Why 5G Has Airlines So Spooked

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is warning that travel early next year could be disrupted by the latest 5G expansion, though the telecommunications industry has pushed back against those claims.

The agency first warned about potential issues in a November bulletin, explaining their concerns that the frequencies utilized for this updated 5G service have the potential to impact an aircraft instrument called the radio altimeter. These sensors, which measure a plane’s height above the ground, are critical in guiding pilots during landings.

On the other side of this issue, CTIA, the lobbying group representing the wireless industry, refuted some of those claims in an electronic filing sent to the FAA. The CTIA called such analysis of the 5G operations “flawed” and said nearly 40 other countries are already using this spectrum without issue, including Japan and Denmark.

“In some of these countries, 5G signals operate in the spectrum adjacent to aviation equipment. U.S. airlines fly in and out of these countries every day. If interference were possible, we would have seen it long before now,” said CTIA President and CEO Meredith Attwell Baker.

A spokesperson for the FAA told Popular Science that wireless companies in those other countries have had to take mitigating steps to address any issues, such as turning down power levels or changing antenna directions.

In response to the agency’s November bulletin, Verizon and AT&T pushed back their 5G launch plans to January and agreed to reduce power levels from cell towers using this spectrum for six months while monitoring the change, according to CNET.

However, the FAA issued additional directives earlier this month outlining potentially more restrictive measures, including limiting the use of radio altimeters at certain airports where the technology could be deemed unreliable due to 5G interference. And, the FAA is expected to issue more specific warnings and restrictions ahead of the anticipated 5G update, currently slated for January 5 in 46 metropolitan areas.

Regulators from the FAA and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are currently weighing proposals from the telecommunications and aviation industries to find a compromise that will allow for the 5G expansion without impacting the safety or operations of airlines. That includes considering 5G “buffer zones” around airports.

In the meantime, airlines themselves have been predicting turbulence. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby anticipates about 4 percent of the airline’s daily flights could be diverted or cancelled if the current FAA guidelines are imposed and the 5G update takes place as planned. That includes flights from some of the largest airports in the country, Kirby said. It could also leave some pilots unable to utilize radio altimeters in low-visibility landings.

A coalition of aviation industry groups including the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) issued a joint statement urging “meaningful discussion” among regulators as January approaches.

“Time is running out before millions of air travelers and the shipping public experience significant disruptions such as flight delays, flight cancelations and backups to the already-stressed supply chain,” the statement reads. “We implore the FCC, FAA and NEC [National Economic Council] to continue meaningful discussions in good faith and to identify mitigations and reach a successful implementation plan that will ensure new 5G technologies can safely co-exist with the aviation industry.”

Credit: popsci.com

Why Your Car Door Won't Lock Or Unlock Properly

Just because power locks are now standard on even the lowliest entry-level econoboxes doesn't mean there are fewer problems with your car's most basic security feature. In fact, the presence of keyless entry means there are even more parts lurking within the depths of your car than there would have been with old-school analog locks.

If you're having problems getting in and out of your car due to a power lock malfunction, here are a six common reasons why your door locks may not be working.

Key fob battery dead. A simple >battery replacement in the key fob could solve your problem. Batteries are typically a coin type, but consult your owner's manual for the exact number. (Or remove the dead battery from the fob; the battery size is typically printed on the battery itself. You may need to look in the manual or online to learn how to open the fob.)

Blown fuse. The next simplest solution could be a blown fuse. Before your take your car to a dealer, checking your power door lock fuse could prevent a costly visit. Your owner's manual should point you to the specific location of the fuse box, but they are typically located behind a plastic panel near your driver's side footwell and usually don't require any tools to remove. Once you've removed the fuse box lid, the inside of the lid (or the owner's manual) should have a diagram showing the functions of various fuses. Look for the one corresponding to the door locks. You might need pliers or tweezers to pull it out (some carmakers supply a pulling tool on the inside of the fuse box lid). See if the small metal squiggle in the center of the fuse is connected or not. A blown fuse will have a noticeable gap. Be sure to replace the fuse with a new one of the same amperage. <

Key fob malfunction. Unfortunately key fobs are a bit more complex than a good old-fashioned key. If the battery isn't the culprit, you'll need to take the fob to your dealer to get it diagnosed. They'll connect it to a computer to check if the fob is still sending out the proper signal. If not, the fob will have to be replaced.

