mac Archives - DIYProjects

Start Screensaver and Lock your Mac from Spotlight

Posted on August 17, 2018by Steven

Since Apple introduced the Spotlight quick search feature, it has become an indispensable tool in my daily workflow. I rely on it for everything from launching apps to finding files instantly. Its speed and convenience have truly transformed how I interact with my Mac, making tasks smoother and more efficient.

However, there is one functionality I find notably missing from Spotlight’s capabilities: the ability to start the screensaver and lock the Mac directly through a Spotlight command. Being able to quickly secure my Mac or activate the screensaver without navigating through menus would add a great deal of convenience and enhance security, streamlining my workflow even further.

Mac

Android – Wifi ADB Connect Tool for Mac

Posted on December 19, 2014by Steven

Android – Wifi ADB Connect is a user-friendly graphical interface for the Android Debug Bridge (ADB), designed to simplify wireless ADB connections to your Android devices. With just a few clicks, you can quickly connect, disconnect, or reconnect devices running an active ADB server. The app also maintains a history of recently connected devices, making it easy to reconnect without needing to re-enter IP addresses or ports.

Thanks to its automatic ADB binary detection, setup is straightforward and doesn’t require manual configuration. On this page, you’ll find everything you need to get started: a full list of features, a changelog outlining recent updates, step-by-step installation instructions, and direct download links. Whether you’re a developer or a tech enthusiast, Android – Wifi ADB Connect streamlines your workflow when working with Android devices over WiFi.

Hardware

Fix FTDI DMX interface & Arduino on OSX 10.9+ Mavericks

Posted on March 22, 2014by Steven

Apple recently made a significant change with the release of OSX 10.9 Mavericks by introducing their own custom FTDI driver. While this move was likely intended to improve system integration and performance, it inadvertently caused compatibility issues for many users relying on devices that use FTDI chips, such as Arduino boards and USB DMX interfaces. These devices suddenly stopped functioning correctly because the new Apple driver did not fully support the communication protocols these peripherals required. As a result, many developers and hobbyists found their workflows disrupted, with their essential tools no longer recognized or operating as expected.

Fortunately, there is a straightforward way to resolve this problem by disabling Apple’s new FTDI driver and reverting to the previous, more compatible version of the driver. By doing so, you can restore full functionality to your Arduino and USB DMX devices, ensuring that all your related applications work seamlessly again. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to safely disable the updated driver, reinstall the older FTDI driver, and get your hardware back to working condition — allowing you to continue your projects without interruption.

Hardware

DIY USB DMX Controller for under $10

Posted on March 15, 2014by Steven

The DMX protocol, widely used in lighting control systems, operates on the same communication standard as the RS485 protocol. This means that any RS485 USB converter can be repurposed to send DMX signals, allowing you to control DMX-compatible devices such as stage lights, dimmers, and other effects. By leveraging this compatibility, you gain a versatile and cost-effective way to interface your computer or lighting software with professional lighting equipment without the need for specialized, often expensive DMX hardware controllers.

Traditional DMX controllers tend to be costly, which can be a significant investment for hobbyists, small venues, or independent artists. This guide provides an alternative approach, showing you how to save money by using an affordable RS485 USB converter as your DMX interface. The money saved on expensive DMX controllers can instead be redirected towards enhancing your setup with additional hardware, such as a MIDI controller for your lighting software, offering more hands-on control and creative possibilities for your lighting projects.

Hardware

DIY USB DMX Interface for under 10$

Posted on May 11, 2013by Steven

The DMX protocol, widely used for controlling stage lighting and effects, is fundamentally based on the RS485 communication standard. This means that any standard RS485 USB converter can be repurposed to send DMX signals to compatible devices. By leveraging this compatibility, you can bypass the need for expensive dedicated DMX controllers and instead use more affordable, readily available hardware to manage your lighting setup.

Typically, DMX controllers come with a higher price tag, which can be a barrier for hobbyists or small venues. This guide shows you how to save money by using an RS485 USB converter as a cost-effective alternative. The funds saved can then be redirected towards enhancing your lighting control experience, for example by investing in a hardware MIDI controller to interface with your lighting software more intuitively and creatively.