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Tuesday, April 14, 2009
world's sexiest ladies
This was declared in 2008.It takes a lot of things to be sëxy : An angelic face, well-toned body, smoking hot appearance. Karolina Kurkova has it all and that's what earns her the title "The Sexiest Woman in the World!" She was named by E! entertainment television as being The Sexiest and tops the list beating some of the sexiest women in show business like her fellow Angels Giselle Bundchen, Adriana Lima and Heidi Klum!
I wonder why Megan Fox or Marisa Miller are not on the top 10 list, as they were too given a similar titles.
The Victoria's Secret model was recently ranked by Forbes a one of the world's highest paid models as well. Gorgeous and rich?! Some girls get all the luck!
Anyway, here are the remaining hotties from the complete top 10 list:
1. Karolina Kurkova
2. Bar Rafael
3. Angelina Jolie
4. Gisele Bundchen
5. Scarlett Johansson
6. Adriana Lima
7. Heidi Klum
8. Penelope Cruz
9. Manuela Arcuri
10. Shakira
Friday, December 5, 2008
Download Windows 7 Build 6956 VHD Image via BT Torrent (Possibly Beta)
Windows 7 beta (or beta 1) is possibly been released in January or February 2009 which Keith Comb has even mentioned in a comment on his TechNet blog (has since been removed) that “we (Microsoft) are targeting to have the DVD’s in the materials from 1/13/2009 on”. With the imminent arrival of Windows 7 beta 1 milestone build, any build version that is leaked or made know publicly can be of ‘beta quality’ (means can be released as beta build). Windows 7 build 6956, which is been showcased during WinHEC 2008 in Beijing recently, is one such candidate.According to a participant, edward_han who managed to steal a VHD (Virtual Hard Disk) image of Windows 7 Build 6956 out of WinHEC 2008, the build has the following features and enhancements (for complete Windows 7 features, see top 30 Windows 7 features or Desktop font no longer has problem when using Desktop Slideshow as background wallpaper rotator.More Windows Aero features.
- A lot more new desktop background wallpapers.
- New Windows 7 start screen.
- Increase in the Windows Experience Index which is now ranging from 1.0 to 7.9, which can be hacked to change the score.
- New icons for some programs, such as Task Manager, even the options icons inside it are updated.
- No more Quick Launch bar.
- Media Center gadget now works properly, and then MediaCenter gadget is of bigger size with new initialization setup screen.
- Right click on running application button or icon on Taskbar will open Jumplist.
- Desktop Preview works.
Last but not least is that the confirmation that Windows 7 build 6956 will be similar (not a lot of differences) with the beta version that going to be released, or in fact can be the beta version itself. This version of build also include a “Send feedback” link, which probably reflect that the build, or slight variation of it is intended for outside of Microsoft consumption.
Good news is that the ’stolen’ Windows 7 build 6956′ has been released to Internet for everybody to download, albeit it’s not in installation DVD or ISO format. The currently available Windows 7 build 6956 is in VHD format, a virtual hard disk meant for virtual machine. Which means no installation required to try out Windows 7 build 6956. However, things is not as easy. Other than users will require Virtual Server 2005, Hyer-V HyperVisor or Windows 7 Disk Management to load the VHD image (although Virtual PC VPC 2007 can support VHD extension format, it’s unlikely you will be able to run the VHD), the VHD image is preloaded with drivers with may incompatible with other computers, causing the Windows 7 OS inside the VHD fails to load and can’t properly boot up. Of course, there are ways to fix, but before any error can be fixed, the VHD image must be downloaded.
Here’s the torrent file to download the much anticipated Windows 7 build 6956 with all features already unlocked, unlike Windows 7 build 6801 which requires BlueBadge hack tool to unlock hidden protected features.
Torrent File for BT Network Download: WinHEC.6956.rar (extract for torrent file) or WinHEC.torrent or HEC.rar.torrent (all point to same trackers)
The download size of the VHD compressed in RAR archive format is 1.82 GB. 
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Phased Array Applications
Where are phased array systems used?
