#sensor finder

[karingottschalk]

Panasonic Australia: The LUMIX G9II, “Capture the Decisive Moment” – Press release

[wolfjackle-creates]

Ghost!Robin Part 11

Time for another WIP Wednesday! I'm not sure if I'll have anything for next week. I'm working on a one shot right now as I can and wrapping up stuff for my final week of work which is taking a ton of time. Though I did get on a roll today and wrote a bit more than I'm posting, so maybe I'll have something.

Story Summary: Danny was invited to dinner at Wayne Manor to meet Jazz's boyfriend and his family for the first time. He worked hard to make sure no ghost business would interrupt the evening. But when he arrived, all he could focus on was the ghost of the dead Robin that seemed to haunt Jason. Looks like he was breaking his promise.

First, Previous

Word Count: 1.4k

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“Hn. What is the range on these devices?” asked Bruce.

Danny shrugged. “My stuff? From anywhere. I track through the Infinite Realms, not by Earth. GIW? Jason-Robin, they’ll be able to detect something from probably ten miles out of city limits, but they’d need to be within half a mile to get an accurate location. The Fentons? Mile or so. They get an exact location or nothing.”

Tim asked, “Is it likely the Fenton’s will come to Gotham?”

“Not sure,” admitted Danny. “But they sell commercially, so other ghost hunters might have their equipment. Jazz, pass the Fenton Finder?”

Damian couldn’t keep the incredulity out of his voice when he finally saw the blocky silver device with a circular, green screen on it and bits sticking up out of the front. “Why is there a light bulb attached to it?”

Even Robin looked at the device with a raised eyebrow and sent out a silent this real? his way.

“It flashes when a ghost is nearby,” Danny replied to both of them.

Tim hummed in interest. “Are the visible antennae necessary? Why are there multiple?”

“Most of my parents designs were cobbled together with whatever they could cannibalize from other household electronics and junk yards. Hence the less stream-lined appearance compared to the Guys in White’s stuff.”

He flicked the switch to turn it on and instantly the light bulb was flashing red, the radar screen turned on showing several dots in close vicinity to the center, and a robotic voice said, “You are surrounded by multiple ghosts. You’d have to be an idiot to not notice the ghosts all around you.”

Danny let it read out it’s warning again before flicking it back off. He had to laugh at the looks of complete bafflement on basically everyone’s faces. Even Bruce raised an eyebrow at it.

“Yeah, that’s my parents for you. FentonWorks designs are at least easy to spot. Not the the Guys in White’s stuff is much better. That horrible white on everything…” Danny shuddered. “I hate white.”

Bruce hummed. “Will you be able to provide us with some of these devices so we can study them on our own?”

Danny bit at his lower lip. “Probably. But it’ll have to wait until after I get you the information on how to safely work with ectoplasm. If Tim and Barbara are your big tech people, they’re not liminal at all and will have to be careful when handling it.”

Tim added, “We do have extensive experience working with toxic chemicals. Many of the Gotham rogues use chemical warfare.”

“Right. Yeah, I’ll have Tucker send you the safety sheets on it and we’ll see what devices I’ve got or can make duplicates of to get to you. I’ll be sure you get all three styles of hand-held trackers and their schematics. Maybe I’ll even be able to get you the schematics for a larger tracking system like what my parents have set up in Amity.”

Barbara nodded. “That would be great. What sort of set up do your parents have in your home town?”

“So they’ve set up sensors all over the city that detect ectoplasmic activity. The signal gets sent back to the computer in the ops center they built on top of their house, and they can pin the exact location of any ghost to within a foot or two anywhere within, like, five miles of the city limits. That data is also shared with the computer in their GAV.”

Jason bumped Jazz’s shoulder with his. “I know I’m gonna regret this, but what’s the ‘GAV’?”

Jazz sighed and answered. “It stands for Ghost Assault Vehicle. It’s a modified RV that’s basically a tank. Jack and Maddie simply have to press a button and a dozen ghost weapons will protrude from the vehicle and aim for any nearby ghost. And that’s without Maddie shoving her entire upper body out the window while holding a bazooka.”

“Yep. I regret asking. How badly am I gonna want to murder your parents by the time I’m done learning about them?”

“They are not my parents.” Jazz’s voice was hard.

At the same time, Danny answered, “Depends. How do you feel about genocidal mad scientists?”

Jason just let his head bang on the table. Robin flew over to him and patted him on the back. Jason seemed to subconsciously lean into the touch.

“Now,” said Danny. “I promised I’d show the rest of you these scanners up close.”

“That would be appreciated,” said Bruce. “We also have a few more questions about you and your parents.”

“And I need you to tell me more about these Lazarus pits because those sound like they’re a disaster.”

Alfred cleared his throat. “And I believe that will have to be the end of this meeting tonight. It is getting late and at least some of you will insist on going on patrol tonight still.”

A few people grumbled at Alfred’s words, but no one argued.

Danny made his way to the other side of the table and went over how to use the devices again. He pretended not to notice the way Jazz flinched when he turned on the Fenton Finder and it called out its warning again.

Jason did put an arm around her in response, though, so he figured she’d be all right.

“So that’s that,” he said once he turned off the last device. “I won’t be showing you any weapons until after we get you up to date on ghost biology and culture. If you run into issues in the meantime, you can call Jazz or me and we’ll take care of it.”

Bruce nodded. “We’ll be following up with our own experts as well.”

“Of course,” agreed Danny. “I figured. Now, you had some more questions?”

