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



Saturday, December 6, 2014

Alternate Streaming Services: Vudu, UltraViolet, and Disney Movies Anywhere

Vudu, UltraViolet (UV), and Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA)

Also Google, Walmart/Vudu, and iTunes



SlickDeals thread: X-Men (Digital Download) Free (Google ChromeCast Required)
Q: Anyway to add X-Men to my Vudu / UV account?
A: Unfortunately Marvel made a deal with Fox before Disney brought them for the X-Men franchise. This means they're not in Disney Movies Anywhere which does allow syncing between Google, Walmart/Vudu, and iTunes.
[full thread]





Ultraviolet / UVVU:

Vudu:

Disney Movies Anywhere / DMA:



Blu-ray.com:







Tuesday, November 18, 2014

2015 Texas Legislative Session

84(R) Session

Guns/Carry:
  • SB 11 (Birdwell, et al)
    • CHL / CAMPUS CARRY
    • Relating to the carrying of concealed handguns on the campuses of and certain other locations associated with institutions of higher education
    • Full list of co-authors, as of 2/4/2015: Birdwell | Bettencourt | Burton | Campbell | Creighton | Eltife | Estes | Fraser | Hall | Hancock | Huffines | Kolkhorst | Nelson | Nichols | Perry | Schwertner | Seliger | Taylor, Larry | Taylor, Van
    • Texas GOP: Guns on campus bill has votes to pass Senate [Madison Welch, via FB]
  • SB 179 (Perry)
    • CHL
    • Relating to the handgun proficiency required to obtain or renew a concealed handgun license.
  • SB 273 (Campbell, et al)
    • CHL
    • Relating to certain offenses relating to carrying concealed handguns on property owned or leased by a governmental entity; providing a civil penalty.
  • SB xxx (Donna Campbell)
    • CHL
    • Jake: After municipalities post 30.06 or 51% incorrectly, they have 15 days to comply after a complaint is made. After that, they can be sued. This is about putting teeth into a law that munis have ignored (with impunity) for years. It wouldn't even be necessary if lawless, intransigent munis hadn't made it so.
  • HB 106 (Flynn)
    • OPEN CARRY
    • Relating to the authority of a person who is licensed to carry a handgun to openly carry the handgun; providing penalties.
  • HB 164 (White, James)
    • OPEN CARRY
    • Relating to the authority of a person who is licensed to carry a handgun to openly carry the handgun; providing penalties.
  • HB 172 (Stickland)
    • MISC
    • Relating to municipal regulation of electric stun guns, knives, and personal defense sprays
  • HB 176 (Kleinschmidt)
  • HB 195 (Stickland)
    • OPEN CARRY
    • Relating to the carrying of handguns; providing for the open carrying of handguns; removing the requirement that a person who may lawfully possess handguns obtain a Concealed Handgun License in order to carry a handgun lawfully in the state of Texas, and conforming changes
  • HB 198 (Huberty)
    • CHL
    • Relating to the carrying of concealed handguns by certain persons attending a school board meeting.
  • HB 216 (White, James)
    • CHL
    • Relating to the eligibility of a person for a license to carry a concealed handgun.
  • HB 226 (Guillen)
    • CHL
    • Relating to certain offenses relating to carrying concealed handguns on property owned or leased by a governmental entity; providing a civil penalty.
  • HB 278 (Ashby)
    • OPEN CARRY (attys)
    • Relating to authorizing certain attorneys representing the state to openly carry a handgun.
  • HB 284 (Springer)
    • CHL
    • Relating to the handgun proficiency required to obtain or renew a concealed handgun license.
  • HB 291 (Huberty)
    • OPEN CARRY
    • Relating to the authority of a person who is licensed to carry a handgun to openly carry the handgun; providing penalties.
  • HB 308 (Springer)
    • CHL (prohibited places)
    • Relating to the places where a person may carry a handgun if the person is licensed to carry a concealed handgun
    • "makes massive modifications to 46.035 and 46.15"--ac
    • "HB 308 eliminates all of the 46.035 (b) and (c) sensitive places (bars, sporting events, jails, hospitals, amusement parks, churches, and government meetings) along with the post-amendment redundant defenses, pretty much leaving only (1) intentional failure to conceal, and (2) while intoxicated"--ac
