Thursday, February 8, 2018

Hercules DJControl JogVision Serato DJ


The Hercules DJControl (as NUMARK MIXDECK ) Jogvision gives a very solid first impression. It has a brushed plastic encasing, a good amount of ins & outs, giant jog wheels, and overall a quality feeling to it.
The feature that catches all attention are of course those jog wheels. It’s pretty clear from the design that Hercules tried to fit the biggest possible size of jogs within the smallest form factor, and that has positive and negative effects. On the positive side, it means you get pro-grade jogs on a sub $ 300 controller, on the negative side there is little real estate left for other features so compromises have been made.

Features & functionalities

Serato DJ

The DJControl Jogvision is the first Serato DJ ready controller from Hercules and that is a big thing. It makes the controller an option for serious amateur/mobile DJs that already use Serato and want a compact but fully featured solution, as their main controller or backup unit.
Setting it up is a breeze. Just plug it in and Serato DJ will recognize it automatically, no further configuration needed. This is if you own a Serato DJ license, which will set you back USD 129.
The jogs are, certainly for this category, amazing. The weight and size feel really pro, and they contain visual cues that will really help DJs to refrain from staring at the computer screen all the time. They have two led rings. the outer ring indicates the rotation and the inner led ring indicates the progress in the track. Next to the jogs, there are LEDs placed that light up in green, orange and red to indicate how close you are to the end of a track.
There is a button that activates vinyl mode for both decks at the same time, which is adequate, but having separate vinyl buttons per deck would have been the better approach here.
The pitch fader is fairly short, but if you are not too demanding it will work fine enough, just don’t expect to be able to play around too much with track tempos & such. There is a key lock button available that doubles as the slip button for Serato DJ.
No surprises here, except for the layout: in the design, you see the impact of the big jog wheels and the small form factor. On one side there are 4 pads for various purposes.  Pads 1 & 2 activate cues, pads 3 & 4 activate samples. Next to that, there are the shift, sync, cue and play buttons. All buttons are illuminated by a led that indicates activation, so it shouldn’t be a problem to manage the state of the button in a dark environment.
Right in the middle of the mixer section Hercules added a beats meter that shows if the tracks are in sync. Again very good visual feedback that will allow DJs to stay focused on the audience without the need to look at the laptop screen.
Below this you have an array of buttons: one to set the decks in vinyl mode so you can scratch on them, another to activate the microphone, and two to navigate your tracks. All in all a bit messy as you could easily get confused when hitting them in a hurry as they are small and close to each other. Very good points however for the navigation encoder knob, big and solid.
On the EQ side, not having per channel gain and filter controls is a bit of a miss these days, and actually a critical point of decision to go or not to go for this controller if you are a working DJ.
Finally, on the very top of the mixer section, we find the Air Fx controls. Which is actually pretty cool. It allows you to control, for example, a high/low pass filter with gestures, and this is more fun than you can imagine. Check out the video to see how it works!

Effects and looping section

This is honestly my least favorite part of this controller. I won’t go into too many details here, for more you will have to watch the video review below, but my main problem is that 1 row of buttons controls two functions that are kept well separate on most controllers: the loop functions and the fx controls.
So it takes a bit of getting used to, and it doesn’t make creative mixing techniques, such as combining loops with fx, easier. I understand that compromises had to be made here because of the available space, but it would have been much more logical to map the loop functionality to the 4 pads per deck as usually done on Serato DJ controllers and implement the FX section as a standalone module.
The pitch fader is comfortable to use, but it doesn’t have a full resolution so beat-matching will not be as a smooth as on controllers that have full-size pitch faders.

Output & Input Options

The DJControl Jogvision has an RCA master & booth out, and a 1/8″ stereo out. Input-wise, it has a and 1/4″ stereo aux and a 1/8″ microphone input.  Finally, it has both 1/8″ and 1/4″ headphone inputs. The controller requires a dedicated power supply to work.

Conclusions

The DJ Control Jogvision is a solid move from Hercules into more serious DJ terrain. Two things stand out: The jogs and the native support for Serato DJ. Although the design and usability have their issues, ultimately this is the first try into new territory and for sure Hercules will fix these issues in upcoming versions of the controller.
I know from good sources that Hercules will release more controllers aimed at this market segment so it will be interesting to see what is coming. In the meantime, the DJ Control Jogvision is for me a very solid offering from Hercules, especially as it sells at under USD 300.

