By Bernie Rosellen

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DC power is much different. DC power comes from batteries. Although AC power is used more in the household, DC power also is used in many applications. Such applications include but not limited to: Lights, alarms, radios, digital cameras, toys, security cameras, backup power, laptop computers, recording devices, automobiles, etc.  We are very dependent on DC power due to the large variety of applications.

Batteries are classified into two broad categories:

Primary batteries are intended for use until they run down and then discarded. They produce current immediately. They are used most commonly in portable devices that have low current drain. They are also used intermittently or in places ac current is not available. Primary batteries are made of Lithium or Alkaline.

Secondary batteries are rechargeable and can be used over and over according to their recycle life.  Rechargeable batteries are more expensive, but in the long run may save you money if you will be using the device they will be powering for a long time.

Secondary (rechargeable) batteries discharge faster than primary batteries. To guarantee you get the most out of rechargeable batteries they need a certain amount of care:

New Rechargeable Batteries.

A new battery is manufactured and purchased in a discharged condition. It must be charged before use.  Upon initial use the battery may require 3 or 4 charge/discharge cycles before achieving it’s maximum capacity.  It is important to condition (fully discharge and then fully charge) the battery every 2 to 3 weeks. Failure to do so can significantly shorten the life of the battery. To discharge the battery, simply run the product the battery is powering until it completely discharges.  Then fully recharge the battery according to the instructions in the user’s manual.

Battery Handling

It the battery will not be used for a month or longer, it is recommended to remove the battery from the charger and store it in a cool, dry place.  A charged battery will eventually lose it’s charge if unused. It will be necessary to recharge the battery after a storage period.

Do not short-circuit the battery. A short-circuit will possibly cause severe damage or even explosion of the battery.

Avoid exposing the battery to moisture or rain.

Don’t drop or strike a rechargeable battery as this could cause exposure of the corrosive cell contents.

Keep batteries away from fire or extreme heat as this may result in explosion.

Memory Effect

NiCad and NiMH rechargeable batteries are prone to what is called the “memory effect”. What this means is, if a battery is repeatedly only partially discharged before recharging, the battery forgets that it has the capacity to further discharge all the way down.  For example: if on a regular basis you fully charge your battery and only let it discharge to 40% of it’s capacity before fully recharging again, the battery will eventually become unaware of it’s extra 40% capacity which has remained unused. The battery will still be functional but only at 40% of it’s original capacity. The way to avoid the “memory effect” is to fully charge and discharge the battery at least once every 2 to 3 months.

Technologies

Rechargeable batteries in lighting devices and 2-way radios are principally made of Nickel Cadmium (NiCad), Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) or Lithium Ion (Li-Ion). Each type has unique properties:

NiCad & NiMH: The main difference is that NiMH batteries are the newer of the two technologies and offer higher energy densities. NiMH batteries deliver approximately twice the capacity of the NiCad. This translates into increased run time from the battery with no additional increase in size. NiCad batteries tend to  suffer more from the “memory effect” and therefore need more maintenance and care. NiMH batteries are also more environmentally friendly than NiCad because they don’t contain heavy metals.

Li-Ion: This battery has quickly become the emerging standard for portable power. Li-Ion batteries produce the same power as NiMH batteries but weigh approximately 35% less. This is crucial in some applications where weight is a significant factor in the device that is being powered.  Li-Ion batteries also do not suffer from “memory effect” and are also environmentally friendly.

Upgrading Batteries

NiCad, NiMH, and Li-Ion are all fundamentally different and should not be substituted unless the device has been pre-configured from the factory to accept more than one type of rechargeable battery technology. The difference stems from the fact that each type requires a different charging pattern to be properly recharged.  The device’s internal charger must be properly configured to handle a given type of rechargeable battery.

Maximizing Rechargeable Battery Performance.

There are several steps that can be taken to insure maximum performance:

Break in new batteries. New batteries come in a discharged state and must be fully charged before use. It is recommended to fully charge and discharge the new battery 3 or 4 times to allow it to reach it’s maximum rated capacity.

Exercise batteries.  Don’t leave the battery unused for long periods. Use the battery at least once every 2 or 3 weeks.

Prevent the “memory effect”. Keep the battery in top condition by fully charging and then fully discharging it periodically. Exception to this rule are the Li-Ion batteries which do not suffer from the “memory effect”.

Keep batteries clean.  Clean dirty battery contacts with a cotton swab and alcohol. This helps maintain a good connection between the battery and the device it is powering.

Battery Ratings and Lifetime.

There are 2 ratings on every rechargeable battery: volts and amp-hours (AH). The amp-hour rating may also be given in milliamp-hours (mAH).

