Bob Lin, MS-MVP, MCSE & CNE
Data recovery, Windows OS Recovery, Networking, and Computer Troubleshooting on
http://www.ChicagoTech.net
How to Install and Configure Windows, VMware, Virtualization and Cisco on
http://www.HowToNetworking.com
Unlike gasoline cars, Tesla vehicles require no traditional oil changes, fuel system maintenance, spark plug replacements or emission checks. Even brake pad replacements are rare because regenerative braking returns energy to the battery, significantly reducing wear on the brakes.
Check your owner’s manual for latest maintenance recommendations for your Tesla vehicle.
Recommended Maintenance Service
Cabin Air Filter
Your Tesla vehicle is equipped with an air filter that prevents pollen, industrial fallout, road dust and other particles from entering through the vents. We recommend the following cabin air filter replacement schedule:
Model 3 Model Y
Replace your cabin air filter every 2 years.
Model S Model X
Replace your cabin air filter every 3 years.*
Tire Rotation, Balance and Wheel Alignment
We recommend rotating your tires every 6,250 miles or if the difference of tread depth between two of your tires is 2/32 inches or greater, whichever comes first. Aggressive driving can lead to accelerated tire wear and may require more frequent tire service. Wheels and tires that are unbalanced and misaligned can impact handling, tire life and steering components. Refer to tire manufacturer’s owner manuals and warranty documentation for additional details.
Situation: The client uses Chargepont and Tesla SAE J1772 adapter to charge his Model Y. After the charging, he can’t take Tesla Charging adopter out because the Unlock Charger button broken and the Tesla shows red.
Resolution 1: use ChargPoint app to unlock.
In app, stop charging.
app UI will update with Unlock Charger button. Tap on that and car will unlock the charger socket
Pull both adapter and ChargePoint cable out at the same time. Car will close the flag once the adapter is out.
disconnect ChargePoint plug from adapter and put it back in the pedestal
Medicare Plan G, also known as Medicare Supplement Plan G, is a type of Medicare supplement insurance policy offered by private insurance companies to fill the gaps in coverage left by Original Medicare (Part A and Part B).
Medicare Supplement Plan G provides coverage for the following benefits:
Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs
Medicare Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
Medicare Part A deductible
Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment
Medicare Part B excess charges
Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
First three pints of blood for a medical procedure
The only out-of-pocket cost not covered by Medicare Supplement Plan G is the Medicare Part B deductible, which beneficiaries must pay before Medicare covers their outpatient services.
Plan G offers comprehensive coverage and is often considered a good option for those who want extensive coverage without the potentially higher premiums associated with Medicare Supplement Plan F.
It’s important to note that Medicare Supplement plans are standardized by the federal government, so Plan G will offer the same basic benefits regardless of which insurance company sells it. However, premiums and availability may vary by location and insurance provider.
If you’re having trouble using USB with your Sony a7R III (ILCE-7RM3), here are some steps you can try:
Check USB Connection Settings: 1, Go to the camera’s menu. 2. Navigate to Network and select Ctrl w/ Smartphone. 3. Choose Off. Then, go to Setup and adjust the USB Connection setting according to your needs: Auto: Automatically establishes a Mass Storage or MTP connection based on the connected computer or USB devices. Mass Storage: Creates a Mass Storage connection. MTP: Establishes an MTP connection. PC Remote: Allows control of the camera from a computer using Imaging Edge software1.
Check USB cable and Ports.
Use the supplied USB cable or purchase a compatible, commercially available cable.
If your camera has a USB Type-C terminal, you can transfer images faster if you use a USB 3.1 compatible USB Type-C cable.
If your computer only has a USB Type-C port, a USB conversion adapter is required.
A gap will remain between the camera’s USB terminal and the USB cable once inserted.
If the computer doesn’t recognize the camera even after performing the operations above, check the following:
If the computer and the camera are connected via a USB hub, connect the USB cable directly to the USB port of the computer.
Connect the camera to a USB port on the computer that has already recognized a mouse or other device.
Try to connect the camera to other USB ports on the computer.
Also, Firmware updates may improve this in the future.
