Cat Scan thingies from Radio Shack

[SavagePenguin]

This may be the wrong forum for this, but...

Radio Shack (the Mecca of all things breakable) is giving out "CAT scan" bar code readers. You hook them up to your PC, scan a bar code on a product or add, and it takes you to the company web site.

Has anybody found a way to use/misuse these things? It seems to neat to use for their (limited) intended purpose. There's got to be *something* interesting we can do with them. Any ideas?


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A humble (hahaha!) computer tech uses booze and a scorpion to create science! http://savagepenguin.ontap.com/scorpio.htm

[klenard]

I have heard some really bad stuff about those. It seems that once you hook up one of these things to your PC, they can track your online usage. Sort of like "monitoring" where you are surfing. I read it in the Dallas Morning news a few weeks ago. It does not seem to be the best thing you can buy. BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING..............

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You have to be smarter than what you are working with.

[SavagePenguin]

Mine's still in the package.
The other tech here took one apart and said that there was something in there to keep it from working as a regular scanner.
No big brother worries. I'm capable of typing in a URL without having to resort to the scanner. I just figured that there *had* to be some neato use for the thing.

[TazNet]

I was thinking of modifying it into a motion sensor for my pc. It uses infared to tell the difference between light and dark lines. But the optics would have to be changed. Working on the code right now to see how it works. It would be so much easier if it was serial instead of ps2.

Don't worry about the Big Brother deal. Just give it a hotmail account for your e-mail.

[skut]

i have yet to go pick one up...however as far as the hotmail acct to circumvent big brother? i dont think they really care as to your email addy, ratther, they are concerned w/ your browsing habits >shrug<

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prompt$p$g [dos = elite]

[shawnMt]

hmmm - watching browsing habits through a bar-code-scanner. Radio Shack?? LMAO

I need to go get 1 of these to see what the fuss is about i guess.

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Paint your old laptop! (http://www.auwebdesign.com/shawnpages)

[klenard]

It is not Radio Shack that has the capabilities to monitor your browsing habits, it is the company that makes the scanners. Radio Shack just sells them.

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You have to be smarter than what you are working with.

[SavagePenguin]

The company that makets it is digital convergence (I have no idea how to get to www.digitalconvergence.com (http://www.digitalconvergence.com) without using the scanner.... hmmm... maybe my keyboard?). More info on the device is available at ********cat.com (http://********cat.com)

They show you how to hook it up to your TV so you can hit the web sites of any commercials that play. So I guess they want the ability to monitor where you go online, the ability to monitor what you watch on TV, and the ability to make you visit certain sites.
Makes me feel nice and comfy knowing that they care about my life so much.



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A humble (hahaha!) computer tech uses booze and a scorpion to create science! http://savagepenguin.ontap.com/scorpio.htm

[shawnMt]

well i stopped by RS today and picked up my Cue Cat. Your right the software probably does track online useage.

The salesman was like "yep all you gotta do is hook this up to your keyboard port and pop the cd in!" Yeah mr radio shack man, im run home right now and hook this thing up to my machine and install this spyware.

Gonna take it apart later and see what's inside.

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Paint your old laptop! (http://www.auwebdesign.com/shawnpages)

[SavagePenguin]

Mine's apart right now. I made the mistake of taking a class called "Electricity" instead of "Electronics" in college... so I have learned very little by taking it apart. I did find a fingerprint on the big shiney piece.

I popped apart the black thing and found little white LED's. I think I'll plug it in and see how bright they are without the red filter.

I hope Shawn can figure out something. Thise seems too neat to simply throw away.

[Revenant]

I've got an idea... How's about we make kindof a little contest to see who can make the most creative use out of one of these things... I was thinkin of seeing if I can transfer the guts of a little webcam over and make a little "webcat," just for sh*t's and giggles. Don't have a cue cat yet, so I don't know how much room I have to play with, but I'll pick one up tonight.

BTW, I wonder if they realize how many of these things are being used by us crazy techs as a toy, and never being used as they were intended....

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What's this button d--

[rebelj]

most interesting use i have found so far ....

plug it in - dont install the spyware!!!

now you have a red flashlight for those late night sessions when the lights are out to keep from bugging the rest of the family - now you can look for things on the desk without turning on a light! <GRIN>

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Being normal is just an excuse for poor imagination!

