#4x4 articles

[thecargays]

I'm officially published! Big thanks to the team at Out Motorsports for adding to the platforms I have the privilege of sharing on.

Out Motorsports is an organization dedicated to the inclusivity of the LGBTQIA+ community in the automotive and motorsports spaces, and I couldn't be more excited to be a contributing member.

[ful-flo]

Best Auto Repair Shop & Transmission Service Experts in Winnipeg | Seven Oaks Transmissions

[sujathaks]

Best Auto Repair Shop & Transmission Service Experts in Winnipeg | Seven Oaks Transmissions

[zineobiology]

Welcome to the Zine O’Biology (closed! Release January 25th 2025)

A multi-fandom Star Trek Zine.

Do you have strong opinions on Vulcan fra’als, Cardassian tails, or how the heck Trill symbionts reproduce? We want to hear from you!

The Zine O’Biology is a fictional comparative xenobiology academic journal set in the Star Trek universe. If you’ve always wanted to wax eloquent for up to 3000 words about your theories on alien biology, welcome to your new home!

We want all your theories about all your favorite aliens! This is a friendly but competitive academic journal where the content of every paper is a little bit suspicious (is this paper based on rumor or fact? What is the methodology?) and some competing authors leave snarky comments on one another’s work. So just like a real academic journal, except ours features the Great Green Anthurium.

We welcome xenobiology articles on all Star Trek aliens from all series!

The final format will be a PDF that you can scroll at your leisure or print at home in order to have a physical copy of the Zine. (This way there is no money involved.)

--SEEKING SUBMISSIONS FOR--

Alien biology articles

Alien biology artwork

In-Universe advertisements

Letters to the editor

ALIEN BIOLOGY ARTICLES

How do Andorian genders work? Are Cardassians actually lizards? Why do Klingons have so many redundant organs? What’s the biological purpose of Bajoran nose ridges? What’s the best cement mix for emergency surgery on a Horta?

You’ve been pondering alien biology for years. This is your chance to infodump all your favorite theories to an eager audience of your fellow nerds!

Articles will be separated into two categories: reproductive biology or general biology. Yes, we also want all your theories on what every species is packing downstairs…and how they use it.

Journal articles should be fun and engaging, but also written in your interpretation of a pseudo-academic style, since this is a highly respected Federation xenobiology journal. If you want to keep things more lighthearted and less academic, check out the section on Letters to the Editor.

ALIEN BIOLOGY ARTWORK

If you have independent illustrations about alien biology we would love to see them! If you would like to provide illustrations for one of our journal articles, tell us what species you want to illustrate and we’ll do our best to match you up!

Art should be in a square, scaleable format, printable at high resolution at 4x4 inches.

JOURNAL ADVERTISEMENTS

Even in a post-need future, academic journals will need a little extra funding. Submit your ads for Ferengi Oomox Creme, Self Sealing Stem Bolts, Gently Used Federation Technology, and, of course, “reproductive aids.” The weirder the better! Have fun with it!

All art needs to be printable at high resolution

Ad Sizes:

full page: 4.5" x 7.5"

Column: 2.21" x 7.5"

Half Page: 4.5" x 3.75"

Square: 2.21" x 2.18" (i know its not a perfect square but trust me)

Half square: 2.21" x 1.1"

Banner: 4.5" x 0.83"1.75

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Do you have a great idea, but it’s not enough to fill out a 3000 word article? Submit it as a “reaction” to a previous journal article. Feel free to lay into a mythical researcher who does NOT understand why their biological theory is wrong and yours is right!

Max length 800 words. Enjoy making these plenty frothy!

WE NEED SUB-EDITORS!

The creators of this Zine are all notorious Vulcan Fuckers. Since we want the Zine O’Biology to be open to all alien species, it is only logical that we seek your expertise.

We’re seeking fans from all over the Star Trek universe to spread the word that yes, it’s time for us to all come together in the spirit of explaining how our favorite aliens come together.

Sub-Editors will be in charge of helping us solicit articles and art for their specific race of aliens and editing those articles in order to fit into the Zine. If we don’t have a sub editor for a species, we’ll do our best, but the chapter on that species won’t be as good as it would be if folks with real fanon knowledge were involved.

WANT TO GET INVOLVED, BUT YOU’RE NOT A WRITER OR ARTIST?

WE NEED:

Graphic designers to help with Zine layout

Social media promoters

Alien art and article wranglers (ie: get your fannish friends involved!)

