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31 Oct 2024

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Hunt released by Dragon
It has taken 12 months but Ben Hunt has finally got his wish - a release from his contract at the Dragons.

$750 tickets, ‘content creators’ and megastar Ronaldinho: A Sydney fundraiser that’s not for charity
The long-retired Brazilian great will lead an XI of his choosing into battle on Friday night against a Tim Cahill XI of mostly ex-Socceroos at CommBank Stadium.

Parramatta Eels agree to release skipper Clint Gutherson effective immediately
Clint Gutherson has played his final game for the Eels and is on the verge of securing a three-year deal with the St George Illawarra Dragons.

The sad, bizarre tale of hype fanning fears modern cryptography was slain
The advance was incremental at best. So why did so many think it was a breakthrough?

'Sickening' Molly Russell chatbots found on Character.ai
The foundation set up in her memory said it would cause "further heartache to everyone who knew and loved Molly."

Raspberry Pi how-to: Turn any printer into a Wi-Fi printer
A lot of raw materials and energy are used to produce a printer. The longer the device is in use, the better in terms of sustainability. With a Raspberry Pi, you can indirectly make older printers network-compatible and also enable printing via a wireless network using a smartphone, for example. What requirements apply The printer should at least have a USB interface so that it can work with a Raspberry Pi. It also makes sense to find out on the internet whether there are current Linux drivers for the printer. If the device works smoothly on a Linux desktop system, it will also work perfectly in the new constellation. When choosing the Raspberry Pi, it may also be an older model. Model 5 is used in this article. The following instruction assumes that you have already installed the operating system (in our case Raspberry OS) on the Raspberry Pi and that you are connected to the internet or local network. All work is carried out on the console, which is called up via SSH from another computer. If a monitor and keyboard are connected to the Raspberry, you can also carry out the commands in the terminal on the desktop. Setting up the print server on the Pi Before you can set up the printers, you need to customize the Cups configuration file.IDG The Cups printer system is required as a basis. This should have been installed automatically by the operating system. Try with sudo apt install cups to install it. If the system reports back that you already have the latest version, everything is fine. In the first step, assign the standard user the right to make changes to the printer system. If you have not changed anything, this is the “pi” account. If you have stored other users, adjust the command accordingly. sudo usermod -a -G lpadmin pi This user must log in later if they want to make changes to the printing system via the browser (e.g. add a new printer). Now some manual work is required. You need to customize the Cups configuration file. This looks slightly different depending on the operating system. The file is located under /etc/cups/cupsd.conf. Look for an entry with “Listen localhost:631” and precede the line with a “#” to comment it out. Instead, insert the line “Port 631”. This should already be standard in newer versions of the operating system. Then look for the instruction “WebInterface”. There should be a subsequent “yes”. If this is not the case, correct this to “WebInterface Yes”. An entry beginning with “Browsing Yes” can be seen near the port specification. Further reading: 10 surprisingly practical Raspberry Pi projects anybody can do Here you add a line with BrowseAddress @ LOCAL This allows other systems to recognize the printers that are connected to the Pi. You will then find prohibitions regarding access to individual directories. These each begin with “”. Add an “Allow @LOCAL” to each of these sections. Then save the file. You must confirm the changes to the printer system by restarting with sudo service cups restart to communicate the changes. Adding a printer To be able to access the setup of a printer as an admin, the standard user you have set up must log in with a password.Raspberry Pi This completes the preparations. All further configuration work can be carried out via a browser on any computer in the local network. There, call up the IP address of the Raspberry Pi and add port 631 (which you defined in the configuration), i.e. “http://192.168.178.183:631” in total. Cups should now welcome you with its start page. Now connect the desired printer to the Raspberry Pi via USB and switch it on so that the system can recognize it. Then select “Administration” from the navigation bar and click on “Add printer.” The system will now redirect you to the “/admin” subpage. There, click on “Add printer” again. If the device is supported by Cups, the printer should already appear under “Local printers.” Click on the model and then on “Next.” Raspberry Pi In the following dialog, several fields are waiting for input or confirmation. These are the name of the printer, as it will also appear later under Windows, a description, and optionally a location. Activate