Android apps by Darren Gates

Gold Rush Lite

Wed, 02 May 2012 14:21:33 +0000

This "Lite" edition of Gold Rush contains 8 unique, free crossings that the expanded edition does not contain.

You've got to get your gold, coal, and rubies to market by building bridges for your mining cars. A variety of valleys, ditches, waterways, and canyons lie between you and your destination. As a poor miner, your building supplies are limited to small numbers of wood girders, logs, rope, and track.

Your score is determined by how much of your hard-won treasure makes it to the other side of the crossing without falling out of a rail cart, but also by how much stress was placed on the bridge during your crossing. While crossing, your bridge may experience stress and strain that weakens it over time.

Gold Rush uses some of the principles of civil engineering to create stable structures. Creating bridges using randomly-connected girders, cables, and stone will probably not turn out well. Instead, you'll need to think like an engineer. Will a rectangular or triangular girder structure provide less strain on the girder joints? Does it make more sense to attach rope near the beginning and end, or near the middle? How can you use logs, which are similar to wood girders but fixed-length, to best support your girders and track.

You should also consider the physical properties of wood and rope, and how the sheer and tension caused by the weight of your rail cars affects your construction. On some crossings, rope may provide additional support from above, but they are also limited in quantity.

Several user controls are available, including zoom in/zoom out, grid overlay toggle, show/hide bottom controls, reset the entire level, undo, and delete (the "X" icon). This should be fairly obvious based on the icon. At the far right, bottom corner is an up/down arrow to toggle the bottom control bar display.

Many of us have built bridges with toothpicks in school projects, or created a sturdy structure with a limited number of tools and materials. We all know how challenging - and rewarding - this can be. Now you can have that kind of fun in your pocket or purse all the time with Gold Rush!

If you believe that you have achieved an optimal bridge for the level, please take a screenshot of your bridge (or just a normal camera picture!), and post it to the Gold Rush Facebook wall at:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gold-Rush/156910021089507

Or, if you're having difficulty finding a good solution for a particular level, check our Facebook page for ideas and comments from other Gold Rush users. Also checkout "Link!", a similar train simulation game.

Let the Gold Rush begin!

Recent changes:
In this version OpenFeint has been removed, since the OpenFeint service is being discontinued. High scores are saved locally now, not remotely.

Amazing but True!

Sun, 16 May 2010 06:10:49 +0000

This app is a complete database of the strangest facts about just about everything in the world for your mobile device. The best part is that they're all true!

They're fun and interesting, and kids love them. Impress your friends with your quick access to interesting facts from dozens of topics.

Gold Rush!

Wed, 02 May 2012 14:16:32 +0000

It's 1849, and there's gold in those hills! You've got to get your gold, coal, and rubies to market by building bridges for your mining cars. A variety of valleys, ditches, waterways, and canyons lie between you and your destination. As a poor miner, your building supplies are limited to small numbers of wood girders, logs, rope, and track.

Your score is determined by how much of your hard-won treasure makes it to the other side of the crossing without falling out of a rail cart, but also by how much stress was placed on the bridge during your crossing. While crossing, your bridge may experience stress and strain that weakens it over time.

Gold Rush uses some of the principles of civil engineering to create stable structures. Creating bridges using randomly-connected girders, cables, and stone will probably not turn out well. Instead, you'll need to think like an engineer. Will a rectangular or triangular girder structure provide less strain on the girder joints? Does it make more sense to attach rope near the beginning and end, or near the middle? How can you use logs, which are similar to wood girders but fixed-length, to best support your girders and track.

You should also consider the physical properties of wood and rope, and how the sheer and tension caused by the weight of your rail cars affects your construction. On some crossings, rope may provide additional support from above, but they are also limited in quantity.

Several user controls are available, including zoom in/zoom out, grid overlay toggle, show/hide bottom controls, reset the entire level, undo, and delete (the "X" icon). This should be fairly obvious based on the icon. At the far right, bottom corner is an up/down arrow to toggle the bottom control bar display.

Many of us have built bridges with toothpicks in school projects, or created a sturdy structure with a limited number of tools and materials. We all know how challenging - and rewarding - this can be. Now you can have that kind of fun in your pocket or purse all the time with Gold Rush!

