LG Portable Air Conditioner Installation was a Cool Breeze

By Mark J. Donovan

With temperatures in the upper 90s earlier this week we finally broke down and purchased a portable air conditioner. Unlike our other window air conditioners this one stands up on the floor and resembles R2D2. The specific model is an LG LP0910WNR 9000BTU Portable Air Conditioner. The unit outputs 9000 BTUs and can cool 300 square feet of living space. It has multiple fan speeds and has a programmable 24 hour on-off timer. My wife actually purchased it and hooked it up in about 30 minutes. The exhaust vent pipe assembly mounted easily in a window. Standard window air conditioners on the other hand can take an hour or more to install and typically need installation brackets. In addition, since this air conditioner is portable we can move it easily to other places within our home with little effort.

How 3D Technology Will Click

Here's How 3D Technology Will ClickThere are a lot of apprehensions right now with regards to the direction of the 3D technology. Will this technology click, the way other previous technologies have done in the minds of consumers? How will the technology fares in terms of sales and acceptance two or three years from now.If the experts are to be believed, in about two years time the technology will start to conquer the market. But how about from the perspectives of the consumers who actually buy and support products of this kind? The future of the technology is still up for debate, but there is no question in the fact that there are some factors that can help the technology realize its full potential in the market and in the hearts of consumers. These are the keys to the success of the technology, and for sure the manufacturers and the designers are all aware of these keys to success. Here are some of these factors that will definitely say if the technology will grow:. It's all about cost. As of this writing the cost of the technology is not within reach of many consumers and buyers in the market. And this is one gap that the designers of the technology should address if they really want to make sure that the technology will solidify its hold I the market. Even the lowest end of this technology doesn't come in cheap. In fact the software that creates simple images in 3D can cost $100 upwards.. The technology's success will be dependent on ease of use. If the consumers can find it easy to use the technology, then this will be good news for the designers and makers of the technology. This will take time since users will have to know the technology and accessories first.. There is a demand, and this will help the technology becomes commercially successful in two years time. In order to get the demand for the technology, it is imperative that designers can identify more uses and applications for 3D. For example, this technology has been used in news reporting for added effect. Right now the application for this technology can be seen in viewing movies and in gaming applications. So it can be expected that the 3D gaming experience will be big.. There should be cross-platform functionality. As the technology continues to mature, the 3D technology should also be in tune with cross-platform technology. Just for starters, the Shockwave content can be used to run on Microsoft and on the Macintosh platforms with or without the presence of the 3D video cards. The key here is to make sure that the technology can be used in a variety of ways, and that the technology should also be compatible with a number of systems.There is no denying the fact that 3D is an exciting technology as it gives new meaning to home entertainment. But before this technology can reach the pinnacle of success, it has to make sure that all keys have been addressed- and these are the ones that will make 3D clicks!

