SQLServer
Node-Red and MQTT is awesome for real-time data, but what if you want to store and retrieve messages? Its rather straight forward to use Microsoft SQL Server as your database. MSSQL is free and easy to get started with.
Computers
Custom Cortana MQTT Commands
Cortana can easily be extended to aid you with your DIY home automaton projects. In this example Cortana sends MQTT commands to open and close a garage door as well as ring the doorbell with custom jingles. By the way, you don’t have to use MQTT, you can also do a whole lot of other things as well from opening a file, opening a program, or launching your favorite websites.
As of the writing of this entry I am frantically trying to finish documenting the MQTT Doorbell and Garage Door Opener devices in separate posts. Hopefully I can get those whipped out in a few days.
Kossel Mini 3D Printer Electronics
There are many options for 3D printer electronics. I like to use the Arduino Mega along with a RAMPS 1.4 board, as I already have lots of Arduino experience.
Powering the Kossel Mini 3D printer and modifying an ATX PC Power Supply
You can easily power a 3D printer using an ATX PC power supply. You will need to connect the green PS-ON wire to ground to power the supply on.
Read morePowering the Kossel Mini 3D printer and modifying an ATX PC Power Supply
How to terminate RJ45 connectors on Cat5 Ethernet cable
Making Cat5 Ethernet cables or repairing the ends is quite easy.
You will need a RJ45 connector, a crimper, and some strippers or a knife to strip the shield.
Read moreHow to terminate RJ45 connectors on Cat5 Ethernet cable
Add-In manager missing in Visual Studio 2010
Looking for the Add-In Manager in Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Express? Trying to figure out how to install Add-ins? Sorry …
Microsoft Zune HD 32 review
The Zune HD 32 is a nice MP3 and HD video player that can be compared to the IPod Touch. Zune HDs user interface is intuitive and snappy with some really cool features. If you dislike the IPod, ITunes, or Apple this is a really cool device however it doesn’t have the sheer number of apps as the previously mentioned competition.
The local policy does not permit you to logon interactively
I experienced this error on a XPMode Microsoft Virtual PC machine after joining it to a domain and trying …
Read moreThe local policy does not permit you to logon interactively
How to Install a Fresh Copy of Windows 7
Installing a fresh copy of Windows 7 on a computer is fairly easy, here I show the steps. If you want to upgrade your computer from windows XP or upgrade from a 32 bit to 64 bit you will need to do the fresh install just as this video shows.
How to Replace a Desktop Hard Drive
Replacing a desktop hard drive is not as hard as some may think. Here are some instructions.
Zune Software Review, ITunes Alternative
The Zune software client is a free media player from Microsoft. Zune is a market place alternative to ITunes with …