Padre and Patrick answer your questions!

Hosts: Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ and Patrick Delahanty

For full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/know-how/episodes/343

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Triggered!
Last week we showed how you could build and program a simple Arduino-powered IR code reader and use it to trigger certain events when the proper code was received.

Demo 1

1. Show IR code being received
2. Show Case Statement that triggers an event when IR code is received
3. Show LEDs being triggered when the IR code is received

But we only triggered 5volt LEDs... what if we wanted to trigger something BIGGER?

Relays!

• A relay is a switch that is toggled electrically
  • It gives us the ability to turn on and off a circuit with a different circuit
    • So a 120AC circuit could toggle a 12V DC circuit
    • A 5V circuit could toggle a 24V circuit

There are several different TYPES of Relays

• Electromagnetic (the most popular)
• Optomechanical (Much like EM, but the circuits are COMPLETELY isolated from each other)
• Solid State (No moving parts. All switching is done in a semiconductor)

We're going to be using electromagnetic Relays

• In the most basic version: a switch is toggled between "on" and "off" by an electromagnetic that physically moves the switch between the two positions

8-Relay Package

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NBUDHPB/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1​

The important part is that we can use a 5-volt circuit to toggle a circuit up to 30v (or 120v AC)

IR0_Relays

Demo 2:

• Single Relay that is toggled by ASCII case statements

IR1_Relays

Demo 3:

• 8-Relay Board that is toggled by ASCII case statements

Now we know that we can trigger the relays with the keyboard... next up we're going to add an IR receiver and trigger them with an IR remote control.

IR2_IR_Triggered_Relays

Demo 4:

• 8-Relay Board that is toggled by IR code case statements

All Code for this episode is found at:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/20xonebuc7eh7is/KH342_IR2.zip?dl=0

Hosts: Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ and Megan Morrone

Connect with us!

• Don't forget to check out our large library of projects at https://twit.tv/shows/know-how.
• Join our Google+ Community.
• Tweet at us at @PadreSJ and @Anelf3.

Thanks to CacheFly for the bandwidth for this show.

Sponsor:

Basics of IR Control

IR control is a BINARY communications system

• It uses a series of "0" and "1" (off or on) to convey a value from a transmitter to a receiver
• The "Transmitter" is an IR LED and the "Receiver is a photosensitive element that responds to IR light"
• However... just being able to "see" if the IR LED is lit doesn't allow us to communicate.
• We need to have a "protocol" that defines how long a "control sequence" is and how to read it.- In other words, I need to know when the sequence starts, and when it ends.

We're going to use the "IRremote" library which understands most of the POPULAR protocols

Demo of Reading IR Codes

1. Show Interface
2. Show codes
3. Show Hardware

Let's Assemble the hardware!

Parts

1. IR Receiver (AX-1838HS) and LED
2. Arduino Nano

Pinout of the IR Receiver

From left to right, looking at the front of the sensor

1. Out
2. GND
3. VCC

Let's Program!

• First, we need to include the "IRremote" Library
• Sketch > Include Library > Manage Libraries

Hosts: Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ and Megan Morrone

Connect with us!

• Don't forget to check out our large library of projects at https://twit.tv/shows/know-how.
• Join our Google+ Community.
• Tweet at us at @PadreSJ and @Anelf3.

Thanks to CacheFly for the bandwidth for this show.

Protecting myself on a college network

"What is the best way to protect yourself at college on a college network? I am going to have a NAS, set up there too and what is the best way to protect as much as possible? Unfortunately, my college does not allow routers, so that is out." - David Bruns

Basic Information:

• He says they check the rooms (that's how they know if he has a router)

Why are they doing this?

1. They need to control the devices on their network
2. They need to NOT have rogue Wi-Fi APs that congest the airwaves
3. They need to know WHO has done something unauthorized on their network

HOW are they doing this?