How to Overcome Stress from Technology

iPods, iPads, Blackberries, DVRs, Kindles and more - all fascinating forms of technology.As the technology era continues to explode, there's something interesting that's exploding with it. Stress.With the increase of technology, there was supposed to be an increase in the ease of which we are able to live our daily lives. Yet, instead of making our lives easier and less stressful, we find ourselves in bondage to stress from technology.Easier or More Stressful?Everywhere you go, people are glued to technology like what is now called the Crackberry. Life is getting busier and people are more stressed out than ever before.While technology is able to make our lives easier, the misuse of technology is what's causing stress. For example, high speed internet helps you to obtain important information is seconds. Yet, getting sucked into spending hours on the computer in the black hole of the internet leads to stress from technology that is steadily increasing.In spite of the risk of finding yourself stressed from abuse of technology, you need not return to the ice age. There are things that can be done to keep technology from ruling your life.Symptoms of Stress from TechnologyYes, it's easy to get sucked in to spending endless hours wrapping yourself in technology. Surfing the web, chatting it up for hours on Twitter or Facebook, and watching one YouTube video after another are examples. This overuse of technology can cause problems like headaches, eye problems, and sleep deprivation. These physical symptoms lead to a backlog of responsibilities, a breakdown of family relationships and poor performance on the job.So how do you fix it so that technology isn't ruling your life?Determine what's best for your lifeJust because the latest technological gadget is made available for sale, doesn't mean you have to buy it. What works for one person's life doesn't mean it will work for yours.One family may find having a DVR indispensable because they can more readily control what their children are watching on television. In another case, a single male may find having a DVR enabling him to become a couch potato. Some people's lives are made easier with iPhones. Others find that this latest form of telephone technology causes them undue stress. So, before investing in the latest and greatest new technology, determine if it will fit in with your lifestyle and if it will make your life easier or more complex.Set some boundariesSimply, establish time limits when using technology. Kitchen timers work very well for reminding you when to get off the computer, the TV or the high tech game system.Let's say you set a time of one hour on the computer or television. Stick to it. Once that timer goes off, shut everything down so you won't be tempted to overspend your time.Establish Technology-Free AreasThere should be specific places in your home where you are completely disconnected from technology like the bathroom and the dinner table.In addition, disconnecting from technology in certain areas in your home, establish certain times where technology is to be out of commission. Perhaps you could designate an hour before bed where you just read (an actual book that's NOT online) or play cards.Whatever your desired time of the day, establishing boundaries around the use of technology will allow you to relax and unwind. Consciously disengaging also helps you to foster stronger bonds with your friends and family, while reducing your stress levels.Technology can be the source of some of your greatest assistance or the source of your biggest stress. Find the right path to using technology wisely and you won't find yourself battling stress from technology.

Setting Up Your Blog

Blogging is a lucrative source of profit and blogs are easy to set up and maintain. Imagine a life where you are paid to write on stuff that interests you, whenever you want, wherever you are. The mere flexibility of blogging makes it easy for you to just kick back, relax and go on a vacation whenever you feel like it.

In this article, we are going to look into the profitability of a blog and set up a blog of our own at no cost! Interested? Read on!

First, we need to obtain a blog. There are several options – host a blog on your own domain or get a free blog. For starters, let’s talk about the free blogs. You can obtain a free blog at www.blogger.com or the newer (and better!) www.wordpress.com. If you are a techie, you must have heard of Wordpress, a free blog engine that is robust and infinitely expandable.

Blogger.com is actually owned by Google, so it will be detected on Google’s radar faster and you will be indexed faster. Wordpress.com, however, is a relatively new option so I have no comparison on the speed of getting indexed by search engines. However, Wordpress is better in the sense that it has more advanced features such as Trackbacks and Categories. You can also manage your sidebar links more efficiently (more about this later).

Get a free blog at either Blogger.com (http://www.blogger.com/signup.g) or Wordpress (http://wordpress.com/signup/). Then, familiarize yourself by posting your first post on your blog and tinkering around with the options and templates.

Here are a few common “blog-related” words to help you out:

1) Permalink – Permalink stands for permanent link, which is a URL (uniform resource locator) that leads to an individual post that you make in your blog.
2) Trackback – When you post about someone else’s blog post elsewhere, your post will show up in their “trackback” section. This feature, however, is not available with a Blogger.com account.
3) Pinging – Blogging seems to be paired with pinging almost every time either one is mentioned nowadays. Pinging is actually the action where a certain aggregator is notified whenever your blog is updated, so that the aggregator may show the newest post of your blog on their website. This is a useful way to gaining traffic, which we shall discuss later.

For now, I shall leave you testing out your new blog and the features that come included with it. In the next articles, we shall discuss the many ways we can gain profit from a blog, as well as tips on how to write posts that keep visitors glued and keep coming back for more!

