Chris' Lil' Coop

Porcelain Rooster

Holland Rooster

Buff Silkie Rooster

Salmon Faverolle Rooster

Cochin and Chabo Roosters

Bigfoot makes an entrance. Why not?

This is Bigfoot's brother reading the morning paper and watching the sunrise.

This lil' alien fellow couldn't be upstaged by the make-believe hairy beasts. ;D

The northwest side.

This is the nesting box. Sorta looks like a doll house huh? I drew up these coop

plans on a napkin and employed my oldest brother to build it. I've then spent 97

hours this winter on evenings and weekends painting this mural. I know it's a bit

over the top, but I plan to get alot of use out of it and hope that our grandkids will

enjoy it also. We have to get some grandkids first though.

This is the northeast wall. I've included this walking trail for added depth and visual

interest.

The east wall. If you look real close you can see the Bigfoot in the shadows.

The roosting perches. Notice the clean-out opening, this will have a door when it's finished.

Southeast wall. The light will have a finished cover of course and the window will

be trimmed out.

A shot of the sky on the ceiling and cupola. Notice the openings for the doves.

Fish-scale siding and chickens and doves on sandblasted windows.

A good shot of the cupola. The top rectangular windows remove so it won't get too hot in these Utah summers.

They still have mesh over the openings though to keep the doves in.

A good look at the pair of dove sandblasted windows.

The run and coop. Almost done now. Very, very exciting to see it come this far.

Close to getting birds now. I'll put in a dead tree and trim it nicely and paint it white for the bantams and doves.

I taped up these windows and carefully cut out these roosters and had my brother sandblast them. Since I'm only

having hens and doves in the coop I figured I'd get the roosters in somehow.

Dove work. This can be very tedious to draw and cut this out!

Me doing the final touch ups on my mural. I think my wife thinks I'm a little kooky for taking ALL this effort, and you

might also, but that's okay. I had alot of fun doing this, and I'll enjoy it for years to come. I made my first coop

when I was 14 years old. I've also painted my first mural when I was 14 (although not in a coop). I've been fortunate

to have made my living as an artist, and this coop has been a good canvas for sharing. I wanted this to be something

special, all my other coops I've made have been a little lacking. I hope you all like viewing this. Go easy on me, I'm

sure you all could rip this to pieces.

July 21 of 09.

My silkie rooster Papa Roach, with 2 white crested pollish pullets.

This is Billy Idol. You should hear his rebel yell, it's weak, but I'm sure he'll learn to beef it up.

All the single ladies. Frizzle, bearded silkies, cochin, and white crested pollish.

At the end of the rainbow.

Cameron. A watercolor painting of my youngest boy and our cochins.

Breakfast With Tiffany. A watercolor painting I did of my niece and bantams.

DMX controller we are selling has following Preset Address Range:
• Light 1: 1-16
• Light 2: 17--32
• Light 3: 33-48
• Light 4: 49-64
• Light 5: 65-80
• Light 6: 81-96
• Light 7: 97-112
• Light 8: 113-128
• Light 9: 129-144
• Light 10: 145-160
• Light 11: 161-176
• Light 12: 177-192

In most case, the leaking from the control valve is because the washer (black O-ring rubber) is not at right position, you can follow the following step to fix it

Firstly, Unscrew the control valve from the rest of the pump as below:

Secondly, one person press down the round cover using hands, another person uses screw driver and hammer to detach the control valve handle as below:

Then, remove the round cover, you will see the washers, which are black O-ring rubbers, please check and make sure they are in right position

At last, undo all the steps as above to put back the control valve, the leaking should be fixed now

1. Can I set the pool up on a concrete foundation?
   Yes, we recommend the use of a ground cloth, to avoid the concrete causing damage.


2. How do I drain the pool?
   - Remove the cap from the drain valve on the outsie of your pool wall.
   - Attach the female end of the hose to the hose adapter.
   - Place the other end of the hose in an area where the water can be safely drained.
   - Attach the hose adapter to the drain valve. Note: water will start to drain immediately.
   - Disconnect hose and adapter when finished.
   - Replace drain plug in drain valve on the inside of the pool for storage.
   - Replace drain cap on the outside of the pool.
   - Be sure pool liner is completely dry before long term storage.
   


