Watch the cutter head rotate around itself at 0:52.
Friday, April 30, 2021
Sunday, April 25, 2021
Why All New Apartment Buildings Look Identical
A loophole allows fire-retardant wood for multi-storey buildings, meaning cheap, high-density housing. These "5 over 1's" (named for their respective building codes) have a concrete base and wooden superstructure. Building codes rejected a simple flat facade as monotonous. Wood swells with humidity, mandating hardi-board for the exteriors which can absorb this movement (instead of glass or metal) so all these structures end up looking the same.
https://youtu.be/cSYbwwofCKQ?si=qz3MJZbTw2Wlgm3B
https://youtu.be/2qry7AmdIn8?si=AIuuODEYNLxFjj9d
Cross-laminated timber
https://youtu.be/YuAya0hRjwU?si=q1VJQfzfadJegVVs
Why are new buildings so boring? https://youtu.be/8K1kiMDuI8k?si=WiifaNIoNDxfbhNY
Friday, April 23, 2021
Thursday, April 22, 2021
Wednesday, April 21, 2021
The National Debt: Last Week Tonight
An interesting argument that national debt is not as bad as you might think.
Establishing a new Cryptocurrency
Podcast about a secret ceremony to establish a new cryptocurrency zcash - they went to incredible lengths to make it secret and yet they may have been hacked!
Monday, April 19, 2021
Asymmetry attractive
"Contrary to what was predicted, faces that were made more symmetrical were perceived as being less attractive."
Tuesday, April 13, 2021
Tethered Kite Wind Power
This video makes sense of this technology - the descending kite uses a robot to pull control cords to de-power one wing during descent. A small amount of power from the sister kite is used to draw the first kite down during the sister kite's ascent.
Skillful piloting
At 1:39, wow, look how close this 224,000 ton ship is to the canal walls - barely a meter clearance on each side.
Sunday, April 11, 2021
Icebreakers: life on board
Life aboard an icebreaker. Monotonous cold tough conditions require a stoic hardworking crew.
Saturday, April 10, 2021
How Tesla is innovating
The giga press, commissioned by Tesla, allows larger castings, reducing number of parts and simplifying production. It achieves an incredible 6000 tons of force. (Analogously, WW1 was arguably won by whichever country had the largest die-forging press, simplifying aircraft manufacture - wiki )
0:53 Tesla had to develop a new alloy of aluminum that could withstand this process. The animation of molten aluminum flowing into the press is dramatic.
A giga press takes molten metal, transports it via an oxygen-deprived atmosphere, and injects it under extreme pressure into a mold. wiki This allows formation of large and complicated shapes.
Next, by making the battery pack integral to the body structure (akin to making an aircraft wing into its fuel tank) saves weight and complexity, adds stiffness, and brings battery weight closer to the midline - which not only lowers the chance of battery pack intrusion in a side impact, but reduces lateral forces in cornering (reduced polar moment of inertia) like a figure skater bringing their arms in close to their body.
How Hydroforming Works
1:37 you get a lot less scratching on the product because it's oil against metal instead of metal against metal as the part is extruded into the form.
Higher tolerances are achieved - I assume because the process achieves a more uniform pressure across the entire sheet rather than at pinch points with a traditional press.
A nice animation here: https://youtu.be/n-ht_5Ysurc
Note the blue layer of liquid against the part.
Thursday, April 8, 2021
Taking down the scammers
https://youtu.be/le71yVPh4uk
I really enjoyed this "underdog" story of a computer-savvy guy pitting himself against scammers. He really sleuths them out in detail through their phones, their security cams, and their PayPal accounts, and beats them at their own game. It's a 4-part series so it's almost an hour, but it's worth it when you get to the end.
The Logistics of Shutting Down the Entire Cruise Industry
Start watching from 3:01 - he spends 3 minutes saying what a big deal it was to contend with. Cruise companies normally stockpile money during good times so they can survive for a year or more with zero income.
They corralled their ships in the Caribbean, and shuttled 26000 staff to sort by country of origin, then set sail, delivering them home by ship two months later.
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
Two Years of Full Time RV Repairs
An RV is subjected to repetitive vibration and jolts during driving that are hard on its components, so things break much more often than in a regular home.