the option to share the printer in the network. Only then can it also become a network printer. In the next dialogue, select the manufacturer, accept it, and select the appropriate model from the list. If the exact model name is not available, try a model that is as close as possible to the actual model. Confirm the details. The printer will now be added. Printers under Linux and Windows Providing the connected printer as a network component does not solve the problem that there must be drivers for the device for all client operating systems that are to use the printer. This looks good for Linux insofar as the printer can be set up on the Raspberry under Cups. The way to set up the printers connected to the Pi differs between the distributions. Under Ubuntu, it is best to enter “printer” in the search field. Click on the result and “Add printer” to go to the page of available printers. If the share does not yet appear here, click on the “Add printer” button. Select the model and click “Add.” The search for a suitable driver begins. This is usually successful and no further steps are necessary. The driver is installed and added to the list of known devices. If there are any problems here, click on the cogwheel in the list of printers and then on “Printer details.” You can repeat the search for drivers in the following dialog. If you have a PPD file for the device, this can be uploaded using the button of the same name. Alternatively, you can search the internal database of drivers sorted by manufacturer and search for the model there. To ensure that the accessing computers can handle paper formats, color definitions, or special options, you must also set up the appropriate driver locally.IDG In Windows, enter “Printer” in the search field of the Start menu to find the shortcut for setting up the printer. Then click on “Add device” in the following dialogue. Windows not only queries the local interfaces, but also searches the network for shared printers. Wait a moment until the list is complete. Then press “Add device” next to the desired device. Now you have to wait a moment until the OS has synchronized the printer with its driver database and established a connection to the device. In the event of an error, the same applies as with Linux. You will need to search the internet to see if there is a special Windows driver for the model. With laser or inkjet printers that can process the usual paper formats, manual intervention is rarely necessary today. Printers under Mac OS and Airprint Thanks to Cups and Raspberry, the original software also accepts the label printer on the Mac via the network. IDG On the Mac, go to System Preferences and then to the “Printers & Scanners” section. In the following dialog, click on the plus sign on the left-hand side to add a printer. As the necessary Apple protocol was also installed during the installation of Cups in the current versions of the Raspberry OS, the printer should be found with the name used under Cups. Now you need to tell Mac OS which driver you want to use. To do this, click on “Select software” under “Use.” In the following list, decide on the desired model. Apple has also remained true to itself with regard to printers and has developed its own protocol for wireless printing with Airprint. It is based on the “Bonjour” service that has been around for years. In order for a printer connected to the Raspberry Pi to be used as a “network printer” via Airprint, the “Avahi Daemon” must be running on the system. Depending on the version of the OS used on the Pi, this must be installed manually via the package management. In the current version, this is already done thanks to the installation of Cups. If you have an iPad or iPhone in your home, you can easily check the correct setup by using the share function in an app and then selecting “Print.” You should then be able to select the printer there. Example scenario with Label Writer A Dymo Label Writer has been working reliably at the author’s workplace for some time — albeit connected directly to a local computer. Other members of the household have not yet had access to it. Thanks to programs such as Lprint, the device is supported by all operating systems. With Raspberry, Cups, and the latest drivers, this is now changing. To be able to access all models when setting up under Cups, first install a package with additional drivers from the manufacturer. This is generally good advice for printers from all manufacturers. Using apt install printer-driver-dymo the package is loaded (with PPD files), installed, and integrated into Cups. Once this preparatory step has been completed, we set up the new printer as described above. Layouts, label selection, and thus communication with the printer are then handled by the application software. The printer should then be available as soon as you have set it up on a client. Unless the program uses its own proprietary approach. For special printers, you will have to search for a PPD file manually, as different paper and media formats are used. Without a PPD file, the printer can probably be addressed and the printout may also start. However, the result may then be that an A4 test page is reduced in size so that it fits on an address label.