Tim asked, “You mentioned to me and Alfred that a member of Justice League Dark stopped by Amity. Can you tell us more about that?”

“I mean, there’s not much to tell,” said Danny. “It was John Constantine. And at the time I had no idea how famous he was. Would’ve asked for an autograph if I had, but oh well. This was shortly after I defeated Pariah Dark, the previous Ghost King. He came in, asked if I needed help. I told him I got it covered, he gave me a phone number, and that was that.”

Bruce hummed. “Yes, that sounds like Constantine. We will speak to him.”

“Why?” asked Danny. “It was exactly what I wanted. A check in to confirm I was okay and someone to reach out to on Earth if I got in over my head. It’s just by that time I started getting allies in the Realms. The big concern Earth-side was ghost hunters. And the worst of them were government sanctioned so I wasn’t sure if I should reach out to the Justice League since you guys also work with the US government.”

Jason let out a noise that Danny could only think of as a growl. “He should have spent enough time there to answer questions like that.”

Danny snorted. “Less than a week before he arrived, our entire town was removed from Earth and brought into the Infinite Realms for multiple days. Something would’ve been very wrong with him if he’d stuck around longer than it took to confirm it wasn’t likely to happen again.”

“I’m sorry,” asked Steph, “what is that about your entire town being transported off earth?”

“Don’t you know? My friends and I figured that’s why you sent Constantine to us.”

Barbara shook her head as she clicked around her computer. “There’s nothing in the Justice League files about it.”

“Huh. Well that’s how I became the Ghost King. The previous king was released by an idiot and lured to Amity. Ended up bringing the entire town into the Realms. His goal was to take over the town then the rest of earth. I defeated him in single combat while some other ghosts helped hold back his armies. No one bothered to tell me until later that that meant won his titles as well.”

Dick was frowning at him. “Why did you have to be the one to defeat him?”

Danny just blinked at him in confusion. “Who else was there? My accident is what activated the portal and started letting ghosts through. By making me half ghost, I had the powers necessary to contain the ones who caused problems. My parents were incompetent at best. So I just did what had to be done. Besides, if I hadn’t been an idiot, the portal never would’ve turned on in the first place. So it was my responsibility to fix it.”

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Next

And no one at the table liked that answer! The end of the dinner is finally in sight! I know I'm overlooking characters. I'll do some editing to make sure everyone gets a say before I eventually get around to posting this to AO3. (It's a good part of the reason I haven't started cross posting, tbh. That and I like to have stories fully finished before I start posting.)

Hope you all enjoy.

Tag List Part 1:

@addie-lover-of-stories, @justwannabecat, @gin2212, @amercurio, @regonold, @overtherose, @readerzj, @sjrose1216, @echoednonny, @deeterzz, @blu-lilac, @number-one-jew, @rowanaway-fromthisbs, @vythika96, @tired-yet-awaken, @themirrorghost, @emeraldcorpral, @all-mights-asscheeks, @darkhinauniverse, @blep-23, @phandomhyperfixationblog, @larkcoe1, @thegatorsgoose, @job-ross-the-second, @britcision, @lenacraft, @bubblemixer, @androgynouslordofescapism, @purefrickingspite, @leftmiraclechaos, @lizisipancardo, @starlight-sparks, @miraculousandmore, @gildedphoenix, @sometimesthingsfallapart, @letmesayfuxk, @phoenixcatch7, @skulld3mort-1fan, @abaowo, @dhampir-princess, @idkmrpianoman, @sarina-elais, @ballzfrog-blog, @undead-essence, @spookytragedyshark, @flyingpansaurus, @akintoabitch, @marivictal, @8-29pm, @justreadingthefanfics, @happybear135, @kisatamao, @spoopyspoony, @adorablechaos, @sara0055, @screamingtofillthevoid

[literary-illuminati]

2024 Book Review #40 – Dead Silence by S. A. Barnes

This was yet another book that has been on my TBR list for so long I had entirely forgotten what the actual pitch was – I went into it pretty much entirely blind, just ‘sci fi horror’ from the glanced over marketing copy on the back. Which is really the best way to go about reading(/watching/playing) horror, anyway. It was an entertaining enough read? If an uneven one – the first half was really incredibly better than the second, unfortunately.

The story follows Claire Kovalik, the ‘team lead’ of a maintenance crew repairing com relays in the ass end of the solar system – at least until they finish this last run and are officially rendered obsolete. Too psychologically fragile for her corporate masters to trust her with an actual ship, the only future she has to look forward to is a deskbound sinecure revising training manuals on Earth. She’s seriously considering killing herself instead, when their sensors detect an archaic distress signal past the edge of charted space – the Aurora, first and last space liner for the rich and famous, vanished with all hands on its maiden voyage decades ago. The finder’s fee and accumulated bounties would be enough to set everyone on the team for life (not even counting any artifacts they pocket to auction on the side), so the five of them board and reactivate the old hulk, exploring its galleries and aiming it towards Earth. Just a 60 hour burn to reliable communications with the rest of the system, totally worth it for fame and fortune. Even once they start discovering the state of all the former passengers, and figuring out what happened in those last hours aboard the ship.

So! This is Event Horizon but with the Titanic. It’s other things too, but that’s the pitch. Now, I like Event Horizon, and adore exploited corporate serfs being slowly suffocated by looming dread as they explore the gore-stained ruins of past decadence, so that’s no bad thing for me. But still, even from the outset this is not a work that tries to break any molds. This honestly becomes much more of an issue in the third act, when the book basically shifts genre and also has to come up with answers and a resolution to the whole thing and just does not land it for me.

