Benefits and Essential Features of RC Transmitters and Receivers
If you’re invested into the RC hobby, then besides a quality RC car, a radio transmitter and receiver are probably among the most worthwhile items you can buy to improve your experience. A quality radio has on-board processors and features that aren’t usually found in some stock and cheap units. Some of the benefits of a radio transmitter and receiver are quite evident, such as being able to use it for multiple RC models. However, there are also benefits that may be harder to grasp.
First and foremost, an RC car receiver and transmitter give you more options to choose from – depending on how you want your system to perform. If you’re a serious modeler, it’s definitely an investment worthwhile considering. A quality RC car receiver and transmitter usually has multiple channels (typically either 4 or 6). You’ll come across models with 2 and 3 channels, but generally, the more channels the radio controller has – the better it is.
Secondly, you get the model memory feature, which alone justifies the extra cost of a computer radio. This means you can operate multiple models with a single radio controller. The controller can store the set-up of all different models, and you can shift between them with ease. And let’s face it, you may think this feature is unnecessary because you’ll never have more than a few models. But don’t fool yourself – you’ll probably end up with dozens of different models in no time.
Furthermore, look for a receiver and a transmitter that has the ability to use a simulator. This feature is especially important if you’re a beginner who wants to practice flying a helicopter or an airplane. In the colder moths, you can keep practicing on the simulator, as you most likely won’t be able to spend a lot of time flying outdoors.
Additionally, consider the amount of modes the transmitter comes in. The most common amount of modes is two, so make sure your transmitter supports the right mode – the one which you’re used to operating in. Ensuring compatibility cannot be stressed enough, so if you’re buying a transmitter for a bind and fly plane or helicopter, ensure it’s compatible with it.
Bottom line is, these features are just the tip of the iceberg of what’s possible with advanced, modern radio transmitters. However, they do represent the essential aspects that newcomers need to understand. As you gain more experience with a transmitter, you can explore all the other features that it offers.
A Sense of Freedom on a Set of Wheels
The first thing that will pop up when you search the term “biking” online is probably a few dozen texts about “the health benefits of biking” or “a few surprising perks that come from taking up biking”. I should know since I’ve written a few of them myself. Now, don’t get me wrong, this isn’t some sort of confession to lessen a heavy burden on my soul because I can’t stand living without confessing that biking is not, in fact, the cure for all that ails humanity…
Modern Lifestyle and Nutrient Deficiency: Supplements can Break the Spell
Though we should feel blessed to be part of such a technologically advanced era, modern lifestyle is taking its toll on our well-being. Worst of all is we’re not really aware of it. We live our lives thinking if we get in the habit of exercising enough, and start eating a well-balanced diet, we’d be in primary health. And then we get devastating results something still isn’t right.
The reason our health still isn’t as great as we expect it to be is because of being exposed to so many toxins around, and in fact eating food that’s been deprived of the many necessary nutrients thanks to all the processing it goes through (yes, even food with labels that say it was enriched with certain vitamins).
Add to this a bit of stress exposure on a daily basis, with the lack of sleep, and health issues are bound to arise. However, fret not, this is where you can get help in the form of supplementation, that you can find like the well-known Nutralife vitamins online as well as minerals, and herb-based products with a bit of search. Read More
Going All the Way with Whey
Every bodybuilder understands the importance of protein, and how hard it is to take it through solid foods alone. Hence, if you decide to do a survey in your gym, and ask everyone whether they take protein supplements or not, chances are at least 90% of them do. The most popular type of protein is whey. It’s a delicious powder that can be mixed with all kinds of liquids and is extremely beneficial to the body. It helps build muscle mass, speed up muscle recovery, boost immunity and lower blood pressure.
With all of these reasons to use whey protein concentrate wpc, it’s no wonder the market is flooded with many brands. You have to be careful what you choose, as the quality between various whey proteins can differ. As a general rule of thumb, quality whey protein concentrate wpc has at least 80% pure whey.
Whey protein supplements contain immunoglobulins, cysteine and lactoferrin, all of which play a crucial role in your body.
- Immunoglobulins are immune boosters found in breast milk and colostrum. They’re proteins that act as antibodies that get rid of pathogens and bacteria in your intestines.
- Cysteine is an amino acid found in mother’s milk and colostrums that help improve immunity and regulate the metabolism.
- Lactoferrin is also found in breast milk and colostrums and is a prebiotic which supports growth of good bacteria the purpose of which is inhibiting the growth of bad bacteria and viral replication by bonding to excess iron.
All of these ingredients help manufacture glutathione, a very important antioxidant that is essential for helping your body metabolise carcinogens and toxins, as well as free radicals. Moreover, whey contains lipids and amino acids that serve as the building blocks for the protein itself. If you have problems digesting milk, you’re likely to digest whey protein without any issues. Most people who have gas and stomach discomfort after consuming dairy, usually have so because their body can’t digest milk fats or casein protein.
