Tips For a Successful Wedding Reception

It goes without saying that the wedding is one of the most special days. It is the day when you finally become one with your loved one, the day when everybody will celebrate your love. So, it is more than understandable your need of making sure everything is perfect. Nobody wants a traditional and boring wedding, which is why adding in some out-of-the-box activities or elements for your guests can help you to liven up your wedding.

All You Need to Know About Baby Sleep Nests

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Having a good night sleep is very important for babies’ health for a lot of reasons. In fact, research has shown that a good night sleep helps for faster mental development in babies since it improves the learning process and memory. On the other hand, not having enough sleep can lead to developing high blood pressure, obesity and mental conditions such as anxiety and depression when your little one becomes an adult.

The Different Types of Lithium-Batteries and Their Limitations

 Batteries were once heavy, bulky, awkward things that could only deliver a small amount of current for their weight and size. But with the rapid improvements in battery technology, we now have high-power, capable lithium batteries that can provide all the power your appliances and devices need. The first commercial lithium-ion battery entered the marked almost 30 years ago, and has since seen a lot of development which has led to the proliferation of different types of battery and technologies depending on the materials and construction used. In order to get the most out of your lithium batteries, you need to know what type of battery you've got, what their limitations are and how to make sure they last for as long as possible.

Types of Lithium Batteries

Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries, also known as li-ion, refer to rechargeable lithium batteries, and to the traditional cells built in metal, cylindrical bodies, specifically. Such a cell is the venerable 18650, but when you're looking to buy lithium-ion batteries, you'll also find a range of sizes and types. The stout casings are what makes these cells popular for applications where toughness is needed.

Lithium-Polymer (Li-Po) Batteries

Lithium-polymer, also known as li-po batteries, are basically lithium-ion batteries that use a polymer electrolyte in place of a liquid electrolyte. This allows the construction of the pouch cells with different geometries, making them more flexible in terms of design. As a result, these batteries are useful for applications like tablets and smartphones, where you need a high-capacity battery with a flat form factor. These batteries are also popular in RC models due to their lightweight construction.

High Voltage Lithium (Lithium-HV) Batteries

These batteries are basically lithium polymer batteries, but instead, feature a special silicon-graphene additive on the positive terminal in order to resist damage at higher voltages. Most lithium batteries experience reduced lifespan and capacity loss when charged above 4.2V, but thanks to this additive, lithium-HV batteries can be charged to 4.35V without experiencing these negative effects. This provides about a 10% gain in energy density when compared to conventional li-po batteries.

Lithium-Iron-Phosphate (LiFePo4) Batteries

These batteries are an altered lithium-ion chemistry, and are capable of withstanding more charge cycles. However, they lose some of their energy density as a result. These batteries operate ideally in the 3V-3.65V range instead of the typical 3V-4.2V range of standard lithium-ion batteries. And the fact that they have a flat discharge voltage curve makes them a great replacement for 12V lead-acid batteries in a large range of applications where 4 cells are a suitable substitute for the original 6 cells. These batteries are more stable, and with lower rates of capacity loss and self-discharge over time.

Respecting the Battery's Limits

Unlike most other battery types, lithium cells aren't as tolerant of mistreatment. Discharging them below their voltage limits can lead to the formation of copper dendrites that can hinder their capacity or kill them completely. Overcharging them can lead to damaging the anode by lithium playing out of solution, resulting in lithium dendrites, leading to a full thermal runaway or short circuit of the battery. This can release smoke and potentially flames. 

Worth noting is that each cell in the battery pack must be kept at the same voltage as its surrounding cells to avoid premature damage. Lithium cells shouldn't be charged quickly, and ambient temperatures can also play a crucial role in their performance. These batteries don't like being in below-freezing temperatures, especially if they're fully charged. Charging them below 0 degrees Celsius is impractical, as metallic lithium can electroplate at the negative electrode, leading to significant damage or short-circuiting the cell. Damage will also occur if the batteries are charged at temperatures of over 45 degrees Celsius.

If you don't respect the battery's limits, you'll end up with a dead battery at best, or an explosion and fire at worst. These batteries also tend to outgas, swell up, or just become a hassle to deal with. While it may look difficult to maintain lithium batteries, it's actually quite easy if you're cautious and mindful.

Conclusion

Whether you decide to buy lithium-ion batteries, li-po batteries, lithium-HV or LiFePo4 batteries, you need to make sure you take proper care of them. The difference between the types is small in terms of cell chemistry, but even these small differences can play a huge role in the performance of your devices or equipment. That being said, before you decide on the best lithium battery for your application, make sure you understand the power requirements of your devices in order to ensure you make the right choice. Charging is a large part of the maintenance process, so make sure you get a suitable charger that's specifically meant for charging lithium batteries, otherwise, you risk overcharging them and shortening their lifespan significantly.

Explaining the Different Types of Measuring Tools

     Measuring tools may have not been the same throughout history but they've been present as early as 3,000 BC. Sure the first “measuring tools” were the hands and feet of ancient Egyptians, but that didn't stop the royal cubit being introduced. This was done in order to have a more consistent tool as hands and feet do vary from person to person. The royal cubit is a granite rod that used the dimensions of the Egyptian king at the time as standard.