    • "And it further amends 46.15 in the subsection about "46.02 and 46.03 do not apply to" to remove the special status for judges, etc., but adding a catch-all provision for CHL holders."--ac
  • HB 353 (King, Ken)
    • CHL (EMS/EMT)
    • Relating to the application of certain weapons laws to certain volunteer emergency services personnel licensed to carry a concealed handgun.
  • HB 415 (Riddle, et al)
    • OPEN CARRY
    • Relating to the authority of a person who is licensed to carry a handgun to openly carry the handgun; providing penalties.
  • HB 554 (Springer; identical to 571)
    • CHL (airport DTP)
    • Relating to a defense to prosecution for the offense of possessing or carrying a weapon in or into the secured area of an airport.
    • "allows licensed CHL holders who forget to remove their weapon at airport security to immediately leave without constituting a violation of state law"--ac
  • HB 571 (Pickett; identical to 554)
    • CHL (airport DTP)
    • Relating to a defense to prosecution for the offense of possessing or carrying a weapon in or into the secured area of an airport.
    • "allows licensed CHL holders who forget to remove their weapon at airport security to immediately leave without constituting a violation of state law"--ac
  • HB 573 (White, James)
    • CHL (polling place DTP)
    • Relating to a defense to prosecution for the offense of possessing or carrying a firearm on the premises of a polling place.
  • HB 695 (Springer)
    • CHL (add'l prohibited places, penalties)
    • BAD BILL!!!
    • Relating to the carrying of a concealed handgun by the holder of a concealed handgun license on hospital or nursing home premises; authorizing a penalty.
  • HB 805 (Keough)
    • CHL (expands 30.06 definition of public places?)
    • GOOD BILL?
    • Relating to authorizing a license holder to carry a concealed handgun on certain premises.
  • HB 890 (Klick)
    • CHL (application fee for jailers)
    • Relating to reducing certain fees for a license to carry a concealed handgun for county jailers.
  • HB 910 (Phillips, et al; see also HB 922, 944)
    • OPEN CARRY (amends TX Alcoholic Beverage Code)
    • UNKNOWN GOOD/BAD STATUS
      • looks like it expands 51% signs to any type of carry, in anticipation of open carry
    • Relating to the authority of a person who is licensed to carry a handgun to openly carry a holstered handgun; creating a criminal offense; providing penalties.
  • HB 922 (Leach; see also HB 910, 944)
    • OPEN CARRY (amends TX Alcoholic Beverage Code)
    • UNKNOWN GOOD/BAD STATUS
      • looks like it expands 51% signs to any type of carry, in anticipation of open carry
    • Relating to the authority of a person who is licensed to carry a handgun to openly carry the handgun; creating an offense; providing penalties.
  • HB 937 (Fletcher, et al)
    • CAMPUS CARRY
    • Relating to the carrying of concealed handguns on the campuses of and certain other locations associated with institutions of higher education.
  • HB 944 (Kacal; see also HB 910, 922)
    • OPEN CARRY (amends TX Alcoholic Beverage Code)
    • UNKNOWN GOOD/BAD STATUS
      • looks like it expands 51% signs to any type of carry, in anticipation of open carry
    • Relating to the authority of a person who is licensed to carry a handgun to openly carry the handgun; providing penalties.
  • HB 989 (Frullo) / bill text
  • HB 1179 (Charlie Geren) / bill text
  • To find more, do a subject search for:
    • Weapons (I0887)
    • CONCEALED HANDGUNS (S0241)
    • SECOND AMENDMENT PRESERVATION ACT (P0596) (just for kleinschmidt)
Representative Garnet Coleman of District 47 in Houston Texas has submitted a bill in an effort to amend and scuttle the right of a law abiding citizen to defend themselves giving the benefit of the doubt back to the criminal.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/222016141142097/994061187270918/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/222016141142097/permalink/994061187270918/




