Category Archives: Other Devices

A place for documenting and guide on other devices.

GNU/Linux applications alternatives and workarounds

Posted on by • Posted in Collaboration Software, Devices, Microsoft 365 Software, Misc Productivity Software, OneDrive, Other Devices, Outlook, SharePoint, Software, Teams, Utility Software, Zoom •

Introduction

As you may understand, Microsoft 365 tools are not natively available on Linux.

Many people as of time of writing are leaving Windows for GNU/Linux (for a variety of reasons, often being privacy, dissatisfaction increasing bloat, recall/AI spyware, etc…), but some believe they cannot (despite that they would like to) because they need to use tools like Microsoft Outlook or Microsoft Word.

However, there are free and open source alternatives that can integrate just fine. This is mainly a list of applications, methods, and alternatives to Windows software that can be used on Linux. This often takes the form of free and open source (FOSS) alternatives.

Using OneDrive and SharePoint

Although Linux does not have an official OneDrive client, a free open source fully functional command line interface with an optional GUI can be found here. It can be used to interface with OneDrive systems, with full functionality.

The repository and installation instructions can be found here:

https://github.com/abraunegg/onedrive

Using Microsoft 365 Tools/Email

Microsoft 365 tools like Word are not available natively on Linux, because Microsoft would rather you stay in their ecosystem, because they make money that way.

However there are multiple ways to use these products regardless.

Webapps

All Microsoft 365 tools are available as platform agnostic web apps, that fully integrate with other Microsoft 365 services. All you need is a web browser of choice, and to login with your MS account.

You can even use things like Microsoft Outlook this way, allowing you to access your inbox and emails without needing an application.

Compatible Native via WINE

You can try to run software like Microsoft Word through a Windows-Linux compatibility layer such as WINE, though this is not recommended and often has issues.

Alternatives

Some popular alternatives to the Microsoft application suite include LibreOffice, for example. Unlike Microsoft’s paid subscriptions, many of these are free and open source. They can fully read and write all types of Microsoft documents, and when integrated with the previously mentioned OneDrive client can be used very similarly to how you would on Windows, enabling you to edit documents and even push them to the cloud.

For Email Clients, Mozilla Thunderbird is a popular alternative to Microsoft Outlook, and for good reason. You can even forward your UW Outlook Email to it if you so desire.

Graphic Design & Digital Drawing/Art

A lot of people like Adobe Photoshop for some reason. Of course, because Adobe is motivated by profit, they do not have a Linux native version. Again, you could try to run it via compatibility layers, but ideally you want something native.

GIMP, or GNU Image Manipulation Program is a good alternative for more image editing related tasks and is FOSS software.

If you are more into digital drawing/animation or like a more intuitive interface (GIMP has a bit of a learning curve), Krita is a solid choice, and also FOSS software.

If you need to work with scalable vector graphics (SVG) things, Inkscape is ideal for this kind of work.s

3D Rendering/Modeling/Animation/Art

A lot of proprietary 3D Modeling and Rendering software is not available on Linux. There are some outliers that have Linux native versions, but those are less common. You may want to run a majority of these with WINE if possible.

However there is one outlier, that being Blender, which you have most likely at least heard of. Blender is a FOSS 3D modeling and rendering tool, and is sometimes regarded as better than it’s proprietary alternatives. It is the main choice for Linux users and is very versatile. You may know it for creating movies such as Flow.

In fact, Blender was originally developed for Linux operating systems, and only ported to other operating systems later. It runs significantly better on Linux operating systems as a result.

CAD

As with 3D Modeling and Rendering, a lot of proprietary CAD software is only available for Windows natively (because companies are profit driven, there is no intensive for them to provide Linux options or improve the software). You can again run these with WINE if possible, but this is not a perfect solution and can have issues. Some people may opt for a virtual machine.

As for Linux native options (native options are always ideal for performance reasons, and why would you use a software that refuses to support your operating system of choice), a popular choice is FreeCAD, which is FOSS software for aforementioned CAD. From the writer of this article’s experience, it works very well.

 

Video Calling/Chat

Most video call or chat applications are webapps, and for those that are not there is usually a Linux version (Discord, matrix.org, etc).