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Poulan Pro PP5020AV Gas Powered Chainsaw Review



The POULAN PRO CHAINSAW PP5020AV is 20-Inch 50cc 2 stroke gas powered chainsaw. It is one of the latest products from the Poulan Pro range. There are several amazing features on this chainsaw including an innovative pull start system to reduce fatigue when you are operating it. Its 50cc DuraLife engine is one of the unique attributes of this product. It is a powerful engine that is designed to simplify heavy tasks. It weighs about 23.6 pounds and measures 14.9 X 15.8 X 22.3 inches.

Poulan Pro PP5020AV – Great Chainsaw for Great Price

The chainsaw has an Effortless Pull Starting (EPS) system that is designed to make it easy to start. It has a DuraLife extended life engine and a chromium plated cylinder that helps to extend the engine life. The design also ensures durability and strength.
There is a SuperClean air filter system on this product. This is an innovative system that helps to extend the life of the air filter. The system also helps to reduce fuel consumption without compromising on power.
It also comes with Anti-Vibe handles that help to reduce vibration when you are working. These handles ensure that you are comfortable each time you use the chainsaw. You can work for long periods without experiencing operator fatigue.

Chainsaw bar measures 20 inches and it has an on-board locking 
scrench holder. Users also get a manual to guide you on how to operate the tool. It also comes with warranty


The Good

“Nothing cuts like a Pro”
The Poulan Pro PP5020AV 20-Inch 50cc 2 stroke gas powered chain saw is the most powerful chainsaws in the market. It can cut wide logs within a few seconds. This chainsaw is designed to rip through heavy logs easily. You will be able to cut logs that measure up to 35 inches in diameter with this chainsaw.
Carrying Case Included
When you purchase Poulan Pro PP5020AV you also get its carrying case. This is a functional accessory that will make it easy for you to transport the tool. The case has additional storage space that you can use to keep other tools.
Easy Cleaning
It is advisable to clean your chainsaw after use to remove any particles that accumulate under the cover. You will find it easy to clean this tool. All you have to do is remove the bar to clean under its cover.
Auto Chain Oiler
The Poulan Pro PP5020AV gas powered chainsaw has an automatic chain oiler.

What to Know Before Buying PP5020AV

Even though this chainsaw is one of the best and most powerful, it can cause you some minor problems.
Replacing Chain
This chainsaw can cut through large trees with ease but the chain tends to wear out after a while. Most chains work well after you sharpen them but the green dot chain on this saw is different. You will have to replace the chain to make sure it is working efficiently.
Spark Plug Problem
The spark plug on the saw tends to lose power and it may stall. It is difficult to get it started again and this may force you to replace the spark plug.
Use Proper Oils
You have to use smokeless or ashless 2-cycle oil on this chainsaw. This is the oil that you get when you purchase the tool. Continued use will allow you to use the saw for long time without any problems.
Control Fuel Level
The saw may begin to lose power after you have used it for a while. If this happens, it is advisable to check its fuel tank. You have to stop the engine before checking the tank. A loss of power may indicate that the fuel level is low. Fill the tank if you notice that the tool has slowed down. It will be difficult to restart the chainsaw once the fuel runs out.
Best Used for Heavy Work
The Poulan Pro PP5020AV 20-Inch 50cc 2 stroke gas powered chain saw is definitely a good tool especially for the price you will pay for it. It is both impressive and powerful but it is not the best option if you are looking for a tool that is used daily on smaller tasks. If you use it frequently, it will require more maintenance. It is the best option of you cut large trees or logs once in a while.

Final Rating

As you could already read in our review, this chainsaw offers some amazing features such as the scrench holder and powerful gas motor. Every chainsaw in the market should come with such features. It truly lives up to the company’s slogan, “Nothing cuts like a pro.”
You will definitely find it easier to rip through large trees and logs with this chainsaw in spite of a few downsides. Its innovative features help to enhance efficient and increase capacity.
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Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Coleman Powersports CT200U Gas Powered Mini Bike Review



If you search for the best mini bikes online, the CT200U made by Coleman is one of those that you will immediately come across. It certainly looks impressive and the company has a solid reputation after years of selling ATVs, UTVs, mini bikes and other powersports.

