Aurora Borealis Webcam
Live Northern Lights Webcams
1. Sweden — Porjus (Recommended)
2. Winnipeg — Winnipeg Webcams Live in Canada
3. Talkeetna — TAT’s Webcam Mt. McKinley is 60 miles from Talkeetna
4. Minnesota — Mille Lacs Resort Live Webcam
5. Turnagain Arm — Alaska About 4 miles south of Anchorage
6. Climate Research Center — Alaska Web Cam Fairbanks
7. Canada — Yellowknife Canadian Space Agency
8. Alaska — KINY Public Webcams provided by the State of Alaska.
Space Weather Current Conditions
1. KP Index: Planetary Kp-index (3 hour data)
2. Space Weather Enthusiasts Dashboard: Space Weather Overview
3. Space Weather Current Conditions: SpaceWeather.com
Best time to view Northern Lights: During spring and fall Equinoxes.
Directions for taking pictures of the aurora:
Use a wide-angle lens and a sturdy, well balanced tripod. Slower films, ASA 100 to 200, capture bright colors but will require longer exposures; the lights will appear smeared. ASA 1000 speed film records clearer shapes, but the colors may not be as vivid and the photos are often grainy. Shoot at F-2.8 and hold the shutter open for 20 to 30 seconds. The time of the exposure depends on the brightness of the aurora [Source: fairbanks-alaska.com].
The aurora is most active late at night or early in the morning, when the sky is clear. Alaska is probably the best place to watch the northern lights. But, it was seen as far south as Minnesota last night. It never hurts to go outside late at night and look to the northern skies.
The counterpart of the Northern Lights, is the aurora australis or the Southern Polar Lights, has similar properties, but is only visible from high southern latitudes in Antarctica, South America, or Australasia.
Auroras are more frequent and brighter during the intense phase of the solar cycle when coronal mass ejections increase the intensity of the solar wind.
Putting It All Together — Can I, or can’t I, see the Aurora?
Once you know your magnetic latitude, and how high the Kp index needs to be for you to see the aurora at your magnetic latitude, it comes down to choosing a viewing time of high magnetic activity by frequently checking the Kp index and SWPC forecast. It could also be worthwhile to check the POES Auroral Activity page, which might or might not be more up-to-date than the Kp, depending on the time of the most recent polar pass of the POES satellite. (The table below will help you relate the POES Auroral Activity Level to the Kp index.) Of course, for you to see the aurora it will also have to be a clear night without interference from city lights or moonlight.
Thanks for the visit and come back often! Please leave comments and suggestions.
Watch For Level Of Vitamin D
Especially Diabetics Need High Levels Of Vitamin D
Do you have diabetes? New research is indicating that low levels of vitamin D could potentially double the risk for cardiovascular disease for diabetic patients.
The Washington University in St. Louis, the School Of Medicine, published an article about the topic. The researchers there think they know why this is happening.
Diabetic patients cannot process cholesterol normally, those that are deficient in vitamin D. How to fix the problem? By increasing the dosage of vitamin D.
The skin automatically takes in vitamin D through the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Researchers say approximately 5-30 minutes of sun exposure between 10 AM and 3 PM at least twice a week to the face, arms, legs, or back without sunscreen usually lead to sufficient vitamin D synthesis.
Who is more at risk? Some breastfed infants, people over 50, people living in northern latitudes, people with dark skin, people with fat malabsorption, and obese people.
What is considered to be adequate intakes for people? For most younger folks, 5 mcg (200 IU) is adequate. For folks over 50, you need 10 mcg (400 IU).
The best sources of fish are sardines, salmon, tuna, mackerel, swordfish, and fish liver oils.
Other foods that contain vitamin D are found in beef liver, cheese, egg yolks, orange juice, milk, yogurt, margarine, beef liver, cereal, and swiss cheese.
If you are under 50, you would need to drink about 4 glasses of milk daily to get an adequate supply of vitamin D. For people over 50, you might want to try cod liver oil.
For more information, here is the Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet.
If you are interested at all, the author of this post just had a doctor visit. Everything checked out okay for the most part and I’m not a diabetic. Well, you guessed it — my level of vitamin D was definitely low. Please ask your doctor about your vitamin D level.
Uniden Bearcat BC355C Scanner Review
Bearcat BC355C Police Scanner
The Uniden BC355C 800MHz 300-Channel Base Mobile Scanner (Black)
Frequency Coverage - Includes “action” bands – 25-54,108-174,406-512,806-956 (excluding cellular)
I had programmed a Uniden BC350A for a friend several months ago, and I liked the way the scanner looked. So, when I discovered that the latest edition was available, I thought I’d try it. I’m sure glad I did.
The Bearcat BC355c cost me around $100 ordering from Amazon.com. The scanner was delivered promptly (as usual from Amazon) and I was tickled to get it. Right out of the box this rig catches your fancy.
