scientificgiftsplus.com Blog

A Look At Radio Controlled Boats And Why I Like Them

2006-10-28T21:35-04:00

by Gregg Hall

When I was a kid growing up here in Florida I went through a period of time when I wanted a radio controlled boat more than anything on earth. I have always loved the water and the idea of being able to race an RC boat on the local bay was exciting to me. I would dream about operating my boat through waves and jumping them with the spray coming off the boat and glistening in the sun light. From the time I was ten until my twelfth birthday I wanted nothing more and I had it on every wish list until then.

I never did get that boat when I was a kid, but now that I am grown and I live on an island with water everywhere I am considering it again.

As I mentioned, one of my main reasons for wanting an RC boat stems from my desire to be on the water. I have always been an avid fisherman, a boater, and a surfer and I figured that having an RC boat was just one more activity that would keep me near the water. We didn't have anything fancy like a jet boat when I was growing up but we did have a fishing boat and that helped stimulate the love I already had for being on the water. I used to get a huge kick out of jumping through waves and feeling the spray on my face. I did have a friend who had a high performance jet boat that would do over 80 MPH, riding in it with him was a blast and just reignited my longing for a radio controlled boat.

If you are interested in radio controlled boats there are two main types, battery powered or electric, and gas powered. Personally I prefer the gas version mainly because they are more powerful and they are way louder. On the down side though, gas RC boats are harder to maintain and require more talent to control. If you don't know for sure how deep you want to get into this hobby you may want to start with an electric boat just because they are easier. If you decide you like the hobby you can always get another boat and try the gas version.

There's no law that says you can only have one boat. You can always own multiple boats and race them against each other and you will always have a back up incase something happens to one of them.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach Florida. Find more about this as well as scientific gifts at http://www.scientificgiftsplus.com

Why The Hobby Of Model Building Continues To Be Popular

2006-10-07T17:15-04:00

by Gregg Hall

The hobby of building models has been a fun activity for fathers and sons for years. The popularity continues to expand today, and there are more variations of models to build than ever before.

In the past, a store's model selection may have consisted of a few different model cars from which to choose. Now the variations are pretty much unlimited with the business of model building has exploding into a varied array of both the traditional model designs of the past and new ground-breaking designs available now.

There are model boats, airplanes, and even remote control cars and boats which allow you to build a little working vehicle from nothing and then be able to race it all around your town or in the case of a remote boat, you will be able to take it to a local lake or pond. It makes it all the more satisfying and fun knowing you built it yourself.

If you're into architecture, you can buy scale models of famous buildings which will keep you busy for hours and even teach you a thing or two about architecture and construction. Such models are the perfect choice for someone interested in going into a career in architecture, construction, or engineering. It won't teach you how to build an actual building, of course, but it's a lot of fun and it will offer some good training in how architects make scale models of the buildings they wish to create.

Participating in the pastime as a family experience builds close ties and gives an activity that lends to the much sought after quality time. If your kids aren't into detailed model building like creating cars, trucks, or airplanes, or if they are not quite old enough to be able to participate, you can give them something a little less involved like plastic building blocks. Even though this is quite the same experience, building blocks do require a certain amount of skill and dexterity and help teach them in a way that is fun, easy, and educational. They are also good gateway to getting young children into model building.

In general, model building has been an activity that has been mostly enjoyed by the male species, as it were, but more and more women and girls are getting into it. There is no reason they shouldn't; anyone can feel the satisfaction from building something from a humble little kit and adding their own touch to it so you can call it your own. No one else in the whole world has one just like yours even if it comes from the same model building kit, and women are really good at making their versions unique.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as scientific gifts at http://www.scientificgiftsplus.com

How To Decide Which Type Of GPS System You Need

2006-08-05T13:17-04:00

by Gregg Hall

I think by now just about everyone knows about GPS devices. Lots of people are using the technology today that once relegated to pocket protector geeks with black frame glasses. I know those of us who fish offshore would never leave home without it now, I don't know how we ever did without it. If you are still lacking a little in the knowledge of GPS and how the system works here are a few hints to get you started.

If you haven't ever used a GPS, a simple explanation is that it is like a live animation map that moves as you move. If you are looking for a specific location the GPS can take you there, if you don't know where you are the GPS can tell you. It is a super cool tool to have.