[ibennetch]

silly question (and being too lazy to stop in the 'shack and check myself) what do these things cost? would be fun to get myself one, being a college student's hard on the wallet, though :-(

[format c:]

Yup you guys are known as the cue cat hackers
Maybe make a phaser out of it http://forums.windrivers.com/cgi-bin/forum/rolleyes.gif

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Format c:( I'm givin er all she's got cap'in !!! )

[Green Iguana]

I stopped by the neighborhood Radio Shaft this evening to get a cat. The on duty genius told me that not many people were wanting them, so I asked if I could have two. He said no problem, just give him another name and address. When he asked what I wanted with two of them for, I told him I was going to tie up the old lady with one and beat her with the other. This wound up with a strange look and an end to the question. http://forums.windrivers.com/cgi-bin/forum/smile.gif Anyhow wound up with two cats, a catalog and a phone line tester for free. If I can figure out anything useful for this device, I will post it. Maybe there will be some good come from these things, when people load the run in the background crapware and hose their machines. We might see some extra work. http://forums.windrivers.com/cgi-bin/forum/smile.gif Just thought of another use, tie a pair together and make a jump rope.

[Green Iguana]

Originally posted by ibennetch:
silly question (and being too lazy to stop in the 'shack and check myself) what do these things cost? would be fun to get myself one, being a college student's hard on the wallet, though :-(
FREE

[shawnMt]

LOL - yeah if they cost even $1 do you think anyone here would have one?

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Paint your old laptop! (http://www.auwebdesign.com/shawnpages)

[Green Iguana]

Originally posted by shawnMt:
LOL - yeah if they cost even $1 do you think anyone here would have one?

Hell No!
BTW it looks like there is quite a bit of interest in reverse engineering this gizmo. I found this news article on the WinDrivers home page: http://www.mercurycenter.com/svtech/news/indepth/docs/cuecat100500.htm

[TheLow1]

Been to all the "Shacks" in my area. They don't have any. Either I live in the sticks (This might be the case) or the old people he in FL can't get enough of "free stuff"

[This message has been edited by TheLow1 (edited October 09, 2000).]

[goinpostal]

Hey LOW1 I am in Tallahassee and I already got one so keep looking. There is an article posted on windrivers today about guys developing apps for the cat and even trying to develop Linux drivers. This is really pissing off digital convergence. Good article. I am going to get another one at a diff RS tonight, tommorow and the next day all you have to give them is a name and address i.e. Jonnie Rottencrotch. The software is what tracks, I'm pretty damn sure you can't be tracked thru PS/2 port.


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--The Internet -- It's not just for porn anymore!!!

[Prime]

I got mine at MacLeods furniture in Belfast, Maine. They are a kind of fake radio shack, they are a furniture store that is also an official radio shack reseller or something. So they have all the telephones and stuff but not ALL the electronic components and stuff.

Anyhow, they don't have computers either, all sales are done on paper. So I asked for a :cuecat and she just gave it to me, then I my wife asked for her own and the lady tried to convince us that they are of no use to us because "They only work with the codes in the Rat Snack catalog." (she handed me a catalog along with a 2nd :cuecat for my wife).

We got what we wanted so we left. It was then after we got in the car that my wife pointed to the catalong and said "Look, it's $2.99"

So, I guess I accidentally stole a Rat Snack catalog. What kind of company charges money for their catalog anyhow?

So, in the end I got...
(2) cats for experimentation
(1) free (stolen) catalog

and never gave a name or number or any information.

[underfunded]

Prime... I went to the local shack her in Auburn, ME, and the gave me a CueCat and a catalog free. So you don't have to worry about stealing it. http://forums.windrivers.com/cgi-bin/forum/smile.gif

[TheLow1]

goinpostal>>> I GOT MINE. Now if I can get it to work with out the "Big Brother" software I will be set.

[WinKrushR]

Originally posted by TheLow1:
Been to all the "Shacks" in my area. They don't have any. Either I live in the sticks (This might be the case) or the old people he in FL can't get enough of "free stuff"


Hey...just keep looking. I definately work in the sticks (trenton, just w of gainesville) and the RS in chiefland has them.

We should be able to adjust/bump up the voltage supplied. The wimpy voltage supplied by the KB connector simply isn't enough. I want as much range as I had on my Lazer Tag gun.

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"Corporal! Go tell Ma to bring me my field knife!"

[LORE]

I am going to go get one from the sh*t shack tonight. God i hat walking in that place. I feel this great preasure To buy something. Not like anyone is hounding me or anything. You walk in there and feel like a porkchop in a dog pound. I swear, do they make 50% commision or what. I plan on getting one from every RS in the local area, about 6. I plan on blowing up or destroying at least 4 before i actualy find a way to use them for some good. I do, however, like the flashlight idea. That will be nice for the desk.

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We may be through with the past, but the past is not through with us.

[goinpostal]

Originally posted by TheLow1:
goinpostal>>> I GOT MINE. Now if I can get it to work with out the "Big Brother" software I will be set.

