The Difference Between AutoCAD and SolidWorks
SolidWorks is what we call a “parametric” solid modeller used for 3-D design. Parametric means that the dimensions can have relationships between one another and can be changed at any point during the design process to automatically alter the solid part and any related documentation (blueprint). AutoCAD, however, is primarily a 2-D design tool with some, but limited 3-D capabilities. It is very simple compared to any parametric solid modeller (although 3D is improved in AutoCAD 2007). Autodesk (the manufacturer of AutoCAD) makes a product that is nearly identical to SolidWorks, called Inventor, which is a parametric program for design of solid parts and assemblies.
SolidWorks is a 3D mechanical CAD (computer-aided design) program that runs on Microsoft Windows. SolidWorks files use the Microsoft Structured storage file format. This means that there is various files embedded within each SLDDRW (drawing files), SLDPRT (part files), SLDASM (assembly files), with preview bitmaps and metadata sub-files. Various third-party tools can be used to extract these sub-files, although the sub-files in many cases use proprietary binary file formats. SolidWorks is a parasolid-based solid modeller, and utilizes a parametric feature-based approach to create models and assemblies. Parameters refer to restrictions which values determine the shape or geometry of the model. Parameters can be either numeric, such as line lengths or circle diameters, or geometric, such as tangent, parallel, concentric, horizontal or vertical. Numeric parameters can be associated with each other through the use of relations, which allows them to capture design intent.
AutoCAD is, just like SolidWorks, a Computer Aided Design software application for 2-D and 3-D design and drafting. AutoCAD was one of the first CAD programs to run on personal or home computers, notably the IBM personal computer. At that time, most other CAD programs ran on mainframe computers or mini-computers that were connected to a graphics computer terminal for each user. Early releases of AutoCAD used basic entities such as lines, poly-lines, circles, arcs, and text to ultimately construct more complex objects. AutoCAD has since started to support custom objects through its C++ Application Programming Interface (API).
Modern AutoCAD includes a full set of basic solid modelling and 3-D tools. With the release of AutoCAD 2007 improved 3D modelling saw the light, which means better navigation when working in three dimensions. It also became easier to edit 3-D models. The mental ray engine was included in rendering and thus it was now possible to do quality renderings. AutoCAD 2010 introduced parametric functionality and network modelling. At this moment, AutoCAD only runs under Microsoft Windows operating systems. It is available in 32-bit and 64-bit versions. AutoCAD can run on an emulator or compatibility layer like VM-ware Workstation or Wine, although various performance issues can arise if you work with 3-D objects or large drawings.
Choosing a system that works for you depends solely on the type of work you want to do. Many experts say that SolidWorks is more effective when working on 3 dimensional designs and that AutoCAD is the way to go for 2 dimensional design.
Source by Jason Kay
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Famous People Who Love Model Railways
Toy model trains are very popular with millions of people across the world, and this also includes many famous people. There are people from all walks of life that love to collect and play with model trains. It does not matter what your age, you can still find great enjoyment from train sets.
The reasons that they love model railways are numerous. One of the obvious reasons is that it gives them a sense of escapism and of enjoying something they can not find in real life. Many people love to create models of all kinds, and see model trains and railways as the ultimate things to create.
The other great thing about model trains is that you can watch them going round the track. There is a lot of movement and interaction that is not usually there with other models. For example, model cars and planes are usually static. They are also not usually based on an accurate scale as model trains are.
Model trains are not toys. They are scaled down versions of the real thing. They operate as the real trains operate which is a great draw to many hobbyists. You are also able to control every aspect of the railway track and the scenery around it. It is like creating your own train world in your spare room.
The other great advantage of being involved in model trains is that you can build them in a number of different scales. You can have the smallest scale train in the smallest space in your house, or you can have a huge model train running in your garden. The possibilities are endless once you engage with the hobby.
