Open Source Ecology - User contributions [en]

Compressed Earth Blocks

2013-12-28T18:45:09Z

Graham Robertson: /* Water Resistance */

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==Overview==
[[File:Liberator_bricks.JPG|right|400px|thumb|Bricks pressed on [[The Liberator]]]]'''

Compressed Earth Blocks are the main construction material used in the [[GVCS]] [[CEB_Press|Compressed Earth Block Press (formerly called The Liberator)]].

CEB Construction is a powerful technique for empowering communities to produce on-demand housing.

The bricks do not require curing - so a machine may churn out bricks on-site that can be continuously added to the building. CEB lends itself to 100% onsite building material sourcing. The thermal insulation, sound insulation, and strength of the bricks are excellent.

CEBs can also be used in fences, [[CEB Water Cistern|cisterns]], road paving, ovens, dams, thermal storage cisterns, silos, barns, dairy plant, bakery building, [[Greenhouses|greenhouses]], raised garden beds, etc.

==Materials used in compressed earth blocks==
CEBs are made from soil that is 15-40% non-expansive clay, 25-40% silt powder, and 40-70% sharp sand to small gravel content. The more modern machines do not require aggregate (rock) to make a strong soil block for most applications. Soil moisture content ranges from 4-12% by weight. Clay with a plasticity index (PI) of up to 25 or 30 would be acceptable for most applications. The PI of the mixed soil (clay, silt and sand/gravel combined) should not exceed 12 to 15; that is the difference between the Upper and Lower [[Atterberg limits]], as determined by laboratory testing.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compressed_earth_block</ref>

Selection and preparation of the soil are important to getting the best results from a CEB press. See the [[CEB_Blocks |CEB Blocks]] page.

===CEB Shapes and Sizes===
(TODO: Add pictures of CEBs built with The Liberator; show different shapes and sizes it can make)

[[To_Interlock_on_Not_to_Interlock]]

===Alternative Materials===
* [[Krafterra]]: A researcher from UnB (University of Brasília, Brazil) suggests the use of kraft paper from cement bags mixed with earth to obtain better CEBs, dubbed '''krafterra'''.
* [[Compressed Earth Bricks with Wool|Wool]]
* [[Geopolymers]]: Although cements are the most common application of geopolymerization, a range of refractory and structural products have been produced. The products of geopolymerization are called poly-silicates.
*Galvinized wire? Galvinized wire reinforcing would be light and could probably provide extra resistance to earthquakes. The prices are similar to rebar per pound, but there is perhaps 5 times the support per pound of material. Does not need double thickness, which cuts down on labor.

===Aesthetics===
*[http://www.midwestearthbuilders.com/photogallery.html MEB photo gallery]
*[http://cebtex.com/?page_id=6 CebTex]
*[http://cebtex.com/?page_id=7 CebTex2]
*[http://pages.sbcglobal.net/fwehman/Exterior.html exterior images AECT]
*[http://pages.sbcglobal.net/fwehman/Interior.html interior images AECT]
*[http://www.adobemachine.com/midland_project_construction_pic.htm Midland Project Construction Pictures by Earthblock Texas Homes]

Stick frame construction is the main building method in North America. It is a weak but fast building method, which makes money for developers but returns little value to the homeowner, if one considers lifecycle cost of buildings. (note the lifecycle use of materials in Greenforms at CMPBS) Procuring lumber drains money out of local economies. This is not to mention clear-cutting and vast lumber monocultures that supply the lumber. We are interested in raising the standard of building, away from stick frame. We believe that with all these considerations, the CEB is the only building technique that even remotely has a chance of substituting for stick frame constuction, and that with our machine, priced $3-5k and designed for fabrication replication, will fill in a great need. CEB construction has the potential for mainstreamability in home construction.

==Advantages of CEBs==
===Thermal properties===
CEBs are excellent thermal insulators. In very cold climates, a superinsulated building can be made by putting a layer of insulation between two layers of CEBs - see [[Superinsulated CEB Construction]]

Furthermore, they lose and gain heat less quickly than surrounding air. As a result of this, they store warmth in cold weather, and coolness in hot weather.

===Comparison to other natural building methods===
If you want to build a home from natural materials, you have a choice of -
*Wood: stick-frame, timber frame, post and beam
*Structural masonry: brick, concrete block, rock, CEB (note that CEB falls into the class of structural masonry)
*Earth-mix: adobe, rammed earth, stabilized earth blocks, cob, earthbag
*Other natural building methods: strawbale, cordwood, papercrete, [[Earthship|earthships]] and variations of all types.

Earthbag and cordwood construction, though cheap, take too much time. It takes about $400 and 400 man-hours to build the walls and roof of a 200 square foot (18.6m<sup>2</sup>) room. Earthbag construction requires filling, stacking and tamping bags of earth. As the walls get higher, the bags must be lifted accordingly. Barbed wire is strung between layers of bags. The process is not easily mechanized. And the walls require stuccoing afterwards. Cordwood was also difficult. Wood has to be cut, stacked, restacked and stacked again. We were surprised at how much wood was required for a small addition. Furthermore, both cordwood and earthbags have the distinct disadvantage of being irregular. By contrast, CEB construction takes much less time. This is because the blocks made are uniform, whereas other natural building methods use irregular materials.

Wayne Nelson of ''Habitat for Humanity'' in his piece entitled [http://www.networkearth.org/naturalbuilding/ceb.html "Compressed Earth Blocks"] says, "Uniformly sized building components can result in less waste, faster construction and the possibility of using other pre-made components or modular manufactured building elements." High uniformity gives CEB a competitive advantage over other natural building methods, allowing the CEB to influence local economies as a building medium.

===Local production===
Compressed earth blocks exemplify the quality "locally-made". The required clay-sand subsoil is locally available nearly everywhere. Even the mortar is made from this mix with additional water. (See: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compressed_earth_block Wikipedia]) Humus-rich top-soil can be preserved for agriculture and the resulting hole may become a basement, root-cellar, pond or smoothed out to blend with the landscape. If onsite soil is insufficient (ie. not enough, or unbalanced) near-by off-site soil or ammendments might be an appropriate option. Miles traveled: near Zero.

Compare this to the stick-frame house. According to "Gate-to-Gate Life-Cycle Inventory of Softwood Lumber Production" by Michael R. Milota, Cynthia D. West, and Ian D. Hartley, lumber travels 65 miles on average, just to get to the mill. Numerous unnatural materials are often used (ie vinyl siding and insulation) that have their own set of negative ecological consequences.

Other natural building methods have variably high scores on local, ecological use of materials, provided the materials are locally abundant.

A CEB press also can also enhance the local economy through a brickworks facitility. Bricks can be made competitively at a local scale. In "Compressed Earth Block Volume 1: Manual of Production" by CRA Terre, Vincent Rigassi ([http://80.237.211.43/basin/publications/index.asp?A=1 see D.10)], CEB is pronounced as "one of those rare 'modern materials' which has sufficient production flexibility to enable it to be integrated into both formal and informal sectors of activity, from 'cottage' industry to full-scale industrial plants" (pg 5).

The third opportunity for local production is to manufacture CEB presses. Our open-source CEB machine ''[[CEB Press|The Liberator]]'' is designed to be built with simple tools and off-the-shelf parts. There is an opportunity for huge profits here as other CEB presses are expensive ($25k for one of 3-5 brick/minute performance). The Liberator's design has minimum welds, using only bolts to secure the frame together. Since no specialized tools or advanced skills are needed, a local machine shop or adventurous entrepreneur can easily manufacture it, contributing to the local economy.

===Durability===

====Strength====

Strength of CEBs depends on the machine (especially automated versus manual) and the quality of the soil (poorly mixed soil can lead to a weaker brick). According to Wikipedia, "CEB can have a compressive strength as high as 2,000 pounds per square inch. Blocks with compressive strengths of 1,200 to 1,400 p.s.i. are common." We have not yet strength-tested blocks from ''The Liberator''.

The compressive strength of CEB sounds impressive, but according to Fred Webster, Ph.D. seismic Engineer in his paper [http://www.deatech.com/natural/cobinfo/adobe.html "Some Thoughts on'Adobe Codes'], it is neither the only nor the most important variable in determining the ability of CEB's to withstand loads. "In actuality, high compressive strength is and should not be the greatest concern related to pressed block quality. If the block has a compressive strength of 1000 psi rather than 300 psi, it is quite superfluous to the performance of the building subjected to ordinary service loads or even earthquake loads. It is not requisite that earthen blocks be up to the standard of concrete in order to perform well during severe earthquake shaking." Webster suggests that soil quality may be more important than compressive strength in determining the bricks overall durability. "Standards for appropriate soil selection need to be aggressively and rationally developed and tested by the pressed block industry. Currently, the best standards and research are being performed by [http://80.237.211.43/basin/basin/index.asp?A=1 BASIN], a combined appropriate technology effort made up of Germany, England, Switzerland, and France" (Webster).

====Water Resistance====

Although high quality blocks are water-resistant, they are not fully waterproof and commercial builders, such as [http://www.midwestearthbuilders.com/ Midwest Earth Builders] use a stucco to protect the exterior walls. Other design features, such as a large overhang, can also provide some protection against weathering.

CEB buildings may need to be re-finished with stucco coating, just like a house would occasionally need new paint. If a conventional roof is used, maintenance repairs would be identical to a traditional house. More research is needed on maintenance costs of a CEB building.

=====Additives to Increase Water Resistance=====

Chemicals called pozzolans have been used for centuries to cause a hydraulic cementing reaction with hydrated lime (CaOH, calcium hydroxide) in damp or wet conditions.

The Romans used volcanic ash with lime and sand to yield a concrete still unrivaled by modern technology.

More common pozzolans may include brick dust (fired below 900*C) and fly ash from power stations.

In theory, the addition of pozzolans such as brick dust to a dry mix of sand, clay, and hydrated lime could yield CEBs that could be used in wet or damp conditions such as retaining walls.

I propose that these CEBs would require a curing period, following pressing, under plastic to encourage hydraulic cement reaction of lime and pozzolan.

[http://repository.upenn.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1178&context=hp_theses Evaluation and Testing of Brick Dust as a Pozzolanic Additive to Lime Mortar for Architectural Conservation]

====Fire and Mold-proof====

===Economics: The press, initial building cost, maintenance===
We have found that earthbag and cordwood costs about $30 per square foot ($322 per square meter) where labour is valued at $10/ hour. CEB construction should be about 5 times cheaper than that; data to follow.

The main cost is the machine for making the CEBs. Commercial versions that make 3-5 blocks a minute cost $25k. This is one reason why we have built [[CEB Press Intro|The Liberator]], an open-source CEB machine that costs $3-5k and can make 9 blocks a minute.

