ranchtronix's topics - tribe.net

looking for help with carbon fiber composits and Springs

earnan — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 09:06:54 GMT

I've got a great project. I'm going to make a carbon fiber kevlar spring for a pair of powerizer stilts. You can see a picture here http://www.superdairyboy.com/recreational%20Items/Poweriser_Pictures.html

Can anyone offer some guidance in designing the spring, and I'm going to need some help actually doing the carbon fiber layup. So if you know anyone who has worked with fiberglass or carbon fiber that would like to help it would be great.

posted in ranchtronix - 0 replies

RaNchToNix (the Musical)

TremainCalm — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 17:35:26 GMT

ANNOUNCING THE REPRIVAL OF RANCHTRONIX AT THE RANCH (THE MUSICAL) WENDAY NIGHTS AT THE RANCHNACH.
LIVE EXPERIMENTAL MUSIC BEING MADE AND RECORDED IN THE BIG ROOM. Bring drums and your axe.
OBNOXICATORS BEING MADE WHERE EVER... Join your musical hosts: Paba Phree, and "Chief Tremain Calm Megashear"
Carl C. as they make "the sounds of the ranch". Accept no substitutes, while we kick out the jams Ranch style.*
PEOPLE OF EARTH" LIVE AT THE RANCH ON WENSDAYS NIGHTS DINNER AND SHOW. 7-11ish.
Beginning November 29, 2006 running through... the end of the Ranch as we know it.
Enjoying everything it while it lasts...
TC

*improv percussive noise, w/ humor and taste, hold the folk.

posted in ranchtronix - 1 reply

Sonic locator

geekster — Tue, 04 Jan 2005 22:14:43 GMT

I had an idea for a Burning Man project that I threw out in a brainstorming thread on another tribe and it was suggested to me that I might want to post it here.

The idea is the use of aural triangulation to locate a specific spot in two dimentional space. Basically it is three sound emitters that send a short sound (could be a click, or a chirp, beep, etc.). When you locate the spot where the three merge into one sound, you have reached the point of interest. To locate that spot, you walk towards the sound that happens latest.

So far my thinking has come to the conclusion that the three emitters can not be async free-running sound generators. They need to be synchronized from a central location. A time delay can be used on each emitter to adjust the location of the point of interest. A spark would be the easiest but probably unworkable due to things like welders, tesla coils, and other broadband RF emitters at the event.

The idea was for two potential purposes ... possibly allowing the visually impared to locate a specific space without assistance ... or something really cool to do as sort of a "hidden background" play on the conscious hoping maybe someone just figures it out on their own and if they decide to find the point where all three sounds merge, arrive at something kinda cool.

If it was totally uncool for me to post this here, feel free to dowse me with napalm and send me flailing wildly on my screaming way.

Thanks.

posted in ranchtronix - 1 reply

LED bulb chaos

dr-e — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 18:30:56 GMT

Little peoples - How the fuck am I supposed to know which bulbs to order from super bright. I have no idea what the luminous intersity or the viewing angle means. Hep me hep me hep me. Also looking for a place in SF/Oakland to do some purchasing since I have a short deadline.

Also, any recommendations on the best soldering iron that doesn't cost the same as my motorcycle?

You all make me hot!

posted in ranchtronix - 3 replies

Proper Engineering

sandenni — Tue, 27 Sep 2005 21:42:41 GMT

http://www.heatinghelp.com/newsletter.cfm?Id=162

Boiler Sizing

When steam heating was new, back at the turn of the 19th century, coal was the fuel of choice. It burned hot, and it burned long. A good coal-fired boiler would stay lit for eight to 10 hours on a load of coal. Those early boilers contained cast iron grates that were similar to what you have in your barbeque, but much thicker and far sturdier. The person tending the fire (and it was almost always the woman of the house) had to know how to start the fire and spread the coals so that the air could enter from below and keep the home fires burning.

And I know that it was the women making the fires because my antique engineering books tell me so. The writers of those books made a big deal about this gender thing, and most suggested that a smart heating engineer choosing a boiler for a house will add up to 75% more capacity to the coal-burning grate area than is actually required to get the job done. Can you guess why?

It was because the man of the house might try his hand at building a fire on the weekends.

The writers of the old engineering books flat out wrote that the men didn’t know what the heck they were doing when it came to making a proper coal fire (it was women’s work). The writers figured that if they gave the husbands more room in which to play, there would be less chance of a lousy fire on the weekends, and fewer complaints to the heating engineer.

Seventy-five percent extra space in the combustion chamber for the husband, because he didn’t know what he was doing.

And there’s something else you may not know, something that had a huge impact on the development of house heating back in the early days of the 20th century. It was the Spanish Influenza pandemic of 1918-19. The flu killed 40 million people worldwide.

