The feature-set I had planned includes:

1. Digital Photo Frame – slideshow starts as soon as the computer boots
2. Media Centre (controlled via Bluetooth mobile):
3. Control wi-fi router through Bluetooth mobile
4. E-book server - Serve e-books to the nook over wi-fi
5. Remote access via ssh and vnc
6. Sync music, videos and photos from usb HDD (to-do)
7. Send commands via email – e.g start slideshow, suspend, start/ stop torrents, etc. (to-do)
8. Act as a wireless server for my macbook time machine
9. Display clock while in slideshow mode

The Software

There are many small linux distributions available for this purpose and the ones I liked and tested include:

1. Geexbox – very small, very nice, was perfect for the job – except for the fact that it was based on Ubuntu 9 – and to my chagrin, the dell had an ATI Radeon X1100 video card – which is not compatible with Ubuntu 9 (out of the box). I have found some options that would allow me to use geexbox now, but have moved on
2. XBMC – another very nice OS – but same problem as Geexbox
3. Linux MCE – Could not download this as the download links are offline, but reviews on websites are extremely good
4. Ubuntu 10.04 – Finally gave up on smaller distributions and installed the full version of Ubuntu, very easy installation, worked out-of-the-box and I loved it. Was using a software called Freevo to run the multimedia center – unfortunately it was crashing regularly, specially on downloaded videos. So the search continued
5. Mythbuntu 10.04 – finally settled on Mythbuntu, its based on Ubuntu 10.04, has most of the multimedia software required pre-installed and has the MythTV interface for the multimedia centre

Install MythUbuntu 10.04 (Lucid Lynx)

Really easy – was a breeze – download the latest MythUbuntu live CD from the following link:

http://www.mythbuntu.org/downloads

Boot from the Live CD or USB drive and install on your hard-disk using instructions on the following pages:

http://www.mythtvbook.com/wiki/The_Easy_Way:_Installing_MythBuntu

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw1OUT70iGo

In addition for the system to support my projector, I had to set ‘nomodeset’ for the linux kernel, you may not have to so try without the following. Instructions as follows (courtesy http://techies-r-us.com.au/blog/?p=483):

sudo nano /etc/default/grub

Change
GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX=”"
to
GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX=”nomodeset”
Then run

sudo update-grub

Restart

Install supporting packages & configure

For Mythbuntu to work as you want, you need to install additional packages (you will need an internet connection). These can be installed by running the following commands in ‘Terminal’ (courtesy http://xtremediary.blogspot.com/2010/04/to-do-after-installing-ubuntu-1004.html and http://www.my-guides.net/en/guides/linux/193-ubuntu-lucid-lynx-1004-post-installation-guide)

1. Music Player:

   sudo aptitude install xmms2 xmms2-plugin-all

2. Some extra codecs:

   sudo aptitude install ubuntu-restricted-extras

3. Text Editor:

   sudo aptitude install medit

4. Screen Configuration:

   sudo aptitude install arandr

5. Sync support:

   sudo aptitude install rsync

6. Ebook Management:

   sudo aptitude install calibre

7. Media Player (optional as you would be using mythTV most of the time):

   sudo aptitude install mplayer

8. VNC Server (allows you to control the system from another computer):

   sudo aptitude install vino

9. On-Screen Clock (for slideshow):

   sudo aptitude install osd_clock

Configuration:

Run Applications -> Settings -> Update Manager

Update the system – requires an internet connection

Run Applications -> Settings -> Mythbuntu Control Center

Go to Plugins and unselect all the plugins except MythVideo and MythGallery (unless you want to use other features – I personally didn’t like the MythMusic plugin as it crashed a lot and I don’t use live TV, so MythArchive and MythMovies were no use to me)

Next step would be to configure the folders for Myth TV Video and Gallery plugins, its very simple and has a full graphical interface. You can get more details at:

http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/MythVideo

http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/MythGallery

The music player can be configured by running the following in terminal:

1
2
3

nyxmms2 server config output.plugin alsa
nyxmms2 server config playlist.repeat_all 1
nyxmms2 server config effect.order.0 normalize

To allow your Bluetooth mobile to shutdown and reboot the system, you need to perform the following on terminal:

sudo visudo

Add the following line to the end of the file and save:

%admin ALL = NOPASSWD: /sbin/shutdown, /sbin/reboot

Install and Configure anyremote

Anyremote (http://anyremote.sourceforge.net/) allows the linux box to accept commands from a Bluetooth-and-JAVA-enabled phone. This was the most complex piece to configure, only because it has so many functions – also since I didn’t know any shell-scripting when I started the project – I had to learn everything from scratch.