What do I like about the scanner? One thing that I really like is the looks of the scanner. I like it because the frequencies are on the front of the scanner, and with the amber background the display always stays lit. This should be the standard for all scanners. If you’re monitoring a frequency, the numerics should always be visible. So easy to view…
I also like the ability to touch a button and monitor Police Dept., Fire Dept., and Emergency Rescue. Hit the button again and you undo that selection. I read on one review that you could not stop the Air/Marine channels from monitoring. Well, this is simply not true. Hit any button on this scanner and it will undo just as easy.
There is absolutely nothing about this police scanner that I don’t like. It is an affordable, efficient, nice looking scanner. If you want something that has trunking capabilities, this is not the scanner for you. And yes, the more expensive scanners have slightly better receive. But the BC355c definitely gets the job done.
If you just want to monitor the locals, and you do not need a digital scanner just yet, this scanner is a very good investment. It’s just that plain and simple.
Some will moan that one can’t program the frequency directly into the scanner without scanning, like some of the handhelds do. My goodness, is this really a big deal? Not for me at least.
If you’re ready to catch the drama as it unfolds, buy the BC355c. It comes with the AC adapter. And what I really like, this unit comes with a cigarette lighter power cord. This means you can scan in the car, on the go, which would really be valuable during a power outage.
And for all the ham radio hobbyists out there, this scanner does scan all of the 10 meter band. It also scans 2 meter, 70 cm, 6 meter, and 11 meter. That’s quite a lot of scanning!
Meet You On 5 MHz (60 Meters)
New Rules for 5 MHz (60 Meters) To Go Into Effect March 5, 2012
As posted on the ARRL website, the new new rules for 5 MHz (60 Meters) will go into effect on March 5, 2012.
In summarizing the new rules, the FCC explained that the new rules amend the current rules to facilitate more efficient and effective use by the Amateur Radio Service of five channels in the 5330.5-5406.4 kHz band (the 60 meter band): “Specifically, and consistent with our proposals in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in this proceeding, the Commission replaces one of the channels with a less encumbered one, increases the maximum authorized power amateur stations may transmit in this band and authorizes amateur stations to transmit three additional emission designators. The Commission also adopts an additional operational rule that prohibits the use of automatically controlled digital stations and makes editorial revisions to the relevant portions of the Table of Frequency Allocations and our service rules.”
The Amateur Radio Service in the United States has a secondary allocation on 60 meters. Only those amateurs who hold General, Advanced or Amateur Extra class licenses may operate on this band. Amateur stations must not cause harmful interference to — and must accept interference from — stations authorized by any administration in the fixed service, as well as mobile (except aeronautical mobile) stations authorized by the administrations of other countries.
The maximum allowed power level will be 100 Watts PEP. As the article reads, amateur operators with General, Advanced or Amateur Extra class licenses may operate on this band.
For more information about the sixty meter band, you can click on the link provided.
The 60 Meter Channels:
1. 5330.5
2. 5346.5
3. 5357.0
4. 5371.5
5. 5403.5
Shortwave Frequency Guide
Are you a shortwave listener and thinking about getting your hands on a guide that contains a list of international frequencies? The WORLD RADIO TV HANDBOOK 2012
The World Radio TV Handbook, or WRTH is now in its 66th year. It is the most accurate and complete guide to the world of radio on LW, MW, SW and FM, available in any form.
If you are an amateur radio operator, you most likely have a good idea about the receiving frequencies on your HF transceiver. If you are like many shortwave listening newbies, you probably do not know where to find the shortwave frequencies on your radio, along with other relevant information.
Any shortwave listening fan will want to add this to their library. Well, you might argue that there are shortwave frequency lists on the internet. This would be true. However, with this SWL guide placed on your coffee table you have the convenience of browsing the pages throughout the day.
The World Radio TV Handbook includes: Features, National Radio, International Radio, Frequency Lists, Television, and Reference.
You do not need any type of license to be a shortwave listener. You will need a AM/FM-Stereo/Shortwave/Aircraft Band Radio with SSB. You can listen to AM, FM , Shortwave with SSB and aircraft band frequencies, and you can program in up to 100 of your favorites for each band. You can also connect your MP3 player for even more listening choices. The ETON Satellite 750 AM/FM Band Radio (Black)
The Sony ICF-SW7600GR AM/FM Shortwave World Band Receiver with Single Side Band Reception, plus External Plug-in Antenna
Want a great way to beat the winter blahs or the summertime blues? It’s time to get your tech on! There is no need to be bored. Get a hobby and stick with it.
Happy DXing!
telyHD: Video Calling On Your HDTV
Want to stay in touch with friends and family combining your HDTV with cutting technology? This gadget called Tely Labs telyHD 
TelyHD is a bit pricey, however, it could save you on cell phone bills in the long run. Just consider this — you could be talking to business associates or clients via Skype. Setup is that easy and the quality is outstanding. Another bonus is that you get no monthly fees with this package.
Here is what you need to get started: a broadband connection and an HDTV port, which most HDTV’s are already equipped with. Everything else is included in the box. Well, except for the physical hugs. But at least you can see and hear your guests like never before, in HDTV of course.