--HOW TO GET INVOLVED--

Fill out the Art or Writing (Applications now closed) Google Form letting us know your interests or reach out to the Editor in Chief at zineobiology@gmail.com

DEADLINES:

August 1, 2024: Last date for everyone seeking an art or writing partner to submit their request. We don’t guarantee you’ll be partnered up. It depends on how many people are interested and what aliens they want to draw/write.

August 18, 2024: Art/Writing partners notified. NOTE: it’s both fine and encouraged if you want to submit as a team from the start! This is for people who do not have a partner and would like us to find them one.

August 30, 2024: Final call for all journal authors, artists, and advertisers to let us know what species they’re working with, how many submissions they plan to send, and whether their submission will be general or reproductive biology.

October 30, 2024: All art, advertising, and journal submissions are due

We hope to have the Zine O’Biology ready for your enjoyment by New Year’s Eve 2024. We all have full time jobs and lives, so that date may change depending on the volume of submissions.

FAQ

What if my biological theories are totally different from another author’s?

Yes. Perfect. We love it.

We want to see everyone’s theories! Canon gave us scraps, but together we will make a meal! Expect to see many mutually contradictory articles. That’s part of the fun!

What about Smut?

Yes, we are accepting E rated submissions! The journal will be separated into two sections:

General Biology

Reproductive Biology

General Biology is everything but the genitals

Reproductive Biology should include actual descriptions of the mechanics and biology. Think of it as creating reference material for smut writers and artists.

[useless-catalanfacts]

If you visit the Sagrada Família basilica in Barcelona (Catalonia), you might be intrigued by these squares with numbers. Like every detail in the building, it has a symbolic meaning.

These are a very particular kind of magic squares. A "magic square" is a series of numbers on a square grid, placed so that any row, column, or diagonal line always adds up to the same number. Well, to be fair, there is one more rule for the normal magic squares which this one doesn't follow: the squares cannot repeat numbers and must use all numbers from 1 to the number of squares possible (for example, a square of 3x3 would have numbers from 1 to 9, a square of 4x4 would have them from 1 to 16, etc). When this rule is followed, the number that results from the addition will always be the same (in a square of 3x3, the sum of 1+2+3+4+5+6+7+8+9 = 45, and each row, column and diagonal line sums 45/3 = 15; in a 4 x 4 magic square, where the sum of all the numbers from 1 to 16 is 136, the magic constant is 136/4 = 34). For mathematical reasons, the resulting number cannot be chosen, it will always be the same one if we follow those rules.

And here is why this one doesn't follow that rule, and it's on purpose. It doesn’t have all the numbers from 1 to 16 (it is missing the 12 and 16) and some numbers are repeated. And why did they do that? Here's the important bit: the result of the sum isn’t 34 (as would always be in a 4x4 magic square), but 33.

The sculptor who created the Sagrada Família's Passion façade (the artist Josep Maria Subirachs, following architect Antoni Gaudí's vision) took a different spin for these squares. Magic squares have been used as talismans in many cultures for millennia, since ancient cultures including 3rd millennium BC China, Ancient India, Ancient Egypt, Arab, and Greek cultures, among others. For the Sagrada Família (a Christian temple), Subirachs used to hide a number of great significance in Christian symbolism.

Painting Melencolia I by Albrecht Dürer (1514) and a detail from it.

Subirachs adapted a magic square from this engraving by Dürer and changed it so that it would add up to 33: the age that Jesus Christ is traditionally believed to have been when he was executed. A number based on the repetition of another of the most important numbers in Christianity: 3, symbolizing the holy trinity.

The square in the Sagrada Família manages to add 33 by repeating some numbers and skipping others. But it also goes further than adding up 33 in every row, column, and diagonal line. The same number can also be obtained with many other combinations. Here are some of them:

Plus, in the magic square at the Sagrada Família, there is also a sort of hidden subliminal signature: adding up the numbers that repeat and looking at their correspondence in the Roman alphabet, we get the initials INRI (Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum = "Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews" in Latin), which was written on the sign at the top of the cross where Jesus was crucified.

This way, mathematics, art history and religious symbolism all come together in this little symbol.

Photos from Alamy, Martin Leicht, Sagrada Família blog. Text adapted from Sagrada Família blog. All the graphs with the numbers are from that same article.

[the-empress-7]

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13156027/amp/kate-middleton-pictures-abdominal-surgery-carole-windsor-link-to.html

Rebecca English.