Solenoid malfunction. When you press the buttons on a key fob, it sends a signal to a solenoid inside your car doors. The solenoid translates the electronic signal to a mechanical action, in this case moving a steel rod that the turning of a key in a keyhole used to accomplish. The solenoid within a door that's not locking/unlocking will require the removal of the inner door panel to replace.

Rod or connector broken. Though less likely than an electronic malfunction, there's always the possibility that one of the aforementioned rods or (more plausibly) plastic connectors has broken. The network of hardware links the switches on the door panel with the inner and outer door handles and locks. Plastic hardens over time and can become brittle, or gunk has seeped into and accumulated in the door via the window's repeated opening and closing. As with the solenoid replacement, this will require the removal of the inner door panel to diagnose and fix, though if there are any problems they will be visible to the naked eye.

Electrical problems. If none of the above resolves the issue, there may be an electrical problem. Every electrical component requires a logic board and a wire that can be ultimately traced to a power source (the battery). A malfunctioning logic board or a break in the wire could cause problems. If the lock and unlock function works intermittently, there could be an electrical short in the system due to the plastic insulation of the wire being worn down. If it has ceased to function at all, the wire could be broken.

Remember that almost all cars still have a physical key that can be used to lock and unlock the car. It might be hidden in your key fob or exist as a separate backup that came with the car. You can at least use that to lock your car for peace of mind until you or a professional mechanic can resolve the issue.

Credit: autoblog.com

What Those Orange And Green Dots Mean On Your iPhone

Apple Bytes: 

Every now and again, you'll see a tiny dot-shaped light appear at the top of your iPhone screen (iOS 14). Sometimes it's orange. Sometimes it's green. Ever wonder about it?

A quick search of the Apple Support page will provide the answer.

(select any image to enlarge)      

Orange dot

The orange dot is telling you that your iPhone's microphone is being used by an app. It'll appear when you use voice memos, maybe briefly after you close out your camera, or if you're using any app that exclusively records your voice.

Green dot

The green dot is telling you that your iPhone's camera is being used by an app. You'll see it when opening your camera, or taking pictures on Instagram, Snapchat, or any social media app that allows you to take pictures and post them. 

That's pretty much it. Neither the orange or the green indicate anything particularly concerning.

Credit: mashable.com

Executive Board Minutes

Computer Technology Club, Inc. - Executive Board Minutes
December 10, 2021

Alan Marcus, President, called the meeting to order at 9:00AM. Members in attendance: Bill Balch, Jim Trimboli, Bob Kenlay, Linda Tingley, Bob Irish, Linda Irish, Richard Cunningham, Bob Leiner, Don Forgette, Steve Maly and Alan Marcus.

Secretary’s report read by Bob Kenlay. Jim Trimboli made a correction to the minutes of November to correct the balance to read $1602.50.

Jim Trimboli then read the current Treasurer's Report. The current balance is $1724.50.

Alan Marcus has written up the procedure to run “The Hat” program. He then ran a simulated demonstration to run the program for the 50/50 drawing and the gift card drawings.

Bob Leiner asked if anyone has looked into the scheduling of the Orchid Club for member meetings for 2022. Bill Balch said he would check the schedule and get back to Alan Marcus.

Steve Maly questioned our investigation into cellular internet. Bob Kenlay suggested that we wait until the cellular companies make the transition to 5G in February 2022.

Alan Marcus will contact the “DOD” to open the kitchen by 8:00AM for the holiday party.

Linda Tingley will bring the food for the Holiday party.

Future meeting topics:

Dec 15 - “Media Creation & Backups” by Alan Marcus
Jan 19 - “Turn Photos Into Screen Savers & Albums” by Bill Balch
Feb 16 - “Computer Settings” by Richard Cunningham
Mar 16 - “Computer Q & A” by Alan Marcus

The meeting adjourned at 9:55AM.

