In an earlier post, I mentioned that I wrote a tool I call [b]SMS Auto Reply[/b] for Windows Mobile 5 devices. It’s a small utility that allows you to do the mobile phone equivalent of setting an “away” message.

Basically, after you enter some text and enable the tool, it will respond to every incoming phone call with an SMS message containing the text you have specified.

Well, I have expanded its feature set. It now supports caller-specific messages as well as a simple default message. It links into the built-in contact database in Windows Mobile devices to get the list of potential contacts for which you may configure responses.

Here’s a link to download the early beta version of
[url=http://www.davidmays.com/SMSAutoReply/SMSAutoReply.CAB]SMS Auto reply[/url].

Note that this tool will require that the device has the [url=http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/netframework/aa497280.aspx].NET Compact Framework[/url] installed.

Also, this only works on the PocketPC edition of WM5, because it makes use of context menus for certain aspects of configuration. I do not at this time have the intention of updating it to support SmartPhone devices, unless there is overwhelming interest.

I found a nice 3000W inverter locally for an exceptionally good price. They list for around $350 at most stores.

[img]http://www.davidmays.com/PhotoGallery/index.php?v=image&i=640×480&p=eBay/Vector-051D-box.jpg[/img]

[url=http://www.davidmays.com/ebay/Vector-051D-manual.pdf]Download the manual[/url]

Let’s just say for now that I didn’t spend anywhere close to the list price. So I bought two, and have one for auction on eBay. I’m selling it way below list also.

[url=http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=110195322542]Vector VEC051D 3000W Inverter[/url]

This thing, when combined with a 125AH marine battery, should allow me to run various useful household appliances as well as large lights. It will be nice using a microwave in the camper.

[img]http://www.pepboys.com/images/uploads/energizer_2.jpg[/img]

Of course, I’ll probably end up getting a generator also, even if it’s just a small one, maybe a 1-2Kw unit just to be able to charge up the battery when we’re not near “shore power” at a campground.

Last weekend I bought a pop-up camper called a Palomino. It’s a hard-sided popup, which is pretty neat. The only canvas parts are the bunkends, so overall the thing seems pretty durable.

[img]http://www.davidmays.com/PhotoGallery/index.php?v=image&i=640×480&p=2007/1117Palomino-MXL/DSCN0126.jpg[/img]

For what I paid, I knew there would be some work involved in fixing it up. When I went to pick it up, I did a fairly quick inspection, but had already made up my mind to get it unless there was a very serious problem, like a broken frame or serious structural damage.

Today I managed to have some available daylight and a distinct lack of rain despite what the weatherman said. So I began tearing into the camper.

I removed all of the cushions and the carpeting. The cushions are probably destined for the trash, but I’m not sure yet. I’ll give them a chance at salvation by way of a run through the washing machine. The foam in the cushions will be trashed and replaced no matter what.

I discovered that there are some areas of significant rot in non-structural wood parts. One bench inside had to be removed, as well as some wall areas.

In this image, you can see a pile of crud which used to be MDF paneling. It’s so soft now that a paint scraper will remove it. The paneling is backed by what appears to be fairly ordinary insulating foam, which though it is in good condition I may replace anyway due to the relatively low cost of doing so.

[img]http://www.davidmays.com/PhotoGallery/index.php?v=image&i=640×480&p=2007/1117Palomino-MXL/DSCN0153.jpg[/img]

This is the refrigerator system. Apparently it runs on either 12V or LPG, which should prove interesting to learn about. I’m unfamiliar with propane-fired refrigerators, so this will be a mini-education all its own.

[img]http://www.davidmays.com/PhotoGallery/index.php?v=image&i=640×480&p=2007/1117Palomino-MXL/DSCN0127.jpg[/img]

The bunkend canvas itself is in decent shape, but the covers that zip over the screens are trashed. I’ll have to see an upholsterer about that, because I’m just not that talented with a sewing machine.

[img]http://www.davidmays.com/PhotoGallery/index.php?v=image&i=640×480&p=2007/1117Palomino-MXL/DSCN0135.jpg[/img]

All in all, this should be a fun project. I have some time to work on it, as long as the weather stays decent. I have no pressing need for the camper for a specific upcoming trip, so I don’t have to rush to complete anything.

[img]http://www.davidmays.com/PhotoGallery/index.php?v=image&i=640×480&p=2007/1117Palomino-MXL/DSCN0132.jpg[/img]

It will be interesting also, to use this as an excuse to learn some techniques which might be applicable on my real home as well. For example, I think I’d like to put down Pergo or similar laminate flooring. It would look nice, and it apparently stands up quite well to dampness. I have to add a sink, so I can play plumber for a day or two as well. I’m pretty certain I want to install a pressure water system and a decent holding tank so I can be fairly self-contained.

[url=http://www.davidmays.com/PhotoGallery/index.php?v=list&i=0&p=2007/1117Palomino-MXL]1985 Palomino MXL photos[/url]

Look for more updates on this project coming soon!

That’s right. I had to install a CAPTCHA on my blog. The spammers really are persistent.

I thought that comment moderation for any comments including links would be sufficient. The spammers would see that their links don’t show up here, and go away.

Nope.

Fortunately, [url=http://www.handgestrickt.biz/]handgestrickt[/url] wrote a very nice and easy-to-integrate bblog plugin that does CAPTCHA, keeping the slimeball spammers OUT.

Thanks for the great tool!

I wrote a tool I call [b]SMS Auto Reply[/b] for Windows Mobile 5 devices. It’s a small utility that allows you to do the mobile phone equivalent of setting an “away” message.

Basically, after you enter some text and enable the tool, it will respond to every incoming phone call with an SMS message containing the text you have specified.

