Technology Reviews

Best Live Streaming Camera

| Charles Merritt

Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920

 

Best Live Streaming Camera. For under $50, currently on sale, you can have in my opinion the best entry-level streaming camera for video calling, web streaming, twitch streaming, YouTube live and video recording currently on the market.

At this price point, the number of options are excellent with great streaming at 60 Hz or 30 Hz plug-and-play capability I use mine currently in both a 2 camera and 1 camera set up.

Great tripod buy here.

  • Full HD 1080p video calling (up to 1920 x 1080 pixels) with the latest version of Skype for Windows
  • 720p HD video calling (up to 1280 x 720 pixels) with supported clients. Full HD video recording (up to 1920 x 1080 pixels)
  • H.264 video compression, Built-in dual stereo mics with automatic noise reduction. Automatic low-light correction, Tripod-ready universal clip fits laptops, LCD or monitors
  • Compatible with: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 or later. Works in USB Video Device Class (UVC) mode: Mac OS 10.6 or later (HD 720p on FaceTime for Mac or other supported video-calling clients; Full HD 1080p video recording with QuickTime Player) Chrome OS, Android v 5.0 or above (with supported video-calling clients), USB port, Internet connection

Product Description Best Live Streaming Camera

Style: C920 Webcam

HD Pro Webcam C920
With the Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920, you’ll be seen in more clarity and detail than ever before with Full HD 1080p video calling—the highest quality available. Enjoy vibrant, true to life video clips that capture the smallest details. No time to talk? Send the people you care about a Full HD video clip.

Trust me just buy one here:

Advanced Compression Technology
Faster, smoother, and compatible with more computers, H.264 encoding takes the pressure of compressing off your computer so you can enjoy quick uploads.

Logitech Quality
The C920 goes above and beyond the typical webcam, offering amazing clarity and detail thanks to the five-element, Full HD glass lens and precisely tuned autofocus. Dual mics capture natural stereo sound for superior audio.

Connect Like a Pro
Whatever your network, connect with everyone you care about through Full HD 1080p on Skype, and fluid HD 720p on FaceTime for Mac. You can also make high-quality video calls with Google Hangouts and nearly all other video-calling clients. Two mics with automatic noise reduction allow friends, family, and clients to hear the real you. Best Live Streaming Camera

Compatibility & System Requirements

  • Mac OS 10.6 or later (HD 720p on FaceTime for Mac or other supported video-calling clients; Full HD 1080p video recording with QuickTime Player)
  • Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 or later
  • Android v 5.0 or above
  • Chrome OS
  • Available USB port
  • Internet connection

Technical Specifications

  • Full HD 1080p video calling (up to 1920 x 1080 pixels) with the latest version of Skype for Windows
  • 720p HD video calling (up to 1280 x 720 pixels) with supported clients
  • Full HD video recording (up to 1920 x 1080 pixels)
  • H.264 video compression
  • Full HD glass lens with precise autofocus
  • Built-in dual mics with automatic noise reduction
  • Automatic low-light correction
  • Tripod-ready universal clip fits laptops and LCD monitors

Package Contents
Webcam & 6-foot cable
User documentation
2 year limited warranty

If you found this to be useful please check out my Amazon echo review
Gaming

Quadriplegic PC Computer Setup Gaming Workstation

| Charles Merritt

Quadriplegic PC Computer Setup Gaming Workstation


Thanks to Stack-up.org & The Dept. of VA

It has taken me some time to develop a workstation that not only allows me to work from the comfort of home, while playing my favorite video games; but, also enjoy a bit of independence. The Quadriplegic PC Computer Setup Gaming Workstation Project ( and the new build) will hopefully motivate others to seek aid when needed to accomplish their computer setup goals. I also posted links to the equipment that I am putting together and currently using, down below.

pubg quadstick Quadriplegic PC Computer Setup Gaming Workstation

The Quest Begins

In Aprilish, 2017, I began communicating with organizations in hopes to upgrade my Quadriplegic PC Computer Setup Gaming Workstation.  That PC wasn’t able to provide the performance needed for the type of activities necessary: voice recognition, gaming, streaming, working, video-rendering, photo editing, etc..