I am getting a couple more and waiting for someone to create software. I hear some have figured out the hardware. If Ihear any more I'll post



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--The Internet -- It's not just for porn anymore!!!

[elsj]

Have one never used it, as for the thought of someone eles watching my habits online, they need a life more than I do. But from being good friends with my radio shack owner I know somehow and someway bigbrother MS is involved.

[AmeriDan]

<a href="http://freshmeat.net/search/?link=freshmeat.net&q=Cue+Cat">http://freshmeat.net/search/?link=freshmeat.net&q=Cue+Cat</a>
lotsa info and progs here

[This message has been edited by AmeriDan (edited October 09, 2000).]

[This message has been edited by AmeriDan (edited October 09, 2000).]

[Renée]

Wired magazine sent me one in the mail. I promptly took it apart, played with all the pieces, and threw it in the garbage. Great entertainment for about 15 minutes. As for marketing value?...I have to ask why they would send out such a pointless device and invasive software to people who subscribe to a technology-related magazine. Like anyone who can change their own screensaver would actually get excited about this thing. Duh.



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GeekGirl
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[Renée]

Originally posted by SavagePenguin:
A humble (hahaha!) computer tech uses booze and a scorpion to create science! http://savagepenguin.ontap.com/scorpio.htm


Now THIS is pure entertainment! Loads more fun than the stupid catscan device.

Savage, you are my hero! http://forums.windrivers.com/cgi-bin/forum/wink.gif



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GeekGirl
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[mg14041]

Here are some links, you decide, some have modified the CueCat to remove the
serial number ability, others have developed it into a real UPC bar scanner
for input...
http://www.wizkid.org/cuecat
http://www.geek.com/news/geeknews/q22000/gee2000804002047.htm
http://www.logorrhea.com/cuecat/mirrors.html
http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=00/09/05/0548211
http://www.flyingbuttmonkeys.com/useofthingsyouownisnowillegal
http://matrixpm.com/~haveblue/cuecat (Be sure to check this one out!)
http://cuecat.bearsoft.com
http://www.xmission.com/~rebling/pub/cuecat.html
http://www.webskulker.com/archivedirectory/2000-09-13.html

-mark

[Student^2]

http://slashdot.org/search.pl

Type in cuecat and hit search.

You'll learn lots............

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Time is a great teacher,
but unfortunately it kills all its pupils.

[skut]

i just picked my two up yesterday...i dont intend to use em for what they were meant for. >shrug< i just wanna *play* with em.

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prompt$p$g [dos = elite]

[CondoPC]

I'm not sure, but I have followed all the websites, and I feel that we are wrong. Just because the product was given way doesn't give us the right to reverse engineer it. Lets look at it:
I have a phone, and think I could make something else usefull of it, so I tear it apart and create this hot new gadget. No prob right?
Now what if I was a company who had a phone and did the same. Now I, as a company, have a hot new gadget, but didn't do any of the research to create it. In the business world, they would have to pay for those IP rights (royalties) or be sued. Even if they gave it away for free.
This can be same as what we are doing here. Just because we give our hacks away for free, someone could then take it, market it and make money off CueCat. If CueCat doesn't defend themselves at our level, when a company does take it, CueCat will forfeit the right to fight it then.

Now don't get me wrong, I LOVE to tinker and think that we are doing OK here. But, if we come up with something, I think we have a responsibility to involve CueCat in it. I am not a lawyer, but I am principle-centered and know that it would peave me to have my hard work stolen. I mean, if someone bought my computers, then took my label off and put theirs on and resold them, I would be upset, wouldn't you?

>>I was discussing this with a freind and had this argument, which counters my last staement. What about cars. If you buy a ford mustang, hotrod it, and then sell it (Saleen comes to mind) for 2-5 times the original cost, do you have to pay royalties to Ford. No. Same here then, right. Boy is this a can of worms.

[This message has been edited by CondoPC (edited October 10, 2000).]

[gadget95]

Sorry about the wrong posting.

The cue cat does not need ANY software installed to work as a regular barcode reader. The output is text however it is in a base64/XOR encoding. It can be decrypted and used in programs, webpages, etc. Although this is not the intent of the reader

[3fingersalute]

I'm stopping after work today to grab one, then I'm gonna walk out the door and smash it on the sidewalk right outside Radio****Shack !!!


(I wander what the little teenage geek employee will do?)

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WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO TODAY?......Not that it matters, because Micrsoft will crash on the way there!!!