If you believe that you have achieved an optimal bridge for the level, please take a screenshot of your bridge (or just a normal camera picture!), and post it to the Gold Rush Facebook wall at:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gold-Rush/156910021089507

Or, if you're having difficulty finding a good solution for a particular level, check our Facebook page for ideas and comments from other Gold Rush users. Also checkout "Link!", a similar train simulation game.

Let the Gold Rush begin!

Recent changes:
In this version OpenFeint has been removed, since the OpenFeint service is being discontinued. High scores are saved locally now, not remotely.

Link (lite)

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 07:22:53 +0000

************
IMPORTANT: This is the FREE, limited version of Link. There are 8 original levels, which are not present in the extended version of Link. Link Lite does not include advanced features, like the Tradin' Post, multi-train levels, user-moveable anchor points, or super-heavy trains.
************

"Link" is a modern take on the classic 80's game. Build bridges using wood and steel girders, and in more advanced levels with stone blocks and rope cables.

As a 19th-century industrialist, you're building trains across the great West. The expansion of America depends on the delivery of coal, lumber, crates, animals, and of course passengers across a variety of valleys, ditches, waterways, and canyons.

Link uses some of the principles of civil engineering to create stable structures. Creating bridges using randomly-connected girders, cables, and stone will probably result in a lot of casualties. Instead, you'll need to think like a designer. Will a rectangular or triangular girder structure provide less strain on the girder joints? Does it make more sense to attach cables near the beginning and end, or near the middle? If there is no place to attach cables, what type of structure can you build on which to attach cables?

You should also consider the physical properties of wood vs. steel. Steel is heavier and sturdier, while wood is lighter but probably not able to handle as much stress. Concrete is the heaviest and sturdiest of all construction elements, but you have a limited number of blocks to use and a limited number of places to put them. Cables provide some additional support from above, but they are also limited, and in some cases you will need to build a support structure for them.

With 40 levels and counting, Link will provide you with days of enjoyment and frustration. But in each level, you have a limited number of construction elements and structural anchors. On levels with concrete blocks, the tops of blocks also provide additional anchor points. Use these blocks carefully, though! An improperly placed anchor can make all the difference between success and failure.

Several user controls are available, including zoom in/zoom out, grid overlay toggle, show/hide bottom controls, reset the entire level, undo, and delete (the "X" icon). This should be fairly obvious based on the icon. At the far right, bottom corner is an up/down arrow to toggle the bottom control bar display.

Many of us have built bridges with toothpicks in school projects, or created a sturdy structure with a limited number of tools and materials. We all know how challenging - and rewarding - this can be. Now you can have that kind of fun in your pocket or purse all the time with Link!

If you believe that you have achieved an optimal bridge for the level, please take a screenshot of your bridge (or just a normal camera picture!), and post it to the Link Facebook wall at:

http://www.facebook.com/linkgame

Or, if you're having difficulty finding a good solution for a particular level, check our Facebook page for ideas and comments from other Link users.

Please be sure to post any bugs or other issues on the Facebook wall, too. Letting us know which level you're on, and what type of device you're using, helps a lot. With your help we'll make Link great!

***** SOLUTIONS GUIDE *****

Solutions to the 8 levels from Link Lite can be viewed in this YouTube video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCVLCsA-X8o

Please note that these solutions are NOT necessarily the most optimal, or highest-scoring, solutions, but they do work. I strongly recommend that you actually try to beat the game first! It's not as much fun if you just copy the solution that I've provided.

Recent changes:
In this version, some minor bugs reported on the Link Facebook page have been fixed, including the issue whereby small girders could not be added when the screen is zoomed.

The Facebook page for Link is at:

http://www.facebook.com/linkgame

Monorail Lite

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 18:42:00 +0000

As part of an international engineering firm, it's your job to build bridges across valleys, lakes, ravines, and gorges.

Monorail is the successor to the very popular Link! bridge-building game. In Monorail, your resources usage is limited only by your budget, which varies from task to task. Each project has different resources available, too. By combining them in creative ways, you must build a stable, low-stress bridge.

