Tuesday, March 3, 2015

HP Stream 8


HP Stream 8 [microsoftstore]



Monday, January 26, 2015

Router: Linksys WRT54G


Linksys WRT54G
  • Wikipedia
    • Default settings:
      • IP address: 192.168.1.1
      • Web interface username:
        • "root" for most routers
        • blank/null on some
      • Password: "admin"
  • Linksys Support
    • WRT54G
      • All docs + latest fw saved to Linksys_WRT54G folder in Dropbox
      • latest fw = 4.21.1
      • current fw = 3.03.9
  • Linksys Home Networking

DD-WRT.com

Flashing:
  • NOTE: During configuration or flashing a device, the only thing that should be hooked to the device is the computer and power.
    1. Read the peacock announcement found here:
    2. Do a HARD reset on the router according to note 1 of the peacock announcement (30/30/30)
    3. Set a static IP on your computer to 192.168.1.7.
      Subnet mask should be 255.255.255.0.
    4. Connect the LAN cable from your computer to a LAN port of your router. Make sure your router is plugged in. Nothing should be connected to your computer or the router except the LAN cable between them. Turn your firewall and any wireless computer connections OFF.
    5. Power cycle the router (uplug the power from the router for 30 seconds and then plug it back in)
    6. Open your browser to 192.168.1.1 by putting that in the browser address window of your browser. You should open the linksys webgui and NOT a page that says Management Mode. If you see management mode, power cycle the router again.
    7. Leave the username blank and enter "admin" as the password
    8. Go to administration and firmware upgrade
    9. Navigate to the folder that you are using, and select dd-wrt.v24_mini_wrt54g.bin
    10. Hit upgrade
    11. When you get a success, wait FIVE FULL minutes.
    12. If you don't get success, repeat from steps 6 up to this one. If you still don't get success, clear your browser cache. Try using a different browser as well, to navigate to 192.168.1.1.
    13. When you can access the dd-wrt webgui using a browser at 192.168.1.1, power cycle the router.
    14. When you can again access the dd-wrt webgui using a browser at 192.168.1.1, do another HARD reset on the router.
    15. At this point you can choose to put a different build on, depending on what you needs are.
    16. Reset your computer ethernet connection to auto IP and auto DNS


Also see Google Doc: Linksys_WRT54G_DD-WRT_project


VersionCPURAMFlash memoryS/N PrefixPowerNotes
2.2Broadcom BCM4712 @ 216 MHz16 MB4 MBCDF712V 1ASame physical appearance as 1.1 and 2.0 models. Switching chipset from ADMtek 6996L to Broadcom BCM5325EKQM. Some of these models have 32 MB of RAM installed but have been locked to 16 MB by the manufacturer. Some models have 16 MB Hynix HY5DU281622ET-J memory chips.



Friday, January 23, 2015

Samsung Home Theater System (HT-FM45/ZA)


The model # is written/styled several different ways:
  • HTFM45
  • HTFM47ZA
  • HT-FM45
  • HT-FM45/ZA

The HTFM45-RB has a SKU of 9064358


3D Blu-Ray 5.1 Smart Home Entertainment System, 500W


Relevant Gmail messages:


Other relevant links/threads:

Support:
  • Samsung LiveChat
  • Samsung SPOT (Smart Personal Online Training) offers real-time Samsung support with a product expert through live video chat. visit us at Samsung SPOT Our hours of operation(currently) are: Monday to Friday / 10am to 7pm EDT.
  • If you are looking for more details on the functionality of a product or would like to find answers to some of the questions, visit us at SamsungSimulator for an interactive review of some of our Samsung products.
  • SamsungParts.com
System Info:
  • HTB-F4500WWB-1002.2 (initial firmware version)
  • HTB-F4500WWB-1021.1 (upgrade firmware version; upgraded 02/02/2015, 1:24am)
    • Firmware update
    • This Firmware update provides the following benefits:
    • Ver.1021.1  Nov. 6. 2014
    • Ver.1020.5  Aug. 5. 2014
    • Ver.1018.0  Mar. 31. 2014
    • Improved DVD disc playability; Ver.1016.0  Mar. 20. 2014
    • Improved Pandora Issue; Ver.1011.0  Nov. 29. 2013
    • Ver.1009.4  Sep. 6. 2013
    • Ver.1007.1  Jul. 12. 2013
    • Improved System stability; Ver.1006.4  May. 24. 2013
    • Improved System stability; Ver.1003.3  Mar. 26. 2013
    • Improved System stability
  • x

Note: I also have some relevant device info listed in my Google Drive

There are apparently ~53 chips in the Samsung HT-FM45:



Relevant Amazon/Newegg/etc searches:
  • samsung wlan adapter
  • samsung wlan usb adapter
  • samsung wireless adapter
  • samsung wireless usb adapter
  • WLAN adapter
  • wireless USB adapter
  • wireless USB dongle

Wireless USB dongles:
http://www.amazon.com/Edimax-EW-7811Un-150Mbps-Raspberry-Supports/dp/B003MTTJOY/
http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TL-WN725N-Wireless-Adapter-Miniature/dp/B008IFXQFU/
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L5N9QB0
http://www.amazon.com/Cable-Matters-Wireless-150Mbps-Detachable/dp/B00MXD2T5G/
http://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Wireless-802-11n-Network-RTL8188CUS/dp/B00H28H8DU/



Definition of manufacturer refurbished:
Manufacturer refurbished: An item that has been professionally restored to working order by a manufacturer or manufacturer-approved vendor. This means the product has been inspected, cleaned, and repaired to meet manufacturer specifications and is in excellent condition.