IPTV technology

Details of the key technologies in IPTV encoding, digital rights management (DRM) technology, content delivery network (CDN), electronic program guide (EPG) technology, set-top boxes (STB) technology, IPTV IPTV standardization in the telecommunications industry standards circumstances relevant IPTV broadcasting industry standards, as well as the current IPTV technology research and standards development work in China. 1, Introduction IPTV offers both live TV (LTV), video on demand service (VOD), Near VOD (NVOD), time-shifted TV on Demand (TSTV), TV Web surfing (Web-TV) and other basic services , but also provide services such as video instant messaging, SMS TV, interactive advertising, online games, online video shopping and other value-added services, as these operations for the TV end, the audience and very wide, and IPTV services are generally considered very good development prospects.

However, traditional TV is a broadcast service, simple operation, response time, image stability and reliable service. In contrast, IPTV also has access to insufficient bandwidth, picture quality is not high, higher user fees, products, and many weaknesses immature. IPTV to become a real business can operate, they must guarantee at or near its level of quality of traditional television. To achieve this goal, from content creation to the terminal to receive the entire implementation process need to use many of the key technologies, including coding, digital rights management (DRM), content distribution network (CDN), electronic program guide (EPG), set-top box (STB) technology, these technologies will require in-depth study and standardization of these technologies are only just beginning. 2, IPTV key technologies 2.1 Coding Coding technology is essential to use multimedia communications technologies. Multimedia communication is a distinctive feature of a very large amount of information to be transmitted, especially video data, the encoding even greater extent, influence the quality of video coding technology in IPTV, therefore the position is very important. As people on the video coding technology based on the deepening, the results have a number of video coding technology was born. Some even have been the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) accepted as international standards. Which have been published are: H.261, H.262, H.263, H.264 and MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 and so on. Currently, IPTV services already carried out at home and abroad are basically using the MPEG-2 encoding. AVS was developed by China with independent intellectual property rights of a new generation of encoding. At present, the specifications of the ongoing formulation of AVS, AVS video mainly for high-definition television, high-density optical storage media applications such as video compression. Addition to video coding technology, the current Internet streaming media formats using more major companies in the United States RealNetworks RealMedia, Apple's QuickTime, Microsoft's WindowsMedia, and Macromedia's ShockWaveFlash. 2.2 Digital Rights Management (DRM) technology IPTV digital multimedia content is the most critical sources of programming. Data, digital rights management (DigitalRightsManagement, referred to as DRM) technology for content providers to protect their private videos, music or other data to provide a technological means of copyright. It works, the media production program production phase in the copyright information embedded into media content and its protection by encryption. With DRM technology will enable each platform (whether Internet, streaming media or interactive digital TV) and content providers are assured to provide more content, more flexible programming sales methods, while effective protection of intellectual property rights. When the need to verify the legitimacy of the information media. And through technical methods or means of copyright information from the media to be read out, so that copyright information can be than right. Currently, the most widely used DRM technology is digital watermarking (DigitalWatermark). It uses a certain algorithm, the protected digital format, music, songs, pictures or video embedded in some of the landmark information (referred to as digital watermarking), to achieve that copyright infringement case and tracking purposes. Digital watermark information generally includes the author's serial number, company logo and some text messages with special significance. 2.3 Content Distribution Network (CDN) technology Content delivery network (CDN) is only a first order to speed up the user's Internet access speed network set up, generally established by the various sites themselves. The aim is, through the CDN to distribute Internet video and Web content to CDN nodes near the client, to a certain extent, to ensure end to end quality of service, improve user response speed. CDN is not because of existing streaming media files for large size designed, and therefore can not be directly used to carry IPTV services, the characteristics required for IPTV business, the introduction of advanced technologies for construction and management. For example, the need to store huge amounts of data for the IPTV features, we can use blade servers, NAS, SAN and other storage equipment, advanced configuration, advanced storage technology and advanced storage management to transformation of the CDN network. For IPTV and high-quality real-time requirements, can be used will depend on the original Internet network transmission to transmit through the line and will slice and use of P2P file transfer mechanism to resolve. The CDN network management, may establish a reasonable content management solution to improve the efficiency of CDN network, change from passive management to active management. For example, media content can be divided into live content, on-demand content to be treated separately. Re-demand content under demand rate will be divided into cold / hot chip to be treated separately. 2.4 Electronic Program Guide (EPG) technology Electronic program guide (EPG) TV navigation system that is mainly used to describe all the programs available to viewers of information, it is important technologies constitute one of interactive television. In the IPTV business, the user can understand the EPG to the name of TV broadcasting time and content of the outline of related information and programs to realize fast retrieval and access to video on demand channel selection or other operation. In addition to the navigation outside of television, electronic program guide can also provide users with the text, graphics and images consisting of man-machine interface to achieve a variety of value-added services navigation.