6:02 The manufacturer will pay for parts and labor for warranty repair, but not the mobile technician fee to come fix it, which can be $100.
7:41 If you need a mobile technician: Check with your RV park office for a mobile technician that they recommend.
25:00 anti-stiction fluid - helps prevent static friction in linear hydraulic systems where adjacent parts have to overcome a threshold of static cohesion before moving.
Monday, April 5, 2021
How NZ Farmers Shear 25,000 Sheep In 10 Days
Devastating decline in wool prices, compounded with covid-19 shutdowns has meant even their stockpiled wool is worthless.
Solar Powered Electric Boat!! (Part 1)
I enjoyed watching this whole project. It seems like a great option for getting a solar boat. I think an outboard would have been a lot simpler, though.
Sunday, April 4, 2021
RV Travel Day Checklist - Breakdown and Setup
https://youtu.be/uPXNmS0IBRQ
Checklists here:
And the tools you'll need:
✅ Dump / Flush REAR black tank
✅ Secure REAR Dump Hose (less stuff to stow on departure day)
✅ TREAT REAR Black Tank
✅ Dump / Flush FRONT black tank (we leave this hooked up as it's also the dump for Grey 1 and Grey 2, the hose is under the slide anyway)
✅ TREAT FRONT black tank.
✅ Fuel Truck (much simpler to fuel without the rig attached, and usually cheaper)
✅ Inspect HITCH bolts and connectors, including hitch head retaining pins
✅ Inspect Rig wheels and suspension (torque lug nuts once a month) (visual inspection of the leaf springs, attachment points, etc. looking for anything amiss)
✅ Sweep slide toppers and inspect roof. (while slide toppers really eliminate this need, I still like to get stuff off them that may have accumulated during our stay)
✅ Fill fresh tank (% based on next location) (usually just 1/3 tank unless we'll be boondocking)
✅ Check Rig tires (inflation, general inspection) (a TPMS / Tire Pressure Monitoring System makes this a simple task. I always make sure the tires are +/- 3psi of target of 110psi)
✅ Check Truck tires (inflation, general inspection) (truck TPMS also greatly simplifies this)
✅ Check Pin Box Airbag pressure (100psi) (our FlexAir pin box has a shock and airbag. I've found that 100psi cold with no load puts it right about where it's supposed to ride when loaded)
✅ Check walkie-talkie Radios / charge if needed
T-12 (night before departure, usually just before bed)
✅ Stow outside items. (rug, chairs, etc)
✅ Plan route and fuel (get a feel on gas station locations, rest stops, etc) (while this is usually already mostly done, I still text the next address to myself so I have it in the truck for the GPS in the morning) Note: we use RV Trip Wizard.
✅ Garage: rear bathroom vent closed and lights off
✅ Garage: rear bathroom secure and door closed
✅ Garage: roll up carpet (this does require some juggling of the furniture)
✅ Garage: desk in stow position (up against the bathroom door but not tied down yet as I'll likely still need it)
✅ Garage: motorcycle wheel-dock in place and tie downs in place on floor
✅ Garage: Happpijack fully stowed / confirm items strapped to bunk are secure.
✅ Load motorbike and strap down loosely (no sense compressing the shocks longer than necessary)
✅ Secure patio (collapse patio rails and close rear door)
✅ Dump grey tanks and geo-treat (AFTER showers, dishes, etc) (I like to put about 5 gallons of water in both grey tanks along with a cup of water softener and bit of dawn dish soap. This concoction will splash around in there while we drive and clean the tanks and sensors)
T-0 (morning of departure)
✅ Run generator (exercise) while prepping to leave (if etiquette allows, we switch over to genny power to run the A/C, etc for the last 30 mins to hour to exercise it)
✅ Bedroom secure and carpet stowed (closet door latched, laundry door closed)
✅ Bedroom windows closed
✅ Bedroom slide in
✅ Bedroom A/C and lights off
✅ Bathroom shower secure (everything off shelves, shower door locked open)
✅ Bathroom secure (vent closed, counter items stowed, bathroom door latched open)
✅ Hall window blind up.
