Katastrophos.net Blog » OS X http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog Chaotic solutions and random thoughts from the restless mind of a notorious problem solver (TM), by Andre Beckedorf Fri, 30 Dec 2011 19:32:57 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Quasar Media Player 0.96 beta 4 available http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2010/03/28/quasar-media-player-0-96-beta-4-available/ http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2010/03/28/quasar-media-player-0-96-beta-4-available/#comments Sun, 28 Mar 2010 20:00:33 +0000 Andre Beckedorf http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/?p=298 Quasar Media Player

I am pleased to announce beta 4 of Quasar Media Player.
This new version introduces some new features and big improvements in terms of performance and memory-usage.
The previously separate last.fm Audioscrobbler QScrobbler has been integrated into Quasar as add-on.
This release also marks the introduction of the Cover Art Downloader which uses the new open-source katastrophos.net Cover Art search engine to download cover art images for the new Cover Art Flow album browser.

Quasar Media Player on Windows 7Cover Art Downloader on OS X

Binaries for the previous platforms (Sharp Qtopia and pdaXrom) along with new binaries for Windows and OS X (universal) are available on the project’s homepage.

]]> http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2010/03/28/quasar-media-player-0-96-beta-4-available/feed/ 0 Nightly Builds of Quasar Media Player available http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2009/07/29/nightly-builds-of-quasar-media-player-available/ http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2009/07/29/nightly-builds-of-quasar-media-player-available/#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2009 22:38:51 +0000 Andre Beckedorf http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/?p=199 Quasar Media Player

It’s been some time since the last update. In my previous post I mentioned I was in the process of setting up a nightly build system. This system has been running silently since May.
I guess it is finally time for me to officially announce the nightly builds of Quasar Media Player:

http://www.katastrophos.net/downloads/quasar/nightly/

Along with the most current sourcecode tarball, binaries are available for 4 platforms:
Windows (win32), OS X (universal binary), Sharp Qtopia and pdaXrom Linux (both for Zaurus PDA)
The Windows version comes in two styles: a generic setup (EXE) and a self-contained portable version (7z archive)

Enjoy and please leave a comment.

]]> http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2009/07/29/nightly-builds-of-quasar-media-player-available/feed/ 0 rdesktop: Connect to Windows 7 and Vista with ClearType font smoothing enabled http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2008/03/10/rdesktop-connect-to-windows-vista-with-cleartype-font-smoothing-enabled/ http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2008/03/10/rdesktop-connect-to-windows-vista-with-cleartype-font-smoothing-enabled/#comments Sun, 09 Mar 2008 23:12:01 +0000 Andre Beckedorf http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2008/03/10/rdesktop-connect-to-windows-vista-with-cleartype-font-smoothing-enabled/ So Windows Vista finally allows to enable ClearType font smoothing for Remote Desktop / Terminal Services sessions. Update: Windows XP SP3 does too!
If you try to connect to a machine running Windows XP SP 3 or later using rdesktop, you won’t get smoothed font typing since at the time of this writing rdesktop does not officially offer an option to control this feature. However, here is a workaround:

rdesktop allows to specify the RDP5 experience via the -x experience switch.
One can either define one of three default experiences (modem, broadband, lan) or one can specify a raw hex value that is send to the server.

NOTE: You can skip over this rather technical part, if you’re not interested in the details. You’ll find the workaround below.

This hex value is actually a combination of defined bit flags. After some tinkering I found that the hex value 0×80 will enable font smoothing for the connection.
The file constants.h of the rdesktop sources contains these flags:

#define RDP5_DISABLE_NOTHING	0x00
#define RDP5_NO_WALLPAPER	0x01
#define RDP5_NO_FULLWINDOWDRAG	0x02
#define RDP5_NO_MENUANIMATIONS	0x04
#define RDP5_NO_THEMING		0x08
#define RDP5_NO_CURSOR_SHADOW	0x20
#define RDP5_NO_CURSORSETTINGS	0x40	/* disables cursor blinking */

So, naturally an additional flag constant can be defined like this:

#define RDP5_ENABLE_FONT_SMOOTHING 0x80

The file rdesktop.c would have to be extended preferably with an additional argument that controls the font smoothing.
If you want to use font smoothing with rdesktop now you have to combine the flags (bitwise OR, addition will do too) and specify the result via the -x switch.