This was the worst disaster in human history, but you probably never learned about it in school. It was an event so horrific that it was literally erased from the common memory. It killed so many people during that winter that the editors of The Ladies Home Journal magazine coined a new term during the summer of 1919. They decided to rename the parlor the "living room" in honor of those who survived. "Parlor" had taken on such a sad connotation because that was where most families laid out their dead.

The Spanish Influenza disappeared as suddenly as it had arrived, but it affected people for years afterward. During the summer of 1919, no one was allowed out on the street unless they were wearing a surgical mask. If you go on the Internet, you’ll find photographs of Major League Baseball games where every player is wearing a mask, and so is every fan in the stands.

This was the scariest virus of all time, the perfect virus, and it was airborne. People became deathly afraid of the air in their homes, in their workplaces, in their houses of worship—everywhere. They began to open their windows to let in fresh air, and this had a dramatic effect on central heating. You can see it in the engineering books published after 1920. The authors wrote of the Fresh Air Movement and cautioned engineers to specify boilers and radiators that will be large enough to heat the building on the coldest day of the year—with the windows open.

If you base the size of your new boiler on the label that’s on the old boiler, there’s a very good chance you’ll be sizing a boiler that’s large enough to heat your home with the windows open. You’ll also be accommodating a long-dead husband who didn’t know how to make a coal fire on the weekends. These are vestiges of American Heating History. There’s no reason why you should have to embrace them, though.

But wait, it gets even wackier. The Dead Men oversized those early boilers for good reasons, and they installed them well so that they would last for decades, which they did. What changed as time went by, however, was the fuel. Coal was never cheap, and once the oil burner arrived in the late 1920s, oil heat looked very attractive. The Spanish flu had vanished, and people got on with their lives. Oil was cheaper than coal, and it was an automatic fuel. That made quite an impression on the woman who had been keeping the home fires burning. Imagine, a boiler that takes care of itself! And oil is a lot cleaner than coal. Switch to oil, and there would be less housework. And you can reclaim the space in the basement where the coal bin used to be. Get rid of the coal dust, and your kids would be healthier. Yes, oil was the way to go!

The challenge for the oil dealer, however, was how to size the new oil burner for the old coal-fired boiler. To make the switch in fuels, he would have to remove the coal grates from the boiler, fill the base of the boiler with sand, and then mount the new oil burner on the cleanout door of the old boiler. It was more art than science.

And to make it even tougher, there was no reliable conversion formula to go from coal to fuel oil because the heat value of the coal varied depending on the type of coal and where it came from. The oil dealer didn’t want to pick a burner that would be too small to get the job done because then his customer would complain, so he figured in a generous safety factor.

You following this? We begin with a coal-fired steam boiler that can heat the house with the windows open. To this we add 75% because of the husband, and then the oil dealer adds a margin for safety to that.

And that’s the way Americans heated for years. Too hot? Open the window. Oil was cheap, and many of those boilers lasted through the 1960s and into the early 1970s.

And then 1973 rolled around, and with it came the first OPEC oil embargo. The price of fuel spiked, and we all sat in long lines at the gas stations, and people began looking for ways to save energy. Those drafty old steam boilers that once burned coal and now burned oil had to go. Many people switched to natural gas in the early ’70s, and boilers went in quickly because everyone was in a rush to save energy.

The contractors doing the fuel conversions usually sized the replacement gas-fired boiler based on the size of the nozzle in the old oil burner. But keep in mind how that oil burner got sized as you mull over all of this. And consider, too, that the gasman is also going to add a generous safety factor when he does his sizing. He was concerned because the modern steam boilers were much smaller than the beasts they were replacing. That’s part of what made them more efficient. They didn’t contain as much metal or as much water. The gasman worried that he might not have enough water in the boiler to keep the boiler running while waiting for the condensate to return from the system. So he usually bumped up the boiler by at least one size.

Okay, let’s go over this one more time. We begin with a boiler that can heat the house with the windows open, and if necessary, the roof removed. We nearly double that size because of the husband. Then the oil guy enters the picture and tosses in his safety factors. And then comes the gasman, who does the same.

Which brings us to the 21st century. It’s probably time to replace that boiler again. So, how do you feel about sizing a new boiler based on what’s in the basement right now?

posted in ranchtronix - 0 replies

I want to sleep in a giant teacup!

Melissa — Mon, 11 Apr 2005 21:21:29 GMT

But don't know how to build one. Can anyone give me advice?

I'm envisioning a structure that will encircle my tent at Burning Man, be about 8-10 ft tall, with a 12 ft diameter across the top, an 8 ft diameter footprint, and, ideally, be wind storm resistant.

At first I thought of building the whole thing out of papier mache, then of fabric, wooden ribs and irrigation tube hoops, now PVC pipes???

I am open to any suggestions about how to proceed and would be very grateful for your feedback or ideas.

