Feb 22, 2010

Weems & Plath Yacht Oil Lamp (Brass)

I wanted to love this product. It's so hefty and shippy. But it sheds very little light. The bars running vertically along the cage block more light than it seems they should. No matter how high I raised the flame, the lamp didn't illuminate the cabin of even my tiny Montgomery 17 sailboat. The search for mellow, gimbaled, oil-based illumination continues . .

Bluenose 32 Wooden Sailboat Model Yacht Nova Scotia Canada Schooner Replica

Requires minor assembly. Clip on the hooks easily. There is no rigging to tie and it takes just a few minutes. 32" L x 5" W x 25" H (1:53 scale) Plank on frame construction (a painstaking process where each individual plank is added to the hull of the shi model one at a time). Built with rare, high quality woods. Hand painted the actual colors of the Bluenose yacht Fabric sails with detailed stitching No plastic parts. To build this model ship, extensive research was done using various sources such as museums, drawings, copies of original plans and photos of the actual yacht. Visit our Frequently Asked Questions or call with questions.

Sunseeker Predator 108 Luxury Yacht Model Kit 1-72 Revell Germany

1-72 Scale. 18 inches long. New Tooling. Detailed two part hull with bow thruster, Detailed triple Arneson surface drives, Deck with filigree wood texture and many details, Top deck with complete reproduction of interior (saloon and cockpit) True-to-original windlasses, Dark tinted windows, Extensive radar equipment, Detailed after bar, 7 sun loungers with adjustable headrests, Bathing platform, Display stand. Skill level 2.

Enterprise Limited 27" Wood Sailboat Yacht Model Replica Not a kit

Product Description 27" H x 4" W x 20" L (1:72 scale) Requires minor assembly. Clip on the hooks easily. There is no rigging to tie and it takes just a few minutes. This newly designed Limited Edition museum-quality scale replica Enterprise yacht is offered exclusively by Handcrafted Model Ships, and includes a numbered Certificate of Authenticity signed by HMS Founder and Master Builder Richard Norris, as only 250 will ever be made. Accurate in almost every detail to the original Enterprise yacht, our Enterprise model yacht offers features not available by other sellers such as: - Additional and higher-quality deck details - Authentic cloth USA flag - Additional deck planks have been added and stained to match the actual Enterprise yacht - Additional and higher-quality solid brass metal railings have been added - Upgraded, accurately scaled solid metal ship wheel has been added - Additional upgraded structures on the deck have been added, including intricately painted windows - A scale tied-down lifeboat on the stern of the deck has been added, to mimic the actual Enterprise America's Cup yacht - The hull is meticulously painted the actual colors of the original Enterprise America's Cup yacht. - Higher-quality sails with additional rigging: The sails are slightly starched to hold their shape and a higher quality and higher thread-count material is used, similar to that of the actual Enterprise yacht at the time it sailed. We offer three unique sail materials that are matched to the different eras of model yachts we offer. Also, additional rigging lines have been added to be more true to the actual Enterprise yacht

Cotton Yacht Cap-White

Product Description Sailing the seven seas and dont have a thing to wear - on your head? Well, here is the simple captains hat for you. It's made of 100% cotton, with a simple square patch on the front. Of course, the black patch has keen anchors stitched in a canary yellow to contrast the black. The hatband is covered in black cotton with golden yellow string adorning the front, fastened by simple golden metallic buttons. The 2-1/4 inches pre-curved bill of the hat is covered in a simulated semi-shiny patent leather material. The inside of the hatband is covered in thinly padded cotton for comfort. Comes in ONE SIZE FITS ALL, with adjustable plastic snap closure. Anchors away. Made of 100% cotton. One size fits most with adjustable snap closure. Crown measures 3 inches deep, bill measures 2-1/4 inches long, pre curved. Soft and thin material. Available in white . Imported.

Aero-Hydrodynamics and the Performance of Sailing Yachts: The Science Behind Sailboats and Their Design

Product Description

A groundbreaking introduction to how sailboats behave, and a guide for predicting the performance of a modern sailing yacht
Aero-hydrodynamics and the Performance of Sailing Yachts is the first major yacht design treatise to come along in a decade. With its cutting-edge explanations of how sails, keels, and rudders interact with their respective fluids to make a boat sail--and of how to use that knowledge to optimize a boat--this is a book that every student of yacht design will want on his or her shelf.

