Tag Archives: explore

How Do Stud Finder Apps Work, And Are They Any Good?

March 30, 2024 David

Before we get into our hands-on evaluation of stud finders, let’s discover how they’re presupposed to work. First and foremost, not like ghost sensor apps, that are allegedly designed to select up a magical presence, stud finder apps aren’t sensationalized video games or gimmicks disguised as instruments. In many instances, it is a developer critical about their work, and really making an attempt to supply a substitute for the typically pricey handheld stud finder.

Like a phone’s compass app, stud finder apps use the machine’s built-in magnetometer. Most of the big-brand smartphones are geared up with this three-axis sensor, which usually helps the cellphone decide its orientation for capabilities just like the compass app.

When a stud finder app is lively, it makes use of the magnetometer to find steel behind your partitions. As you may guess, this could be more practical in a house with steel studs. However, very like a conventional stud finder, the magnetometer can, in principle, find nails used to safe drywall.

News

Bajaj Is Gearing Up To Launch First CNG Motorcycle

March 22, 2024 David

Ever-tightening emissions restrictions are forcing car producers to discover all sorts of alternative power options. Of course, electric power is quick changing into a ubiquitous different to inside combustion. But throughout the realm of the ICE, there are fairly a couple of improvements.

instance of this comes within the type of CNG, or compressed pure gasoline. This is one thing Indian motorbike producer Bajaj has its sights set on, with firm CEO Rajiv Bajaj asserting accelerated improvement of the corporate’s new CNG platform.

So how does a CNG car work? Well, the fundamental concept is that pure gasoline, consisting primarily of methane, is compressed and saved in a tank. As you experience alongside, the gasoline is fed into the engine, the place it mixes with air. This combination of air and gasoline is then ignited equally as common gasoline-powered ICEs.

A notable profit right here is that CNG is touted as a cleaner choice when in comparison with gasoline, because it emits fewer pollution. Rajiv Bajaj explains that with regards to tailpipe emissions, Co2 is down by almost 50 p.c, whereas carbon monoxide drops by round 75 p.c. Furthermore, non-methane hydrocarbons are stated to lower by about 90 p.c. So whereas CNG is on no account a zero-emissions different, it definitely stands as a life-extender for the great outdated inside combustion engine.

Bajaj already produces CNG-powered rickshaws for business use

More than simply decreased emissions, India’s economic system is pushed by effectivity. This means decreasing prices to no matter extent doable, and Bajaj’s CNG bikes hope to supply customers with twice the mileage (successfully halving the associated fee) with each tank of gasoline—one thing that may certainly please the good majority of commuters on a finances.

When it involves the particular timelines of Bajaj’s first-ever CNG bike, nicely, we gained’t have to attend that lengthy because it’s assured that it’ll be prepared for launch throughout the first half of 2024. This is sort of a daring assertion, as the corporate’s preliminary plans eyed a 2025 launch.

Initiatives exploring the usage of different fuels are at all times a superb factor. Sure, electrification has confirmed to be a dependable, long-term answer. But it’s at all times good to have a number of choices.

And whereas CNG isn’t precisely a zero-emissions different, it may lay the foundations for extra superior analysis with the usage of different different fuels comparable to hydrogen and different e-fuels.

Technology

The Major Tech Themes To Look Out For At MWC 2024

February 13, 2024 David

The theme of 5G and Beyond seeks to discover what precisely we will do with this improved framework, in addition to what may come subsequent. Topics of dialogue embrace strengthening the connection additional with end-to-end AI integration, new communication codecs afforded by improved connectivity like holograms and gesture recognition, and the burgeoning seeds of a 6G future. This know-how is evolving quick and there is motive to be excited, although there can even be discussions on the significance of endurance and examine to get the very best end result on our technological funding.

The theme of Connecting Everything, equally, is discovering new methods to broaden the prevailing community of interconnected gadgets, and by extension, folks. IoT-powered appliances have served as place to begin, however to actually join the world, the planet’s networking superpowers, together with satellite tv for pc, fiber optic, and extra have to band collectively and discover a widespread connection. By making quicker, extra adaptable connections, it’ll foster an excellent higher setting of innovation.

