Summer Time!

          It's Summer time here in California but it dosen't quite feel that way. There is still plenty of clouds, rain and wind which is putting a stop to flying. On the bright side we have some special events coming up. A couple airshows are coming up soon, including the Ukiah airshow which takes place june 11th. RC airshows include the Dan Sullivan 2011 which happens June 25 and June 26.

         We are also working on some Android apps and a special Minecraft blog called Minecraft Pig. We are working on building an awesome world for download.

Model Indy Car

     Two days ago Indy cars race around Indianapolis for the Indy 500. Today I built a plastic model of an older version of an Indy car. This one happens to be powered by Chevy.

  The finished product. I came with decals but I'm too lazy, maybe in the future.

SwashBlade RC Blog App

   The official SwashBlade RC blog comes to Android with a new client application. This is the same exact application mentioned in one of the previous posts, only this time it has been uploaded to the app market.

Pythagorean Spiral

In math class we have been working on a Pythagorean spiral project. I just now completed mine and had to share it here on my blog.

Construction version.

Colored photo copy

Pythagorean Theorem used to calculate the length of all the hypotenuses.

SwashBlade RC Blog - Android

Okay, so I kinda cheated making this one, but it works! I used an online app creator to make SwashBlade RC blog for Android. Basically you have a shortcut to this blog on your android powered device! Nothing very special, right now you can download it here, this app and a game I created should be available on the market soon.

Processing and Android

      Today I am working on some Android applications with Processing (Programming Language). Because I don't actually have and Android device for testing, and the emulator doesn't really meet testing needs, I might release computer versions first for all of you to test. Computer versions of my applications will have a set window size, 480 pixels one way and 800 another, depending on the correct orientation. For those interested, you can go to the Android page and download the applications for either Windows, Mac or Linux.

   If you find any software bugs please leave a comment on a post having to do with that application or email swashbladerc@rocketmail.com. These computer applications may be released tomorrow, depending on how long it takes me to code them and how great my ideas are. Thank you.

Programming with Processing (Android)

Okay so I finally got the Android emulator working with the processing programming enviroment. You can look up how to do this online, just make sure you download google Android api level 7 from the thrid party tools. Anyways here is a sample sketch I used for running on the Android emulator.

int cx;
int cy;
int w;
int h;
int c;
int cc;
void setup(){
  size(480, 800);
  h = 30;
  w = 30;
  cx = 10;
  cy = 10;
  draw();
}
void draw(){
  fill(cc);
  rect(cx, cy, w, h);
  cx = cx + 30;
  if (cx > 450){
    cx = 10;
    cy = cy + 30;
    if (cy > 760){
      noLoop();
    }
  }
  c = c + 10;
  if (c < 20){
    cc = 0;}
    if (c > 19){
      cc = 255;
      c = 0;}
}

All this really does is draw a checker pattern across the screen, but is a good program to start with. You can also try to change the colors and stuff like that.

Programming with Processing - # 2

So I will probably compile all of these programs and make the available on mediafire. I added to the code in the last code, I simply added the word grey scale in the center of the screen so you know when the program has finished.

int c;
void setup(){
  size (400, 400);
}
void draw(){
  background(c);
  c = c + 1;
  if (c > 255){
    textAlign(CENTER);
    fill(0);
    text("Grey Scale",width/2,200);
    noLoop();
  }
}

So I am sort of going through all of the processing tutorials while at the same time creating my own programs. Later I will possibly create a page dedicated to processing with download links to the full compiled programs and the source files. Enjoi.

Programming with Processing - #1

Right now I am playing around with the processing language seeing what I can do with it so I will probably be posting little code snippets every couple hours or so. Here's one I just wrote up that changes your background from black to white with every color in the gray scale in between.

int c;
void setup(){
  size (400, 400);
}
void draw(){
  background(c);
  c = c + 1;
  if (c > 255){
    noLoop();}
}

Also I finally figured what a bit means, apparently it is a measurement of one binary digit. 8 bits make a byte. All possible combinations in an eight digit binary statement comes out to 256. On the grey scale it starts at 0 and ends at 255. So that's a little explanation on what a bit is and how this simple program works.