Accurate Planning: Weather conditions significantly impact the quality of your shots. Whether you’re capturing a dramatic sunset, a stormy sky, or serene landscapes, knowing the weather in advance helps you plan effectively. These apps provide real-time data on temperature, cloud cover, precipitation, wind speed, and more.
Golden Hour and Blue Hour: The magic hours around sunrise and sunset are ideal for photography. Weather apps help you pinpoint these moments by providing sunrise and sunset times. Additionally, they indicate when the golden hour (warm, soft light) and blue hour (cool, twilight light) occur.
Storm Chasing and Dramatic Skies: For landscape photographers, dramatic skies can transform an ordinary scene into something extraordinary. Weather apps allow you to track storms, cloud formations, and lightning. You can position yourself for captivating shots during thunderstorms, rainbows, or moody weather.
Safety and Preparedness: When shooting outdoors, safety is paramount. Weather apps provide severe weather alerts, lightning detection, and wind advisories. Being aware of approaching storms or sudden weather changes helps you stay safe and protect your gear.
Sun Position and Shadows: Some apps offer augmented reality features that show the sun’s position throughout the day. This helps you visualize shadows, plan compositions, and choose shooting angles.
Cloud Cover and Reflections: Clouds can add drama or soften harsh light. Weather apps indicate cloud cover percentages, allowing you to predict how the sky will appear. For water reflections, partly cloudy days work best.
Fog and Mist: Misty mornings create an ethereal atmosphere. Weather apps help you find locations with fog or mist, enhancing your landscape shots.
Now, let’s explore some powerful weather apps that cater to landscape photography and travel videos:
AccuWeather: Available for iOS and Android, AccuWeather provides detailed forecasts, radar maps, and hourly updates. It’s great for planning outdoor shoots.
Weather Underground: Another free app for iOS and Android, Weather Underground offers hyperlocal forecasts, satellite imagery, and storm tracking. It’s useful for predicting localized weather patterns1.
Dark Sky: Although it requires a small fee, Dark Sky (iOS) provides hyperlocal minute-by-minute forecasts. It’s excellent for precise planning and avoiding sudden rain showers.
The Weather Channel: If you prefer a TV-style experience, The Weather Channel’s mobile apps (iOS and Android) offer comprehensive weather information. They include radar maps, severe weather alerts, and video forecasts.
RadarScope: For serious storm chasers and photographers, RadarScope (iOS and Android) provides detailed radar data. It’s especially useful for tracking storms and understanding their movement.
When: Monday, April 8, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. depending on your area. A total solar eclipse can be divided into two events: the partial and total phases. The beginning of the partial phase is called first contact. First contact (C1) marks the initial touch of the Moon’s silhouette on the outer edge of the Sun, gradually obscuring a small portion of it. At this stage, a tiny crescent-shaped bite appears on the Sun’s surface, signaling the beginning of the eclipse. Observers may notice a subtle dimming of the ambient light as the Moon commences its journey across the solar disk.
The second contact (C2) is a pivotal moment during a total solar eclipse. It occurs when the Moon fully covers the Sun, resulting in complete darkness at the eclipse’s peak, known as totality. The sky darkens, revealing the Sun’s outer atmosphere—the corona. This remarkable phase provides a rare opportunity for astronomers and skygazers to observe the Sun’s outer layers, which are typically invisible due to the Sun’s overwhelming brightness. The breathtaking sight of the solar corona and any accompanying phenomena, such as Baily’s beads, becomes visible during this awe-inspiring moment.
Just before second contact, when the Moon fully covers the Sun, observers can witness Baily’s beads. This phenomenon occurs as sunlight passes through lunar valleys and hills along the moon’s edge, creating a beady effect. Photographing Baily’s beads requires the same settings used for the partial eclipse.
Where:
The 2024 solar eclipse will be a cross-country and pan-continental event. The 2024 eclipse will first make landfall over the coast of Mexico near Mazatlan and move northeast over cities like Durango, making its way to the Rio Grande River and the border of the United States and Mexico. About 43 million people can see the total solar eclipse at their doorsteps, and nearly 200 million people can see the total solar eclipse at their doorsteps. The population lives within a 3-hour drive of the total eclipse zone.
