posts?

I'm sorry to say that I just have had zero time for posting to this blog. (Well, not too sorry really, since it means that I have been diving, snorkeling, sailing etc..) However, I have been managing to post some things to facebook, and am thinking that format is better for me right now. So, I'd like you all to visit my facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/chrisparsons.net

See you on there.

Chris

iPhone apps

I've written two iPhone apps, and so just created the obligatory support page for them. I plan to add a forum if needed; we'll see how many support questions I actually get.

Here's the support page.


And here are the links to the apps on iTunes:

Anchor Alarm on iTunes


GPS Formats on iTunes

And here's the description text on iTunes for the Anchor Alarm app:

Anchor Alarm is a easy to use application that lets you set and monitor your position relative to an anchor point. It shows your distance from the point, and bearing to the point. If your current position strays too far from that set point, an alert will sound. The main use for Anchor Alarm of course is for setting an anchor drag alarm when you are at anchor on a boat. But the app can also be used anytime you want to monitor how far you are from a starting point.

Using Anchor Alarm is very simple... just set your preferences, drop your anchor (or if you are not anchoring, get yourself to your starting point), and press the "Set Alarm" button. Pressing that button will record your current position as the "anchor position", and Anchor Alarm will begin monitoring.

If your current position changes such that you are farther away from the anchor point than the distance you set in preferences, Anchor Alarm will sound an alarm. If the current accuracy of the position information on the iPhone (ie. the GPS in the iPhone) exceeds the accuracy tolerance level you set in preferences, a different alarm will sound. If both the distance and accuracy levels are exceeded at the same time, the accuracy alarm will take precedence.

Anchor Alarm will remember your settings if you exit, for example to make a phone call or send an email. When you start Anchor Alarm, if you have an alarm set, it will begin on the Monitor tab and if not, it will start on the Set tab. Remember that if you restart Anchor Alarm, it may take a moment or two for the GPS accuracy to improve.

Tip: try to set the alarm as close as possible to the anchor itself. It helps to walk all the way to the bow, and set the alarm right when the anchor goes into the water.

Anchor Alarm includes a setting that will keep your iPhone awake, so that the GPS will continue to have good position data. Since the GPS and CPU will both continue to be active, we recommend that if you run Anchor Alarm for an extended period, that you plug it into a charger or computer so that your iPhone's battery will not discharge.

Anchorm Alarm requires iPhone software version 2.0 or later, and also requires the iPhone 3G with built in GPS. Although it will run on earlier iPhones and even the iPod Touch, the position information on those devices is not accurate enough to be useful for anchoring. Anchor Alarm does not require that you have an active WIFI or 3G connection to operate.

Note: Anchor Alarm is only a tool to help you with anchoring, and is not a substitute for good seamanship. Electronics are not bullet proof, and a prudent sailor will have redundant means of determining if an anchor is dragging.

Video Test Thingy

I created this short video to do some testing with video formats on YouTube and Facebook. It's kind of stupid, but I like it. Hopefully you will be able to see the (supposed) HD version. Hint: If you have less than blazing fast internet, hit the pause button right away, then let the whole thing download. Turn up your speakers.

Dolphins

I've finally had a chance to edit some dolphin video I shot last year. This was all shot in about a 20 minute span about 30 miles west of the Dry Tortugas, in about 200 feet of water. They are Atlantic Spotted Dolphins, I'd estimate that there were about 60-80 of them.

Hopefully, if I am posting this right and your computer can play it, you'll see it in YouTube's alleged HD viewer. The video is actually a lot better in real HD than here on the web (so stop by after work and I'll show it to you.. :-). I especially hate how the compression artifacts show up in the blue water. Ugh. Can't wait for the day when we get true lossless video on the web. Hint: Unless you have a really fast internet connection, press the pause button as soon as the video starts to play, then let it fully download before pressing play.

Scooter and dolphins

Mike, having no fun at all, scootering with friends.

(click on the photo to see a larger size)

Heidi and Heidi (and Bob)

Heidi the shark gets photographed by Heidi the shark person.


(click on the photo to see a larger size)