Motorsport

Searching Google Earth For Old Race Tracks Is Our New Favorite Rabbit Hole

January 31, 2024 Prafful Singh

Once upon a time, the one technique to discover the world was to really discover it. Sadly, we won’t spend our whole lives road-tripping for cool issues to see, and even when we might, some locations aren’t simply noticed at floor stage. For instance, who knew there have been stays of a quarter-mile drag strip hidden by timber within the suburbs of Chicago? We know, due to Google Earth. And now, you understand too.

Before we go any additional, contemplate your self warned. What follows might result in one of many largest rabbit holes of your life, particularly for those who maintain even a slight curiosity in automobiles and racing. Some people within the Google Earth, Structure, and Anomalies Facebook Group tipped us off to this motorsport-themed digital journey of discovering outdated race tracks, and you understand what? Searching for these locations is as addicting as deep-fried cocaine.

Oval horse tracks are fairly widespread and so they’re generally mistaken for outdated automotive haunts. But there are some places that, with out query, as soon as loved the sounds of engines and the scent of race gas. We might spend years looking for all of them, however since that is not sensible, be a part of us for a brief Google Earth tour. And when you’re addicted (and you’ll be), bounce into the feedback with images and coordinates of outdated tracks you discover.

For now, listed here are a couple of to whet your urge for food.

Track: Brooklands
Location: Weybridge, England
Coordinates: 51°19’16″N 0°25’47″W

Arguably probably the most well-known ghost observe on the planet, the final race at Brooklands came about in 1939 (excluding James May’s Scalextric slot automotive tomfoolery in 2009) however parts of the steeply banked oval nonetheless exist at present. For that matter, a lot of the unique structure reveals by means of from the air regardless of appreciable improvement on the web site since its glory days.

Track: Mid-America Raceway
Location: Wentzville, Missouri USA
Coordinates: 38°50’48″N 90°54’57″W

This is the observe that piqued our curiosity, recently shared by David Williams within the Google Earth, Structures, and Anomalies Facebook group. Once a 2.8-mile highway course with a drag strip, the observe closed in 2004 and is now a sprawling subdivision. The southern finish of the observe is gone, however on the high of the photograph, you possibly can see parts of the unique pavement nonetheless snaking by means of the panorama.

Track: EG&G Proving Grounds
Location: D’Hanis, Texas USA
Coordinates: 29°24’42″N 99°21’48″W

The stays of this large oval observe are baking within the solar roughly seven clicks northwest of D’Hanis, Texas. This was additionally shared within the Google Earth Facebook group, however it’s not a race observe. After some digging, we discovered a YouTube video describing the placement as a five-mile take a look at facility as soon as utilized by the now-defunct firm Edgerton, Germeshausen, and Grier, Inc. The nature of the testing, in addition to the present standing of the power, is unknown.

Track: Surfers Paradise International Raceway
Location: Carrara, Queensland Australia,
Coordinates: 28°00’46″S 153°22’25″E

The ring highway of this seaside group serves as a top level view for the old 2.0-mile road course. The small straight stretch of damaged pavement barely up and proper of heart (subsequent to the Master Mindset textual content) is all that is still of the unique observe, which noticed quite a few endurance races and was a daily cease for the Australian Touring Car Championship till its closure in 1987.

Paramount Ranch Raceway
Location: Agoura Hills, California USA
Coordinates: 34°07’05″N 118°45’10″W

This one is likely to be tough to suss out, so we have expertly outlined the unique 2.0-mile course in crimson with a little bit of assist from David Williams, who tipped us off to the track. Several parts nonetheless exist, corresponding to the massive curve on the decrease proper and the straightaway. Other stretches are nonetheless seen as dust paths, however the observe’s official life solely lasted from 1956 by means of 1957 because it was deemed too harmful. It lived a second life as a location used for filming by means of the ’50s and ’60s. Today it is a part of the National Park Service as a historic web site.