But is this the mini bike you are looking for you or your kids?

If you have never been on one of these bikes before, it is normal to be skeptical, and you’re probably not sure if it is even large enough for adults or if it just fits kids.
That is what this review is for, as we’re going to take a deeper look at theCOLEMAN MINI BIKE CT200U and determine if it is as good as advertised. We have seen and tested more than our fair share of mini bikes, and wanted to find out how the CT200U stacks up with the beat of them.

Features

Quality Engine: this mini bike has a well-made engine. It is a 196 cc 6.5 HP 4 stroke OVH single cylinder, and it runs smoothly. Just set the fuel valve to on and activate the on/off switch. Once it’s turned on, just pull the cord.It’s a good idea to let the engine warm up for a few minutes, and then listen as it has a rich, full sound that will make heads turn. The stroke and bore are 154 mm and 68 mm, also impressive, and the fuel capacity is 1.1 gallons.
The Coleman mini bike is also built with big fat tires, allowing you to climb up to 4000 feet elevation and maintain its speed.
Speed: the listed maximum speed of the CT200U is 20 mph, but many have been able to drive this up to 24 mph or almost 50 km/h. This is superior to what you would find on other mini bikes, but it never feels like you are out of control.
This CT200U Coleman model has a solid throttle control. Even when you’re at top speed, the throttle simplifies the process of increasing or reducing the speed. A throttling screw is all that is needed to adjust the speed, and it’s a nice feature to have. You could use this feature to lower the top speed if your children are riding the bike, for instance.
High Quality Tires: the CT200U does not have suspension, but in this case it is not necessary. The reason is the bike has such wide tires that it absorbs the shock and vibration as you ride. The CT200U is not a professional dirt bike though, so you still have to maintain the air pressure at the recommended levels.
Wheels: the CT200U wheels are 42 inches wide, and its pressure level keeps the ride smooth whether you’re off-road or on pavements. The wheels also respond well on trails as the large treads on the wheels really help. It is these treads that provide the surface area needed for solid grips.The treads are also responsible for enhancing the wheels’ durability, ensuring they can handle long term use. The grip is one of the more important features of this bike, as it will really come in handy when you navigate rough terrain.
The front and rear tires have the same dimensions, allowing you to interchange them. The large tires make it easy for you to control the bike, but it does not compromise stability.
Frame: the bike is solidly made, and the inclusion of the dual cargo rack on the CT200U provides you with the space necessary to carry your stuff. The frame is sturdy, and it is durable enough to withstand heavy use.
Fuel: Fuel consumption is very efficient. You’ll want to fill it, but it should last a long time. When compared to other bikes of this type, the Coleman does a better job with the fuel economy than most.



Who is it Best For?

This mini bike is aimed at both adults and children who want to have some fun on the trails without the learning curve of a dirt bike with higher power. It’s a great mini dirt bike for adults who want to experience their childhood again, and for kids who want to get started on trail riding.
This gas mini bike is also for those who like their rides with easy control. The pull start system is reliable, and tires keep the riding experience stable and soft. If you’re among those searching for a comfortable trail bike, the CT200U will fit the bill. One of the questions that always come up with the CT200U is its weight capacity. The listed limit is 200 lbs. and most would suggest you stick to it. But there are many customer reviews who state that the weight limit is too conservative. Many of those who have used the bike weight over 200 lbs. – even 300 lbs. – and say it holds up fine.
This bike is also perfect for those who like a mixture of the classical with the modern. Style wise the CT200U is compact and would fit right in the 80s. At the same time, its 196 cc 6HP OHV engine is sufficient to get you over hills and rough terrain.
Even when you are on rugged terrain, the bike’s tires keeps you comfortable. One of the more common issues with mini bikes is how uncomfortable they can be, but the CT200U is different. We also have to point out that the racks and body frame are solid. The clutch is also heavy duty so it’s great for those who like to use trail bikes on a regular basis.