The life of a rechargeable battery that is operated under normal conditions is generally between 500 to 800 charge/discharge cycles. For the average user this translates into approximately 3 years of service. As the rechargeable battery begins to die the user will notice a decline in the running time.

No matter what your battery needs you can find the right battery below. Batteries for all applications and hard to find batteries are available.

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Factory direct super sale of rechargeable batteries and chargers at 50-80% the retail price. Large selection, huge savings, and speedy service.

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RC Nitro Buggy...HOT!

One of the most exciting hobbies are RC (radio controlled) toys.  Probably the most poplar RC toy is the RC car.  They seem to be more popular because they can be operated in more areas than RC aircraft, or boats.  Aircraft requires a designated area with a lot of space and naturally boats require a body of water;  whereas,  cars can be operated in the yard, on the street (if there is no traffic), in the driveway, or on a specially built track. RC cars are loads of fun, and are relatively inexpensive for their amazing  quality.

There are some other reasons for choosing the RC car hobby:

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1. They can be driven as off road vehicles, street vehicles, or racing vehicles.  If you like racing and being competitive they are the ultimate fun machine!  Many places that offer tracks to race on have very good racing programs to offer fair and competitive racing.
2. There are no levels to master.  You can have just as much fun as a beginner and you can as an expert.
3. There is no repetition to make the hobby boring.  Every time you drive an RC car you have a new driving experience.
4. There is a large variety of models to choose.  You can find just about anything, so as a hobby you can pick what you like.  Many hobbyist have several models.
5. There are different levels of prices and sizes available.
6. They are made of such good quality, they will survive some ruff treatment for many years.  If there is some part of the car that gets broke parts suppliers are plentiful.
7. Besides entertaining kids, radio controlled cars have the potential to educate.  Kids learn the basics of science and technology from understanding how these cars work.

There are a few things to consider when purchasing an RC car:

1. You need to consider what type of driving you are most interested in, and purchase a vehicle that will meet your interests.
2. You will need to consider what kind of power you want to run your vehicle.  You can choose an electric powered car, or a fuel (nitro) powered car.  Both work very well and both have their own advantages and disadvantages.  The electric  powered car will need additional equipment such as an extra battery and battery charger.  There are different sizes of batteries in regards to price and usage. Batteries are rated in size according to the number of cells, and rated in running time according to mAh (mili-ampere hours).  The more cells a battery has the higher the price. The higher the number of mAh, the higher the price because the battery will last longer before needing recharged.  In comparison the fuel powered car will need nitro fuel, a safe place to store the fuel, and some periodic adjustments on the carburator to keep the engine running top notch.  Both engines, electric or fuel, offer different power ranges. Some electric powered cars can literally pop wheelies, even though the fuel powered cars are considered the most powerful.
3. You will need to consider what kind of tires you want to run on the vehicle. If you are racing or off-roading you may prefer a thick, grippy tire.
4. As you become more skilled and adaptable to the hobby you may want to consider upgrades to your car. Upgrades can make your car handle differently or more powerful.
5. You will need to consider the age of the person that will be operating the car. RC cars are designed for children of all age groups. Toy grade are designed more for kids and cost less. Hobby-grade are more durable and expensive and are designed for more experienced and adult enthusiasts.

The great thing about the hobby of driving RC cars is that it applys to all ages.  From children, to teenagers,  to adults this is a hobby fit for all.

Have fun with your RC car !!

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Squirrel Hunting Information Site

Squirrel Hunting Article

Fishing/Gigging Site

Gigging Article

Take a day off and plan to get outside with your kids.  It may be amazing all the things that you learn from and about them, just by spending quality time with them.

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There are many variations of golfers from the beginner to the average to the skilled. It may take several years of practice and playing to develop your golfing skills.  No matter what skill level you may be, there is essential equipment for every golfer. These essentials include: balls, tees, shoes, clubs, and a nice bag to carry all the equipment. To properly equip yourself with these essentials, it is important to be honest with yourself about your skill level. The rookie golfer will not be starting out with expensive equipment if he or she is honest with their skill level; whereas, a skilled golfer will be matching his or her  skills with better equipment.

Golf has been around since the 15th century and has evolved itself in the social market as the sport of the leaders and business people. Because of it’s social effects, many business managers find time to provide tournaments and matches. In fact golf is informally known as the sport of the “business world”.

GOLF ESSENTIALS

The most important equipment for the golfer is the clubs. As stated earlier it is important to purchase equipment that matches your skill level. Also the reason you find yourself at the golf course is another factor to consider when buying clubs. If you are a beginner and play with friends just for the fun of playing, a basic set of clubs may be for you. If you are at the golf course as an avenue to build social relationships then you might want to buy clubs that reflect elegance and classiness that make a good statement in the business world.