✅ Garage: Desk secured (computer disconnected, stowed, monitor in travel mode, desk and chair strapped down)
✅ Garage: secure (blinds up, patio doors latched, garage door locked, rolled rug on floor, tv locked in, happi-jack all the way up)
✅ Garage: Motorcycle straps tightened down
✅ Garage: Rear A/C and lights off
✅ Living room secure (refrigerator doors shut and latched, carpets stowed, chairs secured with padding, all drawers and cabinets closed)
✅ Pantry door closed
✅ Windows closed / blinds up
✅ Middle A/C off
✅ One-Control Items off (water pump, water heater, ALL Lights)
✅ Generator off
✅ Inverter ON
✅ Refrigerator – Verify using electric (not propane)
✅ Slides: one last check for obstacles inside and out
✅ Slides: Retract with door, vent, or window open for air flow
✅ Put Spare key in truck (we don't like our home's keys in the truck when camped)
✅ Secure main entrance (stow steps, lock door, secure hand hold)
✅ Propane – shut off both valves
✅ Secure Electrical and plumbing (water hose, power cord, poop hose)
✅ Nautilus in dry camp mode (relieve system pressure before switching)
HITCHING Checklist (time to roll!)
This is BY FAR the most important checklist. Missing steps here can cause severe damage to the rig and / or truck, and possibly even injuries. There are some redundancies on this list, but it's good to double check some things from the outside.
✅ Above Checklists Complete
✅ RIG – Slides and awnings IN
✅ RIG – Stairs and hand rail STOWED.
✅ RIG – Forward Bay Closed and Latched
✅ RIG – Pin Lock Removed (we use this pin lock – yes we're paranoid)
✅ RIG – Jacks / Stabilizers to TOW HEIGHT (Middle and Rear Retracted)
✅ TRUCK – TPMS ON
✅ TRUCK – Tailgate DOWN
✅ TRUCK – Back ALMOST to pin-box
✅ RIG – Adjust Kingpin height to proper hitch height of truck.
✅ TRUCK – OPEN Hitch Latch
✅ TRUCK – Back truck into Kingpin
✅ TRUCK – Visually check KINGPIN LOCK BAR IS LOCKED
✅ TRUCK – Connect Electrical cord and Breakaway cable.
✅ RIG – Lower Rig with Front landing gear to pull test height (front jacks 1″ off the ground)
✅ TRUCK – Tow/Haul Mode
✅ TRUCK – Mirrors EXTENDED
✅ TRUCK – PULL TEST (manually engage trailer brakes and try to pull away SLOW)
✅ TRUCK – Check that trailer brakes are adjusted and trailer is connected in truck system.
✅ TRUCK – Set parking brake.
✅ RIG – Retract ALL on landing gear
✅ TRUCK – CLOSE TAILGATE
✅ RIG – Remove and stow wheel chocks and landing gear blocks.
✅ RIG – Check and close all storage doors and lock.
✅ TRUCK – Lights on / Rear Camera working
✅ TRUCK – Validate TPMS reads all truck tires and validate pressure / temperature
✅ TRUCK / RIG – Verify all lights are operable (signals, brake, reverse)
✅ TRUCK / RIG – Full Walkaround
✅ TRUCK – Rest Trip Meter
✅ TRUCK – Set Airbags to 65PSI
✅ViAir Compressor! (https://changinglanesrv.com/viair) – An absolute must, to maintain your tires!
✅ Craftsman Mechanics Tool Set, SAE / Metric, 135-Piece (https://amzn.to/2z4r5NS)
✅ Gorilla Duct Tape (https://amzn.to/2z8K5ec) – A million uses!
✅ Rechargeable Headlamp (https://amzn.to/2WAXLqr) – Hands-free lighting!
✅ Kobalt 6x-Speed Double Drive Screwdriver Set (https://amzn.to/3b3f0FQ) –ratcheting screwdriver!
✅ Kobalt Folding Lockback Utility Knife (https://amzn.to/35qLSqZ)
✅ WD40 Specialist White Lithium Grease Spray (https://amzn.to/2z3cp1m) – Hitch, etc.