The main twist on the formula is that Claire is the only survivor of a Martian colony that was annihilated by plague (and a missed resupply) when she was a child, the physical and emotional trauma of which left her partially deaf in one ear, terrified of emotional connections and (most pertinently) already possessed of significant experience with hallucinating the bloody corpses of people she cares about wandering around when she’s stressed. Which turns out to be a very useful life skill, when they turn the ship back on and everyone starts having to deal with that. Which is mostly pretty fun! The paranoia and terror as everything goes to shit at the end of the first act are great. Sadly, the book then decides to keep going.

The first half of the book is the story of the initial salvage crew’s discovery of the Aurora, as relayed through Claire getting debriefed/interrogated by a couple of corporate goons after being found half-dead in an escape pod. The latter half is those same corporate goons conscripting her for a return journey to the ship, now guiding three platoons of mercenaries. It’s like if you watched a double-feature of Alien and one of its bad sequels. The book slips from well-executed to paint-by-numbers, and the big reveal is basically the most boring possible answer you could imagine. This is not helped by the book’s action sequences just not being very...good.

Part of that is just the book’s complete lack of faith in its audience, or understanding of subtlety. Several twists are telegraphed so obviously that it’s hard to believe Claire is actually surprised by them, and character beats are just repeated so often you want to grab the author and scream you get it already. Claire’s tragic backstory is repeated something like half a dozen times, and the surprise villain spends half the final confrontation basically giving a monologue about how he’d drown a nursery full of babies if it topped up his 401k.

Villains aside, the supporting cast is mostly fun-if-one-note. Decently executed, but all very much walked out of sci fi central casting. Which more or less works, in that they’re all energetic and mostly fun to have on page. The unfortunate and singular exception is Claire’s love interest, the team medic. Whose...nice? Has a daughter back on Earth? Might as well be a statue carved from literal white bread? You know the cliche about hollywood action movies where the hero’s girlfriend has zero personality or arc and mostly exists to be hot and motivate him by being imperilled? Basically the gender-flip of that.

One thing the book kind of teases but absolutely never really explores or tries to resolve is the fact that in addition to all the hallucinations and madness with (boring, but) mechanistic and materialistic explanations, ghosts might also just be real? There’s several points in the book where Claire sees the body she doesn’t recognize hovering around someone, and when she describes it to them, they know who it is. It’s also a recurring thing that her visions of her dead mom are supposed to be how she even knew how to send out the SOS that got her rescued from the dead colony as a child. You might expect that this would eventually build to something, or be key to the final resolution. You would be incorrect.

So yeah, would have been a very solid horror novella if it just cut the entire second act. As is, I mean I’m not angry I read it, but not sure I’d go out of my way to recommend it either.

[stevebattle]

Robovie-R3 (AKA Robovie R Ver. 3) by Ishiguro Hiroshi, Vstone, Japan (2010). Robovie R3 is a humanoid healthcare and guide robot, designed to give assistance to the elderly and disabled in public places. It has an omniwheel base able to traverse wheelchair ramps, and raised tiles that provide guidance for visually impaired people.

"Robovie R3 is built of plastic over an aluminum frame. It stands about 108cm (3′6″) tall and weighs 35kg (77 pounds). It is equipped with 15 servomotors which enable it to perform 13 degrees of freedom (neck x3, 2 arms x4, 2 omnidirectional wheels) with bonus 4 degrees of freedom from its eyes. It has 11 tactile sensors throughout its body. Robovie R3 is equipped with 2 USB cameras for eyes, 2 mono microphones for ears, a speaker for a mouth, and can be equipped with a laser range finder in its base for obstacle detection." – Robovie R3 robot is much better yet cheaper than previous version." – Robovie R3 robot is much better yet cheaper than previous version, Robaid.

[notsogoodphotographer]

one of the greatest but also most underrated point and shoot cameras

back in 2012 Zony(yes ZONY) dropped possibly one of the greatest little cameras ever to be released. it’s almost unheard of to have a Full Frame point and shoot that sports a 35mm f2. That’s no ordinary 35mm f2 either, that is a Zeiss Sonnar glued to this tiny little camera.

Pros: Small, Quiet, Autofocus, Digital, Zeiss Sonnar 35mm f2, 24mp sensor w/ 14+ stops of Dynamic Range, Macro mode.

Cons: slow autofocus, expensive, electronic connections sometime struggle to talk when turning on resulting in E:61: error code. (there are work arounds) The mk1 doesn’t have a viewfinder so you have to buy one separately.

the copy i got came with the external view finder.

after shooting with the camera i have no issues pushing the cons right under the rug because the images that you are capable of capturing with it are beautiful! i treat this camera as if it was a point and shoot film camera, so the slow Autofocus doesn’t bug me too much. its an almost perfect documentary camera.

Sony released 3 versions of this camera:

Rx1 (2012): 24mp with 14+ stops of dynamic range

Rx1r (2013): Same sensor, as the original it just doesn’t have the Anti- Aliasing filter. removing that filter adds sharpness and resolution.

Rx1rmk2 (2015) (a mouthful): adds a 42mp sensor, updated Af, and a built in view finder. pretty much a Sony A7R2 in the body of a point and shoot camera.