Ultrasonic phased array systems can potentially be employed in almost any test where conventional ultrasonic flaw detectors have traditionally been used. Weld inspection and crack detection are the most important applications, and these tests are done across a wide range of industries including aerospace, power generation, petrochemical, metal billet and tubular goods suppliers, pipeline construction and maintenance, structural metals, and general manufacturing. Phased arrays can also be effectively used to profile remaining wall thickness in corrosion survey applications. The benefits of phased array technology over conventional UT come from its ability to use multiple elements to steer, focus and scan beams with a single transducer assembly. Beam steering, commonly referred to sectorial scanning, can be used for mapping components at appropriate angles. This can greatly simplify the inspection of components with complex geometries. The small footprint of the transducer and the ability to sweep the beam without moving the probe also aids inspection of such components in situations where there is limited access for mechanical scanning. Sectorial scanning is also typically used for weld inspection. The ability to test welds with multiple angles from a single probe greatly increases the probability of detection of anomalies. Electronic focusing permits optimizing the beam shape and size at the expected defect location, thus further optimizing probability of detection. The ability to focus at multiple depths also improves the ability for sizing critical defects for volumetric inspections. Focusing can significantly improve signal-to-noise ratio in challenging applications, and electronic scanning across many groups of elements allows for C-Scan images to be produced very rapidly.
Ultrasonic phased array systems can potentially be employed in almost any test where conventional ultrasonic flaw detectors have traditionally been used. Weld inspection and crack detection are the most important applications, and these tests are done across a wide range of industries including aerospace, power generation, petrochemical, metal billet and tubular goods suppliers, pipeline construction and maintenance, structural metals, and general manufacturing. Phased arrays can also be effectively used to profile remaining wall thickness in corrosion survey applications. The benefits of phased array technology over conventional UT come from its ability to use multiple elements to steer, focus and scan beams with a single transducer assembly. Beam steering, commonly referred to sectorial scanning, can be used for mapping components at appropriate angles. This can greatly simplify the inspection of components with complex geometries. The small footprint of the transducer and the ability to sweep the beam without moving the probe also aids inspection of such components in situations where there is limited access for mechanical scanning. Sectorial scanning is also typically used for weld inspection. The ability to test welds with multiple angles from a single probe greatly increases the probability of detection of anomalies. Electronic focusing permits optimizing the beam shape and size at the expected defect location, thus further optimizing probability of detection. The ability to focus at multiple depths also improves the ability for sizing critical defects for volumetric inspections. Focusing can significantly improve signal-to-noise ratio in challenging applications, and electronic scanning across many groups of elements allows for C-Scan images to be produced very rapidly.
An Introduction to Ultrasonic Phased Array Technology
What is a phased array system?
Conventional ultrasonic transducers for NDT commonly consist of either a single active element that both generates and receives high frequency sound waves, or two paired elements, one for transmitting and one for receiving. Phased array probes, on the other hand, typically consist of a transducer assembly with from 16 to as many as 256 small individual elements that can each be pulsed separately. These may be arranged in a strip (linear array), a ring (annular array), a circular matrix (circular array), or a more complex shape. As is the case with conventional transducers, phased array probes may be designed for direct contact use, as part of an angle beam assembly with a wedge, or for immersion use with sound coupling through a water path. Transducer frequencies are most commonly in the range from 2 MHz to 10 MHz. A phased array system will also include a sophisticated computer-based instrument that is capable of driving the multi-element probe, receiving and digitizing the returning echoes, and plotting that echo information in various standard formats. Unlike conventional flaw detectors, phased array systems can sweep a sound beam through a range of refracted angles or along a linear path, or dynamically focus at a number of different depths, thus increasing both flexibility and capability in inspection setups.
Typical phased array probe assemblies
Conventional ultrasonic transducers for NDT commonly consist of either a single active element that both generates and receives high frequency sound waves, or two paired elements, one for transmitting and one for receiving. Phased array probes, on the other hand, typically consist of a transducer assembly with from 16 to as many as 256 small individual elements that can each be pulsed separately. These may be arranged in a strip (linear array), a ring (annular array), a circular matrix (circular array), or a more complex shape. As is the case with conventional transducers, phased array probes may be designed for direct contact use, as part of an angle beam assembly with a wedge, or for immersion use with sound coupling through a water path. Transducer frequencies are most commonly in the range from 2 MHz to 10 MHz. A phased array system will also include a sophisticated computer-based instrument that is capable of driving the multi-element probe, receiving and digitizing the returning echoes, and plotting that echo information in various standard formats. Unlike conventional flaw detectors, phased array systems can sweep a sound beam through a range of refracted angles or along a linear path, or dynamically focus at a number of different depths, thus increasing both flexibility and capability in inspection setups.