Super Is Beat Ubuntu

A shocking news at the beginning of 2010. Linux operating system Ubuntu is so popular and top position since 2005 on the site could actually lose Distrowatch.com. And the beat is a new Linux distribution that is the Super OS. It is also based on our observation on the site dated January 5, 2010 at 09.00 am.

Super OS was first released software on 17 July 2008. Before his name to Super OS, the name used is the Super Ubuntu. So in other words are still descendants of Ubuntu. Is not something surprising if this becomes the OS Super new toy Open Source activists, particularly activists Linux Ubuntu.

Super OS is on the first rank and Ubuntu on the second rank at or HPD list of Hits Per Day / Hits Per Day on the last seven days. As for the last month is still held by Ubuntu.

Super OS version is now reaching the same 9:10 version of the Ubuntu version that has reached 9.10. Here are the latest features Super OS:

• Multimedia support such as better VLC, DVD playback, MP3, QuickTime, Real Video, WMV or Windows Media Video, Flash Video, DivX, Xvid, file formats. Mov,. Wmv,. Flv,. Avi, etc.
• Internet software such as aMSN, Opera, Google Chrome, Skype, Firefox with Flash and Moonlight
• Portable applications in formats such as RUNZ Linux Portable Google Chrome, Google Earth, Real Player 11, Opera, FileZilla and many more
• Recognize the file compression format commonly used as tar.gz, zip, rar, iso
• Lunka devices including the development of Java, Ubuntu, Ubuntu Tweak
• Live USB Creator

For those interested download it, can be directly to this page
ftp://linuxfreedom.com/superubuntu/Super_OS_9.04.iso

Iso file has to be burned using a blank DVD. Because the file has a size of 990 MB. And cakera player should also support writing to DVD.

via : ketok

AAXA M1 Micro Projector World's Smallest Projector

Who would have thought a small device that can serve to show something big in size?! Maybe before you've heard about the news of a small projection called Pico, yes this time it comes back a small projector product output AAXA which had previously been launched P1 and P2.

But this time with more ambitious, the AAXA innovate with micro projector M1 which reportedly will be the smallest in the world today. The ultra-compact projector features a resolution of 800 × 600px, consisting of 66 lumen LED and has a contrast ratio of 1000:1 level. That means you can display the projected image is greater than 100 inches in a dark place and also more than 40 inches in the light.

1GB memory was implanted and also available SD card slot and the tool can also be used for file-format playback RMVB, MP3, AVI and JPG. In addition there is also M1 speaker 1W with 3.5mm audio jack size, connected with a mini USB port and AV input. We have been available for 2 variants of this model of projector M1 Standard M1 in the range of about 369 USD or 3.7 million rupiah. As for the other variants, M1 Plus priced around 399 USD or about 4 million dollars with an additional VGA input resolution 1280 × 960 px.

via : beritatekhnologi

Paper Battery

Paper dreamed one day become a battery to operate a number of electronic devices. Now, scientists from Stanford University in California claim to have managed to create it.

A sheet of coated paper and silver ink from carbon materials is very small to be a 'paper battery'. "Taking advantage of the latest paper technology, low production costs, and high-quality energy storage is now realized by using conductive paper as current collectors and electrodes," the scientists said.

'Paper battery' can run an electric or hybrid vehicles. As a result, this paper technology has the potential to be a prima donna in the future. Understandably, the size and the battery-life is still a constraint in the supply of energy for cars and trucks.