The addictive nature of the hobby is one reason that famous people love model railways. Once you buy your first track and train, you will get hooked. You will see what it takes to design a great track and how you can improve on it. Often this is enough to keep you engaged in the hobby for years.
Many people also like the historical element of the hobby. For instance, you can not find steam trains running any longer, so many people like to collect and run model steam engines and locomotives. This lets them experience the steam trains again and relive that part of history.
Beside all the things mentioned above, there is a huge sense of achievement that comes from building, planning and designing model railways. It takes a lot of thought and skill to be able to create a scaled down version of a working railway track. This involves many different aspects from laying track to repairing trains. All of these things make model railways very popular.
The model railway hobby is open to anyone. You can find an inexpensive pre-built kit at most model stores around the country. You can set up a simple layout and then grow from there. In a few years, you may have built a huge rail network and have numerous locomotives operating.
As you can see, there are so many things that keep people involved in the hobby and will do for years to come.
Source by Philip Redfearn
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What is the Average Reading Speed and the Best Rate of Reading?
The average reading speed of a child in primary school is around 200 words per minute (wpm). By the time we reach adulthood, it hasn’t improved very much, as, on average, most adults read at a rate of about 200 – 250 wpm. While comprehension at this rate is considered reasonable, at 250 wpm it will be difficult to read large amounts of information in a short period of time.
Certain individuals claim to read at speeds of 10 000 wpm or even 25 000 wpm and say they are still able to understand all they have read. Even though rates like this may be achieved by these exceptional individuals, a speed of 1000 – 1200 wpm is the rate at which contestants read at the World Championship speed reading competitions. Therefore, if your average reading speed comes anywhere near this rate, you can consider yourself doing fantastically well. Do not feel that you need to reach championship levels in order to achieve your learning and reading goals. It is up to each and every individual to decide how far to push the speed limits!
For a person interested in increasing his abilities, a goal of 500 – 800 wpm is an excellent target. At this rate it is possible to get through large quantities of work in a short time and maintain a comprehension level of about 75% or more. This is an excellent level of comprehension and probably more than adequate for any of your required purposes. Compare this to the average reading rate of adults (200 – 250 wpm), where their comprehension level is only half or slightly more of the material they have read.
800 – 1000 wpm would be an outstanding achievement. In order to have reached this level, an individual may have invested in an excellent speed reading course and practiced speed drills. Believe it or not, comprehension at this level is also outstanding, reaching levels of 100% or very close to 100%.
Results of 100 – 200 wpm is considered a basic reading rate. In adult terms this is a below average speed, but for children between the ages of 6 and 12, it may be considered as average. Only low levels of comprehension are achieved at this rate. An adult who reads at this pace will be amazed at what some of the simple techniques will do for his reading speed. Reading at any pace below 100 wpm will probably be read by someone who is still learning to read or perhaps by someone who is reading in a second or third language. At this rate comprehension will be difficult.
Source by James McNair
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SJCAM SJ7, The True 4K Action Camera
How do you choose the sport cameras? For me, I will select the compact and portable body design with high-resolution. At this article, I will tell something about a new product SJCAM SJ7 action camera, which features 4K shooting. Besides, it has the waterproof ability.
