Hydrotest Pressure Vs Design Pressure.

Design pressure is usually the pressure set by process engineer, based on the results of a simulation or similar study. Hydrotest pressure is the actual pressure the vessel is tested at. Usually the hydrotest pressure is 1.3 times the design pressure (ASME requirement). 


So if the design pressure is 100 KPa(g), the hydrotest pressure would be 130 KPa(g). Therefore the rule (or requirement) is called 10/13 rule.

Maximum allowable Working pressure (MAWP) Vs Design pressure

Design pressure is usually the pressure set by process engineer, based on the results of a simulation or similar study. MAWP is the pressure based on the actual characteristics of the vessel/equipment (which is usually manufactured to exceed the specifications set by process engineer).

Maximum allowable working pressure is always greater than or equal to design pressure.

SWPF - Acronym

In upgrader/refinery/petrochemical/chemical plant terms,

SWPF is site wide power failure.

Cooling water tube velocity in coolers

The usual recommended range is 0.3 to 2.4 m/s. A velocity of 1.5 m/s is good. Maximum is 3m/s

Chemical process engineering - cooling water piping velocity:

Is it better to put new tires on the front or back?

The new tires should be on the rear of the vehicle.

Read more here.

What is FLA for a motor

Full Load amps


FLA is the nameplate amperage rating of the motor when it is running at its designed horsepower and on the motors designed voltage. 746 watts = 1 HP. The FLA of a 1 HP motor at 240 volts would be W = amps x volts, Amps = Watts/Voltage. 746/240 = 3.1 amps full load. Overload the motor and the amps go higher, motor running at no load amps are lower than FLA

Action of flow controllers, temperature controllers, level controllers and pressure controllers.

For level and pressure controllers where outlet flow is controlled, the controller OP will increase with increasing PV.

• For fail safe close valves (Air to open) like level controllers, the controller is direct acting
• For fail safe open valves (Air to close) like pressure controllers, the controller is reverse acting

For level and pressure controllers where inlet flow is controlled, the controller OP will decrease with increasing PV.

• For fail safe close valves (Air to open) like level controllers, the controller is reverse acting
• For fail safe open valves (Air to close) like pressure controllers, the controller is direct acting

For flow controllers, the controller OP will decrease with increasing PV (same as the case of level/pressure controller where inlet flow is controlled).

• For fail safe close valves (Air to open) like level controllers, the controller is reverse acting
• For fail safe open valves (Air to close) like pressure controllers, the controller is direct acting

Free North American calls and incoming calls on your Android phone.

You will need

• a google voice account
• IPKall number (will explain how to get it)
• a SIP provider (will explain how to get it).
• GVcallback app

1. First get a SIP provider. Some of the suggestions are http://sip2sip.info/ and http://sip.antisip.com/account/register.php. Both are free, but I have not used it. What I used is voipraider, but may need to spend $5 to get the connection activated (you can use the $5 to make calls thru out the world).
2. Download CSIPSimple and register the SIP account created the above step. Make sure that the SIP registration in CSIPsimple is successful and active (the account will show as green and will show in the notification area of Android).
3. Now create an account using IPKall. Provide the SIP information from step 1 and you will be given a free US number. (What IPKall does is forwarding calls to the number (free US number) to the SIP account. If the SIP account is online (in Android), you will get the call. This way you can get free incoming calls on your Android.)
4. In the google voice webpage, add the IPKall number from step 3 (Tip: If Google voice does  not allow you to enter the IPKall number because it's already used, create a new IPKall number). Install GVcallback app on your Android and select the number just added as the number for call back.

That's it. If you dial somebody from your Android phone, an option will come up to dial using GVCallback. Just select that option and you will receive an incoming call. Once you accept the incoming call, it will dial the outgoing call. You can use this method to receive and make calls only using Wi-fi (no need of phone connection).

I am writing about this method so that you know such an option exist. It is your responsibility to understand the terms and conditions set forth by your phone company/google.

How to get and put cell values to excel sheet using macros?

