Productivity

Use VLC Player to delay radio input to sync with Live TV

UPDATE WITH BETTER INSTRUCTIONS IS HERE:
https://blog.jimsjump.com/2023/09/04/use-vlc-player-to-delay-radio-input-to-sync-with-live-tv-update/

Use VLC Player to delay radio input to sync with TV – great for college sports where the radio announcers are far better than TV hosts.

I have found a way to sync up radio with TV (assuming Radio is ahead as usual) – If this works as planned, good-bye Vern & Gary (ESPN etc) & hello Rod & Stan (at least for Auburn Football). I plan to test with the next game. So far I’m able to delay my ATI TV/FM Radio Tuner card up to 30 sec easy.

The plan: route/capture FM radio on the tuner card, use VLC to delay 5-10 sec. Then switch my monitor input to the cable TV signal & mute – result is football video with radio audio (delayed to match/sync). Goal: listen to Rod and Stan without hearing future plays & syncing the TV video signal.

Machine Screws Drill/Tap Info v1.5.9e update released!

Android app on Google Play

[Release]

Machine Screws Drill/Tap Info Version 1.5.9e update is released!

(Note versions 1.5.6 through 1.5.8 were beta versions)
A. Android 5.0 Support removed from 1.5.9b
causing crashes with license server
B. Security Updates
C. General bug fixes/code clean up
D. Database directory corrections
E. Bug Fixes for Large Screens
F. 1.5.9 <-> 1.5.9d more bug fixes
G. Fixed Screen formating issued
H. Corrections for #5-40 UNC clearance hole size from 5/16 to 5/32
I. Fix Screw Size not seen on some tablets/phones

Sorry for all the display errors – I made a program change to the display size calculation (density) in particular and that hosed up how the layouts form.  Some folks saw no changes others saw big changes or even crashes.  All my fault and sorry for the trouble. Version 1.5.9d has testing on several devices, Note 3, Atrix, Nexus One, Kindle Fire to ensure fixes are covered.

Thanks,
~Jim

Great Android Apps for Any Engineer

As a “seasoned” Mechanical Engineer (now Project Engineer) working with a company that builds rugged PC’s, I have a few apps that I would recommend to any engineers young and old (besides mine too).  Ranked in order (that I use them) are:

1. Machine Screws Drill/Tap Info - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jimsjump.machine_screws_drill_tap
Great for screw sizes, drill sizes, and tapping

2a. Evernote - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.evernote
2b. Skitch - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.evernote.skitch
2c. Evernote Widget - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.evernote.widget
Evernote bundle – essential for note taking and retention – been a staple for me for years – use it everyday

3. Stopwatch & Timer - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sportstracklive.stopwatch
Often during testing you need a stop watch app – this is the best.

4. Smart Tools - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=kr.aboy.tools
This bundle has many tools a EE/ME/Chem E/Civil E and others will use – a well written app

5. Convert Pad - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mathpad.mobile.android.wt.unit
Engineers must convert units – this app has it all and is well written and works great

3. Real Calculator Plus - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.nickfines.RealCalc
My 1st love for a calculator is my 20 year old HP-48GX, but it is not around – this app does the job and more

4a. Math Lab Calculator Pro - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=us.mathlab.android.calc.edu
4b. Fraction Calculator PRO/EDU - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=us.mathlab.android.frac.edu
Often a solution of several equations and graphs are needed – these two apps rip up algebra and more.  (I often use it to check my kids algebra homework!)

5. SketchBook Pro - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.adsk.sketchbookhd
Often you need to sketch an idea with more detail – so if Skitch doesn’t answer the need, this app does

6. UpCode - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=fi.upcode.upcode
When you are working with parts and components they often have a bar code or UPC code – this app decodes many formats.  This app replaced Google Goggles for me especially for harder to decode 2D codes

7. Electrodroid - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=it.android.demi.elettronica
For a EE, this app would be at the top of the list (but I’m a ME).  However, I do have electrical home projects and hobbies.  This app does the job and then some!

8. If you do Project Engineering, my other app will come in handy for calculating dates between tasks.  Jim’s Date Calc: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jimsjump.PrjMgr_Date_Calc

 

Jim’s Date Calculator, v1.5.2 Update


Android app on Google Play

Jim’s Date Calculator was recently updated to v1.5.2

Version 1.5.2 Update:
– minor bug fixes
– all strings localized – will work with a localization apps
– added option to switch from English to Italiano (in settings)
– added several date format options – changes buttons
– press and hold on date selectors now have more date format options
– fixed “December” typo

New video uploaded too!

Thanks,
~Jim

Jim’s Date Calculator, v1.5.0 Update


Android app on Google Play

Jim’s Date Calculator was recently updated to v1.5.0.

Version 1.5.0 Update:
-many bug fixes
-error/accuracy correction for large date calculations
-fixed Samsung Multi-Window
-eDays can now add start/end date
-added Day Counts
-can export counts via Share button
-updated about dialog
-reduced 9/80 calculations to weeks/days only (prevents errors)
-corrected layout issues
-corrected rotation bug
-date selector highlights selected date
-corrected date crash when going from 31 day calendar to 30 or 28 day calendar
-added year input on year selector

Thanks,
~Jim