MY LINUX TODAY

Windows 8 Usb Hub Problems

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 00:30:00 +0000

Well its been a long time since I have posted anything on here. I also do not post windows related information but I thought this may be useful as I did not find any help scouring the web myself. I have a Home built machine I put WIN 8 on for work purposes and it has a 6 port Rosewill Hub/Card reader in it. a few times in the past the hub has stopped working and the only fix was a reboot. I knew there had to a service somewhere I could restart to get it to come back online without a reboot. Microsoft’s web site even goes as far as telling you to remove the usb devices in the device manager reboot and let it rediscover them. I don’t know about anyone else but I don’t have time for all that. So the hunt was on and What I discovered while looking in the device manager under usb devices (I had to look at them all until I found the right one) properties/advanced is a magic [reset hub] button? why I couldn’t find that on Microsoft's website is beyond me. I hope this will help someone down the road someday, I know I opened about 50 sites before I decided to sleuth it out on my own.

Remember When

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 11 May 2014 21:19:00 +0000

My Mom and Dad sent a few boxes of my belongings down to me and I found an old copy of 80 MICRO (if you don’t remember it was a magazine devoted to the old Tandy systems) I saw this ad and had to put on here for amusement..

This was from August of 86..

Sainsmart 8 Channel Relay

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 20:14:00 +0000

I recently purchased a Sainsmart 8 channel relay for use with some holiday lighting with my Arduino, I had some sketches already typed up for use with another project however I soon discovered that the relay board does not simply turn off with the normal LOW command with the digital output pins.I basically spent half a day writing up a new sketch and trying it until I got it to perform the way that I wanted it to. I have an ITEAD Mp3 shield I am using with it, so I cant guarantee this sketch will work for anyone else, But it’s a starting point since I found hardly any information on this relay board.This page is the best information I found but it only loops the relays so I had to us his example to formulate the code to do as I wished.If you look at your serial output and adjust the sense limit and smoothing you can get it to react to some some degree to the music.

// Sainsmart 8 channel relay v1.0
// 



  #define NUMREADINGS 70 // raise this number to increase data smoothing

  int senseLimit = 400; // raise this number to decrease sensitivity (up to 1023 max)
  int probePin = 3; // analog 3
  int val = 0; // This is the reading from the probePin

  #define RELAY_ON 1
  #define RELAY_OFF 0

  #define Relay_1  4  // Arduino Digital I/O pin number
  #define Relay_2  5
  #define Relay_3  6
  #define Relay_4  7
  #define Relay_5  8  
  #define Relay_6  9
  #define Relay_7  10
  #define Relay_8  11


  // variables for smoothing

  int readings[NUMREADINGS];               // the readings from the current analog input
  int index = 0;                           // the index of the current reading
  int total = 8;                           // the running total (Realys)
  int average =0;                          // final average of the probe reading


  void setup() {

  
  pinMode(Relay_8, OUTPUT);   // specify Relay Outputs
  pinMode(Relay_7, OUTPUT);  
  pinMode(Relay_6, OUTPUT);  
  pinMode(Relay_5, OUTPUT);    
  pinMode(Relay_4, OUTPUT);   
  pinMode(Relay_3, OUTPUT);  
  pinMode(Relay_2, OUTPUT);  
  pinMode(Relay_1, OUTPUT);

  Serial.begin(9600);  // initiate serial connection for debugging/etc

  for (int i = 0; i < NUMREADINGS; i++)
    readings[i] = 0;                      // initialize all the readings to 0
  }

  void loop() {

  val = analogRead(probePin);  // take a reading from the probe

  if(val >= 1){                            // if the reading isn't zero, proceed

    val = constrain(val, 1, senseLimit);  // turn any reading higher than the senseLimit value into the senseLimit       value
    val = map(val, 1, senseLimit, 1, 1023); // remap the constrained value within a 1 to 1023 range

    total -= readings[index];               // subtract the last reading
    readings[index] = val;                  // read from the sensor
    total += readings[index];               // add the reading to the total
    index = (index + 1);                    // advance to the next index