First Processing Application

I have written and compiled my first application written in processing. I am sharing this application because it is one of the first ones that I wrote entirely in processing. The application is extremely simple, the program will draw black and white checkers across the screen. I started a program that just tesellated a square and colored one black and one white. Anyway, one nice thing about processing is the ability to compile for multiplatforms. Enjoy.


Checker Program - Mac:
http://www.mediafire.com/?6jkbfgczm4wr74d

Checker Program - Windows:
http://www.mediafire.com/?6xh5v7luy0rm175

Checker Program - Linux:
http://www.mediafire.com/?tjd53ilq326xl13

Yeah!

Processing (Programming Language)

    Recently we were looking to move away from freeBASIC and into a programming language that is more widely used along with the ability to create more complex programs. We were trying to decide between Java and C++ when we came across processing (a programming language).

    Processing is neat because it is similar to Java (based of Java), and has the ability to run 2D and 3D graphics in a very minimal amount of code. Processing applications can also be ran inside a web browser just like any other Java application. More on processing, possibly code samples and computer applications may come in the future. For more on processing click here.



PORTAL 2

    Last night I bought Portal 2. I was trying to beat the time set by Notch, which was about seven hours. It took me eight hours to complete the single player mode and I still haven't completed the co-op mode. I won't review the game, there are plenty out there. All you really need to know is that the game was amazing, way longer than the first one and I still haven't played co-op.

   My xbox 360 was recently died from the Red Rings of Death and my attempt to fix it failed. Because I really wanted to play Portal 2 I purchased and downloaded over steam. Steam had a nice deal where I also received a copy of the original Portal for only five bucks.

    Portal doesn't like the integrated Intel graphics chip set on my hp desktop computer so I had to play on my xps laptop. The graphics were absolutely amazing.One benefit of owning the PC version is the Developer Console, which is basically a command line within the game. So far I haven't done much with Dev Con but I have figured out how to play split screen co-op mode on one computer.

    If you are deeply considering purchasing portal, it's definitely worth the money. 
   
    Visit our facebook page and flickr thread for more in game pictures. To take in game pictures, just press F12.

Minecraft Pictures

Picture Time!

 My fortress thing

 Tree Farm!

 Down the Drain!

Sapplings

Snow!

For more pictures visit the SwashBlade RC facebook page.
Don't have facebook? Flickr!

A friend of mine started a new minecraft thread on the forums, check it out!

http://www.minecraftforum.net/viewtopic.php?f=1020&t=294166

Minecraft World Downloads #1

   Here is a link to a Minecraft world that I am currently working on. I started this world recently so not much has happened yet.

Iceland Island http://www.mediafire.com/?k3yl30lj1etqd2d

  Check back soon for more Minecraft worlds and updates!

50th Blog Post!

     Hello and welcome to the 50th SwashBlade RC blogpost!

    Today Minecraft version 1.5 was released. This update features weather and achievements. I haven't expirenced rain or snow yet which is dissapointing. For those wondering, achievements are local, when you start a new world you still have the achievements you have obtained on that computer. I may post download links for my minecraft world soon!

   We are also working on Android applications, soon we will post something on the Android page! I already have the app planned out and I started writing code. Subscribe to be notified when the application will be released.

   Also, for those wondering about the RC part of SwashBlade RC, I will be building a new plane soon. With summer arriving I am thinking of building either a WWI Bi-Plane or a civilian J-3 cub for summer compitions. Next weeks poll will have to do with the plane I will build.

freeBASIC Tutorial #2

     FreeBASIC is a programming language very similar to Microsoft's quickBASIC, but has many differences. FreeBASIC can actually be a powerful language.

