Jack's Gadgets

A day in Copengagen with Lumix GX1 and Lumix G f2.5 14mm street-shooting lens

2013-05-05T16:26:00.000+02:00

Lumix GX1 and 14mm f2.5 (equiv to 28mm) is excelent street photography set and travel companion. Small, light, sharp, fast focusing and fast in aperture.

Recommended!

#Lumix GX1 #14mm f2.5

Panasonic Lumix G Vario 45-200

2013-04-25T22:24:00.000+02:00

Bought it. Used it. If you are demanding, then don’t consider it. Too soft in 200mm. I think that you should buy 100-300 if You really are in M4/3 world.

Here is my bird gallery, all shot with 45-200 and Lumix GX1.

My valuation: mediocre

Polish carbon monopod SIRUI

2013-04-21T16:15:00.000+02:00

Polish wonder SIRUI

I was looking long time new mono pod for my Sony SLT a99 to shoot clear photos with 500 mm lens. First I was looking at Gitzo offerings, but the price of decent mono-pod was steep. They ask 350€ for Gitzo GM5541 series 5 carbon monopod and 250€ for Gitzo GH1780QR series 1 centre ball head. Total 600€ bill felt un-adjusted.

By lucky chance I found Polish producer SIRUI. They offered heavy duty P324 carbon mono pod, withstanding 20 kg load, for only 94€ and additional 100€ for K-10X ball head. Total package just 194€!!!

After few days of shooting, I can say only good words about SIRUI. Ball head is smooth, there is no need to fix it properly, it’s possible to switch from landscape to portrait by using a bit more force, twisting semi-closed ball-head, but the camera with tele lens still feels firmly fixed during shooting. It’s possible to select pre-load on 1-12 scale, where 12 is 100% fixed position. I found useful to leave pre-load to 7, using my a99 and Zeiss 135mm f1.8

Mono pod looks gorgeous. Polished carbon threads are nicely visible and over-sized diameter just looks affirming.

New speedy SD cards

2013-04-18T16:30:00.000+02:00

I was kind of stuck with my SanDisk Extreme Class 10 35 MBps SDHC card. But lately I bought new UHS-I class 95 MBps Extreme Pro SDHC cards from SanDisk. And I was really surprised about their speed. Therefore by current blog. I collected my random collection of 4 SD cards and measured their real-life speed by copying and reading 1.67 GB directory of 4 video clips and 62 RAW photos. Here are the results:

That’s how much faster is UHS-I compared to older Class 10 and Class 4 cards. Don’t forget to use USB 3.0 reader.

My conclusion: Go for it NOW!

#SanDisk #UHS-I #UHS-1 #UHS1 #Extreme Pro #SDHC #USB 3.0

2013-04-14T16:13:00.000+02:00

Google Pixel

Google promotes Chromebook as “Computer for Everyone”. Price-wise it might be, as prices start from $250 or so. It’s sleek and light, it has plenty of battery-life. But what is it and is it really for everybody?
Quick and short answer is — NO, it’s not yet for everybody.
Longer answer is — YES, it for everybody, who looks for lightweight second computer. ‘

Consider Chromebook if
- you are already Google ecosystem user
- your main task is e-mails, documents, spreadsheets, calendar event planning, social media, web browsing
- if you have other (may be stationary) powerful PC or Mac for photo/video editing
- for second computer

Don’t consider Chromebook
- as your only computer and you have to edit photos, videos, do graphic design on that
- to use Skype (here is no Skype on Chromebook)
- you happen to be Google-hater for some reason
- you a afraid of cloud (there is no local data storage any more, everything is kept in the Internet)

So, if You spent all day only in Explorer, Safari, Chrome or other web browser and mail client software, Chromebook might be your choice of computing platform.

Why Chromebook is good?
- software is so lightweight, it boots fast and operates smooth;
- easier to create content than on tablet;
- good battery life;
- 3G-WiFi connectivity is easy and fast — you really are always connected;
- documents are saved in real time, you can’t lose any, even if computer crashes (highly unlikely) or when running out of battery;
- Google Docs is so refreshingly simple and practical
- No messing with drivers, updates etc

Samsung Series 5 Chromebook (model 550)

What Cromebook to buy?
My recommendation:
Medium/Low budget: Samsung Series 5 Chromebook (model 550), based on Intel Celeron processor and GMA 3000, enough to run HD movies with absolutely no problem; About $400 with 3G+WiFi
Big roller: Go for Google Pixel

Tip of a Day: Don’t buy WiFi only version. 3G gives such a freedom.