Typical phased array probe assemblies
Typical multi-element construction
How do they work?
In the most basic sense, a phased array system utilizes the wave physics principle of phasing, varying the time between a series of outgoing ultrasonic pulses in such a way that the individual wave fronts generated by each element in the array combine with each other to add or cancel energy in predictable ways that effectively steer and shape the sound beam. This is accomplished by pulsing the individual probe elements at slightly different times. Frequently the elements will be pulsed in groups of 4 to 32 in order to improve effective sensitivity by increasing aperture, which reduces unwanted beam spreading and enables sharper focusing. Software known as a focal law calculator establishes specific delay times for firing each group of elements in order to generate the desired beam shape, taking into account probe and wedge characteristics as well as the geometry and acoustical properties of the test material. The programmed pulsing sequence selected by the instrument's operating software then launches a number of individual wave fronts in the test material. These wave fronts in turn combine constructively and destructively into a single primary wave front that travels through the test material and reflects off cracks, discontinuities, back walls, and other material boundaries like any conventional ultrasonic wave. The beam can be dynamically steered through various angles, focal distances, and focal spot sizes in such a way that a single probe assembly is capable of examining the test material across a range of different perspectives. This beam steering happens very quickly, so that a scan from multiple angles or with multiple focal depths can be performed in a small fraction of a second.
The returning echoes are received by the various elements or groups of elements and time-shifted as necessary to compensate for varying wedge delays and then summed. Unlike a conventional single element transducer, which will effectively merge the effects of all beam components that strike its area, a phased array transducer can spatially sort the returning wavefront according to the arrival time and amplitude at each element. When processed by instrument software, each returned focal law represents the reflection from a particular angular component of the beam, a particular point along a linear path, and/or a reflection from a particular focal depth. The echo information can then be displayed in any of several formats.
Example of angled beam generated by flat probe by means of variable delay
Example of focused linear scan beam
What do the images look like?
In most typical flaw detection and thickness gaging applications, the ultrasonic test data will be based on time and amplitude information derived from processed RF waveforms. These waveforms and the information extracted from them will commonly be presented in one or more of four formats: A-scans, B-scans, C-scans, or S-scans. This section shows some examples of image presentations from both conventional flaw detectors and phased array systems.
A-Scan displays
An A-scan is a simple RF waveform presentation showing the time and amplitude of an ultrasonic signal, as commonly provided by conventional ultrasonic flaw detectors and waveform display thickness gages. An A-scan waveform represents the reflections from one sound beam position in the test piece. The flaw detector A-scan below shows echoes from two side-drilled holes in a steel reference block. The columnar sound beam from a common single-element contact transducer intercepts two out of the three of the holes and generates two distinct reflections at different times that are proportional to the depth of the holes. 
Generalized beam profile Straight beam A-scan image
Generalized beam profile Angle beam A-scan image
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Rail testing ultrasonic flaw detector Sonatest Railscan 125R
Setting standards of performance and reliability.
For over 20 years the Railscan name has meant exceptional performance with class leading design. The latest developments in amplifier and pulser technology deliver higher levels of near surface resolution, penetrating power and excellent signal to noise ratio.
Designed specifically for Rail Testing
Network Rail (UK) procedure and approval Narrow Band amplifiers 2 and 5 MHz G1 +ve trigger, G2 -ve trigger, (0.6 second delay for monitoring rail bottom depth).
Long Battery Life
Latest Li-Ion technology 10-16 hours (brightness dependant) Quick re-charge in 3-4 hours
Walking Stick Compatibility
Sperry walking stick. Others (e.g., NRS bi-directional walking stick) Single-shot PRF for high speed multiplexing RS232 & USB outputs for custom software systems, (e.g. Sperry palmtop with GPS)
Robust and Reliable
Sonatest's reputation for robust design and proven reliability is an important aspect of flaw detector ownership.