A popular option for video calling in professional spaces, Zoom, has packages for major distributions available on their website.

 

This article is incomplete and could use more detail. Unfortunately the original writer does not have much time. If you are knowledgeable in these topics and have the ability to, please improve this (albeit do not remove my existing suggestions even if you think you know better alternatives, just list both please. we don’t need softwarewars as a bootleg of stupid distrowars here).

Saramonic Blink500ProX | TX + TX + RXUC Wireless Mic – User Guide

Saramonic Blink500ProX | TX + TX + RXUC Wireless Mic – User Guide

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Picture of Saramonic Blink 500 ProX B6

The Saramonic Blink500 ProX B6 ( TX + TX + RXUC) is an ultra-compact, lightweight, dual-channel wireless microphone system. The system includes two transmitters (TX) with built-in omnidirectional microphones, support for external lavalier mics, and a USB-C receiver (RXUC) connecting directly to compatible devices/a charging block. With a 328 ft (100m) operating range, 10-hour battery life per TX, and real-time monitoring, the Blink500 ProX is ideal for content creators, journalists, and professionals seeking high-quality, portable wireless audio system.

Powering On/Off

  • Manual Power:
    • Transmitter (TX): Press and hold the power button for 2 seconds to turn on/off.
    • Receiver (RX): The receiver requires a constant power source and must be plugged into a USB-C device to function.

LED Indicators

Charging:

  • Solid Red (TX Indicator): Charging in progress inside the case.
    • The Transmitter (TX) charges when placed in its designated charging slot inside the case.
  • Solid Blue (Front of Case): Indicates the remaining battery level of the charging case.
  • Blinking Blue Slowly (RX Indicator): Unpaired.
  • Blinking Blue Quickly (RX Indicator): Pairing in progress.
  • Static Blue (RX Indicator): Successfully paired.

*Important: The Receiver (RX) must remain connected to a USB-C device to function, as it has no internal battery.*

Case Battery Detection Button:

  • A short press activates the power capacity indicator, displaying the remaining battery level.
  • When the case is closed, a short press will light up the indicator for 3 seconds before turning off.
  • The charging case can be charged via the USB-C port located at the back of the case.

Wi-Fi Pairing Status:

  • Paired Successfully: The Transmitter (TX) displays a Wi-Fi symbol when paired.
  • Unpaired/Disconnected: The Wi-Fi symbol disappears if the Transmitter (TX) is out of range or unpaired.

*Important: Ensure the Receiver (RX) is connected to a power source before pairing. The microphones will not establish a Wi-Fi connection if the receiver is not powered.*

Connecting to Devices

  1. The device can be used as a hands-free lapel microphone given its built-in mic or with the provided external lavalier mic for more focused audio capture.
  2. Ensure the transmitter (TX) is powered on and paired.
  3. Set Blink500 ProX as the audio input source in system settings.

Pairing Devices

The Blink500 ProX system comes pre-paired, but if manual pairing is required, follow these steps:

On the Transmitter(s) (TX):

  1. Press and hold SET to access the menu.
  2. Use the “+” or “–” buttons to navigate to Pair Setting.
  3. Long press SET, select Yes, and confirm.

On the Receiver (RXUC):

  1. Connect the receiver to an Android smartphone, tablet, computer, or any other USB-C device.
  2. Choose the output mode:
    • Mono (M): Both transmitters’ audio is recorded in one channel.
    • Stereo (S): Each transmitter’s audio is recorded separately in left and right channels.
  3. Insert the included pairing pin into the small pinhole on the receiver and hold for 3 seconds.

Pairing will complete within 10 seconds, and the receiver’s LED indicator will turn solid blue, confirming a successful connection.

Monitoring and Adjusting Volume Levels

  • Audio (Microphone) Input: Plugging a lavalier mic into the TX helps focus audio capture and reduces background noise.
  • Audio (Headphone) Output: The receiver (RXUC) has a 3.5mm audio out jack, allowing users to connect a headphone for real-time audio monitoring.