Mexico offers perhaps the best opportunity to view the solar eclipse. It will be over Mexico where the eclipse reaches its longest duration of 4 minutes and 28 seconds. Moreover, the weather prospects in Mexico are significantly better than in the United States. Mazatlan, for example, has only, on average, less than a 30% chance of cloudy skies compared to cities in Texas like Uvalde and Dallas, which are essentially a coin toss. As the eclipse progresses over the mainland United States, the duration will get slightly shorter, and at its shortest over Maine, it will last about 3 minutes and 20 seconds, or one minute shorter. The closer you are to the center of the eclipse line, the longer the eclipse will last compared to the full possible duration at your location.
Unfortunately, the United States is at a significantly greater risk of seeing substantial cloud cover because April is the peak of the Spring storm season for many regions across the path of totality. Indeed, this area of the United States is called “tornado alley” for the high number of tornadoes and severe weather outbreaks that occur in April. There is a non-zero probability, with an El Nino winding down in the Pacific and a likely La Nina taking its place, that a significant severe weather event with a trough tilted in the same axis could be sweeping across the direction of totality.
However, there is an equally likely chance of clear skies over the path. Statistically, Arkansas and Texas are the most likely regions to have decent skies. While many eclipse articles will encourage you to book your hotels and campsites months in advance, we personally believe that is a recipe for missing the eclipse if your main goal is photography due to the high chance of cloudy skies in April. This is especially true if you plan to photograph in cloudier states like Ohio, New York, or Pennsylvania. Instead, be prepared to travel and have highly flexible driving plans once the weather forecast begins to unfold.
Then there’s the traffic situation. To avoid high traffic, your best bet is to avoid major cities in the path of the eclipse. Instead, focus on viewing the eclipse in small towns and local parks, especially if you are not planning to reserve a hotel. Be prepared to bring extra gasoline cans if you drive a gas car. And, of course, bring tons of snacks and water! You will likely be at your observing site for several hours, and the locations in the path of the eclipse will likely be short on resources to make your viewing experience comfortable. Put on sunscreen, bring a towel, and other basic needs to stay comfortable.
It’s also obviously important to know what time the eclipse takes place in your area! But how do we know that? Several resources are available online to figure that out based on your location. Our favorite is Xavier Jubier’s Total Solar Eclipse Map or
Time and Date https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/solar/2024-april-8
Simply click on your location on the map, and the times will appear! You will see options for the start of the partial eclipse, the start of the total eclipse, and so on. Note that these times are in Universal Time (UT).
The 2024 solar eclipse will be visible over approximately 128 miles of Illinois April 8.
Total Solar Eclipse in Illinois, United States
Totality enters Illinois as it crosses the Missouri state line southwest in Carbondale at 1:58 p.m. The eclipse will follow a diagonal line crossing over Fairfield and exit Illinois at Mount Carmel at 2:06 p.m.
April 8, 2024 — Total Solar Eclipse — Indianapolis, IN, USA
Weather: Sunny days are the most important. According to historical cloud map statistics in the past 20 years, Mexico and Texas in the United States have the highest probability of sunny days, while the eastern United States and Canada have a high probability of cloudy weather.
However, the recent weather is very ironic. Due to the influence of the warm and humid airflow from the Gulf of Mexico, a low pressure is forecast to appear near Texas in the United States, and it is likely to be rainy on April 8. Texas, which originally expected millions of travellers to flock to watch the solar eclipse, has now entered a state of self-deprecation. On the contrary, there is currently a relatively stable high pressure in Canada and the northeastern United States, and there is a high probability that there will be good weather.
Recommended apps:
Windy: Provides multiple weather models, such as ECMWF (European model) and GFS (American model), and you can see the cloud map predictions for the next few days. You can also choose to see high clouds, medium clouds and low clouds in the cloud chart. Astrospheric: Provides many data needed by astrophotography enthusiasts. In addition to cloud information, there are also atmospheric transparency and seeing, as well as solar and lunar eclipse data.