It’s a very simple utility so far, but I’d like to expand it with some features:

[list]
[*] Caller-specific messages
[*] Enable for specific period of time
[/list]

If it turns out that people are interested in this utility, I’ll go ahead and start adding features.

Here’s a link to download the early beta version of
[url=http://www.davidmays.com/SMSAutoReply/ResponderInstaller.CAB]SMS Auto reply[/url].

Note that this tool will require that the device has the [url=http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/netframework/aa497280.aspx].NET Compact Framework[/url] installed.

Went hiking there on Saturday with my girlfriend. It was a beautiful day to do it, even though it was no more than 50-55F all day.

We started at the visitor’s center, took the trail up to the ridge, hiked along the ridge, then went down into the valley, where we followed the River of Rocks trail back to the visitor’s center. All in all, probably about a 6 mile hike. This took us about 3.5 hours, with stops for lunch and raptor spotting.

We were also treated to several flyovers of a pair of A-10 Warthogs.

[b]View from the South Lookout (Very near the visitor center)[/b]
[img]http://www.davidmays.com/PhotoGallery/index.php?v=image&i=640×480&p=2007/1103hawkmountain/pano/south_lookout.jpg[/img]

[img]http://www.davidmays.com/PhotoGallery/index.php?v=image&i=640×480&p=2007/1103hawkmountain/DSCN0074.jpg[/img]

[b]River Of Rocks[/b]
This was formed about 11,000 years ago during one of the last ice ages. I thought it was glacially caused, but it turns out not. During that period, extreme freezing caused the rocks to be sloughed from the sides of the valley, and they collected in the bottom. The valley itself was formed by upheaval, not glacial action, even though it has the characteristic U shape.
[img]http://www.davidmays.com/PhotoGallery/index.php?v=image&i=640×480&p=2007/1103hawkmountain/DSCN0110.jpg[/img]

[img]http://www.davidmays.com/PhotoGallery/index.php?v=image&i=640×480&p=2007/1103hawkmountain/DSCN0092.jpg[/img]

[img]http://www.davidmays.com/PhotoGallery/index.php?v=image&i=640×480&p=2007/1103hawkmountain/DSCN0093.jpg[/img]

Unfortunately, we didn’t see many raptors migrating, though the spotters counted something like 200 that day. Wow!

It’s the time of year when Red Tailed Hawks move south.

[url=http://www.davidmays.com/PhotoGallery/index.php?v=list&i=0&p=2007/1103hawkmountain]Anyway, here’s more photos of Hawk Mountain Sanctuary[/url]

The cost to get in there is $7 on weekends and $5 on weekdays. It is a private sanctuary, not any kind of county, state or federal park.

On Saturday I received these while hiking at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary.

[img]http://www.livingwaters.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000002/tuit.jpg[/img]

On the back, it said:

[quote]You have pacified your conscience by saying that you would find peace with God one day . . . when you get a round Tuit. Well, now you have one. This is why you shouldn’t wait any longer: If you have told one lie, you are a liar. If you have stolen anything (irrespective of value), you are a thief. If you have looked with lust, you have committed adultery in your heart. If you hate someone, you’ve committed murder in your heart. Your sin has angered God. The Bible teaches that you are His enemy. On Judgment Day, you will end up in Hell. But there’s good news: “God commended His love towards us, in that, while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.” Jesus Christ took your punishment, then He rose from the dead and defeated the grave. If you repent and trust Him, God will grant you everlasting life. Read your Bible daily and obey it. God will never let you down.[/quote]

[img]http://www.livingwaters.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000002/new_smart_card.jpg[/img]

The front of the card says:
[quote]Place your thumb firmly on the box for 15 seconds. If you are a “good” person, it will turn a bright green. Note: it must be for exactly 15 seconds.[/quote]

The backs reads:
[quote]Sorry . . . you’re just like the rest of us. The dictionary says “good” is to be “morally excellent.” Let’s check the standard–the Ten Commandments, to see how far we fall short: Is God first in your life? Do you love Him with “heart, mind, soul and strength?” Have you made a god to suit yourself? Have you used God’s name in vain? Have you kept the Sabbath holy? Have you always honored your parents? Have you hated anyone, and therefore committed murder in your heart? Have you looked with lust and therefore committed adultery in your heart? Have you lied (including “fibs”), stolen (the value is irrelevant), or coveted other people’s possessions? If you are honest, you know you will be guilty on the Day of Judgment. God, however, doesn’t want to send you to Hell. Jesus Christ suffered and died on the Cross in your place, so you could go free. That’s how much God loves you. We broke God’s Law, but Jesus paid our fine. Then He rose from the grave and defeated death. If you repent and trust in Him, God will forgive your sins and grant you everlasting life. Obey the gospel today. Read your Bible daily and obey what you read, God will never let you down.[/quote]

After doing some reading, I discovered that these two items are products made and marketed by [url=http://www.livingwaters.com]www.livingwaters.com[/url] which appears to be a Christian ministry based in Australia. I found it amusing that even the producers of these “fine” products acknowledge that tract recipients are often displeased. They go so far as to remark on the “excellent getaway time” of various tracts.

Personally, I have nothing against religion. Organized religion isn’t something in which I participate, but I have my own set of spiritual beliefs. I don’t appreciate religious folk who set about to push their belief system on other people [i]who haven’t asked them to[/i].

That last bit is key. If I want help or advice from a religious person, it seems appropriate that they could share their beliefs in that context. But to foist your beliefs on strangers unsolicited is extremely rude.

Why??? Seriously, why do people think it’s ok to go around stuffing their religion in other people’s hands?