Shoot smarter with Samsung NX300 smart camera

2013-04-10T08:43:00.000+02:00

1. Install Samsung Smart Camera App to iPhone or Android. Pair the devices.

2. Place camera strategically

3. Wait and follow the action via remote viewfinder

4. Take crystal clear shots!

All shots are saved in original resolution to cameras memory card, but also transferred to mobile phone in 1616 x 1080 pixel reduced resolution. Phone and camera are creating peer-to-peer WiFi link.

Due to smart functions and WiFi capability, its possible to transfer full-resolution files to Picasa, Google+, Skydrive, Facebook, send them over e-mail or share to DLNA capable devices like smart-TV.

Nice gadget!

Sony 500 mm f8 Reflex Tele SAL-500F80

2013-04-07T16:07:00.003+02:00

500mm f/8 Reflex Telephoto Lens, Model number: SAL-500F80

Its a prime telephoto lens, weighting just 700 grams. Low weight is possible due to reflex (mirror surface) design. Due to f 8.0, enough light is required and shutter speed is 1-2 stops longer than other non-reflex tele primes. It’s the world’s only super telephoto reflex lens with auto-focus capability.

SAL-500F80 makes pretty sharp photos, when subject stands still or camera does high ISO. Donut-shape bokeh is pretty characteristic to reflex lens. Some might not like it.

Main fact, it’s discontinued. But sometimes available in ebay for mere $600-700. I got mine there.

Li-Ion starter battery (12V for cars)

2013-03-08T11:13:00.000+02:00

Li-Ion starter battery (12V for cars)

Greater Charge Acceptance Rate — lithium ion Engine Start Battery is designed with a greater charge acceptance rate than AGM lead acid, enabling it to charge up to 10 times more quickly and contributing to a fuel economy improvement of 50 percent or greater compared with lead acid as reported by customers.

Lithium Ion battery is lower and much lighter

Reduced Weight — Lite Plus weighs less than 30% of comparable lead acid batteries, helping to reduce vehicle emissions and enhance driving performance and agility.

Extended Life — The extended calendar and cycle life inherent to Nanophosphate technology enable the battery to last at least twice as long as AGM lead acid batteries, resulting in minimal maintenance and lower total cost of ownership.

Minimal Environmental Impact — LiFePO4 Battery offers reduced total carbon emissions compared to lead acid and do not contain lead or any other hazardous materials. By replacing lead acid batteries with Lithium Ion solutions, customers can reduce the environmental impact of their systems, helping its customers promote their green initiatives and sustainability goals.

Ordinary OEM lead battery is old tech 20+ kg lump of excess weight. Everyone, who loves enthusiastic driving, open track events etc know that additional mass is no good. Our 20 Ah li-ion starter battery weights only 2,5 Kg, lighter car has less inertia, accelerates and turns in more agile manner.

New cool Li-Ion starter battery

2013-03-04T10:43:00.001+02:00

New cool Li-Ion starter battery, light, good for open track events. Lite Plus Li-Ion starter battery.

Key Benefits over old tech conventional Lead Acid:

Extensive Cycle Life: More than 4X longer life than lead acid provides lower total cost of ownership
Dynamic Charge Acceptance. Accepts high rates of charge and captures more energy from regenerative braking for improved fuel economy
Lighter Weight: up to 70% lighter than lead acid batteries
Excellent cold crack performance - on par with lead acid
Real-time data and diagnostics protect the battery and prevent premautre failures, reducing service and warrantly costs

Lexus GS 450h F-Sport heavy hybrid powerful GT car

2012-12-17T17:38:00.000+02:00

Lexus asked to give my opinion about their sporty and really powerful GS 450h F-Sport model . Ones who think they know how dull was GS in the past -- forget all that. This one is the beast. 200 kg heavier that BMW 535d. But active damping and steering makes miracles. Car feels lighter than that.

