WebTester Update

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As posted previously, I have been working on porting my WebTester program from ASP to PHP. New features include:

  • Ability to randomize questions
  • Integrated HTML Editor (no more manual coding)
  • ‘Enter’ key selects Next instead of Previous
  • Ported from ASP to PHP (so it can be hosted on a Mac/Linux/Windows box, instead of limited to Windows/IIS)
  • Generates math equations on the fly, by converting LaTeX math code into a graphic, such as:
  • General UI enhancements

To give it a spin, try out the test server. Here are the addresses:

Take a test: http://webtester.epplersoft.com
Administration: http://webtester.epplersoft.com/admin

The username/password combination to use is: demo/demo

This is not the final, so bugs may exist that have already been fixed. To generate math while creating a test, use the following format:

[tex]a^2 + b^2 = c^2[/tex]

The above will generate this image:

To create your own equations, you can try out a program called MathType by Design Science. I will also list other LaTeX generating programs as I find them.

If you have any questions, just leave a comment.

First R/C Plane Video

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Here is a video of my first R/C flights. On my first landing I almost hit the cameraman, but all was good – only bent the landing gear a tiny bit which was easily bent back. The video turned out pretty good, and all was created/rendered using iLife ’06 on Mac OS X 10.4.3 (running on an AMD CPU…hmm…)

You can view the video here.

WebTester

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Recently I’ve been working on porting my WebTester project from ASP to PHP. While doing this I have also been adding new features and fixing bugs as I come across them. New items include:

  • Ability to randomize questions
  • Integrated HTML Editor (no more manual coding)
  • ‘Enter’ key selects Next instead of Previous
  • Ported from ASP to PHP (so it can be hosted on a Mac/Linux/Windows box, instead of limited to Windows/IIS)
  • Each admin user will only see tests created by that user (except for a super-admin)

It should be finished soon and will be used by Delta County Schools.

XP Won’t Run on current Intel-based Macs

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The new Intel-based Macs will not run Windows XP, because current versions of Windows do not support the new EFI BIOS that the new Macs use.

x64 versions of Windows and Windows Vista do support EFI, unfortunately Vista won’t be out until the end of 2006 (maybe) and current Macs use 32-bit Intel processors, so they are unable to run the x64 version of Windows XP.

XP Won’t Run on Intel MacBook, iMac

Getting into R/C Flying…

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I’m now trying to get started with R/C flying. I purchased a Hobbico Nexstar from the local hobby shop, and put it together. It didn’t take too long for the main assembly. The most difficult part has been trying to get the control surfaces all lined up with the correct throws. I’ll post pictures as soon as I get them.

10 Essential Mac Apps

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A list of ten applications every new mac user should download along with descriptions for each as well as a download link. A great resource for any new switchers that might pick up a Mac this holiday season.

read more | digg story

Fixed the Z3

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Matt & I were able to fix the Z3 today. The intake boots were a bit difficult to remove at first, but since they were not going to be used again we ended up cutting them out. Installation wasn’t too bad either.

After about 50 miles the performance went up a bit, then the ‘Service Engine Soon’ light went out. I think because of the excess air the car was running too lean and knocking a bit, which caused the computer to pull back some timing. Now the engine is much smoother, plus I don’t get a whistle when at partial throttle from the vacuum leak.

I did discover a new problem though – the thermostat most likely needs to be replaced. It is stuck in the open position which causes the car to run too cold. I’m looking to see if this is covered by a recall or not…