Software on Bald Engineer

iCircuit's circuit simulator goes from iOS to Desktop

Wed, 28 Jan 2015 17:53:48 +0000

When it comes to schematic capture and circuit simulation on a mobile device, iCircuit for iOS got it right from the start. iCloud integration, intuitive touch controls, and fast application performance. Now (or Finally?), my favorite mobile circuit simulator, iCircuit, is available for OS X. iCircuit is based on the Falstad Circuit Simulator, which sadly, is a Java-based web app. For years I’ve installed the App on my iPhone and iPad almost immediately after turning on iCloud [for Android users, that’s basically the first step of activating an iOS device].

Using Adobe Illustrator to Create A Sine Wave

Fri, 15 Nov 2013 11:33:52 +0000

When working on the AddOhms video on the difference between AC and DC, I needed a vector diagram with a sine wave. Using Adobe Illustrator, I tried with a Bézier tool, but it didn’t look quite right. Here’s two methods I found to create a better line sine. The Quick (but not Accurate) This method will give you something that looks sort of like a sine wave, but isn’t actually a sine wave. So if you just need a quick wavy line, this is pretty simple.

OSX: Fixing the "Green Screen" issue when capturing your desktop (with Quicktime or other)

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 20:46:23 +0000

After spending too much time waiting for effects to render on my new AddOhms Tutorialcast, I decided it was time to upgrade computers. When I went to capture a quick EAGLE video on my new MacBook Pro with Retina screen, I realized a problem with the Mac’s auto graphics chip switch. Quicktime recorded only a green Screen. Architecture The MacBook Pro Retina has two graphics processors. One is built-in to the Intel CPU while the other is an external chip with significantly more processing power. When on battery, I usually let the computer decide which need it needs to (hopefully) maximize battery life.

Simple Effect using Chromokey and Final Cut Pro X

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 14:30:58 +0000

Editing video has been something I enjoyed doing since High School. There I used my first tape-based NLE video system to make a Jeopardy episode where I played both a contestant and the host. In the skit I got into an argument with myself. Of course that was long before tools like Final Cut, After Effects, or even digital video cameras existed. Now anyone can do cheap effects for fun.

How to Fix: Arduino is damaged and can't be opened

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 03:06:52 +0000

Open source software that isn’t signed by an identified developer can cause headaches upgrading it on OSX. While working with the Arduino Due the first time, I downloaded 1.5 Beta of the Arduino IDE and ran into this error: “Arduino is damaged and can’t be opened. You should move it to the Trash. Here’s why you see the “… is damaged and can’t be opened” dialog and how to fix it.

OSX: Cathode, Best Terminal Ever!

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 13:26:26 +0000

Cathode from Secret Geometry is, hands down, my favorite Terminal Emulator for OSX. It is, in my opinion, (near?) perfect emulation of classic computer terminals from the 1980s. When using it, it reminds me of how far computers really have come. It is also one of the funnest ways to ssh into a remote host to edit a CSS file real quick. I like keeping mine set to 14.4k baud emulation. The screen blur, when running Full Screen in Lion, almost makes me forget I’m using an LCD!

Serial Port List Utility

Sun, 27 May 2007 05:40:21 +0000

Download: OSX Serial Port Check (1.2mb) A simple utility that checks for all of your Mac’s serial ports and copies the information to your clipboard.

LOC to GPX Converter

Fri, 24 Nov 2006 12:28:29 +0000

geocaching.com uses LOC files for its caches. If you are a premium member, then you have access to the GPX files. MacCaching was made around the GPX files. You can load a single cache or you import a pocket query. Initially, MacCaching didn’t support LOC files, so I created this wrapper around gpsbabel. It is now a standalone LOC to GPX Converter for OS X (2.7mb). Simply drop your LOC file onto the program’s window and a GPX will be generated.