I haven’t updated the MCEBrowser FAQ in quite a while, and I’ve received a few questions recently which really should have been in the FAQ.

If you haven’t already, take a quick minute to check out the MCEBrowser FAQ. I’ll try to keep it a little more current.

The following questions were just added:

Arne van Balgoijen from 4WAVES recently sent me an email about how he is using Windows Media Center 2005 and MCEBrowser for the viewing of PDF files using a remote control on his Yacht. Basically, he created a locally stored web-page that has links to all of his relevant PDF documents. He can use MCEBrowser with a remote control to pull up and view these PDF documents. Pretty cool!

From Arne:

“MCEBrowser gave me the solution to allow me building a kind of customizable ‘My Information’ space in WinMCE. I use WinMCE as a Digitainment Entertainment solution for use on board my sailing yacht the ‘4Waves’ an ETAP 46DS. Due to the complexity of a ship like this, I own a pile of manuals. A lot of them are available as PDFs fortunately. So I wanted to access them in WinMCE, but I did not know how to add access to the PDFs in WinMCE until I encountered MCEBrowser.

I created a locally stored home page with an image of the yacht with clickable areas to access the different manuals. Due to the fact that PDF’s are easily browsed in IE and MCEBrowser using PDF reader this works fine. I added shortcuts in several favourites folders for additional access as well. In order to give direct access to the manuals without having to go to the application section first I wanted a ‘My Information’ section on the WinMCE start page. So after some research I was able to tweak the registry and the MCEBrowser was on the start page.”

He also sent me the picture that he created an image map for so that users could click on various parts of the boat to see PDF information related to that specific part of the boat:

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tags: Media Center, MCEBrowser, MVP

This is a continuation of the Girl’s Maple Dresser project.

Time estimate for this step: 6 hours.

The sixth step in making this dresser is to build and install the top of the dresser. The top of the dresser will be made from joined maple, and will extend one inch out from the sides and front of the dresser. The back of the top will be flush with the back of the dresser.

Step 6a: Cut pieces to size

The top of the dresser is 21 inches deep and 49 inches wide, so we will have to join several pieces of maple to make the full 21 inch depth. I decided to cut three 7 inch pieces to make this depth. Cut three pieces of 4/4 maple to 7 inches wide. Plane all of the pieces so they are identical thicknesses. You might choose to use a jointer to make the edges square and straight, but I typically just run them vertically through a planer. Cut each piece to 49 inches long, and make sure they are all exactly the same length before joining.

Step 6b: Join the top pieces

After the pieces have been cut, it’s time to join them together to make our 21″ desired depth. First, dry-fit your pieces together to make sure the pieces fit together well, and that the grains match nicely. If you have some joinery clamps, those would work well. I don’t, so I just use alot of clamps, and also clamp the pieces to a table. Put glue on the edges of both pieces and join them one piece at a time, making sure that the edges are flush with each other.

Step 6c: Router edges of top

I have decided to router the edges of the top using a 5/8″ RoundOver bit. Router all four edges on the upper-side of the top, and only the front and side edges of the bottom-side of the top. The back side of the bottom-side of the top will not be routered, since it will be flush against the back of the dresser.

Top Side

Bottom Side

Step 6d: Attach the top to the frame

The top is attached using 9 screws, which are are inserted up through the top of the frame, and into the top. Drill holes for the screws and countersinks. Screw 3 screws into each end of the top (left and right), and 3 screws into the middle of the top.

Step 6e: Cut the moulding

The top will have decorative moulding underneath it to match the design on the decorative base. Cut one piece of maple to 49 inches by 3 inches, and router the two sides of it using the same Roman Ogee router bit used in Step 4.

Cut the moulding in half length-wise to create two pieces. One piece will be used for the front of the dresser, and the other piece will be used for the sides.

Step 6f: Install the moulding

Cut 45 degree angles on the ends of the moulding, making sure to dry-fit and check the lengths. Cut one piece of the moulding into two pieces for use on the two sides. Glue and clamp the moulding to the underside of the top.