Water clocks and hourglasses started to be more commonly used at around 16th century BCE and at around 1971 BC obelisks and sundials started being used in Babylonian villages. In 753 BCE roman calendars were introduced to keep track of time and they have stayed the standard for 2,500 years now. From the 16th century and on various types of more complicated measuring devices appeared such as barometers, mercury thermometers, odometers, sextants and so on. The industrial revolution led to the invention of a large variety of measurements tools that we use to this day.

Types of Measuring Tools

Measuring Tape
One of the most commonly used measuring tools of today is measuring tape. The more popular version of this type of measuring tools equipment is the encased tape measure that comes with a clip for your belt. Although this more portable device is the preferred go-to tape measure for most people, tailo's measuring tape is still used today. This type of tape measure is more flexible than its encased counterpart allowing you to measure curves more accurately. Because of this, tailors use it to measure various body parts, hence the name.

Ruler
A ruler has is a well known measuring tool even by children, and it probably is one of the first if not the first measuring tool that you've come across. Rulers are nothing special but they do so much despite providing us with only about a hand's length (20 cm). Although quite limited a ruler offers one of the easiest ways to measure length.

Protractor

A protractor might sound as a fancy measuring tool but it is no more complicated than a ruler. Again, this is a simple tool that you've probably used in high school to measure the degree of an angle. But since it's this simple even physicists and scientists use them for their work.

Caliper

This is a tool that can measure the distance between objects more accurately than a ruler or tape measure. The name may not be as popular but the tool itself is commonly used to make exact measurements. There are two versions of this tool, analog and digital, with the latter being a more convenient option for people that have trouble reading measurements. Calipers work in a similar fashion as pipe wrenches.

Measuring Wheel
When you want to measure long distances with weird angles and contours to them, like the ground, a wheel is the measuring tools equipment to get. Measuring wheels have existed since the 18th century which makes them available both as an analog and digital version. The more contemporary solution provides you with more options for measuring units but it relies on a battery charge for its operation.

Pressure Gauge
Moving away from distance we have the pressure gauge. A pressure gauge can be integrated with a certain device or equipment but it also comes as an independent tool. Pressure gauges determine the pressure of air, water and blood and come in various shapes and sizes depending on their application. 

Thermometer

A thermometer is one of those tools that you probably already have in your household. A thermometer for measuring body temperature is the most portable version with there being thermometers for measuring food temperature too and others that can measure the inside or outside of a building. While thermometers come in different styles, like the measuring wheel and caliper they too can be digital or analog.

Level

Carpenters are the most likely to use a level on a daily basis. This tool is used to determine if a surface is level with the help of small fluid filled tubes (vials). All you need to do is place the level on the surface and look at the tubes to determine whether or not the surface is level. This type of measuring tool is quite simple too. You can get a digital version of a level if you want a clear reading.

Angle Gauge
If you want to measure angles more accurately than what a protractor offers, then you need an angle gauge. This tool is meant for professionals that need the most accurate of results. Alongside from measuring the degree of an angle an angle gauge can also be used as a levelling tool which makes it a 2-in-1 solution. An ideal alternative if you are looking to get both tools.

Glucometer
A glucometer is a medical device that measures glucose levels present in your blood. This tool is used by people with diabetes as they need to keep their glucose levels within normal levels. These devices are available only as a digital version and a good number of them work with smartphones too – to document and store data right on the device.

DIN Rails Explained: How to Choose the Right One for the Job

If you're tasked with dealing with electrical installations in industrial control applications, you've probably used DIN rail, have heard about DIN rails, or have read about DIN rail mounted products, like terminal blocks or contractors. While DIN rails have been around for quite a while now, and there's plenty of information about DIN rail mountable products, there hasn't been much discussion about the backbone of the system - the DIN rail itself. By understanding DIN rail applications in control environments, such as foot prints, materials available, options, etc. new and old users can have an easier time  taking advantage of this industry standard.

A Guide to Choosing and Building Your First Remote Control Car

Remote controlled cars are fun toys that can help improve problem solving skills and hand-eye coordination. You can get them as ready to run models and DIY kits. Personally, I prefer the DIY kits, as getting to build your own RC car from the ground up will give you insight about how they work, and the gratification of having built it from scratch can go a long way in ensuring you enjoy the hobby for many years to come. But there are many kits on the market, some of which are more focused at kids, whereas other require more skills to assemble. That being said, it's important to pick the right kit if you've decided to build your own remote control car. In order to ensure you get the right kit, here are some of the factors you'll need to consider.

Small but Mighty: The Effectiveness of Load Skates

Transporting heavy loads often requires the work of heavy duty machinery. Whilst almost every warehouse in the world makes use of cranes, forklifts and other heavy load moving systems, they are not the only solution when it comes to moving heavy loads. No bigger than an A4 piece of paper, load moving skates and skids are as capable as an overhead crane but not nearly as bulky. The platform and wheels can sustain a lot of pressure and help move various types of loads.