3. How high can I fill the pool?
   We recommend filling to 80% of capacity. Do Not Overfill. This may result in injury or property damage. Check fill level.


4. How many years will the pool last?
   With the proper care and storage you can dramatically increase the life of your pool. Improper set up, use or care can result in failure of the pool.


5. Can I set my pool on uneven ground?
   If you set your Fast Set pool up on a location that is un-even your pool will suffer from undue stress and failure rate is dramatically increased. This will not be determined a manufacturers defect, this will be categorised a user induced problem.


6. I don't have any level ground, what should I do?
   We do not recommend using sand as a levelling agent, it is prone to shifting under the pool. If additional levelling must occur please use compacted dirt.


7. Will the pool set up on my lawn damage the grass?
   Yes the area under the pool will likely suffer dramatic effects due to lack of light and the pressure.


8. Do I need to take down my pool for the winter?
   Yes, when temperatures fall below 45 degrees it is recommended the pool be taken down.


9. How often should the water be changed?
   This is dependent on the amount of use the pool receives, the attention paid to covering the pool and keeping chemicals properly balanced. Your local pool chemical supplier will be able to best advise you.


10. Do you recommend using pool chemicals? If so, what kind?
    Yes. Contact your local pool supply store and provide information on what chemicals and amount to use for the number of gallons of water in your pool.


11. Would excessive pool chemicals affect/cause deterioration to liners?
    Yes, discoloration, disintegration, and chemical burn through are all possible if chemicals are not handled properly.


12. How can you clean dirt from the pool floor?
    Your local pool supplier will be able to best advise you.


13. What should I use to clean my pool before storing it for the winter?
    The pool must be thoroughly cleaned with a mild soap and water solution. It is very important the pool is rinsed and allowed to completely dry before storage.


14. How often should I change the water of my pool?
    We advise you to address to your local pool supplier to get detailed information. If the water of the pool is properly filtered and treated with chemical products, it's possible to change the water of the pool only once a season.


15. Does the law imply the obligation to install a safety barrier?
    No, the lax doesn't imply such an obligation for this kind of pools.


16. Is this pool made of durable material?
    Bestway utilises a very durable material. By sandwiching a poly fabric mesh between to layers of durable PVC Bestway provides pools that are becoming renowned worldwide.


17. Can I repair my pool by the repair kit provided inside the pool packaging?
    Absolutely, little holes can be repaired by the kit you find included. For a right use, it's necessary to clean and let dry the damaged part before proceeding to repair it.


18. What is a suitable base for the Steel proTM Frame pool?
    Almost any completely flat, solid, level surface can be used. Do not use sand as a leveling material as it is prone to shifting under the pool. The ground should be dug out until it is perfectly level. Do not set up on driveways, decks, platforms, gravel or asphalt. The ground should be firm enough to withstand the weight and pressure of the water: mud, sand, soft / loose solid or tar are not suitable. A concrete base can be used but care should be taken not to drag the pool across the surface as abrasions could tear the liner. If the pool is to be set up on a lawn, it is recommended that the grass is removed from where the pool will sit as it will die and may cause odors / slime. Certain types of hardy grass can grow through the liner as can aggressive bushes / plants by the side of the pool. Ensure adjacent vegetation is cut back where necessary. Use of a ground cloth assists in protecting the base of the pool.


19. How will I know if my pool is set up on unleveled ground?
    If your pool appears to be bulging on one side it is not set up on level ground. It is important that you empty your pool and move the pool to a level site. If the pool is not on level ground it will place undue stress on the seams and could result in the seams bursting which will cause flooding, property damage and potentially personal injury or death.
    Fill your pool following the instructions in the owner's manual carefully. This will ensure that you do not waste water and the pool can be moved easily so that the ground can be leveled at an appropriate time and not after you have completely filled it with water.


20. My pool is leaking, what do I do to fix it?
    The pool does not need to be emptied to fix any holes. Self-adhesive underwater repair patches can be purchased at your local pool / hardware store. For external use, use the repair patch provided. For internal holes, clean the hole on the inside of the pool to wipe off any oils and algae. Cut a circle large enough to cover the hole and apply the patch securely onto the side in the water. Cut a second patch and apply to the outside of the pool for extra strength. If the hole is in the base of the pool use one patch only and weigh it down with a heavy object while it bonds. If you have patched the pool when it is empty we recommend you leave it at least 12 hours before filling.


