Monthly Archives: May 2011
-
May 26, 2011
Nintendo’s 3DS portable gaming system has only been available in the U.S. for a short time, but it has already sold more than a million units. The 3DS is the first commercial device with a glasses-free 3-D screen and kids, teens and adult gamers alike are flocking to the new device.
But while they love the 3-D illusions, Science Daily is reporting that its three-hour battery life is less than half of its predecessor, the 2-D DS device, which may make some gamers quite unhappy with decreased play time.
But that may change soon, due to some innovative researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. They have developed a fundamentally new approach to glasses-free 3-D called HR3D, which they say will double the battery life of devices without compromising screen brightness or resolution. The technique is claiming to also expand the viewing angle of a 3-D screen, which could pave the way to larger devices with multiple users while maintaining the 3-D effect.
-
May 19, 2011
The idea of no more gas cans and quiet mowing with an easier start are some of the top reasons why more and more families are turning to the idea of battery-powered lawnmowers and lawn equipment this year. While early models of battery powered mowers may not have had the power or charge time consumers wanted, that is no longer the case.
Improved designs and better battery technology means that battery mowers can provide the powerful performance to navigate through a variety of grass conditions and have the power needed to get the job done.
In addition, there is no gas or oil to spill and no engine emissions to pollute the air.
Battery types vary by models so you’ll want to check out what type of battery is used before you choose a battery-powered mower. Most mower styles feature removable, rechargeable batteries that are ideal for lawns up to 1/3 acre on a single charge. For larger lawns, consider buying an optional spare battery so your mowing won’t be
-
May 12, 2011
Researchers have shown that ozone can be reduced when electric vehicle charging is done at night. That’s good news for both environmentalists as well as car owners of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, who typically choose to charge cars in the evening when drivers are more apt to be at home.
Ozone is a known pollutant that can cause harmful effects on certain individuals with respiratory ailments. It forms as hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, emitted into the air, react with sunlight. Two of the largest emitters of these pollutants are vehicles and electricity generating units.
Charging plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, also known as PHEVs, is already known to be more cost effective and reliable. But a new report issued by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Texas have found that charging at this time leads to lower levels of pollution on average.
PHEVs have the capability to run off battery power and gasoline. When PHEVs
-
May 09, 2011
[caption id="attachment_324" align="alignright" width="264" caption="MP3450 Tekkeon Portable Battery"][/caption]
The Tekkeon portable battery packs have arrived at Impact Battery! These lightweight lithium polymer batteries can be used to power a multitude of gadgets including, cell phones, laptops, PDA's, portable DVD players, iPhone, iPad, hand held gaming systems--the list goes on. They are versatile rechargeable units that draw power from the included AC adapter and DC power sources such as the cigarette lighter adapter in vehicles and solar panels. The output voltage ranges from 5V (USB portal) to 19V. At 6.85" (L) x 3.32" (W) x
-
May 05, 2011
If you’ve popped your hood and taken a close look at your car’s sealed lead acid battery lately, chances are you’ve noticed a build-up (unless your battery is new) of corrosion caused by acid condensation. The crusty-looking whitish or greenish appearance is actually easy to clean, and most likely you already have everything you need. But while it is easy enough to accomplish, you’ll need to make sure you keep safety protocols in mind so that you don’t hurt yourself—or your car—in the process.
While some batteries may be so corroded that they require disconnection of the cable clamps or terminals, we’re not recommending that and instead talking about general maintenance and cleaning that you can do while keeping your car’s battery still in place. A severely corroded battery may require additional maintenance and cleaning beyond what we are discussing here today.
Supplies:
- Safety goggles/protective glasses