Friday, July 28, 2017

Is sex addiction even real, or merely something people use to excuse their behavior?

Is sex addiction treatment NY even real, or merely something people use to excuse their behavior?

Truth be told, there are some specialists who do not feel sex addiction treatment NYC is real and say it's more a product of contradictory social norms and mores. Other state sex dependence exists but doesn't believe it meets the definition of an addiction in precisely the same manner addiction to alcohol or drugs does. For a sex addict seeking treatment, it might be a moot point. To find treatment, the first one has to recognize they have an issue and stop attempting to use their own willpower alone to control it. Lots of people have sought treatment for sex addiction therapy and reported results. A lot of the criticism about its validity was aimed at celebrities embroiled in public sex scandals and is hardly analogous to the typical person not living in the public eye. sex addiction therapy NYC is real and one struggling with unwanted sexual behaviors can attest to that truth.
Trauma Therapist NYC

What caused this? How can I get to be this way?

There's no definitive reason for sex addiction treatment, and for each person, it will be different. Many sex addicts report trauma psychologist NYC at a young age and developing a distorted view of gender and what a healthy sex life should be. For others, it is just the rush of chemicals in their brain after discovering a parent's pornography stash or coming across it in some other fashion. Still, others indicate the availability of Internet porn had them fall into a bicycle, while there are people who turned to using sex addiction counselors as a numbing agent during a difficult period in their lives and started relying on it as a coping mechanism. For many growing up with abuse, neglect, abandonment, and enmeshment has caused them to seek out other ways to feel good about themselves and life.

While knowing the reason behind sex addiction therapist is important, those on the road to healing shouldn't seek to dwell on the unchangeable past; instead, they will need to concentrate on their current actions.

Do viewing pornography and trauma therapists NYC over the online count as cheating on my partner?

Not to be glib, but it can rely on the spouse. Certainly, many women do feel that their partners with sexual addiction counselingwith another woman qualifies as infidelity. They might not respond in the exact same manner as though it was trauma therapist NYC with another girl, but the impact on a relationship can be dire. First, the wife will feel helpless. She will not trust her husband if he has been hiding his behavior. She may feel awful about herself, perhaps thinking some failing on her character led the husband to seek out these trauma therapy NYC.

Even porn viewing can be a sore spot for ladies. Society puts lots of pressure on girls to be attractive and trauma therapy desirable and they may feel they are in competition with actresses in pornographic videos. This can affect their self-esteem, even if they do not confront their husband about the behavior.

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Pipe Smokers

To Inhale or not to Inhale

Many people today think that smoking pipes for smoking are less hazardous to health than cigarette smoking. These smokers are deemed respectable and also have an intellectual quality about them. Is it true then that guys who smoke a tube are at no risk of health effects than cigarette smokers? Perhaps they are not exposed to the damaging effects that are usually associated with cigarette smoking. Early studies really suggested that these smokers lived longer than non-smokers! Is it the pipes for smoking weed smoke is truly a health tonic, or not as dangerous as cigarette smoke? There are definite differences between the 2 kinds of smoke. Cigarette smoke is acidic whilst pipes for weed smoke is more alkaline. Additionally, there's a very noticeable difference in the odor of the two kinds of smoke. Few find the odor of cigarette smoke gratifying, whilst pipes for weed smoke is fragrant and pleasing to the senses. Unlike cigarette smokers, pipes for weed smokers don't normally inhale their smoke and therefore the smoke does not really go into the lungs.
pipes for weed

The Health Question

The impact of cigarette smoking was extensively researched however, there were very few studies looking at pipes and bongs smoking and health. This is primarily due to the fact that there aren't many men who belong to this select smoking club and the numbers are steadily decreasing since the 1960's. It is difficult to obtain good information on these smokers since they're a minority smoking group. Data in the 2001 UK study revealed that only 2 percent of men belonged to this category whilst 27\% were cigarette smokers. So is it feasible to make some decisions about this smoking team and health thinking of the little amounts involved? Luckily a recent American study, reported in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, appeared at the health of 15,000 pipes for sale smokers. This analysis found these smokers have an increased risk of cancer, stroke and heart disease. In particular, they had an increased susceptibility to oral, larynx, esophageal, colon and colon cancers.