✅ BOESHIELD T-9 Rust & Corrosion Protection and Waterproof Lubrication (https://amzn.to/2z6Yase) – Great stuff! --- Essential for Full Timers---
✅ DeWALT 20V 0.25″ 3-Speed Impact Driver : https://amzn.to/2z1JHhx
✅ Craftsman Driver Biit Set: https://amzn.to/2yoCV5d
✅ Craftsman Impact Bit Set: https://amzn.to/3dgbbyJ
✅ Craftsman Drill Bits: https://amzn.to/2KSg059
✅ Luisladders 16.5 Feet A-Frame Telescopic Ladder: https://amzn.to/2z8jptH
✅ Alpha Systems 1021 Self-Leveling RV Sealant (https://amzn.to/3c34M9G) – Check with your RV Manufacturer to get the right kind.
✅ TEKTON 3/4 Inch Drive Click Torque Wrench (50-300 ft.-lb.) – https://amzn.to/2KXlwU8
✅ AirTec Lube Shuttle No Mess Grease Gun Kit (https://amzn.to/2SymhHc)
✅ Klein Tools MM700 Multimeter (https://amzn.to/3b07lbo)
✅ Portable Work Bench (https://amzn.to/2zVsQ0f)
✅ Gaffer Tape (https://amzn.to/35twjyU) – Less sticky for temporary taping tasks.
✅ Estwing Sure Split Wedge (https://amzn.to/2W04Z8f) – For splitting wood.
✅ Estwing Sure Strike 3-Pound Sledge Hammer (https://amzn.to/35rUBcf) – Bam!
✅ Orange Screw: The Ultimate Ground Anchor (https://amzn.to/3c33goi) – Great in soft ground
✅ Heavy Duty Tent Stakes (https://amzn.to/2yoCV5d) – Great in hard ground.
✅ Black Bungee Cords (https://amzn.to/2YrNMpE) – we use these to tie down our awning shade.
✅ Milwaukee Step Drill Bit Kit for metal (https://amzn.to/2KYav50) – For drilling into frame etc.
✅ Hex Key Wrench Set (https://amzn.to/2xuMJKJ)
✅ 600-Lumen Led Rechargeable Work Lamp (https://amzn.to/3fhnkoD)
✅ Fiskars Steel Bypass Pruning Shears (https://amzn.to/3b5Lu2s) – For those pesky branches!
✅ Digital Laser Infrared Thermometer (https://amzn.to/2WAY4l5) – For the griddle, bearings, etc.
✅ Plastic Telescoping Inspection Mirror (https://amzn.to/2ydRjxq) – Great for inspecting suspension.
✅ Waterless RV Wash Wax Mop Kit (Wash-Wax-All) (https://amzn.to/3d9bs6o) – Rv Dry Wash
✅ Bernzomatic Multi-Purpose Trigger-Start Torch (https://amzn.to/2VYyPKh) – Burn stuff with style!
✅ Mini D Handle Shovel (https://amzn.to/2SwbBJs) – For when you run over that mailbox!
✅ EZ Out Screw Extractor Kit (https://amzn.to/2WnvTWr) – Remove stripped screw heads.
✅ Universal Lug Wrench, 4-Way Cross Wrench (https://amzn.to/2YB5Hu2)
✅ 1/2 Inch Drive Premium Breaker Bar (https://amzn.to/2WqyMGd)
✅ Heavy Duty Tire Repair Kit (https://amzn.to/2WnTV3K)
✅ Dremel 3000 (https://amzn.to/3dfotLV) – Such an awesome multi-purpose tool!
✅ PEX Cinch Clamp/Ear Hose Clamps Tool (https://amzn.to/35tByyA) – Plumbing repairs and mods.
✅ Milwaukee 48-22-4200 Pex/Tubing Cutter (https://amzn.to/3b07b3M)
--- Related Videos ---
Travel Day Checklists – https://youtu.be/uPXNmS0IBRQ —- Downloadable Checklists – https://changinglanesrv.com/pre-trave...
Easy RV Dry Wash (and Blue Beacon) – https://youtu.be/P_7zoBI3PG4
RV Geeks Get Your RV's Basement Under Control – https://youtu.be/081T4ZPQtK8
RV Keyless Entry by RV Lock: https://youtu.be/cdsojQxggYY
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