SJCAM SJ7 Specifications:
Brand: SJCAM
Model: SJ7 STAR
Type: Sport Camera
Chipset: Ambarella A12S75
Screen: 2.0inch LCD Touch Screen
Decode Format: H.264
Video format: MP4
Video Resolution: 1080P (120fps),1080P(30fps),1080P(60fps),1440P (2560 x 1440),1440P (30fps),
1440P (60fps),2.5K (30fps),2.5K (60fps),2.7K (30fps),2160P (2880 x 2160),4K (25fps),4K (30fps), 720P (120fps), 720P (30fps),720P (60fps),960P (120fps),960P (30fps),960P (60fps)
Video Frame Rate: 120fps,25fps,30FPS,60FPS
Image Format: JPEG
Audio System: Built-in microphone/speaker (AAC)
Wide Angle: 166 degree wide-angle lens
Max External Card Supported: TF 64G (not included)
Power: 1000mAh Removable battery With 110 minutes Working Time
Frequency: 50Hz,60Hz
Functions: WiFi, Loop-cycle Recording, Motion Detection, Remote Control
Dimensions: 5.90 x 4.10 x 2.11 cm / 2.32 x 1.61 x 0.83 inches
Weight: About 80g
Compact and Portable Alloy Aluminum Body Design
SJCAM SJ7 has a dimension of 5.90 x 4.10 x 2.11 cm with a brand-new alloy aluminum body. Comes with a waterproof housing that it can be used to take photos under the water. It has a simple design so that it is easy operation. With the 2-inch LCD screen, you can preview the shooting videos and images. Most importantly, this touch screen allows you to use it by only a tap of you fingertip. It has three color options, including the black, golden rose and the silver.
World Class Leading Ambarella MPU
This camera adopts an outstanding world-class Ambarella A12S75 chipset to enhance omnidirectional performance. By increasing dynamic contrast, it is able to provide separation brightness and darkness. In other words, this MPU will offer ultra sharpness images. And it comes with Sony IMX117 CMOS.
4K Ultra High-Definition Photography
The highlight of SJCAM SJ7 is the 4K resolution for shooting ultra HD images and videos. This high-end configuration allows you to make a professional cinema quality clip to capture your every single wonderful moment.
Moreover, it supports 166-degree wide angles shooting. With a wider viewing perspective, it provides the better and unique visual impact. And it also supports remote control, which allows you to view, photography and film effortlessly.
Conclusion
SJCAM SJ7 is an excellent sport camera, which features 4K high-definition shooting, waterproof and compact and portable body. If you like outdoor photography, you can have a try!
Source by Lucy Yang
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This Is How Mutual Funds Work – Did You Know This?
Want to save for a rainy day and don’t know where to keep the extra money? Though investment avenues are multifarious, but more versatile are the reasons for which a person plans to save. Some want to just keep aside a portion of money and use it in the future when a big corpus is created (which is nothing more than sum total of amount saved every year), while others want their money to return to them after increasing.
Age old habit of keeping money in savings account in banks has somewhat lost many of its takers; reasons are many to quote. Interest rates have slashed down in recent times, one of the most popular reasons to begin with. In addition to these, newer investment options have popped up in recent times and performed beyond expectations. So, investing in mutual fund has proved to be an enticing option for those investors who are profit-oriented in thinking, and who doesn’t want extra money.
If you observe closely, people have been saving since times immemorial. Mutual fund companies have just given a systematic garb to the people’s savings habits. When mutual funds were not around, a group of people used to pool together a specific amount from each member, and by the way of lottery they used to declare the beneficiary of the collected money for the month. (This system is still functional at informal level!)
Now let’s take a look at the mutual funds that are somewhat analogous to this practice of pooling money. Companies dealing in mutual funds not only collect money from the investors, but also look for premises such as stocks of the companies, debt instruments, and other assets that are considered profit-yielding options. Money invested by the individual investors and pooled together by the fund managers is used for – infrastructural developments, to carry out an ambitious infrastructural project of a company or for bringing some technological innovation – that is of great use to the inhabitants of the country. All these reasons give way to the possibility of earning returns from the money that investors give to their fund managers, from savings point of view.
Investment made in mutual funds grows due to power of compounding and averaging of return-cost ratio. By giving your money to the fund manager to invest, you are handing him over the responsibility of managing your corpus. Thus, he re-invests returns made by your money at a constant rate every year and other returns generated in the form of interest, dividends etc. also keep appending. That is why, there is an appreciable increase registered in the amount you invested at the end of the investment period. This is the main principle behind the working of a mutual fund.