All Tobacco Consumption is Bad

Pipes for sale tobacco smoke contains nicotine and toxins that are absorbed via the mouth and for that reason, it must come as no surprise that smoking this kind of tobacco is related to health. All types of tobacco if or not chewed are going to have a negative impact on the health of the user. The only good thing for smokers is that they have a lesser risk of lung cancer in relation to cigarette smokers. It appears that the previous research was wrong and all smokers, regardless of the kind of tobacco consumed, are at severe risk of smoking-related disease and health issues.

It's never easy to stop smoking tobacco since smoking is an extremely addictive chemical.

Monday, June 19, 2017

Choose carefully when selecting a deep-cycle solar battery


There are several factors to consider when selecting a deep-cycle battery including battery chemistry type, cycle life, maintenance, application and price point.
It’s important to select the right battery technology for your application in terms of battery maintenance. If a site is easily accessible, then deep-cycle flooded batteries are a good choice due to their low cost and widespread availability. If the installation is in a remote area where regular maintenance cannot be guaranteed, then maintenance-free, deep-cycle AGM or gel batteries are the best options despite their higher cost.
In addition, in areas where batteries often operate at partial state of charge (PSOC), the addition of carbon additives have been successful in extending the life of deep-cycle batteries. When batteries operate in off-grid locations or in places with an unstable grid, batteries are often not fully charged on a regular basis. This quickly diminishes the overall life of the battery. Carbon additives, such as Smart Carbon from Trojan Battery, has been shown to prolong battery life and avoid costly frequent battery replacement.
PSOC is a reality of most off-grid and unstable grid systems. Solar panels used in these applications are often undersized, preventing batteries from achieving a full recharge. The same is true with intermittent weather conditions or placement of solar panels in shady areas, which affects a solar installation’s ability to fully recharge batteries.
PSOC is also common in inverter backup systems when batteries are not fully charged because the grid frequently goes down. Because the grid is the main charging source for the batteries, the consistent unavailability of the grid prevents deep-cycle batteries from being fully recharged on a regular basis, resulting in diminished life of the battery.
Therefore, be sure to consider batteries that offer enhanced performance, including improved charge acceptance and faster recharge, in PSOC applications.
Other factors to consider when selecting batteries:
 IEC testing: Look for IEC and third-party test results. Select a manufacturer that employs outside testing companies to ensure the accuracy and validity of cycle life data. Testing to the IEC 61427 standard ensures the batteries meet the rigors of the deep discharge and recharge cycles of renewable energy applications.
 Cycle life: This is measured as the number of discharge/charge cycles the battery can provide at a specified percentage of its rated capacity. Batteries from different manufacturers may have the same capacity rating, but design, materials, process, experience and quality control heavily influence cycle life performance.
Capacity: Review the capacity of a battery to ensure it is properly rated for the application. A battery with insufficient capacity will over-discharge on a regular basis and have a shorter life. An oversized battery is also a poor choice because it will cost more for no added value.
 Brand: With many deep-cycle batteries on the market, choose a battery from a company with a reputable brand and a history of engineering and manufacturing quality deep-cycle batteries for renewable energy applications.
 Price: A battery with a low price is attractive, but if obtained at the expense of quality and cycle life performance, the cost over time will be significantly higher due to frequent battery replacements. It’s important to consider issues other than price when deciding on a battery for renewable energy applications.
For solar system you also need RENOGY 20 AMP MPPT SOLAR CHARGE CONTROLLER which will protect battery from overcharging.

Sunday, March 19, 2017

Interfaith Quilters quilt show in Longmont on Saturday

From left: Donna Parsons, Karan Michael and Luanne Ross pose in front of the "Harmony in Blue" quilt Friday morning during setup for the 31st annual Interfaith Quilters quilt show at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 803 Third Ave.

The 99 patches for "Harmony in Blue" were created by individual members of Interfaith and is one of approximately 725 quilts for sale. Last year's sale raised $34,000 for the OUR Center and Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley.

"We really appreciate the community support, big time," said Michael, Interfaith's vice president.

The sale runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.