Simple macros can be great time-savers. Here is a simple macro to create a table by fetching values from different places (but in a definite order) of a spreadsheet.
=========================================================================

Count = 0
    For i = 1 To 15
     
           date_1 = ActiveSheet.Cells(1, 8 + Count).Value
           dilbit = ActiveSheet.Cells(4, 6 + Count).Value
           lago = ActiveSheet.Cells(17, 6 + Count).Value
           percentag = ActiveSheet.Cells(29, 10 + Count).Value
         
   
           ActiveSheet.Cells(i + 36, 1).Value = date_1
           ActiveSheet.Cells(i + 36, 2).Value = dilbit
           ActiveSheet.Cells(i + 36, 3).Value = lago
           ActiveSheet.Cells(i + 36, 4).Value = percentag
         
        Count = Count + 7
           
    Next

=========================================================================

Installing CyanogenMod 7 (mil version) ROM on Koodo LG optimus One Android phone (P500h)

Root the phone before doing this.

Download cyanogen_thunderg-ota-eng.mil-6.5.4.zip into your microSD card. CyanogenMod 7 ROM is based on Gingerbread. Install ROM Manager on your phone. Open ROM Manager and select Install ROM from SD card. Now browse to the downloaded cyanogen zip and tap it.

In the menu, check backup existing ROM (if you want to back up the current OS, highly recommended). Check the options to wipe data/cache and dalvik cache. Now Tap OK. The phone will restart and backup the files and then proceed to CM7 installation.

The phone will automatically restart after the installation (takes about 5-10 min). You will see a brand new OS on your phone. Go to settings and add your google account to synchronize contacts, mails etc.

If you want any other google applications which are not already installed with CyanogenMod 7, follow these instructions.

The same procedure can be used for installing any other android ROMs.

ALL CREDITS TO ORIGINAL DEVELOPERS.

Install google apps on your new Android OS.

If you want any other google applications which are not already installed with your current Android ROM (like CyanogenMod 7), download apps-addon.zip. If you don't have it already, install ROM Manager on your phone. Open ROM Manager and select Install ROM from SD card. Now browse to the downloaded zip file and tap it.

In the menu, check backup existing ROM (if you want to back up the current OS, not required in this case for installing google apps). Uncheck the options to wipe data/cache and dalvik cache. Now Tap OK. The phone will restart and backup the files and then proceed to gapps installation.

ALL CREDITS TO ORIGINAL DEVELOPERS.

Rooting Koodo LG optimus One Android phone (P500h)

This procedure will work for LG optimus One Android phone from Koodo (P500h). This may work for other LG Optimus One phones as well, but I have not tested it.

Do not use z4root to root this phone (many people suggested to use this, but didn't work for me at all). The process takes forever without any result.

Download GingerBreak-v1.20.apk (google it, I am sure you will find it). In the application settings, allow installation of non-market applications and enable "USB debugging" in Application settings>Development. Once you install the apk, you will be able to do a "Permanent root" without any fuss.

Please leave a comment, if you have success with any other methods.

If you want to go ahead and install a new ROM (for eg cyanogenMOD 7) instructions are here.

File explorer for LG Optimus one (Android)

What I mean by best file explorer for Android? It should easily navigate to your microSD card. It should be able to access your (home) network contents. This is especially important because this allows you to get rid of the usb cable.

The file explorer which I am using for these purposes is ES file explorer. It is free and you can configure (map) the network drives. Once it is done, just tap the LAN and all the mapped drives will get listed. It is as easy to use as Windows 7 Homegroup. You can play music/movie files in your phone like this. It allows copy/paste from network computer to micro SD card. Really useful software.

Disassembling the LG P500 Optimus One

All owners of LG P500 Optimus one should see this.

Screen fit in Sharp aquos LC-60E78UN.

I bought this new Sharp Aquos 60" TV. It is connected to an HTPC having Windows 7. When I switched on the computer, TV was able to show 1080p resolution, however, I was not able to see the edges. In other words, the Windows button was not visible. The borders of other Windows were not visible, if maximized.

Now the solution is simple. The TV is defaulted to some crazy zoom mode (I think they say smart zoom). If you change to "dot by dot" (aka 'Screen fit' or 'Just Scan' or 'pixel by pixel'), life will be good. The screen will be fully visible. It directly maps the incoming image to the TV screen's pixels, eliminating overscan and other possible processing. This is the best option for seeing movies.

In the Sharp TV remote, Press View Mode and select Dot by Dot (full screen).More details on page 59 of your Sharp LC-60E78UN manual.

Change font size of text using Acrobat Professional.

How do I change the font size of text inside Text Box/ Callout tool?