Walmart Answer:
It would depend on what you're trying to use the AUX function for...

Either way, you'll have to set the unit to AUX (using the remote's "Function" button to cycle through the various functions until the front panel displays 'AUX').

The short answer to your question:
Yes, there *is* an AUX IN port on the back panel

However, these are what are referred to as RCA input jacks.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RCA_connector

For example, if you're trying to output an older TV (i.e. no HDMI) to the HT-FM45, you would simply run the red+white RCA (audio) cables from the TV to the red+white AUX inputs on the back panel. Super-easy.

The longer answer:
On the other hand, if you're (for example) trying to hook it up to an iPhone/iPad... no, there is not what most people consider an "AUX input jack" (i.e. a 3.5mm AUX port)...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phone_connector_(audio)#Modern_connectors
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phone_connector_(audio)#Uses
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phone_connector_(audio)#Mobile_phones

That's *not* to say that it can't be done, however... somewhere I have an RCA-to-3.5mmAUX adapter laying around, and I believe this should work.

Walmart Update:
I found my RCA-to-3.5mmAUX adapter and can confirm that it works.

Note: What you might also want to try is my set-up...

I picked up a Google Chromecast (regularly $35) when they were on sale for $25, and this is what I use to watch Netflix via the Home Theater System.

On my iPhone, I have music apps such as Pandora and Amazon MP3 Player. On my Android tablet, I have both of those, plus Google Play Music.

I play them on my phone/tablet, but 'cast' them to my Google Chromecast... which routes through my Home Theater System.

The sound is pretty amazing, and I'm not tethered to my phone/tablet via an AUX cable.


Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Star Wars: Order of Battle

Order of Battle:
  • 1999: Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
  • 2002: Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones
  • 2003: Star Wars: Clone Wars (animated series)
  • 2008: Star Wars: The Clone Wars (animated movie preceding the animated series)
  • 2008: Star Wars: The Clone Wars (animated series)
  • 2005: Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
  • 2014: Star Wars: Spark of Rebellion (animated pilot movie for Star Wars Rebels)
    • Technically titled "Star Wars Rebels: Spark of Rebellion"
  • 2014: Star Wars: Star Wars Rebels (animated series)
  • 1977: Star Wars: Star Wars Episode IV - A New Hope
  • 1980: Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back
  • 1983: Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi
  • 2017: Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens
  • 20??: Star Wars: Episode VIII - ????
  • 20??: Star Wars: Episode IX - ????



Sheldon: "I’m sorry, but I’m not going to watch the Clone Wars TV series until I’ve seen the Clone Wars movie. I prefer to let George Lucas disappoint me in the order he intended."
http://bigbangtrans.wordpress.com/series-1-episode-08-the-lizard-spock-expansion/

Monday, January 19, 2015

AT&T phone upgrades for January 2015


Lella / 806.786.4707
This line is upgrade eligible for AT&T Next or an upgrade with a 2 year commitment
  • $30: Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini (Black Mist)
  • $30: Samsung Galaxy S4 (16GB Red) (Certified Like-New)
  • $50: Apple iPhone 5s (16GB Silver) (Certified Like-New)
  • $80: Samsung Galaxy S4 (16GB Black Mist)
  • $100: Apple iPhone 5s (16GB Space Gray)
  • $100: Apple iPhone 5s (32GB Gold) (Certified Like-New)
  • $100: Samsung Galaxy SIII (Marble White)
  • $150: Samsung Galaxy S5 Active™ (Camo Green) (Certified Like-New)
  • $150: Apple iPhone 5s (32GB Space Gray)


Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini




Monday, January 5, 2015

SuddenLink


According to my bill ("Monthly Charges" subsection, on pg.2), I subscribe to the 'Double Play':

  • SL200
  • Digital Service
  • High Speed Internet (50M)
  • ====================
  • Total = $96


Per the price schedule on pg.4, "High-Speed Internet Services" run:

  • $  46: Internet 3.0
  • $  55: Internet 15.0
  • $  80: Internet 30.0
  • $  85: Internet 50.0
  • $120: Internet 107.0
  • $    5: Max WiFi @ Home


But currently, 30.0 is shown at the $45/mo price tier:
https://order.suddenlink.com/Buyflow/Products


My current (wired and wireless) speeds are recorded here:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AiyG9Em837lldFlWQ3pDR3pIYTlBOWJ4UnZTMXV5RHc&usp=sharing