Dakota Intermountain Dragway
Location: Belle Fourche, South Dakota USA
Coordinates: 44°42’33″N 103°53’41″W

Nestled close to the Wyoming border, this quarter-mile drag strip and small oval observe was once referred to as Black Hills Dragway. Dragstriplist.com tells us it opened in 1972 and as soon as had seating for 500 individuals. The seats and buildings are lengthy gone, however the damaged strip nonetheless stays … albeit with timber rising by means of the cracks.

Track: Century 21 Raceways
Location: Aurora, Colorado USA
Coordinates: 39°44’55″N 104°43’46″W

Here’s one other oval/drag strip combo, this time discovered within the shadow of Denver. Aurora is a northern suburb, and in keeping with na-motorsports.com, this small facility had an equally small lifespan from 1971 by means of 1973. It consisted of a 3/8-mile oval with a figure-eight characteristic and a quarter-mile drag strip that linked to it, seen right here on the backside of the picture. Both clearly present up within the satellite tv for pc view, however switching to road view reveals latest developments within the space which have doubtless worn out the damaged stays.

Track: Oswego Drag Raceway
Location: Oswego, Illinois
Coordinates: 41°41’10″N 88°23’15″W

Roughly 40 miles west of downtown Chicago is a dense grove of timber hiding the stays of a once-thriving drag strip. Oswego Drag Raceway opened in 1954 and stayed in operation for 25 years, finally succumbing to the growth of the Windy City’s suburbs. Everything however the observe itself is gone, although at this level it is lined by timber and surrounded by subdivisions.

Technology

5 Popular Android Apps To Help You Stick To Your New Year’s Resolutions

December 22, 2023 David

There’s a wide range of vitamin and calorie counting apps for Android devices that you would be able to discover, however the most effective we have personally examined to this point (additionally extremely rated on Google Play) is MacroFactor. It’s a meals log and vitamin coach app multi function that is powered by a extremely adaptable algorithm that adjusts to your distinctive metabolism.

You can rely energy by scanning the bar code on meals objects. If it does not pull up an entry from MacroFactor’s product database, you should utilize its new label-scanning function to simply create a brand new entry with the suitable dietary details saved. You may also add your recipes and get an correct studying of how a lot each serving is value calorie-wise.

For extra dietary assist, you’ll be able to create a calorie and macro program to observe, whether or not it is low-carb, keto, carb-focused, or balanced. Diet plans are based mostly on a purpose: achieve, keep, or shed some pounds — and different preferences. Once you customise a program, all you must do is log your meals each day and do a weekly check-in in order that this system makes sustainable changes that can maintain you on monitor towards your weight purpose minus the hardship.

Serious meals trackers will profit from MacroFactor’s complete nutrient insights that log your caloric consumption and the way a lot protein, fats, carbohydrates, sugars, nutritional vitamins, and different minerals you eat each week. You may also watch traits associated to your power expenditure, weight, and physique metrics, amongst different issues.

To entry MacroFactor’s strong slate of options, you may have to pay a subscription price of $5.99 a month, which continues to be cheaper than paying for a coach or nutritionist. You can, nonetheless, strive it for every week without spending a dime to see the way you prefer it.

Accessories and Peripherals

Get The Luminar Neo Photo Editor Bundle At An Unbeatable Early Black Friday Price

November 18, 2023 David

If you prefer learning by doing, you can fully immerse yourself in Luminar Neo and experiment with each tool. Explore essential features such as layers, masking, and local adjustments, as well as AI-powered tools for enhancing quality, airbrushing skin, or removing backgrounds and unwanted objects.

The six add-on packages offer overlays and LUTs that can instantly transform your photos with just a few clicks. These packages include Light Reflections, Color Harmony, Wintertime, Frosty Winter, Tranquil Dawn Skies, and Tender Blushing Skies.

Turn your photo aspirations into reality with the Luminar Neo bundle, which includes video courses and the six add-on packages, available at the best price on the web for $149.97 (regular price $752) until November 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT, without needing a coupon.

Prices are subject to change.

