Danie van der Merwe

Danie van der Merwe

danie van der merwe9464@hub.vilarejo.pro.br

Passionate about gadgets and technology especially open source and green technology

Localização:: Cape Town

Western Cape

South Africa

Cidade natal:: Cape Town

Gênero:: Male

Situação:: Married

Página web:: https://gadgeteer.co.za

Tue, 05 Mar 2019 18:14:55 -0300

Danie van der Merwe

danie van der merwe9464@hub.vilarejo.pro.br

https://plus.google.com/+DanievanderMerwe/posts/cEWZKCu9QVn

The Brio True Wireless Earbuds - These wireless earbuds last up to 50 hours and are way cheaper than AirPods

Each pair features the latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology that never lags or drops your audio — AirPods still use the 4.2 version, for reference — and offered up to 50 total hours of on-the-go listening when you use their compact, portable charging case, or 8 hours on a single charge. (Apple's version, meanwhile, only lasts about 24 hours with its charging case, and about 5 hours on a single charge.) We're not saying the Brios are perfect, but hey — they seem to come pretty close, don't they?

One other interesting point is I suspect these will also fit better in most ears than the AirPods.

See https://mashable.com/shopping/march-5-brio-wireless-earbuds-on-sale/

#brio #airpods #earbuds

These wireless earbuds last up to 50 hours and are way cheaper than AirPods
Use our promo code to snag a sweet deal.

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Tue, 05 Mar 2019 17:39:46 -0300

Danie van der Merwe

danie van der merwe9464@hub.vilarejo.pro.br

https://plus.google.com/+DanievanderMerwe/posts/SQCAAwLMsc3

"Why I chose Brave as my Chrome browser replacement" vs Vivaldi

"This year, I’m pretty sure I’ve found the ideal Chrome alternative in the Brave browser. If your reasons for sticking with Chrome have been (a) extensions, (b) compatibility, (c) syncing across devices, or (d, unlikely) speed, Brave checks all of those boxes. What’s more, it’s just one of a growing number of really good options that aren’t made by Google."

An interesting account to read as the author also started out with Vivaldi (the most customisable Chrome alternative with stacked tabs etc). But Brave bowser may be a bit more stable, it has a mobile app (which Vivaldi still does not have) and of course its original claim to fame which was built in privacy.

Read the post at https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/4/18249623/brave-browser-choice-chrome-vivaldi-replacement-chromium

#brave #chromium

Why I chose Brave as my Chrome browser replacement
Shaking the Chrome habit is getting easier.

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Mon, 04 Mar 2019 16:59:32 -0300

Danie van der Merwe

danie van der merwe9464@hub.vilarejo.pro.br

https://plus.google.com/+DanievanderMerwe/posts/RJVtFmhC5ZK

This is how many couples get divorced before their 10th anniversary in South Africa... and other fascinating stats on marriages in SA

StatsSA has published its marriages and divorces statistics for 2017.

The report is based on a combination of population censuses, household sample surveys, and administrative data.

Stats SA found that a total of 135,458 civil marriages, 2,588 customary marriages, and 1,357 civil unions were registered in 2017.

A comparison with the 2016 data shows that registration of civil marriages and customary marriages dropped by 2.9% and 34.9% respectively – whereas civil unions increased by 0.3%.

The article goes into a lot more depth and trends at https://businesstech.co.za/news/lifestyle/302494/this-is-how-many-sa-couples-get-divorced-before-their-10th-anniversary/

#southafrica #marriages #statssa

This is how many couples get divorced before their 10th anniversary in South Africa
StatsSA has published its latest marriages and divorces statistics.

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Mon, 04 Mar 2019 16:26:48 -0300

Danie van der Merwe

danie van der merwe9464@hub.vilarejo.pro.br

https://plus.google.com/+DanievanderMerwe/posts/aWrNoHJX5tw

First impressions of my new TicWatch Pro smartwatch which arrived today

I've replaced my LG Watch Sport with this watch mainly because the LG uses really proprietary bands (straps) which have the antennas embedded inside. While the LG just got day's use on its battery (from 07:00 to midnight) this TicWatch should get 2 days battery in smartscreen mode, around 5 days in mixed mode (basically smart reverts to essential mode for last 3 days), or a full 30 days just in essential mode. "Time" will tell over the next week or so and I'll give an update on this. I'm also suspecting the charge time is going to be a bit longer, and of course its charging cradle does not stand upright on its own like the LG's.

The dual screens are quite a clever feature, not only for battery life, but also for bright sunlight as the essential mode screen is a basic LCD which reads fine in the sunlight.

The OS is the same as other Wear OS watches. The DPI resolution is very slightly less than the LG but not noticeable to the eye in any way. At first, I thought the TicWatch was way thicker than the LG but they are about the same - it was a trick of the light with the shaping and textures.

Yes the TicWatch has only two buttons and no scrolling crown button but I can live with that. Same GPS, Wifi, Bluetooth, and NFC but excludes the SIM for making calls. It will make and receive calls when paired with a phone though, and its fitness app will record exercises using its built-in GPS.