1. Scanning for Wi-Fi APs (even hidden ones) - Possibly running deauth attacks on any non-auth AP
2. Most likely, they're also looking at MAC addresses to see if he's using a device registered from a router manufacturer.
3. Traffic inspection: If a single IP (through a NAT) has more active connections than can be expected from a single device, they can escalate your connection to an "inspect the room" search

So... we have two challenges:

1. Don't let them DETECT that you're using a router.
2. Don't let them SEE that you're using a router

Basic Precautions:

1. Turn off the Wi-Fi (Sorry... I know it's inconvenient, but it's a dead giveaway
2. Close ALL ports (Don't let them enumerate your router... otherwise you TELL them you have a router)
3. No external access of your NAS (this is a dead giveaway)
4. Limit multi-device throughput

Advanced Precautions:

• Cloning your MAC address​

Jason Howell and the Amazing (kinda) Asus Zenphone AR

• Specs: 5.7" WQHD SAMOLED display
• Snapdragon 821
• 8GB RAM, 128GB ROM
• ASUS TriCam System w/ 23MP f2.0 camera, Motion tracking camera w/ fish eye lens, depth sensing camera w/ IR
• 3300mAh battery
• Android 7.0 Nougat
• First device with Tango and Daydream

Hosts: Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ and Jason Howell

Connect with us!

• Don't forget to check out our large library of projects at https://twit.tv/shows/know-how.
• Join our Google+ Community.
• Tweet at us at @PadreSJ and @Anelf3.

Thanks to CacheFly for the bandwidth for this show.

On today's episode, is this Acer all-in-one the perfect desktop for your dorm room? A robot to fold your clothes and Padre explores his inner space.

Acer U27-880-UR11: All-in-one, LIQUID COOLED, desktop

Specs

• 7th Gen Intel i7-7500U (2.7/3.5 Quad Core)
• 16GB of DDR4 System Memory (2 slots, expandable to 32GB)
• Integrated Intel Graphics (620)
• 27" (1920 x 1080) Widescreen (LED Back-Lit) Multitouch screen
• 256GB SSD
• 1TB 5400 RPM Hard Drive
• Dual 2W Speakers with 6W Subwoofer
• Ports - 3 x USB 3.0
  • 1 x USB 2.0
  • 1 x Thunderbolt 3
  • 1 x HDMI Out
  • 1 x HDMI IN (Yah!)
  • Gigabit Ethernet
  • Combo Audio
  • Media Card Reader
• Wireless Keyboard and Mouse
• 802.11a/b/g/n/ac

Performance

• PCMark 8 - 3410
• 3DMark 8 (Fire Strike) 975
  • Performance is MOST DEFINITELY dragged down by the lack of a discrete graphics part

Pricing: $1500 MSRP

Eachine OTG Receiver

https://www.banggood.com/Eachine-ROTG01-UVC-OTG-5_8G-150CH-Full-Channel-FPV-Receiver-For-Android-Mobile-Phone-Smartphone-p-1147692.html?rmmds=myorder

• Allow me to interface a receiver with my PROPERLY Equipped Android phone or tablet
• 5.8 Ghz (so it won't crowd the already crowded 2.4Ghz spectrum
• THIS WON'T WORK ON ALL DEVICES!

1. Must support OTG (On The Go)
2. Must support UVC (USB Video Class)

Eachine TX01 NTSC Super Mini Transmitter + Camera

https://www.banggood.com/Eachine-TX526-5_8G-40CH-25MW200MW600MW-Switchable-AV-Wireless-FPV-Transmitter-RP-SMA-Female-p-1083642.html?rmmds=myorder

• 5.8Ghz
• 25mw
• Combines a camera with a transmitter/antenna
• Can run on 3.3-5v (Can be run on a single LiPo)

Android OTG UVC Endoscope

https://www.amazon.com/Endoscope-CiBest-Waterproof-Borescope-Inspection/dp/B015F53LUK

• 640x480 30fps

Hosts: Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ and Patrick Delahanty

Connect with us!

• Don't forget to check out our large library of projects at https://twit.tv/shows/know-how.
• Join our Google+ Community.
• Tweet at us at @PadreSJ, @PDelahanty, and @Anelf3.