Past performance figures reveal that investors putting their trust in mutual fund investments were able to earn 15-20% returns, on an average. At times, it has grown to as high as 30-40% too. Since there is an intelligent mix of market-oriented and debt-based options in a typical mutual fund, the risk also is comparatively less, as compared to pure equity-based instruments like, stocks.
Thus, by savings in mutual funds, an investor meets a variety of purposes:
1. He is able to earn extra from his own savings
2. He is indirectly contributing to the economic development of the country
3. He is creating extra income for himself to meet the unforeseen expenses
4. And last but not the least, he is securing his future too.
Costs involved in investing in mutual funds comprise of transaction costs, asset management cost, holding fees and other implied taxes. Thus, the amount that is actually invested is your money minus all the taxes. Mutual funds perform in spite of all these costs, such is the power of compounding. To make more out of your money, it is advisable to keep the money for the long term. So, if you are looking for the investment option that is yielding like a stock but safer than it, then mutual funds prove to be the smartest choice.
Source by Kunal Agrawal
- Published in Uncategorised
How to Create Your Own Virtual Private Network
With so many people constantly on the move, the temptation to use an open Wi-Fi network like those found in coffee shops and fast food restaurants increases daily. The problem with open networks is that although the internet connection is free, your data becomes vulnerable to hackers or people with the knowledge to steal your information right out of the air.
Simple things like checking your email, logging onto your banks website, or any other secure search on an open wireless network, sends your username and password over the air just long enough for someone who knows what they are doing, to steal your information and your identity. This is where VPN’s or Virtual Private Networks have grown in popularity over the years. They provide the user with a secure way of surfing the web.
Until now, you only had two choices when it came to secure web searches, VPN’s or Dedicated Security Appliance. VPN’s are easy to install and use. If you know how to download an app and put in a username and password, you are pretty much set. The downside to using VPN’s is the monthly service fee if you are using the paid version. The free versions while cost effective come with advertising for their service, which can get disruptive. VPN’s also do not help you to get back to your ISP, which is another downside. Dedicated Security Appliance’s requires and intermediate knowledge of computers in order to set up that method. Once set up though, the usage is relatively simple. This solution uses your very own firewall to help you achieve secure web browsing. The downside is that you would still be using your own ISP network, and it can be expensive to set up.
Another option is to build your very own VPN with DD-WRT to achieve secure web browsing. There are about four steps to this process with an important warning. Do not use your primary router for this job, as you may need to use the internet to troubleshoot problems.
1. Getting DDT-WRT
Even though you can look up online how to flash a router with DD-WRT, your router still needs to have a compatible version of DD-WRT with the VPN tab under services. If the VPN tab is not there, update the instillation. Then you will need a good power source. If your router is struggling power wise under its regular load, this will put it past the breaking point, so make sure you have a big enough power source.
2. Write down the installation process
This is extremely important and you will need four things:
a. The username and password of the router you will be using.
b. The external IP address of the router (192.168.1.300) for example.
c. The internal IP address of the router (192.168.300.1) for example.
d. Finally, you will need the internal DHCP range of the router.
3. Enabling the Virtual Private Network Servers
Even though a security flaw has caused the DD-WRT VPN servers to depreciate, and that flaw is hard to exploit, it is still a good starter VPN server. As time goes, you may want to move to an open VPN. The first step is to login and go to the “Services” tab. Next, click the “VPN” sub-tab where there will be two boxes, the “PPTP Server” and the PPTP Client. Click the “PPTP Server”. Enter the external IP address of your router in the “Server IP” box. Then, you want to enter a range of IP’s that the connecting computer will be using into the “clients IP” box (For example 192.168.300.310-320- etc.). Also, make sure to use the internal range of the router. Enter the usernames and passwords into the CHAP-Secrets section, putting each entry on a new line.