A tractor with loader and rototiller are required to prepare the soil. These are additional costs. Other equipment and their related costs are detailed in the pdf CEB manual [http://80.237.211.43/basin/publications/index.asp?A=1 D.10] found on the BASIN website.

====Building Costs====
[http://www.midwestearthbuilders.com/BuildingInfo.html MEB] claims, "[c]ost on a per block basis average approximately $1.10 per block. A 1000 square foot home will need approximately 5,500 blocks. So, $6,050 would be the block costs. Once again, we have worked with customers who have provided their own labor and tractor for loading, and have brought this cost down to $.50 to $.60/block."

CEB press maker [http://pages.sbcglobal.net/fwehman/AECTOverview.html AECT] claims, "the cost of the structural compressed earth block construction using the AECT structural compressed earth block machines to produce the structural masonry blocks is between 25-40% less expensive than the next closest construction approach for quality, long lasting and energy efficient structures. Some other cheaper construction techniques are inexpensive, but the resulting housing or commercial buildings are cheap, structurally deficient, noisy, and wasteful in energy use and not appealing to homeowners or commercial tenants."

But when compared strictly on economic terms to a conventional home, natural building methods save surprisingly little. Most natural building methods use convential roofs and foundations. Only the walls are constructed from alternative materials.

From their experience, [http://www.midwestearthbuilders.com/BuildingInfo.html Midwest Earth Builders (MEB)] claim "Because CEBs are used entirely as a wall system, the remaining costs, which can represent 80-90% of the total cost of the home, will be the same as conventional building. For example, the cost of the roof, windows, cabinets, etc. are the same for a framed and CEB home.

Building the wall of a home typically represents 10-20% of the total cost of a home. A CEB wall will average 15% more then a conventionally built wall. In other words if the wall of a conventional home cost $15,000 for a $100,000 home, it will cost $2,250 more for a CEB wall."

A similar summary of straw bale housing is given from [http://www.greenhomebuilding.com/strawbale.htm Green Home Building]. "Erecting bale walls can go amazingly quickly, and does not take a lot of skill, but then the rest of the creation of the building is similar to any other wood framed house. In fact strawbale houses typically only save about 15% of the wood used in a conventionally framed house. The cost of finishing a strawbale house can often exceed that of standard construction, because of the specialized work that goes into plastering both sides of the walls. The result is often worth it though, because of the superior insulation and wall depth that is achieved."

A commerical, pre-built 200 sq ft [http://www.philssheds.com/sheds.htm#Deluxe "deluxe shed"] costs $4,400. Missouri minimum wage is $6.50, but if we gave the workers a nice $10/hour, the price is equivalent. ([http://www.postwoodworking.com/shed_pricing.asp Another company] quoted their shed at $4,009 and I found a two-year old aluminum one on craigslist for $1500, which was originally bought at $2500.)

Other points to consider:
#Skill level. Stuccoing straw bale buildings ''may'' be better left to a professional. CEB requires little skill and is therefore, a good choice for the owner-builder. Normal masonary work requires skilled professionals to apply a thick (1/4-1/2") layer of mortar between layers of bricks, but "because earth blocks do not require thick mortar joints, walls can be built quickly by workers unskilled in masonry" [http://www.midwestearthbuilders.com/BuildingInfo.html (MEB)]. [http://www.midwestearthbuilders.com/AboutUs.html MEB] explains, "One does not have to be an experienced mason to build with CEBs. Homeowners, contractors, and builders can quickly be taught how to stack a wall and begin construction immediately. Because only a thin mortar/slurry joint is used between blocks, walls go up quickly and there is no need to wait for the mortar to set up after a few rows like with typical brick masonry."
#Can other parts of the building be made more economically? CEB can be made into roofing shingles with a roof-tile mold [http://80.237.211.43/basin/publications/index.asp?A=1 D.10]. Conventional roofs are easily held by CEB: "If the block has a compressive strength of 1000 psi rather than 300 psi, it is quite superfluous to the performance of the building subjected to ordinary service loads or even earthquake loads" [http://www.deatech.com/natural/cobinfo/adobe.html (Webster)]. Thus, it seems safe to assume that a CEB wall, appropriately constructed, could hold up the weight of a living roof. Although again, with current technologies, it is more expensive up-front, with long-term savings in maintenance and heating.
#Because CEB is an on-site material and because all parts of the process can be done by hand or machine, it lends itself to great variability of final product prices. [http://www.networkearth.org/naturalbuilding/ceb.html Habitat for Humanity] uses CEB in some of their projects. And [http://80.237.211.43/basin/partner/index.asp?A=1 BASIN] is comprised of organizations which do development work. So, obviously, CEB homes do NOT need to cost as much as conventionally-built ones.

==Disadvantages of CEBs==
The CEB does fall short of perfection in a couple respects. The press and other needed equipment (ie. rototiller and tractor) are not made from locally harvested materials. However, almost all building methods require use of some heavy machinery, and to its advantage, the press is designed to be locally manufactured. Also, ''The Liberator'' is not designed to make roofing shingles (although these can be made from compressed earth). So, the ecological qualities of the roof cannot be addressed.

==More Information==
* [[CEB Press]] - Full information on our high-performance, low-cost, open-source CEB machine: The Liberator.
* [[:Category:The Liberator Full Product Release|The Liberator Full Product Release]]
* [[Earthquake safety]]
* [http://www.institutotierraycal.org/CompressedEarthBlocks.html CEB FAQ] from [[Instituto Tierra y Cal]]
* [http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0012/001282/128236e.pdf 100-page CEB handbook] from a Unesco project in Sudan
* [http://www.earthblockinc.com/overview.htm Overview of CEBs], by Jim Hallock
* [http://www.tijol-eco.com.br/infos.html What should we have in mind when acquiring a CEB press?] - CEB legal issues and norms in Brazil
* [[appropedia: Compressed earth brick press]]
* [http://www.earth-auroville.com/index.php?nav=menu&pg=auram&id1=7&lang_code=en Auram earth construction equipment and blocks] from [[Auroville Earth Institute]] (available in many shapes).
* [http://autonopedia.org/buildings_and_shelter/Rammed_Earth.html Rammed Earth Construction] from Autonopedia
* [http://www.whygreenbuildings.com/ecolodgical/page.php?pageID=131 Rammed/Stabilized Earth] from Green Building Encyclopedia
*[http://pages.sbcglobal.net/fwehman/ Advanced Earthen Construction Technologies]
*[http://www.adobemachine.com/ Powell and Sons CEB machines]
*Gernot Minke - one of the world's leaders in earth construction - see [http://www.eartharchitecture.org/index.php?/archives/786-Gernot-Minke.html here] for thorough overview, including detailed soil testing procedures.
*Galvanized wire reinforced, earthquake resistant earth construction techniques publication - [http://sheltercentre.org/sites/default/files/GalvanisedWireReinforcement.pdf]
*Ronald Rael is an Architect, Author and Assistant Professor of Architecture at The University of California, Berkeley. He is the founder of [http://www.eartharchitecture.org EarthArchitecture.org], a clearinghouse of information on the subject.
*Compressed Earth Block Guide - [http://nzdl.sadl.uleth.ca/cgi-bin/library?e=d-00000-00---off-0cdl--00-0--0-10-0---0---0prompt-10---4-------0-1l--11-en-50---20-about---00-0-1-00-0-0-11-1-0utfZz-8-00&a=d&c=cdl&cl=CL2.3&d=HASH01979938ef89e979ddfb736b.9.2]
*GTZ manuals on CEB technology: [http://www.sheltercentre.org/library/Compressed+Earth+Blocks+Volume+1+Manual+Of+Production Volume I, Manual of Production] and [http://sheltercentre.org/library/compressed-earth-blocks-volume-2-manuel-design-and-construction Volume II, Manual of Design and Construction]
*Other information - [http://www.grisb.org/publications/pub34.htm] , [http://www.earthblockinc.com/faq.htm]
* [http://propagelleprojects.blogspot.com/2012/10/compressed-earth-block-ceb-soil.html propagelle project]

==References==
<references/>
[[Category: CEB]]

Module-Based Development

2013-06-10T04:45:53Z

Graham Robertson:

Design approach based on design of interchangeable modules rather than based on design of complete machines.

Complete Machines consist of relationships between modules, or components. The industry standard technique used to design such systems is referred to as Contract First Design. The team defines relationships between modules before the designing components.

The question for OSE is whether or not a few "universal" modules can meet the needs of diverse component relationships, interchangeable between machines. And there is no way to know without first defining those specifications for all 50 GVCS.

"Before Team WIKISPEED even started to design individual components [of the open source car], they designed the interfaces between those modules."

http://www.scrum-breakfast.com/2013/06/xm-principle-4-contract-first-design.html

Gabi LeBlanc Log

2012-11-07T01:20:59Z

Graham Robertson: /* November, 2012 */

=November, 2012=

'''11.6.12'''

I haven't updated in a while. Here goes!

Water:
*Painted the pressure tank to prevent corrosion
*Made a parts diagram for the [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Water_Well_System well water system]
*Dug the hole for the pressure tank
*Torched the culvert at 16' (8' for the road and 4' on each side)
[[File:hydraulic.jpeg|thumb|Hydraulic-PTO interface on LifeTrac Hitch]]
[[File:bales.jpeg|thumb|Finished Bales]]
Baling:
*Mounted the hydraulic motor on the three point hitch
*Hooked up the baler, cleaned it up a bit and greased it
*Tested it
*Used it in the field, it wasn't working efficiently when the hydraulic motor was hooked up to auxillary
*Troubleshooting, it worked much better hooked up to the bottom power cube and the top power cube was solely driving the wheels.
*More troubleshooting, it wouldn't start well unless there was a gradient from resting to running, solved by using a valve with a locking mechanism (in this case we tied it with a piece of twine, in the future a more sophisticated method would be worth trying)
*Got a good amount of baling done and then a guard on the rake fell off.