On exercises it not only supports Google Fit (and its own built-in fitness app called TicHealth) but will also export exercise data to Runkeeper and Strava. I should also mention that every aspect of health data sharing needs to be allowed or declines(steps, heart rate, etc) so you are in total control. Another nice touch is to opt into step count comparisons with other people where you see their step counts and distance away from you (one person is 20km away!). You can cheer them on if you wish. Maybe creepy for some but you can opt in or out of it.

See all the photos at https://photos.gadgeteer.co.za/index.php?/category/239

#ticwatch #wearos #smartwatch

My Technology and Gadgets / TicWatch Pro | Danie's Photo Site
My Technology and Gadgets / TicWatch Pro

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Mon, 04 Mar 2019 15:26:19 -0300

Danie van der Merwe

danie van der merwe9464@hub.vilarejo.pro.br

https://plus.google.com/+DanievanderMerwe/posts/8d1vYqW6MQp

StayLit Wear: Longer Backlight - app lets you control how long the Wear OS backlight timeout stays on from 1 sec to indefinitely

A useful app especially if you want to gaze longingly at a beautiful watch face, or record a video of a watch face. The default 5 secs is just too short for anything but glancing at it.

NEW: “indefinitely+” mode: the light stays on until you switch it off, but is also switched off when you lower your arm or turn the watch away from you. That way, the light will be on exactly when you need it. (Note that also in this mode, StayLit respects the individual light timeout of apps like Google Fit, Maps, or Runtastic.)

Get it at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.phonephreak.extendedlight&hl=en

#android #wearos #timeout

StayLit Wear: Longer Backlight - Apps on Google Play
Do you find your smartwatch's built-in backlight timeout period actually quite short? Wouldn’t it be nice if you could adjust the backlight timeout to have the screen stay on a little longer? (So that not only you, but also your friends can marvel at that new watchface you just installed...) StayLit Wear lets you adjust the time that the light stays on after the watch has been waked. You can select a value for how much time will elapse from the ...

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Mon, 04 Mar 2019 12:17:33 -0300

Danie van der Merwe

danie van der merwe9464@hub.vilarejo.pro.br

https://plus.google.com/+DanievanderMerwe/posts/7ZWK2iXdBG3

Spellbook Raspberry Pi mini laptop - 3D print the case and stick the components together yourself

It may not look wonderful but it will certainly be a talking point. You can pop in a Pi 3 for reasonably good computing power. The site gives a full list of components with links where to buy them. For example, the screen is just over $26 from AliExpress and the keyboard is around $8 from Amazon. The total build with the Pi is probably under $100 although the 3D printing must be factored in. Seems the spellbook cover is not factored in though ;-)

See https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/spellbook-raspberry-pi-mini-laptop-04-03-2019/ or the project page at https://hackaday.io/project/164091/components

#raspberrypi #DIY #hack

Spellbook Raspberry Pi mini laptop - Geeky Gadgets

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Sun, 03 Mar 2019 15:59:10 -0300

Danie van der Merwe

danie van der merwe9464@hub.vilarejo.pro.br

https://plus.google.com/+DanievanderMerwe/posts/SXnhc5ZwR2b

HackRF One - Probably the Rolls-Royce of Software Defined Radio (SDR) - Even Transmits and is open source hardware

HackRF One from Great Scott Gadgets is a Software Defined Radio peripheral capable of transmission or reception of radio signals from 1 MHz to 6 GHz. Designed to enable test and development of modern and next-generation radio technologies, HackRF One is an open source hardware platform that can be used as a USB peripheral or programmed for stand-alone operation.

It's main features are:
* can receive firmware updates (how many other SDR's do that?)
* 1 MHz to 6 GHz operating frequency
* half-duplex transceiver
* up to 20 million samples per second
* 8-bit quadrature samples (8-bit I and 8-bit Q)
* compatible with GNU Radio, SDR#, and more
* software-configurable RX and TX gain and baseband filter
* software-controlled antenna port power (50 mA at 3.3 V)
* SMA female antenna connector
* SMA female clock input and output for synchronization
* convenient buttons for programming
* internal pin headers for expansion
* Hi-Speed USB 2.0
* USB-powered
* open source hardware
* features various hacks by other owners

It's not cheap at around $299 but if you are really serious about SDR this device will see you into the future.

See https://greatscottgadgets.com/hackrf/

#SDR #hackrfone #openhardware

Great Scott Gadgets - HackRF One
HackRF One. an open source SDR platform. HackRF One preliminary photo. HackRF One is available from: Ada's Technical Books (US); Adafruit (US); Akizuki Denshi Tsusho (JP); Antratek Electronics (NL / BE / DE); Attify (US); BuyaPi.ca (CA); Cool Components (UK); Elektor International Media (NL) ...