Featured

Honda Elevate Vs Honda City – Prices And Specifications Compared

September 6, 2023 Prafful Singh

One’s a SUV while the other is a sedan. But, let’s explore their differences in detail

The Honda Elevate recently went on sale as the carmaker’s second compact SUV, following the BR-V. This new global SUV shares many similarities with the Honda City sedan. Both are priced between Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh, based on the same platform, equipped with the same petrol engine, and offer similar features.

If you are struggling to choose between the Honda sedan and SUV, here’s a quick comparison of their key differences besides their appearance:

Price Check

	Honda Elevate		Honda City		Honda City Hybrid
Powertrain	MT	CVT	MT	CVT	CVT
SV	Rs 11 lakh	N.A.	Rs 11.71 lakh	–	–
V	Rs 12.11 lakh	Rs 13.21 lakh	Rs 12.59 lakh	Rs 13.84 lakh	Rs 18.89 lakh
VX	Rs 13.50 lakh	Rs 14.60 lakh	Rs 13.71 lakh	Rs 14.96 lakh	–
ZX	Rs 14.90 lakh	Rs 16 lakh	Rs 14.94 lakh	Rs 16.19 lakh	Rs 20.39 lakh

The introductory prices of the Elevate are lower compared to the City. The starting price is Rs 71,000 lower, but as you climb the variants, the price difference decreases. The top-end variants have a price gap of just Rs 4,000 to Rs 19,000. Both models are available in four variants, but only the City offers a hybrid powertrain option.

Also Read: Honda Elevate Vs Rivals: Price Check

Powertrains

Models	Honda Elevate / Honda City	Honda City Hybrid
Engine	1.5-litre i-VTEC petrol	1.5-litre petrol-hybrid engine
Power	121PS	Up to 126PS
Torque	145Nm	253Nm
Transmissions	6-speed MT, CVT	e-CVT
Fuel Efficiency	15.31kmpl, 16.92kmpl/ 17.8kmpl, 18.4kmpl	27.13kmpl

The City and Elevate share the same 1.5-litre petrol engine, delivering identical performance figures. However, the sedan offers slightly better fuel economy due to its lighter weight and potentially better aerodynamic efficiency compared to the SUV.

However, the sedan variant can be equipped with a strong-hybrid petrol engine, which claims an efficiency of up to 27.13kmpl.

Size Check

Dimensions	Elevate	City
Length	4,312mm	4574mm
Width	1,790mm	1748mm
Height	1,650mm	1489mm
Wheelbase	2,650mm	2600mm
Boot Space	458 litres	506 litres
Ground clearance	209mm	165mm

The City is longer than the Elevate due to its three-box layout. However, the Elevate is wider, which may result in slightly more comfort for three passengers at the back. The taller nature of the SUV provides better headroom, while the City has its own appeal with its low-slung sedan stance.

On paper, the boot space of the City is slightly larger than the Elevate. However, since the SUV has an upright boot, it may be able to accommodate the same number of suitcases.

With 54mm more ground clearance, the Elevate offers better practicality on Indian roads, which are often plagued with potholes and uneven speed breakers.

Practicality Check

The Honda Elevate, like the City, offers practical features in its cabin. It includes cupholders in the center console, storage in the front armrest, phone storage space below the AC console, a small storage box behind the gear lever, bottle holders in each door, and special phone-pockets in the back of the front seats.

Features

Both the Honda Elevate and the Honda City are well-equipped, but there are some minor differences. Here they are:

Common Features

Extra features on Elevate

Extra features on City

Electric sunroof

Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

7-inch semi-digital driver’s display

Wireless Charging

8-speaker sound system

Keyless Entry with push button start-stop

Cruise Control

LED Projector headlamps as standard

10.25-inch touchscreen system

LED reflector headlamps

8-inch touchscreen system

The Honda Elevate has a larger touchscreen infotainment system in its cabin, giving it an advantage over the City.

Safety Features

Common Features

Extra features on Elevate

Extra features on City

Up to six airbags

ADAS

Tyre pressure monitoring system

ISOFIX child seat mounts

Hill start assist

Electronic stability control

Rear parking camera

Lane watch camera

Rain-sensing wipers

Automatic headlamps

Dual front airbags (standard)

Four airbags (standard)

The Elevate has dual front airbags as standard, while the City features four airbags as standard. Apart from this, both models have the same safety features, including the Honda Sense suite of advanced driver assistance systems. The City has received a five-star safety rating in the ASEAN NCAP. Based on internal crash testing of the Elevate, we expect the SUV to achieve a strong 4- or 5-star safety rating.