[splitsapps]

Metal Detector

Metal detector app for android transforms your smartphone into a powerful tool to find hidden metal objects, from coins to lost keys. The object Detector feature helps you detect various hidden objects around you using a metal detector metal sensor app. Searching for valuable metals? Our Gold Detector feature enables you to locate gold and other precious metals. A user-friendly interface ensures that you can detect metal objects right away. Metal detector gold finder app also offers a metal weight calculator feature, to calculate the weight of available metal objects. Hidden metal detectors also offer flashlights, Sensor sound, object detectors, camera detectors, and inclinometer features. Metal Detector app with sound provides sound signals when metal objects are detected, guiding you to the location of the hidden items. Whether a hidden pipe in the wall or a metal object buried in the ground, the metal detector camera app can help you find it effortlessly. Metal Detector & Finder easily finds and easily identifies various types of metal objects. The app includes a Smart Compass feature, helping you navigate and find directions. With the Digital Compass, you can determine your precise orientation and direction, making outdoor activities more enjoyable and safe. The weight calculator feature of the Silver Detector app calculates the weight of metal objects. Simply provide the width and length of the metal objects and the number of pieces, then press the calculate button. The weight calculator will determine the weight of these objects.

[gadgetsboy]

Meet Fujifilm's New X100VI Digital Camera

While some might argue that a majority of consumer-grade photography nowadays is now mostly achieved through the use of smartphones, it goes without saying that there's still a sizeable population of enthusiasts and professionals who'd still rather get their photography done via a dedicated camera. This has resulted in some rather impressive hardware from the biggest names in the industry, including Fujifilm. With that in mind, the company recently unveiled the launch of the Fujifilm X100VI digital camera, which boasts some pretty cool features. The camera is the latest addition in Fujifilm’s X Series line of digital cameras, and Fujifilm says that the new model offers exceptional image quality, in addition to its compact size and lightweight profile, as well as Fujifilm’s colour reproduction quality.  Camera Design and Features Fujifilm says that the top and bottom of the X100VI's body is built from aluminium which is pressed and machined for sharp edges, while the surface is finely blasted for a smooth texture in addition to the anodised aluminium on its surface. The camera also features an LCD monitor for media viewing and playback which can be stored in a fully flat position, and also comes with touch support. Additionally, the control buttons on the back have been moved to a position that is easy to operate with the right hand. As the sixth-generation model in the X100 Series, the X100VI comes with the new 40.2 megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor, as well as a high-speed X-Processor 5 image processing engine. The camera also includes a newly-developed in-body image stabilisation function, with up to 6.0 stops. Fujifilm says that this is the first time that this feature has been incorporated in an X100 Series product, without a considerable increase in size and weight. Going back to the camera's hardware, the 40-megapixel CMOS 5 HR sensor inside is designed to allow more light to be captured in comparison to its predecessors, as well as native ISO 125 support. The X100VI also comes with a total of 20 "Film Simulation" modes, including a new ‘REALA ACE’ mode with a wide range of different tones. The camera also incorporates an autofocus prediction algorithm for reliable focusing that works even on moving subjects, with subject detection autofocus to accurately track a range of subjects. Fujifilm says that its developed using deep-learning AI technology, allowing it to detect wildlife, vehicles, and more. Other Details The X100VI also includes an ‘Advanced Hybrid Viewfinder’ that lets users switch between the optical viewfinder (OVF) and the electronic viewfinder (EVF). The latter is equipped with a high-resolution OLED panel with around 3.69 million dots for a clear visual user experience. The camera comes with a built-in ‘Electronic Range Finder’ (ERF) function allows a small EVF to be simultaneously displayed on the OVF, which can allow photographers to capture a subject in the OVF and subsequently magnify the in-focus area in the smaller EVF, making it convenient for snapshots and such. For video recording, there's built-in support for 6.2K resolution 30P movie recording that also supports tracking AF function during recording. One of the X100VI's most handy features comes in the form of Frame.io Camera to Cloud support, allowing users to wirelessly connect to an active internet connection, authenticate to Frame.io, and automatically upload photos and videos online right after creation, speeding up a user's workflow process. Pricing and Availability The X100VI will be sold in Black and Silver models, and will be available in the UK from 28 February 2024 from authorised retailers and the Fujifilm House of Photography in London starting at £1,599 including VAT. There will also be a special edition of the camera to celebrate Fujifilm’s 90th anniversary year, which will be available starting on 6th April at £1,934. The limited-edition models are individually numbered and delivered in a special box with strap, soft release button and history cards. The camera body is engraved with the original Fujifilm corporate brand logo from 1934, along with the unique serial number. Read the full article

[pancakeke]

that stud finder rules also. it's a Franklin Sensors ProSensor M70

[sylvanas-girlkisser]

@manic-pixie-dick-girl replied to your post “How would you prefer I refer to the mechs as well...”:

Thinking on this a bit more. I think there's something sort of... Alienating, maybe... About reading numerals in fiction. It feels a bit artificial to me. Not sure if that's an everyone thing or a me thing. But that may very well be the vibe you want given that it's a hybrid human-machine consciousness you're talking about! In which case I'd use the full model + number.

​So this gave me a lot to think about - or maybe its just the fever making me think very slowly -.-'

Like cause yeah we are dealing with machine-human hybrids here, but in an, IMO unconventional way based heavily off having to read "the cyborg manifesto" and watch "all watched over by machines of loving grace".

All the mechs in Tungsten Rose have AIs built into them, but they're not BT7274 or Cortana, they're like... cmd+space on a mac. They can't talk, they're not actually conscious, but they're able to take cognitive load off the pilot e.g. by switching command protocol for their drones based off circumstances, or fixing a typo they keep making while texting.

The human-machine hybrid I'm thinking off, is more along the lines of like, someone driving their car, or controlling a character in a video game. Like when you're turning left in a car, you think "i'm going to turn left", not "i'm going to turn my car to the left".

