Software and Projects

I'm a big fan of Free (that is, GPL-licensed) and Open Source software. The following is a list of projects that I've either contributed to, use frequently, or otherwise find interesting:

• Ssnooper: A serial line (RS-232) snooper/debugger. This began as bug-fix for Grahame M. Kelly's Serial Sniffer program and has evolved into a nearly complete re-write. I've used it to debug serial port drivers for numerous devices including photon detectors, scales, cameras, and pumps. Questions, suggestions, and patches are all welcome.
  
  
• QAXA: A suite of programs for the determination of material path lengths (or effective densities) using photon (X-ray and/or gamma-ray) absorption. Version 1 of this project comprised roughly a third of my PhD work, is described in a soon-to-appear Soil Science paper, and is the current "stable" version. Version 2, which is in development, aims to improve the methods by more completely accounting for the physics of photon attenuation and detection.
  
  
• LaTeX2e is my preferred environment for generating letters, reports, notes, etc. If you'd like some LaTeX formatting examples, I've placed copies of research papers, letters, and my dissertation (UNC-CH) online.
  
  
• The Linux on Laptops project is a great resource if you like your penguin to be mobile. While I no longer own the machine, I did maintain a page for the IBM ThinkPad i1560.
  
  
• Gphoto2 has been a huge help in the lab. I've used it automate numerous Kodak cameras to create time-lapse movies of various experiments. I'm very disappointed with the newer Kodak DX-series cameras which do NOT support host-initiated (that is, computer-controlled) image capture. Shame on Kodak!!! If they don't bring the capability back, I'll be forced to seek other manufacturers.
  
  
• The Linux Documentation Project is a great source of information. And you can read my own mini-HOWTO while you're there.
  
  

Groups

I've been involved with all of the following groups and have enjoyed the help, tips, and good conversations that they've provided. If you'd like to find a LUG or similar group in your area, visit this site.

• The Hacking Society: A fun and sometimes surprisingly productive way to spend an evening.
  
  
• CLUE: Colorado (Denver) Linux Users and Enthusiasts.
  
  
• BLUG: The Boulder Linux User's Group.
  
  
• TriLUG: The Triangle Linux Users Group in NC.