Please help me ensure that my 24-hr Mad Tea Party takes place as scheduled. A giant cake goes to the friendly, wonderful, generous person with the most useful design advice!!!

Thank you!
Honeybee

posted in ranchtronix - 9 replies

free logic analyzer

tzm — Thu, 28 Apr 2005 17:51:30 GMT

i'm moving. it works; HP1615B; with pods.

it's big. it's old. it's functional. please take it away.

posted in ranchtronix - 5 replies

anyone here have good recommendations for this guy?

tzm — Wed, 27 Apr 2005 21:33:26 GMT

http://sanfrancisco.tribe.net/listing/be44aff2-1370-46aa-8038-3d8f619f1af7?r=10535

posted in ranchtronix - 2 replies

LED Light Pots

Davor — Sun, 17 Apr 2005 03:12:52 GMT

I have 56 LEDs that I want to make into light pots for the lawn @ camp and sons.

20 Super Bright White (10000 mcd/ 15 degrees)
10 Super Bright White (6000 mcd/ 30 degrees)
20 Super Bright Red (8000 mcd/ 30 degrees)
6 Super Bright Orange (4000 mcd/30 degrees)

Right now all I have are the LEDs. I'm thinking of either 8 pots of 7 or 7 pots of 8 leds.

Not really sure where to start buying the rest of the gear i'll need or what it is.

They don't have to do anything but be on and help light the lawn for a weekend. Though making them rechargeable would be cool and maybe having them throb slowly.

I am at a loss, and summer is coming as are finals and term papers.

Can I come by the ranch this wednesday?

Raa?

posted in ranchtronix - 2 replies

Simnuke Call for Submissions

sashahc — Thu, 14 Apr 2005 16:41:53 GMT

This is a gallery exhibition that I am co-curating with Max Carlson in San Francisco this July . We're looking for some stellar art, so please apply. This should be a really great show. More info is available at:
http://www.simnuke.org/

You can download a form at:
http://www.simnuke.org/SimnukeCallForEntries.doc

Also, send this on to any interested persons

sasha.

CALL FOR ENTRIES

Simnuke Project Gallery Show (July 28 – August 10, 2005)
http://simnuke.org

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Simnuke Project is seeking art that tells the story of the Atomic Age.

On July 16, 1945 at 05:29:45 local time (Mountain War Time), a team of scientists reached the culmination of the Manhattan Project, the first test of a nuclear weapon. The event was code-named "Trinity".

On July 16, 2005, at 05:29:45 local time, a team of artists and engineers will commemorate the 60-year anniversary of Trinity by simulating the look and feel of the detonation of a nuclear device.

A gallery show at Rx Gallery (http://www.rxgallery.com/) in San Francisco, California July 28 – August 10 will accompany this event, allowing artists working in a variety of mediums to delve into the implications of atomic weapons that have pervaded our lives for the last 60 years. Artists of all backgrounds are invited to participate in the Simnuke Gallery Show.

The immediate goal of the exhibit is to create a venue for art that tells the story of the Atomic Age. The medium is unspecified: the nuclear age itself is the binding theme for the show.

In the 60 years since that world-changing moment that was the Trinity detonation, the Bomb has permeated the collective consciousness, shaped generations, economies, and nations, and within the last decade almost completely disappeared. Children today barely know the fears of the nuclear age. Ask most anyone on the street what he or she would do if there was an impending nuclear attack and they would likely stare at you blankly, not knowing what that would mean. The Simnuke Project seeks to illustrate the needless threat of such limitless, destructive energy in the hope that no one will ever again experience the devastation of the real thing.

From Trinity to modern day “bunker busters”, nearly everyone has been affected by the fears, the myths, and the realities of the nuclear threat. As ever more countries become nuclear-enabled and as the United States makes sounds of restarting its nuclear weapon development, it is imperative that we become knowledgeable about the risks of nuclear arms and power.

The ultimate goal of the project is to create an occasion to bring closer and examine the shadow nuclear weapons have cast on billions of lives. Bringing the events long forgotten after 60 years into the present is a tool for healing – by creating a close connection with the destructive nature and history of nuclear technologies, peace will become the higher option.

The intended audience for the message of Simnuke crosses age groups and demographics. Some will directly experience the commemoration itself in the desert. Others will visit the gallery. Many more will read or see media about the project and reflect on the Atomic Age.

All entries will be pre-screened for eligibility by curators; however, not all entries will be in the show.

The deadline for submissions is Friday, May 6, 2005.

The Simnuke Project is supported by the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation (http://www.wagingpeace.org/), the Nuclear Policy Research Institute (http://www.nuclearpolicy.org/), and Tree New Mexico (http://www.treenm.com/). The Simnuke Project is made possible with the fiscal sponsorship of the Cloud Factory Collective for the Arts (http://www.cloudfactoryarts.org/), a 501(c)3 organization.