"People are now obviously more expensive battery needs, but capable of storing high energy. 'Paper battery' answer," said the assistant to the group of scientists, Yi Cui. Previous research has also found that a very small cable can be used to extend the battery up to 10 times more than lithium-ion battery.

Cui also promote the battery can be used for all types of electronics and applications requiring instant high power. Peidong Yang, a professor of chemistry at the University of California-Berkeley, said the technology will be commercialized in the near future.

Intel Larrabee Soon Ready to Compete With the NVidia & ATI

Intel is now rumored to contain the emergence of a new graphics processor named Larrabee, which is scheduled to be sold starting next year.

The chip maker some time ago had made a statement Larrabee will begin marketing in 2010. A spokesman for Intel's now revealed that it was seriously developing Larrabee, but did not determine when the time of its release.

"Next year, the new Larrabee samples will be sent to the developer, so they began to perform the test," Intel spokesman explained it. Larabee marketing means would not be carried out in 2010.

In September, Intel Larrabee has been demonstrated at Intel Developer Forum (IDF) held in San Francisco. From the results of the IDF, Intel promises will mengelurkan Larrabee next year, but did not mention a specific time.

Larrabee itself will become Intel's first graphics processor. The chip will carry the X86 architecture. As a result, would be working on Larrabee graphics processor capabilities fully. By this means the 'green camp' Nvidia and 'red faction' AMD, will have a new rival competition drew more graphics industry.

Becoming a Video Game Expert

If you find yourself playing video games day-in and day-out, you might be a prime candidate for establishing yourself as a gaming expert. All you need is a good knowledge of a wide range of games and gaming systems, and of course, a lot of patience. The rewards are phenomenal and in the end, you'll be a better person for it.

So what is an expert anyway? Just what is it that qualifies anyone to be an expert on anything? Since there aren't any colleges that offer degrees in this genre, we can qualify any gamer as an expert who has the qualities described above. So if you have the knowledge or ability to play a game skillfully - and you enjoy solving problems, you could probably claim the rights to an expert status.

Just be sure that you ensure your own growth in the gaming industry. Part of being an expert is admitting that there's always more to learn and in the gaming industry, this should never be a hard thing to pull off. By exposing yourself to new games and new game systems, you can turn every opportunity to play with one into an opportunity to learn more than what you already know. In doing so, you'll learn tons of new strategies and widen your resourcefulness as a point of help to others.

You could also make multiple efforts to collaborate with others involved with video games. Get off the game and get out into the public so that you can network and discuss your discoveries with others. Networking gives you the wonderful opportunities to share or swap secrets, teach others, and learn a little something new at the same time. And the relationships that you build as a result are simply invaluable. There's probably no other way you could gain access to little known gaming secrets than to network among the best gamers around.

If you're completely dedicated toward becoming a gaming expert, consider taking some classes in game programming. Seek out and apprenticeship and find training programs that are offered in both your local area and the gaming industry as a whole. This is an excellent way to learn everything anyone would ever want to know about gaming, and its a good entrance into the gaming industry if you aren't too crazy about making a commitment to a full time gaming career.

You could also subscribe to gaming magazines, participate in online discussion boards, or sign up for book clubs that focus on gaming material.

Take note that your status as a gaming expert may not always be appreciated. Strong criticisms - whether right or wrong - come with the glory of being perceived as the "answer to everything." As an example, you may be rejected for an opportunity that you feel you're perfect for, or you may experience the spew of a less-than-experienced heckler. The first rule of thumb is to not take rejection or spew personally. People may be jealous of your position, or they may want to test you just to see how much you really do (or don't) know. The reasons behind these reactions to your assistance don't really matter as long as you're confident about the quality and value behind your help. A true expert looks past these things and they constantly look for ways to improve themselves.

