Who doesn’t like free stuff? Some people offer free software, free music, and even knowledge … all for free. This week a look at some freebies. As always, be careful with “free stuff” that appear to have no strings attached (like providing info that gets you on spam lists or those that include “bugs” in their software).
Old-school engineers often build “widgets” to solve problems. One of the old tricks is to pad down audio and using a few resistors. This is known as the “H” pad. If you aren’t familiar with how to do it, this page gives you the info.
A few years ago, the folks at Google made a software called Picasa. It was a great free photo viewing and editing software with a whole lot of flexibility and was super-easy to use. This link directs you to the last revision before Google stopped making it.
Here’s a simple “how to” for making a dipole antenna.
Working on a project and need a little background (production) music? Here’s a link for your own projects. Note that with any royalty free music or production elements, be sure you are using them legally. Often they do not include the rights for commercial use.
In a sense, most TV has always been free … if you used an antenna. ATSC 3.0 promises more channels (assuming the ability to squeeze more in negates the “sell-back” of spectrum space of channels disappearing). Here’s info about the forthcoming ATSC 3.0.
If you work on digital audio workstations and software synthesizers, you are likely familiar with VST (Virtual Studio Technology) plug-in software that gives you cool effects. This link provides a gateway to multiple free plug-ins.
And finally …
Since summer is here, some of us will be hitting the road and off on hikes and camping. Here’s a fun little group of camping hacks you might find useful.
If you stumble across a good or unusual web site that might be of interest, please don’t hesitate to send me the link and any info you might have about it. My email address is dan_slentz@yahoo.com.