CLUBS

Golf clubs are categorized into four key types:

IRONS …Irons are usually used when shorter more detailed shots are required, or when the play involves shots that are moving towards the green. Irons feature thin club heads with grooves on it. Experienced golfers prefer a blade style iron which has a full back, while beginners prefer a cavity-back style which has a hollow back. The cavity-back style is hollowed out to create a perimeter weighting effect which is helpful for less experienced golfers. Irons are categorized as long (1, 2, 3, 4), mid (5, 6, 7) and short (8, 9). Short irons are easier to hit with than the long irons. The shorter irons also create more loft on the ball which is better for beginners.

WOODS …Woods are typically long clubs and are used for making long shots. Woods are characterized by their shaft length that range from 40 to 46 inches. Because of their length, woods are the hardest clubs to control during a swing. Most golfers will have a driver, called a #1 wood, and a couple of fairway woods which are #3 and/or #5 woods.

HYBRID WOODS …These clubs combine features of woods and irons. They combine the “straight hitting” feature of the irons and the “low center of gravity” feature of woods with higher lofts. They are great for beginners who may not want to buy many clubs to start. Hybrid woods are generally used for long shots in a challenging rough area.

PUTTERS …Putters are generally characterized with low shafts, which are also sometimes short. Putters come in club head styles of blade, heel-toe and mallet. Lengths come in belly putters, standard and long. This club is used to play the greens where short shots are necessary. Putters are also the most used clubs in the game.

TIPS ON BUYING CLUBS

1. Check your budget. There are many brands available. Also the notion that the more expensive the club, the better it is, simply is not true. If you do your home work and read reviews, you will find a club that matches your level of skill and interest. Don’t be afraid of checking out used clubs as they can give you a great club at a great price. www.AmazingSportsProducts.com offers a large selection of used TaylorMade clubs which will give you a high quality club at a great price.

2. Decide how often you will use the clubs. If you are just starting to play the price of the clubs will be more important than the brand. If you become more proficient and begin to spend a lot more time on the golf course then naturally a pricier and better made club will be needed to handle the greater use.

3. Study the differences in brands. Some people can’t tell the difference in brands relating to which is good, better, or best. Again do some home work here. Read reviews and ask experienced golfers for their opinions. You call also ask salesmen about the differences in brands, but be careful of their biases in promoting the brand they sell.

GOLF BALLS

Golf balls are the celebrities of the game. Golf balls are made in a variation of designs but should weigh 45.93 grams or less; have a diameter of 42.67 mm or less; and should be symmetrically sphere-shaped. The complexity of golf balls comes from it’s transitional periods of change. This is due to the fact the physics of golf balls are based on the materials used in making them. Golf balls today are more effective in terms of it’s physical performance than in the past. Contemporary golf balls have 300 to 450 dimples which are the primary characteristics that make the balls fly high in the air.

The golf ball is the most skillfully designed ball in sports. There have been thousands of patented designs approved since the 1990’s which makes choosing a golf ball a baffling decision.  The many different designs have been made by manufactures in effort to match individual preferences. If the ball is correctly matched to the player’s game, they can increase enjoyment and skill level.

TIPS ON BUYING BALLS

1. Check the structure of the ball.

Two-piece balls are recognized for their distance. They are made of a harder and strong cover which is resistant to cuts. The compact inner center is made from a variety of materials. The harder the material of the inner core, the further the ball will travel. The negative aspect of these balls is that they lack the capacity to manage the ball because of their limited spin amounts.

Three-piece balls are constructed for feel and spin. They are made of a softer cover with compact inner core and an extra layer of fabric between the cover and the core that “softens” the blow or impact of the head of the club. This provides improved feel and spin, but loss of durability and distance.

Multi-layer balls are also known as “all purpose” balls. They are made of a durable, soft cover that is separated by many very thin layers which are made up of a variety of materials. These balls have an improved inner core resulting in a ball that gives better all around execution.

2. Know your skill level.

Beginners or high handicap players require a ball that will give distance. They are players that are likely to mis-hit the ball and should choose a two-piece ball because it has a more durable cover. Two-piece balls are also affordable.

Medium skill level or mid handicap players can play with a three-piece ball. This ball has a softer cover to give more feel and spin. These balls offer a faster swing speed and therefore will not suffer distance loss.

Skilled or low handicap players should use the multi-layered ball. These players naturally have developed a quicker swing speed and will achieve extra distance and have the feel and spin benefits.