The "Lite" version of Monorail contains most of the features of Monorail, and is a fully functional game, except for the following:

- Limited to 8 levels. Please note that these 8 levels were designed specifically for Monorail Lite, and do not exist in the regular version of Monorail (so, if you upgrade, you will NOT be repeating the first 8 levels!). The regular version of Monorail contains 100 levels.

- There is no ability to share your achievements on Facebook in Monorail Lite.

- Logs and bricks are not available as construction materials in Monorail Lite.

- Multi-tier levels, and advanced features like heavy train cars are not available in Monorail Lite.

Your score is determined by how much money you have left in your budget, as well as by how well your bridge reduces stress. Your construction materials may weaken or break during crossing, and in later crossings heavy trains may create additional challenges to creating a stable bridge.

Monorail uses some of the principles of civil engineering to create stable structures. Creating bridges using randomly-connected girders, cables, brick, and stone will probably not turn out well. Instead, you'll need to think like an engineer

* Will a rectangular or triangular girder structure provide less strain on the girder joints?

* Does it make more sense to attach rope near the beginning and end, or near the middle?

* How can you use logs, which are similar to wood girders but fixed-length, to best support your girders and track?

* If you stack too many stone or brick, will they begin to crumble under the weight?

You should also consider the physical properties of the construction materials, and how the sheer and tension caused by the weight of your rail cars affects your construction. On some crossings, rope (which is cheap) may provide additional support from above, but if there are limited number of connection points it may be better to use steel cables (which is stronger than rope, but more expensive). Some materials, like brick and stone, are stackable, but each object in the stack puts pressure on those below it, which may cause the bottom brick or stone to crack or crumble.

Several user controls are available, including zoom in/zoom out, grid overlay toggle, show/hide bottom controls, reset the entire level, undo, and delete (the "X" icon). This should be fairly obvious based on the icon. At the far right, bottom corner is an up/down arrow to toggle the bottom control bar display. A similar control is available at the top right corner.

Many of us have built bridges with toothpicks in school projects, or created a sturdy structure with a limited number of tools and materials. We all know how challenging - and rewarding - this can be. Now you can have that kind of fun in your pocket or purse all the time with Monorail!

If you believe that you have achieved an optimal bridge for the level, please take a screenshot of your bridge (or just a normal camera picture!), and post it to the Gold Rush Facebook wall at:

https://www.facebook.com/monorailgame

Or, if you're having difficulty finding a good solution for a particular level, check our Facebook page for ideas and comments from other Monorail users. Also checkout "Link!" and "Gold Rush", which are Monorail's sister games.

Get ready... let's build!

Recent changes:
The first global release of Monorail Lite. Enjoy!

Link

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 04:03:11 +0000

"Link" is a modern take on the classic 80's game. Build bridges using wood and steel girders, and in more advanced levels with stone blocks and rope cables.

As a 19th-century industrialist, you're building trains across the great West. The expansion of America depends on the delivery of coal, lumber, crates, animals, and of course passengers across a variety of valleys, ditches, waterways, and canyons.

Link uses some of the principles of civil engineering to create stable structures. Creating bridges using randomly-connected girders, cables, and stone will probably result in a lot of casualties. Instead, you'll need to think like a designer. Will a rectangular or triangular girder structure provide less strain on the girder joints? Does it make more sense to attach cables near the beginning and end, or near the middle? If there is no place to attach cables, what type of structure can you build on which to attach cables?

You should also consider the physical properties of wood vs. steel. Steel is heavier and sturdier, while wood is lighter but probably not able to handle as much stress. Concrete is the heaviest and sturdiest of all construction elements, but you have a limited number of blocks to use and a limited number of places to put them. Cables provide some additional support from above, but they are also limited, and in some cases you will need to build a support structure for them.

With 40 levels and counting, Link will provide you with days of enjoyment and frustration. But in each level, you have a limited number of construction elements and structural anchors. On levels with concrete blocks, the tops of blocks also provide additional anchor points. Use these blocks carefully, though! An improperly placed anchor can make all the difference between success and failure.