I loathe the term "realism" in regards to scifi/fantasy, but that is sorta what I'm going for here. The pilot's perception isn't elevated by plugging their brain into a super computer, its elevated by the fact that they're constantly getting readouts for 17 billion different sensors.

Humans are notoriously bad at telling distances by eye, so one of the more subtle ways I try to show this effect is by the fact that when inside their mechs, pilots always know how far away something is: because they have laser range finders, and its not any more of a conscious act for them to use it, than it is for me to mount up after combat in wow.

All that to say, a big theme in Tungsten Rose is: if you spend enough time preparing for war, you'll eventually start one. And the knights are very much the embodiment of this concept.

Mar and Kista have both been piloting mechs since they were 4 years old. They have undergone rigorous training and a lot of highly invasive surgery, because they grew up being told that one day the fascists will return and try to destroy their home and culture.

And because of this. Because they spent so much of their lives interacting with the world through the filter of a warmachine, and because they can't touch their own face without feeling subdermal armor, everything becomes an act of war.

They aren't able to take a step back, and realize they're essentially dragging the world into a war over who gets to take the pretty girl to the ball. It becomes filtered through the war machine. "It's not about my emotions, I'm protecting the princess, I'm protecting my people, I'm fighting against evil."

All this is to say, i kinda like just using numbers now, even though thats by far the least popular in the poll, specifically because it's so dehumanizing.

[razieltwelve]

Escape (Final Effect)

"Halt!” 

The girl froze. 

“You are in possessions of an unauthorised artificial intelligence! Surrender, or be terminated!”

The girl glanced down at the orb in her hands. It was the processing core - the heart and soul - of her best friend. It didn’t matter that he was an unauthorised artificial intelligence. All that mattered was that he’d always been there for her. When she’d been stranded on a trash world as a child with no parents or family, Stalwart had been the one to take care of her.

The AI had been dumped on the trash world centuries ago. He was supposed to have been terminated when his ship had been decommissioned. but he’d managed to cling to life, hiding enough of himself in a small processor core to survive. It had taken him centuries to gain the power he needed to influence the broken-down, ruined machinery around him, and even then, it was like operating lobotomised and with his limbs broken.

But he hadn’t wanted to die. He’d wanted to live, even if it was in such a reduced state. He’d found her scavenging through scraps for trash. In exchange for bringing him bits and pieces that his droids could repair, he’d helped her find shelter.

In the end, they’d decided to stick together because who else was there on a trash world? Trust was more precious than anything, and they trusted each other because, when it came down to it, they needed each other.

And then he’d gotten access to the InfoNet...

His AI signature had been recognised and a kill-team had been dispatched. De-commissioned artificial intelligences were not supposed to survive. It was simply too risky with all of the information he might potentially have access to. And with the Federation going through a long decline, they didn’t have the resources to maintain their artificial intelligences. It was easier and cheaper to simply get rid of them when newer, better ones became available.

And now they had come for him.

“Leave me,” Stalwart said to her. His voice was calm through the cobbled together communicator. “You can’t outrun them. And it’s me they’re after.”

“No,” the girl said. “I’m not leaving you.”

“Then you’ll die.”

She smiled weakly. “I was going to die anyway in a place like this. I would have died long ago if you hadn’t helped me.”

“I see.” Stalwart paused. “I wish they hadn’t already destroyed all of my drones and defences. I would have liked to go down fighting. Still, I can think of worse ways to die than in the arms of a friend...”

As the kill-team moved in, the girl and the AI braced themselves only for a loud voice to fill all of the available communications channels.

“Prepare to die, bastards!”

X     X     X

The girl and Stalwart looked up in awe as the massive figure of a war hamster thudded into the ground beside them. The towering creature had laid waste to the kill-team and was now running sensor sweeps on their surroundings. Her partner, a Dia-Farron man with fox ears hurried over to them.

“Okay, you two want to live, right?”

The girl nodded.

“Good. Then come with us. We’ve got a ship in low orbit, but we need to be quick. They’ve got a destroyer in orbit too, but they haven’t spotted us yet. Let’s go!”

X     X     X

Luxa covered her face with her hands.

“Let me get this straight. You engaged a Federation kill-team, wiped it out, and stole a child and a de-commissioned artificial intelligence.”

Her cousin gave her a jaunty salute.

“With all due respect, it wasn’t stealing. They agreed to come with us. The laws of salvage also dictated that anything that’s been dumped that long is a matter of finders keepers. Besides, he was a complex artificial intelligence. I wasn’t going to let him be killed.”

Luxa sighed. “I know. But the empress is going to strangle me. We’ve only just fixed that whole kerfuffle with Galatea and the Sato she found. This... well... if I don’t come back from my meeting with the empress, tell everyone I died heroically.”

[chadsawyerphotography]

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO SHOOTING THE NIGHT SKY: Part 1

This is the first in a series of entries covering night sky photography for beginners. If you're just starting out in Astrophotography, this session will covers what gear you'll need to have a successful, and enjoyable, session.

Before getting into the camera setup I used to capture star trails and the Milky Way, let's first review what items I use to capture my night skies.

THE RIGHT WEATHER

Okay, so you can't bring this with you but there's no point in venturing out if it's going to be cloudy, or worse. Be sure to check the hourly forecast in addition to the daily. Just because it's cloudy at sunset doesn't mean those clouds won't move out of the area before the stars come out (and, if shooting the Milky Way, you may have several hours before it rises, well after sunset).