When we edit pdfs using Acrobat Professional, we usually put text boxes and call out boxes in the pdf document. Now how the change the text / font size. The answer is simple, but it usually takes more time to figure out how.

Enable to Properties toolbar (Ctrl + E). Now highlight the text you want to change the font size. The tools in the Properties toolbar is enabled now. You can change the font type, size etc.

Note: When multiple pdf documents are open, the Properties toolbar is not enabled, even after highlighting the text. I think this is a bug. The workaround is to close all the other acrobat windows except the one you are editing. If you want the other documents open, use other pdf readers like Foxit, Google chrome (with inbuilt pdf viewer).

Media player for LG Optimus One

The stock media player in Android is just ok. It will not play all video files. If the resolution of the avi file is higher (resolution more than 640x360), it will give an error message "resolution not supported".

However, you can freely download Moboplayer. This is the best player I have tested. They say that it can technically play any file played by VLC media player, since they use the same codecs (FFDshow). Anyways, Moboplayer was able to play the files rejected by stock player. There was no "resolution not supported" messages anymore.

Note: Make sure your video file does not have AC3 audio. mp3 and AAC audio work fine.

How to get 5.1 surround sound from AAC file using spdif?

This is a tutorial to get 5.1 surround sound from your receiver (capable of handling AC3) from an AAC file. I tried hard to make this work and did lots of googling. Finally found success in doom9 forum.

Here we will be using Media Player Classic and ffdshow.

1. First install MPC and ffdshow.

2. Open ffdshow audio decoder and choose ffdshow to decode AAC (use libfaad2 for AAC in codecs page)

3. In the Resample page, tick the checkbox for Resample. Change "resample to" box to 48000 Hz. Make sure that "Resample always" radio button is checked.

4. In the Output page (under OSD), check AC3 (S/PDIF encode mode) under Supported output sample formats. Make sure the bitrate is 640. Check "Don't use WAVEFORMATEXTENSIBLE header when not needed".

That's it. Press Apply.

Now your AAC will be passed (resampled) to your receiver as AC3 and your receiver will identify it as Dolby Digital.

Note: All the audio going thru ffdshow will be resampled. If you are using MPC for Ac3/DTS, this will reduce quality. I suggest you to use inbuilt MPC AC3/DTS decoder (which can send signals directly to s/pdif) or AC3 filter.

Koodo Tab

What is Koodo Tab?

I was so confused on how it worked. This is a simple version took from Future Shop website.

"Koodo Mobile lets you run a Tab towards the price of a new mobile phone. The Tab lets you take up to $150 off the retail price of a new phone, so if you want a phone with a retail value of $150, you could put 150 on your Tab and pay $0 for your mobile phone. Every month, 10% of your bill (except credits, late payment charges, and taxes) goes towards paying off your Tab. You're free to leave whenever you want, simply settle any outstanding Tab balance on your way out. We don't do cancellation fees. And the phone is yours to keep."

When you buy a koodo phone using the tab (this means not paying the full price of the phone), your koodo tab will be negative. As you pay off, it will start to go positive.

How to force VLC to use S/PDIF.

After I got my receiver, I wanted to pass through AC3/DTS to my receiver, so that it can decode the signals digitally. In VLC I had to select that option every time I play a movie. To default this,

first go to Tools >> Preferences >> Audio, and then under "Output Module", select "Win32 waveOut extension output." You should now see a check box that says "Use S/PDIF when available." Tick it, click "Save" and you should be good to go.

The VideoLAN Forums • View topic - Help with a/52 over s/pdif

AC3filter Dolby AC3 passthrough

If you're sending AC3Filter's output to a surround sound equipped home theater receiver you only need to set the Output Format to AS IS (No Change) and PCM 16bit (for standard Dolby Digital or DTS) and check the Use SPDIF checkbox. This will bypass AC3Filter's internal processing and send the original signal through your S/PDIF connection.

More details here.

Turn PC into a DLNA server

Get Windows media player 11.

go to Tools - options - library tab - configure sharing - check the box - allow unkown device - ok - monitor folders (here you select folders to be shared and enable sharing of folders in the list). Now search and your DLNA devices (eg PS3) will show up.

A better solution is to use serviio. It is free and you can configure which folders are to be shared. Twonky is also good (paid application), but I think it's memory footprint is higher than serviio.