The GPS tracking technology has come a long way with GPS devices available today that actually speak to you. These gadgets will now tell you when to turn, how far ahead your destination is, and even how far to the nearest gas station.

So how do you decide which specific device you need out of all the GPS systems on the market? First, you can break all of the devices into four main categories which are: automobile navigation, marine navigation, outdoors, and the newer PDA-GPS hybrids like those available from Palm now.

The automotive systems are primarily used by people who travel for a living or use their vehicles in outside sales. There are many manufacturers now offering the option of having the units built into the vehicle and it has become a very popular option. These devices like their aftermarket counterparts are normally mounted to the dashboard in easy view for the driver. Some of the more desirable features to have are the detailed built in maps, voice guided directions and the points of interest database which will call attention to things like restaurants and service stations.

The handheld portable units are a great choice if you want flexibility and the option of using the unit outside of the car. For people who like hiking or hunting these are great. You should look for one that is waterproof with a color screen and a batter that will last for a long duration. Also look for programmable mapping features. You will want to be able to upload maps of rural areas you may be going to, or if using it near shore, you will want marine maps.

As I alluded to earlier, I am an avid offshore fisherman and wouldn't even consider fishing offshore now without a GPS. If you are fishing in tournaments you can't even begin to compete without one. These systems are very durable and since they are designed for marine conditions, they are waterproof. They will offer such features as chart plotting in full color, sonar, programmable maps, and even fishing hot spots.

The newer hybrid system now available offers a blend of the GPS technology with a PDA. These are relatively new and only a handful of companies are offering them. The one that I am most familiar with is the Palm Treo.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as RC Planes and Helicopters at http://www.scientificgiftsplus.com

An Overview Of Some Of The Latest GPS Tracking-Enabled Cell Phones

2006-08-04T09:09-04:00

by Gregg Hall

The attack on the Twin Towers in New York brought attention to more than just the spread of terrorism around the globe; it also showed how vulnerable our communications systems are, especially in regards to cell phones. The FCC has ordered app cellular phone companies to institute technology allowing for cell phones to be traced within 100 meters. The cellular companies for the most part have integrated the GPS technology into the actual phone itself instead of taking on the momentous task of changing and modifying their networks of towers.

Now before you get all excited about the fact that your phone may have GPS technology let me set you straight. This is not the kind that you have in your car or use on your boat when you go fishing offshore. This is exclusively for tracking where you are when you are making a call. If you are a good guy this can be great news, if you get lost or in trouble and dial 911 they can locate you. If you are a bad guy, or a terrorist, this isn't great news for you because they can now trace your calls and find out exactly where you are to take you down.

Now, on to a brighter outlook, the cell carriers are working to enable customer accessible GPS service. Some of these are available now and able to be utilized through third party providers.

Motorola is the maker for cellular phone GPS tracking units for Nextel using the Motorola i205, i305, i530, i710, i730, i733, i736 and i830 iDEN®. As on of the leaders in bringing this technology to the market, Motorola sources say that the phones are programmable which allows for software developers to design the applications that will allow the user of the phone access to the GPS data in addition to the providers of the service.

As of now, the Nextel Corporation offers a wide variety of cell phone GPS tracking solutions made for use with the above mentioned Motorola cell phones. The Mobile Locator One is of the well-known cell phone GPS tracking solutions developed by Nextel. In addition there are other solutions are provided by the affiliates of Nextel itself, as well as by third parties like Trimble and Mapquest.

Nokia recently announced that they were offering their Xpress-On GPS available as optional hardware to the owners of the Nokia 5140 model cell phones in North America. This would allow for the phones to be used over the GSM networks through location service applications.

Hopefully with the advances we are seeing it won't be long before the GPS technology is widely available. It is already available in smart phones like the Treo as an upgrade with additional software.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this and RC Planes and Helicopters at http://www.scientificgiftsplus.com

The Exciting Hobby Of Radio Controlled Cars

2006-03-15T09:22-05:00

Most people don’t realize just how exciting RC vehicles have become—the hobby quality RC cars made and raced today have can get up to speeds of 60 mph and feature suspension systems that can be tuned just like a real car. Perhaps the most exciting part is the wide variety of types of RC vehicles: you can drive a race car, run a monster truck on dirt tracks or even fly a plane!