But most importantly, whey protein concentrate provides much better muscle and strength gains than any other type of protein. It offers benefits during resistance training and helps promote lean tissue mass and relative gain. Whey protein is also low in calories, meaning it’s the perfect supplement for weight loss and maintaining a healthy body composition.
It’s recommended that you take protein in the morning, before and after the gym. You can make many different protein shakes or just drink pure whey protein. As a general rule of thumb, for every 1 kg of body mass, you need 2 grams of protein to reach your daily limit.
LED Lenser, the Herald of Innovation and their Magnificent Torch
It was 1993 and banks refused to grant a loan to the twin brothers Rainer and Harald Opolka because they did not have any estate to offer as collateral. What banks actually dismissed was their prototype invention (Ledlenser V8 flashlight) telling them it wasn’t good enough and it was never going to sell. What a huge mistake they made. Read More
Essential Tips for a Perfect Motorcycle Trip
I love travelling around the country with my motorcycle. The days spent planning, the anticipation, getting out on the road exploring new places, meeting new people, and in the end – coming back home with amazing memories and new experiences. I truly love every second of it! Many people find the thought of touring the country on a bike frightening, but that does not involve us bikers. We are a special type of people – fearless adventurers always on the lookout for the perfect trip. If you’re reading this, chances are you too are planing to hit the road with your motorcycle. And since most of the time I’m in that state of mind too, I wanted to make it easier for you to get ready to do it in full power. Besides bringing your sense of adventure, here’s what else you’ll need.
All the Gear, All the Time!
So, what kind of equipment is essential? Let’s start with the most obvious one – the motorcycle. The right one for you will be the one that’s easy to improvise with, mainly off-road oriented, and of course, affordable. But the most crucial feature of a motorcycle is a tank with a large fuel range. When it comes to embarking on long trips, having your tank full will save you from constantly stopping on gas stations and from getting stuck in the middle of nowhere. After you’re done with the basics, the next step is buying proper motorbike security gear. A skid plate, headlight guard, engine crash bar, hand guards and folding mirrors are all protection parts you mustn’t skip as they will keep you safe from potential road dangers. Furthermore, you also need to think about your motorbike’s safety when you’re not riding it. The right motorbike security gear will protect it from being stolen while you are sleeping or exploring the beauty of nature by foot.
Plan the Destination
After you’ve made sure you have everything you need gear-wise, the next thing to do is think about how much time you have and where you want to go. Consider this: How many kilometres are you able to ride a day? How often do you need to stop for gas, food and rest? Have you ever had difficulties with certain roads? When you know the answers to these questions you can focus on picking the destination. People usually take trips to tourist attractions, but for some, the road itself is the attraction. After you’ve made up your mind about where and when you are going, focus on the weather report. Bring equipment and clothes that are suitable for that kind of weather. A navigator can be your best friend on this trip, but don’t underestimate the good old physical map just in case the navigator becomes unresponsive. Get informed about which gas stations, restaurants and motels are along the way. I’m not saying you need to stay in one, but you have to know the nearest places where you can find people to help you if you experience any problem. In any case, the most important piece of advice is to consider your own abilities and endurance. Don’t take on something which is too much for you.
Plan Your Lodging
Staying in a motel could kill the adventurous vibe that you’re after, but camping on the other hand, is what any true adventurer would certainly choose. For setting up a comfortable camp, you will need only a few things: a tent, a sleeping bag and some cooking tools. When choosing the tent, think about the area that you’ll place it on. Is the ground wet and cold? If yes, go for a thick water-proof material to provide you with the proper protection. When choosing a sleeping bag, pay attention to the temperature it’s designed for. A little tip when doing so: always choose a temperature rating that’s 10 degrees lower than the temperature of the area. For example, if it gets cold in the night up to -5 degrees in that particular area, pick a bag with a rating of -15. However, you can always choose to stay in a motel too, I just decided to skip the explanation about it because there really isn’t much to consider besides the fact that you should find one that suits your budget.
When you’re all ready and set, the only thing left to do is to have a good time and keep your mind and eyes on the road. Leave your problems and worries behind you in a cloud of dust. Or as the respected motorcycling author Dave Preston puts it: “When the helmet drops, the bullshit stops”.
Scuba Diving: Know Your Gear Before Going Down There
Humans are an adventurous species. We have always been compelled to venture into the unknown and discover what the world has in store for us. This basic instinct is the driving force behind our progress and we are now at the verge of becoming an interplanetary species. However, there is a whole lot of “unknown” to be explored right here on our planet and it is as alien as it gets. I am, of course, talking about our oceans. They cover nearly 70 percent of the Earth and it is estimated that we have only explored about 5 percent of them. I am not trying to undermine space exploration. In fact, we owe a lot of our technology (even the one we are using to explore the oceans) to space exploration. I know most of us wanted to be astronauts when they grow up, but let’s be realistic, becoming an astronaut is not as simple as putting on your scuba gear and diving into the ocean. And if you ask me, our oceans are the next best thing.
