OS X Yosemite USB Install

Here's a simple way to create a USB install disk for OS X Yosemite!

First, download Yosemite from the app store, then format your 8GB+ USB drive in Mac OS Extended (Journaled) format. I'll be using a Lexar P10 USB 3 32GB drive in this example (I highly recommend a USB 3 drive for this install)

Second, run the following command below in the terminal to create the install USB drive. This assumes that the Yosemite installer is in your Applications folder and that your USB drive is labelled Untitled.

sudo /Applications/Install\ OS\ X\ Yosemite.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/Untitled --applicationpath /Applications/Install\ OS\ X\ Yosemite.app --nointeraction

Your USB drive should now be labeled "Install OS X Yosemite". To boot from this drive, hold down the Option key when booting your Mac and select the USB drive.

Dropcam over PoE (sort of)

I was looking to replace my Samsung SNV-7080R locate at my front door with something that I could more easily access remotely and record from. The 7080R had a built in SD card for edge recording, but I had no remote access to the camera when away from home without setting up as VPN or public recording server.

Ideally, I wanted to setup a Dropcam in it's place, but I couldn't find a cheap way to power it since it would be located in the ceiling. I had already run CAT5e to the location since the 7080R was a PoE camera. After a few weeks of searching, I came across this product from WiFi-Texas.com. This USB over Ethernet device is great for iPads and other devices that require power from USB. The only issue that I have with it is that it's not 802.1af compliant, so I have to use their 24v power adapter instead of my PoE 48v switch.

Parts:

• Dropcam Pro 
• WS-POE-5v10w w/ power adapter & USB adapter ($25 eBay)
• Ethernet cable CAT5e/CAT6
• USB Cable

Basic setup

Dropcam charger and PoE charger

Dropcam installed

Attic view of cabling

View from camera

I've had this installed for two months now and have to say it's a much better solution than the 7080R it has replaced. I have not had any issues with the camera and it's great to be able to check it from my phone and web browser. Now that I have the ability to power these over Ethernet, I will definitely be adding a few more in the future!

IKEA BEKANT Sit/Stand Desk

Recently, IKEA came out with a new desk series under the name BEKANT. I assume this will be replacing the GALANT series of desks, as some of them seem to no longer be available on the website. This comes at a great time as I'm currently shopping for a sit/stand desk. After looking at desks from Steelcase and HumanScale, what I really wanted want to have my current GALANT desk in a sit/stand configuration. The IKEA fairy must have heard my wish, because that is what the new BEKANT desk is. So, as soon as this was available at my local IKEA, I rushed out and purchased one.

Previous office with GALANT desk

New BEKANT desk

The desk has electronic height control which is essentially an up and down button. It's range is 22" - 48" which is sufficient for me at 6'0". I also like the new white base (also comes in black) verses the old silver base on the GALANT. The next step will be to add a monitor arm to raise the monitor up to eye level.