Because of this, though, you should consider just what you plan to use your RC for before you decide to buy. On-road or racing cars are made for speed, while off-road vehicles like buggies are mean to take more rugged terrain. Plus, you can choose to buy your RC ready to run out of the box or as a kit to build it yourself. These and many other aspects are important to know before you buy your first RC.

There are RC cars and trucks for every kind of driver: nitro engines for the speed demon, reliable ready to run electric cars for touring, and for the advanced, even planes to fly. The electric cars run quietly and so are better suited to run right in your neighborhood, while the nitro motors give you the real feel of the racetrack. What you buy should depend on your experience—choose your RC according to your experience to avoid frustration later on.

Something to keep in mind from the outset is that RC vehicles are a high-end hobby, and can get quite expensive. If you plan to race your car, there are additional costs that come with competition. But if you’re prepared for the cost, and if you make your purchases carefully, you’ll be rewarded with an amazing new hobby whose rewards certainly outweigh the cost. These are the decisions that need to be made before you buy:

• Do you want a ready to run car or do you want build your own?

• Do you want an on-road or an off-road RC vehicle?

• Which is right for you- a nitro or an electric RC?

• What type of RC vehicle do you want- and what size?

No matter what you decide, if you keep your own experience and commitment level in mind, you’ll be certain to get the car that’s right for you.

Whether you race them or just tinker with their engines, RC cars are a great hobby for kids of all ages. Though it might seem overwhelming at first, you’ll find that the most you work on your car and the more times you race, the more fun and exciting this hobby can be!

Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son. Get radio controlled cars and other technology gifts at http://www.scientificgiftsplus.com

A Look At Some Of The Hottest New Gadgets

2006-03-09T08:33-05:00

Do you have someone on your gift list who loves having the latest technological gadgets? I know I love keeping up with the latest discoveries and many others do too. Let’s take a look at some cool new devices.

Do you hate all those unwanted calls from people you don’t know? So do I. Now you can screen your calls from across the room and decide whether you want to get up and go answer the phone or not with the Digital Caller ID Globe. Just take a look at the features of this cool caller ID device with built in clock:

Caller ID information scrolls brilliantly inside this globe – as if it's floating in space.

Know who's calling before getting up to answer the phone

Easily readable from across the room

Caller ID memory stores up to 76 records

Time and date display

Display holiday greetings, daily messages or personal greetings

100-year calendar

Three user-programmable alert messages

Visible night or day

Automatic daylight savings time adjustment

Battery back-up

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Approved. UL is the worldwide trusted source for product compliance

2 month manufacturer's warranty

Enjoy your time at home with fewer interruptions from unwanted calls.

Do you like to take pictures? How about a digital camera that is so small it fits on your key chain?

The new Phillips Keychain Digital Camera is one of the hottest sellers on the market and it is easy to see why. Most of us don’t want to have to carry around a large bulky camera but we want to have the ability to take pictures on the spur of the moment if we see something interesting. This camera is so small; it easily fits in your pocket and takes great pictures. Just take a look at the features of this tiny digital camera:

This digital camera is smaller than a cellphone and stores up to 81 pictures in its internal memory.

Smallest digital camera in the world

2MB internal memory

Can also be used as a web cam and limited-use video camera

Image resolution up to 288 x 352 pixels

Holds 20 pictures at CIF resolution

Holds 81 pictures at QCIF resolution

USB compatible (cable included)

Imaging software suite included

Lifetime manufacturer's warranty

Be prepared to snap a photo any time the opportunity arises. You'll always have a camera at your fingertips with this tiny keychain model.

Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son. For more information on these and many more cool technology gifts go to http://www.scientificgiftsplus.com

scientificgiftsplus.com Blog

A Look At Radio Controlled Boats And Why I Like Them

About the Author

Why The Hobby Of Model Building Continues To Be Popular

About the Author

How To Decide Which Type Of GPS System You Need

About the Author

An Overview Of Some Of The Latest GPS Tracking-Enabled Cell Phones

About the Author

The Exciting Hobby Of Radio Controlled Cars

A Look At Some Of The Hottest New Gadgets