    if (index >= NUMREADINGS)               // if we're at the end of the array...
      index = 0;                            // ...wrap around to the beginning

    average = total / NUMREADINGS;          // calculate the average


    if (average > 250){                     // if the average is over 250 ...
      digitalWrite(Relay_1, RELAY_ON);      // Turn on the first Relay*
    }
    else{                                   // and if it's not ...
      digitalWrite(Relay_1, RELAY_OFF);     // turn that Relay off
    }

    if (average > 300){               // and so on ...
      digitalWrite(Relay_2, RELAY_ON);
    }
    else{
      digitalWrite(Relay_2, RELAY_OFF);
    }

    if (average > 350){
      digitalWrite(Relay_3, RELAY_ON);
    }
    else{
      digitalWrite(Relay_3, RELAY_OFF);
    }

    if (average > 375){
      digitalWrite(Relay_4, RELAY_ON);
    }
    else{
      digitalWrite(Relay_4, RELAY_OFF);
    }

    if (average > 400){
      digitalWrite(Relay_5, RELAY_ON);
    }
    else{
      digitalWrite(Relay_5, RELAY_OFF);
    }

    if (average > 450){
      digitalWrite(Relay_6, RELAY_ON);
    }
    else{
      digitalWrite(Relay_6, RELAY_OFF);
    }

    if (average > 550){
      digitalWrite(Relay_7, RELAY_ON);
    }
    else{
      digitalWrite(Relay_7, RELAY_OFF);
    }

    if (average > 600){
      digitalWrite(Relay_8, RELAY_ON);
    }
    else{
      digitalWrite(Relay_8, RELAY_OFF);
    }


    Serial.println(val); // use this output to aid in calibrating
  }
}

Raspberry PI Case

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 23:59:00 +0000

I finally bought a case for my Raspberry PI, this case was much better than I had expected, It fit perfectly and even has light tubes for the led’s so you can see them.

I am running XBMC on mine at the moment, It seems to work flawlessly, I am very pleased with it so far It streams fine over my network and I can hardly notice it on my entertainment center.

My New Project

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 14:18:00 +0000

I received my new Raspberry PI yesterday. Took me a few minutes to get it all figured out and Debian Loaded up but here we are.I am actually doing this post from it as i wanted to try out its internet capabilities.I have it hooked up by HDMI to a 32" tv and have not had any issues with speed or anything so far. I can see many uses for these as they are a very inexpensive type of technology. More to follow..

Here is a picture of it in action.

Hard Drive Replacement

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 03 Mar 2013 19:30:00 +0000

Today I was in a bind with an OEM win 7 and a failing hard drive, LINUX to the rescue. I had a new Western digital hard drive for the swap, However the software they recommend Acronis True Image sounds ok but refused to do the task at hand, I checked my ISO image no problems there, Arronis just kept locking up and rebooting at the selection screen when I tried to select my source drive. Not to worry I new there were a few flavors of a LINUX clone out there. After a few searches I found REDO Backup and Recovery (and its free). After a quick download and burn I had the OEM on its way to a new home, The whole process took maybe 2 hours, So with a little patience I got everything moved and back up and running and no more disc error message. I was worried some of the data might have been corrupt but so far it all seems ok.

On another note I ordered an Raspberry PI the other day and I cant wait till it gets here.I got revision B with Ethernet and HDMI out,I am rather interested in how much it can handle for the size of it. My intentions are to use it in some form for my personal weather station to transmit to the web.

ARDUINO WEB SERVER

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:24:00 +0000

I have been playing around with my arduino I have never really spent a lot of time getting my Ethernet shield working, Today I set out to try and get it so I could read the sd card from a browser without a whole lot of trouble, all went very quick, Now I am going to move forward now that I have the Arduino communicating . what I am thinking about is doing something with home automation as far as my HVAC equipment, I am not sure how intense its going to get or if its even worth my time.

I have also been looking at the Raspberry PI as my next platform to build on. I have wanted to get one for a while now and finally getting around to it.