Scuba diving may seem way too complicated for most people and it actually is. There is a lot of information you need to digest gear wise and you need to go through a fair amount dedicated training. But, despite all that, every scuba diver starts with the most basic scuba gear: a mask, a set of fins and a snorkel. These items are critical for getting the feel of scuba diving and being comfortable and confident underwater before you can move on to a full diving equipment. This is why it is important to choose quality gear and not some Chinese knockoff from a beach toy store. So, lets go over them one by one.
There is a large number of scuba masks available to the diving community. They vary in style, colours, shapes, design and materials. These variations affect both the price and the performance of the mask. I wouldn’t worry too much abut the colour or the style of the mask, since the most important feature is how good it fits. Struggling with a leaking mask all the time can completely ruin your diving experience. So, make sure to try a number of different variations and see which one fits your face the best. Make sure there are no uncomfortable points where the mask is in contact with your face. And an easy trick to check for leaks is to pull the straps out of the way, place the mask on your face and slightly inhale through your nose to see if it stays on your face without any support. The lenses of the mask are another important feature, since vision should be clear and unobstructed. Some divers prefer a single lens while others prefer dual lenses. The main advantage of dual lenses is that they can be upgraded to prescription lenses if needed.
Choosing the right fins can be as complicated as choosing a mask. Again, there are a ton of different models to choose from. There are open-heeled and full foot fins; there are long free diving fins for maximum thrust and there are shorter recreational fins; there are fins made from different materials with different buoyancy; and so on. All in all, the best way to choose the right fins is to explain your needs to the retailer and ask for guidance and advice.
And finally, you need to choose a snorkel. Snorkels are actually an old tool that has been used for centuries. The most basic model is a tube snorkel – you breathe from one end and the other end is open to the air. There are semi-dry snorkels that feature a cover which deflects water, however, it will still flood if the diver decides to submerge. Then, there is the dry snorkel that has a valve which closes up when the diver submerges. One of the latest and most popular models is the roll up snorkel that can be easily stored in your pocket.
Over all, when choosing your scuba gear, looking cool is the least important factor. Functionality should always be your primary concern to ensure that you have the best diving experience and get the most value for your purchase.
Fishing Basics: All You Need to Know About Leader Lines
Walk into a tackle store and you’ll be overwhelmed by all the choices you’d need to make – from lures and rods, to poles and fishing leader lines. The fishing leader line is one of the most underestimated pieces of equipment which is a crucial element in the fishing process. Read More
The Convenience of TV Shows: Fishing Kept me Calm, but Had to Stay Home
Fishing is one of the activities that men love and women simply don’t understand. It’s soothing, calming and it involves a lot of silence and doing basically nothing. It’s one of the most commonly practiced recreational activities (and sport activities for that matter) by Australian men. It puts you in a calm state of mind and you completely forget about the stress that everyday life brings. And even though I don’t go fishing as much as I’d like to anymore, because of family and work responsibilities, whenever I have a day off or some free time on my hands, I plan a fishing trip. Read More
The ABC’s of Roller Derby
Up until last week, I practically had no idea what roller derby really is. All I knew was that it’s a female-dominated sport played on roller skates and that was it. But last Friday I came across an interesting article about the increasing popularity of roller derby in South Africa, which kindled the fire of curiosity in me and got me researching and gathering information about this unique sport. So, if you are interested in learning the basics of roller derby, then you are exactly where you need to be.
The Rules of Roller Derby
Every sport comes with its own rules, and roller derby is no exception. One roller derby match is made up of a series of two-minute countdown jams during which the two teams try to score as many points as possible. At the beginning of each jam, the two teams send five players onto the elliptical track: one point scorer and four blockers (one of which – the pivot – is a special kind of blocker).
The players are identified by their helmets – the jammers (or the point scorers) wear helmets with one or two stars, whereas the pivots wear striped ones. The active jammers score points by legally passing opposing skaters on their second and subsequent passes.
The most remarkable thing about this sport is the fact that the blockers are both defensive and offensive players, as they are trying their best to protect their jammer from the opposing players and stop the opposing jammer from scoring points at the same time. That’s precisely what makes this sport a high-adrenaline one.