Strong design language in front, not so in rear

Discrete wing, pretty M5-lookalike

450h means 3-liter V6 combustion engine paired with electric motor. Huge total torque available in full RPM range

Floeting disks like in proper sports car, brakes did not fade despite of heavy car

Pretty old school gear lever gate, this car actually employs high tech variator, combined with electric motor. EV button switches to stealth mode to scare pedestrians. Avoid ECO, use Normal ore Sport +, to firm up suspension. Does not change max power available.

Rev meter in the left is replaced by ECO meter in Eco mode

CLS Shooting Break

2012-12-17T00:50:00.000+02:00

Tested and reviewed Mercedes Benz CLS Shooting Break last weekend in Estonia. This AMG bodykit 350DCI 4Matic is the sexiest, coolest, most desireable wagon on the Planet Earth.

Fujifilm X-E1 review

2012-12-17T00:25:00.000+02:00

Got Fujifilm X-E1 in my hands. Compared to Panasonic Lumix GX1.

Fuji need improving in focusing, too slow, too unreliable. But image quality is absolutely top class. New X-Trans APS-C sensor rocks.

Popcorn Hour A300 and SHOUTcast Radio

2012-06-27T22:14:00.003+02:00

I hope, that You didnt buy A300 only for local streaming. SHOUTcast app opens internet radio world in pretty user-friendly manner. There are huge number of internet stations, usually it makes it hard to handle. Organising, sorting and tagging is essential. A300 masters it all in SHOUTcast app.

A300 Workflow:

1. Click Apps Market in sources

2. Find SHOUTcast Radio from most popular (left menu), install

3. Start SHOUTcast Radio

4. Find few stations You like, press green button to favourite

5. Later choose pre-selected stations from Favourites menu

My FU 29 tube amplifier

2012-04-20T16:00:00.000+02:00

This is my tube amp. Powerful, clean-sounding with stereo imaging to die for. Uses soviet military tubes, 110 mm high and 60 mm fat, like small Coke cans.

Tech data:

Input Power 110V-240V AVAILABLE
Output Power 30 W x 2 Class A
Output Tube FU29 x 2 (double tetrodes)
Driver Tube 6N2 x 2 , 6N1 x 2
Signal/Noise Ratio 90dB
Ohms 4 ohms 8 ohms
Input Consumption 160w
Frequency 20Hz-30KHz +/-1 dB
Distorsion Less than 0.5% at full power

I really can recommend it to any tube amp lover.

Loseless audio formats at home

2011-12-01T22:26:00.001+02:00

First, lets clarify the basics: Lossless data compression is a class of data compression algorithms that allows the exact original data to be reconstructed from the compressed data. The term lossless is in contrast to lossy data compression, which only allows an approximation of the original data to be reconstructed, in exchange for better compression rates.

Lossless compression is used in cases where it is important that the original and the decompressed data be identical, or where deviations from the original data could be deleterious.

MP3 and AAC (=the fruit company) are lossy compression.
FLAC and APE are generally used loseless formats.

Be aware, that some cheapest media players and also mobile phones cant play these formats. APE is supported by only few media players, so be aware!

Usually FLAC-s are ripped from CD-s at 12bit/44kHz resolution. Some FLAC-s are HD audio capable 24bit 48 kHz, 96 kHz or even higher definition. This is also too much for some players.

AIFF is widely used uncompressed high-quality sound format widely used in Apple world, but is not supported in any media player I know and had.

Last, but not least - good (= high bit rate) MP3 is generally more than enough for enthusiastic listening. High bitrate means generally 160, 192 or 320 kbps.

My recommendation: If You are leaning towards to audiophile listening and are enthusiastic to play studio master quality stuff, choose Your media player (or transport / DAC) wisely. It should support APE, FLAC and at least 24/96 D/A conversion.

Todays Piano playlist

2011-10-16T11:56:00.003+02:00

1. Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
2. Piano Concerto No. 2 in B flat major - Johannes Brahms
3. Piano Concerto in A minor - Robert Schumann

Fostex FE206EN back-loaded horn speaker project

2011-10-15T14:46:00.001+02:00

My Fostex FE206EN back-loaded horn speaker project. 21mm thick plywood is used for main section and side panels to ensure a strong enclosure.