(GPS) based navigator for your car

If you often travel to new places for work or pleasure, have trouble reading maps, or simply hate to ask for directions, you might consider a global positioning system (GPS) based navigator for your car. Once you put in a destination, the system will plot a route, give spoken turn-by-turn directions, and display the route as you go. Most let you choose your routing preferences, including the shortest distance, the fastest time, or even routes with no toll roads. Some portable units even offer special routing options for walkers or bicyclists to avoid highways and not limit pedestrians due to one-way traffic.

You can also quickly find a variety of points of interest, including gas stations, ATMs, hotels, tourist attractions, and more. Typically, you can search for a specific point of interest, search for ones that are near your current location, or look up ones in a different area. You can even choose a nearby restaurant by the type of food you wish to eat. Once you've located what you want, the system can calculate a route to get you there.

In today's competitive market, GPS prices are coming down and budget-priced units include features previously available only on more expensive models, such as the ability to speak street names, speed warnings, a music player, or a photo viewer. Higher-priced models can include such features as a wireless FM transmitter and Bluetooth-phone compatibility, which allows you to access phone numbers from your cell phone or call a number displayed on your GPS unit.

Bluetooth connectivity can be handy for hands-free phone operation, or even making a reservation at a restaurant while en route based on the GPS points of interest information. Premium services, such as traffic and weather reports, are becoming widely available, although they can require a subscription. An alternative that is becoming more common is free traffic information supported by small, onscreen advertising.

via : tcmagazine

Bluetooth Applications (Featured)

With Bluetooth being very popular with wireless, it's no wonder there are many applications available for the technology. Below, you'll find the applications
for Bluetooth.

1. Wireless networking between laptops and desktop computers, or desktops that are in a confined space and little bandwidth is needed.

2. Peripherals such as mice, keyboards, and printers.

3. Cell phones with Bluetooth technology have been sold in large numbers, as they are able to connect to computers, PDAs (Personal Data Assistant), and various other devices. The standard also includes the support for more powerful and longer range devices.

4. The transfer of files, images and MP3, between mobile phones.

5. Certain MP3 players and digital cameras to transfer files to and from computers.

6. Bluetooth technology headsets for smart phones and cell phones.

7. Data logging equipment that transmits data to a computer via Bluetooth technology.

8. Sony Playstation 3 and Nintendo Revolution will both use Bluetooth technology for their wireless controllers.

For Bluetooth, there are literally hundreds of different applications and devices available for you to use or purchase. As you may already know, Bluetooth is the most popular wireless technology in the world. It's very reliable, very dependable,
and very hard to crack into.

There are many other applications for Bluetooth in development now, many of which plan to take the wireless age to the next level. Video game systems are using Bluetooth technology as well, for their wireless controllers. This is great news for gaming fans, as Bluetooth offers the best in wireless data transmission.

If your curious about applications for Bluetooth that are still in development, you can search on the internet. You can find all sorts of information, especially when it comes to Bluetooth. As the future arrives, you can expect Bluetooth to bring
bigger and better things.

10 Benefits Of Bluetooth

Below, are 10 benefits and reasons to use Bluetooth
technology.

1. Wireless
As you probably already know, there are many benefits and advantages to using wireless devices. Along with improving safety as a result of eliminating wires you don't need, wireless also offers you plenty of other advantages. When traveling with your laptop or other wireless devices, you'll no longer have to worry about bringing connection cables.

2. Bluetooth is actually inexpensive
The technology of Bluetooth is cheap for companies to implement, which results in lower costs for the company. These savings are then passed from the company on to you.

3. Bluetooth is automatic
Bluetooth doesn't have you set up a connection or push any buttons. When two or more devices enter a range of up to 30 feet of each other, they will automatically begin to communicate without you having to do anything.

4. Standardized protocol
Bluetooth is standardized wireless, meaning that a high level of compatibility among devices is guaranteed. Bluetooth will connect devices to each other, even if they aren't the same model.

5. Low interference
Bluetooth devices almost always avoid interference from other wireless devices. Bluetooth uses a technique known as frequency hopping, and also low power wireless signals.

