your walkie talkie or garage door opener. More advanced RC models like planes require a higher frequency, and are regulated to 72MHz or 75MHz. Always consult your manual to make sure you’re using the correct frequency, and for instructions on how to change frequency.

As long as you’re running your RC by yourself, all you need to do is follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to choose the correct frequency for your vehicle. But when it comes to race time or even just practicing with friends, you’ll need to make sure every one has their own frequency or the signals will get crossed. If you’re at an official race, the organizers take care of this by providing each racer with a specific frequency and a flag with which to mark your car. In order to avoid crossed signals, you’ll need to make sure when practicing that you follow a similar process.

RC Cars

Fast and furious, these cars rule the race track. They burn fuel like there is no tomorrow. They are charged with electricity to make them move like lightning. They burn their gas in a rough revolution of their engines!

They may sound like the real deal, but these are far from joining the NASCAR, these are just remote control cars (just not yet)!

Remote control cars are among the best source of adrenalin rush that knows neither age nor gender! It’s one ride you that anybody can figuratively take to heaven and hell, without dangers or fear on being involved in crash.

Controlling an RC car can in fact be a lot more exciting than having a good road trip on a sunny day. Riding through a remote control can give you a feeling of security, while keeping your freedom to overdrive and over speed!

In all of remote control hobbies, many regard RC cars to be still the best and easiest to master. No one is too new or too expert to grab that joystick and start driving.

Operating an RC car is quite basic; one only needs to know the fundamentals of RC driving. Using a joystick, a wheel or a trigger should be really easy, accompanied by a few buttons then you are all set.

Remember how you father used to tell you that drivers don’t pick their cars, it’s the car that picks the driver? Well that is not the case in RC cars, because in RC cars, you always have the power to choose. There are numerous types of RC cars parked in virtual garage that you can choose from. The simple RC cars that can be simply described as a “stop and go” type should be the easiest to use, and you could say that it is the best for starters. Then there is also the RC race car that has superb features of complexity and maneuverability. They even have customizable small parts.

Types in terms of engine specifications are also available. One can choose to control between an electric and a fuel type RC. The other parts on an RC might also impress you, as many RC cars are now fully customizable, one can make a simple smooth cruising type and a mean, real fast and with suspensions just like a real race car.

The road for you and your RC car is waiting. You don’t need a license. You don’t need protective gears. The only thing you need is your guts to press that gas button and speed on! The race has started, will you let yourself be left behind?!

RC Helicopters

Flying high with aerobatic movements, remote control helicopters are truly a feat worth enjoying.

Remote control helicopters take pride in giving you a rare control over a machine that is so magnificent; it can render its audience in awe while it flies. Today, RC helicopters are among the top choices of people who want both hi-tech entertainment and adventure!

Most RC helicopters are available in self-made kits. They usually come in plastics and glass-reinforced parts, making the gizmo itself friendly for all ages. There are also the types that we can consider “real machine”, having parts made of aluminium and carbon fiber – the lightweight material often used in sports and luxury cars, ads reality and exclusivity to the small scale toy.

Construction also adds a lot to the fun. Winning the challenge of being able to assemble a small yet complicated machine can make hobbyists really proud of themselves.

Completing each set can take between five and 20 hours, depending on the specifications and customizations that you want. Of course want your RC helicopter unique and powerful, but the basic parts of this toy are simply analogous to its precedents – the real life, full sized helicopters. From the rotor, the engines, to the gliding bars and up to the swashplate, one can clearly see that RC helicopter is an exact working and fully functional small scale wonder of the flying craft.

Today, RC helicopter enthusiasts do aren’t contented with the plain fun of seeing their machines, their creations fly up the sky. They want something more engaging, something that will really stun their viewers from below. And this is the reason why recent RC helicopters are equipped with new components that even make them more maneuverable than United State’s Air Force’s latest fighter choppers!

And since RC helicopters is one of the most favorite in all RC sports, RC helicopter owners are pushing their knowledge and luck in building state of the art and revolutionizing RC helicopters. So aside from the old time favorite small, cute, dragonfly-like RC helicopters, now the mean, huge and hawk-like, sky-crane RC helicopters are taking the skies to rule.