How to get info regarding hardware details

Lots of people ask

Is there a way to detect the number of RAM slots available on my laptop, and the number that are presently occupied, without opening the laptop?

Use CPU-Z. It will give you the CPU, memory details etc, how many RAM slots are left, how much RAM is installed in each slot.

Or you may install SIW. Download the free version, it is good enough. I prefer SIW to CPU-Z. SIW even provides the info on the maximum RAM supported by the motherboard/chipset.

reverse and direct acting controllers

Reverse and direct acting actions for a controller is really confusing. Most of the definitions we hear from chemical engineers are wrong. It is not as simple as

• If an increase in the process variable (increase in devation from setpoint) results in an increase in output (Electric signal or Instrument air flow) , the controller is direct acting.
• If an increase in the process variable results in a decrease in output, the controller is reverse acting.

We need to take into consideration the controller action, i.e. whether it is fail close or fail open. The above definition will hold good for fail close (air to open). It is the opposite for fail safe open (air to close) controllers.

Direct acting means increase in process variable will increase in controller output and visa versa. And opening and closing of valve will depend on valve type AFC (Air fail - CLOSE) or AFO. (AFO valve normally use for cooling water, antisurge valve etc.)


So we can conclude,

• If the PV is increased and the air to controller is also increased, then the controller is direct acting.
• If the PV is increased and the air to controller is decreased, then the controller is reverse acting.

More details about controller actions can be found here.

How to make scanned pdf searchable

Instructions are here.

Can firefox sync chrome bookmarks

Xmark is the tool you're looking for. I haven't used this product. But will try to use sometime later.

Microsoft Excel yes no drop down list

1. Select your range, then go to Data menu --> Validation

2. Select the Settings tab, in the Allow field, select List, then in Source type

Yes,No (without spaces).

You are set to go.

Now if you want to count those Yes or No, use

=countif([Range of Cells], "Yes")

Flare back pressure definitions

Constant back pressure (= constant portion of superimposed backpressure): This back pressure is due to fixed components in the flare header (valves, fittings, pipe etc).

Superimposed back pressure - variable: This is the pressure in the flare header due to the flow from other PSVs into the flare header. For an atmospheric discharge it would be 0 psig.

API definition for superimposed backpressure
The static pressure that exists at the outlet of a pressure relief device at the time the device is required to operate.
Superimposed backpressure is the result of pressure in the discharge system coming from other sources and may be
constant or variable.

Superimposed backpressure (constant + variable) is that backpressure that may exist before opening of the device.

Variable back pressure (built-up back pressure): This is the back pressure that is caused by the flow of liquid to be relieved. This is related to the pressure drop due to the release of the particular PSV.

API definition for built-up backpressure

The increase in pressure at the outlet of a pressure relief device that develops as a result of flow after the pressure relief device opens.

(Total) Back pressure
The pressure that exists at the outlet of a pressure relief device as a result of the pressure in the discharge system.

Backpressure is the sum of the superimposed and built-up backpressures. 


Or it is the sum of total variable backpressure (superimposed variable + built up) and constant backpressure.

Low NOX burners

Over 90% of the NOx from a typical flame is in the form of NO and the remainder is NO2.

NOX is controlled in a typical burner using

1. Staged fuel combustion
2. Fuel gas recirculation
3. Lean premix combustion
4. Air flow pattern

Good article here.

Is furnace arch / bridge wall temperature a function of fuel gas composition?

No. It is more of a function of air flow, coking of tubes, pass flows etc

Furnace bridge wall

Bridge wall in a furnace is the section the radiation section ends and the convection section begins. The function of the bridge wall is to force the flue gas in a particular path and concurrently generate a pressure drop which affects the draft through the furnace as a whole. The temperature at that point is the bridge wall temperature.

Fine-tune your delayed coker

Nice article on delayed coker

Cold Differential Test Pressure - CDTP

What is Cold Differential Test Pressure?

It is an adjustment to the set pressure of the valve when it is being set, as it is not at process conditions. The correction can be due to backpressure and/or temperature fluctuations. It can be defined as

(set pressure - back pressure)*correction factor

Correction factor is supplied by manufacturer.

What is CDTP? Interesting stuff in this link. Cold Differential Test Pressure - Cheresources.com Community

2xAA to D-Size Cell Battery adapter / converter

This is a pretty cheap solution to run the cradle and swing. I can't stomach the fact that I paid $11.5 for 8 D-size batteries.