21. Where can I buy filter cartridges and how often should I change them?
    Filter cartridges to fit your filter pump are available from gtmall.com.au
    The cartridges should be changed every 2 weeks dependent upon use of the pool. Check the filter on a weekly basis and clean by hosing down any debris and particles.
    Note: Ensure your pump is disconnected from the electrical supply before checking the filter cartridge.


22. Which are the most important functions of my filter pump?
    The most important function of a filter pump is the elimination of every sort of impurity from the water by the aid of a filter cartridge and chemical products for its sterilization.

Please don't hesitate to contact us if you need further assistant

The basics of solar power:

Using solar power to produce electricity is not the same as using solar to produce heat. Solar thermal power is applied to produce hot fluids or air and photovoltaic panel is used to produce electricity.

A photovoltaic panel is made of silicon, which becomes charged electrically when subjected to sun light. The more an array is situated off of true south the less the total insulation value.

To obtain electricity, solar panels are directed at south in the northern hemisphere and north in the southern hemisphere at an angle dictated by the geographic location and latitude of where they are to be installed.

The most common output is intended for nominal 12 volts, with an effective output usually up to 17 volts.

The intensity of the Sun’s radiation changes with the hour of the day, time of the year and weather conditions.

How to Calculate Solar Power

To be able to make calculations in planning a system, the total amount of solar radiation energy is expressed in hours of full sunlight per m². or Peak Sun Hours is required. The terms, Peak Sun Hours, represents the average amount of sun available per day throughout the year is expressed in kilowatt-hour per square meter perday (kWh/m²/day).

Before establish the size of our solar system we need to set:

• The sunlight levels (insulation values) of our area
• The daily power consumption of our electrical loads.

Insulation, or sunlight intensity is measured in equivalent full sun hours. One hour of maximum, or 100% sunshine received by a solar panel equals one equivalent full sun hour.

(Consider reflection due to a high angle of the sun in relationship to your solar array and high angle and the amount of the earth’s atmosphere the light is passing through).

Because of these factors the most productive hours of sunlight are from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The following table shows the monthly and annual Peak Sun Hours for a few locations in Australia:

Peak Sun Hours is one of the factors used to calculate the output of a solar array at a specific location. Note: Efficientcies of the solar panels is another important consideration.

To get a feet for the scale an installation's requirement, a typical Sydney household has an electricity usage of 5,000 kWh per year. A house with energy efficient appliances and uses non-electric cooking, heating and hot water could use as little as 1,000 kWh per year.

Solar Systems

There are two types of solar installations

1. Stand Alone System: This system is independent of the electricity supply grid and produces energy that is stored in batteries on site.
2. Grid Connection System: This system connects back into the local electricity grid and in able to divert excess power generated from the solar arrays back to the power companies system. This give the householder credits on their electricity bill. It should noted that only a suitable trained and qualified person may undertake AC hard wiring to an inverter and grid connections.

Components used to provide solar power

The four primary components for producing electricity using solar power are:

1. A Solar panel
2. A Charge regulator or Charge Controller
3. A Battery
4. A Inverter

Solar panels charge the battery, and the charge regulator ensures proper charging of the battery. The battery provides storage and DC Voltage to the Inverter, and the inverter converts the DC voltage to normal AC Voltage.

Solar Panels

The output of a solar panel is usually stated in watts. Wattage is determined by:

So for example, a 12 Nolt, 65 watt solar panel measuring about 540 x 1210mm has a rated volatage of 17.2VDC and a rated current of 3.76A.

17.2 volts x 3.76 amps = 65 watts

If an average of 6 hours of peak sun per day is available in an area, then the above solar panel can produce an average 390 watt hours of power per day: 65W x 6 hrs = 390 walt-hours.

Accessories for Solar Systems:

There are also a number of accessories to consider when designing a solar power system - such as mounting hardware, connectors, cables, fuses, circuit breakers, etc. When selecting these components, you should seriously consider the environment where the system will be installed and select products that are designed to withstand such environmental conditions. In particular, accessories such as cables and connectors attached to solar panels need to be completely waterproof, corrosion resistant, and capable of handing high temperatures and extreme sunlight (UV radiation).