6. Low energy consumption
As a result of Bluetooth using low power signals, the technology requires very little energy and will use less battery or electrical power as a result. This is an excellent benefit for mobile devices, as Bluetooth won't drain the battery.

7. Sharing voice and data
The standard for Bluetooth will allow compatible devices to share data and voice communications. This is great for mobile phones and headsets, as Bluetooth simplifies driving and talking on your cell phone.

8. Instant PAN (Personal Area Network)
You can connect up to seven Bluetooth devices to each other within a range of up to 30 feet, forming a piconet or PAN. For a single room, you can also set up multiple piconets.

9. Upgradeable
Upgradeable is the standard for Bluetooth. There are newer versions of Bluetooth in the works, which offer many new advantages and backward compatible with older versions.

10. The technology stays
Bluetooth technology is a world wide, universal wireless standard. With it being as popular as it is, you can count on it being around for years to come. As more and more devices start to use Bluetooth technology, more manufacturers will be eager to make their products compatible. A chain reaction will occur, making Bluetooth the standard for cutting edge wireless.

Apollo's Rocket Scientists

On May 25, 1961, six weeks after the Soviet Union took a commanding lead in the space race by sending Yuri Gagarin into Earth orbit, John F. Kennedy went before Congress in a nationally televised address and asked his country to "commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon." Three months later, the fledgling National Aeronautics and Space Agency issued its first major contract under the new lunar program. It went to the MIT Instrumentation Lab, which was charged with designing a navigation and guidance system for all the Apollo spacecraft.

The decision was a contentious one. Ordinarily, companies angling for the contract would have had the chance to submit competing proposals. But as a nonprofit, the Instrumentation Lab was prohibited from bidding against industrial rivals. By hiring MIT to build the navigation system, NASA was declaring that no one else was in its league. "I had a lot of justifying to do," recalls Bob Chilton '48, SM '49, who headed the Flight Dynamics Branch at NASA's Space Task Group. "All the industrial people fussed and fussed and fussed."

MIT 's champions at NASA had a strong case. The Instrumentation Lab's director, Charles Stark Draper '26, SM '28, ScD '38, was a pioneer in the use of gyroscopes and accelerometers to navigate aircraft. In 1953, one of Draper's systems had piloted an airplane that took off from Hanscom Field, outside Boston, to within nine miles of an airstrip in Los Angeles.

In the mid-1950s, the lab had won contracts from the U.S. military for work on the navigation systems of several ballistic missiles, including the Polaris, which had to find its way to a fixed target from a submarine at an arbitrary location. To avoid jamming by enemy radios, the missile's guidance system had to be completely self-contained--no external direction possible. The system performed brilliantly when it was tested in 1960, enhancing the lab's reputation in Washington.

Also working in the Instrumentation Lab's favor was a project it had initiated soon after the launch of Sputnik in 1957, using the modest funding for speculative research included in the military contracts. Several of the lab's most brilliant thinkers began designing an unmanned mission to Mars, calculating trajectories for interplanetary travel and drawing up specifications for a general-purpose navigation computer. In four years, the Mars project had grown to include researchers at NASA's Langley Research Center, and much of the work could easily be adapted to a lunar mission. The lab's hold on the Apollo contract would remain secure because--as Aaron Cohen, NASA's manager of the Apollo command and service module, recalls--"we didn't think anyone else could do the job."

The contract with NASA called for the lab to develop a navigation, control, and guidance system that would be carried by both the Apollo command module and the lunar lander. (The command module entered lunar orbit and returned the astronauts to Earth; the lander detached from the orbiting command module and carried the astronauts to the moon's surface.) In both cases, navigation meant determining the craft's current position, guidance meant keeping the craft on its trajectory through space and plotting any course corrections, and control meant maintaining the right velocity and "attitude"--ensuring that the command module's nose was pointing in the right direction, or that the lander's feet were square with the lunar surface.

Via : TR