<html><iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed//1Bxaw6LvqeA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></html>

Food:
[[File:turnips.jpeg|thumb|Turnips!]]
[[File:lettuce.jpeg|thumb|Yum!]]
*We have mastered yogurt making
*Harvesting arugula and lettuces from the greenhouse
*Harvesting turnips, radishes, mustard greens, spinach, and lettuces from the garden
*Harvesting native rose hips, nettle, and hackberries
*Spinach is planted
*Greenhouse beets and swiss chard in progress
*Updated [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Dairy_Milker/Bill_of_Materials Bill of Materials] for the Dairy Milker
*Finished husking roughly 10 gallons of black walnuts, best I've ever tasted
*Got some kale seeds to plant
[[File:dinner.jpg|400px]]

Miscellany:
*Collecting bids for designing the heat exchanger coil in the house, called about 15 different plumbers and furnace professional types
*Spread a few cubic yards of chicken manure from the coop on the garden

To do:
*Plow and plant winter wheat
*Transplant green seedlings
*Continue to hunt for pond contractors
*Install pressure tank housing (possibly needs another hole torched out of one side), tank, and water lines
*Design the bucket for the dairy milker, also figure out if I can use the lathe to make teat cups
*Design/fabricate a [http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/images/pia16239_c-br2.jpg rover] to compete with NASA's
*Learn to fly

=October 2012=

'''10.26.12'''

[http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Water_Well_System Water:]
*Making sense of our fittings for the pressure tank. Need to ask Andy if we need special arrangements to accommodate vibrations coming from the well pump
*Been researching on my own as well. Thanks [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RX8QeTbJFg Mark Donovan]

[http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Refurbished_Industrial_Baler Baler:]
*Built a mount for the hydraulic motor yesterday.
*Drug the baler out from its nook, fitted the PTO to the tractor.
*To do:
**Weld mount onto the hitch so the hydraulic motor sits right where it attaches to the PTO
**Hook up some short hoses for the motor
**Testing!
**Implementation! (when the weather's right)

'''10.15.12'''

Water:
*Pit is done, and we got the fitting we needed in the post today so we can now hook up the T in the water pipes! That means we can bury the barrel and we can walk without fear of falling into a big hole!
*To do tomorrow: cut slits in the barrel so we can slide the pipes up and down to hook them up and service them.
Rake:
*Got the three point hitch welded on from the Ferguson.
*Started raking today and it was awesome, until a bolt snapped on one of the LifeTrac wheels. Temporarily grounded, but I still got a good amount of raking done and it's something we know how to fix. Going to get it jacked up tomorrow morning and attempt getting the wheel back into position.

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'''10.10.12'''

*Finished trenching to the house yesterday. Now we just need to clean up the intersection of the trenches, bury a barrel to make the T servicable.
*Seedballs are spread.

To do this week:
*Dig a barrel-sized pit
*Weld a hitch frame around the rear of a LifeTrac
*Rake the hay
*Continue plant propagation

'''10.9.12'''
*It's a good time to seed right now before it starts raining big time. Just finished seedballing the rest of the rye, buckwheat, clover, and spinach.
*Harvested the sorghum, filled a big bag with the seed heads. Processing happens next. The stalks are still sweet, but dry for lack of rain. I'm going to try crushing the stalks and soak out the juice, then experiment with fermenting it.
*Both tractors are needing to be fixed to finish the trench and start raking. The rake has a fixed tire as of yesterday, so it's good to go.
*The milestone timeline for agriculture is finished, detailing goals for the next 10 months.

<html><img src="https://docs.google.com/drawings/pub?id=1IHxUETHFArxWGSPItELowJbcyxwlM8Xi2bSqkwH6kQA&w=500&h=300"></html>

'''10.3.12'''

Marcin wants this to be more of a [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Daily_Log_of_Tasks log] and less like a [http://opensourceecology.org/blog.php blog]. Here goes:

*Sourcing screen material that we'll use for [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Light_Screen light screens] in the shop.
*Getting the rake a new inner tube.
**To do: weld 4x4 tube frame around the boot of LifeTrac for hitching.
*The sorghum needs to be harvested in about a week or so or the birds will eat it all.
*[https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1IHxUETHFArxWGSPItELowJbcyxwlM8Xi2bSqkwH6kQA/edit Milestone timeline for FeF agriculture]
*Trenching the very last bit near HabLab.

=September, 2012=
'''9.30.12'''

Paying my respects to the last of September. The trees are all starting to turn. Lettuce sprouts in the greenhouse are coming up, and there's a mix of lettuce outside that's doing pretty well. I should show pictures of some surprise broccoli, I didn't expect it to come up, but there it is.

Last week we did the CEB production run. I cut out all the metal for the hopper, built a couple components for the inner assembly, cut and welded the hopper saddle, then welded the hopper together for mounting. Also made the guards for the drawer and shaker motor. Learned a lot, worked a lot, laughed a lot. It's a beautiful prototype.

<html><img src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/251116_10151427053426562_799150350_n.jpg"></html>

Got the rake working, unfortunately the tractor broke before it was put to use. It should probably have two running power cubes, driving the rake with one power cube was pretty slow. That's what I'll be working on next week.

<html><img src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/398435_10151430027006562_2146215376_n.jpg"></html>

Aside from that, I need to seed the rest of our grains and harvest the sorghum. Had a dream that I had a ceramic kiln here, so this morning I was inspired and started researching. Really like the [http://community.middlesex.mass.edu/blogs/cambodiankiln/archive/2012/06/04/Kiln-design-combines-tradition-and-new-technology.aspx#.UGiHprvKA-c Cambodian style wood burner]. We have plenty of clay in the soil, been daydreaming about spinning my own crocks for fermentations, bowls, plant pots, et cetera.

'''9.23.12'''
[[File:Pets.gif|200px|thumb|center|Decided to get a moose to ride]]
'''9.21.12'''

Haven't logged in a while, I've been writing a blog post for the OSE blog.

What's new? Oh, you know, the usual. A raccoon got in the coop last night, swiped one of our roosters across the eyes, he wasn't getting up, probably wasn't going to heal so I decided to put him out of his misery. He was a beautiful bird, and now he's chilling in the fridge to be transformed into a beautiful pot of coq au vin. Got to give anatomy lessons to observers, I kept the gizzard and heart and neck for stock. The coop is on major lockdown, I just finished staple-gunning all the window screen on the inside. If anything wanted to get in, it's going to have to break down the door or be smaller than a mouse.

Been on the tractor a lot lately.
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We finished trenching from the well to the house! 5 days, 250 feet. Every time the tractor's broken we've managed to fix it, which is awesome. It's also having some wear and tear on my body, mostly my wrists and my right elbow that I use as a 3rd hand for controlling the loader arms. Got the pump and the pitless adapter sourced. Picked up wheat seeds yesterday from the bakery a few miles away. Only $34 for 50 pounds of organic red winter wheat berries. That's so many seed balls to be made, I'm really excited.

Gary, a local fella, is going to cut our hay in the next few days. Hopefully I'll have the rake and baler ready to go so we can store some winter food for the animals. Once all the hay's off the ground I'll plow it, then use our tractor to dig a shallow dam. The real pond contractor's not as timely as we would like, so we might be going ahead and doing water storage with our machines. Shallow dams, diversion ditches, maybe some settling ponds.

Propagated a ton blackberries, used serpentine layering and single layering (wounding the shoot on the bottom and burying it kinked in the ground, to root and become a new plant). A few shoots had just begun rooting at their tips, so I think my timing was perfect.

Graham split some spiderwort stock, we have those in the greenhouse. Going out to find some gooseberries to propagate today. Later gators.

'''9.14.12'''

VICTORY

[[File:Plowtest.jpg]]
[[File:Plowtest1.jpg]]

'''9.13.12'''

Rain today! Trench, trench, trench goes the cogs of the wheels that spin time faster than I realize, until the days zip by measured by feet dug and feet to be dug.

Plow shanks: check.
[[File:Subsoil Shanks.jpg|400px]]
[[File:Subsoil Shanks1.jpg|400px]]
[[File:Subsoil_Shanks2.jpg|400px]]

Dirty hands: check.

To do:
*Call Gary about cutting our hay
*Get the rake up and running
*MORE SEED BALLS. so many more

'''9.9.12'''

Picked up Marcin from the airport, he's back from Ted with quite a bit to do and think about.

Got the orchard mulching, Graham and I took down a bunch of brush to cover up our seedballs. It rained yesterday! Trenching is inhibited but the plants are happy. Here's what we harvested before we went through the orchard: mint, lambsquarters, goldenrod, and a super-sweet asian pear.

[[File:2012-09-07_15.36.28.jpeg |thumb|]]

We got the last floor down in the HabLab, now we can finish up the stucco and be done with the exterior. Got the plow on the QA frame, now to get it onto the tractor and test it. Parker ordered a diversity of eggs (Rhode Island Red, Australorp, Aucarana, and some that were initialed "BR," I'm thinking they meant Brahma. Those are incubating, we've got a few pips from our hens. The beans on top of the old workshop's roof are doing surprisingly well. Shallow roots for shallow soil, plus mulch plus water. Magic.

'''9.6.12'''

Just got completely doused in hydraulic fluid. Ended up taking my first real shower in weeks. You never know what to expect at Factor e Farm.

In other news, Graham and I had fun yesterday flinging seed balls all over the orchard. Went to Sweiger for some welding wire, a coupler, some metal, and oxygen/acetylene refills. Today we replaced two more tractor tires, picked up propane, and I was trying to dig the water trench until one of the hoses burst.

The subsoil blades are in the process of being mounted. Got the QA frame off yesterday and torched the holes for the bolts that will attach the tube to the QA frame.

'''9.5.12'''

My camera work is lousy, I know, but try to ignore all that and check out the sprouts!

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'''9.2.12'''

Apologies for the lapse in documentation. Me pa was worried that I dropped off the face of the earth. What's growing? I've been harvesting apples, asian pears, oleaster, collard greens, tomatoes, purslane, lambsquarters, and goldenrod for tea.

We've had 5 chicks hatch in the past few days. A raccoon's been raiding our coop so we're hatching some late-season eggs. We'll be raising them indoors away from the cold and predators. That means we get to cuddle with them. Right now they're in Parker's room.

We got an inch of rain over the weekend (thank you, Storm Isaac), and the new garden area is all sprouting. I can see beans and radishes. The greens in the greenhouse are sprouting too.

Yesterday I put up the last of the netting in the motel rooms of the HabLab, then I worked on the floor of the office room. We've got a crop of cardboard stacking up in the workshop, I'm going to sheetmulch the grapes and use carpet on top for a more permanent path. Also seedbombing buckwheat soon. Sourcing red winter wheat, barley, and rye from a guy in Middleton, MO.

The plow is all but finished, it just needs to be mounted, but I'd like to finish trenching up to the HabLab so we're not multitasking with the tractor.

More rain in the forecast this week, hopefully it'll be enough to make pond digging possible. Enjoying the last few weeks of warm-lake swimming. Can't believe it's September already. Today I'm refurbishing a rusty scythe. Might even make a tutorial on sharpening technique. Stay tuned.

=August, 2012=

'''8.24.12'''

Fabrication for the [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JyAUQCwoII subsoil plow] is done. Just need to torch into the QA frame on the tractor and we can bolt it on and test it. Couldn't get to it today because the tractors are all tied up, and an injured knuckle is giving me some sass.