> The pictures were published by US gossip website TMZ but not in the UK after Kensington Palace appealed for her to be able to recuperate in private.

> Kate was pictured wearing sunglasses in the passenger seat of a 4x4 Audi, which her mother Carole Middleton was driving near Windsor Castle. The photos were taken shortly before 9am, suggesting the mother and daughter were returning from the school run.

it seems it wasn't approved after all 🙁

Yeah I didn't think KP would approve something like this to begin with.

The bigger question is who betrayed them then? Was it someone in BP? It would have had to been someone who is close enough to know their comings and goings.

[b-skarsgard]

"Working with Bill and Anthony was a once-in-a-lifetime experience," the director tells EW. "They are two of the greatest living actors, each having brought to life some of the most iconic villains of all time. Now, they're going head-to-head in a battle of wits — a fight to the death! Together, they are electric! I'm deeply grateful to both of them, as well as to Sam Raimi, for being such incredible creative partners and for trusting me to steer the ship."

Locked, a remake of the Argentinian action thriller 4X4, drives into theaters on March 21.

full article at the link

[proship-april]

Here it is —after much deliberation and thought, the 2024 prompts!

This link will take you to the AO3 Proship April 2024 collection.

Day 9 Image Prompt | Day 17 Image Prompt | Day 27 Image Prompt

Each day has a primary and a secondary prompt. The primary ones are going to be broader, and the secondary ones are more specific ideas, phrases, or even dialogue.

Don't have the time, energy, or desire to complete a prompt per day? No problem! Click here to generate a 4x4 bingo card that you can complete (or pick through) at your leisure. Additionally, there is an SFW option for the bingo card.

If you see a word that you don't recognize, don't worry! There is a text-version of this prompt list beneath the keep reading link, and those words are linked to Wikipedia articles with the explanation. And, of course, you can always use our ask box for any further clarification.

Prompts can be applied as strictly or as loosely as you like. "Cursed" can mean that a character in your baking fic burns something and bemoans being 'cursed' with bad luck, or it can refer to fanart based off of an episode titled 'Cursed,' or it can be a F/O scenario in which your F/O goes to great lengths to undo your curse... You all you get the idea, I'm sure.

That's basically the basics! If you have a question that's not answered here, don't hesitate to ask. Other than that, happy planning and I hope to see you all in April!

What is Proship April? Click here for more information!

Keep reading for a text-list of the prompts.

Week 1 Day 1: Love Potion | Better off dead Day 2: Forbidden | Three words Day 3: Look-alike | Can't get caught Day 4: Forced | Alternate ending Day 5: Goodbye | A long way from home Day 6: Betrayal | "You're thinking too much."

Week 2 Day 7: Love vs Hate | Make the best of it Day 8: Rock Bottom | All in your head Day 9: "Fine, Great" by Modern Baseball | IMAGE PROMPT Day 10: Ashamed | "You know you're a bad liar." Day 11: Corpse | Body worship Day 12: Salirophilia | Humiliated Day 13: Odaxelagnia | Punishment

Week 3 | Hays Code Week Day 14: Crime | Mistaken identity Day 15: Sex | Infidelity/Adultery Day 16: Brutality | Consumption Day 17: "Eat You" by Caravan of Thieves | IMAGE PROMPT Day 18: Killing | Autassassinophilia Day 19: IX, X, & XI | Interracial Day 20: Authority | Flipped/unusual power dynamic

Week 4 Day 21: Heartbroken | Bite your tongue Day 22: Accident | Munchausen syndrome by proxy Day 23: Regrets | Blood in the water Day 24: Cursed | Puppetmaster Day 25: Abasiophilia | Rendered helpless Day 26: In The Rain | "If we do this, we can't go back." Day 27: "doomsday" by Lizzy McAlpine | IMAGE PROMPT

Week 5 Day 28: Remember | Consequences Day 29: Delirious | Reluctant caretaker Day 30: Experiment | Mechanophilia

[kanguin]

Trailbreaker G1 Original Vehicle Specs

So it's open knowledge that Trailbreaker's original toy was based on the 1979-1983 Toyota Hilux N30 4x4 pickup truck. What HASN'T been so open knowledge is what the measures of that truck even are. If you visit the Wikipedia article, the section on the N30 and N40 is... sparse of measurements.