For just over 200 dollars, you could become part of a technological revolution. No need to rush out and hunt for webcams, microphones, and other supplies to get the job done. This Skype application uses Android for the operating system.
Again, basically all you need is broadband, a nice HDTV, and Skype. If you’re somewhat familiar with Skype you are one step ahead of the curve.
Video calling has never been so accessible. Share those special moments using telyHD
Winter Tire And Wheel Packages
Studdable Winter Radials
Winter Tire Law in Quebec
Looking for winter tires that are branded with the mountain/snowflake symbol? Starting December 15, 2014, the Highway Safety Code regulation specifies only tires bearing the mountain/snowflake symbol will be considered acceptable winter/snow tires in Quebec, Canada. The winters are very harsh in Quebec.
* General AltiMax Arctic tires are legal — they meet the industry’s severe snow service requirements and are branded with the mountain/snowflake symbol.
Performance Category: Studdable Snow
Altimax Arctic radials are General Tire’s Studdable Winter tires developed for the drivers of sport cars, coupes, sedans, vans and crossover vehicles that desire to use traditional methods of enhancing wintertime traction. Altimax Arctic radials are designed to offer high levels of traction at low temperatures.
General Altimax Arctic Tire
General Altimax Arctic tires are currently ranked #1 in the Studdable Winter Tire class. The rankings are based on consumers completing online surveys.
The Benefits
1. 270 degrees of sipes with biting edges that enhance traction in any direction of travel.
2. Water evacuation is amplified and straight-line stability is improved.
3. Contour reacts to different road conditions to maintain optimum contact with road surface throughout the life of the tire.
4. Exceptional cold – weather flexibility and excellent wet traction.
5. Affordable – The AltiMax costs half or one third of the price of expensive snow tires.
6. Practical – Save the threads on your summer tires. It’s like owning two pairs of shoes.
7. Legal Issues – Even if you disagree with the winter tire law, you will be free to roam without reservations.
Is winter hitting early this year? The Altimax Arctic snow tire performs excellent in deep snow. The grip is amazing, even on those tires without the studs. Imagine your new set with the studs!
Tire & Wheel Packages
These tires can be purchased as a complete package from Tirerack. They come mounted and balanced on steel wheels with everything ready to mount. It’s all you need. Mount them yourself and avoid paying the manager those high fees at Tire Land!
Altimax tires are in the category of best winter tires, and they are ready to take on the snow, ice, slush, and whatever the snow storm throws at you. This is the best winter tire that you’ll tread on. This is your favorite snow tire! Look forward to your commute, instead of dreading it.
Tire Rack
Where to buy these tires? Tire Rack really rocks! They know tires, and they offer great tire packages. You can get tire packages for summer and winter. These tires will arrive on wheels already balanced, and all you have to do is put them on your car! Skip the middle man. Save on tire bills.
You don’t have to live in Quebec to enjoy the confidence of owning good winter performance tires. If you’re looking for an all season tire, this tire isn’t right for you. If you’re looking for real traction on deep snow, this is your tire!
Heathkit To Sell Amateur Radio Kits Again?
Will Heathkit begin to start selling amateur radio kits again? Heathkit reports that it is now back in business.
The Heath company originated from Benton Harbor, Michigan. It is headquartered in Saint Joseph, Michigan.
The DX-100 amateur radio transmitter first appeared in 1956.
From Wikipedia:
“The 15-tube design could transmit either CW or AM (voice) with 100 to 140 watts output on all seven short wave amateur bands. It had a built-in power supply and VFO, and weighed 100 pounds. Priced at $189.50, it was expensive for the time (about $1500 in 2009), yet undercut other amateur transmitters having similar features. It became quite popular.”
On March 30, 1992, Heath went out of the business after 45 years. Heath announced in 2011 that they were getting back in the kit business after a 20 year silence.
One ham operator suggested that maybe Heath should make amplifier kits. What a fabulous idea.
Steve Jobs: An Insanely Great Visionary (Video)
Steven Paul “Steve” Jobs [Jandali] (February 24, 1955 – October 5, 2011)
Steve Jobs Documentary 2010 Part 1
Steve Jobs Documentary 2010 — Part 2
Steve Jobs Documentary 2010 — Part 3
Steve Jobs Documentary 2010 — Part 4
Steve Jobs Documentary 2010 — Part 5
From Apple:
“We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today. Steve’s brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve. His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts.”
Excerpt From President Obama:
Steve was among the greatest of American innovators — brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it. By building one of the planet’s most successful companies from his garage, he exemplified the spirit of American ingenuity. By making computers personal and putting the internet in our pockets, he made the information revolution not only accessible, but intuitive and fun. And by turning his talents to storytelling, he has brought joy to millions of children and grownups alike. Steve was fond of saying that he lived every day like it was his last. Because he did, he transformed our lives, redefined entire industries, and achieved one of the rarest feats in human history: he changed the way each of us sees the world.
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