It rained a little bit, and there's a forecast for heavy rain tomorrow! Probably going to be stuccoing all day. John's been calling me "Gerbil."

'''8.22.12'''

Made a video log today, it's got snippets of another wonderful day. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sKCvdliQMs&list=UUjvBN1r7UXXqmIbx_u7bIAw&index=24&feature=plpp_video Check it out!]

'''8.21.12'''

I quite enjoyed [http://www.ted.com/talks/pam_warhurst_how_we_can_eat_our_landscapes.html this]. Dug some trench with the backhoe yesterday for the waterline, and Marcin was able to get the new motor on the sawmill. Doing some welding in the shop this morning. Going to coach Marshall on the backhoe digging this afternoon. Experimenting with once a day milking, GoodCow doesn't seem to mind or notice, and seems excessively content.

Well driller's coming on Wednesday. Our one well is still spitting up some silt and not much water.

Here's a hairy list of to-do's:
*Plow
**fabricate
**test
**implement
*Site design
*Greenhouse
*Source and seed winter wheat, assorted grains, pasture mix
*Figure out our implements for baling, cut and bale a stack of ~100 for winter
*Propagation/Planting
*Dig a root cellar/tornado shelter

Here's the list of less-importance:
*refurbish scythe
*build a pedal-powered washing machine
*refurbish dehydrators
*cob and solar ovens

'''8.18.12'''

Waiting on rain. It's overcast, and the cow's lying down, that's promising. Laying some irrigation tubing that used to be the house waterline so I can get water from the well to the cow and the garden.

Finished the netting on the west side of HabLab today. Fabricating the subsoil blades. We got the hydraulic motor replacement for the sawmill, so I'll be doing that and working on the plow next week.

Today's Marcin's birthday!! I don't think he's come out of his room yet. Parker's making cheesecake (shh don't tell, it's a surprise). Our oven is broken so I had to run to our neighbor Walt and he's letting us use his. What a guy. Told me that we can get scrap wood from the lumber yard: $20 for as much as you can fit in a truckload.

Marshall picked up an oil filter and some fresh oil, he's going to teach me how to change the oil in my car.

To do:
*brew kombucha
*move some tubes around
*troubleshoot well pump power
*change my bike tube

'''8.15.12'''

We have a site design team now! Making big big plans, the pond's going to cost at most 6,500, pretty reasonable as a huge investment in water storage. Got the sawmill tested with Marcin, but then one of the hydraulic motors had a leak and we found a bummer thread that stripped away.

Working on getting water security on-site. That's an ever-elusive goal that we're nearing more and more. Got the pipe laid out to the house yesterday, but then a fitting fell off and we turned everything off. Put on brass fittings today. For anyone using barbs in a high pressure system: get about 3 people just to tighten the hose clamps.

I am disappointed that we're on-grid now and it's already feeling like it's something we want/need. Pretty soon it will be taken for granted, especially if we go on-grid for electricity. That reminds me, I wanted to wash the solar panels (that should be done every couple years to keep them producing enough power). Really, I just want our wells and ponds to be dug and filled up with rain. Rain catchment on the HabLab, and all will be right with the world. I don't like living on-grid.

My only soothing thought on the subject is that it makes this place more livable for other people [[File:The_Birdcage_30317_Medium.jpg|200px |thumb| (This is what Aaron added to depict my attitude)]], and that makes me happy.

Getting the holes drilled on the tube, then I need to cut the eye plates (6 of them) for the plow blades. Hoping for rain. Headed for town this morning for screws. Finishing up the netting on the inside and outside of the HabLab.

'''8.10.12'''

Did an interview yesterday with Tristan and Drew. Good times. All our animals are doing swell, the plants are growing, the weather's fine, there's rain scheduled for Sunday, plus a meteor shower. I'm a happy camper.

Today we dug a new plot, I already have the seeds for it: broccoli, dill, quick-cukes, mustard greens, radish, turnips, beans, lettuce, and probably some other things that I'm forgetting. Made seed balls with spinach and some other things thrown in. Made a [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ztA9C1-qNA&feature=plcp tutorial video].

I smell like cow poop and gasoline. Delicious. Waiting for the burn ban to go away so I can make biochar. Thinking constantly about the site design, Graham's got a good handle on planning the people-habitat, I'm concentrating on the other things like waterworks, earthworks, future pasture rotation, terraces, diversion ditches, roads and paths.

Started cutting metal for the subsoil plow. Going to see a man about a pond tomorrow morning.

'''8.7.12'''

Yesterday I put up board for the HabLab, planted two kinds of beets, mustard greens, spinach, and swiss chard. Redesigned the subsoil blades so they attach directly to the QA plate on LifeTrac. Today I put up netting on the board from yesterday, finished a couple of walls, fixed the roof of the greenhouse, got a tutorial on torching, got GPS Status on my phone so we can survey more easily, set up momma rabbit in a space of her own, AND cleaned my room. Hotcha cha.

To Do:
*map out the length of the future waterline from the meter to the house (also doc't on the site map)
*teach Graham and Parker how to burn biochar
*find a way to sleep more than a few hours at a time

'''8.4.12'''

Worked on HabLab yesterday, helping John with the stud placement, putting up windows, mixing mortar, and wiring the outlets. I finally took Goodcow's ear tag off, from her previous owner. Now she's officially maverick and tagless.

It rained twice yesterday, and broke out into a huge rainbow.

'''8.2.12'''

Just got a good amount of weeding done while it was still overcast. Planted more lettuce, and threw out some beans onto the roof of the old shop with mulch to see if they'll sprout up there. Aidan had a fantastic idea of using it as a garden because it's extremely close to the well. It's thin soil but if it develops it could be a useful space.

Here's a visual representation of how long I've been here:

[[File:First Sprout.jpg |thumb| First sprout at OSE]]
[[File:Cucumbers.jpg |thumb| The same plant: cucumbers gone wild]]

Oh, and I made a beefier version of the subsoil blade attachment. As for sourcing, I found a tube that'll work, just need bolts and 1" thick metal.
It rained this morning, makes everybody move a little more slowly. It's quiet in the shop, there's a hen snooping around and keeping me company.

We've got another doe, she came with the name Genny (short for General). Her litter record is 9-10 kits, she was the foundational brood doe for the lady I bought her from, and she sold for $30 pre-bred. She'll have her first litter with us in 32-34 days (sometime around early September).

Wired the float switch today and got an excellent tutorial afterwards, expertly explicated by Yoonseo. Here's the video:
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'''8.1.12'''

Happy August! Here's what kept me from going to bed on time last night: [[File:Subsoiler.jpg |thumb| Subsoil Plow Design]]

This will attach to our single spade plow and serve as a subsoil plow for the keyline. Just need to find the parts, build it, and weld a hitch onto Lifetrac that is compatible with the mower as well as the rake.

Picking up a big momma rabbit, she'll come pre-bred so we'll have our first litter in about a month. Got the elevations on the site map, labeled and numbered the grid, and now I can start zoning. Graham and I are talking about roads and paths and waterworks today.

Today looks like electric fence cleanup, site planning, meetings, rabbit acquisition, letter writing to my family, kombucha brewing, and whatever else will fit in. Planted an experimental ginger root bud today. They usually grow in tropical conditions, so I might be able to grow it if I bring it in the greenhouse and keep it really wet.

=July, 2012=

'''7.28.12'''

My new name is Mudpuppy. Lots of stuccoing today and we put up a lot of the ceiling in the last four rooms of the HabLab. Got them stuffed with straw and finished a corner of the outer plaster. OH! Finally got a contractor to pick up his phone! Dennis Brinton, of Brinton Construction (Gower, MO), will be coming out to look at our site and talk about numbers for digging us a pond. He's working on a pond right now but after that he's got an opening, so he'll be stopping by sometime in the coming weeks and then I'll be able to figure out what we can afford in terms of time, resources, labor, geography, and budget.

Now I'm covered in mud, drinking kombucha, and wondering how today could get any better.

We've finally got some nice weather. It's downright pleasant. Got the Horto Domi water set up, cleaned up some weeds around the site. We'll be interplanting brussel sprouts, beets, cabbage, dill, bush beans, spinach, broccoli, and cauliflower. Will's installing the electric components tomorrow. Rabbits are comfy in their hutch. Found 4 baby does for sale in Kansas City for $20, Florida Whites. Could be a hit, they are very feed efficient. Found a climbing tree right behind the SolarCube. Marcin and I got up pretty high, at least 50 feet. Got my laundry done (bucket-style). Had a good meeting yesterday for the waterworks here. Figuring out what we'll be eating in the fall and winter, we'll have 6-8 mouths to feed on-site. Aaron's supposed to get here today!

To Do:
*Biochar tutorial for Graham and Parker
*Move the electric fence
*Start the site plan
*Stake out contours with Graham
*Harvest the rest of the oleaster

Of a lesser priority:
*Work on greenhouse design with Parker and Graham
*Weld a backbar or a hitch on LifeTrac

++Oop, turns out my day CAN get better. Parker just brought a haul of culled produce from the grocery store. I'm sitting in front of a bowl of cherries and watermelon.
+++Double oop! We have a new prospective farm apprentice!

'''7.26.12'''

Tim sent me this [https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/u/0/?ui=2&ik=000e119ddd&view=att&th=138c393b82ddd29c&attid=0.1&disp=inline&realattid=file0&safe=1&zw&saduie=AG9B_P8kFxXHKm1q777BFIzspUW3&sadet=1343322747650&sads=-n4D_PFqBikhX8e-idspSJWCwQs&sadssc=1 graphic] that he's been working on for the USDA.

Worked on Sketchup today until it made my eyes bleed. Surveyed with Graham using the rotating laser level for the first time. It rained last night! Finally! Not very much, but I'll take what I can get. Here's the [http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=c43795fdb5a323ed37c45195cc7bd572&prevstart=0 Site Map], still in progress.

[[File:Site Map Xray.jpg |thumb| here's a taste]]

Picked up the rabbits from a home in northeast Maysville last night. $20 for one buck and one doe. The doe is an opal New Zealand cross, and the male is a blue steel New Zealand cross. The opal and blue steel refer to their coloring. They're pretty beautiful, and have a ways to go before they're old enough to have babies. I'm keeping an eye on craigslist to expand our collection of breeding females. I'm feeding them forage, they seem to be adjusting nicely to fresh wild carrot.

'''7.24.12'''

[http://www.wethetrees.com/projects/18-water-independence-project Hey look! They're doing what we're doing!] The difference: they're looking to support a homestead, we're looking to support a village.