So I did some sleuthing for days on end until I struck gold. This eBay listing of a 1979 Hilux 4x4 catalog! Fully photographed with pictures! I'll post the relevant pages here though in case it gets deleted when sold or something.

So with a little translating, the top left box gives the gold!

Trailbreaker's original vehicle mode in real life has these measures:

Wheelbase - 2585mm

Length - 4340mm

Width - 1690mm

Height - 1765mm

I sincerely hope this helps shorten the search for other curious fans like me! Happy measuring!

Edit for clarification: the height is to the roof of the truck itself, not the camper section addon some models came with.

[thebusylilbee]

je viens de tomber par pur hasard (grosse typo lors d'une recherche google) sur cet article qui m'a fait énormément sourire :

je sais qu'une attaque contre une petite poignée d'individus ne résoudra pas les problèmes de cette planète et qu'il faut s'en prendre au système... mais n'empêche que c'est très drôle ! peut-être que ça dissuadera les victimes de racheter un 4x4 le jour où ils changeront de voiture

[notafraidofredyellowandblue]

Since we don't know, at least I don't think we do, what cars do you think the guys are driving?

We all know about Olli's caravan, but I'm sure that's long gone.

Schneider definitely has vintage cars he takes out, but also a sensible family car for all the Schneiderlings.

Richard is definitely some R class Audi.

I could totally see Paul in a Tesla but also some vitange, restored 4x4

To be honest, for Paul, Till and Richard i don't know either (except that i imagine Richard having a black car 😊), i'm not even sure with the photos i saw through the years with them and cars, whether those were their own 🌺

Olli indeed seems to have had a camper or caravan, but usually when someone has one of those, they also have an 'everyday' car, you know, for groceries and stuff. Last i've seen was Olli in this one, from one of the recent videoshoots, so i assume this is (one of) his..

but Schneider and Flake are really car guys and have both talked about cars more than once.

like this with their mutual car-friend Dirk Salomon

Flake article about renting out oldtimers (and sometimes Flake himself is the driver for your bridal rental 🥰)

Flake and his garage (FAZ article)

Schneider on collecting oldtimers (unfortunately the link to the actual article doesn't work anymore)

and an edition of Flake's podcast about cars

[carbarnblog]

Toyota Hiace 4×4: The Ultimate Multi-Purpose Vehicle

Finding the perfect car when you have zero ideas about it can be a tough job to do. Which car will be best and give better utility can be one of those big questions. Then the Toyota Hiace 4x4 is the right choice for you. 

This vehicle is popular among business owners, adventurers, and families alike. The Toyota Hiace 4x4 is a very practical and functional car. It features a smart four-wheel drive system, a spacious interior, and the latest safety features. 

The vehicle's skilled engineering and strong build make it a popular choice for people looking for comfort and performance in one vehicle. In this article, we will talk more about the advantages and applications of the Toyota Hiace 4x4. So keep reading till the end. 

Overview of the Toyota Hiace 4x4

The Toyota Hiace 4x4 has a satisfactory history. Toyota first welcomed the Hiace in 1967 as commercial cargo. Soon, its strong design and practicality became popular. The growing demand for off-roading vehicles created the platform for the Toyota Hiace 4x4. 

During the 1990s, the Hiace 4x4 was launched, with a strong drivetrain from the Land Cruiser lineup and a full-time 4WD system. The car also improved the suspension system for rough off-roading terrain.

Launched in 2004, the fifth-generation Toyota Hiace was a milestone when it comes to design and practicality. Now, the car features a much more powerful turbo diesel engine and electronic stabilisation system. 

Toyota Hiace 4x4 Applications

The standard model of the Hiace 4x4 is a vehicle designed to focus on adaptability. The 4WD controls the traction in both urban and rural terrains. Hiace comes with a spacious cabin with customisable seating arrangements for individual needs. This is the vehicle of choice for people who prioritise performance without compromising comfort. 

Toyota Hiace conversion camper

Adventure enthusiasts all over the world lean towards the Hiace 4x4 because it can easily be turned into a mobile home. The 4x4 Toyota Hiace camper conversion is ideal for cross-country road trips. This variant of the van offers both practicality and comfort like no other vehicle. 

The spacious van can easily be customised for cooking and sitting arrangements. This wide interior enables users to incorporate large storage spaces as required. The van can easily be equipped with a water pump for running water and sinks. 

A solar panel and battery can be fitted for electricity for lighting, a mini fridge, and other electrical appliances. The key features are the superior 4WD system and electronic stabilisation that let the vehicle drive through rough terrain with ease. 