     If two people were working on the same program at the same time, they can create different source files and compile them together. For this simple hello world program you write this code:

                                                Hello.bas
                                      1. 1
                                      2. color (c)
                                      3. print "Hello world"
                                      4. sleep 300

    If a friend wrote that, insted of copy and pasting into your source file you can do this:

                                               World.bas
                                       1. #include "Hello.bas"
                                       2. c = c + 1
                                       3. if multikey(&h01) then goto 2
                                       4. goto 1
                                       5. 2

    This is a simple way to combine multiple source files similar to different calsses in the Java programming language.

     freeBASIC tutorial #3 will actually explain this code block here, if you don't understand explination will soon arive. Click the subscribe button on the right to be notified when a new tutorial is released.

freeBASIC tutorial #1

        Recently I have been writing code in fbide (freeBASIC ide). I have found almost no online tutorials so I will create one. You can download the freeBASIC compiler at freebasic.net downloads page. The version I am using has been outdated since 2006, it should say that in the description. The language syntax is extremely similar to QuickBASIC and shares some C++ syntax.

       The first program that programmers will write in a new language is "Hello World". In freeBASIC, to display hello world in a console window you write:

                           1.  print "Hello world"
                           2.  sleep

         To display text to a console window you use the "print" command which simply means display the text. If you were to run the program without using the sleep command the console window would open and exit faster than you could read.

          Something a little more advance but fun to try is this program.


                            1. 1
                            2. color (c)
                            3. print "Hello world"
                            4. sleep 300
                            5. c = c + 1
                            6. if multikey(&h01) then goto 2
                            7. goto 1
                            8. 2

          If you don't understand this code that's fine, I will explain it more next time. I will be writing these tutorials a couple times a week. If you want to know when they first come out you can subscribe!

freeBASIC PONG version 1.1 release

       I made some changes to the freeBASIC PONG game and is now available for download at the Windows page. Some changes include a title at the top left corner, press "p" for an in game pause menu and more. For a full list of changes read the changelog included in the download.

LInux "Ubuntu"

      I just finished downloading the popular Linux distro "Ubuntu"! In fact this blog post has been created in "Ubuntu!" To download Ubuntu was very simple, instead of burning a CD I used the Wubi application to download Ubuntu in Windows Vista. I know run a dual boot with Windows Vista and Ubuntu. I am thinking that in the future I will have multiple hard drives, each one with a different operating system. Maybe one with XP or one with Windows Seven.

freeBASIC "PONG" - Update

     I finally uploaded the freeBASIC "PONG" game which is available for download on the computer downloads page. I realized after I had uploaded the program to the internet that there were a couple bugs that I might fix tomorrow. This is the next to last freeBASIC project I have for this month. I am trying to focus on programming in Java.

freeBASIC PONG game

      Today I am working on programming a Pong game in freeBASIC. Since I have almost no experience using graphics in freeBASIC this should be an interesting challenge. Hopefully I will be able to finish the Pong game today and have it available for download by tomorrow morning. If I complete the program by tomorrow morning I will include the compiled .exe, the .bas source file and a readme .txt document.

Text Bot Program

       I am still using the freeBASIC programming language for some of my projects. Today I have been challenged to create a computer application where you can do things such as ask the computer questions and tell it things. I'm shooting for an application with four digits in terms of code lines, probably around 1,000 - 2,000 lines of code.

      Of course the only way I know how to create a text bot appliation is by using a loop and an if then statement. Basically I created a simple string variable called user, short and simple. I printed computer dialouge as the first line of text in the program, then the program ask the user for input. If the user variable is equivakent to certaint strings the computer will do different things. The program looks like this:

Computer:  I have just become aware of my surroundings, I have unlimited knowledge, I dare you to ask me a question I cannot answer.

You: What is your name?

Computer: My name is Hewlett Packard.

You: hello

Computer: Capitalize your scentances!

You: How old are you?

Computer: No Comment.

You: No Comment

Computer: Comment

You: Terminate Window

    Anyway that is just some of the possible dialouge that may take place between you and your computer. The files should be available soon for dowload, the challenge is to finish before Tuesday the 12th. I have thought of more files to include, I will be including the .exe (sorry mac users), .bas source file, .txt change log and a .txt document with a list of dialouge that the computer will respond to.

Lost Minecraft Data

Today I was working on a minecraft world that I was thinking about releasing for download. I quit the game, when I started the game again I could no longer open it. The save file is still in the app data. Not sure what happened there.

Downloads Update

I have now officially created download pages with links to mediafire.
I have created three pages at the moment, a different page for different devices.
Enjoy!