Which Honda To Pick?

With so many similarities in terms of the value offered by the Honda Elevate and Honda City, your choice will ultimately depend on personal preference: the tall-seating and higher ground clearance of an SUV, or the classic low-slung seating and handling of a sedan. Let us know which one you would pick in the comments below.

ELECTRIC MOTION E-PURE RACE: RIDING IMPRESSION

July 27, 2023 David

Dirt Bike Magazine has recently started exploring electric motorcycles and it seems that trials riding is where electric motors have the most potential to be competitive. Trials riding involves short bursts of activity with enough time for the motor to cool down between sections, making it an ideal use case for electric motors.

INSIDE THE 2023 ePURE RACE
Electric Motion (EM) has added some new features to the ePure Race to improve its performance. One of the standout features is the hydraulic clutch, which allows the rider to modulate power and load the suspension. The control switch has been improved, and the Fixed Regenerative Braking system now offers six total maps, including the addition of TKO on the green map.

The suspension has been upgraded with a new rear linkage, a 6.7-inch travel Reiger two-way shock, and an updated 6.9-inch travel Tech Aluminum Racing fork. The bike is equipped with Braktec brakes, Michelin tires, and weighs 165.5 pounds.

ADVANTAGES OF THE ePURE RACE
Setting up the ePure Race is quick and easy. Adjust the controls, set tire pressure, turn on the power, and you’re ready to ride. This electric trials bike offers several advantages over traditional gas-powered motorcycles. The lack of engine noise and vibration provides a unique feel for the ground. The bike eliminates the possibility of stalling the engine and produces less noise pollution. However, there is still some audible noise similar to an electric drill on steroids.

The bike features an impressive diaphragm clutch that closely resembles a traditional bike’s clutch. The rider can choose to use the clutch or not. The throttle is user-friendly, delivering smooth power without excessive wheel spin. It allows the rider to apply enough pressure to the rear tire on a large log using only the throttle, avoiding spinouts.

Without the need for gear shifting, the bike is approachable for beginners and allows experienced riders to fully focus on the ride. The power delivery to the rear wheel is smooth, linear, and immediate. There’s no need to worry about controlling the clutch around tight corners. This aspect alone can be a selling point for those new to trials riding.

BALANCE AND ERGONOMICS
The bike offers good static balance and feels balanced from front to back. Once in motion, the ergonomics and ride feel are comfortable and similar to traditional gas-powered trials bikes. It may feel slightly bigger and wider than most full-sized trials bikes, but compared to its competition, it’s slightly overweight. The extra weight becomes noticeable when attempting certain maneuvers, but with time, the bike becomes more natural to maneuver. However, a dedicated trials competitor may find the extra weight initially challenging to adjust to.

LEARNING CURVE
There is a learning curve to adapting to the bike’s differences, especially when it comes to clutch work. However, Electric Motion has made significant strides in the development of this technology. Over time, riders can become more efficient and effective on the bike. The throttle input requires larger hand movements to build up power, and the clutch release must be precise, which can take some getting used to.

The bike may require more physical effort to tackle big obstacles compared to combustion engines. Careful modulation of the throttle and clutch is necessary for power and control. High-flying obstacles can be particularly challenging. The bike also has slight resistance when rolling backward, which can be a disadvantage in trials.

THE MAIN SQUEEZE
While there is a learning curve and some differences to adapt to, Electric Motion has made significant progress in the development of their electric bikes. In the coming years, we can expect further improvements and increased competitiveness from Electric Motion.

Overall, we are impressed with what Electric Motion has achieved with the ePure Race and look forward to the future of electric motorcycles. Although electric bikes may still be slightly heavier and not at a significant advantage compared to gas-powered bikes, the ePure Race showcases impressive and practical technology. It offers an advantage for beginners and those not focused on tackling huge obstacles in trials riding.

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