To See Under the Sea
IMC Networks and the Manta Network have created the MantaCam, a sophisticated continuous underwater video monitoring system designed for use in the open ocean and marine aquariums. By combining IMC Networks’ rugged, compact MiniMc copper-to-fiber media converter, and the latest IP video camera technology, in a unique waterproof enclosure, the MantaCam can be placed far from the shore, while also supporting the high fiber-optic bandwidth needed to deliver high-quality, real-time video.
MantaCam is the world’s first underwater camera system that is able to be controlled at depths of several hundred feet from anywhere on the globe over the Internet. The IP camera, media converter and underwater housing have been specially designed for a wide range of applications. Camera systems with fiber-optic cables as long as 20 km can be connected to the Internet on shore or attached to a research vessel. The fiber and power cables are wet-mateable, making underwater connections and camera removal possible. With onboard motion detection, the camera will automatically “wake up” when there is activity in the area.
In preparation for open ocean deployment off the coast of Kona, Hawaii, the camera system is currently being tested in the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California. Visitors are invited to register at the following site to view and control the camera: http://www.Save-The-Mantas.org.
HarperCollins Site for Families, Educators
HarperCollins Publishers has launched its new Children’s Books website, www.harpercollinschildrens.com. This new consumer site is geared toward three distinct audiences: Children, parents and educators. Highlighted by Harper’s unequaled backlist, which includes classics such as “Charlotte’s Web” and “Goodnight Moon” as well as bestsellers such as “A Series of Unfortunate Events” and “The Chronicles of Narnia,” it features the ability to quickly and easily locate books and authors, interactive games and activities and enhanced learning tools.
Readers have the opportunity to connect directly with authors through online membership programs, such as AuthorTracker, First Look, Invite the Author, Wish List and several online newsletters. The children’s area of the site features the hottest titles for 6-12 year olds, such as the Rotten School and Warriors series, along with such backlist favorites as Amelia Bedelia and Ramona the Pest. Teachers and librarians will find helpful tools and resources, including a thematic planning calendar and the most comprehensive reading and activity guides in the industry.
Online Tool Finds Compatible Memory
Crucial Technology’s System Scanner tool is an easy way for consumers to find compatible computer memory modules and graphics cards. For the many users who want to upgrade their PCs, but don’t know the details of their system specifications, Crucial’s System Scanner tool offers a one-click solution.
The Crucial System Scanner is available free on www.crucial.com/uk and www.crucial.com/eu. This is a small, downloadable tool that quickly scans a computer’s hardware to detect the system configuration automatically. The Scanner then matches the system with the correct Crucial memory module (right down to the component level) and analyzes graphics card compatibility. This information is delivered in a report that includes a list of guaranteed-compatible Crucial memory and graphics card upgrades, illustrated results showing what memory is currently installed and other useful information specific to that system.
The Scanner tool leaves no footprint on the user’s computer, but each report is assigned a unique Scan ID code. This feature allows customers to reference the report again in the future.
This CF Card Works in Extremes
WinSystems has introduced its RoHS-compatible CompactFlash cards which operate from -40 degrees to +85 degrees Centigrade. The densities are 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, 1GB and 2GB and the card will work with single board computers or computer systems with a CompactFlash socket. The cards have greater than two million program/erase cycles and unlimited Reads maintaining fast transfer speeds of up to 16.6 megabytes/sec in burst mode.
WinSystems CompactFlash cards are targeted at applications that need industrial-grade reliability, industry-standard compatibility and IDE hard disk drive emulation for program and data storage. Since they are True IDE Mode and ATA-3 compliant, they are compatible with different operating systems such as Linux, Windows CE and Windows XP Embedded, ROM-DOS, and others without requiring a special driver.
List price of the CFLASH-G-128M-I, a 128MB industrial temperature RoHS unit, is $45. For further information click to www.winsystems.com/products/misc/wincflash.html.