Mark Finch came buy to dig some test holes looking for water. He found it, after coming up dry a couple of times close to the house, we decided to go for the area near the old well. He found water 25 feet down, and will be drilling that will soon. There's a bunch of youtube videos up on it.

Setting up some rabbit cages, there's a few rabbits in Maysville that I'd like to buy to feed out for wintertime. Looking for New Zealands, crosses or otherwise. John the carpenter gave us a bunch of cages today, setting those up right now.

'''7.22.12'''

Monday looks like: surveying, meetings, and more surveying.

GoodCow's in her new pasture, she's eating ragweed like a machine. Found a recipe for fly spray that's pretty much oil, vinegar, and essential oil. Sounds like salad dressing, we'll see if it works.

Less sick, finally. It's been way too hot, but looks like rain on Thursday. Keeping my fingers crossed. Researching for our off-grid long-term water infrastructure. Marcin's back, Marshall's getting back tonight, and Tristan arrives later as well.

'''7.18.12'''

Surveying is going smoothly, Graham's a great partner. It's kind of hard to work out in the sun in the afternoon, too hot and I start feeling woozy because I'm still a bit sick.

Gave a little seminar yesterday on agroecology and permaculture for the Greeks. Seems like they've been largely exposed to conventional farming in school so it was interesting for them to hear what we're doing and how things compare/contrast to what they've been learning about in school.

'''7.16.12'''

[[Image: Chokecherry_jam.jpeg]]
Morning harvest: tomatoes, grapes, chokecherries and elderberries for jam

Burning biochar right now, got 1000' worth of elevations, in 50' increments for the site survey, got Goodcow on some new grass. It's very hot and I am very sooty. Going to Maysville later to check the post and pick up some everclear for making tinctures. Using the biochar flame to finish up the chokecherry jam that I started this morning. The recipe goes something like this: ~2 lbs chokecherries, a couple bunches of elderberries, a couple bunches of grapes, sugar, water.

Physically, I'm scraping by. Just hoping nothing lays me out before I can finish surveying.

'''7.15.12'''

Set up a buried drip-line for lettuce in the garden plot, where the chickens have eaten a couple of rows of sorghum. Getting some chicken wire from St. Joseph so I can just wrap it up and not worry about them getting through the cow panels. Just found this gem:

[http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/applications/MDCLibrary/MDCLibrary2.aspx?NodeID=1995 Wild Edibles of Missouri]

Starting surveying on Monday, finally! Processing liquids like a madwoman: skimming cream, making butter, brewing kombucha, et cetera. Right now I'm harvesting the last of the blackberries, some oleaster berries, and the beginnings of elderberries, tomatoes, and grapes. They are delicious! Apparently our neighbors have been suffering from strange fungal infestations on their plants, a bunch of people were buying sprays at the store and talking about it. Fortunately ours are vigorous and healthy, without having to use chemicals.

Our basal infrastructure has been in flux lately: water and power specifically. We're doing good work to fix the problems, though, and planning permanent solutions while producing short term band-aids.

Thinking more about our earthworks here. Graham has great ideas about creating rock blocks to stop the erosion down the ruts up the hill, plus creating berms of biomass, rather than digging in: we'd mow down the weeds and push them into rows on contour, they would catch water and more organic matter as they break down into soil. Thinking about the pace of nature. It can not be controlled. That is fact, and is neither good, bad, detrimental, nor advantageous. It is what we make it. Thinking more about the intersection between "replicable" and "scalable," while working in parallel with nature as well as global culture.

Listening to a recording of Foucault; "Courage de la Verite." I quite like his voice, and the French is greasing my rusty lingual gears. Drinking goldenrod tea for my sore throat.

The coming week looks like: planting greens, milking and grazing the cow, and lots of surveying. It will be very hot, and no rain in the forecast. Spun some yarn today, that was a good think to keep me indoors and resting. Feeling a bit run down, as in sick, but I'm planning on waking up bright tomorrow. I don't plan on being sick, and sometimes that makes all the difference.

'''7.13.12'''

Parker brought so many goodies! Hoses, seeds, a moisture meter, some nutrient testing supplies, and lots of furniture. Thanks Parker, it's great having you here!

Yesterday I built a [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/FeF_Weather_Station rain gauge], wrote a lot: [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Neosubsistent_Agriculture_Model FeF Agriculture Model], had a meeting with George about the site plan, and troubleshot water infrastructure with the group.

Tim came today and we dumped manure all morning. The trees will be happier for it. Gave Tim some milk, it is great to have something to give to our friends and volunteers! Going to bring some milk to Walt soon, he dumped some wood for us that's perfect for turning into biochar. Moved my stuff out of the SolarCube, now all my tools are organized and put away in the greenhouse.

To do with the rest of today:
*test hoses, turn the leakiest ones into drip irrigation
*dig irrigation into the sorghum rows that aren't doing well
*plant lettuce
*cover with shade screen (keeps chickens out too)
*connect hose to white pipe, the water pressure inside the dirty water barrels will feed the drip (I need to dump all 16 barrels in the garden because we've been cleaning new barrels and "editing" the water system so we have clean water at the house)
*milk milk milk milk

'''7.11.12'''

Yesterday I trimmed the fenceline, set up the electric fence, realized the solar charger requires multiple days to charge before initial use, added procedural and design plans to the [[Surveying 101]] page, made FeF's first cow-cheese, harvested oleaster berries, and took a photo as an afterthought.

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Said farewell to Matt, we'll be missing him.

Took Aidan and Yoonseo to the doctor today. I still have time to put GoodCow in her electric fence later today. I'm writing a [http://opensourceecology.org/w/index.php?title=Neosubsistent_Agriculture_Model model] for neosubsistent agriculture at Factor e Farm. It's very possible that I have the same ick that everyone else is ailing from, I've got different symptoms, but I don't feel tip top so I'm going to take the opportunity to plan, brainstorm, and write.

'''7.9.12'''

Replaced the water pump filter today (thanks Andy and Brianna for picking up the new filter!). Had to improvise with the fittings, that was fun. Set up the posts for the electric fence, step two is trimming the fence line and putting on the insulators and livewire. It'll be up and running tomorrow. Going to town for some mineral salt for the cow, and tonight Matt, Graham and I will be taking a walk and outlining some future plans for permaculture as well as figuring out where the best spot is for Vann's hexayurt. Got the transplants in the ground, we'll see if they take, considering that it's way outside their season. Digging up some cattail root and making ragweed tea for a couple of sickies.

'''7.8.12'''

To Do:
*Install a rain gauge, develop a plan with Matt for a weather station, collaborate with Yoonseo
*Pasture plan for GoodCow, electrical fence
*Write Surveying plan as per Chris' ideas, write initial site plan, Surveying starts when tripod arrives (probably mid-week)
*Get all the transplants in the ground

'''7.7.12'''

Here's a [http://youtu.be/jXipqe3VTEU video] talking about intensive grazing, as I'm sure the forage will change through the seasons.

Working on management and my personal relationship with hierarchy and personnel organization. It's a challenge, but I feel good about the work I'm doing. Coordination with the Greeks is definitely on the up and up, and I'm doing my best to make this a fulfilling experience for all of us.

GoodCow is a balm on my conscience. She is so calm and I can't help but relax and feel right in the world when I spend time with her. We're incredibly lucky to have happened on such a gentle soul. I've met many many cows, but none have had the disposition that she exhibits. I am grateful.

Praying for a spot of moisture tonight or tomorrow, but I'm not counting my chickens before they're hatched. The turnips are coming up! Spent the hottest part of the day working on planning for the future.

Graham, Aidan, and I took a good walk around, noting the plants' growth, the soil, the watershed of this property, and speculated on building roads and what we can do to mitigate erosion.

---

So the rain turned out to be more than a spot. Rolling thunder and buckets of rain. Had a long meeting with the Matt, Marshall, Aaron, and Brianna towards the end. It sapped most of my energy for the evening.

'''7.5.12'''

Ran the numbers on [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Management_Plan_for_Dairy_Cow GoodCow]:
*FeF previously bought milk from the local grocery, in half gallon jugs, and paid $4 per half gallon plus a $2 deposit for the jug. Currently we consume all of GoodCow's milk, and if we were still buying this milk it would cost about $25 per day plus the cost of transportation.
**Earning her keep: $1262 capital investment/$25 worth of milk per day = 50 days until she pays herself back
*She will be officially paying us back, considering ONLY the value of her milk, by late August. She'll still have months left of milk left in her, not to mention the calf coming next spring, and one more year of milk. After that year, we can choose to breed her, and her calf could be our up and coming dairy cow.

Looking forward to meeting Parker, Alex is coming mid-July, and Aaron is headed here with Sara coming a few weeks after that! Community's happening right before my eyes. We're having a meeting tonight, dubbed by Marcin: "Power, Sex, and Violence." Graham uploaded a [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-yLQV6GrKM&feature=plcp video] of me doing a rundown of consensus meeting, based on what I've learned living in cooperative communities. Please excuse my uncouth vernacular.

Matt pointed me to Joel Salatin's work. I especially like his listed [http://www.polyfacefarms.com/principles/ principles]. Thinking about how our neighbors seems to graze, with small food crop gardens (albeit they use conventional techniques). I'm thinking about the ratio we should keep of grazeland rotation vs. planted permaculture food forest. Originally I wanted to have less grazeland here, but upon seeing the resources, and what others do with this soil, I'm thinking more about edible fences surrounding lush pastures where we have chickens, pigs, cows, sheep, etc. Plus forage-fed rabbits in hutches. Shade trees should be planted within these pastures, but not as closely as they might be in an orchard scenario. Going to revise my original plans for our subsistence diet to reflect what I've learned in the past two and a half weeks.

Working on an electric fence today, planting 3 magic Moringa trees (horseradish tree) from Will's seeds, further research on solutions to make the chickens work for us a bit more effectively, going to attempt to get wood into small pieces to get a good biochar load tonight. Just collected a few bundles of mint for the kitchen, should keep us supplied for a good long while. Experimenting with drying chicory root in the hothouse, trying to get away from using propane entirely. That means solar cooking, dehydrating, using the biochar kiln to heat large pots of stuff, and eating hand to mouth from the garden.

Possible thunderstorms on Sunday, I'm keeping my fingers crossed. It would be great to have some water flowing. Our well's been slowing down, Marcin's been considering lowering the pump deeper into it. Today I checked the flow and got 1/3 of a gallon per minute, Marcin also checked and got about 1/4 of a gallon per minute earlier in the day. Here's a photo of the minute's worth of water in a half-gallon jug:
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'''7.4.12'''
Planting food for fall. Matt gave me the holy grail - a seeding calendar for this area. Transcribed it [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Garden_Plan here]. Borrowed some seeds from Will: broccoli, kohlrabi, turnips, beets, cabbage, and bush beans. Will also had extra dirt, so I told him to toss it in half barrels and I'll plant into those. I'd like to bury some pvc to make beds that water from the bottom for less frequent watering and deeper root systems.

