RAVPOWER POWER BANK

After reviewing the RAVPower 26800, where my biggest complaint about the pack was lack of QC 2.0 or 3.0 support, the company sent me another pack, this time with support for Qualcomm’s QuickCharge standard.

The RAVPOWER POWER BANK Super-C Series 20100 mAh Portable Charger Type-C + USB 3.0 has a name that’s entirely too long, but that’s besides the point.

With a capacity of 20,100mAh (74.37Wh), you’re giving up some capacity when compared to the currently unavailable RAVPower 26800 I previously reviewed.

Outside of removing capacity and adding QC tech, the two battery packs look identical. Four ports are on the front of the pack, one microUSB for charging the pack itself, a USB-C port, and two USB-A ports with RAVPower’s “iSmart” technology.

On top of the pack is a power button and four blue indicator lights. Pressing the button will prompt the lights to fill in, revealing a rough estimate of the amount of juice left in the back. Conversely, when charging the unit the lights will blink until the pack is full.

I put the RAVPower Super-C through our discharge test, and was disappointed with the result of 76.14% efficiency with my USB load generator set right at the 5V/2.4A output for the USB-A port.

An efficiency this low places the pack near the bottom of the pack among batteries we've tested. Total charge time through the microUSB port was nearly 11 hours, while charging through the USB-C port with the included wall adapter sped the process up to around 5 hours.

It’s important to note, however, the included wall adapter is one that Google employee Benson Leung suggests you do not use to charge your phones.

So while the pack itself my not be the most efficient, it does charge faster than most packs of this size.

Beyond its efficiency, the pack is currently priced at $69 on Amazon. Comparing the cost and efficiency to our top pick, the Aukey 30000 PowerBank, the RAVPower is $25 more expensive, with a lower capacity and efficiency.

Lumsing 8000mAh GC-930-8 Power Bank review: Lumsing is blinging up power banks

With the current craze in gold smartphones and tablets, we were keen to review Lumsing'sgold 8000mAh Power Bank. It's a darker shade than Apple's gold, but this USB charger is pretty bling - and good value, too. Also see: 17 best power banks 2014.

For £24 (from Amazon) you get 8000mAh of portable power, from which you can realistically expect at least 5500mAh to filter through to your devices. That's three full charges for your golden iPhone 6. Plus the Grade A lithium-polymer battery is good for at least 500 recharges, which means the Lumsing Power Bank will more than likely outlive several generations of iPhone. See all phone accessories and tablet accessories.

It's not just gold iPhones this Lumsing (also available in black and blue - and pink, although we can't find this version in the UK) is keen to keep powered on either. With a 2.1A output this power bank (like GOAL ZERO SWITCH 10 MULTI-TOOL KIT )will charge any USB-powered device, be that a smartphone, a tablet, a Bluetooth speaker, an MP3 player or a camera.

The 1.5A Micro-USB input is also decent, allowing you to recharge the power bank faster than you would many of its rivals, which are usually specified with 1A inputs.

Few power banks can be desribed as stylish, but the brushed aluminium chassis and slim, pocketable dimensions of this Lumsing impress - it's just 10mm thick, and much easier to handle than other brick-like chargers we've reviewed (see the EC Technology 18000mAh Power Bank, for example). It's a tad smaller than our phone, and a few grams heavier at 168g; in the pocket it simply feels as though you're carrying a second handset.


A Micro-USB cable is supplied in the box. Its coiled cable is too fancy for our liking, reminding us of a landline telephone cord. You can supply your own cable if it's not to your taste, or if your device charges over anything other than Micro-USB. There's also a built-in LED torch - you just double-press the only button to turn it on or off.


At this price you shouldn't expect the Lumsing to support fancy features such as passthrough charging and auto-on, although it will automatically turn itself off five seconds after a device is disconnected to save power. But while it's cheap, it's not the cheapest power bank we've seen. And a chunk of that price tag is definitely owed to its design.

It's interesting to note that the one power bank that really shows up this Lumsing in terms of value is another from the same company: the 10400mAh Harmonica-style Power Bank. And it's not difficult to see why: it's cheaper, it's higher in capacity, it has two outputs that allow you to simultaneously charge a phone and a tablet, it comes with a soft carry case - and it's still portable and stylish. Which of the two you choose will likely come down to how long you need to stay connected away from the mains.

Our one gripe with this device is the LED system it uses to show how much capacity remains. Most high-capacity power banks use four LEDs; some of the smaller pocketable USB chargers use three; this 8000mAh power bank has only two. When one LED is lit somewhere between 4000- and 8000mAh remains; and when this LED flashes there could be anything between 0- and 4000mAh remaining. That's quite a big chunk of power, so you could have enough to fully charge your smartphone or the Lumsing could be on its last legs, and you wouldn't know until it was too late.

Lumsing's Power Bank comes with a one-year warranty and the promise of protection against over-charge, -discharge, -voltage, -current, -heating and short circuiting.