160,000 reasons to cut the cord: Inside story of the Ben Hunt saga
Few will begrudge Hunt for taking the best part of $7 million over seven years. But what the money hasn’t been able to buy is an affinity to the Red V.

Talks to extend rugby season, create new comp, and stave off NRL raids
The man tasked with restoring Australian rugby also outlines why the demise of the Rebels will not be the game’s downfall.

‘I just love the game’: Valetini clinches back-to-back John Eales Medals
Rob Valetini’s exceptional form and durability were recognised after starting in all nine Tests this year, including the July internationals and the Rugby Championship.

Vantrue Nexus 2X dash cam review: Two-channel GPS goodness with optional LTE
At a glanceExpert's Rating Pros GPS and magnetic mount Very good front captures up to 1944p (4:3) Interior captures with infrared Supports roll-your-own LTE for remote monitoring with optional module Cons Interior captures are a bit grainy at night Our Verdict The Vantrue Nexus X2 is an affordable front/interior dash cam with good to very good captures, GPS, and the ability to add LTE cloud capabilities (your account) down the road via an adapter. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Vantrue Nexus 2X dash cam Retailer Price $149.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket The Nexus 2X is a dual-channel (front/interior) GPS-enabled dash cam with very good front captures and good interior cabin video. It comes ready for LTE connectivity for remote viewing and tracking via an auxiliary module (only available in the Americas) that Vantrue sells as an option. You must provide the SIM card and the service, which means slightly more hassle than with some LTE dash cams, but a lot more choice. What are the Vantrue Nexus X2’s features? The Nexus X2 is a 4.5-inch long, roughly cylindrical (with several squared faces) entity that’s about 2.5-inches at it’s deepest (the forward lens body). The interior camera is captive but rotates roughly 45 degrees up and down so you can adjust the interior coverage. The left side of the camera is home to the Type-C power connector (with captive auxiliary port power cable) and an SD/TF card slot. The right side is bare. I was expecting a separate connection for the LTE, but the LTE unit connects to the power cable and passes through to the main camera. It too features a sticky mount so you can affix it near the dash cam. If your not familiar, LTE-enabled dash cams allow you to check the status and location of your vehicle remotely, via the GPS and feed from the camera. Basically, it turns the unit into a GPS-enabled web/earth cam. The obvious power/save button, the 2-inch display, and the rotatable interior camera of the Nexus 2X. The Nexus 2X features a 2-inch color display on board with four buttons underneath for activating features and changing settings. It’s not touch, but the menus and options are logically laid out and generally easy to access. There’s also an orange power (long press)/lock video(short press) button obviously situated to the side. The color and location make the button very easy to spot and access when you’re in a hurry. I prefer it to the red that many vendors use, which is often so dark as to not stand out properly. Of course, you could also simply make use of the Nexus 2X’s voice control and utter the phrase “Vantrue, lock video.” Easy-peasy. The Nexus X2’s sticky mount is one of, if not the best in the business. It’s beefy and solid-feeling, mates easily with the dash cam magnetically, and adjusts in all directions. Not by a lot, mind you, but easily enough to obtain the perfect orientation for the front camera. Both the forward and cabin cameras use a Sony STARVIS 2 IMX675 sensor. The front sports 165 degree field-of-view opticals, and 150 degrees in the interior. Maximum resolution for the front camera is 1944p (the default, which we used, is 1440p) and 1080p for the interior. The Nexus X2’s sticky mount is one of, if not the best in the business. The Vantrue LTE module for use with GSM in the Americas. The Nexus 2X features integrated GPS, which worked well once it engaged. It took about a minute to hook up, and unlike the recently reviewed Wolfbox X5 — didn’t automatically set the time zone and time. Vantrue’s been around long enough to learn this trick. Come on now… On the other hand, connecting via Wi-Fi was quick and painless (it’s not always!). The Vantrue app is handsome, and found the camera right away (after I chose the type). Oddly enough, I was also able to connect to the Vanture Nexus 2X using Viofo’s app, which I confusedly opened the first time. Hey, there are too many dash cam vendors whose name starts with “v” — give me a break. The Vantrue app connected to the Nexus 2X showing the album, settings, and live view page. Other features include a parking mode (all cameras have this these days), time lapse (low frame rate) video, audio noise reduction, and the ability to sync time from your phone. That’s nice, but of course if Vantrue would just read the darn GPS info, it wouldn’t be necessary. Gripe aside, Vantrue allows you to tailor the Nexus 2X experience pretty much to taste. How much is the Vantrue Nexus 2X? The Nexus 2X by its lonesome is listed at $219.99, but sells on Amazon for $199.99. That’s not half-bad for a classy dash cam with very good captures and LTE capability. The LTE module itself lists for $149.99, but Vantrue currently sells the complete camera-and-module package for $269.99. Of course, you also need to factor in the cost of your LTE subscription. As mentioned, the Nexus 2X currently supports GSM services only in North and South America. How are the Vantrue Nexus 2X’s captures? The short answer is that the Nexus 2X delivers very good day and night front captures, and good interior day and night captures. There’s a noticeable difference between the external 1440p and the internal 1080p, but the latter is still of high enough quality to grab some detail out my MX-5’s small back window. Uniquely for Vantrue, the Nexus 2X didn’t seem to need the polarizing filter that improves the daytime capture quality of many of its dash cams. Vantrue sent one, but I never used it. The downside to polarizing filters can be darkening night time video, forcing you to remove it or basically wear your sunglasses at night. There’s a bit more detail available in the optional 1944p mode (the second image to follow), but it has the same horizontal 2560 resolution, which works out to a squarer 4:3 aspect ratio. Some may prefer the 2560x1444p shown below, which offers the more modern 16:9 ratio we’re all accustomed to. The 16:9, 1444p front video that the Nexus 2X defaults to. Here’s that 4:3, 1944p video I spoke of. You’ll need to scrutinize it to see the very slight uptick in detail. The 1440p front night capture below shows very good detail and largely true color. Yes, there’s a light nearby (which appears far brighter than it was), but my headlights weren’t on at this point. This is a very good capture for the circumstances. A Nexus 2X night capture at 1440p. Detail is excellent. I’m a study in concentration in this 1080p interior day capture as I head around the corner of our local “Slow” street — San Francisco’s dubious attempt to put pedestrians, bicycles, and automobiles all on the same band of asphalt. And people do walk down the center. So why exactly did they invent sidewalks? The interior night capture below shows enough detail to suffice for legal purposes. Should I be so foolish as to ride-give in a two-seater. Overall, I was more impressed with the Vantrue’s video than I expected. It’s not as detailed as the 4K/5K dash cams we’re starting to see, but it’s darn good for 1440p and 1080p — and for once a Vantrue didn’t need the optional polarizing filter. Zero complaints. Did I mention the color was good, the stabilization excellent, and artifacts minimal? It also handled headlight flare very well. Enough said. Should you buy the Vantrue Nexus 2X? If you want good captures, and LTE connectivity that lets you choose your own service — the Nexus 2X is a good choice. Actually, it’s the only roll-your-own-LTE dash cam I’ve tested, so put it at the head of that category for sure. Even without LTE it’s a worthy choice, if not quite as good as the Miofive S1 Ultra.