AirPort

Apr 27 2009

mini WebCam Secutiry System

The mini’s small footprint and low cost make it perfect for dedicated tasks. In this tutorial, we’ll set up a wireless surveillance system.

miniwebcam mini WebCam Secutiry System

What you’ll need:

Hardware

Software

  • Evological’s EvoCam (shareware $25)

Now we’ll put it all together. I selected the Hawking camera because it is a low-cost, full-featured camera, accessible and configurable via web browser. The camera itself supports 640×480 resolution and 20 fps. Unlike many other network cameras, this one uses a Java applet rather than ActiveX to load images, another perk to Mac users (Check out Hawkings line of wired and wireless network cameras here).

But, we will only rely on the web interface for configuration. You’ll need to attach the camera via network cable and get on the same subnet to configure the camera. Settings will differ between cameras, but you will have to set up the camera to access your wireless network and give it an IP.

Once you’ve used the web interface to verify that your camera is working, it’s time to install EvoCam. From within EvoCam, you can add the network camera using its IP address and compatible settings.

EvoCam1 mini WebCam Secutiry System

The Hawking works using the D-Link M-JPEG settings (this camera is not officially supported by Evological, but works due to the common M-JPEG format). EvoCam works using default camera settings, but I’d advise setting the frame rate manually via the web interface, as this can prevent disconnects.

EvoCam2 mini WebCam Secutiry System

Once up and running, you can use EvoCam to configure image and movie archiving, uploading (using FTP/SFTP) and web sharing. Most network cameras have their own built-in webserver, but you can also use EvoCam to view your webcam from the ‘net (provided you properly configure port mapping on your router). If you went the wired route, you can do the same through EvoCam.

Now, depending on preference you can set up your webcam to broadcast your fishbowl or watch your stockpile of vintage Macintosh machines. Both the Hawking HNC320W and EvoCam support multiple cameras, so the setup is very scalable.

Brian

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Apr 27 2009

AirPOOT Express Remote Control Fart Machine

I’m sure most of you have seen or been pranked by the Remote Control Fart Machine. It’s a two piece toy that consists of a transmitter about the size of a car alarm key fob and a receiver unit that you turn on and hide somewhere in the vicinity of your intended victim. Then you simply wait for the right moment, press the button on the transmitter and the speaker plays a pre-recorded fart sound effect. Juvenile and amusing. I’m sure if Apple made a fart machine, it would be something to behold…

reinvented AirPOOT Express Remote Control Fart Machine

Here’s how to make your own overpriced and overproduced, Apple-styled remote control fart machine. The tools you will need are as follows:

category 01 AirPOOT Express Remote Control Fart Machine category 02 AirPOOT Express Remote Control Fart Machine category 03 AirPOOT Express Remote Control Fart Machine
category 04 AirPOOT Express Remote Control Fart Machine 1 AirPort Express Base Station with AirTunes (USD$129)

1 Macally PodWave (IP-A111) Portable Stereo Speakers (USD$39.99)

Mac OS X v10.3 or later (USD$129)

1 AirPort or AirPort Extreme-enabled computer (

iTunes version 4.6 or later (FREE)

category 06 AirPOOT Express Remote Control Fart Machine
category 07 AirPOOT Express Remote Control Fart Machine category 08 AirPOOT Express Remote Control Fart Machine category 09 AirPOOT Express Remote Control Fart Machine
airpoot AirPOOT Express Remote Control Fart Machine

All totaled, this almost entirely Apple produced remote control fart machine will set you back at least USD$896.99. That’s almost as competitive in the fart machine market as the Apple Leather Case for iPod is in the iPod accessory market!!

Before you use the AirPOOT to toot your own flatulent horn, you will also need at least one “fart” sound effect in an audio format compatible with iTunes. There are many ways you might go about acquiring such sounds:

  • You could visit CreateFarts.com and tailor-make an air brick for the occasion and have it emailed to you.
  • There are sound effects CDs available AirPOOT Express Remote Control Fart Machine with high quality, lowbrow effects on them. Get some and rip one off into iTunes.
  • You could employ the use of iFart… yes, there is actually already a freeware application in release for the sole purpose of composing fart-like noises.
  • Or, if you have no shame and nowhere else to turn, you could record your own “bottom blast” using Garage Band and a microphone you will never use again …ever.