Down time is expensive and should be minimised to ensure maximum productivity. The Railscan is constructed to high standards using Xenoy plastics and sealed to IP67, giving excellent water resistance so it can withstand the tough environments in which operators work.
The Railscan comes with 2 years warranty, extendable to 5 years with Sonacover, and a worldwide service network.
High Performance with Total Control
The Railscan delivers high performance and advanced features, yet our engineer's experience in user interface design has ensured it is easy and quick to use. The acknowledged ease of use of the previous Railscan generation has been enhanced with the menu navigation key, providing easy access to functions. The menu structure has been designed to guide the user through their task with operation quickly becoming second nature.
High Visibility Display
For any flaw detector the display is a crucial element. The Railscan has a colour transflective TFT display as standard, providing high visibility at any light level. The choice of colours for menus and waveform display enhance clarity, with the LCD simulation mode giving direct sunlight readability. The TFT does not suffer the typical black out problems or temperature limitations of LCD giving full weather capability. The new Full Screen mode maximises the A-scan area to improve readability further whilst testing and its fast response and peak capture functionality ensure any indicationis clearly displayed, even if it only appears for one cycle of the 1 KHz PRF.
SDMS (Optional Sonatest Data Management Software)
This Windows based data management tool allows the user to interface a Sonatest digital flaw detector with a PC. The software uploads and downloads panel settings and A-scans, which can also be copied and pasted into Word for customised reporting. Thickness readings can be transferred directly into Excel with the ability to produce charts for B & C-Scans, colour 3D mapping etc.
Ultrasonic Specifications Measurement Modes:
Test Range: 0 - 5mm (0.2in) up to 0 - 10000 mm (400 in.) at steel velocity. Variable in 1mm & 10mm steps.
Velocity: 1000 to 9,999m/s continuously variable.
Probe Zero: 0 to 999.999 μs, continuously variable.
Delay: Calibrated delay from 0-10000mm in 0.05 mm steps at steel velocity (0-400in. in 0.002 in. steps).
Gain: 0 to 110dB. Adjustable in 0.5, 1, 2, 6, 10, 14 and 20dB steps. Direct access to gain control at all times.
Test Modes: Pulse echo and transmit/receive.
Pulser: -200V square wave pulser. Pulse width 100ns. Rise/fall times <10ns>P.R.F: 1000 Hz.
Update Rate: 60Hz (NTSC Mode); 50Hz (PAL Mode).
Rectification: Full wave.
Frequency: Range 2.5MHz and 5.0MHz.
System Linearity: Vertical = 1% Full Screen Height (FSH). Amplifier Accuracy ±0.1dB. Horizontal ±0.4% Full Screen Width (FSW).
Units: Metric (mm) or inch (in).
Display:
Display: Colour Transflective TFT: Display area 111.4 x 83.5 mm (4.39 x 3.29 in) 320 x 240 pixels. A-Scan Area 255 x 200 pixels (315 x200 expanded), 8 colour options and variable brightness.
Gate Monitor: Two fully independent gates for echo monitoring and thickness measurement. Start and width adjustable over full range of unit,amplitude variable from 0 to 100% FSH. Bar presentation. Positive triggering for gate 1 and negative triggering for gate 2, both with audible and visual alarms.
Gate Expansion: Expands range to width of Gate 1.
Gate Monitor Delay: Fixed 0.6 seconds delay on Gate 2 negative monitor tracking.
Measurement Modes:
Mode 1: Signal Monitor
Mode 2: Depth and amplitude of first signal in gate.
Mode 3: Echo-to-Echo distance measurement. (single gate)
Mode 4: Trigonometric display of beam path, surface distance and depth of indication, curve surface correction and X-OFFSET for probe index. Half skip indication on screen.
Mode 5: T-Min mode for holding minimum thickness reading.
Resolution: 0.01mm (0.001in) for distance measurement or 1% FSH for amplitudemeasurement. Large display of measurement at the top of A-Scan display. Measurement mode selectable between peak and flank.
A-Scan Memory: Maximum of 800 waveforms can be printed or transferred toa PC using optional SDMS software.