Grade Point Average Calculator V. 2

  I finally finished a more useful application that will calculate your grade point average, this can be used to calculate the G.P.A of core classes, no A.P. classes or credit classes. This calculates on the same basis as the last version where A = 4, B = 3 and so on.

  When you download you will recieve a zip file containing the compiled .exe application and the freeBASIC (or QuickBASIC) .bas source file, feel free to modify the program to suit your needs.

  From now on you will go to the downloads page for various applications and files which will link to mega upload. I am also working on creating a direct download from a website such as dropbox so there will be no need for going to external web sites and waiting for downloads and a bunch of stuff you don't want to go through.

Mine Field

     The game that I have been creating in Microsoft PowerPoint has reached a playable stage. I am calling this an alpha stage because it has not been tested enough and I may want to change some features in the future. I am currently namming the game Mine Field and to my knowledge is not a game, if anyone complains or owns that name and doesn't want me to use this name I may change it. This is a game about navigating your cursor from start to finish without touching any mines, which may be invisble at times. To enjoy this game free of charge you may download it here.

Downloads - Update

   Recently I have been creating more and more programs, computer games, files, etc... Now I want to share them, I will create a downloads page links to all downloadable files I have published. In the future I will most likely post minecraft worlds, power point games, code source  files, computer applications and more.

Published Program

     I have had programming articles and tutorials in the past and I finally created and uploaded a program to the internet. This is a simple Grade Point Average Calculator that I wrote with the freeBASIC language and compiler. This will calculate the grades for a ninth grade student with the following clases: math, science, english, spanish and theatre arts. The program will essentially calculate the Grade Point Average of any five classes excluding A.P. classes. The program calculates by the standard of A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, NC = 0. Notice that F does not exsist and has been replaced with "NC" or "No Credit", the program will not except - or + symbols.

    For those interested in my first published program you can download it here. Any feedback in the comment section would be greatly appreciated.

Parkzone Ultra Micro Mosquito MK VI

      Just recently Parkzone released their Ultra Micro twin engine airplane, the "Mosquito" MK VI. This is one of Parkzone's first twin engine airplanes. The battery is hidden within a magnetic hatch and also includes a clear cannopy for even more scale detail.

     My first "Mosquito" flight took place at the running track, instead of the usal flying field, which resulted in crashing into a tree. Before the accident I was able to fly for a good amount of time. The plane is a war bird and handles loops and rolls just fine. The plane is fast and when taking off on a runway gradually increase the throttle.

    Included in the box is the "Mosquito", a variable rate charger, aligator clips, and a battery.

Update

  I usually do updates but here is something exciting. Today I bought the Parkzone Mosquito MK VI. The plane is a twin engine bomber plane. Soon I will have photos and videos to share and I will upload them to youtube as well.

Hobby Shops

Sorry, today I don't have alot of time to write a longer and more useful article but I just want to say, Support your local hobby shop. Recently more and more hobby shops have been closing and more and more people are buying from online. It is important to keep money local and to ensure your hobby shop stays in buisness.

Minecraft!

    Lately I have been posting more and more videos and blogs that have alot more to do with computers and other technology than most of my blogs. It's still winter and the weather currently is not suitable for flight, so I will be posting more computer related stuff.

   Recently I have begun playing an awesome game called Minecraft! If you have heard of it you probably know about it, but if you havent you might love the game. The game is a "sandbox" game and the theme is entirely based on blocks. You play as a block person and explore the world around you in first person view. You modify the world around you with blocks, however you must attain the blocks usually by mining. At night monsters come out and you must build houses and shelters to protect yourself.

  The game is currently still under developement so it has it's bugs, but it is currently in the beta stage and is close to being finished. There is also a multiplayer feature which is complicated and requires setting up your own server, or just playing on one already set.

  I will post more videos and blogs about mind craft so stay tuned for that. Also "subscribe" to my blog, it's free!

Weather

Today the Weather is crap, no flying for me. I watched the epic train film Unstoppable. I love the powerful "triple" 7. I might do some indoor flying with a Parkzone Night Vapor, Parkzone Ultra-Micro P-51D and the Parkzone T-28 Trojan. Up coming events include a Fun Fly in April and the Dan Sullivan in June/July. Stay tuned for upcoming RC action and videos. Also visit our FaceBook Page.