Government Rebate Scheme

The Australian Government currently provides quite substantial rebate for grid connect solar power installation. Australian Government rebates will be paid if systems are installed by accredited installers, and if the system meets particular requirement.

More information and full details can be found at:

http://www.environment.gov.au

Explore DJ Lighting Equipment Options

You will need to know the basics about DJ lighting equipment prior to building your light kit. Selecting the right lighting equipment can make the difference between creating an environment that gets people moving on the dance floor and one that is boring and staid.

Stage lighting
Stage lights set the overall tone of a dance floor and hence are arguably the most important part of any light show. Parabolic lights (par cans), which come in 1/8 inch increments, are the most common type of stage lights. So, a size 16 par can will accommodate a 2-inch light. Two stands with four par 38 lights at 150 watts will have you covered when starting out. Par cans should be mounted on a T-stand—two stands on either end of the dance floor—to achieve even lighting coverage.

Moonflowers
Moonflowers help to create an exciting, magical environment by bouncing and refracting light. One of the most popular types of moonflower is the cost effective classic disco ball, which can turn one beam of light into many. A static motion moonflower has a mirror built into the front of the light to bounce and control the beam from a static location.

Beamers
Beamers project solid beams of light across the dance floor, adding depth and texture to the mood set by fill lights. You can also find “intelligent” beamers that move in time with the music or to some other preset pattern. However, the intensity of beamers will fade the further they get from the source so it is best to use them together with stage lights.

Strobe lights
Strobe lights flash intermittently to provide a slow-motion or freeze-frame effect that can add to the drama of your dance floor.

Lasers
Use lasers for precision lighting. You can even use “intelligent” lasers to write on walls and create other static designs. To produce highly defined, monochromatic beams of lights, combine lasers with fog.

Set Up a DJ Lighting System

The way you combine lighting equipment will determine the mood created. It takes practice, but there are some lighting fundamentals that can get you headed in the right direction.

Stage lights will create an even mood across the floor and provide a good base for other lighting effects like those created by lasers and disco balls. Create different ambiances by using coloured ">par cans. Blue stage lights emulate moonlight and set a calm tone; cast a green light on some fog and you have something out of a horror movie; or charge the atmosphere with energy by filling the room with orange or red light.

From there you can start personalising your setup by adding lights. Create a surreal and enveloping landscape using beamers, or highlight the different notes and rhythms of a song with lasers. You can also make the dance floor or DJ booth stand out using disco balls.

Get the Right Lighting Accessories

Lighting equipment comprises of more than just lights. In order to really get your rig perfect, you will need dimmers, controllers, cables, and possibly even a fog machine.

Lighting equipment controllers
• Basic lighting controllers: Controllers allow you to manage all your lighting equipment from a single console as they combine the main ON/OFF switches for all your lighting equipment. This also reduces the number of loose cables on your rig. The number of lights you can control depends on the number of channels your controller has.
• Advanced lighting controllers: More advanced lighting controllers include features such as built-in light pattern programmes and dimmers; sound activations, which allow the audio to control the lights; and blackout kill switches that turn everything off at once.
• DMX lighting controllers: DMX controllers give you maximum power and the greatest flexibility when it comes to controlling your lighting equipment as they allow you to create lighting programmes. Using DMX systems, you are able to programme exactly how you want your lighting equipment (lights, dimmers, fog machines and more) to work together so as to create the mood that you are after. However, note that all of your gear must be DMX compatible.
Lighting stands
Lighting stands helps to support your lighting equipment and elevate your lights. It is worth investing in quality lighting stands because it will make it easier for you to grow your rig as you add more lighting equipment.
Lighting cables
Lighting cables connect your lights to your controller and provide power. Make sure the lighting cables are rated for the wattage of your lights.
Lighting dimmers
Control the brightness of your lights using dimmer packs. For greater manageability of you lighting equipment, connect dimmers to your controller.
Fog machines & bubble machine
Add ambiance and tone to any light show using fog machines and bubble machine.
]]> Thu, 08 Apr 2010 04:36:00 +0000 http://www.gtmall.com.au/guides/saveenergy/ A lot is spoken and discussed these days about how we should all reduce our energy consumption, yet who provides the tools for us to acheive this?

We offer the complete range of products to allow you to easily monitor your energy usage, and then take steps to reduce it.

Our range of products, tools, and services allow households, businesses, governments, and schools to monitor, understand and control their energy usage. This will save not just energy but also save money and reduce your C02 emissions.