Panel Memory: 100 stores for retaining calibrations.
Thickness Logging: Storage for 8000 thickness readings configured either by Block/Location/Number mode or pre-programmable work sheets in sequential mode. Readings can be exported to MS Excel using optional SDMS software.
DAC: DAC defined by up to 10 points and digitally drawn on screen. DAC curves meet requirements of EN 1714, JIS and ASME standards, selectable between -2, -6, -10, -12 and -14dB. Amplitude read out selectable between % DAC or relative dB.
Auto-Cal: Provides automatic calibration from two echoes.
Clock: Sets time and date.
Notes: Alphanumeric labelling for panel and A-log allows the user to enter Notes for storage with panel settings and A-scans.
Display Freeze: For capturing the current A-scan image.
Peak Memory: For echo dynamic pattern determination.
Keylock: Prevents accidental alteration of parameters.
Help Key: For instant operator guidance on using the Railscan unit.
Language Support: Supports multiple languages. User selectable between English,German, Spanish, French, Dutch, Italian, Russian, Polish, Czech, Finnish & Hungarian. Others available on request.
Waveform Smoothing: Gives a smooth signal envelope, simulating analogue equipment.
Outputs: Full bi-directional serial interface to transfer parameters, thicknessreadings and waveform memories. Composite video, PAL or NTSCcompatibility.
External Alarm: Front mounted socket for attachment.
Printers: Supports any printer with PCL support including Hp DeskJet and Epson.
Power: Lithium Ion battery pack 14.4V, 5.0 ampere hours, gives up to 16 hours duration from a fully charged pack. Indication of lowbattery status. Recharge time 3-4 hrs.
Charger: 100 - 240 VAC, 50-60Hz.
Transducer Sockets: BNC or LEMO (factory option)
Environmental: Case sealed to IP67
Temperature: Operating -10°C to +55°C (14 to 131°F). -20°C to +70°C. (-4 to 158°F) survivable.Storage: -40° to +75°C. (-40 to = 167°F)
Physical:
Size: 255 x 145 x 145mm (10.0 x 5.7 x 5.7 in)
Weight: 2.5kg (5.5lbs) with Li-Ion cells.
Accessories:
Standard Kit Includes: Railscan 125RLi-ion Battery & Battery ChargerFabric Carry BagCalibration CertificateInstruction Manual (EN12668)
Certification: Calibration Certificate
For over 20 years the Railscan name has meant exceptional performance with class leading design. The latest developments in amplifier and pulser technology deliver higher levels of near surface resolution, penetrating power and excellent signal to noise ratio.
Designed specifically for Rail Testing
Network Rail (UK) procedure and approval Narrow Band amplifiers 2 and 5 MHz G1 +ve trigger, G2 -ve trigger, (0.6 second delay for monitoring rail bottom depth).
Long Battery Life
Latest Li-Ion technology 10-16 hours (brightness dependant) Quick re-charge in 3-4 hours
Walking Stick Compatibility
Sperry walking stick. Others (e.g., NRS bi-directional walking stick) Single-shot PRF for high speed multiplexing RS232 & USB outputs for custom software systems, (e.g. Sperry palmtop with GPS)
Robust and Reliable
Sonatest's reputation for robust design and proven reliability is an important aspect of flaw detector ownership.
Down time is expensive and should be minimised to ensure maximum productivity. The Railscan is constructed to high standards using Xenoy plastics and sealed to IP67, giving excellent water resistance so it can withstand the tough environments in which operators work.
The Railscan comes with 2 years warranty, extendable to 5 years with Sonacover, and a worldwide service network.
High Performance with Total Control
The Railscan delivers high performance and advanced features, yet our engineer's experience in user interface design has ensured it is easy and quick to use. The acknowledged ease of use of the previous Railscan generation has been enhanced with the menu navigation key, providing easy access to functions. The menu structure has been designed to guide the user through their task with operation quickly becoming second nature.