Toyota Hiace 4x4 luxury shuttle 

The Hiace 4x4 is the perfect van for families and businesses. It can be an interstate transport quote. IT IS A 12 seater van. The vehicle specialises in comfort and reliability. The grand cabin, ergonomic design, and advanced climate control are designed for passenger comfort. 

The Toyota Hiace 4x4, with its dynamic power-to-weight ratio, is the best vehicle for on-road and off-road journeys. The 6 speed auto gearbox ensures a smooth ride. It is perfect for groups travelling through smooth highways as well as unforgiving back roads. 

This car also comes with advanced safety features like an anti-lock-breaking system and electronic stability control. The van is equipped with all-purpose wheels and tyres. Even in severe weather, this car ensures a comfortable and smooth ride. 

Toyota Hiace 4x4 conversion

A reliable and strong vehicle is essential to every transport business. The Hiace 4x4 is the perfect vehicle for these businesses. Adding shelves and storage can increase the cargo space to carry more stuff.

Whether delivering cargo to in-city or outside cities, the Hiace 4WD is a reliable option. The high torque of the Toyota Hiace 4x4 diesel engine lets the car carry heavy loads. Also, the AWD system gives the car advanced stability through tough terrains like mud or snow.

Emergency Response Vehicle 

The Toyota Hiace 4x4 is a perfect vehicle for emergencies. The spacious interior makes it an ideal vehicle for fitting medical and rescue devices. So, this van has the perfect body for an ambulance. 

The 4WD system makes it unstoppable in rough terrain. Rescue operations can easily be performed with this vehicle, even in remote locations. Whether it's a remote rural scenario or an urban setting, the vehicle gets the job done. 

Performance and Capability

The standard Hiace 4x4 comes with a powerful turbo diesel engine. Different models come with different Toyota HiAce 4x4 specifications and engines. The best-selling engine is the GD-FTV turbo diesel engine, which comes in the LWB 4WD model. 

The engine's power output combined with the power-to-weight ratio gives the car an advantage in off-roading and tough terrain. The car has a full-time all-wheel drive system and a six-speed automatic transmission for a smoother ride and control. 

Engine Specifications

1GD-FTV is a powerful 2.8 litre turbo diesel engine 

Power output: 111 kW 

Maximum torque: 300 Nm

The high torque at low rpm gives the vehicle superior performance even on steep or inclined roads. The power output also helps the vehicle carry heavy loads. The placement of the engine also increases the vehicle's stability, giving the driver more control over the vehicle.

Off-Road and All-Terrain Abilities

The Toyota Hiace 4x4 features an advanced full time four-wheel drive system and a super long wheel base. This helps the van in attacking some serious off-road terrain. The car delivers power both at high and low range. 

It also helps the vehicle climb hills or drive through rough roads. This car also has a reinforced chassis and axis. Smart diff locks and a powerful suspension system in this car are built to last. 

Fuel Efficiency and Maintenance

Despite the impressive power output, the Hiace 4x4 is surprisingly power efficient. The diesel engine gives the car an average mileage of 10–12 km/l. The high torque and better fuel economy make it a wallet-friendly and fun car. 

The lightweight body and remarkable aerodynamics ensure that the car consumes less fuel. The van's robust build and Toyota's reliability mean less maintenance. This helps the Hiace owners save a lot of money in the long run. Also, the build quality and demand of a Toyota Hiace 4x4 used car help the vehicle retain its value over time. 

Interior and Comfort

The car is designed for luxury and comfort. The car can also be customised according to the owner's needs. Here are some interior features.

Spacious Cabin Design 

The interior of a Hiace 4x4 is spacious and customizable. From carrying cargo to transporting passengers, the vehicle does a fantastic job. The cargo is so extensive that it can easily be transformed into a beginner-level camper. 

For carrying passengers, the seats are designed for long trips. The large space gives the passengers enough room to enjoy a comfortable ride. Also, smart climate control is best for both cold and hot weather. 

Advanced Technology and Connectivity

The Toyota Hiace 4x4 is equipped with the latest technology to make the driver and passengers feel comfortable. Its infotainment system includes advanced navigation, touch screens, Bluetooth connectivity, and surround sound speakers. 

It has a beautiful centre console. Also includes music streaming services like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to keep you informed and entertained on the road. 