Pre-Rut Trail Camera Tactics

Right now the big question is “when are the does going to come into estrus and when will the bucks start actively pursuing them”? I wish I had the answers. Honestly, there are too many variables involved to spew out a definitive response. However, what I can tell you is that if you get aggressive with your trail camera placement you just might find the answers for yourself. Here are some thoughts to consider when using your trail camera (for example: MOULTRIE M 1100I GAME CAMERA ) to hunt down a pre-rut buck.

Learn To Be Mobile

Forget about your preconceived plans because they are on the fringe of being thrown out of the window. Bucks are starting to move during times they weren’t previously moving and showing up in places they weren’t previously showing up in. But that’s a good thing. The only problem is when we hold onto our slow, early season way of thinking. Right now the bucks have something else on their minds other than food and that is causing them to move more. You should be ready to move too.

Move your trail cameras to find those scrapes that are actually being used more than once. Move your cameras to find those rub lines that are being used by the size of buck that makes your heart pound. Then move your stand accordingly. Move, move, move. 

 

Increase Trail Camera Checking Frequency

Any other time of the year it is best to visit trail cameras sparingly. However, as a bucks testosterone levels increase so does his daylight activity. The only way you are going to know exactly when this begins to happen is by checking your trail cameras.

Now, that doesn’t mean you should check them every day. But, you should at least increase your checking frequency to maybe twice a week. This will allow you to stay on top of changing buck activity and help decide if it is the time to burn through a few vacation days. But, make no mistake, this will all come at a cost.

And remember, check your cameras often but don’t announce your presence by doing so.

You see, no matter how hard you try you are going to impact your hunting area. How negatively you impact it will depend largely on how much effort you put into trying to fly under the whitetail radar. This includes things like the time of day you check your cameras and how much odor you leave behind in the process.

Obviously, checking trail cameras just after first light and just prior to sunset will likely result in bumping deer as you move in and out of the area. So, try to avoid those time slots if at all possible. And, even though it doesn’t guarantee you won’t run into a deer or two, replacing SD cards during midday hours is a much better option. Still, keep in mind that the further along the pre-rut goes the greater your chances are of seeing a buck anytime of the day.

Create Your Own Pre Rut Hotspots

The pre-rut is the perfect time to doctor existing scrapes and rubs or simply make your own. By introducing an “intruder” into the area other bucks might be more apt to visit a scrape or rub that they had previously made during daylight hours. Still, no matter what type of scrape you are monitoring, just be sure not to place your trail camera right on top of it. By moving your camera back just a little bit you give the buck room to do his thing without noticing your camera hanging nearby.

A good option is to set your camera up so that you can monitor trails running into or out of the area. That way you can better understand the direction the buck is coming from or the direction he is going. Both can lead to more clues about his behavior and ultimately the right place to hang your treestand.

Don’t Forget The Does

During the pre-rut it is easy to forget what the bucks really want…a hot doe. This is mostly due to the fact that bucks are leaving behind more evidence of their whereabouts than any other time of year. Using that evidence and hanging treestands accordingly is a good tactic. Just don’t lose focus of the big picture.

Sooner or later, no matter where a buck scrapes or rubs, he is going to track down a hot doe. Knowing where the does in your area like to bed, feed and travel in between could ultimately lead to a filled tag; especially if said buck has eluded you up to this point.

Therefore, it only makes sense to include doe monitoring in your pre-rut trail camera schemes. It might not be as exciting as hanging your camera over a hot scrape or rub line but like I said, eventually the bucks will find you. But only if you know exactly what the does in your area are doing. Use your trail camera to gather that info. 

Trail Camera Options

In a perfect world all of my cameras would be cellular so that I could check them from the comfort of my home. If your area has good cell phone reception then this might be an option to seriously consider. If not, you have to do it the old fashion way.

Also, when dealing with mature bucks I opt for the “no-flash” style cameras. Until it is proven that a white flash doesn’t spoke deer I will stick with no flash at all. Why take the chance of spooking the buck of your life when most “no-flash” cameras are reasonably priced and are increasingly becoming the norm.

Setting cameras up a little further back from trails or even elevating them are both good options. Bucks are starting to become more aggressive and showing themselves during daylight more often. This only means that their sense of awareness is heightened. With that comes a nose and eyes that will sense every little change in their environment. As if they weren’t already. So, plan and operate accordingly.

Conclusion

The pre-rut is a great time to locate that buck that has been a ghost all year and put a bullet or an arrow in him. Trail cameras can help you do that. But only if you are cautious about where you place them, when you check them and the scent you leave behind. Concentrate on those three areas and you could very well be reaping the reward in a few short weeks. Best of luck.

Officials: April is ‘Sexual Assault Awareness Month’

BELLEFONTE — Sexual violence is a widespread issue and Centre County officials want the community to see that it can play a role in creating change.

During their Tuesday morning meeting, the Centre County Commissioners voted to declare April as “Sexual Assault Awareness Month” in order to bring awareness in the local community. April is also “Child Abuse Prevention Month,” which the Center County Women’s Resource Center also plans to shed light on during the month.