First, I reached out to the Department of Veterans Affairs assistive technology department to find out if they could satiate my needs. Upon following up, was told it had been submitted to contracting, “and awaiting approval.”  So I then patiently waited for 4 to 8 weeks to confirm such approval.  Never received it.

Next, I sought to hopefully be sponsored and obtain a computer from another source. Gaming PC companies here in the United States. I also reached out to the Wounded Warrior Project out of Pittsburgh who told me of a charity called Stack Up.

Quadriplegic PC Computer Setup Gaming Workstation

https://quadcapable.com/quadriplegic-pc-computer-setup-gaming-workstation/
L: Shadow R: Cuddles

During this period, I continued to stream and do my thing with my laptop (provided by the VA) and volunteered my time to help the Stack Up organization as a game lead, along with becoming part of the Redshirt Raiders Discord. Circa October, I received a phone call from Houstongirlgotu, Orlando Stack Lead, notifying me She had a Stackup T-shirt to drop off. After several hours of small talk about everything under the sun, another knock came at the door. Two other Stack Up members Cuddles & Shadow came to my door surprisingly holding a computer.  I learned later, it was a custom built PC just for me!

Rigs 4 Vets (My Streaming Rig)

Motherboard MSI M-ATX H110M
CPU i5-7600
DDR4 2666MHz Memory- 16GB (32GB (2x16GB))
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 8GB
SSD 256GB
ELGATO PROHD 60

Rigs 4 Vets is a program that I had not known about but would come to appreciate. Stack up gave me a great gaming computer that night. I have since made that PC into a stream computer after little less than two weeks later out of the blue a computer from the VA showed up (my current game PC). I believe I mentioned to Houstongirlgotu before the surprise about how many places I had gone to obtain a new computer and that they would probably, “come all at once.” Which, they kind of did.

Quadriplegic PC Computer Setup Gaming Workstation

Quadriplegic PC Computer Setup Gaming Workstation

Current Gaming PC (Dept of VA)
Motherboard ASUS X299 TUF MKII ATX
CPU i7-7740X Processor Overclocked (Overclocking (4.9 -5.2GHz)
DDR4 2666MHz Memory- 32GB (32GB (2x16GB))
MSI AERO 8GB OC GTX 1080
SSD 256GB M.2 Solid State
Optane None
CPU Cooling CORSAIR Hydro Series H100i V2 Water Cooler
Windows 10 Professional 64-Bit

The Florida Stack…

has gotten together numerous times since the upgrade. I stream regularly on my own channel, daily, twitch.tv/Quadcapable. Also through the stackupdotorg channel,  Fridays 4 pm EST, in support of their mission and to contribute what I am able. I’m currently infatuated with upgrading and bettering my system. Starting to piece together a newer rig, as a Marine, always seeking the best.

Luckily, I was able to find a new home for some of the components from Stack Up. Re-donating the remains to another veteran, x7sage7x. Had the chance to also use those same components with my daughter. Transferring them to a new case and detailing the work on PC Part Picker.

Get AFTER IT!

Just remember if you want something; never stop fighting for it. You can always find good people to help you get it done. If you have questions about any of this, please let me know so I can help you too.

My article on Stack-up.org: Rigs 4 Vets – Quadcapable gets an Upgrade!

Cant use your hands? Check this out!

What You Should Get My Recommendations

CPU Intel i7 8700K 3.7GHz 6 http://amzn.to/2nq5sRU

Motherboard Asus ROG MAXIMUS X HERO http://amzn.to/2iJQXGN

Memory G.Skill Trident Z RGB 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR4 3200 http://amzn.to/2BFECIB

Storage Samsung M.2 pcie nvme 256 960 pro-evo http://amzn.to/2idY0E2

Video Card MSI GeForce GTX 1080 Ti 11GB GAMING X http://amzn.to/2BG1s2E

Case Thermaltake View 31 TG ATX Mid Tower Case http://amzn.to/2jIgrkv

Power Supply Corsair AXi Series, AX1200i, 1200 Watt 1200W 80+ Gold Certified Fully http://amzn.to/2icjpx5

Monitor BenQ 24 inch 144Hz eSports Gaming Monitor, 1440p, 1ms http://amzn.to/2jH6NyC