Smart climate control makes the car comfortable for the passengers. It also has features like a rearview camera and a mirror that doubles as a rearview screen. The car also features keyless entry, a push-to-start button, and intelligent driving assist that makes the car easy to drive. 

Safety Features for Every Journey

Toyota is known to maintain safety in all its cars. Hiace 4x4 is no exception. The car has advanced safety features for the safety of the driver and passengers. Some of these spec are:

(ABS): This breaking system prevents the wheels from locking when the brake is pressed.

Electronic stability control: This feature balances the vehicle, especially in slippery and rough terrain. 

Airbags: Airbags provide extra protection in case of accidents. 

Rearview camera: This feature helps the driver back up the vehicle and helps while parking, giving a clear view of what's behind. 

Reduced Blindspot: The engineers also reduce the blind spots by strategically placing the mirrors and widening the windscreen.

Front and rear diff with advanced front and rear suspension.

Why the Toyota Hiace 4x4 is a Smart Investment

 The Toyota Hiace 4x4 has gained the trust of users through its reliability and durability. It is an ideal asset for any business owner. It lives up to the expectations of every traveller. The Hiace 4x4 also makes a great mobile home for outdoor enthusiasts. We can easily call it a smart investment. Here's why:

Reliability and Durability

Toyota is known for its reliable and strong cars. Toyota Hiace 4x4 is no exception. The vehicle requires minimum maintenance, which is an excellent long-term investment. 

It stands out among recreational vehicles. The vehicle is also known to last a much longer timeline compared to its competitors. 

Resale Value

The high demand for the vehicle gives it a higher resell value. The reliable Toyota engine and sturdy body give it a much longer lifespan. The quality of the Hiace 4x4 can quickly recoup a large amount of money while reselling. 

Global availability of parts and service 

The global presence of the car makes it an ideal car to invest in. Due to Toyota's legacy, the availability of spare parts means maintenance costs are much cheaper than other vans on the market. Thanks to these, the car is in massive demand by business owners and families. 

Fuel efficiency and low operation costs

The diesel-powered engine gives the vehicle an impressive mileage of 10–12 km per itre. The large fuel tank also reduces the frequency of fueling. This saves the owner a lot of money and time. It costs less than you think.

Conclusion:

The Hiace 4x4 off-road Australia variant comes with a strong chassis and high ground clearance. This vehicle is built for performing everyday tasks with the added benefits of off-roading.

The Toyota Hiace 4x4 is a combination of power, comfort, and reliability. From going on a trip to a remote destination to a business owner transporting goods, this car will get the job done. We hope this article helped you with everything you need to know before buying a car.

[a-study-in-sepia]

Manually Decoding DTMF Through A Spectrogram

While working on a recent CTF, I came across a challenge that required participants to extract a credit card number from a recording of a touch-tone telephone. If you pull your phone out now, turn on your ringer (because it’s almost definitely off), and click on some random numbers on the phone app keypad, you’ll hear the product of what’s known as DTMF, which stands for dual-tone multi-frequency.

I won’t go into the specifics of DTMF and why it exists — the important thing to know is DTMF uses a combination of two distinct tones to create one sound. There is a low tone and a high tone. Today, I’ll be showing you how to decode DTMF by sight through a spectrogram. There are decoders available for free online, so if you come across a problem like this in a CTF, or otherwise, I highly recommend using one of those, purely for speed and convenience. All that being said, this is an interesting process, and just generally a cool thing to know about. It’s the equivalent of converting binary to hexadecimal by hand instead of using an online converter — basically useless — but a great party trick (in the event of attending one, which I highly doubt given you’re reading this — so yeah, basically useless… on that note (or should I say tone (my musically inclined friend has informed me that I should not)), on with the article!)

Note — Standard DTMF — two tones, four levels per tone.

As of iOS 15.7, this tutorial is still relevant. I am looking for more samples (other phone brands and software models) to determine how accurate this is cross-platform. If you’re interested in contributing, there will be some information at the end explaining how.

I’ll be using this audio file - https://voca.ro/1dr1J1gbyw5B

(This is from the CyberSoc Wales “personalbanker” challenge)

The first thing I did was put the recording through a spectrogram program. There are plenty available for free online; personally, I like using Academo, because it includes lines that will help with quick sight-reading later on. (https://academo.org/articles/spectrogram/).

You may be better off downloading software (Audacity is fantastic), should you require a spectrogram for a longer recording. Academo is not scalable beyond 10 seconds, so you can use it, but you’re going to be taking quite a few screenshots.