Thanks to CacheFly for the bandwidth for this show.

Small rugged speakers for your dorm room:

The Fugoo Style-S

• 4 Drivers (2 x 47mm full-range // 2 x 115mm Bass Radiators)
• 20 Watts (93db)
• Waterproof (IP67)
• Can be paired (Like the Fugoo GO!)
• 15 Hours of battery life
• Voice Speakerphone
• Bluetooth 4.2 for 100 feet range
• Less than 1.7lbs

Fugoo Go Portable Speaker

• Half the price of the original Fugoo Speaker
• 12 Watts (92db)
• Dual 52mm drivers + dual bass radiators
• Bluetooth
• Can be paired IN STEREO!

Protecting myself on a College Network

"What is the best way to protect yourself at college on a college network? I am going to have a NAS, set up there too and what is the best way to protect as much as possible? Unfortunately, my college does not allow routers, so that is out." -- David Bruns

Why are they doing this?

1. They need to control the devices on their network
2. They need to NOT have rogue WiFi APs that congest the airwaves
3. They need to know WHO has done something unauthorized on their network

How are they doing this?

1. Scanning for WiFi APs (even hidden ones) -- Possibly running deauth attacks on any non-auth AP
2. Most likely, they're also looking at MAC addresses to see if he's using a device registered from a router manufacturer.
3. Traffic Inspection: If a single IP (through a NAT) has more active connections than can be expected from a single device, they can escalate your connection to an "inspect the room" search

So... we have two challenges:

1. Don't let them DETECT that you're using a router.
2. Don't let them SEE that you're using a router.

Basic precautions:

1. Turn off the Wi-Fi
2. Close ALL the ports
3. No external acccess of your NAS
4. Limit multi-device throughput

Advanced Precautions:

Cloning your MAC address

Hosts: Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ and Megan Morrone

Connect with us!

• Don't forget to check out our large library of projects at https://twit.tv/shows/know-how.
• Join our Google+ Community.
• Tweet at us at @PadreSJ and @Anelf3.

Thanks to CacheFly for the bandwidth for this show.

Let's talk about laptops!

Acer Chromebook R-13

• MediaTek Quad Core ARM Cortex-A72/A53 Multi-Processor
• 13.3-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS (170 degree) screen with multi-touch
• 4GB of LPDDR3 Memory (Not Expandable)
• 64GB internal storage * MicroSD Card Reader
• 802.11 a/b/g/n/AC WiFi
• 720p Web camera
• Ports
  • 1 x USB-C (3.1) with DisplayPort Alternate Mode
  • 1 x USB 3.0
  • 1 x HDMI
  • 1 x Combo Audio
• 3-cell (4670mAh) Battery for 10-12 hours of battery life
• Weighs 3.28lbs

Pros:

• Great Construction
• Decent Convertible (Turns off keyboard and trackpad... auto rotates screen)
• Supports Android Apps

Refurbished MacBook Pro

• Intel i5
• Retina Display
• 256GB PCIe SSD

Tip: In the US you can now use your 529 College Savings Plan funds to buy computers that your kids will use for school.

Hp Spectre x360

• Intel i7-7600U (2.7/3.5 -- Dual Core 4mb)
• 16GB LPDDR3 Memory * 512Gb PCIe NVME M.2
• 13.3" 1920x1080 touchscreen
• Integrated Graphics
• 802.11a/b/g/n/ac WiFi
• 3-cell 57.8Wh Battery (10-17 hours)
• 2.89lbs

Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Notebook (2017)

• Intel i5 7300HQ CPU (2.5/3.5 - Dual Core 6mb)
• 16GB DDR2 (Upgradeable to 32GB)
• NVIDIA GTX 1050 ti (4GB GDDR5)
• 15.6" (1920 x 1080) IPS display (170 degree viewing angle)
• 256GB SATA M.2 Storage
• Space for a 2.5" drive
• Backlit Keyboard
• 2 Cooling fans w/coolboost
• I/O Ports Aplenty!
  • - 1 x USB-C (USB 3.1)
  • - 1 x USB 3.0 (With Power-Off Charging)
  • - 2 x USB 2.0
  • - HDMI 2.0
  • - Gigabit Ethernet
  • - Combo Audio
  • - SD Card Reader
• 4-Cell LiPoly (~6-8 hours)
• ~6 lbs