Here is the workaround for the three defaults mentioned above:

rdesktop -x 0x8F mywinserver   # equals the modem default + font smoothing
rdesktop -x 0x81 mywinserver   # equals the broadband default + font smoothing
rdesktop -x 0x80 mywinserver   # equals the LAN default + font smoothing

]]> http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2008/03/10/rdesktop-connect-to-windows-vista-with-cleartype-font-smoothing-enabled/feed/ 16 New Release: iTunes Alternative Encoders 1.5 http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2007/09/22/new-release-itunes-alternative-encoders-15/ http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2007/09/22/new-release-itunes-alternative-encoders-15/#comments Sat, 22 Sep 2007 17:58:33 +0000 Andre Beckedorf http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2007/09/22/new-release-itunes-alternative-encoders-15/ Yet another minor release of my iTunes script-suite iTunes Alternative Encoders. This one fixes a character encoding issue in the Ogg Vorbis encoder script. I figured this one out while debugging my Quasar Media Player with files containing Umlauts and other non-latin characters. Ogg Vorbis files produced with the previous version of the script contained “#” in the tags instead of the correct characters.
Get the fixed version while it’s hot: Download here.

]]> http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2007/09/22/new-release-itunes-alternative-encoders-15/feed/ 0 New Release: iTunes Alternative Encoders 1.4 http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2007/03/08/new-release-itunes-alternative-encoders-14/ http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2007/03/08/new-release-itunes-alternative-encoders-14/#comments Thu, 08 Mar 2007 01:06:25 +0000 Andre Beckedorf http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2007/03/08/new-release-itunes-alternative-encoders-14/ I’ve updated the iTunes Alternative Encoders pack. The new version introduces a feature to split up the encoding process into simultaneously running parts, which essentially is a form of multithreading. This means you can now make perfect use of that multi-core/multi-CPU beast on or under your desk when encoding large amounts of files. ;)
Download here.

]]> http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2007/03/08/new-release-itunes-alternative-encoders-14/feed/ 0 Installing OS X 10.4 Tiger (PowerPC) from a Firewire harddrive http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2006/12/19/installing-os-x-104-tiger-powerpc-from-a-firewire-harddrive/ http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2006/12/19/installing-os-x-104-tiger-powerpc-from-a-firewire-harddrive/#comments Tue, 19 Dec 2006 00:02:37 +0000 Andre Beckedorf http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2006/12/19/installing-os-x-104-tiger-powerpc-from-a-firewire-harddrive/ Last weekend I had the pleasure (!) to install Tiger on an ancient PowerMac that doesn’t feature any DVD-ROM drive. I don’t happen to have the special CD-version of 10.4 and trying to boot from an external DVD drive somehow failed. However, this Mac already had Firewire, so here is a little hint on how to install Tiger using a spare Firewire drive:

First off, you’ll need psync. I’ve tried Carbon Copy Cloner, but for some reason that didn’t work.
So, if you have Fink installed, do this:

$ fink install psync

Format the Firewire drive with HFS Extended. You don’t need Journaling, so please disable it.
Now, assuming you’re Tiger Install DVD is mounted at /Volumes/Mac OS X Install DVD and your formatted volume is mounted at /Volumes/OSX, type this into your Terminal to clone the content of the DVD over to the harddrive.

$ sudo psync -d "/Volumes/Mac OS X Install DVD/" /Volumes/OSX

Finally make the whole copy bootable by blessing it:

$ sudo bless --folder "/Volumes/OSX/System/Library/CoreServices" --bootinfo

Now, you may unmount and install. Fin .

]]> http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2006/12/19/installing-os-x-104-tiger-powerpc-from-a-firewire-harddrive/feed/ 0 New Release: iTunes Alternative Encoders 1.3 http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2006/12/01/new-release-itunes-alternative-encoders-13/ http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2006/12/01/new-release-itunes-alternative-encoders-13/#comments Thu, 30 Nov 2006 22:02:34 +0000 Andre Beckedorf http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2006/12/01/new-release-itunes-alternative-encoders-13/ I’ve just updated the iTunes Alternative Encoders pack with a new Universal Binary of aoTuV beta 5. Download here.

]]> http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2006/12/01/new-release-itunes-alternative-encoders-13/feed/ 0 Zaurus ARM Cross Compiler on OS X (Intel) http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2006/11/15/zaurus-arm-cross-compiler-on-os-x-intel/ http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2006/11/15/zaurus-arm-cross-compiler-on-os-x-intel/#comments Tue, 14 Nov 2006 23:51:08 +0000 Andre Beckedorf http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2006/11/15/zaurus-arm-cross-compiler-on-os-x-intel/ Andreas Junghans has an excellent tutorial on how to set up a Zaurus ARM cross compiler on OS X. However, there is one problem: It will only compile on PowerPC.
So, here is my patchset for compiling on Intel:

gcc-patches.tgz

Use this file instead of the one offered on his page and just follow his instructions.
The fix is really simple in nature: I’ve just added one file, namely xm-openstep.h in gcc/config/i386. This does the trick.