Roller Derby Gear
When it comes to gear for roller derby, you should know that professional derby skaters are always well-equipped and protected, which means that you should be as well if you want to fully experience the beauty of this incomparable physical activity. Given the fact that roller derby is a very dynamic and aggressive sport (the players are allowed to shove their opponents and hit specific parts of their bodies), playing it without the right gear for roller derby is never a smart idea. A careful derby skater owns and uses a tough and comfortable helmet, a nice mouth guard, quality knee pads, elbow pads, and of course durable roller skates that fit them perfectly. Wearing stable yet agreeable roller skates means having a great base, for in this game everything starts and ends on skates.
I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely going to see a roller derby bout soon and enjoy everything it has to offer. Who knows, maybe the whole watching experience will inspire me to become a skater myself. I’ll let you know if that happens.
The Essential Motorcycle Tools for Proper Maintenance
I am one of those types of motorcycle owners who don’t think of their motorcycle just as means of transportation. For me, my motorcycle is like my treasure, my most prized possession, my therapist and the enhancer of my style. Which is why you won’t see me take my baby for servicing in a motorcycle service shop. I know pretty much everything I need to about the model I have and how to maintain it. Don’t think of it as some kind of a biker’s pride, but more like a passion and an interest of mine. I do it because it’s my pleasure to do it.
So this post is for all of you who own a motorcycle and don’t see it just as a fast way to get from point A to point B. Maintaining your motorcycle doesn’t have to be a hard task or something to panic about. It should be easy, pleasant and effective if you have the right motorcycle tools.
Changing the Oil the Right Way
Changing the oil of your motorcycle should be very easy and straightforward process. Nothing too complex, you just need to take the old oil out and put in new one. However, oil isn’t water. It needs to be properly stored and then disposed in the right manner. For that you need to own an oil drain pan where you’d store the old oil and prepare it for transportation to a recycle centre or your local auto shop.
Lubing the Cables
A proper cable lube is an essential must for the smooth functioning of your motorcycle. You want the throttle, the clutch cables and the engine entirely to function as smoothly as possible. This can always be done manually, but using a tool is far easier and more effective. A slight mess may result if you use excess lube, so use a rag and wrap it around the bottom for prevention.
Bike Stand
Among the most important motorcycle tools any owner of a bike should have in his garage is a bike stand. You can’t call yourself a biker if you don’t have this piece of equipment for inspecting and maintaining/parking the bike. Bike stands come in many sizes and designs, but all of them serve the same purpose: to lift and lock your bike assuring it will never fall off. Some bike stands are designed for specific bike models, so make sure you look for the right specifics when you’re getting yours.
Wrenches and Pliers
These are simply indispensable for any motorcycle owner for adjusting certain little pieces on the bike. Wrenches come in a set of different sizes, since you never know for what part of your bike will you come to need them eventually.
These would be the essentials according to me. Of course, some motorcycles that are way bigger and have a lot more complex construction would require a lot more maintenance motorcycle tools. And some models would simply ask you to take them to their service centres as their repair system may be one of a kind.
Source: brookys.com.au
Kick Scooters: Both Children and Adults’ Favourite New Ride
Cheerful five-year-old kids, free-spirited teenagers, even dressed-in-a-suit adults – they have all been seen scooting through the streets of many big cities and small towns. If you have ever had the chance to spot a number of kick scooter enthusiasts, then you must have noticed how deeply they are enjoying their ride. The popularity of these practical vehicles is constantly rising, becoming a serious threat to the road bike industry. Yes, that’s right – many devoted cyclists are trying out push scooters and are starting to buy them as a replacement for their old bikes.
Well, alright, kick scooters are well liked and sought-after by plenty of people, but that doesn’t necessarily prove that they are worth your money, right? “Reasons, please, give us reasons why we should consider purchasing a scooter kick for ourselves and/or for our children.” (Yes, you caught me, I like to think that I am conversing with the readers of my articles while I am writing them.) Well, of course. Your wish is my command.
First of all, riding a push scooter is a wonderful form of physical activity, helping you and your kids stay in great shape. Not only do scooting burns fats and calories in an effective way, but it also stretches and strengthens almost every muscle in your body. That’s a pretty good reason to visit the nearest store and buy a scooter kick, is it not? I know, I know, it’s not enough, so you demand more.
Kick scooters are one of the most convenient vehicles out there, having in mind the fact that they are usually foldable and small enough to be placed inside any space, including your office. That makes them a great alternative to your car or your road bike, especially if your workplace is not far from your home.
Using a push scooter to your work will also reduce your commuting expenses, since you won’t be paying for bus tickets, metro tickets or taxi rides, nor will you have to regularly fill your car’s gas reservoir. Do you know what else will you no longer have to worry about? Getting robbed. They are cheaper than bicycles and cars, which makes them unattractive to thieves. If this doesn’t comfort you, then you can always lock the scooter up or hide it somewhere safe.
Yes, kick scooters are slowly but surely taking over the world, meeting the needs and wants of both grown-ups and kids. So, you should give them a try. Otherwise, you will never find out whether they are right for you or not.