$2.76 - SoShine 2xAA to D-Size Cell Battery Converter Case (2-Pack) - Batteries: "2xAA to D-Size Cell Battery Converter"

Permissive, interlock - Difference

The PERMISSIVES, are some conditions that need to be satisfied before you can start the machine. For e.g. a compressor can be started only when there is sufficient suction pressure.

INTERLOCK: During the process, if a condition fails, interlocks are activated. For e.g. a pump shutdown interlock is activated when the level of drum goes low.

An interlock can also be a permissive, but the converse is not true. For the compressor example (in Permissives), if insufficient suction pressure is a permissive, the compressor will not shutdown, if there is insufficient suction pressure. It is just a condition for the system to start. But if insufficient suction pressure was an interlock, the system will shutdown, when ever the suction pressure goes below a fixed value. But once shutdown, all the permissives need to be satisfied before the system can start again.

More details here

P&ID acronyms

Lots of acronyms available in the link below

http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/17553945/1395052886/name/P%26ID+Abbreviation.pdf

Will blackberry use wifi over 3G

Will blackberry use wifi over 3g

Yes, but you will have to make some modifications in the browser options.

1. Go to browser>menu>option>broser configuration>set it to hotspot broswer

2. Go back>general properties>and set it to hotspot broswer.

Hot bolting

Hot bolting is a method of replacing the bolts on a live line. Normally done one bolt at a time. Hot bolting should be used only when there is no other reasonable choice.

The criteria typically followed is something like:
• The operating pressure must be less than 75% of the MAWP as allowed under ANSI B16.5 at the operating temp of the piping or process system to be hot bolted.
• The flange must have a minimum of 8 bolts
• The process temperature must be between 4°and 71° C.
• All flanges and associated system equipment must be adequately supported, i.e. no excessive vibration or pulsation.

Monitoring for hydrocarbons is also a must during the operation. Generally the procedure for hot bolting is the same sequence as for a tightening operation.
• The gasket area must not show signs of leakage. Piping, flanges, and bolts must not be severely corroded, i.e., to the point of affecting their integrity.
• Existing flange bolts/nuts must be tight and of the correct size and grade.

Credits to GregLamberson and other posters here

Side to side baffle trays

Side-to-side trays are trays that allow the liquid to splash from side to side. The decks can be sloped. Fouling potential of this tray is low, as with efficiency.

A very good article here

Single fired and double fired furnaces.

In single fired, burner in the middle and tubes on the either sides.In double fired furnaces the tubes are in the middle and burners on both sides, thereby heated (fired) from both sides.

Double fired

Single fired

How to put multiply symbol.

Well you may need to put multiply symbol is drawings and all. I was searching for a way to do it. One simple way is to put an "x" symbol in keyboard. If that doesn't cut, then

type ALT + 0215 in your number pad.

Micro USB PC Data Sync Cable for Blackberry

Focalprice.com offers Micro USB PC Data Sync Cable for Blackberry

available at $1.43 (for 3 units) or 1.91 (for one unit). I wish I could use it along with my BB Curve 8530.

If you're looking for some low priced gadgets, accessories or electronics, Hong Kong based online retailer FocalPrice.com is worth checking out. They're quite similar to DealExtreme.com. All prices are in US dollars and shipping is free for all items. Keep in mind items are being shipped from overseas, so orders may take 2-4 weeks to arrive.

Dealextreme has this for $1.2. but it seems like really poor quality, as mentioned my multiple reviewers.

Monoprice has this for cheap at 97 cent (it's a daily deal).

Meritline seems to be expensive at 2.54.

I was going to buy Denon AVR-791 AV receiver

[Elect] Denon AVR-791 AV receiver $430 at FS, PM at at BB for $408 ($650 regular price) - RedFlagDeals.com Forums: "Denon AVR-791 AV receiver"

The price after PM at Bestbuy is $408 which is pretty much the cost of the receiver. But it doesn't have a component output. So until I buy my new TV, I will have to use the low quality composite video. I will wait for some Onkyo 608 or lower to go on sale, they have less price, but has component output.

But still I'm not sure if I pass on this deal.

Onkyo HT-RC260 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver for US$298

Onkyo HT-RC260 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver | P. C. Richard & Son with free shipping:

"Onkyo HT-RC260 7.2 Channel Home Theater Receiver"

100W per channel

Amazon.com has it for $330 with free shipping.