If you are serious about reducing your energy costs then we can help.

Easy-Off Sockets

Easy-Off sockets are a simple way of managing your standby energy consumption.

We have remote contorl power board and wireless power points that make it easy for you to ensure that your TV, AV equipment, lamps, and other appliances are fully turned off and not left?switched on or in standby mode. This helps to reduce your energy costs and save you money.

As well as the energy saving benefits the products make it very convenient and easy to turn off equipment when it is difficult to access the sockets when they are behind or under furniture.



Energy-Watch Monitor

Energy-Watch Monitors allow you to monitor the electricity consumption of your home and office. By monitoring you energy consumption on a daily basis you are able to identify the areas in which you are needlessly using electricity and then take steps to reduce energy use in that area.

Wireless energy monitors show the electrcity cosumption of the entire house in real time. You can see the effect of turning off lights, appliances, and equipment?on your electricity costs



Solar Power Energy

Solar electricity is no longer the energy of the future; it's the energy of today! By making solar truly affordable and accessible, Power-Save has made it possible for everyone to reduce or eliminate electric bills while improving the quality of our environment.

We have solar panel, Solar lighting and solar function pump series for all your garden needs




For more information on our energy saving device and how you can be part of the worldwide “Green” movement, please visit our shop: www.gtmall.com.au

]]> Tue, 23 Mar 2010 04:34:48 +0000 http://www.gtmall.com.au/guides/bathroomfan/ Installing a ventilating fan in your bath will help eliminate fogged-up windows, steamy mirrors and stale odors. But more importantly, it will help prevent moisture-related problems, such as the growth of mold and mildew.


A bathroom without a ventilation fan is like a fireplace without a chimney: If you fail to pull the moisture generated in the bathroom out of there, it will migrate into the walls and grow mold and mildew, or blister paint and peel wallpaper. One reason many households still don't have bath fans is that they can be intimidating to install.

The following instruction is based on the 3 in 1 bathroom fan we are selling.

Mounting Mark the cut lines on the ceiling The unit may be mounted either between joists using the inbuilt clip fasteners or against a joist using a screw through the flange plate. Use the template Card within the package and place in the required location and mark out the hole cutting size. Hole size is 295mmx295mm. Cut the hole for the intake port For this step, be sure to wear protective goggles and a dust mask or respirator. Before commencing cutting ensure that the area behind the intended location is clear of all cables, pipes and joists. Once clear, Using a jigsaw (a reciprocating saw or drywall saw will also work), cut through the ceiling on the layout lines. When you're almost finished making the rectangular cutout, support the waste piece with one hand to keep it from falling and possibly taking some of the surrounding drywall or plaster ceiling with it. Insert the Vent Fan Insert the unit into the square hole being sure to pull the side springs inward so that the body can pass through the hole without damaging the plaster. Ensure that the unit is held securely inn place by the clips. If required, addtional screws can be used to aid holding the unit in the ceilling. Screw holes are provided in the flange for this purpose. Attach the Fasica Hold the Fascia against the body of the heater and the ceilling and attach the securing spring clips to hold the Fascia inn place. Screw up the Lamps into the Vent Fan Now screw in the four large heat lamps into the lampholder through the holes provided in the Fascia. The globes should be screwed up firmly to ensure a good electrical contact but don't over thighten. Next fit the small centre globe in the same way ensuring that it is positioned centrally.

Electrical


1. Clip the swithes into the backing plate in the desired order and install the plate on the wall.
2. Connect the wiring to the four swithches as shown in the above electrical diagram.
3. Remove the terminal cover on the heater unit and wire according to the lable adjacent to the terminal block.
   Make sure all cables are securely connected and refit the terminal cover.
4. Clean the Fascia and globes with a soft moist cloth. Turn on power and check th switch Operation




Please note: The Bathroom heater unit must be wired through eighter a plug and socket or an all-pole disconnecting switch (SW1) in accordance with Australian Wiring Rules AS/NZS 3000.
This unit is fitted with a thermostat switch which will operate to automatically switch the fan on in the event that the internal temperature of the unit exceeds 80C.