Taking out the trash (we have lots more waste produced now that there's almost double the number of people here) and teaching Matt how to milk GoodCow tonight. Working more on management and long term planning as per Marcin's request. Catching up on documentation, and experimenting with fermentation. Kombucha's doing great so far, and the yogurt is fun to watch happen. Graham's making killer sauerkraut out of Walt's cabbage.

A bunch of long term ideas bouncing around in my head:
*pigs
*meat rabbits
*edible fences
*preliminary site plans
*winter wheat
*grazing strategies
*tree grafting, figuring out what should be emphasized (mulberries, nuts, apples, pears, cherries, berries, elder)

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'Tis the season for oleaster! They are commonly known as silver berry, wild olive, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elaeagnus_angustifolia etc.] One tree was brimming today. The rest have yet to get ripe, or they are a wild type that produce a very different fruit, time will tell. They grow spectacularly here, fix nitrogen, and have edible little berries that are sweet-tart, astringent, provoke thirst, and are very tasty medicine to treat joint pain. Oh, and that apple is from our tree. They're doing quite well despite lack of rain. What kind of apple? The delicious kind.

'''7.3.12'''

Today was hot. So hot I fell asleep in a few places unexpectedly. Yet, still managed to get things done. Milking, covered sunflower seeds with hay, showed the Greeks around the orchard and the garden, picked up a new halter for GoodCow from the hardware store, baked a cake for Yoonseo's coming-home, milked again, watered the grains, planted beans. Corn's coming up well, and the sweet potatoes and cucumbers are starting to leaf out a lot. We got a metal blade on the string trimmer, now it's much more appropriate for our landscape and works a lot faster. We'll be transplanting the melons and squash in a couple of days, then the three sisters will be united at last!

This is coming from a person who hasn't eaten dairy products in at least 5 years - raw milk is AMAZING. I wasn't expecting to be able to digest it, but I've been having sips, then gulps, then a full glass today and it seems that my lactose-intolerance was actually pasteurized-milk-intolerance. Makes sense, Pasteur had a great idea for killing germs, but he didn't account for unforeseen consequences of heat treating food.

Our cow is incredibly talented:
*She is a water filter that rarely needs maintenance
*She turns grass into human food
*She fertilizes our soil
*She's a lawn mower that doesn't need fuel
*She does all this effortlessly, closing her eyes and chewing away

I have a headache, but it's easy to ignore with so many wonderful distractions around me.

'''7.2.12'''

Got the teen chicks into the reinforced chicken tractor, now they can graze and they're loving the young Queen Anne's Lace! It's good to see them out of their baby cage.

Keeping the chickens out of the garden by sticking cardboard in the fence. I'm trusting that if they can't see through the fence, they won't challenge it. Time will tell, I'm just trying to tip the balance in their favor. If they eat the sorghum sprouts, then I'll count it as a success in growing my own chicken feed, and hope that they leave some leftovers for us to use later.

The Greeks got here in due time, they had a flight delay so we had to make two trips, it was a late night trying to track down their new itinerary yesterday but all ended well. They are here and happy.

Just got news that my kombucha came to the PO box! Going to start a brew later today, we'll see how the starter survived shipment.

Spread some sunflowers out in front of the HabLab. If they come up in time we can harvest the oil.

Today is a day of meetings, business, and GOODCOW. She is coming here at 3 this afternoon, I am low on sleep but high on anticipation. Expect a joyous homecoming news update later tonight.

To Do:
*Put out a trough for the cow's water
*Kombucha starter
*Soak, Seed beans
*Spread hay in garden and irrigate
*Spread hay and water sunflowers

Here's a funny tidbit, I just read this in [http://www.cultivatekc.org/ Cultivate Kansasa City]:
"On our recent simulcast with Iowa Public Radio (KCUR, HPM), farmer Issac Phillips from Richland, IA told us, “The Farmer of the Future will have to be a livestock specialist, an attorney, an agriculture scientist, an accountant, and a veterinarian. You have to be a jack of all trades." While Kate Edwards of Wild Woods Farm told us, "The Farmer of the Future is not yet defined. It depends on those who aren't farmers." What do you think?"

Sounds accurate, at least from what I've experienced in my lifetime. I'd revise this statement to include farmers of the "present", as many farms are going under (more so during recent past years of recession) and in order to stay in business many farms are changing, adapting, shifting, diversifying their models and strategies.

-later that day-

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsi-nWcD-So&feature=g-all-u GoodCow] is on-site and munching merrily on our grass. Teddy delivered her in the afternoon. Got her in a halter, off the trailer, and tethered out front to settle a bit. I milked her about an hour ago, and she gave a solid gallon and a half. That means 3 gallons per day, which might be more than we can drink, which means I'll definitely be finding creative ways of processing it, like making yogurt, butter, and cheese. She's paid back at least 6 dollars of her original price, within the first two hours of being here. Not to mention that she's brewing our calf for next year. Teddy ultra-sounded her right before delivery, and estimated that she's 45 days pregnant, meaning we'll be having a calf early next April! I can't wait to meet it.

I'm sitting next to her right now, she seems to fit in just fine at Factor e. She's a quirky, lovable crossbreed, just like all of us.

=June, 2012=

'''6.30.12'''

Thoughts on living here after two weeks:
*everything I was excited about is even better than anticipated
*the bad things I anticipated finding out about..either don't exist or I just haven't looked hard enough
*the community here is amazing
*I feel like I have a radical amount of liberty here. I make my own choices about how I spend my time, and I feel good about those choices because they benefit myself and others. I have so many people at my fingertips with valuable knowledge, and they are more than willing to teach and help me. I can be myself without holding back for the sake of others. I don't have to fit into any kind of niche, I don't feel cramped mentally or physically or socially. Part of my role here is to create my own environment to suit my own needs. I feel empowered.
*I have been successful in making shifts in my lifestyle that I wanted to make:
**waking up early
**fostering zest for what I do that keeps me motivated and energized through any kind of challenges
**living in a way that I can be proud of (off-grid, low impact, adaptive and in tune with established cycles)
**ingesting fewer toxins
**being less exposed to consumer culture
**simplifying my life
**learning things that I have always wanted to learn, but didn't for one reason or another
**feeling like I can do absolutely anything, and knowing how to go about it even if it's completely novel

My biggest fear about leaving was that of losing relationships with the Davis community. Turns out, almost everybody is accessible through the internet and I've been able to keep in contact with old friends. Additionally, before I left I concentrated most on dissolving my sense of borders and separation, in order to dispel my impending trauma in becoming geographically separated from loved ones. It actually worked. I look up at the sky, and feel a thousand others doing the same. Our hearts beat human blood, our feet stamp the same dirt, and we are all in this world together. Loneliness is a far-away notion. When I irrigate, I see Leo in our old garden watering tomatoes and contemplating life. When I pick an apple, I see Lex tromping around our old farm harvesting pink ladies. When it's too hot to sleep, I see myself and others congregating on Agrarian Effort porch late at night to fan each other's sweat and commiserate.

Of course, there are things I miss about where I came from, but I'm coming to realize that all of those things are also here, I just have to shift my perspective a bit:
*Dumpster Diving - I think I just haven't looked in the right place, but the storage system at FeF is more than fulfilling this category
*Neighborhood foraging - fewer fruit trees, but there is a diversity of edible weeds (cattails!)
*Organic produce - I kind of appreciate this one, it's all the more motivating to grow and forage
*Live music - Sure, there might not be a band playing every night, but we make plenty of music ourselves, day in and day out

Things I really appreciate about this place:
*the culture is different from my own, which is stimulating
*the trees grow tall and thick
*there is WATER almost EVERYWHERE
*it is not flat. There are hills and I get to ride my bike up and down them.
*sometimes the sky comes up pink at dawn, and there are amazing clouds to stare at almost every day
*at night the stars shine in a thick twinkling mat
*FIREFLIES
*the sounds of insects and birds blend into a soothing white noise that lulls me to sleep
*it gets so humid that I ooze sweat and feel like a warm wet ball of clay
*I have fostered a strange affection for ticks
*Didn't know it before, but I am immune to poison ivy, for now
*elder trees grow all over the place!

'''6.29.12'''

Tested out the biochar kiln today! Unfortunately, my phone ran out of juice before I could upload a video. Same story with the standup for the day. I'll try tracking down a charger tomorrow so I can get those online. Very exciting burning, the biogas started flaming right on schedule, and it actually went way better than I expected. Simple stuff to make, really.

Helped Aidan build his mattress. First time using the string trimmer! It's so shiny and new, I have a lot of respect for it. Found out it came with a metal blade already, so now we have a tri-blade "and" a notched blade. Perfect.

Read up a bit on surveying, got some writing done for the [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Surveying_101 Wiki].

I've got a kombucha baby coming in the mail from an old housemate. Should be here tomorrow, I can't wait to start brewing!

'''6.28.12'''

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Added a diagram to the [[Biochar]] wiki, and hopefully I can get a load started tonight so I can make a video of the process to demonstrate. After that comes application, and you can bet I'll be documenting the results.

Finished spreading all of Tim's horse manure this morning, we rocked it from 7 to 11 and got it dumped and spread on the grapes, berries, and many trees going up the hill. Discovered that we have a decent crop of asian pears coming in! One of my favorite fruits! The apples are also impressing me, we might have enough to bake a couple of pies! I also had a happy discovery yesterday - one of the more dead-looking sweet potato slips grew a very promising leaf!

I've got Graham building me some hand tools from scrap metal, for when the weeds need discipline. He made two hand hoes yesterday, and today I told him what I want to see in terms of a digging knife. Cheap, quick, simple, built on-site, customizable, and much sturdier than ones I would find at a store.

'''6.27.12'''

Today I built a biochar kiln. [[Biochar]] is pretty useful on a farm with deadwood as a byproduct. I used a simple replication of the Gunther Folke Biochar design, minus the biogas reservoir. It can be retrofitted if we ever see the demand for biogas here, which is very likely, but probably not for a few months at least. If there is time tomorrow I'll start a load to demonstrate how it works. I'll also draw up the design I came up with using very rudimentary materials (2 barrels in bad shape, rebar, some roofing metal, 3 nuts and bolts to hold up the inner lid. [[Aaron_Makaruk|Aaron]] sent me this [https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/u/0/?ui=2&ik=000e119ddd&view=att&th=1378f196764981de&attid=0.1&disp=inline&realattid=f_h2qbdqxt0&safe=1&zw&saduie=AG9B_P8kFxXHKm1q777BFIzspUW3&sadet=1340853489720&sads=C7JCOks12AMW4j2Qhe6NWdTYUFQ glimmer of inspiration] before I was even on-site, and it had been nagging in the back of my brain ever since I got here. First taste of welding using the tools here, thanks Aidan!