HOW TO ENTER

ENTRY FORMAT:

- A brief description (maximum 250 words) clearly outlining the piece you are proposing

- Artist statement - maximum 500 words

- Curriculum vitae

- 10-20 slides with name and title, or URL where we can view your work.

- Video artists may submit a video no longer than 5 minutes. Entries must be submitted on VHS (NTSC, PAL) or DVD, or as a photograph.

- Self addressed, sufficiently stamped envelope if you would like your entry materials returned.

- An entrant may submit any number of pieces.

DEADLINE: Entries must be postmarked by midnight, Friday, May 6, 2005.

EXHIBITION:Works chosen for the show will be announced by Friday, May 20, 2005. The opening event will take place on July 28, 2005, and we will have a memorial closing event on August 6, 2005,the 60 – year anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima.

SHIPPING INFORMATION:

PACKAGING:Ship your materials in a bubble-pack envelope, or packaging appropriate to safely ship your entry.

COST & LABELING:Entrant must pay all shipping costs for entries to and from Oakland. All tapes, DVDs and photographs must indicate title, shipper's name and return shipping address. The Simnuke Project is not responsible for any damage to entries incurred during shipping.

Send all entries to & for more information, please contact:
The Simnuke Project
PO Box 7605
Oakland, CA 94601

TEL(415) 516-2049
EMAIL: submissions@simnuke.org

.. sasha harris-cronin ..
.. sasha@mortalspaces.com .. 415.516.2049..

posted in ranchtronix - 0 replies

whee

aryana — Mon, 14 Mar 2005 09:23:54 GMT

I made sushi on sat, and again tonight, I am phreak. BUT there will be rolls and rolls at lunchtime round the ranch - and I do mean 1-3 pm ish. Veggie, avo, shitake, and cream cheese onion.....

I also made spent grains cookies, a bit chewy, and used the grains from the hefeweizen double brew batch. Yee fucking ha!

Aryana

posted in ranchtronix - 0 replies

is anyone at ranch tonight?

aryana — Thu, 23 Dec 2004 03:34:44 GMT

ary and ian want to play - anyone, bueller, anyone?

posted in ranchtronix - 0 replies

anyone wanna pick me up for ranch tomorrow?

aryana — Wed, 08 Dec 2004 00:01:02 GMT

any penninsula workers heading out after work tomorrow to the ranch?
I am 3 blocks off marsh road in RWC:)

aryana
650-804-4258

posted in ranchtronix - 0 replies

windows update hell

raj — Tue, 04 Nov 2003 20:48:28 GMT

Need to get my windows computer up and running again.. 41 critical updates, several that need to be installed independently...

Update - Reboot - Update - Reboot - arg! WHY???

posted in ranchtronix - 8 replies

time

Dave — Wed, 21 Jan 2004 22:27:28 GMT

so what time do you all asemble for this dickering with soldering irons?

posted in ranchtronix - 4 replies

batteries vs. razors

raj — Mon, 19 Jan 2004 04:04:40 GMT

Well, this seems like the appropriate place to put a bit of pointless information...

Did you know Duracell is owned by Gillette, the shaver company?

Energizer bought Schick last year, away form Pfizer...

I don't get it.

Anyway, Gillette just came out with a vibrating mach3 razor. Of course it comes with a Duracell battery. Now that's synergy!

posted in ranchtronix - 2 replies

New Year

Mr Foo — Mon, 12 Jan 2004 00:11:29 GMT

So umm....

The last x-mas tree is burned. And I've consummed enough
booze to last me till May. Time for more Ranchonixs.

This week.

Decleaning! The Ranchonix room was cleaned and straightened
for the ranch x-mas party. This needs to be reversed.

Elf Porn! The mechanical Elf Fucker broke himself.

Mr Foo

posted in ranchtronix - 0 replies

My roomba is jealous!

raj — Sun, 30 Nov 2003 06:09:15 GMT

http://www.mobilemag.com/content/100/102/C2261/

posted in ranchtronix - 0 replies

Hey, what is Ranchtronix?

jcdill — Mon, 03 Nov 2003 23:36:47 GMT

Just checking it out! What is this tribe about?

posted in ranchtronix - 3 replies

ranchtronix's topics - tribe.net

looking for help with carbon fiber composits and Springs

RaNchToNix (the Musical)

Sonic locator

LED bulb chaos

Proper Engineering

I want to sleep in a giant teacup!

free logic analyzer

anyone here have good recommendations for this guy?

LED Light Pots

Simnuke Call for Submissions

whee

is anyone at ranch tonight?

anyone wanna pick me up for ranch tomorrow?

windows update hell

time

batteries vs. razors

New Year

My roomba is jealous!

see also

Hey, what is Ranchtronix?