It was easy to install:

sudo aptitude install anyremote

The difficult part was getting the configuration file ready to do all I wanted it to do and basically ensure that I did not have to attach a keyboard to my frame EVER (the file is still under development and I’ll keep updating this post as and when I make changed).
It currently has the following functions:

1. Control the media center application (MythTV)
2. Control the music player (xmms2)
3. Start slideshow
4. Change screen modes – laptop only, projector only and mirror
5. Control the 3G-Wi-Fi router
6. Shutdown screens, suspend laptop, reboot laptop, shutdown, etc

Here’s the configuration file:
Download Mythtv.cfg

Run slideshow and anyremote on startup

You can add the following commands in Applications->Settings->Sessions and Startup

1. Anyremote:

   anyremote -f ~/Documents/MythTV.cfg

2. Slideshow:

   ~/Documents/Slideshow.sh

This assumes that the Slideshow and MythTV.cfg files are in your Documents folder.

Additional Script Files

Slideshow

#! /bin/sh
xrandr --output VGA-0 --off --output LVDS --mode 1440x900 --pos 0x0 --rotate normal --output S-video --off
xset -dpms
xset s noblank
xset s off
 
sleep 1
mythfrontend&
sleep 5
echo "jump mythgallery" |nc -q 0 localhost 6546
sleep 1
echo "key r" |nc -q 0 localhost 6546
osd_clock -c white -b -r -F "%l:%M %p" -f "-*-comic sans ms-medium-*-normal-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*"

I’ve probably missed quite a few references – so thanks to google and ubuntu forums for all the help I garnered from them.

The Hardware

Once you have setup the software, you can start to disassemble your laptop and “frame” it. This step depends on your laptop model and manufacturer, and you can find many directions on the net (again google is your best friend). I would suggest, you try to find the guide for your laptop before jumping in as there are many hidden screws and you’re liable to break something (I know I did, missed one screw on the front side of the laptop and forced open the casing – luckily only the casing broke)

The first step was to buy a frame. Bought a ready-made frame:

Asked a carpenter to build a box to fit behind the frame. Next was to open the laptop and detach the screen so that it can be pasted on the back.

To make space, I also removed the battery, DVD Drive, keyboard, trackpad, etc etc

I had to add two USB-powered fans as my CPU was getting very hot – later found out that was because of a 1″ thick layer of dust in the heatsink fan. Be sure to check that.

The next step was to insert the CPU in to the box, I had asked the carpenter to make two large cutouts at the back – this allowed for additional ventilation as well as access to the power switch.

The last part was mounting the LCD on the frame – this is the most delicate step and must be done extremely carefully. I tried to stick it using FeviBond, araldite, quickfix, et al. However was finally successful with strong 2-sided tape. Was able to buy a roll from a car accessories shop. Do NOT use the one which you get in stationery shops – that does not work and the LCD may slip after some time.

Finally, you can screw-in the front of the frame to the box and switch on . . . ta daa

Phew . . .

An article written by me on “Financing Solar Project in India” has been published in Energetica India’s May/June 2010 issue. Can view it on:

http://www.energetica21.com/digital/revistas/india09.html#/51/

Also attached here for reference

http://controlyourproject.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Article-in-Energetica.pdf

Even the cover is beautiful . . .

Outside the plastic case

Even the charger is so cute (it’s the small white thing on the top right)

Nook in its case

Ta . . da . . .

For those who don’t know the full story: http://controlyourproject.com/blog/2010/04/buying-a-car/

I had just landed myself with a job in Gurgaon, and anyone who’s been in Gurgaon knows that you cannot survive here without a means of transportation – as there is no public transportation to speak of. I had seen the Ritz while in Shimla a couple of days earlier, and had liked the car. It was the “new kid on the block” and everyone was after one – and hence the models we wanted weren’t available. We scoured through the showroom in Gurgaon till we found one which had what we wanted – a Blue Ritz Ldi (diesel) model. We promptly booked the car – using Sonali’s debit card – and then started the looooong process.