High Visibility Display
For any flaw detector the display is a crucial element. The Railscan has a colour transflective TFT display as standard, providing high visibility at any light level. The choice of colours for menus and waveform display enhance clarity, with the LCD simulation mode giving direct sunlight readability. The TFT does not suffer the typical black out problems or temperature limitations of LCD giving full weather capability. The new Full Screen mode maximises the A-scan area to improve readability further whilst testing and its fast response and peak capture functionality ensure any indicationis clearly displayed, even if it only appears for one cycle of the 1 KHz PRF.
SDMS (Optional Sonatest Data Management Software)
This Windows based data management tool allows the user to interface a Sonatest digital flaw detector with a PC. The software uploads and downloads panel settings and A-scans, which can also be copied and pasted into Word for customised reporting. Thickness readings can be transferred directly into Excel with the ability to produce charts for B & C-Scans, colour 3D mapping etc.
Ultrasonic Specifications Measurement Modes:
Test Range: 0 - 5mm (0.2in) up to 0 - 10000 mm (400 in.) at steel velocity. Variable in 1mm & 10mm steps.
Velocity: 1000 to 9,999m/s continuously variable.
Probe Zero: 0 to 999.999 μs, continuously variable.
Delay: Calibrated delay from 0-10000mm in 0.05 mm steps at steel velocity (0-400in. in 0.002 in. steps).
Gain: 0 to 110dB. Adjustable in 0.5, 1, 2, 6, 10, 14 and 20dB steps. Direct access to gain control at all times.
Test Modes: Pulse echo and transmit/receive.
Pulser: -200V square wave pulser. Pulse width 100ns. Rise/fall times <10ns>P.R.F: 1000 Hz.
Update Rate: 60Hz (NTSC Mode); 50Hz (PAL Mode).
Rectification: Full wave.
Frequency: Range 2.5MHz and 5.0MHz.
System Linearity: Vertical = 1% Full Screen Height (FSH). Amplifier Accuracy ±0.1dB. Horizontal ±0.4% Full Screen Width (FSW).
Units: Metric (mm) or inch (in).
Display:
Display: Colour Transflective TFT: Display area 111.4 x 83.5 mm (4.39 x 3.29 in) 320 x 240 pixels. A-Scan Area 255 x 200 pixels (315 x200 expanded), 8 colour options and variable brightness.
Gate Monitor: Two fully independent gates for echo monitoring and thickness measurement. Start and width adjustable over full range of unit,amplitude variable from 0 to 100% FSH. Bar presentation. Positive triggering for gate 1 and negative triggering for gate 2, both with audible and visual alarms.
Gate Expansion: Expands range to width of Gate 1.
Gate Monitor Delay: Fixed 0.6 seconds delay on Gate 2 negative monitor tracking.
Measurement Modes:
Mode 1: Signal Monitor
Mode 2: Depth and amplitude of first signal in gate.
Mode 3: Echo-to-Echo distance measurement. (single gate)
Mode 4: Trigonometric display of beam path, surface distance and depth of indication, curve surface correction and X-OFFSET for probe index. Half skip indication on screen.
Mode 5: T-Min mode for holding minimum thickness reading.
Resolution: 0.01mm (0.001in) for distance measurement or 1% FSH for amplitudemeasurement. Large display of measurement at the top of A-Scan display. Measurement mode selectable between peak and flank.
A-Scan Memory: Maximum of 800 waveforms can be printed or transferred toa PC using optional SDMS software.
Panel Memory: 100 stores for retaining calibrations.
Thickness Logging: Storage for 8000 thickness readings configured either by Block/Location/Number mode or pre-programmable work sheets in sequential mode. Readings can be exported to MS Excel using optional SDMS software.
DAC: DAC defined by up to 10 points and digitally drawn on screen. DAC curves meet requirements of EN 1714, JIS and ASME standards, selectable between -2, -6, -10, -12 and -14dB. Amplitude read out selectable between % DAC or relative dB.
Auto-Cal: Provides automatic calibration from two echoes.
Clock: Sets time and date.
Notes: Alphanumeric labelling for panel and A-log allows the user to enter Notes for storage with panel settings and A-scans.
Display Freeze: For capturing the current A-scan image.
Peak Memory: For echo dynamic pattern determination.
Keylock: Prevents accidental alteration of parameters.
Help Key: For instant operator guidance on using the Railscan unit.