If you’re still looking above, enjoying the view and maneuver made by other great guy’s RC helicopter, then you are missing a lot. Maybe it’s time for you to build an RC helicopter and grab a remote control and finally make your creation and your dream soar the sky!

Reactor Watch

One of the most popular brands of scuba diving accessories is the assortment of watches manufactured and offered by Reactor Watches. Regarded as a must-have for serious professional divers, Reactor sports watches are made of stainless steel cases and wristbands, which have been tested and proven to be durable in or out of the water, at depths of as much as two hundred meters underwater. The watch is also scratch resistant and water proof. Built with a luminous display, telling the time is made easy even underneath the depths of the ocean during scuba diving trips.

Reactor watches also come in different styles and designs for active men and women. It features elegance and functionality all in one, making it convenient for those who are on the go. This is mainly the reason why Reactor watches have found a loyal market among scuba divers. And this is why the company is proud to back up its promise “If it breaks, we, fix it, period.”

Available in various collections, Reactor sports watches can be a great gift for dynamic loved ones who enjoy being energetic and involved with physical activities and recreations.

Reactor sports watches offer its customers a warranty in the quality and technology of its products. Even with its high-end cost, the timepieces are regarded as a wise purchase.

Reading Fiction – Where is Your Favorite Place to Indulge?

Do you have a special place where you like to read?  Is it somewhere that feels strange to be empty handed?  The ties between what we read and where are sometimes so strong that it is difficult to change.  Did you ever try to read say a business book where you’d normally sit to read a novel?  Did you struggle to get through more than a few pages?  Our minds associate certain activities with certain positions and sometimes this can be difficult to break.  Instead of trying to fight it, it may be better to find a location to suit the type of reading you’d like to do.  In this article, I’m going to cover a few common venues and recommend reading material to suit.

1.    At work.  Reading a novel while sitting at my desk in front of my computer feels downright weird to me.  To be honest, reading anything other than business material can be difficult.  Of course, because of my job as editor of Espresso Fiction I’m often reading short stories while sitting at my desk and that feels OK.  In fact, when I find a story that I really get into, it’s a complete break as I have no awareness of other noises or distractions.  And when I’ve finished I have no sense of time.  It usually takes a minute or two and then I’m back in the present but for that 15 minutes or so I am somewhere completely different.  And that’s one of the things I love about fiction; it transports you wherever the author wants to take you.

2.    Outside.  Lounging by the pool on a sunbed or sitting on the grass is a great spot for reading a gripping novel.  That way you can effortlessly block out the surrounding noise.  Of course, if you are supposed to be watching children then a novel is not the best choice.  You would be wiser to choose something that you can drop in and out of without constantly losing the flow of your reading.

3.    Hammock.  My husband recently put up ours after I pointedly showed him exactly where it could go and we discussed at length how it could be fixed into place.  Boy, did I miss having it.  Lying stretched out and staring at the sky and the trees and listening to the birds is a really lovely experience.  The only problem with reading in a hammock is staying awake!  So choose your material wisely – something funny or lively is your best bet if you don’t want to drop off to sleep within a few short minutes.

4.    In bed.  Reading in bed seems to be a very common reading position as it’s a great way to turn off from the stresses of the day and ease into sleep.  I’ve found its best not to pick anything too stimulating because my mind starts racing (the very opposite of what I want) or complicated because then I give up without reading more than a page or so (this makes for a very long read and usually ends with me putting the book aside in favor of something else).

5.    Sofa.  Another great reading venue because your body gets to rest too.  This can be a great spot for reading a novel or if time is limited a short story.

6.    Coffee Shop.  This is the perfect place to read your favorite magazine or short story, something that holds your attention but can tolerate the inevitable interruptions.  Both are something you can sink into and pop out of at the other end feeling refreshed.

7.    Aeroplane.  A long novel that grabs you from the very beginning and doesn’t let you go makes time go really fast.  If you’ve ever been on a long flight with a great book and not wanted the flight to end until you finish the book then you will know what I mean.

8.    Public transport.  Again you need to choose your reading material carefully.  A novel which is too engaging may have you missing your stop and hankering to get back to your book as soon as possible.  It is better to find material that suits the length of your journey – articles or short stories for short trips and magazines and more complex or thought provoking novels for longer journeys.  Public transport is a perfect place to daydream so something which requires reflection and thought can be perfect if time allows.