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Sun, 03 Mar 2019 12:24:04 -0300

Danie van der Merwe

danie van der merwe9464@hub.vilarejo.pro.br

https://plus.google.com/+DanievanderMerwe/posts/XK8mor27Lyc

This map shows the no-fly zones for drones in South Africa

Drone-flying in South Africa is governed by the South African Civil Aviation Authority which has set out regulations for remotely piloted aircraft (RPAS).

The regulations set out the requirements for flying a drone in the country, as well as the areas where you are prohibited from flying and the dangers of flying in certain zones.

THere is a useful summary of the general rules as an interactive map at https://businesstech.co.za/news/technology/302406/this-map-shows-the-no-fly-zones-for-drones-in-south-africa/. The bad news is that with the 5 airports situated around Cape Town it blankets out most of Cape Town!

#drones #southafrica

This map shows the no-fly zones for drones in South Africa
Drone-flying in South Africa is governed by the South African Civil Aviation Authority which has set out regulations for remotely piloted aircraft (RPAS).

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Sun, 03 Mar 2019 12:17:40 -0300

Danie van der Merwe

danie van der merwe9464@hub.vilarejo.pro.br

https://plus.google.com/+DanievanderMerwe/posts/34JUB9A4zVr

Ubiquitilink may allow regular phones to receive two-way signals from satellites

Technically possible and many mobile phones are hardware capable. It means that it may be possible in future to be able to connect anywhere on Earth with just a plain mobile phone (and a few additional satellites of course).

The company says that most phones made in the past decade have the hardware required to connect to these satellites, but software modifications are required. This is because most phones are built around the assumption that cell towers cannot be more than 30 km (18 miles) away, since the curvature of the Earth generally prevents signals from transmitting farther than that. Once Ubiquitilink modified a phone's wireless stacks to account for the longer distance, it successfully connected to a 2G satellite in orbit.

Charles Miller, founder of Ubiquitilink, plans for the company to become a worldwide roaming operator that mobile networks will pay to access. That's a long way off, though — at least a thousand satellites are reportedly required, but the service would work with fewer in limited passes. For example, customers might not have a signal for 55 minutes, then receive service for five minutes (when the satellites pass over your location). That's certainly better than no service at all.

See https://www.androidpolice.com/2019/02/28/ubiquitilink-may-allow-regular-phones-to-receive-signals-from-satellites/

#satellites #mobilephone #Ubiquitilink

Ubiquitilink may allow regular phones to receive two-way signals from satellites
Satellite phones are typically bulky and expensive, since they require specialized hardware for sending communications into Earth orbit. However, it may be possible in the near future for regular smartphones to connect to telecommunications satellites, using technology demonstrated by Ubiquitilink Inc. During a briefing at Mobile World Congress in

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Sun, 03 Mar 2019 08:44:39 -0300

Danie van der Merwe

danie van der merwe9464@hub.vilarejo.pro.br

https://plus.google.com/+DanievanderMerwe/posts/evv6gfbe6FU

How to Configure Acurite Weather Station with Weewx since Acurite ended their cloud support for many models at end Feb 2019

As many Acurite weather station users know, Acurite decided to discontinue their cloud service for weather stations bought in the last two or more years effective end February 2019. So this left users like myself with Acurite 5-in-1 Weather Stations and its Smarthub no longer able to upload weather data to the Acurite cloud dashboard or Weather Underground.

But necessity is the mother of invention and maybe you will be even better off with Acurite's cloud if you use an alternative like Weewx. Weewx is an alternative free and open source weather service will either read weather data as-is via a USB link from these weather stations, or if yours is like mine without a USB connector and it only has the Smarthub, it can be configured with an alternative driver to read data from the Smarthub across your local network.

The big pluses though are:
* Numerous different skins to try out
* Installs on a basic Raspberry Pi which will also act as a web server
* Displaying to a local web server or even a remote one.
* Exporting weather data not only to Weather Underground but also to Weewx server, Automatisches Wetterkarten System (AWEKAS), Citizen Weather Observer Program (CWOP), PWSweather, British Weather Observations Website (WOW)
* Provides an RSS feed for your station
* Connects to various other weather station brands too
* Weewx is heavily customisable down to a low level if you wish, and also has 3rd party skins and extensions

WeeWX is a free, open source, software program, written in Python, which interacts with your weather station to produce graphs, reports, and HTML pages. It can optionally publish to weather sites or web servers. It uses modern software concepts, making it simple, robust, and easy to extend. It includes extensive documentation. WeeWX runs under most versions of Linux, as well as macOS, *BSD, and Solaris. Many users are running on the Raspberry Pi.

Read at https://gadgeteer.co.za/weewx how I overcame some of the challenges I faced and you can view the running weather station' s web page at http://dvdmerwe.asuscomm.com:8080/weewx/.

#acurite #weewx #weather #FOSS

Configuring Acurite Weather Station with Weewx | Gadgeteer
As many Acurite weather station users know, Acurite decided to discontinue their cloud service for weather stations bought in the last two or more years effective end February 2019. So this left users like myself with Acurite 5-in-1 Weather Stations and its Smarthub no longer able to upload weather data to the Acurite cloud dashboard or Weather Underground.

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