What?

Let's say we have a device that operates on a fixed internal lithium battery that is continually charged by a 12V DC power source. Would it be possible to remove the battery and drop in a capacitor since the device is plugged into a permanent 12V power source anyway? Or is it more complicated than that?

The device in question is a dash cam that has an internal Li-ion battery which, under its own power, wouldn't last more than 15 minutes. To operate for any real length of time, it needs to be powered by the car. Since I park in the street, I don't like the idea of window mounting a device with a battery baking in the Sun. There exists a more expensive capacitor version of the same device, but I was wondering if it was possible to perform a simple DIY conversion.

Thanks.

There's a rust spot on my fender that I'm planning to fix. The paint must have flaked off years ago and the rusty surface had been allowed to turn quite rough, but there's no rust-through so far. At some point in the past, the previous owner or the dealer had painted over the rust with black paint or used rust converter, but without proper prep and repainting.

From what I can see, the rust has developed pretty deep. What I'd like to know is: will sanding the top surface (not to bare metal because I'm not sure how much there is left to work with) and applying rust reformer attack the rust below the surface? What I'm concerned about is that the reformer will only convert the surface it's exposed to and leave the rusty metal below untreated. Will the reformer work through the surface or inhibit what's underneath from developing or will what's there continue to rust away? I don't have the means to sand or grind to metal or to weld so converter seems to be the only possibility for me at the moment.

I have a 1989 MB 560SEL that shudders/grinds when the car is just about to come to a complete stop (between 0 and maybe 1-3 mph). The same shudder/grind can be felt when I gently ease off of the brakes after a complete stop. No noticeable vibration or pulsation can be felt on the steering wheel or the pedal. There maybe a slight pull to the right when coming to a stop (not completely sure yet). No vibration at idle or acceleration—it just happens the moment before a complete stop and the moment when I ease off of the brakes. What can be the cause?

It's almost like the brake groan that most vehicles get when creeping to or from a stop, but with a clearer and louder sound and accompanied by an unmistakable vibration coming from the front-end.

Certain parts of the under-body of a 21 year old car that I bought used have signs of surface rust. Nothing is rusted through as far as I can tell.

Is it a good idea to pressure wash rusted metals with water? Will doing so (to remove salts and other corrosive materials) accelerate rusting or is there potential for it to help?

There is some some interest in an automobile part for a vehicle model that hasn't been produced in over 20 years. The part was originally an option that is no longer offered by the manufacturer. Would it be illegal to reproduce this part—a component of which contains the manufacturer's logo—for sale? What if no profiting is involved (i.e. pooled purchase or pricing at cost)?

It should be known that the manufacturer is still operating.

I want to repaint my rims, but the only way that can happen is if I do it outside. Such a job requires multiple cans and takes hours to complete. Are there any city ordinances against spraying paint outdoors in New York City? If not, is there anything that I can do to minimize inconveniences to my neighbors?

I'm planning to complement a 32" in my small bedroom with either a home theater system or a nice set of headphones for a better movie watching experience. The room is extremely small and my planned setup gives me only about 7 feet between where the TV will be mounted and the opposing wall.

Would a HTS be effective enough in such a layout to justify the cost? I like the idea of having one, but would I get better results with a good set of stereo headphones?

There are 2 switches at the ends of a stairway that control a single light. The light switch at the foot of the stairs is able to fully control the light, but the one at the top will neither turn turn on nor off the light. However, when the light has been turned on (using the switch at the foot of the stairs), flipping the switch at the top of the stairs will momentarily cause the light to blink (but it will always remain on). Can the problem be pinpointed to either the top or bottom switch or will I have to reconfigure the entire setup?

Thanks.

If you were given a 2.8/300 and a ticket to a big city like New York or Chicago for a week, how would you use it?

Which book, preferably something involving lighting technique in photography, would you recommend? And no -- strobist.com is not a book :-)

They're also known as Rough-billed Pelicans:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_White_Pelica...

If so, what would be an example of one?

They're also known as Rough-billed Pelicans.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_White_Pelica...

I have a tripod that reaches about 5.5' upon full leg extension (not including center column). I'm wondering how you would carry around a tripod like that in an urban environment. A flag pole carry feels awkward and it's definitely too long for a shoulder or hand carry. Is collapsing it the best way?

I think this is an important question that every person who claims to be a photographer has to ask him or herself. How is your work distinguishable from the billions of other existing photographs? What's your signature?

Feel free to link! It'll be a good way to share and draw traffic. Don't forget to answer the question though ;-)

So the question is: does rain ever stop you from venturing out for a photo day/night? Surely there are ways to keep oneself and his or her equipment safe and dry. Wouldn't that be a bad quality for a photographer (to have such a natural obstacle stop or limit your work or hobby)?

This question is best left to people who enjoy spending time taking pictures -- not to those who wear "photographer" like a label or hat. You know who you are...

When framing large photos (20"x30") on a wood frame made for a 20x30 print with a glass pane is it acceptable if the picture surface is pressed against the glass? Or, is there suppose to be some buffer (with matte or another material) so that the picture doesn't stick to the glass because of humidity? What if matte is out of the question, what procautions should be taken to prevent the photo from sticking to the glass?

So I open a box of Celeste Pizza for One microwavable pizza today... and there's no cruster disk! It's the second time in a row from two different stores! Has anyone experienced this phenomenon? What is one to do in this situation? I bought the pizza expecting a fast, crispy-crusted meal only to get a soggy slab of cheese, bread, meats, sauce, and other delectibles. I was promised a crispy maker device for microwave use and I don't have an oven so that's out of the question. And don't tell me it's not real pizza!