Panasonic DMC-ZS7A 12.1 MP Digital Camera

Newegg.ca - Panasonic DMC-ZS7A Blue 12.1 MP 3.0" TFT(460K), AR Coating LCD 12X Optical Zoom 25mm Wide Angle Digital Camera: "Panasonic DMC-ZS7A Blue 12.1 MP 3.0' TFT(460K), AR Coating LCD 12X Optical Zoom 25mm Wide Angle Digital Camera" for $231 tax + shipping in.

I bought it for my friend from Newegg. He is visiting Calgary next week. I think it's a good price for the features like GPS, 12X zoom.

A good discussion about this deal here.

Patriot Box Office Network Media Player

NCIX.com - Buy Patriot Box Office Network Media Player 2.5IN HDD Support USB HDMI LAN MKV RMVB ISO DTS P2P - PCMPBO25 In Canada.: "Patriot Box Office Network Media Player 2.5IN HDD Support USB HDMI LAN MKV RMVB ISO DTS P2P"

The price at ncix is $84.99 but with $45 MIR, it's like 39.99. OMG it's a great price. But should I buy this. I don't have enough money yet for my dream basement home theatre.

Here is MIR rebate form. Or use this one.

Deal thread from RFD

[Elect] Patriot Box Office Owners & Deals Thread: ($35 MIR) $55 - RedFlagDeals.com Forums: "Patriot Box Office"

Tummy time for babies.

Well, I heard about this concept today. The nurses told us that babies should be on their back. So we never cared to put him on his tummy. Now I read that tummy time is important. Tummy time is nothing but time spent by baby on his tummy. It is not bad to have 5-10 min tummy time, couple of times a day. It helps his neck and gives him a new perspective.

Source

http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/sleep-10/tummy-time

Breather pipe - Tank design

Well, My boss told me that the design is governed by API 2000. I tried to read it, but it's no fun. So I downloaded a spreadsheet, which does all the calculations. It calculates the breather valve diameter, based on the limiting case, I think fire case is the limiting case. API 2000 has some correlations for different cases. I found that the current diameter for the breather pipe is sufficient.

Now my company specs says all tanks must have a breather pipe of good neck type or mushroom cap type. Since we are specifying something difference (a straight pipe without mushroom cap), we need to issue a technical deviation (TDS).

A good resource

http://www.cheresources.com/invision/topic/7327-tank-vent-sizing/

Spreadsheet calculations (credit to original author) here

Equations for normal venting, which should help:

Inbreathing:

If tank capacity <= 3500 m³

Total Inbreathing = Pumpout + 0.178*tank capacity (m³)

If tank capacity >3500 m³

Total Inbreathing = Pumpout + 3.2*(tank capacity (m³))^0.651

Outbreathing:

Liquids with flashpoint >37.8 deg C or NBP above 149 deg C

If tank capacity <= 3500 m³

Total Outbreathing = 1.069*Pump-in + 0.107*Tank Capacity(m³)

If tank capacity > 3500 m³

Total Outbreathing = 1.069*Pump-in + 1.92*(Tank Capacity(m³))^0.651

Liquids with flashpoint <37.8>

If tank capacity <= 3500 m³

Total Outbreathing = 2.138*Pump-in + 0.178*Tank Capacity(m³)

If tank capacity > 3500 m³

Total Outbreathing = 2.138*Pump-in + 3.2*(Tank Capacity(m³))^0.651

Note: The Pumpout and Pump-in are given in m³/h.

Vent to be sized for the maximum of the inbreathing or outbreathing rate.

(All credits to ankur2061)

Dongle for my future WDTV

This dongle is available at newegg.ca for $9.99 with free shipping.

Rosewill RNX-EasyN1 IEEE Wireless N USB 2.0 Dongle $9.99 + Free Ship

Should I buy it? Is it too early to buy? But I am sure it's a super deal.

First my plan is to buy a receiver. After that speakers. Then it will be time to buy a 55" TV. After that WDTV life. hmm... before that I need to buy sofa for the living room. Overall we are talking $3000.