What is your favorite reading venue and position?  Do you vary your reading material to suit your location?

Real Darts for Computer Geeks

Are you computer geek? Tired of playing games on the screen? Play real darts but still use the hi-tech software to rule the game!

Stop sitting in front of the computer and get a real physical challenge with the game of darts. Train your eye and exercise marksmanship in the real world, compete with real people and track your progress with a powerful gadget. Darts CLUB software http://darts-club.com/ keeps track of your performance and the performance of other players when playing real darts. Every game and every throw are accounted for. Who’s the best player out of your company? Who’s the best overall? Who’s progress is faster, and what is your best throw? Darts CLUB provides honest answers to these and many more questions that serious darts players are asking all the time.

Darts CLUB keeps an eye on the players and their throws. Applauding the good throws and calmly ignoring the unlucky ones, Darts CLUB calculates the average darts score for every player.

Are you close to finish? Darts CLUB will recommend the next throw for the most effective going-out! The difficult part of the game of darts is the finish. You must zero your points before your opponent does it, but you can’t go below zero and you must hit a double with the last throw. Complicated enough for a human being, but not to a computer empowered with a smart program! Darts CLUB is a darts scorer that will give you darts tips on exactly what targets to hit and in what order to win the game with the remaining points. If you miss a throw, it’ll recalculate your strategy and still give you chances.

Do you and your friends have to be computer geeks to use the darts scorer during the contests? Darts CLUB interface is so simple while the results are so powerful that even non-geeks can use the program with great success! The darts software draws a darts target that looks exactly like the original. All you need to do is telling the players’ names and clicking the spot hit with a real dart on a real target, and Darts CLUB will do the rest.

Darts CLUB can be easily used in popular clubs thanks to unlimited size of the player database. It’ll still keep the statistics, show the best players and the best throws, and keep track of the progress for every player. Full avatar support allows assigning a picture to each player for making perfectly looking champion charts.

Convinced already or want a real proof? Get a copy of Darts CLUB at http://darts-club.com/ and get real with the game of darts!

Reasons to Check Out Ford Focus 2008

Another new year is approaching and the Ford is all set to release the redesigned and much more improved Ford Focus series. The Ford Focus 2008 has been completely redesigned inside out and also includes a number of new features and so, is expected to hit the market with a bang !

Here are some of the reasons why you should check out the Focus 2008 -

Ford SYNC – SYNC is a voice-activated, hands-free, in-car communication and entertainment system which can also use the Bluetooth technology to integrate the mobile phones and media players into the vehicle. The SYNC technology sounds interesting and the 2008 Ford Focus is the first vehicle to offer this.

Fuel Effective – Ford engineers have successfully managed to reduce the weight of the Focus 2008 and the reduced weight combined with the upgraded parts, fine tuning results in the better mileage.

Fun to Drive – The Focus 2008 has powerful 2.0-litre engine and the driving dynamics have been improved, suspensions have been retuned and the chassis have been refined and this results in an efficient and powerful 2008 Focus.

New Interiors – The new Focus 2008 will feature all-new interior designs. It will also feature top-of-dash display, new lighting for the instruments, switches and much more. Overall, you will discover a new Ford Focus.

Cool Coupe – The new Focus appears to be more stylish than the previous one as the new one will include the flared wheel arches, crisp lines, chrome-bar grille design and a sporty stance.

Safety – The 2008 Ford Focus comes with Ford’s Personal Safety System including air bags and the air curtains. Tire Monitoring System has also been incorporated into the Focus to improve the safety of the users.

Value Leader – The new Ford Focus 2008 includes a great number of features and still it will be light on your pocket. The Focus 2008 offers the best price when compared to the other cars in its segment as the Focus S Coupe starts at only $14,695 whereas the Focus S Sedan starts at $14,995.

Reduced Noise – The engineers at Ford have worked hard to reduce the noise in the Ford Focus 2008 and they have successfully managed to reduce the noise, vibration and even the harshness in the new Focus.

At the end, considering all the new enhancements and the price, the Ford Focus 2008 appears to be another promising product from the Ford.