*Important* 

    • The Saramonic Blink500 ProX does not allow volume adjustment on the receiver (RX) side.
    • Use the “+” or “-” buttons to set the transmitter (TX) input gain between 0 to 6.
      • Reducing the gain can help minimize background noise.
      • If all volume indicators turn off, the microphone is muted
    • Since real-time volume adjustments cannot be made on the receiver, users should perform a test run before an event to ensure proper TX gain settings.

Battery Life

  • Built-in Battery Life (Transmitter – TX): Approx. 10 hours
  • Receiver (RX): Requires continuous power to function.

Additional Features

  • Microphone Options:
    • TX units have built-in omnidirectional microphones.
    • Supports external lavalier microphones (3.5mm input, included).
  • Operating Range:
    • Up to 328 ft (100m) in open space.

For detailed setup and troubleshooting, refer to the official Saramonic Blink500 ProX User Manual.

Hollyland Lark M2 Wireless Mic System – User Guide

Hollyland Lark M2 Wireless Mic System – User Guide

Posted on by • Posted in Other Devices •

The Lark M2 wireless microphone system is designed for straightforward operation. Remove the Transmitter(s) and Receiver from its case, attach the magnetic lapel clip to the Transmitter(s), wait till they pair with each other and have a solid blue or green LED, connect the Receiver to a computer and go.

Powering On/Off:

  • Automatic Power: Removing the transmitters (TX) and receiver (RX) from the charging case powers them on automatically. Placing them back turns them off.
  • Manual Power: Press and hold the yellow button on the TX or the upper power button on the RX for 3 seconds to turn them on or off.

NOTE: When removed from the box or manually powered on, the TX and RX will flash blue while waiting for the other to be powered and paired. When they are solid blue, they are paired and ready for use.

LED Indicators:

  • Flashing Blue: Device is on but not yet paired.
  • Solid Blue: Device is paired and ready for use.
  • Solid Green: Noise cancellation is active.
  • Flashing Red: Low battery warning.
  • Solid Amber Charging in progress.
  • Solid Green (while charging): Fully charged.

Connecting to Devices:

  • Computer:
    1. Connect the RX to your computer using the standard USB port. No drivers are needed for installation.
    2. Ensure the TX and RX are paired (solid blue/green indicator) before use.
    3. Open your computer’s audio settings and select the Lark M2 as the audio input source.
  • Mobile Devices: Plug the RX into your phone’s USB-C or Lightning port.
  • Video Cameras:
    1. Attach the RX to the camera’s hot shoe or cold shoe using the back clip.
    2. Connect the RX’s 3.5mm audio output to the camera’s 3.5mm audio input using a TRS to TRS cable.
    3. Set the camera’s recording volume to the minimum level and the RX’s output volume to medium for optimal recording quality.

Noise Cancellation

After the TX and RX have paired and the LED on both units are solid blue or green:

To enable noise cancellation – press the yellow button on the TX . The status indicator will turn solid green when noise cancellation is active for that channel.

To disable noise cancellation – press the yellow button again on the  TX. The indicator will revert to its standard blue color.

Charging:

  • Transmitters and Receiver: Place them in the charging case. The LEDs will turn amber (charging) and green when fully charged.
  • Charging Case: Use a USB-C cable to charge the case.

Battery Life:

  • Transmitters (TX):  Approximately 10 hours of operation per charge.
  • Receiver (RX): Approximately 9 hours of operation per charge.
  • Charging Case: Provides more than two full charges for two transmitters simultaneously.

Charging Times:

  • Transmitters (TX):  About 1.5 hours to fully charge.
  • Receiver (RX):  About 1.5 hours to fully charge.
  • Charging Case:  Less than 1.5 hours to fully charge.

Pairing Devices:

The devices come pre-paired from the factory and should be paired when checked out.

  1. Transmitter (TX):  With the TX off, press and hold the yellow button for 6 seconds until the blue light flashes rapidly.
  2. Receiver (RX):  With the RX on, hold the lower pairing button for 3 seconds until the blue light flashes rapidly.

Additional Features:

  • Video Recording Control: While shooting with your phone, double-press the button on the TX to start or stop video recording. This function works when the camera app supports control via the volume key

For more detailed information, refer to the Lark M2 User Manual.