Getting passport for my newborn

Passport Canada: Canadians - Forms: "Passport Canada"

You need to fill in PPTC 155

Panasonic HDC-SD600K: Wish I had an AmeriFriend who could buy this for me

Amazon.com: Panasonic HDC-SD600K 3MOS High-Def Camcorder with 35mm Wide-Angle Lens and 18x Intelligent Zoom (Black): Camera & Photo: "Panasonic HDC-SD600K 3MOS High-Def Camcorder with 35mm Wide-Angle Lens and 18x Intelligent Zoom (Black)"

for $299 with free shipping within US

Official Google Blog: Microsoft’s Bing uses Google search results—and denies it

Official Google Blog: Microsoft’s Bing uses Google search results—and denies it: "Microsoft’s Bing uses Google search results—and denies it"

Microsoft thoughts

Linksys PAP2 Caller ID / Call display troubleshooting

Many may experience this problem. I have Linksys PAP2 which I'm using along with Freephoneline. When I call somebody, it was showing my number. But when they call me, I was not able to see their name or phone number (call display was not working). It was very frustrating. I troubleshot with FPL tech support. They were not able to figure out why, even though they said the phone is working fine. I was thinking that there is some problem with the configuration. Note that I am using a telus High speed internet connection.

After attempting so many things, I finally changed the caller ID method in the Regional tab (advanced view) to DTMF(Finland,Sweden). It solved all the problems. Note that the phone used is Siemens Gigaset DECT 6.0 Cordless Phone System. The settings may be different for other phones. Good luck troubleshooting.

Update: I recently upgraded my internet connection to telus high speed 25 mbps connection. They provided a new modem/router ( V1000H ). Now my caller ID again stopped working. This time around I had to change the Caller ID method to ETSI FSK WITH PR (UK). Caller ID FSK standard is still bell 202.

Locate32 for fast search.

It is such an amazing tool to search the files in your computer. It is the best when it come to searching the file by file name. It searches in a snap the files in your local computer. The files in the network (meaning inside an organization, where it has to search all the folders in a domain) takes a bit more time. Don't keep in mind that you should develop a habit of naming your files in a proper way, ie

1. name it the way you will remember
2. add synonym in the names (like "list of mp3.doc" will be names as "list of mp3 mp3s music tracks.doc) - So even if you forget mp3, you can get the result by searching music as well.

Bye to Samsung Jack after 2 years.

It is really funny how I bought this handset, Samsung Jack. I initially bought Motorola RAZR2.

It was supposedly a high end phone 2 years ago and came with a context sensitive touchscreen. No the whole screen is touchscreen, but calls can be taken using the outside display. I tested it for 2 weeks, but didn't like it. Volume for music was too low. I was not able to hear anything when riding Calgary Transit. The interface was bad. It was not a smartphone. I couldn't install any apps.

Then the idea of smartphone crossed my mind. Fido as usual sucks wrt phone selection (even now they do). They had only Motorola Q9H or Samsung Jack. Motorola Q9H was not available anywhere (Fido online or Fido store). They were probably phasing out that phone. I think Sony Experia was coming at that time. That phone was highly anticipated at that time, as I read from various forums. Remember there were no Android fanboys then (well Android must've been there, but it was not popular the way it's now). Anyways, Jack was my last choice, since it looked like a brick for me.

I got it and tested for some time. That was my first smart phone. I installed some apps like CorePlayer. I installed Garmin mobile, it was a huge learning experience installing something like that. I used it as my first GPS. Getting the satellite takes painfully long, but once there, it will serve you nicely. We roamed around the whole of Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City with that GPS. It served my nicely. My wife always disliked the Jack because it lacked those aesthetics to attract females. And I always used to poke here saying that her Nokia N70 is not smart enough :). Actually it's a really nice looking phone.

Then other thing I like about Samsung Jack is the address book. It is simply the best I have ever used. Just type in the first or last name or number or anything on its QWERTY keyboard, contact will show up (I hate my Vivaz pro's contact manager, how many clicks to get the right contact, it's painful). Anyways, Samsung Jack, you did a good job. I am not sure what I will do with it. But most probably I will give it to somebody back in India.

My Sony Ericsson Vivaz Pro

I got the phone from Fido. They are pushing Vivaz too much these days. Why? In any case it's not a bad phone, considering that I don't have to take a data plan with this phone. With all other smartphones, we need to, be it iPhone or any of those fancy Android devices. I have never used those devices too much. So I can't compare.

First thing,Vivaz is so difficult to open. No clear instructions were given in the quick manual. The keyboard is nice. It should be better that on-screen keyboard.