Seagate tries to enter into media player market with GoFlex

2011-10-13T11:15:00.002+02:00

Seagate GoFlex looks nice on the paper, still I don’t really believe in them. Their main objective is to sell HDD-s. True good media player is very much about software and constant development. It's about community and customer feedback. In these areas are guys from Seagate, WD and Dlink not so good. I personally had to thow away one WD Live and one Dlink box, because of their bad UX, incompatibility with some HD MKV-s, poor sound quality and sluggish UI.

But We’ll see….

My hybrid digital + tube audiophile system

2011-10-11T12:34:00.000+02:00

Popcorn Hour C-200 transport (internal 1,5 TB storage + wired connection to media server and Internet) in the rack (top left); Pro-Ject DAC box, incorporating Texas Instruments TLV320DAC23. 24Bit/96kHz, 8x oversampling chip (small box, top shelf, right); single ended valve amp (bottom shelf); Fostex speakers, Thomson LED display on top.

C-200 track info is displayed on 26" Thomson LED display. Note, that FLAC loseless track is playing. Both actual file name and embedded tag data is displayed.

Full-range Fostex speakers with 2.2 m long exponential horn design and 94 dB (1W, 1m) sensitivity!

Exchange 2010 hosting

2010-10-06T07:54:00.000+02:00

We started today new service: Exchange hosting
Service bases on Microsoft Exchange 2010, WMware virtualization and HP Proliant and HP Storageworks hardware.

New game

2010-07-26T11:56:00.000+03:00

Today I bought very addictive game for my iPhone. Like tetris, but really dynamic:
Wristbreaker Tetris -style game for iPhone

Got rid of my DVD player

2010-05-21T23:09:00.004+03:00

Today was kind of historic milestone. I unwired my Onkyo DVD player. Proper DVD player has been almost #1 signal source for my home cinema for decades! First one was bought from Helsinki back in 1991. Second one vas bougth 5 years ago with Onkyo AV system.

Instead of dedicated DVD player I plugged external LG Super Multi DVD player Model GE20LU11 via USB to my Popcorn Hour C200. Cracked player Region Free using MediaCodeSpeedEdit and cracked C200 using Community Software Installer. Instructions are here

Some may wonder, why DVD player, not BluRay. I just have many DVD-s, not yet BluRay disks. All new HD stuff is coming from torrents in H.264 Matroska container format. Just saved few $$$.

Usability report after the break.

Go To FLAC

2010-03-03T14:35:00.002+02:00

Other day I downloaded Michael Jackson's "This Is It" from www.isohunt.com. Got FLAC version and MP3 version. FLAC = Free Lossless Audio Codec, I think it't cleared out now :) For C-200 users I highly recommend FLAC version over compressed formats. Soundstage is magically clear! May be We MP3 and compressed music people forgot how real uncompressed sound feels?

There is considerable size difference:

"This is It" 2 CD collection on HDD:

FLAC 630 MBytes
MP3 180 Mbytes (various 270-300 kbps)

So, it's about 3,5 ratio. Worth to listen!

C-200 is cured!

2010-02-22T18:00:00.003+02:00

After consulting with Network Media Tank forum http://www.networkedmediatank.com/ and Popcorn Hour support I tested my unit by using external Chieftec 850W (bah...) ATX power supply. C-200 woke up from coma and the problem was located. Popcorn Hour C-200 PSU was simply dead. After few letters back and forth with Popcorn I decided, that best way to get equipment up and running again is to repair it myself and let them ship only PSU. People from http://www.networkedmediatank.com/ told, that RMA is really long process, together with shipping almost 2-3 months in some cases. So, I accepted self repair option.

Got new PSU today, changed it in 7 minutes and C-200 is running better than ever again :) New PSU is a bit differently labelled, but internals seemed quite similar, as much as I disovered under the hood.

I have to say, that Popcorn Hour web-based support in top-notch. Didn't have any problem with delays or other.

Popcorn Hour C-200 is dead

2010-02-02T17:11:00.003+02:00

Most probably internal power supply unit failed. No standby light, nothing. RMA case, I believe. I was able to use it under one week.