The showroom managers had told me getting a loan was very easy – and I was pretty confident that it should not be a problem – I had a substantial income before ISB, and my accounts had money before I went to ISB – but there lay the fallacy. The money was in my account one and a half years back, and during the previous year in ISB, I had whittled down my savings and in effect there was no money in my accounts now. Also since I had just joined the workforce – I could not back it up with 6 months of payslips – someone please explain to the banks what a sabbatical means and how you do not earn money while studying!! So – my initial applications through the car dealership to HDFC, Kotak, SBI were rejected summarily. I decided to take matters into my hands and applied directly to ICICI – I had an account with them for the past 5 years and had maintained a healthy balance all throughout (except the last one year – of course); and the officials decided that they would see only the last one year’s statement. So there was another rejection . . . . however after endless negotiations, and providing statements of my joint account with papa, the loan was finally approved – albeit for 85% of the ex-showroom price instead of the normal 90-95%.

So with an SMS approval in hand – I went to the showroom; and lo and behold – the process had taken so much time – they had sold “our” car to someone else and now there was a waiting for 2 months for a “Blue Ritz Ldi”. Till now the showroom manager was after my life to take the car, and now the bank officer was after my life – unfortunately before there was a car and NO loan approval; now there was a loan approval by NO car.

To make matters worse – the officials at ICICI bank checked my IT returns in Delhi and found no record – obvious to me as they were filed in Shimla. So they came back to me and revoked the loan application saying that I had forged my IT returns!! Now NO loan AND NO car. So we had to cancel the booking – leading to another issue – the booking was in the name of “Dushyant Ahuja” and the payment was made in the name of “Sonali Mehta”. They didn’t have any problems while taking the money – but to refund they needed a “relationship proof”. Wonder what happens to people who’re living together or haven’t registered their marriage. Anyways, as we had registered our marriage, after almost two months of booking a car, we came home with the money back.

Sick and tired of the process – I decided to wait till I had my 6-month payslips. Luckily, HDFC decided to setup a pre-approved loan on my salary account. Also by now the Chevrolet Beat had come into the market – and we liked it better. So after an initial recce of different cars; a few test-drives and we decided on the Beat – however this time did not book the car till my loan was finalised. Luckily, as the loan was pre-approved it was approved (!). Of course – the pre-approval was for 4,75,000; and the approval came for 3,78,000 – hahahaha (that was a maniacal laughter). Anyways – booked the car – but how can things be so easy? The loan could not be disbursed till I gave them three post-dated cheques (from my salary account) – and my cheque-book had just one leaf. SO had to order a new cheque-book from HDFC as they don’t give any loose leaves and the wait started yet again. While waiting HDFC decided to increase their interest rates by 0.5%, and the loan which was approved at 10% may go up to 10.5% .

Luckily the wait was just for a couple of days, and the cheque book came in yesterday. So hopefully, today the loan would be disbursed and I’ll be a proud owner of a brand new car AND a brand new EMI. . . .

Wish me luck.

Yesterday, the officer who was supposed to collect the papers was out of town – so the task was delegated to someone else. He had his own clients first – so came to me at 6:30 last evening. So the entire process was delayed by one more day – the papers reached the concerned officer today and the loan disbursement will only happen tonight – which means the dealer will get the money tomorrow morning and I don’t get the car today.

To complicate matters – I’m leaving for Jaipur tonight and won’t be here the entire day tomorrow. So, the car should come day after tomorrow. (Fingers crossed)

Ingredients

Tips for Indian tastes

1. Instead of Beef Stock – put in two cubes of Maggi Chicken Cubes and one cup water
2. For Mashed Potatoes – you can use Aloo-Mash (dried potato flakes). Mix 2 cups of Aloo Mash with 1.5 cups of water, add 50 gm butter and heat in microwave for 1 minute. Mix with spoon to get a smooth and creamy texture.
3. Instead of beer – you can put 1 tsp vinegar, 2 tbspn worcestershire sauce and 1 tbspn mustard
4. You can use chicken sausages, chicken seekhs, mutton sausages, mutton seekhs, et al instead of pork sausages

Madhur, my sister, and Aossum, her venture, are in the news.

