Voice of the DBA

Tag: syndicated

  • Saving My Garmin Data

    With the Garmin outage, I was a little worried about my data. As a result, I wanted to ensure I could get information off of my device and at least save files. I posted a note on Twitter, and got a link to the DC RainMaker, with a procedure to get your files from a device. Since I have a watch that connects to a mobile, I wasn’t sure which device to connect, so here’s the experience of getting my data.

    First, what’s the extent of the issue. I started a walk workout on my watch when I took the dogs out. This was a short one, and I was able to complete and save the workout.

    When I got back to my desk, I opened the app on the old mobile. I saw the data for my heart and steps, which matched the watch, but no workout.

    20200724_133805

    I then went to my watch and clicked “sync”. I got this for awhile, and while it said that things were being transferred, I don’t have any way of knowing this is working.

    20200724_133745

    My understanding is that this data goes to Garmin Connect and then that syncs with my phone, rather than going through my phone and then to Garmin Connect. Since there are people that might not use the app on their phone, this makes sense.

    I know I can’t get data at Garmin Connect.

    2020-07-24 13_41_53-Window

    I also don’t see any updates on their blog.

    2020-07-24 13_42_47-Window

    OK, I know what I can’t do. What can I do?

    Connecting My Watch

    I’ve never connected the watch to this computer. I’m not likely to get the Garmin app to work if I install it, so let’s get the cable that came with my watch. I connect it to my computer and …

    Nothing. Nothing detected as a device. No new USB devices. No notifications.

    This was with a USB hub, so let’s take that out of the equation. I do connect some data devices through here, but why not try something. I get up, walk around, and plug the watch into the motherboard USB slot.

    2020-07-24 13_59_23-Window

    That’s interesting. Glad I tried that. Next I browse and find two storage areas.

    2020-07-24 14_00_09-Window

    I tried media first, since that’s the first one. Nope, no activities under Garmin.

    2020-07-24 14_00_15-Window

    Let’s try the primary storage. This looks more promising.

    2020-07-24 14_10_21-Window

    I don’t see Activities, as in the DC Rainmaker post, but I do see “Activity”. In there, I find the fit files.

    2020-07-24 14_10_36-Window

    These are binary files, so there goes any quick SSIS/ADF upload of data somewhere else.

    2020-07-24 14_12_03-Window

    I suspect there’s a way of doing this and a few searches show some libraries that might help, but those are for another day.

  • Daily Coping 24 Jul 2020

    I’ve started to add a daily coping tip to the SQLServerCentral newsletter and to the Community Circle, which is helping me deal with the issues in the world. I’m adding my responses for each day here.

    Today’s tip is to ask yourself: What’s the best thing that can happen?

    That’s a good question. I can take this lots of ways. The best thing for the world? We get a very effective vaccine this year.

    The best thing for me? My family stays healthy and can enjoy life.

    The best thing today? I get to practice yoga, no part of my body aches, I eat some good food and spend a nice evening with my wife.

    Keep things in perspective. I’m aiming for the last one today and focusing on that.

  • Giving Back to Speakers

    It might be hard to think back to 2007, but at that time, there were only a few SQL Server events taking place in the world. SQL Bits held its inaugural event, and we had the annual PASS Summit, DevConnections, and Visual Studio Live conferences. Microsoft had a few large events, but outside of user groups, that was it.

    In 2007, Andy Warren and I were talking and planning for SQL Saturday #1. That year we thought there were plenty of speakers in that area, with a number of MVPs. However, after the event, as other events sprung up in 2008, we worried if we’d have enough speakers.

    He did, and we continue to find new speakers every year. I’ve seen some really good ones, and some that need help. GroupBy is trying to do something in this area. They only choose a few speakers, but they’ve started a mentorship program that is geared to helping new speakers grow.

    You can apply to help today, and I’d encourage you to do so. I did.

  • Daily Coping 23 Jul 2020

    I’ve started to add a daily coping tip to the SQLServerCentral newsletter and to the Community Circle, which is helping me deal with the issues in the world. I’m adding my responses for each day here.

    Today’s tip is to let go of small stuff and focus on the things that matter.

    This week I was a bit frustrated with my break from work. In Colorado our Governor implemented a mandatory mask order at the end of last week. All indoor activities around people need masks. My gym complied, and I couldn’t workout without one, even with no one around. Yoga was with a mask, and that was less than fun. Coaching was masks covering everyone, including kids, who didn’t enjoy it.

    In fact, less kids decided to come, which is less fun for me, and less fun for them. In a time when so many are stuck without routines and interactions, sports were a good release. With most of us in a closed group, we were enjoying playing again, but that had to stop.

    However, that’s fine. What matters is we try and get this virus under control. Colorado was doing very well, and my area still is not bad, but with cases creeping up, this is a small thing to think about. It’s a small annoyance, and minor loss, and ultimately, that’s I should be focused on helping to keep public health at a more healthy level.