Cannabis:
  • 5 Senate Bills, 8 House Bills
  • SB 54 / Jane Nelson (SD-12), D/FW (R)
    • Type=Punitive
    • Relating to the drug testing of certain persons seeking benefits under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
    • Sen. Nelson is a businesswoman and former teacher 
  • SB 339 / Kevin Eltife (SD-1), Tyler (R)
  • SB 1417 / Rodney Ellis
    • Type=Decriminalization
    • Relating to a civil penalty for possession of certain small amounts of marihuana and an exception to prosecution for possession of associated drug paraphernalia.
  • SB 1686 / Rodney Ellis
    • Type=
    • Relating to revocation of community supervision for use or possession of small amounts of marihuana.
  • SB 1839 / Menéndez
    • Type=Medical
    • Relating to authorizing the possession, use, cultivation, distribution, transportation, and delivery of cannabis for medical purposes; authorizing fees.
  • HB 325 Gene Wu / (HD-137), Houston (D); filed 11/18/2014)
    • Type=Decriminalization
    • Relating to the prosecution of and penalties for possession of 0.35 ounces or less of marihuana.
    • Rep. Wu is a former Harris County prosecutor
  • HB 414 / Harold Dutton (HD-142), Houston (D)
    • Type=Decriminalization
    • Relating to the penalties for possession of one ounce or less of marihuana or a synthetic cannabinoid.
    • Note: Rep. Moody will have a better alternative to the Dutton bill, forthcoming
  • HB 507 / Joe Moody (HD-78), El Paso (D)
    • Type=Decriminalization
    • Relating to a civil penalty for possession of certain small amounts of marihuana and an exception to prosecution for possession of associated drug paraphernalia.
    • Texas lawmakers to consider lower marijuana possession penalties (KFOX14)
      • “It is difficult to pass any bill in the Texas legislature,” said Moody. “There are 7,000 that are filed every session. Only a handful of those make it to the finish line.”
      • “In fact, just sitting on the House floor for the first day, I had three or four Republican members snag me and just say 'hey, I’ve been getting a lot of emails about your bill.'” (Names. We want names. Lol)
    • Per NORML:
      • Representative Joe Moody (D-El Paso) has pre-filed legislation, House Bill 507, to decriminalize the adult possession of marijuana in Texas.
      • House Bill 507 makes the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana a civil violation, punishable by a fine of no more than $100 — no arrest, no jail, and no criminal record. Under current state law, possession of two ounces or less is a criminal misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a maximum fine of $2,000. According to the ACLU, Texas arrests over 70,000 individuals annually for simple marijuana possession offenses at the cost of over 250 million dollars per year.
  • HB 557 / Joe Farias (HD-118), San Antonio (D)
    • Type=Industrial Hemp
    • Relating to the growth or cultivation of industrial hemp for certain research purposes.
  • HB 837 / Elliott Naishtat (HD-49), Austin (D)
    • Type=Medical/Decriminalization (technically 'decrim of medical')
    • Relating to the medical use of marihuana; providing a defense to prosecution for possession of marihuana
  • HB 892 / Stephanie Klick (HD-91), Fort Worth (R)
  • HB 1322 / Joe Farias (HD-118), San Antonio (D)
    • Type=Industrial Hemp
    • Relating to industrial hemp; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.
  • HB 2165 / David Simpson (HD-7), Longview (R)
    • Type=Legalization
    • Relating to repealing marihuana offenses
  • HB 3785 / Marquez
    • Type=Medical
    • Relating to authorizing the possession, use, cultivation, distribution, transportation, and delivery of cannabis for medical purposes; authorizing fees.
  • x
  • Other:
    • article: Marijuana Policy and Texas' 84th Legislative Session [FB post by TRMP]
    • "[A] recent statement from Max Davidson, who is a representative of DFW NORML, claims that there will not be a legalization bill because no one would author it and that 'full legalization was hurting our decriminalization and medical marijuana efforts'." [article via TXCANN]
    • "They’ve also hired a lobbyist to speak with legislators on the matter." [article via TXCANN]
    • Meet Randal Kuykendall, a former lobbyist for the Texas Municipal Police Association. Hired by the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), Kuykendall is no stranger to the inner workings of the capitol. He will now be focusing on marijuana policy reform. [article via TXCANN]
    • full Kuykendall interview [article via Austin Post]
  • x
  • The current state of medical, as of 12/30/2014:
  • x
  • Subject searches are:
    • MARIHUANA (S3105)

  • x
  • "Later this session, a comprehensive medical marijuana bill will be introduced. It will allow patients with specific qualifying conditions to access medical marijuana upon the recommendation of their physician." --  RAMP’s political director, John Baucum
  • x
  • x
  • x




Federal legislation:
  • S 134 (????) The Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2015 (S134)
  • HR 525 (Massie-KY),
  • Fifth Amendment Integrity Restoration (FAIR) Act
  • Fifth Amendment Integrity Restoration (FAIR) Act
  • U.S. House Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and eight bipartisan Congressional cosponsors on Tuesday introduced the “Veterans Equal Access Act,” marking a concerted federal effort to allow our country’s veterans to become medical marijuana patients in states where it’s legal. [tokesignals]
  • H.R.5226 - Charlotte's Web Medical Hemp Act of 2014
    • 113th Congress (2013-2014)
    • https://www.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/house-bill/5226/text
    • Bill in US Congress Would Legalize 'Charlotte’s Web' Medical Marijuana
    • https://news.vice.com/article/bill-in-us-congress-would-legalize-charlottes-web-medical-marijuana