Back Again

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 01:50:00 +0000

I was paying for hosting and such but I really didn’t have the time to devote to it and it didn’t make sense for me to keep paying for a service I wasn’t able to keep up with. I never deleted this blog It just kind of sat here in limbo so I decided to start using it again. So I am going to try and get things going on here again and try my best to keep up with it.I do still use LINUX I have been using LINUX mint for the past few months and I really like it a lot, I also installed LINUX mint on my moms computer a while back and she loves it.It is based on UBUNTU however I like it better and it hasn’t let me down yet.

my linux today

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 12:15:00 +0000

I am doing some construction on my new site so i redirected everyone to the old site for Entre drops for today while I get everything put back together, I just didnt have time the last few weeks to sort it all out.

my linux today

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 00:12:00 +0000

Hello fellow bloggers and entre card droppers you will need to update your links I have switched my real estate to http://www.mylinuxtoday.com/ its live now and mt entre button has been moved, hope everyone has a great Christmas

Using a router as an Access Point

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 00:09:00 +0000

I am going to explain how I Used a WIFI router as an Access Point on an existing network, I have done this before but didn't have the need for it again until recently. Its a fairly simple procedure but there are 2 major points you must follow in order to achieve success. my main router is a linksys WRT160N, I used a WRT120N as my AP, the first thing you need to do is reassign the IP of the router thats going to be the AP so it doesn't conflict with your router I stayed in the range of my router (If your routers 192.168.0.1 then change it From 192.168.0.1 to 192.168.0.145 any free IP number will work) be sure to write everything down you will need the new IP number to log back in the routers web interface, now you will want to find DHCP server and turn this OFF, now you can set up the wireless to suit your needs, be sure you do not plug your Ethernet cable into the WAN port as we have disabled DHCP and will be using it more as a switch, any of the LAN ports should work. Now if everything is configured correct you should be in business.

Entre Card problems?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 19:12:00 +0000

Just putting something on here to let my regular droppers know i haven't been able to log into entre card since Thursday morning, not sure what they are doing but oh well. I even thought my router or modem was wonkey and reset everything to no avail.Even tried from work and got some other script error messages so i suppose we wait.

It appears they are having some major problems

Collage Creater

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 16:02:00 +0000

Today I was in need of a program to create a collage of pictures for something and I discovered this program that seems to fit my needs nicely. just thought I might share it.

Ubuntu 11.04

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 05:00:00 +0000

So today I made the jump and updated to Ubuntu's Natty release I will admit I did my research on it and tried the live cd first and was a little concerned with the Unity desktop but I updated anyhow.

I used it with the Unity desktop for a few hours and then reverted back to Gnome, I then discovered that I had become accustomed to Unity and for some strange reason It appeals to me.Now i'm sure its not for everyone and you do have the option of switching to the classic look on the login screen.

Here is a great page with a lot of useful tips for anyone who decides to try for themselves. I am going to stick to the Unity desktop for a while and I will do a follow up post. I am also installing it on a family members computer this coming weekend, she is using Mandriva at the moment but wishes to try Ubuntu.

HAF case

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 13:55:00 +0000

I recently got a new case for myself the its a Cooler master HAF case, I really like the fact that you can easily hide the wires inside of it, the power supply is also on the bottom. The air flow in the case is remarkable compared to my old case. Wish I had got one sooner. I also like the Hard drive tray they use its simple to exchange drives quickly.

It also came with two 120mm fans installed and I installed two more and a fan controller.

Dusty System

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 22:03:00 +0000

It always seems that whenever someone asks me to look at a computer its usually a complete mess inside as far as dust and pet hair, A clogged up heat sink can fry your system quick and it also makes cool popping sounds.

Needless to say if money is no object to you then don't worry about cleaning out your computer however if you are frugal like me then you should try and clean your computer out once a month or so. The compressed air works great or a shop vac with the hose reversed to blow air (be mindful not to get to close) this one was just dropped off to me this evening but i believe its got more serious problems than some dirt.