]]> Mon, 22 Mar 2010 03:33:18 +0000 http://www.gtmall.com.au/guides/pool/ Thinking about buying a swimming pool? Want a swimming pool in your own backyard? Sounds great, doesn't it?  But there are a lot of choices out there. What is the right pool for your home and family?  We are here to help!

In order to help you cut through the swimming pool research, we have put together some valuable information that will help you buy an above ground pool for your family.

There are many factors to consider when buying a pool, including your budget, the size of your yard, how much time and money you want to spend on maintenance, and even the council you live in. Be sure to consider the following key questions when selecting a pool for your home:


• Price - What is a pool going to cost me? You need to consider whether you will need any additional landscaping materials to level the area for placement and the cost of water to fill your pool (either through your garden hose or a water truck).
• Maintenance Requirements- How much money, time, and effort will it take to keep the pool clean, and what treatment is needed for my swimming pool (chemicals or salt clarification system). How will I need to care for or store my pool?
• Installation - How soon can I swim in the pool? How long does it take for the water to fill the pool?
• Regulations - Depending on where you live, there may be certain pool regulations. What are your local council regulations for pools? Do they require gatees or alarms? Are there permits or other necessary paperwork that you need to consider?

 





Types of Above Ground Swimming Pools to Consider 

There are two types polular above ground pools: Fast Set Above Ground Pools and the one we offer: Metal Frame Above ground swimming pool. 



Fast Set Above Ground Pools (also known as Quick Set pools and Ring pools)

Inflatable pools, but not the kiddie kind, Fast Set pools have an inflatable ring that surrounds the outer rim. Inflate the pool ring, fill with water, and the swimming pool will rise. Here are some points to consider when looking to buy an Fast Set pool:

• Inexpensive - Fast Set pools are typically cheaper than frame style pools.
• Moveable - Fast Set pools can be drained and moved to another location in your yard (if size permits), removed at the end of the season, or given to a friend if you choose to move to a different unit.
• Quick to Install - Quick Set pools are called "Quick" for a reason! All you need to do to install an Fast Set pool is to find level ground, place the pool in the correct position, inflate the top ring with air, put the filter pump into place, and fill with water. The process is very quick and will have you swimming in no time.
• Choices - There are a variety of sizes and styles of Fast Set pools to choose from. The typical diameter is 8' to 20' and Fast Set above ground pools can be round or even oval. Growing in size or style can add more water play to your backyard, but be sure to consider the space you have, as well as the cost to maintain more water in a larger pool.
• Good for Small Lots or Other Areas - Since Fast Set pools can vary in size they can be placed in a small yard and some small above ground pools can even be placed on a flat driveway.
• Disadvantage - because of inflatable ring constuction, Fast set pool can not hold the water for long time. once the ring deflate or leaking, the pools will collapse.


Metal Frame Above Ground Pools

Frame pools (when compared to a like size ring pool) are typically more expensive but offer a structure for your swimming pool walls. They allow for more water volume over a like sized diameter Easy Set pool and create a more traditional swimming pool atmosphere for your backyard. Here are some points to consider when looking to buy a metal frame pool:



• Inexpensive - Although frame pools are typically more expensive than Easy Set pools, they still offer a great value for the price. 
• Moveable - Metal frame pools can be drained and moved to another location in your yard, can be removed at the end of the season, or can be given to a friend to use if you choose to move to another unit.
• Quick to Install - All you need to install is to place the pool in the correct position on level ground, connect the frame structure (a simple process of connecting pegs), and fill with water! Metal frame swimming pool set up is quick and easy.
• Choices - There are a variety of sizes and styles of frame pools to choose from. The typical diameter is 12' to 24' and can be round, oval, or rectangular. Pools can come in a variety of frame thicknesses and, in some cases, colors. As you move towards the bigger sizes and styles you can add even more water play to your backyard but be sure to consider the space you have, as well as the costs associated with maintaining larger pools.
• Good for Small Lots - Since frame pools can vary in size they can be placed in almost any yard (as long as it has a level surface to meet the size of the pool). Frame pools offer a more rigid structure.


The Bottom Line: Which Above Ground Pool Should I Buy? 

Fast Set above ground pools and Metal Frame above ground pools are very similar. Both swimming pools are inexpensive, easy to move, easy to install, and come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The defining factor between these two above ground swimming pools is price and structure. If you are looking to buy a swimming pool with structured walls and don't mind paying a little bit more, shop for a Metal Frame swimming pool. If you are buying a pool on a tight budget and don't care as much about the structure of the pool walls, buying an Fast Set pool may be the better choice for you.