4. Enabling the Client
Each mobile client may be a bit different, but the basic principle is the same. For Android devices with Android 4.1 or higher, the steps are as follows.
o Go into configurations
o enter the “more networks” tab
o click “VPN”
o then click the “+” sign to add a VPN
o Name it
o Type in the server address
o Click save then click the connection
o Enter your username and password the click connect and you should be done.
Now that you know how to create your own VPN, surfing the web will now be a safe activity. Enjoy!
Source by Hartley R Smith II
- Published in Uncategorised
The Pros And Cons Of Being A Nurse Anesthetist
A nurse anesthetist undergoes training in anesthesiology to be able to administer anesthesia. In hospitals and surgery centers the nurse works under a certified anesthesiologist’s supervision. Just like any other career path, this one does have its pros and cons. It would be a good idea to weigh them when deciding whether it is the right career path for you.
The pros
The pay is attractive. Nurse anesthetists are highly paid and it is actually the earning potential that attracts many to the professional field. You can be sure to enjoy decent living when working with this job profile.
It offers you the ability to assist those in need. Contrary to what many people think, the nurses are not only there to administer anesthesia but also for pain management. They take care of patients before a surgery, during the surgery and after the surgical procedure. They therefore offer lots of help to the patients making them vital people in all types of surgeries. You will love the feeling of saving a life through a successful procedure you played a role in when you are a nurse anesthetist.
The job attracts professional respect. This is a title that demands professional respect, considering that you end up working with doctors, surgeons and other nurses who rely on each other or successful care delivery to patients. You will get more responsibility and autonomy when you are a nurse anesthetist and surgeons and doctors will rely on your advice and expertise too.
You get the freedom to control patient care. This is a fast paced field and decisions are made based on experience and education. In most cases you will manage to make decisions without involving anyone else to safeguard patient health and safety.
The Cons
The position comes with great responsibility on your part. As a nurse anesthetist you must be ready to deal with difficult situations, some of which could have you sued by patients or their family members. It actually helps to be insured just to be on the safe side when situations arise.
You might end up working long hours. Surgical procedures can be quite long and as a nurse anesthetist you must be there throughout checking on your patient. Some can go longer than expected and after they are done you still have to take care of the patient through recovery. If you are a sole nurse anesthetist in a health facility, then you would have to be ready to attend to more than one surgery in a day sometimes.
It can get boring. This is because you do not play any active role during surgery procedures yet you need to be present to monitor patient response to the anesthesia. You might need to sit through boring long surgeries
The field is very competitive and you would have to impress your employer to get hired for the job. Nurse anesthetist programs are challenging to get into but many are struggling to earn the degree and you need to be well cut out to beat the competition.
Source by Jovia D’Souza
- Published in Uncategorised
5 Types of Mesh Fabrics Used for Making Clothes
A versatile piece of fabric, Mesh is used in different types of clothing items, crafts and utility items. Mesh is actually an open-hole fabric which is weaved to a grid-shaped style. The fabric can be styled into a skirt or a top. It can also be used to make vibrant tote bags of different colors or hair-nets. If you have set up an apparel and accessories store, it can be a good idea to keep some outfits and accessories made of mesh. Read and know all about the 5 different kinds of mesh that are available in the market, and commonly used by 3D Spacer Mesh Fabric manufacturers to make clothing and accessories.
Polyester mesh fabric
It is used commonly as side panel inserts in athletic outfits. This kind of fabric is breathable in form and can wick away moisture easily from the skin while carrying out various sporting and athletic activities. The sheer fabric is also used by fashion clothing designers in the form of overlays to add dimension and texture to tricot and other materials with a flat weave. The delicate parts of the body can be camouflaged by making use of two mesh layers.
Mesh Netting Fabric
It is used for making dresses that need the body to be air-dried fast. It can protect the skin and belongings from the bites of insects. Naturally, it is used for the construction of camping equipment and gear and numerous items like totes and backpacks that need the use of breathable fabric.