Respectfully submitted,
Bob Kenlay, Secretary

Verizon Customers: Check Your Privacy Settings - ASAP

A new 'Verizon Custom Experience' update is automatically tracking your data, location, and contacts.

Verizon customers take note: One of the telecom giant’s latest, seemingly bland email blasts contains some potentially major privacy changes under the guise of a more “tailored” service.

A new program innocuously titled the “Verizon Custom Experience” is sold to users as a way for the company to “personalize our communications with you, give you more relevant product and service recommendations, and develop plans, services and offers that are more appealing to you.” To accomplish this, all a Verizon subscriber needs to do is... allow the company access to all the websites you visit, apps you use, as well as see everyone you happen to call and text.

Well, okay, so that’s a bit misleading. You don’t “need” to allow access, Verizon already default granted it. However, you can manually go in and change a few settings to remedy the situation, though. Here’s how.

Easy to overlook, but easy to fix. All one needs to do is log in to their Verizon mobile account, then go to privacy settings. From there, you can toggle all of your data sharing options and read Verizon’s more detailed explanation of each service. Those managing more than one line on their accounts can also disable the features on each separate number, as well. It’s a small move, but definitely one to consider, data is tracked enough these days.

The announcement email from your smartphone provider is easy to miss and get tossed into the trash folder. That may be what Verizon is counting on here, because it doesn’t take long to realize the new “personalization” system is really just a giant data collection scheme. Although Verizon promises that all your information remains in-house and will not be sold to any third parties, the company already encompasses enough to make this an unappealing prospect.

Luckily, it’s pretty quick and easy to disable your Custom Experience.

Credit: inputmag.com

Make Sure Your Fitbit Is Counting Steps Correctly

There are a few easy fixes if your tracker feels off.

It seems like everyone these days is trying to hit their 10,000 steps, close their rings, or complete whatever other task their wrist-based fitness tool urges them to do.

Do you like seeing how many steps you've taken in a day? But, if you're worried the count from your Fitbit might not we accurate, don't fret, here are three tips to make sure it's tracking accurately.

1. Make sure you are wearing your Fitbit device correctly

Wearing your tracker incorrectly could cause issues with how its tracking your data. Here's a quick checklist of things you could be doing wrong:

Is your tracker on your non-dominant hand? If you're wearing it on your dominant hand there might be too much movement, potentially causing an inaccurate read.

Is your Fitbit in direct contact with your skin? Make sure it isn't being worn over a shirt or something similar.

Make sure your Fitbit isn't too tight during everyday use. According to Fitbit's guide, it should be able to slide on your wrist a bit. During exercise, the company recommends you place the tracker a bit higher and slightly tighter on your wrist, about two fingers width away from your wrist bone.

2. Restart your Fitbit

Try restarting your Fitbit because sometimes problems are easily solved with a quick Off and On. Also, if your Fitbit is super low on battery, charge it, because electronic devices on low batteries don't always perform well.

3. Recalibrate your Fitbit's stride length

This is the most complicated but likely best way to make sure your step count is accurate. This is definitely the thing to do if your feel like your tracker is not working correctly or you want to be sure it is as accurate as possible.

Here are the steps to take:

(refer to the enlargeable image below these steps)

First things first, you need to go to a place where you're certain of the distance. A track is the easy answer here.

Count your steps as you walk or run an exact distance, such as 100 meters. Fitbit recommends you take a least 20 steps for this process.

Divide the distance traveled by the number of steps taken. That's your stride length in meters if you're using a track, or in whatever measure you chose to use.

You'll then have to convert the stride length from meters (or whatever) to centimeters or inches. Google is your friend here, people.

Now you can manually change your stride length in the Fitbit app. Here's how you do that.

Open the Fitbit app and go to your account. You page should look something like this.

Select "Activity & Wellness" from the list of options on your account page.

Click "Exercise."

Scroll down and select "Stride Length." You'll have to pass a few options before you see it. It'll look like this.

Manually change your stride strength using the calculations you did earlier. All you do is enter your data and your step count should be more accurate.

From this point on, your Fitbit tracker should be as accurate as ever. Happy walking.

Credit: mashable.com