The first thing I did was drop the recording from the challenge into Academo.

A spectrogram is a visual representation of the frequency content of an audio signal as it changes over time. In the image above, I’ve isolated the beeps produced by the clicking of the phone keypad. This section of the recording is longer than 10 seconds, so I also spliced together two screenshots. Any discrepancies you may notice in the image above are a product of that.

Each vertical line of dots represents one beep, and thus, one number. You’ll notice that there are two horizontal rows per beep, this is the magic of DTMF. There are 8 total frequencies involved in the DTMF system. The original DTMF keypad was laid out in a 4x4 format (below). The letter keys (A, B, C, and D) are no longer used for personal telecommunication. For digital decoding purposes, you will almost certainly not come across the letter keys, although they are still used by amateur radio operators, payphones, and the occasional equipment control system.

I was starting from scratch, with no knowledge of how a spectrogram worked with DTMF, so the first thing I did was create two recordings of myself clicking each number in my phone app (I am using iOS 15.7 on my iPhone XR).

What you’ll begin to notice is that each number has its own combination of low and high tones. If you want to try to figure out the system on your own, now is the time.

Each variation in height represents a tone at a specific Hz. In order to decode this manually, you do not need to know the specific Hz of each number, you just need to understand the relational position of each tone, informed by its Hz.

I ended up throwing the original audio into Audacity so that I could create my own lines on the spectrogram for demonstration purposes.

First, I’m going to turn down the contrast to make it a little easier to see.

Now, I’m going to add some lines to match up the similar tones.

At this point, we have 6 layers of lines, there are no 0s present in this recording, if there were, we would have another line just above the bottom three. The use of the original DTMF structure with the ABCD keys would give us another line above the top three.

The simplest way to proceed is to categorize each set into Low, Medium, and High. You could choose any system — 1, 2, 3; a, b, c; whatever works for you. I recommend the LMH system because it’s visual and easy to keep track of.

I filled out the table below to show each numerical combination.

Two letters per number, each representing Low, Medium, or High (ultra High in the case of 0).

The first letter represents the top layer, and the second letter represents the bottom.

The corresponding Hz are listed in the third row for your reference.

I’ll walk you through the decoding process for the first two and then you can try the third.

We’re going to look at the first column of tones (boxed in yellow).

This represents one number.

The first tone is crossed by the lowest of the top lines, it is marked L.

The second tone is crossed by the medium bottom line, it is marked M.

Together, they are LM — which, upon referencing the chart, is 4.

The second one is MM, which is 5.

Now try the third. (full answer at the end, scroll up now if you’d like to try it on your own — try it with lines or without!)

Once you get a feel for this, the process becomes much faster. The lines are purely for demonstrative purposes, with a little practice you’ll be able to quickly do this without lines.

And that’s how to decode DTMF manually through a spectrogram! Is it useless? Yes! Is it fun? That’s debatable!

If you’d like to help me compare cross-platform DTMF signaling, take a screen recording that captures you pressing 1234567890 on your phone keypad. Send the file to me through one of the methods outlined below. Please include your phone model and its latest software.

Discord — Adler#7210

Email me — adler7210@gmail.com

If you’re seeing this on Tumblr, send me a DM!

Medium link - https://medium.com/@adler7210/manually-decoding-dtmf-through-spectrogram-562e4b0b99c3

The final answer to the CTF challenge — 4562 6598 4585 2366

Anyway, thanks for reading, enjoy decoding!

[sujathaks]

[art-of-manliness]

Podcast #970: The Misconceptions of HIIT (And the Role It Can Play in Your Fitness Routine)