Tomorrow I'll be shoveling horse manure ([https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/u/0/?ui=2&ik=000e119ddd&view=att&th=13830466d8534f74&attid=0.2&disp=inline&realattid=d48f91cb28caa800_0.1&safe=1&zw&saduie=AG9B_P8kFxXHKm1q777BFIzspUW3&sadet=1340883549836&sads=RAitxf5XDxpBRhg-Iib162H7UgI Tim is awesome]), then taking Yoon Seo to the airport, as well as picking up Briana, plus 2 tents for our Greek guests who are arriving in a few days.

Been irrigating, chicken tending, keeping up with lots of visitors and collaborators ([http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/American_Farm_School American Farm School], Will Bratton for the [[Horto Domi]], a dairyman from Vermont who might prototype the GVCS dairy milker, to name a few) Oh, addressed some envelopes today for the kickstarter. It was great to see the breadth and scope of those addresses, really makes you realize where our audience comes from. (Planet Earth!)

'''6.26.12'''

Corn and sorghum are in the ground, spinach and chard and cabbage are in planters, squash and melons are in seed flats, and everything got watered. Good day today. Starting to sleep more, that's a nice change.

I have diversified my technological capabilities! Using [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Ubuntu_Mac expert instruction], plus a USB flash drive, I now run linux on this silly little laptop.

'''6.25.12'''

Rome wasn't built in a day, but the chicken tractor was. It's on wheels, is about 50 square feet, and is made entirely of what I scrounged on-site.

We'll plant corn, sorghum, and millet tomorrow. I'll be starting squash seeds in the greenhouse for the three sisters, and transplanting some cucumber starts to a container with a trellis. The blackberries are just now starting, and there are plenty of tomatoes even though none are getting color yet.

If I have time tomorrow I'll either stuff another straw mattress, or weld a biochar kiln. FeF officially has its own string trimmer! Wooo!

'''6.24.12'''

Today is my sister's birthday! Happy birthday Celeste!!
It is also Aidan's birthday! Happy birthday Aidan!!
To all those whose birthday it is, congratulations.

[http://youtu.be/hbrnNKqt6dg The first garden plot is all set to be planted!!] I've been manifesting some great timing with the weather, as soon as I finished this video, spread the rest of the cardboard, and went inside to make coffee, it started raining buckets. Thanks, universe!

Yesterday I went to Kansas City and the surrounding areas. First I dropped off Aaron at the airport. (FeF already misses you, come back soon!) Then I went south to pick up the electric fence from a craigslist ad. Then I went to Kavitha's house and enjoyed great conversation and refreshment. Even got to do my laundry! (Thanks so much for everything, Kavitha! The papasan is being put to very good use already.) Then I got back to FeF to meet the visiting family.

Woke up this morning pre-dawn, stared out my window listening to the birds, waiting for the sun to give me an excuse to start my day. The apples are falling larger and sweeter now, and the pears are delicious! I've been roasting [https://mail-attachment.googleusercontent.com/attachment/u/0/?ui=2&ik=000e119ddd&view=att&th=13814beab058aeae&attid=0.1&disp=inline&realattid=1405491879634534400-1&safe=1&zw&saduie=AG9B_P8kFxXHKm1q777BFIzspUW3&sadet=1340541789566&sads=AP8vD8z6ezr49OHLI29Xocm8cIA chicory] to make DIY coffee, it grows all over the place here. In the photo you can see the plants, and the roots that I snipped off. I figured the easiest, least consumptive way to roast it was to chop it fine. It turned out great, brews like motor oil, no caffeine, free of charge, and the cost of transportation is the time it takes me to walk from the shop to the HabLab.

So this is the first full week I've spent at FeF. I dig it.

'''6.22.12'''

Yesterday was pretty epic.
*[http://youtu.be/lzk0HH-2wQw I made my bed!] [http://youtu.be/BzTnaIbUWa0 And slept in it!]
**Thank you [http://www.dancingrabbit.org/ Dancing Rabbit] for inspiring us!
*Tim mowed down a bodacious amount of ragweed and brush
*We tried plowing the mowed area, but ran into problems with the turning radius of LifeTrac with the plow mounted on the back corner. Decided to use the bucket to scoop soil and mound it, now we have passable rows! Aidan was plowing until 10 last night, and we very nearly finished but then the LifeTrac needed a break. Laid out the cow panels, so today we'll be trying out the soil pulverizer and setting up the fence. Then I can wet everything, cover it with cardboard so it'll be ready to plant.
*I got sunburnt. Mild bummer, overshadowed by feelings of accomplishment. I guess that means it was worth it.
*Marcin's gone so I'm keeping track of the well pump so we don't dry up.
*Chicks got their first taste of CRACKed corn yesterday. They're lovin' it.

To Do:
Field Work:
*Sink rebar, wire panels
*In between existing rows:
**Plan A: use soil pulverizer
**Plan B: dig furrows and pile that soil into a third row
*Hydrate and cover with cardboard
Writing:
*I still need to write my [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Gabrielle_Leblanc_Contract Contract]
*Working on the Garden Plan drawing for the south side, it's in progress.
*Continue Flashy Scrum Control Panel development for Neosubsistent Agriculture
*Write a letter to my folks so they know my address works out here.

'''6.20.12'''

Ordered everything we need last night. Once I make a trip to Kansas City this weekend we'll have complete infrastructure set up for GoodCow (yes, that will be her name), the garden, and surveying the space.

Cut all the rebar I'd need for the electric fence. [[Will Bratton]] might be coming out to build us a [[Horto Domi]]. Learned some basic CAD last night, thanks [[Yoonseo]]! Never thought it would be that much fun, and we'll have more tutorials weekly, so now when I find myself with a spot of free time at night I can borrow someone's computer and design a sorghum press, fiber mill, a tool for <html><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scutching">scutching fiber plants</a></html>, and anything else I've ever dreamed of wanting.

About to pick up the plow attachment for the tractor, and today will officially be my first time driving LifeTrac. Excited?! You bet! Expect a video to come with a tractor tutorial for future LifeTrac users.

South Indian food tonight! I can smell it and I can't wait.

Tomorrow looks like manure pick up, much belated mattress stuffing, and lots of yardwork.

'''6.19.12'''

Lots to do! Zip zip zip!

We have SEEDS!

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Thank you, Hummert Seed & Supply! Brought a catalog back with me for next time.

Here's what I bought:
*Sorghum
*Rainbow Swiss Chard
*New Zealand Spinach
*Buttercrunch Lettuce
*Golden Acre Cabbage
*Crenshaw Melon
*Seven Top Turnip
*Sugar Baby Watermelon
*Golden Crookneck Squash
*White Bush Scallop Squash
*Stowell's Evergreen Corn
*Golden Bantam Corn
*Mississippi Silver Cow Peas
*Missouri Wonder Pole Beans

Carrots planted, parsnips planted, started some cukes, cilantro, dill, and kale. We need to run the tractor through the south side of the greenhouse, cover it with cardboard, and plant it next week. I'd like Marcin to run a tractor tutorial so everybody can learn who wants to, and we can document it for future residents.

Buying everything on the [[Gabi Shopping List]] right now. It's a lot of stuff, and my job will be so much easier when we have a string trimmer. I'm also itching to start surveying. Thanks to [[Chris DeAngelis]] for loaning me The Fundamentals of Surveying, it's great!! Also reviewing Dan Schellenberg's videos a few more times.

Learning some CAD basics tonight, my first project will be designing a sorghum press. We'll need it, especially since I bought five pounds of seed today.

'''6.18.12'''

Woke up earlier than expected. It's a gorgeous day, I've got computer things to do so I think I'll post up out of doors for the work.

Going to KS City today to pick up electric fence polytape. New place for me, we'll see what food I can forage while I'm there.

Got a lead on sweet potato slips from the East Coast at Scott Farms. We'll see what they've got.

Writing Garden Plan, finished up Survey Tools List. Next up: concise shopping list encompassing everything I haven't bought yet.

Feeling pretty well adjusted, it's a bit like I've been here for weeks instead of 4 days. Still feeling out the rhythm of the week, but I'm very comfortable here. Unexpected, but encouraging. It means that I made the right decision coming here and there's not a lot of jarring changes that I need to adapt to. There are some small ones and I'm excited to learn and grow and change as I have the same effects on my environment. Good people, good plants, good weather, soon to be good soil, and I am empowered by all of it. Happy Monday!

To do:
*google map to Dwayne's house - done, thanks dorkmo!
*garden plan - in progress
*order shopping list
*os cartography software/sourcing - in progress
*review awesome books that chris lent me on surveying etc - in progress
*vlogs

Personal To-Do:
*Turn scrap Satellite Dish into Roof for Dog House
*Put more screws in my walls for hanging things
*GET MORE SLEEP. Never expected that to be a problem here, but there you go.

'''6.17.12'''

Lots to do at once, I think I'll be working on my day off, since my energy is undiminished after only 2 days of being here.

Leaving to find our cow in about an hour, really excited to meet her for the first time. Teddy, too.

Emailed MFA to see if they have rods, because my usual source, Livewire, is in California. They're probably closed on Sunday, so I'll hear from them on Monday. Just set up buying our first piece of the fence, the polytape. Dwayne is selling it through craigslist, I'll be picking it up at 2:00 tomorrow. These were his directions:

8294 W 335TH
69 TO FORT SCOTT
7 MILE SOUTH OF LEWISBERG
69 AND 335TH

Moved into the solar cube, because the hab lab is a bit too comfortable. I prefer a place that is only used for sleeping, and doesn't have the space or accommodation for much else. Also I wanted to live in the box, from the beginning my instincts told me that I wanted to live there.

In charge of the chicks while Briana is in Texas. She'll be back in a week.

Paid deposit on cow, I am in love with her. She's number 17, is a Jersey Holstein cross with Brown Swiss and Shorthorn genetics as well. Teddy's dropping her off two weeks from Monday, so that's the 2nd of July. Need to figure out what kind of grain to feed her so the transition to being grass fed doesn't do her harm. Also it'll be her incentive treat every morning for milking. She's docile, has a great udder, isn't too big, clear eyes, good feet, everything I would want in a cow. Contemplating names. Thank you to Teddy, for being such a friendly dairyman. He truly loves his herd.

