Fun with Drafts and QR Codes

After listening to an episode of Systematic, I was interested in the thought of using Drafts in connection with QR codes to do some funky things. Here is what I came up with after just a few minutes of messing with it.

My process is pretty simple, but here is a bit of an overview of whay I want to acomplish.

1. QR codes launch URLs.
2. Using URL Schemes I should be able to drafts to do some cool things just by scanning a QR code.

Adding Items to a Grocery list.

The format you need for Drafts looks like this:

drafts://x-callback-url/create?text=Buy Mustard&action=List%20in%20Reminders&x-success=RedLaser://

Essentially this opens drafts, creates some text that says "Buy Mustard," adds the text to the Reminders App, and then returns to Red Laser so I can scan another.

That all works well, but you to make this work, you have to get the above mentioned URL Scheme translated to a QR Code. To do this go on over to TinyURL and paste it in to create a TinyURL.

Now take the URL that's generated by the TinyURL service, and make a QR code with it. To make QR codes you can use a free service online like this one.

Once you generate the QR Code give it a scan with RedLaser to test it out.

After scanning it, the item is added to my shopping list in the Reminders.app. I am then returned to the Red Laser App to scan another.

I can verify on my Shopping list that the entry to "Buy Mustard" is there. In this scenario the "Shopping List" is my default Reminders list.

Wrap Up

There is obviously more you can do, but I thought this was kinda fun. Of course my wife asked my why I dont just write it on the list. I think this is more fun.

The Privilege Was Mine!

I recently returned home from Network Field Day 5 (Many posts to come) and while I was there I had the privilege of joining the packet pushers podcast for a chin wag. Check out the details on the episode Here and subscribe to the podcast if you haven't already!

Home Automation Geekery with WeMo and IFTTT

Recently I had a little fun with home automation. I’ll provide the lowdown in a moment, but first here is a list of what was involved:

• Custom Colored Grape Lights .
• Belkin WeMo Home Automation Switch.
• Standard White Holiday Lights.
• IFTTT Magic.
• 6-Outlet Home/Office Surge Protector

The Lowdown

My wife bought these Custom Colored Grape Lights and wanted to put them on top of the cabinets. I was able to run an extension cord up from the microwave but the issue I faced was that the lights would be permanantly on. That was a simple solution thanks to the WeMo Switch by Belkin. I started using one of these in my office to control lights for recording, but this seemed a good fit for every day users. I ran a power strip off the WeMo Switch and then connected all the lights I ran above the cabinets.

I could power these on and off using the iphone app for the WeMo Switch, but I have also been messing with IFTTT lately and had the idea that I might use a recipie or two to automate this. So here are the two recipes I used:

Turn the Lights on at Sunset

This is simple right?

Turn the Grapes off at Midnight:

The Result

It works perfectly, although they did turn off a few minutes after midnight, but that’s no big deal. They look pretty good, my wife is happy, and there is a little geekery involved in how they are setup! Feels good to be a nerd sometimes!