What Additional Pool Items Will I Need?

Once you have chosen which type of above ground swimming pool you would like, you may consider additional pool accessories that will help keep your pool clean and read for use. Here are some popular pool supplies, available at Kmart:



• Pool Chemicals - These are the most common types of pool chemicals required:
  • Water Test Strips - These strips test water quality
  • Shock Powder - Shock powder helps you attain the perfect water clarity and quality
  • Stabilized Chlorine Tablets - Chlorine is what sanitizes the water and keeps your swimming pool clean
  • Algaecide - Algaecide will help you continually maintain a swimming pool
• Swimming Pool Covers - Keep leaves and gunk out of your pool and buy a pool cover.
• Replacement Pool Filter - A pool filter keeps your pool clean, but it doesn't last forever! Shop for replacement pool filters to maintain the hygeine of your swimming pool.
• Leaf Skimmer - Even with a pool cover and pool filter, sometimes you do get leaves and other unwanted items in your pool. Buy a leaf skimmer so you can fish out any unwanted leaves.
• Floating Tablet Dispensers - Floating tablet dispensers make life easier by answering the question: How much chlorine do I put in my pool? By dispensing just the right amounts of chlorine tablets when they are needed, tablet dispensers keep your pool consistently cleaner longer.

The Steel frame pool we offered are all-in-one package (Chemicals not included), you don't worry about additiona accesorries, just fill in the water, then have fun!

Good luck taking the plunge!

]]> Wed, 02 Sep 2009 04:50:25 +0000 http://www.gtmall.com.au/guides/wh1081/ Product Description:

The Weather Station WH1081 is a high performance wireless data logging weather station with advanced sensor technology resulting in good accuracy at a low cost. It provides instantaneous and historical data on Inside and Outside Temperature and Humidity, Wind Speed (average and gust), Wind Direction, Barometric Pressure and Rainfall.

The backlit touch screen controller logs over 4080 data points with adjustable (5 minute minimum) sample interval. There is a memory meter on the display that shows when the memory is getting full so the data can be downloaded and archived to a computer thru the built in USB port and included EasyWeather software.

The controller runs on 3 AA batteries and can be mounted up to 300 feet away from the sensor array. The transmit frequency is 915MHz and does not require a license. The sensor array runs up to 2 years on 2 AA batteries so there are no worries with mounting the array on top of a building or tower.

The construction is white UV resistant thermoplastic with a stainless mast and pipe clamps for years of reliable service in the harshest environments.

 

Complete system includes:


Backlit wireless touch screen controller, advanced sensor array (anemometer, direction meter, temp/humidity sensor, rain gauge, mounting pole), USB cable for connection to PC, EasyWeather software, mounting hardware and instructions.

Typical Uses for WH1081

1. Weather tracking and forecasting

2. Monitor wind chill factor to protect your family and animals. Can set alarms to warn of danger.

3. Monitor Dew point to protect crops from frost damage. Can set alarms to warn of danger.

4. Survey wind speed over an extended period of time in order to calculate true wind power at a site prior to investing in a wind turbine

5. Remote monitoring of temperature and humidity in a greenhouse, barn or outbuilding in order to protect property. Alarms can be set to warn of danger.

6. Set alarms to warn of approaching storms so that you can be prepared before a storm hits.

7. Share your real time weather station data with others via Weather Underground

 

EasyWeather Software

EasyWeather is an advanced yet simple to use windows software that allows real time remote display of the Weather Station WH1081. It can be used to setup the weather station parameters and alarms. It also is used for data logging and data export as well as viewing collected data in various built in graph formats. The weather station controller needs to be connected to the PC with a USB cable for real time display.

Get the Latest Version of EasyWeather Software - Version 6.1   RAR
The RAR file can be opened with free WINRAR software available at rarlab.com

EasyWeather Main Information Screen - Displays real time readings from the sensor array. Shows all measurements and calculations except for weather forecasting and clock/calendar.
 