Monitor BenQ 27 inch 144Hz eSports Gaming Monitor, 1440p, 1ms http://amzn.to/2nraXzK

Other Asiahorse Wireless RGB LED 120mm X 3 Case Fans 3 pack http://amzn.to/2AmELSU

Other CustomLoop Purchased For $500.00 Misc n/a

PartPicker Build Log

Alive Day

Alive Day

Alive day

August 23, 2014 is the kind of day you don’t forget. Like a birthday, wedding anniversary, high school graduation, and the birth of a child you do not forget the traumatic events that change the course of your life, without consent, forever changing how you live. On my Alive Day, several years ago a seemingly innocent dive from the bow of my boat altered my life forever. But this is more of a telling of what came afterwards and not a call for pity.

Since my alive day I have:

  • Cheated death several times during my hospitalization.
  • Come to the realization that the VA healthcare system is superior to any civilian run spinal cord facility.
  • Realized the depth that my friends and family care for me.
  • Made many great new friends.
  • Used my personal experience to raise awareness for people living with spinal cord injuries.
  • Continue to be a partner to my fiancé and father to my three girls.
  • Received assistance from all types of sources. Including: Paralyzed Veterans of America, Chive Charities, Department of the VA, Stack-Up, The Internet
  • Renewed my faith in family, particularly my parents who have been more helpful than I could’ve imagined.

My Alive Day

Besides advocating for people and doing the charitable work that I do I have not changed that much. My fiancé Tina may disagree with that; but my mental character and capacities seem to be the same. It’s very important to understand that catastrophic injuries do not have to alter the type of individual you are, or the type of life you live. It definitely should not stop anyone from getting up every morning and facing the day just like anyone else. I’m no more an inspiration or hero then the person who works and takes care of the family. I just do it without hands.

Make sure every day that you meet your potential, hug your loved ones, and don’t put off anything that means anything. Life can change literally in the blink of an eye. #Charliestrong

Alive Day Video

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZhHReD4j8g[/embedyt]

Lung health

How I Strengthen My Lungs with the Incentive Spirometer

| Charles Merritt

Strengthening lungs with incentive spirometer

September 12, 2014 · Saint Petersburg
Charlie has had a good night tonight. He only de-sat’d once with his O2 dropping into the 80’s. The nurses bagged him to give him some extra O2 & his O2 came right back up & has remained above 90 for the rest of my visit.
He is in good spirits tonight & looks better to me. His O2% is at 40% & peep is at 8 so we are well on our way to getting off this vent!
I will be leaving around 11p…

…Tina Kendrick at Bay front Hospital.

For those that may not know; I was not able to breathe, on my own, for several months after breaking my neck. Clinical term, “ventilator dependent.” As a C-3 complete quadriplegic a tracheostomy is usually a part of everyday life but through rehabilitation and respiratory therapists that cared enough to work with me I was able to be weaned off the vent.

Strengthening lungs with incentive spirometer:

This post identifies one of the tools I used to be able to breathe on my own. Which, also equaled eating regular food, drinking fluids, and being able to talk to my love ones. If you have had a tracheostomy you know the feeling of hopelessness when you can’t talk to someone (cont. below)…Strengthening lungs with incentive spirometer

Strengthening lungs with incentive spirometer

I have mixed feelings Strengthening lungs with incentive spirometer but the one thing I know for sure is that it works. However monotonous and ridiculous it may be to suck on this thing in the hospital or at home; it is pivotal in the recovery of anyone who has lost or deteriorated lung function.

Using your incentive spirometer after surgery will help you keep your lungs clear and will help keep your lungs active throughout the recovery process, as if you were performing your daily activities.(Continue on for step-by-step instructions and video!)

Guess what? You can buy on Amazon!

How to Use the Incentive Spirometer:

-Sit on the edge of your bed if possible, or sit up as far as you can in bed.
-Hold the incentive spirometer in an upright position.
-Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and seal your lips tightly around it.
-Breathe in slowly and as deeply as possible. Notice the yellow piston rising toward the top of the column. The yellow indicator should reach the blue outlined area.
-Hold your breath as long as possible. Then exhale slowly and allow the piston to fall to the bottom of the column.
-Rest for a few seconds and repeat steps one to five at least 10 times every hour.
-Position the yellow indicator on the left side of the spirometer to show your best effort. Use the indicator as a goal to work toward during each slow deep breath.
-After each set of 10 deep breaths, cough to be sure your lungs are clear. If you have an incision, support your incision when coughing by placing a pillow firmly against it.
-Once you are able to get out of bed safely, take frequent walks and practice the cough.