Next Monday, April 10, there will be a sexual assault and child abuse awareness program called “Engaging New Voices” held on the steps of the Centre County Courthouse. The event, which takes place at noon, will honor survivors of sexual assault, engage new voices in the community and recognize community members who have made a difference in the fight against sexual assault.

Speakers at the event will include the Honorable Pamela Ruest, President Judge Thomas Kistler; Chief John Gardner and Detective Chris Weaver from the State College Police Department; Ali Warren Rothrock, sexual assault survivor, author, speaker and advocate; and members of the Guardians of the Children group from Altoona.

“We’re really being intentional about bringing new groups in to talk about how we can change the culture around sexual assault,” McKee said.

Rothrock is the founder of Hopes Lives Publishing and wrote the book entitled “Where Hope Lives.” During the event, McKee said that Rothrock will talk about her experience overcoming the trauma of sexual assault.

Members of the Guardians of the Children, a motorcycle group that works to raise awareness around child abuse, will speak at the event about what their group does and how they support children through both the court system and the healing process.

During the event, Kistler will be recognized for being instrumental in the development of the Center County Child Access Center, McKee said. Since 2008, the center has provided safe, monitored custody exchanges, and it now also offers supervised visitation services.

Another individual in the community who has made a big difference is Weaver, who will also be honored and recognized during the event, McKee said. Weaver is the county’s sexual assault detective, and over the past several years, he has been responsible for implementing new policies and procedures to both increase safety for victims of sexual assault and hold offenders accountable.

In other county business, a lead consultant has been chosen for the 2.5-mile Bellefonte to Milesburg Trail feasibility study. After looking at eight proposals, the five-member committee created to select an engineering firm has chosen Pittsburgh firm Pashek & MTR, according to Mike Bloom, county senior transportation planner. The feasibility study will help determine a facility type and preferred alignment of the trail, as well as document expected environmental, historic, prehistoric and cultural impacts.

The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the proposal to have the firm lead the trail study, with a $84,750 contract. Last December, the commissioners approved a $70,500 grant agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Supervised Visitation Services Seattle. A nine-donor local match commitment of $15,300 has also been made.

The plan is to start the study in early May and wrap it up next January, Bloom said. The proposed study area for the trail is between SR 144/155 and the SEDA-COG Railroad, following Spring Creek and the former canal.

Best Practices to Keep Your Home and Business Premises Safe

We all want our homes and businesses to be sanctuaries. Places where we can feel uninhibited and safe at all times. No one should ever have to endure the feeling of uneasiness in their own home. To make sure that your home is as safe and comforting as possible you’ll need to take some precautions. There’s no need to hire a full-time security guard or buy a pack of attack dogs. The odds that your family will be in some way adversely affected or your belongings stolen are slim. However, the best way to ensure that things like these never happen is to take some preventative measures.

Safe Store Your Belongings

Everyone has valuables that they would just about die for. Passports, insurance papers, wills, birth certificates, and other valuable papers shouldn’t be left to fend for themselves out in the open. Secure these items with a fireproof or home safe and keep them in an obscure corner of the house. Jewellery and laptops may also be better suited in a safe than in a desk drawer or closet. Thieves will only ever take what they can carry. Your golf clubs or big-screen TV will most likely be left alone if robbers ever do make it past the moat of alligators.

Fast and Easy Solutions for the Most Common Business Travel Nightmares

While travelling on business looks like fun from outside, ask anyone who travels constantly and he will tell you it is not as exciting as it looks. There are number of things that could go wrong including flight delays, troubling passengers, lost luggage and so on. You not only have to deal with these issues during travel but you also need to arrive at your destination ready to jump into business right away. Those who can deal with these issues effectively can get more accomplished during the travel and still get back in good shape.

It also helps to use your credit card during travels to help you to keep a close eye on your expenses and can also give you some extra rewards along the way. Here are some of the tips derived from talking to frequent travelers that can help you be more effective during business travel.

Delays are inevitable

If you frequently travel on business and take plenty of long-haul flights, you will no doubt already be aware that delays are almost inevitable from time to time.

There is nothing more frustrating than spending hours of your valuable time at an airport, while waiting for an update or your existing flight or waiting for a connecting flight to get the go ahead when the weather clears.

5 Questions You Must Answer Before Starting a Small Business

There are many reasons people decide to start a new business. They could be looking for a new career following redundancy. They may have finally built up the courage to put themselves out there and embark on a new venture. They could even have started a business to find a way out of unemployment.

Whatever your reasons, it is important to know that starting a new business will not be easy, but you can guarantee all the hard work and effort will be worth it once your company starts to make a profit. To help you on the road to success, we are offering some questions for you to read to ensure you achieve your goals.

Would You Buy Your Product or Service?

You might have your heart set on your business idea, but would you buy the product or service yourself? If the answer is no, it might be time to step away from the project before you invest your time, money and energy. You can’t expect customers to buy a product you are not willing to buy yourself.

What is the Gap in the Market?

You are most likely starting a company based on a gap in the market, or you should be, anyway. Place yourself in the customer’s shoes. What can you offer them that no-one else can right now? By offering a service a person can’t find elsewhere, you should easily be able to rival your competitors.