And, here is what the dresser now looks like with the top installed.

That’s it for the main portion of the dresser. Next, we can start working on the drawers.
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tags: woodworking, dresser, maple

I finally got around to posting the code for MCEMailbox on CodePlex. MCEMailbox is an MCPL (Media Center Presentation Layer) add-in for Microsoft Windows Vista Media Center. MCEMailbox allows users to check POP3 and secure POP3 email boxes, and be notified when new mail arrives.

I’ve been working on it for quite a while now as a motivation to learn the new MCPL development model for Windows Vista Media Center.

Here it is: Link to MCEMailbox on CodePlex
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tags: MVP, MCEMailbox, CodePlex, Media Center Development, MCML, MCPL

I have completely redesigned my website, and implemented WordPress! Woo hoo!

If you just read this blog through an aggregator, you might want to mosey on over to http://www.anpark.com and check out the new design.

I have taken down that old picture of me. Farewell, funny picture.

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tags: anpark

I just got back from the Windows Vista Launch Party at the Best Buy store in Glendale, AZ. This was the only Best Buy store in AZ to host one of these launch parties, so I was expecting a decent turnout.

I got there about 11:15, and there were probably about 100-150 people milling around inside and outside the store. I was told that there was a line of about 150 people at 10:00 when the doors opened and they started handing out raffle tickets.

Out in front of the store, there was a small tent with hamburgers, hotdogs, drinks, etc.



Inside, there was a small HP booth, where HP employees were handing out 256MB USB keys. Not a bad freebie.

There were a few people hanging around some of the PCs on the showroom floor, which had Windows Vista installed on them.



At 12:00, they announced that Windows Vista was now available and a few Best Buy employees stocked the shelves with copies. It was pretty weird. Most people just sort of stood there and stared at it for a while. They weren’t exactly flying off of the shelves.



Ron Wolfley, former Arizona Cardinals football player, was there. People were having their pictures taken with him.

At about 12:15, everyone started congregating around the exit, where they were about to announce the winners of the HP laptop and Windows Vista Ultimate.



They announced the two winners, and the place cleared out pretty fast. I know that these launch events were much bigger in other cities. All in all, this one was pretty uneventful.
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tags: Windows Vista, Best Buy, MVP

This is a continuation of the Girl’s Maple Dresser project.

Time estimate for this step: 8 hours.

The fifth step in making this dresser is to build and install the decorative base of the dresser. This dresser will have a base which extends out 1/2″ from the width of the dresser. In the last step, we build the base supports underneath the dresser. In this step, we will cut decorative base pieces and attach them to the base supports.

Step 5a: Cut peices to size


First, cut two pieces of 4/4 maple stock to 48″ by 4.5″. These will be for the front and back decorative base pieces. Next, cut two pieces of 4/4 maple stock to 21″ by 4.5″. These will be for the side decorative base pieces. On all pieces, cut 45 degree angles on the ends and test to ensure fit.



Step 5b: Trace design


Using these Visio diagrams, trace the designs onto the cut maple pieces using carbon paper and a pencil.

Base Design (front and back)

Base Design (sides)





Step 5c: Cut design


Cut the design on each piece of the decorative base. To cut the sides, I found it easiest to use a scroll saw because of the small radius on the design. For the front and back pieces, I used a bandsaw.



Using a sanding bit attached to a drill press, sand the inside edges of the decorative cuts.



Step 5d: Glue the pieces


After the decorative base pieces have been cut and sanded, they are ready to be attached to the base supports. Glue and clamp the decorative base pieces to the base supports, flush with the outside edge.



Step 5e: Install reinforcements


To support the corners of our decorative base, cut reinforcements out of 8/4 maple stock. Glue and screw reinforcements into each corner.



Cut, glue, and screw reinforcements supporting the sides, back, and front of the decorative base.




And, the decorative base is now complete.




That’s it for the base. Next, we can start building the top of the dresser.
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tags: woodworking, dresser, maple

This is a continuation of the Girl’s Maple Dresser project.