]]> http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2006/11/15/zaurus-arm-cross-compiler-on-os-x-intel/feed/ 12 BDS / Delphi alike key bindings for Xcode http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2006/11/03/bds-delphi-alike-key-bindings-for-xcode/ http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2006/11/03/bds-delphi-alike-key-bindings-for-xcode/#comments Fri, 03 Nov 2006 19:51:21 +0000 Andre Beckedorf http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2006/11/03/bds-delphi-alike-key-bindings-for-xcode/ Lately, I’ve been using Apple’s Xcode to work on some C++ and ObjC code. The default key bindings in Xcode are really annoying if you come from a Borland background.
Luckily, there is a way to adjust these directly in Xcode. So, here is my first version of the Borland Developer Studio / Delphi / JBuilder / C++ Builder alike key bindings:

Xcode – BDS Similar.pbxkeys.zip

Simply place the included file “BDS Similar.pbxkeys” into:
~/Library/Application Support/Xcode/Key Bindings/
and activate it in the Xcode preferences.

Not every shortcut is available, but at least the basics are there. I see if I can improve it over time.

]]> http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2006/11/03/bds-delphi-alike-key-bindings-for-xcode/feed/ 0 The Mac Mini external SATA hack http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2006/11/02/the-mac-mini-external-sata-hack/ http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2006/11/02/the-mac-mini-external-sata-hack/#comments Thu, 02 Nov 2006 03:15:37 +0000 Andre Beckedorf http://katastrophos.net/andre/blog/2006/11/02/the-mac-mini-external-sata-hack/ So, finally as promised, here is my short picture walkthrough on how to do the Mac Mini external SATA hack.
I’ve added quite a few comments to the images.
And before you start complaining about the bad picture quality, I’ve shot the whole procedure with my non-HD DV cam, sorry. The pictures are from several takes, so they might differ at some stage.
Anyways, just click on the first image below to start the slide show – navigate by clicking the left or right side of the photo.
I hope you like it and please leave me a comment afterwards. Thanks!

Ah, one more thing if you want to try it yourself: As usual… warranty is void!
Don’t blame me, if you screw things up – even if you’ve followed the method described here precisely. It’s your fault. I won’t take any responsibility for any damage. It’s your fault. You have been warned.