Benchmarks:

• PCMark 8 Home (3108)
• 3DMark - Fire Strike (6506)

Pros

• Cast and inexpensive
• Solid Keyboard
• VERY Expandable (Memory AND storage)

Cons

• Power Brick
• Wish they could have put the M.2 slot under the 2.5" bay for easier access.

Anker PowerCore Fusion 5000

• 18.5 Wh of capacity
• Supports PowerIS and Voltage Boost (Not Qualcom Quick Charge)
• Will Charge and Power (plugged in) at 2.1a
• Will Power (not plugged in) at 3a

Anker PowerCore+ 26800

• 2 x 15W USB Ports (3A max)
• 1 x 30W USB-C Port
• Comes with a 27W USB-C Wall Charger - Lets it charge at 27W (Zero to Full in 4 hours)
• Supports PowerIQ for compatible devices (fast charging)
• Weighs just under 600 grams (1.3lbs)

Hosts: Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ and Megan Morrone

Connect with us!

• Don't forget to check out our large library of projects at https://twit.tv/shows/know-how.
• Join our Google+ Community.
• Tweet at us at @PadreSJ and @Anelf3.

Thanks to CacheFly for the bandwidth for this show.

What is geocaching, how to find them, and why it's fun to go exploring for them!

Physical geocaches often consist of:

• Waterproof container
• Log book w/ pen or pencil
• Trade items or trackables

There are now over 2.8 million geocaches in over 180 countries...plus GC1BE91 on the International Space Station.

About the items in the cache:

• They are NOT "prizes" unless otherwise specified
• When trading items, trade equal or up
• Don't leave food because it attracts animals

Trackables move from cache to cache

• Only take one if you know what to do with it. Some have specific goals.
• Can be tracked at Geocaching.com

Seeking a Geocache

Handy stuff to have...

• GPS (or smart phone with app)
• water
• flashlight
• spare phone battery
• gloves
• hand wipes
• hat & sunscreen
• comfortable shoes
• long pants (to avoid prickly or poisonous plants)

When seeking a cache...

• Watch out for muggles!
• Don't be too suspicious when seeking a cache.
• Participate in CITO (Cache In, Trash Out)

Find the OFFICIAL TWiT GEOCACHE!

• Located at N 38° 16.607' W 122° 40.001'
• First to find gets a Leo bobblehead to keep! UPDATE: This has been claimed.
• Everyone else, just sign the log. You can log it on Geocaching.com too.

Hosts: Bryan Burnett and Patrick Delahanty

Connect with us!

• Don't forget to check out our large library of projects at https://twit.tv/shows/know-how.
• Join our Google+ Community.
• Tweet at us at @PDelahanty, @Cranky_Hippo, and @Anelf3.

Thanks to CacheFly for the bandwidth for this show.

Part 5 of the DIY LED Clock build has come to an end! Here's how to wire, solder, and assemble the complete build of the clock.

Hosts: Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ and Bryan Burnett

Connect with us!

• Don't forget to check out our large library of projects at https://twit.tv/shows/know-how.
• Join our Google+ Community.
• Tweet at us at @PadreSJ, @Cranky_Hippo, and @Anelf3.

Thanks to CacheFly for the bandwidth for this show.

How to encrypt your emails using a simple PGP browser plugin, and now that summer temps are rising how to keep your PC cool by cleaning it out.

Host: Bryan Burnett

Guest: Nathan Olivarez-Giles

Connect with us!

• Don't forget to check out our large library of projects at https://twit.tv/shows/know-how.
• Join our Google+ Community.
• Tweet at us at @NateOG, @Cranky_Hippo, and @4theburke.

Thanks to CacheFly for the bandwidth for this show.