All the golf equipment, whether clubs or balls, will entail a lot of trial and testing to find the perfect equipment for your playing style and ability.

No matter where you are in your golfing experience, www.AmazingSportsProducts.com can offer you the equipment you need at a price you can afford. Check out our inventory of golf supplies and especially the great buys on TaylorMade golf clubs, which are among the best made.

Happy Golfing!

No matter where you are in your golfing experience, www.AmazingSportsProducts can offer you the equipment you need at a price you can afford. Check out our inventory of golf supplies and especially the great buys on TaylorMade golf clubs, which are among the best made.

Happy Golfing!!

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Radio-controlled planes have a rich history, and provide a suitable hobby for all ages and skill levels. Flying enthusiasts have a large variety of aircraft to choose from, making the hobby more exciting for all hobbyists from the beginner to the expert. You can pick and choose what you want depending upon your taste and the available money you have to spend. Generally, the ideal choice of a particular RC plane depends upon a combination of style and pilot skill level.

For beginners, park flyers are a great choice. The term “park flyer” denotes small, primarily electric planes. They are so named because they are small enough to be flown inside public parks. The recommended aircraft for beginners is an A-R-F (Almost Ready To Fly) high-wing trainer. A-R-F planes are already built and don’t require a lot of time and building experience to get ready for flight. A-R-F planes also have fairly large wing spans (60-70 inches) which aid in better visibility and flight operation.

For intermediate hobbyists, there are glow plug engine planes and electric powered planes. Glow plugs, which are similar to spark plugs, ignite the fuel in the plane operating as a small internal combustion engine.

For the expert pilot, jets, helicopters, and competition aircraft are very popular and provide an exciting challenge. Sophisticated electronics and speed controllers have now taken the controlling of an RC airplane to higher levels. These aircraft are no longer considered toys just to play around with. Jets commonly use ducted fans or micro turbines to power them. They are constructed of carbon fibre and fibre glass. Jets can achieve speeds over 200 mph, requiring quick reflexes and many hours of flying experience. Helicopters are trickier to fly than planes and are much less forgiving.

If you want to get started flying RC planes the following information may help you:

Flying aircraft of any type is not a skill we are born with. Purchasing any radio-controlled aircraft and trying to fly without some basic knowledge may possibly result in the destruction of the model. When this happens right off the bat, most prospective flyers get discouraged and pass on an exciting hobby. Flying RC aircraft is not difficult but does require some practice to become proficient enough to have your plane soar through the skies and return for a safe landing. Teaching yourself to fly is possible; however, if you find a local flying club and seek some help from the experienced flyers is the ultimate way to learn. A flight simulator can aid in learning the fundamental movements and actions of an airplane. It is an easy and convenient way to practice the simplest turns to the most complex maneuvers. It must be remembered that the flight simulator does just what it’s name implies, it simulates the actions of an airplane. The simulator is not the real thing and most planes react differently in the air.

Whether you are a kid, or just a kid at heart, flying RC aircraft is directed at anyone who wants to relax and have fun. Get involved if you want a hobby that gives you a thrill!

Happy Flying!

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SPORTS

BASEBALL & SOFTBALL

Baseball and Softball are the nation’s number one hobby and recreational activity of kids. There are many advantages of these sports.

ADVANTAGES

1. These hobbies don’t require a lot of equipment and  therefore are fairly inexpensive.  The most   important and expensive piece of equipment is the glove. Every kid will need their own glove.  The rest of the equipment … the bat and ball can be shared.

2.  These sports don’t need an organized team to be played. Any number of kids can divide into 2 teams and find a field to play on.

3.  Organized team sports can help a child become proficient in the sport with the help of a good coach.

4.  Organized team sports can also teach a child social skills and sportsmanship and also give the child a feeling of belonging and being needed.

SOCCER

ADVANTAGES

1.  Soccer also is a hobby that don’t require a lot of equipment. The most important pieces of equipment are the ball and goal.  These 2 pieces of equipment can also be shared with all those playing.  Other equipment may include some protection equipment such as shin guards.

2.  Other advantages are the same as mentioned above relating to baseball and softball.

RC CARS, AIRPLANES, AND HELICOPTERS

Radio Controlled cars, airplanes and helicopters are also a great hobby for kids during the summer. There are many advantages to this hobby.

ADVANTAGES

1. Operating an RC car or aircraft is sheer fun and excitement for kids. It gives the thrill of actually driving a car or piloting an aircraft.

2.  RC cars can be driven alone or driven in competition.

3.  RC aircraft that are built today can give you the best flight of your life as you take the control stick and fly on your own.

4.  RC controlled cars and aircraft are also fun for adults and make great family hobbies.

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