THE RIGHT CAMERA

I use a Sony a7r iv, a full frame, 61mp camera body. You'll want a body that can handle higher ISOs without adding a lot of sensor noise, especially as you'll be taking potentially hundreds of shots for star trails and building up some sensor heat.

THE RIGHT LENS

Generally speaking, you're going to want two things out of your lens for astrophotography: wide angle and fast. I usually take two lenses with me. Since I'm shooting with a full frame and not a crop sensor (APS-C senor). I take my Sony 16-35 2.8 GM and my 14mm 1.8 GM primary lens. If you have a crop sensor camera and lenses, you’ll want to bring your widest lens with the widest aperture, preferably 2.8 or wider.

THE RIGHT TRIPOD

Be wary of relying on a light weight or flimsy tripod as you don't want your camera shaking during longer exposures (or, even worse, falling over). Ideally, you'll have a model that has a center hook from which you can hang your camera bag or tripod weights to help with windy conditions. I prefer and use SLIK Tripods and ball head. You can purchase directly from Slik Tripods website or on Amazon.

THE RIGHT APPS

I used PhotoPills to identify when and where the Milky Way or Polaris if I’m doing circle star trails, moon phase and position, and much more. It also has built in tools to help you: calculate your maximum exposure time to avoid star trailing (accounting for your camera's sensor size and your lens' set focal length), plan for time lapses, find hyperfocal distances… and a ton more. There is a lot to absorb and play around with and, fortunately, the developers provide tutorials for using all the tools (I spent about 90 minutes watching videos the night before the group outing). The mode I found most useful, however, is the night AR (altered reality) mode. Click on this and you're taken to a live view of your surroundings with an overlay of the sky. You can use this view to scroll back and forth through times and dates to preview where the Milky Way will be in the future; a great tool to plan your shot well in advance, especially when it won't be visible until 3am! Additionally, you'll likely discover that a star finder app will be useful, if you're trying to find/identify constellations or just need help finding the North Star (and can't remember your basic education, like me).

THE RIGHT STUFF

Jump past the Milky Way for a rundown of some other items you'll need, or should consider, for night sky sessions.

TRIPOD WEIGHTS

If wind is in the forecast, consider some weighted bags for your tripod. I found some on Amazon for a good price and filled them with play sand from the local hardware store. The set I ordered has four bags, enough to place one on each tripod leg and to hang one from the tripod's center hook. If you don't want to use weighted bags, or forget them, you can always hang your camera bag from the hook in a pinch.

EXTRA CAMERA BATTERIES

More important for star trails than shooting the Milky Way but you'll want an extra battery or two. Shooting 240 30-second exposures for star trails chewed through about 70% of a fully charged battery for my Sony a7r iv, and I ended up using all three batteries I brought for the overnight session (only one was completely drained, the other two each had roughly 15-20% left). The next worst thing to not checking the weather forecast beforehand would be having perfect conditions and running out of juice halfway through your shooting.

INTERVALOMETER/WIRED REMOTE AND EXTRA BATTERIES

Another must-have for shooting star trails. Yes, you could shoot manually but who wants to stand or sit next to your camera for 2-3 hours hitting the shutter button every 30 seconds? I also discovered that the built-in interval timer on the Sony a7r iv allows for up to 9999 shots, but some cameras only allow up to 99 shots. As for batteries, the intervalometer/remote probably doesn't draw much power but, again, you don't want to get halfway through your shots only to have the batteries unexpectedly die. I always bring spare batteries and a portable battery charger just incase. It’s always nice to be prepared then not have it.

RED FLASHLIGHT/HEADLAMP

A headlamp is a must. Make sure it has a red lamp mode. Also I always carry a compact flashlight just incase- for light painting, getting around, and for emergencies - and a head lamp that has a red light option. I only used the flashlight a few times to sweep the foreground during long exposures of the Milky Way but I used the red headlamp frequently as I walked to and from my camera and my chair or car, or as I needed to check various things on my camera or intervalometer here and there through the night. Remember, ideal shooting conditions are during the new moon; between that and (hopefully) being far away from light pollution, it will be much darker than you expect!

OTHER ITEMS TO CONSIDER

Chair

Snacks/Drinks

Bug Spray

First aid kit

Balaclava (best purchase I've made for chilly nights!)

Blanket

Pillow (I caught a snooze in the back seat of my car... the pillow helped... some)

Extra memory cards

Lens cleaning tools

And a lens warmer. This is needed for those long cold nights or high humidity nights where frost or dew can form on your lens over time. There’s. I thing like shooting a 700 image star trail or time lapse and seeing the last 200-300 images are hazy due to frost or dew.

This covers what I typical bring and equipment I use for Astrophotography. You can always add to list as the nights are long, or you can always kick back while the camera is clicking away and read some more of my blogs or checkout my tutorials and adventures on YouTube. But keep that screen light away from your camera, you don’t want to introduce any unwanted light pollution!

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[8866553223]

NEONATAL MEDICAL EQUIPMENT -DOCTROID

RADIANT HEAT WARMER

A radiant heat warmer is a type of medical equipment used in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) to provide warmth to premature or sick newborns. It is designed to help maintain the baby's body temperature by emitting infrared radiation without the need for direct contact. This equipment is essential in NICUs as premature or sick newborns have not yet fully developed their ability to regulate their own body temperature, making them vulnerable to hypothermia. The radiant heat warmer works by creating a warm environment around the baby, helping to stabilize their body temperature and prevent complications. The use of this type of equipment, along with other devices such as incubators, is crucial in providing optimal care for premature or sick newborns in NICUs.