In any case, you will need at least one such sound effect. More is better, as it will afford you the option of choosing the right sound for the right occasion and will also allow the sounds to vary from poot to poot.

The Set-Up:

  1. airtunes AirPOOT Express Remote Control Fart MachineLoad the AA battery into the Macally PodWave.
  2. Connect the Macally PodWave to the AirPort Express using the stereo mini-jack on the base station.
  3. Turn on the Macally PodWave.
  4. Plug the AirPort Express into an appropriate wall outlet that is concealed, near your intended victim and within wireless signal range of the Mac you will be using to trigger the “sound effects”.
  5. Use the AirPort Admin Utility to create a new network. (consult your manual for details)
  6. Open iTunes on your computer and choose your AirPOOT from the speakers pop-up menu in the lower right of the iTunes window.

Now, you need only wait until your victim is near the AirPOOT and the focus of attention, and then simply play one of your “fart” sound effects from iTunes. Don’t be in too much of a rush though. The element of surprise is as important as any other part of a prank like this. You don’t want to come crawling out from behind the filing cabinet where you’ve hidden the AirPOOT, then run to your MacBook Pro across the office and then cut the digital cheese all at once–it’s too suspicious–you have to be subtle. Set up the AirPOOT and let it lie in wait for a while. Then spring the trap later in the day.

TIPS:

Set up the AirPOOT in the Airport Admin Utility at home, in private, and then unplug the unit and bring it to the prank location and plug it in. It will remember its settings.

You might want to set up the Airport Express with Password protection on just to prevent anyone else using the “AirPOOT” before its time has come to make itself known. It is also wise to note that once the prank is played, this USD$300 Fart Machine receiver unit may easily fall into the hands of your victim. Putting password protection in place may not ensure its return to you, it may not even prevent the unit from being used against you in the same manner, but it may just delay the retaliation, giving you opportunity to snatch the unit back.

As the PodWave was designed for use with the iPod, it was assumed that one would adjust the audio volume via the iPod’s click wheel. So, for use with the AirPOOT, you will control the loudness of the flatulence via the volume control in iTunes. You may want to practice at home to establish the perfect volume setting for your prank.

You don’t have to plug it directly into a wall outlet, you can use an extension cord if that helps the subterfuge.

 adminut AirPOOT Express Remote Control Fart Machine
 

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Apr 27 2009

Meet the Geeks

We are all kinds of excited here at MacMerc for this year’s World Wide Developer’s Conference. You know you’ll be there (virtually speaking). Now you can be there in style, with a few free downloads…

iStumbler

First off, there’s the mater of connecting. For those of you living the mobile lifestyle, you’ll want to take a look at iStumbler. This little program sniffs out open AirPort networks and gets you connected to them.

Internet Connect Scripts

These AppleScripts automate your connection to the internet and can launch applications and even sign-in to chat services. You will have to be comfortable with AppleScript to do some minor editing on these, but these scripts are a great way to get online and straight into the action!

iChatExporter

If you join the MacMerc live chat via iChat, this handy app will let you extract a text version of your chat logs. These are much easier to read and edit than the format that iChat stores them in.

ContactCreator

Undoubtedly, you’ll meet some new friends at the live chat event. The Contact Creator service is a fast way to make a new Address Book contact from any selected text. You’ll be able to add those chat alias’ to your Address Book without missing any of the action.

WWDC 2003 Agenda

For those of you going to the conference (or those playing along at home) you can download the complete agenda for your Palm device. It comes in an eBook and Web Clipping format.

Okay, now you’re all hooked up and ready for Monday and the big keynote. I hope to see you all in the chat rooms!

Brian

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