Tulle
This is a fine mesh net fabric which is most commonly used for manufacturing wedding veils. It is also used in decorating wedding gowns, floral arrangements, wedding favors, evening gowns, lingerie, costumes, window treatments, hats and gifts. This is a versatile type of fabric which has been in use for over 300 years.
Power Mesh
It is used by 3D Spacer Mesh Fabric companies for making outfits designed to smoothen the body, such as long-line panties, long-line bras, control slips and control-top pantyhose. These are used more often in making undergarments for women although shape-wear and abdomen reducing undershirts for men are also made of this fabric. The fabric lets the skin breathe and helps the body preserve its own shape. As compared to spandex and other stretchable fabrics, it offers more comfort. It is available in various types of colors, such as red, cream, black, white, pink and blue and even skin tones ranging from deep brown to pale peach.
Nylon Mesh
This is a porous, lightweight material which is used for making outfits as well as for the production of beekeeping veils, birdcage covers, laundry bags, screens in campers and tents and lots of other items. This is a long-lasting fabric and can get be retained for a long time, although even these may get torn and worn-down. Sticky nylon mesh patches can be used to repair these fabrics. Nylon mesh dresses are usually sensuous in nature, and body hugging in form, although more conservative dresses can also be made with this kind of fabric.
Source by Steven Johnson
- Published in Uncategorised
Top 10 Best-Selling Motorcycle Brands
In addition to the Japanese Big Four (Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Yamaha), the list of top-selling motorcycle manufacturers includes companies based in Italy, the U.S., Austria, and the UK.
Honda
Honda’s motorcycle division sells more than 15 million motorcycles annually, which makes it world’s leading manufacturer. One of the factors driving the company’s sales is its popularity in Asian markets. Yet Honda also dominates in North America.
Ducati
The Italian brand headquartered in Bologna manufactures motorcycles since 1935. Ducati is known for its powerful sport bikes. The company has a long and successful racing history, which started in 1951. Today it spends over 7% of its revenues on racing business. The brand belongs to Audi through its subsidiary Lamborghini.
Harley-Davidson
Great 20th-21st century history and exhilarating riding experience give Harley-Davidson the status of the legend bike company. This brand is familiar almost to everybody, even those who have never ridden a bike in their lives.
Yamaha
Yamaha bikes are known for excellent performance, ride quality and comparatively easy handling. Yamaha is almost as successful as another famous Japanese manufacturer, Honda. Moreover, the number of dirt bikes it sells exceeds Honda and Yamaha combined.
Kawasaki
The Motorcycle & Engine division of Kawasaki Heavy Industries gained recognition as a manufacturer of a wide range of bikes, from very small to sport ones. These motorcycles are loved all over the world for their powerful and reliable engines, capable of developing great speed. There are production sites in Japan, North America, Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand.
Suzuki
One more representative of the Japanese Big Four. The GSXR 750 and the DR 400 are among the most popular Suzuki motorcycles. The company has over 35 production facilities in more than 20 countries.
KTM
During its first years the Austrian motorcycle manufacturer specialized in 2-stroke and 4-stroke off-road motorcycles, but in the course of time its product range grew wider. In addition to dirt bikes, it now includes street motorcycles and sports cars. The brand belongs to CROSS Industries AG and Bajaj Auto Limited.
BMW Motorrad
BMW is one of the oldest motorcycles manufacturers. The company’s first bike was made in 1923. BMW Motorrad is famous for its road bikes, sports-touring bikes and sport bikes. Some of the most well-known models are the GS Adventure, the S 1000 REFRIGERATORS, and the K1600.
Triumph
The largest motorcycle maker in the UK, Triumph specializes in road bikes that belong to the cruiser, naked, and sport classes. The Triumph brand is owned by BMW.
Victory
Victory is a comparatively new brand, it started production of motorcycles in 1998. Its large-displacement cruisers are famous all over the world. The company based in the U.S. has its final assembly facility in Iowa.
Source by Fiona Anosova
- Published in Uncategorised