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LED PHOTOTHERAPY UNIT - BILICURE & BILICURE-SMART

Bilicure LED phototherapy is a non-invasive medical treatment used to treat jaundice in newborns. Jaundice is a common condition in newborns where the buildup of bilirubin in the bloodstream can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes. Bilicure LED phototherapy uses special blue LED lights to break down bilirubin in the baby's bloodstream, allowing it to be excreted from the body more easily. This type of treatment is safe and effective, and is commonly used in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) to manage jaundice in premature or sick newborns. The use of Bilicure LED phototherapy, along with other medical interventions, can help prevent complications associated with jaundice and ensure the healthy development of newborns.

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NEONATAL PULSE OXIMETER -NONIN-TECH USA

A neonatal pulse oximeter is a medical device used to measure the oxygen saturation level in the blood of newborn infants. This device uses a non-invasive technique that involves attaching a small sensor to the baby's skin, usually on the foot or hand, which emits light and measures the amount of oxygen in the blood by analyzing the color of the blood vessels. The pulse oximeter can also measure the baby's heart rate.

The use of a neonatal pulse oximeter is important in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) as newborns are more vulnerable to oxygen deprivation, which can lead to serious health complications. By measuring the oxygen saturation level, medical professionals can quickly identify any potential issues and intervene as needed to ensure the baby receives the appropriate oxygen support.

The neonatal pulse oximeter is a safe and non-invasive device that can provide valuable information to healthcare providers, allowing them to monitor the baby's oxygen saturation level and ensure that the baby is receiving the appropriate level of oxygen therapy.

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NEONATAL VEIN FINDER VEIN SEE NEO

The Vein See Neo is a neonatal vein finder device used to help medical professionals locate veins in newborn infants. It is specifically designed for use in neonatal units and is a non-invasive tool that aids in identifying suitable veins for various medical procedures such as intravenous (IV) access, blood sampling, and medication administration.

The Vein See Neo works by utilizing near-infrared light technology. When the device is held over the baby's skin, the near-infrared light is absorbed by the hemoglobin in the blood, while the surrounding tissues reflect the light. This creates a contrast between the veins and the surrounding tissue, making it easier for healthcare providers to identify and locate the veins.

The device provides real-time imaging, allowing medical professionals to visualize the veins beneath the baby's skin and determine the best site for vein puncture or catheter insertion. This reduces the need for multiple attempts and helps minimize discomfort for the baby.

The Vein See Neo is a valuable tool in neonatal care, particularly for infants with difficult-to-locate veins or those requiring frequent medical interventions. By improving the accuracy and efficiency of vein identification, the device can contribute to better patient care and outcomes in neonatal units.

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[lifecarelogistic]

6 Ways to Increase the Efficiency of Your Shop Floor in Logistic

Logistic is not just about Moving Goods, but also Managing Stock and Procurement.

The transportation and distribution of goods is a core function of any business. However, this is not always the most efficient way to do this. In many industries, it is not the best use of resources. In the case of logistics, this is due to the fact that the supply chain is not optimized. However, there are ways to improve the efficiency of the entire operation. These can include optimizing the stockroom and the order pick process. Top Logistic Company in India advancing supply chain and warehousing behalf of the latest trends and requirements.

Identify the Bottlenecks on your Logistic System

When it comes to improving the efficiency of your shop floor, you need to identify the bottlenecks in your supply chain. There are many ways to do this and the most popular method is to use a flow chart. A flow chart is a visual representation of the supply chain process. It is a great way to identify the areas where the most energy is being consumed. The elements of a flow chart can be found in the picture above. The green lines represent the supply chain while the red lines represent the demand side. This flowchart is relatively easy to understand and can help you optimize your supply chain.

Utilize the Right Lot-and-Package Archive Tools

One of the best things about modern supply chain tools is that they allow you to identify potential bottlenecks early on. One of the most useful tools for this is the LPA. The LPA is a simple barcode scanner that allows you to check the stock lot and the package. When it comes to the lot, there are lot-level scanners that allow you to check the individual items or bags. However, the best tool for the job is the drop-box scanners. These are often connected to a laptop and allow you to check the entire lot as well as individual items.

Use Technology to Improve In-Stock Availability

Inventory management is one of the major factors that affects the efficiency of a business. Finding the right balance between keeping stock and adding access to it is key to success. This can be achieved through the use of CRM software, ERP software, and RFID tags. Companies that have invested in modern supply chain solutions have found that using these tools together with a flow chart has made the process much easier. Getting the information from the sensors and the computer has become much more efficient. For example, when a customer order is placed, it is fed to the system and lets say stock the items that have been ordered. When these items are received, the system tells the pickers where to get the orders. This kind of real-time inventory tracking has allowed companies to reduce their inventory by up to 50%.

Optimize Inventory and Stock Room Management

When you have accurate and up-to-date stockroom information, it is much easier to decide how much to order and where to place it. This information can then be used to manage stock and improve the efficiency of the shop floor. For example, when you know how much is left of a certain product, you can decide to hold it back or put it in the cooler. Knowing the temperature in the cooler affects the amount of goods that are ordered next. Knowing the state of the stock room is just as important. When goods are not in their original location, it can be difficult to find them again. The best method to do this is to use a warehouse finder. This allows you to search for items anywhere in the world.

Conclusion

The supply chain is a complicated and challenging environment that requires careful planning and management. The best companies out there understand how to maximize the efficiency of their process. By applying the 6 ways discussed above, you can increase the efficiency of your supply chain.