Vivaz has Symbian OS. It used to be a leader but not anymore. The UI is ok but using it with touch screen is a pain most of the times. YouTube app is already there. But it doesn't stream continuously in 3G connection. I think not even with wi-fi. Is it a phone problem that it's not able to play continuously. I am not sure. But the screen is big and the resolution is not bad. I installed Opera mobile. Websites look good now. I had a really bad experience with Opera mini on my Blackberry curve 8530. Oh! man, I was not able to use the Blackberry touch pad to do anything in Opera. Maybe I had to do some other settings. But a fresh install of a software should at least do things half right and be at least usable. I still use Blackberry browser, which I feel is doing things half right.

Vivaz's Address book is a pain. You cant just type the first few letters and get the matching names. How painful. My old Samsung blackjack could do it. Really Symbian/SE, you need to get your act together. The customization of themes is good enough. There are lots of apps. some of the apps will not work on Vivaz even if it works on S60 5ed. Like Best answering machine. It tried, it didn't work. I really need to get some answering machine for this phone. hmm.. I need to search more...

Google maps is good. I tested the voice commands in G maps. It's pretty good. Ndrive is working fine I guess. Didn't get enough time to play with that. OVI maps didn't work. I didn't install any other apps. Kinetic scrolling works for photo viewer only, I guess. The media player is good. The pics taken are good enough at 5MP, but not the best at night. The video at 72op is also good. A little bit grainy at night. There is an LED flash, which is to be mainly used for video (it may not be powerful enough for night and it's not attached to digital camera-like you click the shot and the flash flashes. Many reviewers have criticized this in the review). I am yet to shoot videos with LED on. It should be better than now for sure.But HD videos are nice and 720p is best for my current needs.

Overall I am not going to return the phone, I got it for $80 with 2 yr contract. The rates I got is pretty good. Free incoming, caller ID, 200 min, free evening/weekends, unlimited browsing (no downloads) all for $25.

Skydrive for document storage.

Well, we always need more and more space. Dropbox is giving 2GB, but that's enough to store only important documents. What about those backups. and those pics. How about HD videos. With new Sony Ericsson Vivaz Pro, you can do HD videos. and I have the Sony CX100, which shoots 1080p videos. I have documents from all over the places.

Then I found skydrive from MS. I downloaded the skydrive explorer, which can be used for copy pasting the documents to the online drive. After few days of uploading, Bing will index your files and you can search for things (I got scared when I was not getting any search results, 1-2 days are uploading. then the idea clicked my mind that it takes time for indexing). 25GB is good enough for now. But those HD videos should still be happy on my HDD/DVD since 25 will get filled up very soon if i upload all my HD videos.

What I should be doing is that, I should upload all my 720p videos from Vivaz to youtube and keep it private. That way I get unlimited storage for my videos (i think there is not limitation on the number of uploads to youtube).

P&ID mark up using acrobat professional

I never thought I can do such a thing using acrobat. But I'm getting more and more comfortable with that. It's a bit clumsy to work. Like you can't go to line "properties" by double clicking (it will go to comment mode, which frankly i never use). But I can create lines,clouds, etc after some practicing. But you can't create custom shapes... like not all things you want in your P&ID can be created. Still it's serving the purpose now.

A far better solution is to use PDF revu. It is cheaper than Acrobat Professional, I guess. You can make the pdf edits quickly using this software. You can create custom shapes and add it to library. After using PFD revu, I really don't feel like going back to Acrobat.

Sony STR-DH510 receiver.

Planning to buy this. Visions has this for $200. I will get $100 cashback from my Sony MC. So it's just 100 bucks. The reviews are positive wrt sound. Now it doesn't have the bells and whistles. But this is my first receiver. So I may not need too many things there. I'm planning to use this in my bonus room, as of now. I will reuse my Pioneer hifi speakers and the woofer from my logitech 5.1 (which is not working now). I can resue some of its speakers as well.

TomTom XL540.

Really liked the interface. Some canadian roads wrong. But it was only $80.

Bought OLYMPUS | STYLUS 7040

This is for my FIL. It has reached home. I will test it when I reach home. Many say the pics have some noise. But for $85 who cares. In b/w newegg lowered the price by 8 dollars. I chatted with their web support and they refunded $8. Nice chaps.