{MacMiniHack} Pizza time! Use the pizza cutter to work your way around the three sides.{MacMiniHack} Slide it in on each side and bent it outside from the case, while pushing inwards on the clips. The clips are quite stress-tolerant.{MacMiniHack} Eventually the base will detach from the upper casing.{MacMiniHack} Lift up the base and put it on a flat surface so you can work on it. Put the upper casing somewhere safe to avoid scratches.{MacMiniHack} First step is to unplug the cable that controls the fan. Gently pull it out of the socket.{MacMiniHack} Next step is to detach the flat ribbon cable that connects to the sound board. Firmly slide the mounting bracket that holds the cable upwards. This will loose the cable.{MacMiniHack} Now, part the WLAN antenna from the base by pushing both plastic clips towards the spring. Watch the spring!{MacMiniHack} Remove the screw on each of the four corners. The corner my finger is pointing to has the long screw. Remember this. :){MacMiniHack} Now, it should be possible to remove the drive and fan assembly. Keep an eye on the back of the riser board. It will probably get stuck at some stage.{MacMiniHack} So, this is what the guts of the Mac Mini look like. Now, let's take a closer look at the riser board...{MacMiniHack} You'll have to remove the hard drive yourself, which is pretty straightforward. This is what the SATA interface looks like. In that case we can't directly use a standard SATA cable since those are female too. Obviously we either need an adapter that has female sockets on both sides or we need a cable that has one female and one male header. And that's a problem...{MacMiniHack} These adapters and cables are quite rare. I wasn't able to find a cable extension which would have done the job since it's female to male. Anyway, I've found this SATA internal to SATA external slot bracket.{MacMiniHack} This adapter was common in the days before the eSATA specification. With a little modification this adapter is almost perfect for the purpose...{MacMiniHack} If you can't find a SATA to SATA adapter of this type, try to find a similar board-based SATA (L-shaped) to eSATA (I-shaped) adapter.{MacMiniHack} In this case the result will be slightly different from mine. You'll have to use an eSATA cable.{MacMiniHack} See the screws? Guess what we're about to do next...{MacMiniHack} Unscrewing.{MacMiniHack} The upper board is slightly modified. I've clipped both mounting pins. This is required because otherwise male part of the header won't fit into the riser board's socket. The lower board is the original unmodified version.{MacMiniHack} Original unmodified plug.{MacMiniHack} Version with clipped mounting pins.{MacMiniHack} Time to attach the board to the riser board's SATA socket.{MacMiniHack} Firmly plug it into the socket. You might need to slightly bent the cable bridge above to fit the board into place.{MacMiniHack} Once the board is seated we need to make sure it won't unplug by itself, ie. due to stress imposed by the cable...{MacMiniHack} Probably the simplest non-hackish solution: two el cheapo cable ties.{MacMiniHack} Electronical bondage - Episode I 'Eternal enslavement'{MacMiniHack} Electronical bondage - Episode II 'Now, this is getting funny...'{MacMiniHack} Electronical bondage - Episode III 'Return of the Cable Ties' ;){MacMiniHack} So, now with the board in place we can attach the SATA cable and lay it to the outside of the casing via the drive assembly.{MacMiniHack} The cable I've used is from an internal SATA to external SATA (not eSATA) slot bracket. This solution is more flexible than routing a cable from the inside to the outside and directly attaching it to the drive/enclosure. Also, you'll get to choose what cable type to use: SATA/eSATA or SATA/SATA.{MacMiniHack} When reassembling the Mac Mini ...{MacMiniHack} ... make sure the WLAN antenna cable is not in the way of the riser board.{MacMiniHack} Also, don't use any kind of force when reseating the riser board. You may have have to lift the front of the drive and fan assembly slightly.{MacMiniHack} Firmly push the assembly down. There might be a small pressure due to the cable and the board. This is okay, don't worry.{MacMiniHack} Reattaching the flat ribbon cable is more delicate than just unplugging it. First off, make sure that the mounting bracket is completely unlocked...{MacMiniHack} Now, gently stick the the ribbon cable header into the socket and push down the mounting bracket with two screw drivers (for equal pressure).{MacMiniHack} Remember the long screw I talked about earlier?{MacMiniHack} This one goes here.{MacMiniHack} You might run into problems with this screw here. In this case having a screwdriver with a magnetic tip is a big plus.{MacMiniHack} This is selfexplanatory.{MacMiniHack} Ditto.{MacMiniHack} This one is utterly important! Make sure to plug the fan plug back in or your system's fan will run at 100% all the time.{MacMiniHack} Finally put the spring in its place and reattach the WLAN antenna ...{MacMiniHack} ... by again pushing the clips towards the spring to lock it.{MacMiniHack} Alright, so now that basically everything is in place again, we give the whole setup a test drive.{MacMiniHack} Attaching all cables, ...{MacMiniHack} hitting the power button, ...{MacMiniHack} it's booted! ;){MacMiniHack} At this point we can start reassembling the Mac Mini completely. In case you've cut the backside of the base, just route the cable to the outside ...{MacMiniHack} ... like so. I know it looks ugly. Stop pointing fingers already! ;){MacMiniHack} It works ...{MacMiniHack} ... and the external MacPower Pleiades enclosure sure does look cool. End of story. I hope you liked it. Please leave a comment.

List of parts used:

1x internal SATA to external SATA (not eSATA!) adapter slot bracket (board-based)
Manufacturer: DeLOCK
Part# 65115 – SATA2ADT-A3 (order @ Reichelt – AK 668)

1x internal SATA to external SATA (not eSATA!) adapter slot bracket (non board-based)
1x SATA to eSATA cable 1m (order @ Reichelt – AK SATA 0702)
1x Macpower Pleiades Super S-Combo

If you can’t get the 2nd adapter slot bracket, just get the cable and directly attach that to the adapter board and route it to the outside of the case.

As for the case modification: I’ve made a few photos to illustrate the process. However, I won’t add any comments. This is quick’n dirty work.

{MacMiniHackCaseMod} {MacMiniHackCaseMod} {MacMiniHackCaseMod} {MacMiniHackCaseMod} {MacMiniHackCaseMod} {MacMiniHackCaseMod} {MacMiniHackCaseMod} {MacMiniHackCaseMod} {MacMiniHackCaseMod}

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