Several user controls are available, including zoom in/zoom out, grid overlay toggle, show/hide bottom controls, reset the entire level, undo, and delete (the "X" icon). This should be fairly obvious based on the icon. At the far right, bottom corner is an up/down arrow to toggle the bottom control bar display.

Many of us have built bridges with toothpicks in school projects, or created a sturdy structure with a limited number of tools and materials. We all know how challenging - and rewarding - this can be. Now you can have that kind of fun in your pocket or purse all the time with Link!

If you believe that you have achieved an optimal bridge for the level, please take a screenshot of your bridge (or just a normal camera picture!), and post it to the Link Facebook wall at:

http://www.facebook.com/linkgame

Or, if you're having difficulty finding a good solution for a particular level, check our Facebook page for ideas and comments from other Link users.

Recent changes:
In this version, the rope physics have been updated to make it more realistic, and some levels have been made slightly easier on account of user feedback. Also, a couple of bugs relating to stone construction have been fixed. The levels that had a slight downward slope have been revised so that there is no longer a slope.

Science Facts

Thu, 20 May 2010 07:10:21 +0000

This app is a complete database of interesting and remarkable facts covering many fun and interesting scientific subjects for your mobile device!

They're fun and interesting, and kids love them. Impress your friends with your quick access to interesting facts many topics from dozens of topics.

Catapult Lite

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 13:12:47 +0000

Barbarian hordes from the North are invading our peaceful lands! If the kingdom is to survive, your expertise is needed to fortify the castle defenses.

We have limited resources with which to build, and the barbarians are skilled in throwing boulders, maces, and even livestock. And, with their new discovery of gunpowder, they have created dangerous explosives as well!

Will you help our noble king and queen fortify the castle defenses?

*****

We're extremely pleased to introduce CATAPULT, the game that requires you to think like a medieval engineer. Using limited resources of logs, barrels, bricks, and stone, you must build defenses to save the royal court.

But beware! If both the king and queen succumb to the barbarians, then your army will be left without its leaders, and the kingdom will fall. Also, if 3 or more noblemen, guards, or royals, die, then the barbarians will overwhelm the kingdom.

You must utilize basic engineering principles to build a fortress sufficiently strong to withstand the barbarian catapult assault. For each level, your resources are limited, but so are the barbarian throws. Some things to consider during the building phase:

* Is it better to put heavy objects near the base, or lighter objects? The more things that you have stacked, the more force is placed on the bottom-most construction elements. Consider the physical properties of wood, brick, and stone when building.

* Is it better to interlock many pieces, or to simply stack them? Should layers of brick and wood be staggered, or placed directly on top of one another?

* How can you best contain bombs to minimize their explosive impact?

*****

Catapult has 60 levels total: 12 "regions" with 5 levels per region. Each region "specializes" in particular resources. Stonevald, for example, has a large abundance of stone, for example, while the Wilde Forest has more wood for the availability of logs and wood barrels.

Some have described Catapult as a sort of "Angry Birds in reverse". Instead of knocking things down, you're building them.

If you've been able to withstand the barbarian assault, try rebuilding the fortress with fewer resources to earn a gold medallion from the king and queen.

Updates to Catapult are free. If you did well on a particular level of Catapult, be sure to tell of your achievement on Facebook, and tell the rest of the Catapult user community of your achievement on the Catapult Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Catapult/480471225343680

Also visit the Facebook page for tips and tricks, and announcements of new releases!

Good luck!

Recent changes:
The first global release of Catapult Lite!

Simple Volume Decibel Meter

Tue, 18 May 2010 03:10:33 +0000

This is an educational tool for kids to learn about decibels and how it affects their health.

This is not intended for professional use. It's for learning purposes, so there are no advanced settings like A/C weighting. But there is a fun & friendly design with useful info about volume levels. Start & stop dB readings, too.

Classical Music Sampler

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 21:10:48 +0000

This is a SAMPLE of the many music download apps for sale by Darren Gates on the Android Market.

This sample has 3 MP3 files, but the other music apps have many MP3 files each.

Files downloaded to your SD Card. These apps are music downloaders, not music players. To play the MP3 files, use Android's built-in music player