The ISB culture stresses on a diverse mix of students; life at the ISB is a unique experience for the students. How will your candidature contribute to this culture at the ISB?  (300 words max)

The ISB culture stresses on a diverse mix of students; life at the ISB is a unique experience for the students. How will your candidature contribute to this culture at the ISB?  (300 words max)My experience ranging from architectural design to project management and design coordination would help to bring in a different viewpoint to a class that normally has a majority of engineers and commerce graduates. Furthermore my experience in the construction field has trained me to devise and implement creative strategies to overcome problems.  Additionally working with international clients over the past few years has allowed me to understand the European and American mindset and their attention to detail.I would also bring in my experience as an entrepreneur where I established my own project management consultancy with a major international bank as my client handling multiple projects in India and abroad. The experience gained in training and handling a small staff while ensuring that the client remains satisfied is invaluable. My expertise being project scheduling – where I plan and track the construction sequence involving hundreds of activities and dozens of agencies – has led me to develop a keen sense of detail while keeping the big picture in mind. I am able to prioritise others’ activities, planning for them to ensure that the project is delivered on time. Also I regularly handle cost plans, budgets, run-rate analyses and have a working knowledge of project finance. Furthermore working simultaneously on multiple projects has developed an inherent sense of time-management that allows me to handle all my responsibilities as well as take time out for my family and my varied hobbies.My hobbies range from photography to origami to programming. Furthermore I take part in various sports including karate, gymnastics, trekking, rock-climbing, paragliding, etc. My diverse experience and numerous hobbies would bring in diversity to the ISB culture all the while ensuring that I fit-in without any problems.
A million dollars or knighthood: what would you choose and why? (300 words max)
Neither – a million dollars may allow me to retire in my hometown, a knighthood may make me famous and lead to further money-making avenues – but both would take the life out of living. The challenge of achieving something with your own hard work would be gone and anything I would do would not have the urgency or the drive that I have now. A knighthood or a million dollars now would be pointless and counter-productive. Both options would lead to a lethargy that would halt or at the least inhibit any further personal development and would lead to stagnation. They also may lead to a drastic change in lifestyle which would – in itself – not be sustainable and may leave me “in a soup” in the future. Thus even though the world would see success – there would be actually be a failure – an internal failure to grow further; to develop.I may accept one or both later on in life – but only as a culmination of my life-work – at a time in life when priorities may change to substitute personal growth with security and relaxation. However at this stage in my career a sense of complete security such as would be provided by any of these options would be ultimately harmful.

You have a new manager who has just joined your organisation. As a part of the handover, the outgoing manager is describing each person reporting to him. How do you think the outgoing manager will describe you to the incoming manager?  (300 words max)

“Dushyant is a sincere and helpful person.  He’s always one of the first to volunteer and carries his responsibilities well. He is eager to learn and would go out of his way to help out if he can. Good at preparing and handling presentations – he can put forward his views in a convincing manner. However he is not a “yes-man” and stands up to his viewpoint. Also he works at problems in a logical manner and has the ability to think out-of-the-box to arrive at solutions that are often not obvious. Last year we had to lift these chillers weighing 6 tons each to the terrace – however due to the layout of the building and its surroundings, lifting them using a crane was near about impossible; and we spent days trying to find cranes which would be able to lift them – till Dushyant came up with the idea of installing a hoist on the terrace. Very simple – very easy – but none of us saw it!In addition to this he’s also been known to work extremely long hours if required and is also able to handle emergencies without panic.He grasps new concepts easily and is a whiz at computers. He can handle most software as well as hardware problems and has been keeping the office machines in good shape ever since.”

1991-1995 Sanawar

2007 Founders

2009_10 Founders

It was an interesting experience – to say the least – seeing my name in print with the top names in the industry.

The session chairman was M.G. Raoot, Executive Director of WRLDC (Western Region Load Despatch Centre)

And the other speakers were:

I spoke about the “Solar Opportunity in India” and “Challenges for Developers” based on the draft guidelines to the national solar mission.

It was a great experience – to say the least, and the best part was when people came up to the dais and told me that they really liked the presentation and felt that I had raised some good points which the government must take note of.

All-in-all, an amazing experience. I’ll put in more photos when I get them from the organisers.