Meteoblue: Similar to Windy, it provides cloud images, rainfall and other information. You can check the weather for the next 5 to 14 days. Some enthusiasts report that it is more accurate than Windy.
PHOTOGRAPHING THE ECLIPSE
It is strongly recommend using a DSLR or mirrorless camera to photograph Solar Eclipse. The most common one is to use a wide-angle lens to shoot the entire process of a total solar eclipse, that is, a gourd string; you can also use a telephoto lens to record details such as the corona, Bailey’s beads, diamond rings, and solar prominences when a total solar eclipse occurs.
Camera Settings: Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO… and Bracket! During the progression from direct sunlight to the height of a total solar eclipse, the light will quickly change from broad daylight to twilight-like darkness. The light really will not change dramatically until the eclipse approaches totality, so your camera settings can be static for a huge portion of the event—a good thing. The curse is that, when the eclipse show is at its most exciting, the light will be changing quickly, and you must be ready to adapt.
When the eclipse reaches totality and you have removed your solar filter from your camera, this is the time to start bracketing your shots heavily. Use the exposure guide as just that, a guide. Bracket, bracket, and bracket some more. According to experts, there is a vast 12-stop dynamic range from the corona at the sun’s surface to the outer edges of the corona. Shoot a ton of shots at different exposures. When you post-process later, you can choose the one that looks best. But, during this rarest of events, do not just lock into one exposure and take a bunch of equally exposed images.
Low ISO#: between100-200.
Shutter Speed: The shutter speed can be the reciprocal of the focal length of the lens. For example, for a 600mm focal length lens, 1/600 second can be used.
Aperture: F8 or high # (low aperture).
Lens: telephoto lens. The lowest focal length we recommend is around 100mm; anything smaller may result in losing precious details like Bailey’s Beads or Prominences.
It is recommended to choose manual focus MF. The operation method is as follows: Adjust the focus ring in advance and focus to infinity. There is usually a “∞” symbol on the lens. Just make the reticle face this symbol.
Other Basic Gear
Certified eye protection/solar filters – All filters should be ND100000 standard certified
Remote shutter release.
Tripod.
Here is the standard progression of a total solar eclipse:
1. The eclipse approaches, you attach the solar filter to your lens and start by shooting the full sun, and then continue to shoot as the moon intercepts the sun’s light.
2. Once the sun is totally obscured, you must then remove your filtration and photograph totality without a filter—capturing the awe-inspiring sight. The start of totality is indicated by the famous “diamond ring” effect. During totality, you can remove your solar filtration (and solar glasses). The diamond rings should be photographed and can be viewed without filtration.
3. At the end of totality, when the second diamond ring appears, replace your filters and continue to shoot as the moon slides clear of the sun.
Other tips:
Compose your shot using live view mode only (not the camera’s viewfinder)
Turning autofocus to off.
Shoot in RAW instead of jpeg.
Don’t be afraid to underexpose by a stop or two, or more. Avoid blown-out highlights.
Take test shots before the eclipse begins to ensure your settings (particularly your exposure) are correct
Start capturing the eclipse as soon as it starts. Include shots over and underexposed to capture all the details
Review your images and adjust accordingly as the brightness will continue to change throughout the eclipse
Take breaks to enjoy the eclipse visually with your solar glasses
Tip: Do NOT remove your solar filter during the partial phase of the eclipse. Only remove the solar filter about 30 seconds before the total solar eclipse. The only time it’s safe to look at the Sun during a total solar eclipse is the 4 minutes of totality and no other time.
PHOTOGRAPHING THE ECLIPSE WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE
You can get some stunning widefield images of the eclipse with just your smartphone that those with superzoom lenses and telescopes cannot see. For example, you can create a timelapse of the Moon’s shadow coming across your viewing location by using any timelapse app or one already built into your phone. With an iPhone, for example, you can record a time-lapse video showing the Moon’s shadow approaching your location. To do this, simply open the camera app, select time-lapse mode, and record until completion of the event. You will need a photographic tripod to be able to do this, as well as some way to attach your smartphone to your tripod.