[TheLow1]

The part that pisses me off is that the info they collect they plan on selling. Check out there sister site http://www.digitaldemographics.com/services/index.html

"DigitalDemographics' parallel mission is to gather demographic and psychographic information from our :CRQ users, subscribers, and :CueCat device users. Our goal is two-fold."


Where does it say they are going to do that in the EULA??

I don't mean to flame "CondoPC" but Ma Bell dosen't sell the info she gathers listening in to what we say on the phone. (The government might but that is a whole differant thread)


[This message has been edited by TheLow1 (edited October 10, 2000).]

The spelling tests I failed in second grade DID come back to haunt me!

[This message has been edited by TheLow1 (edited October 10, 2000).]

[mikesorensen]

You guys ALL forgot to mention the major security breach that company had. Now my email and all my info has been spammed to thousands of companies dying to send me their garbage and actually think I will read or consider all their offers. You know, since I am a "consumer" and all. I wish I never installed that d$#m software!!!!! I have 5 cats. I took apart 3 of them. One is actually pluged in and in use as a night light. The final one....I don't know if this is the VERY definition of irony.....but my real feline friend, "Patches", a calico 6 yr old cat had it in pieces in under 5 minutes flat!!!! I threw it down on the floor and let her have it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! http://forums.windrivers.com/cgi-bin/forum/smile.gif

Cat vs. :cat

Cat won. :cat lost, but with everyone's information! http://forums.windrivers.com/cgi-bin/forum/frown.gif



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Do one thing everyday that scares you!

[braybk]

gadget95:

It isn't necessary to decrypt the data either. By simply jumpering two solder pads, you can turn the thing into a standard barcode reader that outputs unencrypted, straight ascii.

[This message has been edited by braybk (edited October 10, 2000).]

[Gumby]

This is all too funny. It is great how a large company tries to screw the average pc user with a "big brother" device and ends up giving us techheads a great toy to play with and probably a lot of business when the software/hardware goobers computers

Ain't it grand

Gumby

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There are no computer problems that an arc welder and a blowtorch won't fix

[jasonflorida1]

Wired magazine sent me one for free around 2 months ago. I haven't used it yet though. It's just an advertisment scheme.

[CondoPC]

Originally posted by TheLow1:
I don't mean to flame "CondoPC" but Ma Bell dosen't sell the info she gathers listening in to what we say on the phone. (The government might but that is a whole differant thread)

No offense taken, I agree with you. But we do live in a different age now, where data is now the new "Gold Rush". I hate the idea of others knowing and tracking what I do, but I fear it will only get worse. Check out www.digitalangel.net (http://www.digitalangel.net)
....and you thought it was only going to be your computer info they wanted.

[Tech666]

http://www.geocities.com/hofmonstr.rm/

over clock your cue cat

[ibennetch]

braybk: can you explain how to short the toys out so that they'll read straight ascii? i've got...enough...to experiment with and have to got try this.
thanks

[SavagePenguin]

Originally posted by Renee:
Now THIS is pure entertainment!

Thanks. I enjoyed making it. I just finished part 2. I didn't drink quite as much the second time.

I'm doing a third version where I plan on building a better mouse trap. Anyone know how far apart I should put two nails (connected to pos & neg of a cut extension cord?). Mouse completes the circuit, and poof!



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A humble (hahaha!) computer tech uses booze and a scorpion to create science! <A HREF="http://savagepenguin.ontap.com/scorpio.htm
Version" TARGET=_blank>http://savagepenguin.ontap.com/scorpio.htm
Version</A> 2.0 now up!!!

[mdzum]

I have found a great use for this device! Using a free DVD cataloging program from www.intervocative.com, (http://www.intervocative.com,) the free Cue Cat, and a free program called Catnip to translate the Cue Cat output back into the correct format, I can easily scan and catalog my DVDs. The DVD program retrieves all the info about my DVDs from the internet! It took my very little time to scan the 80+ barcodes from my DVDs, where without the Cue Cat and Catnip, I'd have to manually type the 10-digit number on each DVD!

[Digi-Recon]

It's really interesting. When the :cuecat was just a little device and no one messed with it, digital whatever didn't care about it. But when the linux guys pulled apart their code and cats to make linux drivers, and THEN discovered all this, digital thingie freaked. They got thier lawyers together to stop OTHER people from making software for it and disabling their tracking junk.

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From the dark of night, comes... WHAT DO YOU MEAN INVALID PAGE FAULT!!

[shawnMt]

Originally posted by SavagePenguin:
Mouse completes the circuit, and poof!


and POOF goes your breaker box http://forums.windrivers.com/cgi-bin/forum/smile.gif

Really though that scorpion page was funny as hell.



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Paint your old laptop! (http://www.auwebdesign.com/shawnpages)