Time estimate for this step: 4 hours.

The fourth step in making this dresser is to build and install the base supports of the dresser. This dresser will have a base which extends out 1/2″ from the width of the dresser. To support the decorative base, we will need to install base supports underneath the dresser frame.

Step 4a: Cut peices to size


First, cut one piece of 8/4 maple stock to 48″ by 4.5″. This will be for the front base support. Next, cut two pieces of 8/4 maple stock to 21″ by 4.5″. These will be for the side base supports.

Step 4b: Router Roman Ogee Edge


For the edge of the base, I decided to use a Roman Ogee router bit to create a decorative edge. On one edge of eah board, router the Roman Ogee edge.



Step 4c: Remove inner material


Now that we have our decorative edge, the next step is to remove the inner material of the base supports. Using a 3/4″ dado blade on a table saw, remove all material on the top side of the base supports. The dado cuts should be 3/4″ deep, and should leave 5/8″ of material on the routered corner of the supports. Leave a small edge on the opposide side of the routered edge to provide support for the dado cuts.



After the dado cuts are completed, remove the excess material that was left for support on a table saw.



Step 4d: Cut and glue the base supports


After the base supports have been created, they must be cut to size. Using a mitre saw, cut 45 degree angles on the ends of the base supports. Cut one of the pieces into two pieces for the sides, and fit the pieces onto the bottom of the dresser.

Glue and clamp the base supports to the dresser.




That’s it for the base supports, next we’ll work on the decorative base for the bottom of the dresser.
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tags: woodworking, dresser, maple

I recently ordered some woodworking materials from Woodcraft. When I went to check the shipping tracking information from FedEx, this is what I saw:



Obviously, there was something wrong with this shipping information. My package travelled from Cambridge, OH to Phoenix, AZ to Willington, CT. Given that I live pretty close to Phoenix, it was a little unusual that the package was sent from Phoenix to CT.

So, I sent a quick email to Woodcraft Customer Service:

“What is going on with this shipment?

The tracking information on Fedex’s site shows that it was in Phoenix, AZ on January 10th, but was sent to Willington, CT?”

The next morning, I received this response from customer service:

“Looks like the package was put on the wrong truck after it got to AZ.
I have emailed my Fed Ex contact about this.
The ETA is the 20th and I asked Fed Ex if that is a good date or not?
When I get an answer from them I will email you.

The only thing that troubles me about the world tour your package is taking - it may be damaged by the time it gets to you.

Are you needing the slides by this weekend for a project?
As a backup plan I can always send a Next Day Air package today to arrive on Friday.

I have sent a credit to your credit card for $XX.XX (the shipping). Your return number is XXXXXX.

Thank you,

Xxxxxx X Xxxxxxxx
Woodcraft Customer Service”

Awesome response! There are a few things which really stand out to me about this:

This is a continuation of the Girl’s Maple Dresser project.

Time estimate for this step: 6 hours.

The third step in making this dresser is to build and install the facing for the front and rear of the dresser. This will hide the edges of the plywood, and give a nice decorative maple look to the front of the dresser.

Step 3a: Cut pieces to size


First, cut three pieces of 4/4 maple to 27″ by 2.25″.

Step 3b: Router core box designs in the facing


For the finished dresser, we want to have some kind of decorative design in the facing. Because the facing is so wide, there are a lot of options for this. I have decided to use two core box cuts with the router in each facing piece. To do this, place an 1/4″ cut core box cutter router bit in a router table and place a fence 5/8″ away from it. Place two marks on the fence, both 2.5″ away from the bit.



Run each piece through the router on each side, starting and stopping at the marks on the fence.





Step 3c: Glue vertical facing


Next, glue the vertical faces onto the frame and clamp.



Step 3d: Horizontal facing


Next, cut horizontal facing out of 4/4 stock, and glue to the frame.



And, the facing is now completed.



Next, we’ll work on the base.
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tags: woodworking, dresser, maple