You’ve probably heard of HIIT — high intensity interval training. In fact, you may feel so familiar with the idea that you think you understand it. But do you? People often hold some popular misconceptions about HIIT, and today we’ll unpack what some of those are with Dr. Martin Gibala, a foremost researcher of this fitness modality and the author of The One-Minute Workout: Science Shows a Way to Get Fit That’s Smarter, Faster, Shorter. Martin explains the main, underappreciated advantage of HIIT, which revolves around the “intensity-duration trade-off”: the higher intensity you make exercise, the shorter your workouts can be while still triggering improvements in metabolism, cardiovascular health, and mitochondrial capacity. We get into the fact that the intensity of HIIT needn’t be as high as you might think and that, contrary to popular belief, sprinting at intervals is actually a predominantly aerobic rather than anaerobic workout. Martin answers questions like whether Zone 2 cardio has an advantage over HIIT, if the so-called “afterburn effect” of HIIT is real, if you can do HIIT if you’re older or have heart problems, and whether you should worry about the way HIIT can raise cortisol in the body. He also shares specific HIIT workouts you can do, including a walking interval workout and one of the best higher-intensity protocols to try. Resources Related to the Podcast * AoM Article: Conditioning — What It Is and How to Develop It * AoM Article: You Only Have 15 Minutes to Work Out. What Should You Do? * AoM Article: How to Use an Assault Bike to Improve Your All-Around Conditioning * Wingate Anaerobic Test * Japanese 3X3 Interval Walking Training * Norwegian 4X4 Interval Training * 10X1 Interval Workout * Tabata Training * VILPA — One-minute bursts of activity during daily tasks could prolong your life Connect With Martin Gibala * Martin’s website * Martin on X * Martin’s faculty page Listen to the Podcast! (And don’t forget to leave us a review!) Listen to the episode on a separate page. Download this episode. Subscribe to the podcast in the media player of your choice. Transcript Coming Soon The post Podcast #970: The Misconceptions of HIIT (And the Role It Can Play in Your Fitness Routine) appeared first on The Art of Manliness. http://dlvr.it/T3NLyl

[happylifetour]

Dune Bashing Thrill: A Desert Adventure Like No Other

Introduction:

The vast and mystical deserts of the world hold secrets waiting to be discovered by the intrepid traveler. Among the myriad of experiences these arid landscapes offer, dune bashing stands out as an exhilarating thrill, promising an adrenaline-pumping adventure that leaves a lasting impression. This heart-pounding activity has gained popularity in desert destinations worldwide, offering a unique blend of excitement and natural beauty. In this article, we delve into the world of dune bashing, exploring what makes it a must-try experience for adventure seekers.

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The Essence of Dune Bashing:

Dune bashing, also known as desert safari, involves navigating through the rolling sand dunes in a powerful off-road vehicle. The experience combines the raw power of specially equipped 4x4 vehicles with the mesmerizing beauty of the desert landscape. The thrill lies in the undulating waves of sand, as vehicles traverse steep slopes, sharp turns, and seemingly impassable sandy terrain. It's a roller-coaster ride on nature's own sandy track.

The Adventure Begins:

Picture this: you're seated in a robust off-road vehicle, surrounded by nothing but endless golden dunes. The engine roars to life, and your skilled driver takes control. As you ascend the first dune, the anticipation builds. The initial descent is gradual, setting the stage for the more daring maneuvers ahead. The real excitement kicks in as your vehicle climbs steeper dunes, creating an adrenaline rush like no other.

Expert Driving Skills:

Dune bashing is not for the faint of heart. Skilled drivers with an in-depth understanding of the desert terrain are crucial to ensure a safe yet thrilling experience. These expert drivers navigate the challenging landscape, demonstrating their mastery over the vehicle as they conquer dune after dune. It's a true testament to the harmony between man, machine, and nature.

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The Desert's Beauty Unveiled:

Beyond the thrill of the ride, dune bashing offers a unique perspective of the desert's beauty. The interplay of light and shadow on the shifting sands creates a mesmerizing spectacle. The vastness of the desert becomes apparent as you crest a dune and witness an endless sea of golden waves stretching to the horizon. It's a sensory overload, combining the rush of adrenaline with the serenity of nature.

Sunset Serenity:

One of the most magical moments of dune bashing occurs at sunset. As the sun descends, casting a warm glow over the desert, the dunes come alive with a golden hue. The thrill of the adventure is complemented by the serene beauty of the setting sun, creating a surreal experience that lingers in memory long after the ride is over.

Environmental Considerations:

While dune bashing offers an unforgettable adventure, it's essential to prioritize responsible tourism. Respect for the delicate desert ecosystem and adherence to designated routes ensure that this thrilling activity remains sustainable for future generations to enjoy.

Conclusion:

Dune bashing is more than just a thrill ride; it's a harmonious dance between man and nature, an exploration of the sublime beauty hidden within the vast deserts of the world. For those seeking an adrenaline-pumping adventure that also immerses them in the awe-inspiring wonders of the natural world, dune bashing stands as a testament to the power of human ingenuity and the allure of the desert's mystique. Strap in, hold on, and let the dunes unveil their secrets on an adventure that promises to be as unforgettable as the landscapes themselves.