[stevebattle]

Robovie-IIF (2005) by Takahiro Miyashita, ATR, Kyoto, Japan. Robovie-IIF's skin is a sensor network with 274 3×3cm, or 5×5cm piezo-film (PVDF film) touch sensors, embedded in soft silicone rubber.

"The Osaka-based Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute (ATR) has developed a crowd-monitoring humanoid robot that recognizes when people are lost and helps them find their way. In a series of demonstrations … a souped-up version of ATR's Robovie humanoid robot monitored people as they passed through a 100 square meter (1,076 sq ft) section of the Universal Citywalk Osaka shopping center. Relying on data from 16 cameras, 6 laser range finders and 9 RFID tag readers installed in and around the area, the robot was able to watch up to 20 people at a time, pinpoint their locations to within a few centimeters, and classify each individual's behavior into one of 10 categories (waiting, wandering, walking fast, running, etc.). Whenever Robovie spotted people who looked disoriented, the child-sized droid wheeled up to them and asked, "Are you lost?" If so, the robot provided simple directions to the destination and pointed the way. If not, the robot proceeded to recommend nearby shops and restaurants." – Robovie droid helps lost shoppers, pink tentacle.

[electriciantech]

Newer Types of Tool Tech for Electricians

As the electrical industry continues to evolve, so do the tools and technologies that electricians rely on. Today’s tools are smarter, more efficient, and designed to make the job easier while improving precision. From power tools to specialized devices, newer innovations are enhancing productivity and quality. One such advancement is the use of hot tweezers, which have transformed how electricians approach delicate wire-stripping tasks. Here's a look at some of the newer tool tech revolutionizing the field.

1. Hot Tweezers for Precise Wire Stripping

One of the most exciting innovations for electricians is the introduction of hot tweezers. These precision tools use controlled heat to strip wire insulation cleanly without damaging the conductor. This tool is especially useful for tasks that require extreme delicacy, such as working with fine wires in sensitive electrical systems. Unlike traditional mechanical stripping methods, hot tweezers offer an exacting, controlled heat source that ensures a perfect strip, preventing nicks or damage to the wire underneath. For applications where accuracy is critical, these tools are a game-changer.

The ability to strip wires without any defects to the conductor has made hot tweezers a must-have tool for electricians working in industries like telecommunications, aerospace, and medical device manufacturing. They allow for high-quality results, which is essential when working with delicate, high-performance cables that cannot afford any imperfections.

2. Cordless Power Tools with Advanced Features

The advancement of cordless power tools has given electricians more mobility and flexibility on the job. Newer models of drills, saws, and screwdrivers are equipped with higher voltage batteries, offering longer runtimes and faster charging. In addition, many cordless tools now come with features like variable speed settings, built-in LED lights, and enhanced ergonomics for better handling.

These upgrades make cordless power tools an invaluable asset in both residential and commercial electrical work. Electricians can move freely around a job site without being tethered to a power outlet, ensuring they can tackle tasks quickly and efficiently.

3. Digital Multimeters with Advanced Diagnostics

Another innovative tool for electricians is the digital multimeter with enhanced diagnostic features. Modern multimeters are now designed with built-in capabilities for more precise and faster measurements. Many new models include features like Bluetooth connectivity, allowing electricians to view readings remotely via smartphones or tablets.

These digital multimeters offer improved accuracy in diagnosing electrical issues, saving time on complex troubleshooting. Some models even include data logging functions that track measurements over time, providing electricians with historical data to help identify patterns or recurring issues. This can be a huge advantage for diagnosing problems that might not be immediately obvious.

4. Smart Circuit Breaker Finders

Finding a specific circuit breaker in a large commercial panel or residential breaker box can be a time-consuming task. However, newer smart circuit breaker finders have made this job much easier. These tools use advanced sensors to detect and identify the correct breaker by sending signals through the electrical system and displaying the results on a digital screen. This eliminates the guesswork and reduces the amount of time spent tracking down the right breaker.

Smart circuit breaker finders are an invaluable tool for electricians working on projects that involve extensive electrical systems. They help increase productivity and ensure that electricians spend less time locating circuit breakers and more time solving the issues at hand.

5. Thermal Imagers for Quick Diagnostics

Thermal imagers have become an essential tool in the electrician’s toolkit. These devices allow electricians to scan and detect overheating components or faulty wiring without needing to make physical contact. By detecting hot spots in the system, electricians can pinpoint potential issues before they become critical problems, reducing downtime and preventing future electrical failures.

The ability to see heat patterns and identify anomalies in real time has made thermal imaging a vital tool for preventive maintenance and troubleshooting. This is particularly useful in large electrical systems where problems may not be immediately visible.

6. Robotic Wire Strippers

For electricians working with large quantities of wire, robotic wire strippers are a groundbreaking innovation. These automated machines are capable of stripping wire quickly and efficiently with minimal human intervention. With the ability to set precise stripping lengths, wire gauges, and insulation types, robotic wire strippers can process hundreds of wires per hour, making them a valuable asset for electricians working in high-volume production environments.

Conclusion

The latest innovations in tool technology have made a significant impact on the electrical industry. Whether it’s the precision of hot tweezers for delicate wire stripping, the versatility of advanced cordless tools, or the convenience of smart diagnostic devices, today’s tools are designed to improve efficiency and ensure top-quality work. To stay ahead in this fast-evolving field, electricians need to adopt the best and most efficient tools available. If you're looking to explore cutting-edge solutions, visit Meisei Tools for the latest advancements in wire stripping and more.