EZ-PZ

Strengthening lungs with incentive spirometer video

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iwKvhV0l8U[/embedyt]

Guess what? You can buy on Amazon! Strengthening lungs with incentive spirometer

References

Strengthening lungs with incentive spirometer

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. National Guideline Clearinghouse:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/how-to-use-an-incentive-spirometer

© Copyright 1995-2015 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All rights reserved.

This information is provided by quadcapable.com and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This post was last reviewed on: 5/25/2017

Women Think These Are Sexy

Scars
A good friend of mine recently had a surgery and posted a picture of his scar. This prompted me to think about my own scars and whether or not they actually are attractive to the opposite sex? So I’m putting this out there hopefully to get an answer.

This also got me to thinking about my own trials and tribulations and that not all scars are external. Currently we have an epidemic with veterans that are dramatically scarred and living with internal psychological issues. I relate to that with my own internal scars, depression, living with the lack of my extremities makes the future a difficult thing to grasp…Continue reading below survey.

[socialpoll id=”2439879″]

I think the most important part of trudging through the world and our lives is connecting with other people in positive ways. I tried to connect on so many different levels and we are fortunate to have the outlets on social media that allow us to share and socialize without having to be right next to each other. I believe this is all that it takes to make sure your friends and family are staying safe and know that they are loved and like and enjoyed. Sometimes a like on Facebook, a retweet, a follow, or a comment to mean the world to people who are reaching out for help in ways that may not seem like they are reaching.

I appreciate each and every one of you that take the time to read and check out all of the random stuff I try to do to promote awareness for individuals living with paralysis. I hope to continue this for many years to come.

Video of My Morning Routine

I decided it would be “beneficial” to provide a video showing what I do on a typical morning. Specifically, what the attendant has to do to get me out of bed and to get my day started. We have streamlined this process and with the addition of the ceiling lift typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes from start to finish. If you throw a shower into that it takes about 70 minutes.

C3 Complete Quadriplegic Morning Routine-Video

Featured image credit goes to:Colin Furze’s bed Launcher

Colin and his bed in action!

Quadriplegic Disabled Gaming

My WOW History

I began World of Warcraft Oct 27, 08 as a troll hunter (FINFIN) on the Anub’arak server where I stayed until March 2017. Currently I spend a lot of time as a guardian druid (HAYTOTHEWOOD) on Zul’jin and started playing a tank August 28, 2009. Why do I bring this up? Because, in August 2014 I broke my neck changing my ability to perform a lot of different functions including using my hands to play World of Warcraft. I spent seven months in rehab and got back into playing towards the end of the WOD expansion and more so when Legion came out.



 

RAIDS AND FIVE-MAN DUNGEON TANKING

Prior to my injury I was able to effortlessly tank 😉 just about anything and lost touch with my DPS hunter character. Being a bear druid took over and I really enjoy being able to play this role. Post injury I have had difficulty with tanking based on being able to position properly, being too slow, and lack of current experience. So hopefully this additional information about me and what I’m going through will assist people in understanding when I’m in a group with them that I’m getting my player experience updated inside of these types of instances so that I can be better and play more along with my able-bodied group members.


Character Information

[wowpi_character table_style=”profile_picture”]

 

Health

Manually Assisted Quad Coughing

| Charles Merritt

Manually Assisted Quad Coughing

[kwod]
A form of assisted coughing for patients with central nervous system disorders such as spinal cord injury who are unable to generate sufficient force to clear respiratory secretions. After a maximal inspiration, the patient coughs while an assistant exerts gentle upward and inward pressure with both hands on the abdomen. The increased intraabdominal pressure produces a more forceful cough. Manually Assisted Quad Coughing



GREAT VIDEO ON Manually Assisted Quad Coughing

 Manually Assisted Quad Coughing video

Reference: quad coughing