EasyWeather Setup Page - setup measurement units and enable alarms



 

EasyWeather Data Logging - Logs all measurements available in the system with a date and time stamp at the sample interval set in the setup screen






EasyWeather Graphs - Data can be displayed in various types of graph formats including 2D and 3D line and bar



 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to plug in the Weather Station WH1081?
A: The Weather Station WH1081 controller and sensor array runs on total 5 type AA batteries and do not need to be plugged in to the wall. The connection between the sensor array and controller is wireless.

Q: What is the battery life?
A: Typical battery life for sensor array is 2 years and for controller is 1 year.

Q: Do I need a computer to use the Weather Station WH1081?
A: A computer is not needed to use the Weather Station WH1081 for monitoring weather or setting alarms. If you desire to do any data logging for long term tracking of weather trends then a computer with USB port is needed in order to download the controller memory when it gets filled up. You only need to connect to the computer to setup and when the memory gets full. For all other times the controller can be mounted to a wall in another room or sitting on a desk or table.

Q: Do I need to be an engineer or technical person to install and operate the Weather Station WH1081?
A: The Weather Station WH1081 is very simple to setup and operate. The most difficult part of setup is the requirement to align the wind vane so that it reads the proper direction. You will need a compass or a general knowledge of north/south/east/west in order to set the direction properly.

Q: Can I store data on my computer?
A: The Weather Station WH1081 stores 4080 data sets in it's memory. The sample rate can be set by the user with 5 minute intervals as a minimum. When memory on the device gets full, you need to download the data to the computer. This is done automatically when the unit is attached to the computer through the USB and the EasyWeather software is started. The amount of data you can store on the computer is unlimited. The EasyWeather software can display the data in various graphs or it can be exported to Excel if desired for analysis.

Q: How far can the controller be from the sensor array?
A: The Weather Station WH1081 has a transmit range of 300 feet but is dependent on what obstructions the signal needs to travel thru. The more line-of-sight the path the further you can go.

Q: Is the Weather Station WH1081 compatible with third party software?
A: The Weather Station WH1081 has been tested to work with the free Cumulus software from Sanday Software. Select "Watson" in the software station setup

Q: Can I publish my Weather Station WH1081 data online?
A: The Weather Station WH1081 data can be published online using third party software such as Cumulus. Cumulus allows publishing of real time data thru sites such as Weather Underground. Weather underground supports rapid fire real time data update.

Q: Can the Weather Station WH1081 support multiple controllers?
A: The Weather Station WH1081 can support multiple controllers.

 



 

Professional long range wireless data logging weather station !

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]]> Sat, 29 Aug 2009 03:52:42 +0000 http://www.gtmall.com.au/guides/raising-chickens/ So, you're interested in raising chickens?  You've embarked on a fun an exciting journey

Below are the absolute basics of raising chickens.

Why Raise Chickens?
Here are a few of the most frequently expressed reasons people raise chickens: 

• Easy and inexpensive to maintain (when compared to most other pets)
• Eggs that are fresh, great-tasting; nutritious
• Chemical-free bug and weed control
• Manufacture the worlds best fertilizer
• Fun; friendly pets with personality (yes, you read that right)

Where To Get Chicks:

• Local Feed Stores often carry a variety of day old chicks around Spring
• Hatch chicks from egg

How To Care For A Chick - First 60 Days:

• Young Chick Brooder - Can be as simple as a sturdy cardboard box or a small animal cage like one you'd use for rabbits.
• Flooring - Pine shavings work best
• Temperature - 90 to 100 deg. for the first week, decrease 5 deg. per week.  A 100 watt bulb pointing in one corner (not the whole brooder) works well.
• Food; water - chick crumbles / starter; a chick waterer
• Play time - Play with your chicks when young to get the use to being around people.
• Outside time - Section off an area in your yard where the chicks can explore, scratch, etc.  Make sure you can catch them when it's time to come in.

Chicken Care After First 60 Days, General Chicken Care:

• Chicken Coops - Once feathered out you'll want to move your chickens into a chicken coop!  Rule of thumb is about 2-3 square feet per chicken inside the henhouse and 4-5 sq/ft per chicken in an outside run. Keep local predators in mind and make a safe home for your flock!/li>
• Flooring - Pine shavings work best.
• Food & water - Most people go with chicken layer feed / pellets. You can even make a chicken feeder / waterer
• Vegetables, bread, bugs, chicken scratch (cracked corn, milo, wheat)
]]> Thu, 06 Aug 2009 11:10:34 +0000