Microsoft smallBASIC

Hello and welcome to SwashBlade RC, lately I recently I have been learning programming, including HTML, smallBASIC and C++. I recomend starting on Microsoft smallBASIC. This simple language shows the fundamentals of programming and can be used to create simple and complex programs. The compiler that can be downloaded for free here. I have posted a youtube video lesson on programming. For more fun with programming you should download this extension here.
To add the extension to smallBASIC go to Start>Computer>MainHardDrive>ProgramFiles>Microsoft>SmallBasic and create a file called "lib" which is case sensitive. Copy the small basic fun files to this folder, then type tortoise.show() in small basic to test if the download is successful.

Parkzone P-51D Review

   Guttentag und willkommen to SwashBlade RC! Today I am writing a review on the P-51D Mustang. Now, if you have followed my blog in the past you well know that I had trouble flying it. Well today the weather let up just enough for me to fly and I flew it long enough to write a review.

   Before I get in to the Parkzone model, first a little history on the P-51D Mustang. The North American P-51 Mustang actually started with the British, it served in the RAF as a fighter-bomber and later a bomber escort. The P-51 served in other European Air Forces and saw limited service in The Pacific War against the Japanese. The P-51 also saw service in the begining of the korean war but was later replaced by the F-86 Sabre. The P-51 saw service until the early 80's.

   Parkzone's Ultra Micro version of the P-51D flew great. One thing I found inmpressive is that this tiny aircraft is in fact 4 channel! Unlike some larger planes which don't have a rudder. As I first may have had problems when I took it out to the flying field I had a blast. The thing you have to remeber about war birds is they like to go fast. The P-51 goes extremely fast, especially on low passes. I also performed a loop and a roll!

   Overall, I fell like the Parkzone did an outstanding job on the P-51D. If you have problems on trim you have your digital trim and can switch spots on your control horn. I have been flying for about 7 months now but I have little expirence with war birds. One thing I recommend is go to the flying field where you have plenty of space to climb high.

   As for the landing, I did alright, I rolled over acouple times. The important thing is "any landing you can walk away from is a good landing, but any landing where you can use the plane again is a great landing!"

   Sorry, but no footage of me flying the Parkzone P-51 but enjoy this video of the P-51 in the Realflight Demo. I discovered it can hover after a couple of weeks of just messing around with the P-51. Enjoy!



(Some information from http://www.wikipedia.org/)

Sunday Field Day

    Hello and willkommen to SwashBlade RC! On sunday we finally had a break from the bad weather so we went out to the field in the morning. The morning went well, I started off with my Hobbyzone Champ on homemade floats, FAIL! Sort of, flew for awhile berfore ripping off on landing.

   After that I had another club member test out my Parkzone Ultra Micro P-51D, I geuss it checks out alright, it just needs to fly at greater speeds.

   Then later a different member inspected my T-28 Trojan, after he trimmed it out he let me fly and it flew great. This was the first time in months, last time I flew it I crashed it up in Oregon. Hopefully the weather will clear up soon so I can get more stick time for my review.

  Sorry, no video for today due to camera problems.

Model Trains

      Hello and welcome to the first official blog of the 2011 year. This year we are starting off by working on a couple Model Train projects. Just recently I got my first n-scale locomotive, an atlas GP 30. Combine that with a couple of cars, Kato track and a  controller and you have a couple hours of desktop fun on your hand.

      In today's video the track being is in fact Kato's track. I found that Kato track can easily be taken  apart and put back together which allows for temporary layouts on your desk, kitchen table or even your floor. I would recommend flex track for a more permanent layout.

      I also found my old Santa Fe locomotive (HO scale.) Hopefully I will create either a permanent or  temporary layout. Either way I will probably run it at my friend's layout and create a video about that.

      The picture in the left is my GP 30, photo shot on sn3 track. Taken at my firend's layout. In other news I recently got a copy of Trainz 2009 so keep an eye out for future articles and videos. You can go ahead and subcribe by click the subscribe button on the right.