Language Support: Supports multiple languages. User selectable between English,German, Spanish, French, Dutch, Italian, Russian, Polish, Czech, Finnish & Hungarian. Others available on request.
Waveform Smoothing: Gives a smooth signal envelope, simulating analogue equipment.
Outputs: Full bi-directional serial interface to transfer parameters, thicknessreadings and waveform memories. Composite video, PAL or NTSCcompatibility.
External Alarm: Front mounted socket for attachment.
Printers: Supports any printer with PCL support including Hp DeskJet and Epson.
Power: Lithium Ion battery pack 14.4V, 5.0 ampere hours, gives up to 16 hours duration from a fully charged pack. Indication of lowbattery status. Recharge time 3-4 hrs.
Charger: 100 - 240 VAC, 50-60Hz.
Transducer Sockets: BNC or LEMO (factory option)
Environmental: Case sealed to IP67
Temperature: Operating -10°C to +55°C (14 to 131°F). -20°C to +70°C. (-4 to 158°F) survivable.Storage: -40° to +75°C. (-40 to = 167°F)
Physical:
Size: 255 x 145 x 145mm (10.0 x 5.7 x 5.7 in)
Weight: 2.5kg (5.5lbs) with Li-Ion cells.
Accessories:
Standard Kit Includes: Railscan 125RLi-ion Battery & Battery ChargerFabric Carry BagCalibration CertificateInstruction Manual (EN12668)
Certification: Calibration Certificate
Napster Launches DRM-Free Music Store: Over 6 Million MP3s
Look out, Amazon. Napster just launched the largest music store free of digital rights management in the world, with six million songs that can be loaded onto just about any digital audio player -- a healthy advantage over Amazon's five-million-track MP3 store.Apple also has cause for concern. Two of its most widely-known competitors now offer DRM-free music the majors won't let Apple sell without DRM. Apple's latest figures on the topic (released in October) indicated that it only had two million DRM-free tracks.
Napster will continue selling songs for 99 cents a piece and albums for $10, except that now every song in its six-million-track catalog will be available in the unprotected MP3 format instead of the Microsoft's Playsforsure-protected format it had previously used to placate the record labels, before they became more afraid of Apple than they were of DRM-free music.
In a piece called "The Future of Online Music: Why Closed Platforms Will Fail," Napster's CTO Bill Pence wrote to Listening Post nearly two years ago, "I believe strongly that the market in the end must and will be based on interoperable digital formats, [and] if DRM is used to erect barriers to that goal, then there is no question it will be swept aside, and the industry may end up with what many have believed was the obvious choice from the beginning: open MP3 files." For Napster, that day has come -- at least as far as single-song and album downloads go.
"Music fans have spoken and it's clear they need the convenience, ease of use and broad interoperability of the DRM-free MP3 format," said Napster CEO Chris Gorog, "and they want to be able to find both major label artists and independent music all in one place. Napster is delighted to deliver all of this and more with the world’s largest MP3 catalog."
However, Napster will continue to offer its monthly music subscription service using DRM in addition to the MP3-download store, making it the first to offer an unlimited music subscription that lets users buy the songs they hear without DRM attached. According to the company, the vast majority of the six million MP3s in its store are encoded at 256 Kbps.
"By offering millions of high quality, MP3-encoded DRM-free tracks from all of the major labels as well as independents," said Susan Kevorkian, audio analyst for IDC, "this service is well-positioned to appeal to the broad spectrum of music lovers, including iPod and iPhone owners."
Unlike Amazon, Napster doesn't offer any software for syncing purchased songs into iTunes so that users can easily transfer them onto their iPods. A Napster spokesman told Wired.com that the current solution for importing into iTunes or any other media player is to import them manually by either double-clicking the files after they've downloaded or dragging and dropping them into the player.
The Napster spokesman also told us that as with Amazon's MP3 service, some of Napster's songs will contain identifying watermarks. However, as with Amazon's situation, these watermarks only indicate which store the song was purchased from, rather than identifying the person who purchased it. (This is a key distinction. Otherwise, someone could steal your laptop, share your music and land you in a sticky infringement suit where you'd have to explain how a song you purchased ended up being shared all over the world.)
Here's a screenshot of Napster MP3 store:
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