Another idea could be to take photographs of the partial eclipse with your eclipse glasses. This is as simple as it sounds; however, it could yield some great photographs of the eclipse, especially if you want some zoomed-in shots of the partial eclipse phases. This could show you the partial eclipse in the sky through your eclipse glasses, as well as your surroundings.
Viewing Tips
As always, you should never look directly at the sun during an eclipse. To safely view the eclipse, consider:
Eclipse glasses: These special shades are similiar to 3D glasses abut are certified eclipse-safe for direct viewing. Regular sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe to view the eclipse.
Solar filters: If you want to use a telescope, binoculars or camera, do not use them unprotected even if you have safe eclipse glasses. Consult the manufacturer for a proper filter to attach to your device.
Pinhole viewer: This is a simple, inexpensive way to indirectly view the eclipse. Just take two sheets of white paper (card stock is best) and poke a hole in the middle of one sheet. With your back to the sun, hold the sheet with the hole over the other sheet and adjust them until you see a dot of light. That’s the sun! As the moon travels across the sun, a crescent will appear.
Tip: NEVER LOOK AT THE UNECLIPSED/PARTIALLY ECLIPSED SUN WITHOUT ISO-CERTIFIED SOLAR ECLIPSE GLASSES!!!!
Self-employment income refers to money earned from carrying out work or operating a business as an independent contractor or sole proprietor rather than as an employee of a company. It encompasses various types of work where individuals are not employed by a company but rather work for themselves. Some common examples of self-employment income include:
Freelance Work: This includes any work done on a contract or freelance basis, such as writing, graphic design, consulting, or photography.
Independent Contractors: Individuals who provide services to clients or businesses but are not employees. For example, independent contractors could be plumbers, electricians, web developers, or IT consultants.
Sole Proprietorships: Business owners who operate their businesses as sole proprietors are considered self-employed. This includes small businesses such as local shops, online stores, and professional services operated by a single person.
Gig Economy Work: Work performed through gig economy platforms such as Uber, Lyft, TaskRabbit, or Airbnb falls under self-employment income.
Business Owners: Owners of small businesses or startups who are not considered employees of their own companies but rather draw income from their business profits are also categorized as self-employed.
Self-employed individuals are responsible for paying their own taxes, including self-employment taxes (which cover Social Security and Medicare contributions) in addition to income taxes. They often need to file quarterly estimated tax payments to cover their tax liabilities throughout the year.
Individual Retirement Account (IRA) contributions are subject to certain requirements set forth by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the United States. Here are some of the key requirements:
Eligible Income: You must have eligible compensation or earned income to contribute to an IRA. This typically includes wages, salaries, commissions, self-employment income, and alimony. Passive income such as interest, dividends, and capital gains generally do not count unless they are derived from self-employment activities.
Age Limits: There are no age limits for contributing to a Traditional IRA. However, for a Traditional IRA, you must be under the age of 70½ at the end of the tax year in which you make the contribution. For a Roth IRA, you can contribute at any age as long as you have eligible earned income.
Contribution Limits: The IRS sets annual contribution limits for IRAs. These limits can change from year to year. For example, in 2022, the annual contribution limit for both Traditional and Roth IRAs was $6,000 for individuals under 50 years old, with an additional $1,000 “catch-up” contribution allowed for individuals aged 50 and older.
Income Limits for Roth IRA: While there are no income limits for contributing to a Traditional IRA, there are income limits for contributing to a Roth IRA. These limits can change annually and depend on your tax filing status. If your income exceeds these limits, you may be limited in the amount you can contribute or may not be eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA at all.
Spousal IRA Contributions: If you are married and file a joint tax return, you and your spouse can each contribute to your own separate IRAs even if only one of you has taxable compensation.
Tax Deductibility: Whether your contributions to a Traditional IRA are tax-deductible can depend on your income and whether you or your spouse are covered by a retirement plan at work.
Deadline for Contributions: You can make contributions to an IRA up until the tax filing deadline for the tax year. For example, contributions for the tax year 2023 can be made until the tax filing deadline in 2024 (usually April 15th, but it can vary depending on weekends and holidays).