Nexus s 4G

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 14:20:00 +0000

This is my review of the NEXUS S from Sprint and based on my opinions, So far my only complaint is having to pay $10 extra for 4G which is about 40 miles from me, other than that I love the phone, I have had all kinds of phones and this is by far the best one to date.

The one thing that really stood out with this phone is the built in storage now when you read on Sprints page it says 16GB however when I got the phone I noticed you only get 13.3GB, Now I understand the OS needs some room but almost 3GB? Oh well I guess I can live with that.

As far as the phone itself I have no complaints Its very fast and the battery seems to hold charge well. I did notice the call quality is better than my HTC was at my house (I am in a rural area), One thing I found was my tablet was able to take screen shots by merely turning it on in developer mode where with the phone I am forced to use my computer and QTADB to grab screen shots.

Extended Terminal

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:06:00 +0000

For those who love using a terminal to do things as I do this is a "must have" I try to use the terminal for installs and updates just because I have been using Linux exclusively for about 10 years I think, and back in the days of Red Hat and such the terminal was your best friend.

Byobu has a lot to offer and it shows you some good information.

ARCHOS 101 Internet tablet

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 12 May 2011 12:11:00 +0000

with all the tablets hitting the market recently one seems to stand out to me, Archos has allowed developers to come up with their own OS for the 101 series tablet.

Dual boot between Linux Android™ and Linux Ångström for extra freedom of use
the ARCHOS 101 internet tablet is completely open to programmers, letting you even install alternative operating systems to create your own applications and have complete control over your system environment.

More..

I have not tried the Ångström as of yet but I will be in the near future.
here is a picture with the input-output on the 10" tablet

Notice there is a full size USB, mini usb, mini HDMI, as well as mini SD slot.

Computer Prank

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 22:04:00 +0000

I ran across this today and thought I would share it.

How to Change Audio Formats

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 22:36:00 +0000

To answer a question I was asked, How to change a file to MP3 I will assume an OGG. The program I have had the best luck with that I have installed is SoundConverter.

I know there are faster ways to do it {ffmpeg -i example.ogg to example.mp3}
from the command line but I wrote this for the less experienced. also if you are doing a whole folder Sound converter might be the better choice.

3gp Video Coversion

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 21:59:00 +0000

I recently was in need of converting a video to 3GP format so I was able to play it on my HTC tp, Now there are a lot of programs for doing this in a windows environment and I even have one however I wanted to find a way to do it running Ubuntu. I was able to do it with Pitivi This program actually does a whole lot and I was very impressed with it. I was able to load it from Synaptic package manager.

This video is all ready in 3GP format but I only loaded it for representation.

Protect Your Computer

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 20:28:00 +0000

The other day I stumbled across a nice Open source program that allows you to try and find your laptop if it is stolen. It can even use WIFI to try and get a location for you. The free version allows you to keep track of three devices, you can pay for premium if you need to. I installed it on my laptop and marked it as missing to see just how it works and it sounded an alarm and displayed a screen that said it was stolen. You can change the text displayed on the pop up screen from your control panel and customize what you want done in the event your computer is stolen or lost. It even has an option to snap a picture from your webcam if your laptop has one.
http://preyproject.com/

Fox cuts Dish feed for FX, sports channels

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 22:25:00 +0000

well when I first found out we no longer had FX and some FOX channels It was while trying to watch something on FX and I was pissed to the point of changing providers. Then I got on-line and did some reading and the more I thought about it I began to realize Dish actually stood up for its customers by refusing to cave in and pay more meaning they actually care a little bit about their customers by not raising our rates unexpectedly. I know others feel differently about that and will switch providers but I am going to stick with Dish. R.I.P. FOX been nice knowing ya, well not really never really watched a whole lot anyhow.

Gettysburg

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 01:23:00 +0000

Today we decided to do some sight seeing close to home so we went to Gettysburg and spent the day. Its a shame we had never gone before its less than 60 miles from our house and it was the first time me or my wife had ever been. We had an excellent time there and we will be returning again in the near future to spend some more time looking around.

We spent a great deal of time in the museum but it was a day well spent and our kids really enjoyed it.