About the Author

Fabio Fossati (Milan, Italy) studies the dynamic behavior of sailing yachts with particular emphasis on sail plans and hull appendages, and has been the head of wind tunnel testing of sailing yachts at Milan Polytechnic since 2004. He directed the testing for the PRADA Challenge America’s Cup team in 2003 and for the Luna Rossa team in 2007. He is a doctor of research in applied mechanics and a professor of applied mathematics. At the Milan Polytechnic he teaches fluid mechanics and boat design in a first-level Master’s course in naval architecture. He is also a keen sailor, and serves as research associate for the International Technical Committee of the Offshore Racing Congress.

Principles of Yacht Design

Larsson and Eliasson present - in detail - the engineering and naval architecture processes that a yacht designer should use in designing a seaworthy yacht. The book presents, as an example, the design -from scratch- of a 40 ft. cruising sloop. Every aspect of yacht design is covered: hull shape, speed, friction, displacement, stability, dynamic stability, rigging, construction, interior design ergonomics, deck design, scantlings, standards, etc.
Typical of an engineering book, the style is factual and dry. Some people may find it lacks the poetry of other books.

Specially attractive is the presentation of formulas in separate boxes. Be prepared, however, to get acquainted with metric units, and engineering terms and formulas.
This is probably the most serious book on the subject of the yacht design. The only possible deficiencies are that motor yacht design is not specifically covered, and that emphasis is placed in the design of safe cruising sailboats rather than high performance racing boats. Despite these omissions, there is no doubt this book is a MUST for anyone really interested in the subject of designing a boat, specially if it is a sailboat.

Feb 8, 2010

Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel

This wheel is a blast! I was already addicted to Forza 2 and was moving steadily up in my career with the regular game controller. With this racing wheel (and pedals), I'm moving up even faster than before and the experience is dizzying - literally. I have my setup about 3 feet from a 50" plasma and the feedback of the wheel is so realistic that I was getting odd dizzy effects when going in and out of tight corners because my body was expecting to feel real world forces from the seat against my back and sides - and they of course were missing. Make no mistake, this isn't a bad thing - its a testament to the realistic feedback of the wheel. You feel everything - understeer, oversteer, grass, jerks when flying from grass back onto the pavement.

Prior to this wheel, I always detested driving the big American cars like the Camero or Corvette because they were so difficult to control with the normal controller - they would constantly slide out and wag back and forth because there was no feel. Last night I nailed several races with both these cars because I was finally able to control the car through power slides and oversteers.

Setup was easy. Though the manual says a system upgrade was needed, I did not find this to be the case. The wheel paired up instantly and I started driving in Forza 2 immediately. The only thing I had to figure out was how to change the camera view (I like the in-car view) because they moved it from RT to X on this controller.

I found a chair with a sloped back on it, put a lumbar pillow in place and just rested the wheel on my legs. Surprisingly it stays in place well though you'll want to wear a pair of jeans. At first, the pedals kept sliding forward on my carpet causing me to crash a couple times. I finally placed them on one of my wife's yoga mats and its been fine since. The only beef I still have is that in intense situations the wheel moves around a bit. I may look for a small table to mount the wheel. Also note that the "in the lap" setup makes it impossible to drive with mostly straight arms like the pros. I end up sliding the wheel forward so that its just barely hanging on to the end of my knees so that I can straighten my arms more.

One last piece of advice: don't make the mistake I did and select the McClaren F1 (or similar super car) as your first drive and expect to see a big change. You'll still be all over the place on the road. Work your way up and learn the controller because the turning radius takes some time to learn. Once you do, you'll be amazed.
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Ear Force X41 Digital RF Wireless Game Audio+ Chat with Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound

 
The X41 is the third generation of wireless headsets from Turtle Beach for the Xbox 360. The X41 combines XBOX live chat with wireless game sound so you can hear the game sound and the voices of other players in the headset. That means you don’t need your XBOX communicator headset or external speakers. By hearing the XBOX Live chat in the center of your head rather than in one ear, you can communicate better online. By eliminating speakers you can turn up the game without disturbing others. And, by having the game sound right on top of your ears, you can hear even the softest sound cues that are impossible to pick up with speakers. Better yet, because of the Dolby surround sound, you can also tell where the sound is coming from. That’s because unlike stereo headphones, where the sound is either to the left or right of you, the X41 has 7.1 channel surround sound that lets you pinpoint the exact direction of every sound cue in the game. So if someone is quietly sneaking up behind you, you’ll know it instantly. You can turn around, react faster and take them out before they take you out. It’s actually like having a secret weapon because it gives you a significant edge over the competition. The X41 uses digital 2.4 Giga Hertz Radio Frequency wireless technology as compared to the X4 which used an analog infra red light beam. This new digital RF technology is a huge improvement over analog IR because it delivers CD-quality sound with no background hiss, no interference from plasma TV screens and no line of sight restrictions between the transmitter and headset. The X41 uses a proprietary uncompressed digital signal with super low latency for dramatic improvement in sound quality. The bass is deeper with more kick. The highs are so crisp and clean that you can hear a pin drop. There’s also a headphone jack and volume control on the transmitter. This lets you connect a wired headset, like our Ear Force X1 or Ear Force XLC.
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Xbox 360 HDMI AV Cable


What you see is what you get. Take a look at the package. You see two ends of an HDMI cable. That is a plain vanilla HDMI cable that you could get anywhere. Over on the right is the audio dongle, and you are seeing just about the whole thing except for the part that connects to the Xbox 360. It all works fine. This audio dongle is slimmer that the standard Microsoft A/V progressive cable, which is what gives you the room to put the HDMI cable in.

Don't get this unless you have one of the newer HDMI Xbox's. This is not a conversion kit.

Don't get this if you plan on running the HDMI cable from the Xbox 360 to your receiver, with another HDMI out from your receiver to your TV. If that is your setup, just get a plain HDMI cable and save money.

Don't get this if you plan on running the HDMI cable from the Xbox 360 to your TV, AND you have a Digital Audio Out on your TV that you can run to your receiver, AND you have verified that the Digital Audio Out will not truncate any Dolby Digital 5.1 HDMI signal down to 2 channel audio, which can happen with some TVs. Of course, you'll need a spare HDMI cable to test with first, but if you still get DD 5.1 out of the Digital out on your TV, then no need to get this.

Otherwise, if you still need this for the separate optical audio connection between the Xbox 360 and your receiver, then this is perfectly acceptable, though much more expensive than a plain HDMI cable you can get online.
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Xbox 360 Console 2009

 
Xbox 360 250GB Hard Drive
In modern console gaming hard drive size is an ever growing concern. The 250GB detachable hard drive included with the Xbox 360 Modern Warfare 2 Limited Edition Console allows gamers to maximize their Xbox 360 entertainment experience without a worry like never before. With this new, larger drive users can save their games as well as store television shows, movies, music, pictures, trailers, levels, demos and other content available from Xbox LIVE Marketplace.
Go Online with Xbox LIVE
Xbox LIVE is the online game and entertainment service exclusively for Xbox 360 owners. A built-in Ethernet port on the Xbox 360 Modern Warfare 2 Limited Edition Console allows users to connect to the service via their broadband connection. Wireless access is also available through the Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter, sold separately. As with all Xbox 360 consoles, users can connect to Xbox LIVE via their free Xbox LIVE Silver membership to take advantage of free game trials and have immediate access to HD movies and game add-ons like songs and characters (all sold separately through Xbox LIVE Marketplace). They can also upgrade to Xbox LIVE Gold to maximize their Xbox LIVE experience. Included with your console is a free one month subscription to Xbox LIVE Gold. Xbox LIVE Gold features the best in gaming and entertainment. Invite friends from all over to connect and play online multiplayer games, watch thousands of HD movies streamed instantly from Netflix**, video chat, gain early access to additional downloadable content and more.
Two Wireless Controllers Included
The Xbox 360 Modern Warfare 2 Limited Edition Console includes matching black wireless controllers, making it easy to get in the game with a friend right out of the box. Xbox 360 uses a refined button layout for its controllers. Back and start buttons sit at the center of the controller and between them is the Xbox Guide button, which instantly takes the user to the Xbox 360 user interface. From there, they can check for friends online, access personal digital content like photos and songs and more. Xbox 360 can accommodate up to four wireless controllers and has three USB 2.0 slots to use for wired controllers or for streaming your digital media from digital cameras, MP3 players, and any Windows XP-based PC. Microsoft has also created a video-conferencing camera, sold separately, that will work with the system.
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Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote

 
 The Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote was engineered to serve as your integrated control center for the entire Xbox 360 experience. Enter a new world of digital entertainment with the touch of a single button. Play DVD movies and music, plus control your TV and your Media Center PC with one controller. The centralized, glowing Xbox Guide Button gives you quick access to your digital movies, music, and games library, and backlit buttons make the keypad easy to see in a darkened home theater.
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Xbox 360 Quick Charge Kit

 

This is an excellent option for people who own the wireless controllers. It will save you money over time. The wireless controller of the XB360 can go through a set (2) of AA batteries in about two week's time, if you play heavily.

This is a well-designed and attractive product. The color of the unit matches the color of the 360 perfectly. It is an excellent addition to your collection of accessories for your 360.

I bought one of these units and tested it. It worked as advertised. The performance of the battery pack is better than a set of rechargeable NiMH (1600 mAH) from Rayovac. However, the battery pack did not perform as well as a set of Energizer Alkalines. The Alkalines lasted slightly longer than the Microsoft battery pack.

I was not surprised that the pack lasted longer than the rechargeable AA. Microsoft even stated that rechargeable batteries should not be used in the controllers. I suspect this is due to the fact that typical nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries are 1.2 volts. Whereas disposable alkaline batteries are 1.5 volts. Even in my Logitech wireless controller, for my PS2, the rechargeables do not last nearly as long as disposable alkalines.

Should you buy this Microsoft Quick Charge kit? Would you be better off buying a set of regular AA rechargeable batteries and a good charger?

I can tell you that a typical Rayovac battery charger will recharge a set of AA batteries faster than this kit can recharge its battery pack. And if you shop around, it will also become obvious that two rechargeable AAs and a recharger will cost you slightly less than the purchase price of this Quick Charge kit. And, as C. Johnson stated in his review further down, you can use your rechargeables for other devices, like a digital camera. So, in terms of versatility and applicability to various applications, you cannot beat a set of rechargeable AAs. However, a set of NiMH AAs will not give you the same performance as this battery pack. And, if you are like me, I want to keep all of my video gaming equipment together, in one place. I prefer not to share my video game console's accessories with other devices.

I make part of my living as a computer technician. Because I own a lot of equipment that require AA batteries, I buy my alkaline batteries in bulk. And I only own one controller for my 360. I am also a solitary gamer. Because of that situation, I gave my Quick Charge kit to my best friend, who is also a technician. He has three controllers. He is also a social gamer. Therefore, he has a greater need for this product. At this point, I am back to using disposable alkalines for my controller.

I consider the Microsoft Quick Charge kit to be a luxury accessory for your XBox 360. It is not necessary, for most people. And there are cheaper ways of avoiding the cost of disposable alkalines. However, this is a very neat and tidy solution. And, if you are one of those gamers who somehow managed to break your controller's original battery holder, then this is a very, very good option for you.

I can also recommend this Quick Charge kit for parents. This will save you from having to make a trip to the convenience store on a Saturday afternoon. Picture this scenario. Your child has company over, and they are playing a game on the XBox. All of a sudden, the controllers stop responding. The next thing you know, the children are begging you to go to the store and get them some batteries. This kit, along with extra battery packs, can help prevent these inconveniences. And, because the battery pack is unique, there is no danger that another member of your household will take it and use it for their digital camera. You are guaranteed to have available a fully charged battery pack for your gaming needs.
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Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter Zoom See larger image and other views (with zoom) Share your own customer images Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter


Go Wireless with your Xbox
If you are looking to go wireless on your Xbox, then definitely check out the Xbox Wireless N Adapter. With increased speed, range and wireless security features*, the Xbox 360 Wireless ‘N’ Networking Adapter offers the fastest and most convenient connection to Xbox LIVE. You can seamlessly download or stream HD movies, TV episodes, and games from Xbox LIVE Marketplace in full 1080p and 5.1 surround sound from anywhere in the house.** Compatible with A/B/G/N networks, the compact design clips easily onto the back of your console, a very nice feature to keep things clean and uncluttered around your console, or offers the flexibility of off-board placement.
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Xbox 360 Intercooler TS - black

 
he says:
Excellent product. I have purchased several different type of cooling fans and this is far superior to any other brand or type purchased. The fan only runs when needed and will shut off automatically shortly after you power down your console. I would highly recommend this product as preventative maintenance for your console, because the Xbox 360 does overheat and thus far Microsoft has done very little to correct the issue.

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Xbox 360 Elite Cooling Station

 

someone says:
I bought this item after we had RRoD on 2 XBOXes in our household, blamed on lack of circulation. After looking around at the various coolers we decided the following:

USB POWERED COOLERS
We did not want one of those as it posted in other reviews and on other sites that the extra strain on the units scarce power is cause for overheating itself. Secondly, most of the USD units only have enough power 5V or so (limited by the USB port), for 1 fan. Thirdly: most USB units take but do not add USB ports to your XBOX. Especially the one on the back is aesthetically the most important and therefore you'd not want to give it up if you not get an additional port back on that cooler.

AC IN POWER PORT COOLERS
The are plugged into the adpater AC IN on the back of the XBOX. I stayed away from these since they, over time, leave discoloration on the AC IN space and MS has been known to reject servicing XBOXes with that discoloration stating that unauthorized use of the XBOX AC IN was the cause. This discussed elsewhere on the web and happened to a friend of our sons as well. The good thing about these coolers is that they hae unlimited power so the fans can be strong. They al;so allow for the XBOXes to be used in horizontal mode. Final note: these apparently also cuase strain on the XBOX's limited power (the XBOX is HUNGRY!!! hence the heat).

SEPARATELY POWERED COOLERS
This is the category that this item falls in: it comes with its own adapter and power button so you do not have to use it when the XBOX is barely on and you can leave it on after the XBOX has been powered off to further reduce the heat.
Downside to some is that that this item needs its own power outlet but that is worth it to us for the fact that it can drive 6 large computer fans without piutting strain on the XBOX power source and innards.
It also does not take away any scare ports nor will it leave discoloration. I.e. it is invisible to MS in case something ever happens.

FINAL THOUGHTS
Some 'scientists' on here calim that they used all kinds of thermometers and methods and claim these coolers (all types) do nothing for the heat. The fact is that you can feel the housing cool down once you switch these on after your XBOX has been on for a while. It is logicale as well. Cooler air is forced in from the bottom and pushed the warner air out through the sides and top. I recommend this item for the pure piece of mind that you have done the best you can for ventilation and that you have leiminated one more possible source of RRoD.
PS: this item will only allow vertical use of the XBOX 360. Make sure you have enough space. And also, this does not mean you can cram your XBOX in a closed off poorly ventilated cabinet as the heat will start recycling and feeding warmer air in. Ventilate your XBOX!

Xbox 360 Console

The Xbox 360 Elite Holiday Bundle is a great value with two great games included, a massive hard drive, an HDMI port (HDMI cable sold separately), a black wireless controller and headset, and a premium black finish. With three powerful core processors and full surround sound, the console redefines what games look like, sound like, feel like, and play like to engage you like never before. Every Xbox 360 game title supports a minimum of 720p, and up to 1080p high definition resolution or 480p standard definition resolution, in 16:9 widescreen.

The 120GB detachable hard drive allows gamers to save their games and store television shows, movies, music, pictures, trailers, levels, demos and other content available from Xbox LIVE Marketplace. Xbox 360 Wireless Controller (black) This award-winning, high-performance wireless controller features the Xbox Guide Button for quick, in-game access to friends and music. It has a range of up to 30 feet and a battery life of up to 30 hours on two AA batteries. Xbox 360 Headset (black) Now available in black, the headset lets gamers strategize or trade taunts while playing games and send voice messages to friends on Xbox LIVE.
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