Set up my hammock in the wooded area over the creek bed. Also found a berry patch in the ravine. Gooseberries, mystery berries (look like black rasberries?), and picked some mulberries off the tree, too. Blackberries are coming in, not near ripe yet but I'll be ready when they are! Same story with the grapes.

'''6.16.12'''

Woke up early, did some sourcework for the cow, went to the Saint Joseph Farmer's Market with Aidan. Found it pretty limited in terms of organic produce, only one farmer there sold organic food and it was mostly greens. Also, more processed/canned foods than I was accustomed to seeing.

Met a guy named Joel who raises lamb, asked him what he does with his bummers, I'll probably be looking for some lambs to diversify our grazing polyculture in a couple seasons.

Found a couple more berries that I'd like to propagate here: aronia berry and gooseberry. Pretty sure I can find some gooseberries if I just rummage around in the native trees. Aronia berries we'd probably have to buy seed for, but it would be so worth it.

Came back, and after a quick meeting we started stuccoing one of the outer bedrooms at the HabLab.

Took a dip in Pony Express Lake and washed the stucco off my clothes. Found a roadkill deer coming back, brought a couple bones with me for the dog to chomp on later.

Had a meeting with Marcin about the cow, talked to a guy in King City who can sell us a first calf heifer, jersey-holstein cross, for $1100. He sounds personable, I can't wait to meet him.

'''6.15.12'''

Rolling down towards Factor E, I got an overwhelming sense of affection towards the native plants, the smells in the air, the moisture and lush green surrounding the creeks and ponds, and overall felt like I was heading to a rightful place.

Pulled up, everyone seemed to be asleep, gave myself a tour of the property, focused on not feeling daunted and instead inspired at all the potential here. Moved into the HabLab, meaning I took a couple egg crates out of my car and put them in a convenient corner.

Met my team mates, had a meeting with Marcin outlining a concrete work plan. Looks like the first focuses will be getting a dairy cow out here, surveying, getting the garden going, and

Did laundry in town, picked up mattress shells for straw stuffing. Attempted straw stuffing, realized we were not using the correct tool. Decided that a lawn mower is a better strategy. Tried to borrow one from a neighbor, but he didn't have one. Fortunately we didn't come back empty-handed, he gave us a bunch of beets, carrots

[[Category:Logs]]

Air Compressors

2012-10-21T20:08:20Z

Graham Robertson: /* Options */

=Optimal Specs for Plaster Sprayer=

*12 CFM at 90 psi
*5.5 HP
*Gas powered
*portable wheelbarrow style

=Options=
*$800 at Harbor Freight, 15 CFM at 90 PSI, 5 hp
*$500, gas, 5 hp, 9 CFM at 90 PSI
*$600 on clearance, Rigid wheelbarrow at Home Depot, gas, 10.3 CFM at 90 PSI, 5.5 hp,

Air Compressors

2012-10-21T20:01:48Z

Graham Robertson: /* Options */

=Optimal Specs for Plaster Sprayer=

*12 CFM at 90 psi
*5.5 HP
*Gas powered
*portable wheelbarrow style

=Options=
*$800 at Harbor Freight, 15 CFM at 90 PSI, 5 hp
*$500, gas, 5 hp, 9 CFM at 90 PSI
*$600, Rigid at Home Depot, gas, 10.3 CFM at 90 PSI, 5.5 hp

Air Compressors

2012-10-21T19:02:59Z

Graham Robertson:

=Optimal Specs for Plaster Sprayer=

*12 CFM at 90 psi
*5.5 HP
*Gas powered
*portable wheelbarrow style

=Options=
*$800 at Harbor Freight, 15 CFM at 90 PSI, 5 hp
*$500, gas, 5 hp, 9 CFM at 90 PSI

Air Compressors

2012-10-21T19:02:25Z

Graham Robertson:

=Optimal Specs for Plaster Sprayer=

*12 CFM at 90 psi
*5.5 HP
*Gas powered
*portable wheelbarrow style

*$800 at Harbor Freight, 15 CFM at 90 PSI, 5 hp
*$500, gas, 5 hp, 9 CFM at 90 PSI

Air Compressors

2012-10-21T19:02:01Z

Graham Robertson:

=Optimal Specs for Plaster Sprayer=

12 CFM at 90 psi
5.5 HP
Gas powered
portable wheelbarrow style

*$800 at Harbor Freight, 15 CFM at 90 PSI, 5 hp
*$500, gas, 5 hp, 9 CFM at 90 PSI

Talk:OSE Microhouse Prototype Build

2012-10-19T22:36:38Z

Graham Robertson: Created page with "Marcin, let's clarify some of these points: *Modular structure, additions can be made on-demand Are we assuming additions are rooms within the house? If so, we need to integr..."

Marcin, let's clarify some of these points:

*Modular structure, additions can be made on-demand

Are we assuming additions are rooms within the house?

If so, we need to integrate carefully placed doors into the first structure so that one can flow through the new rooms, rather than being forced outside to access the new additions (see HabLab motel rooms).

Contract-First Manufacturing

2012-10-09T04:53:27Z

Graham Robertson:

Before we build anything, we define the interface of that part to everything else.

From [https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups=#!forum/microtractor-development Microtrac Google Group]:

"I'm writing this email in an effort to help the group understand contract driven design (CDD for short). I'll try to keep it brief, but will try to error on the side of having too much detail rather than leaving confusion. That said, please ask question or make comments or disagree. I'm not an authority on this-- just a software engineer that tries to use these ideas to make good software.

Okay, so the basic idea behind CDD is to identify the jobs that each module does and how the modules relate without identifying how they achieve their goal. This is a very important point. When talking about interfaces between modules, you avoid talking about how the module does its job. Why does this matter? It means that any module that achieves the goals of the interface can be used on the machine.

For this discussion, I'm going to use the Chassis and Drive Module as examples. If we get the interface between these two modules correct, then all sorts of drive modules could be used on MicroTrac. This is key! It means that FeF can attach a Tracked Drive Module to MicroTrac, and another user (like me) could attach a wheeled, no-skid drive module to MicroTrac and the machine will still work!

Here is an example of bad interface design. Hopefully they will help you understand why it's important to focus on the interface (rather than finding one set of modules that work together without thinking about how they relate.) A poor interface design would require that the loader arms mount to the tracks system in order to have the required stability. Why is this bad? It means that in order to use the loader arms, you've have to have Tracks! I would have to modify the loader arms in order to have them on my wheeled MicroTrac.

A major idea in CDD is 'separation of concerns'. This means that one module doesn't have to worry about how another module does its job. The Power Cube is a great example of this idea in motion. Any system that has a Power Cube doesn't worry about where the energy comes from. It just assumes that Hydraulic energy enters the system as needed. This means that we can easily and safely change many aspects of the Power Cube. We could switch it to steam power. We could add a bigger engine, we could add electronic starting and monitoring.

What can't we change on the Power Cube? We can't change the interface! Everything else is up for grabs. What is the interface of the Power Cube (note that it's not especially well documented right now)? It has a certain size (about 2'x2'x2'). Changing the size is against the rules of the interface (ie. contract). You can't change the size of the hydraulic return hose or the outlet hose. You can't make it so the Power Cube relies on an external component for it's strength and stability. So, it turns out there are a lot of things you can't change, but you still have a lot of opportunity to improve and change the Power Cube without having to change any other part of any GVCS maching.

As a counter example, think about a modern car. What parts of the engine system can you change without having to worry about systematic effects? Not very many. Modern cars are highly engineered systems where an all sorts of things depend on each other in unexpected ways. There are benefits to such a design paradigm. One major drawback is that every new car requires that the engine system be re-engineered. This makes design and development of cars very expensive. The GVCS doesn't waste it's time on that. We've got an contract between the engine system and any machine that it drives. If you make a new machine that respects that contract, then it will just work.

So when thinking about the contract for a module it often helps me to think about what a thing needs and what it provides. What does the drive module need? It needs a secure mounting point. It needs a certain amount of clear space in which to exist. Some of that clear space must be between the mounting point and that ground. We need energy input (see adapters below).

What does the drive system provide? It applies torque to the earth =). Okay, a little too general. It moves the thing that it is attached to by pushing on the earth. It is somewhat insensitive to the terrain that it traverses (soft or hard, hill or flat). At the risk of getting too abstract, you can think of there being a contract between the drive module and the earth. If the earth conforms to that contract, then the drive module will work. A souped up Jeep can handle a lot more kinds of earth (has a less strict contract) than a Ferrari does. But a Ferrari does the torque part of the contract exceptionally well.

Interestingly, this helps explain why a track design won't work on my MicroTrac. The contract I want my drive system to have with the earth isn't satisfied by skid steering. So that module won't work. If we do things right though, I'll be able to reuse all of MicroTrac, and just change out the drive module. In order to do this though, I have to know how my wheeled system will interface with MicroTrac. What is the contract?

So with that I'll leave you. I hope that you've found this helpful.

Cheers,

Andy"

Contract-First Manufacturing

2012-10-09T04:52:46Z

Graham Robertson:

Before we build anything, we define the interface of that part to everything else.

From Microtrac Google Group:

"I'm writing this email in an effort to help the group understand contract driven design (CDD for short). I'll try to keep it brief, but will try to error on the side of having too much detail rather than leaving confusion. That said, please ask question or make comments or disagree. I'm not an authority on this-- just a software engineer that tries to use these ideas to make good software.

Okay, so the basic idea behind CDD is to identify the jobs that each module does and how the modules relate without identifying how they achieve their goal. This is a very important point. When talking about interfaces between modules, you avoid talking about how the module does its job. Why does this matter? It means that any module that achieves the goals of the interface can be used on the machine.

For this discussion, I'm going to use the Chassis and Drive Module as examples. If we get the interface between these two modules correct, then all sorts of drive modules could be used on MicroTrac. This is key! It means that FeF can attach a Tracked Drive Module to MicroTrac, and another user (like me) could attach a wheeled, no-skid drive module to MicroTrac and the machine will still work!

Here is an example of bad interface design. Hopefully they will help you understand why it's important to focus on the interface (rather than finding one set of modules that work together without thinking about how they relate.) A poor interface design would require that the loader arms mount to the tracks system in order to have the required stability. Why is this bad? It means that in order to use the loader arms, you've have to have Tracks! I would have to modify the loader arms in order to have them on my wheeled MicroTrac.

A major idea in CDD is 'separation of concerns'. This means that one module doesn't have to worry about how another module does its job. The Power Cube is a great example of this idea in motion. Any system that has a Power Cube doesn't worry about where the energy comes from. It just assumes that Hydraulic energy enters the system as needed. This means that we can easily and safely change many aspects of the Power Cube. We could switch it to steam power. We could add a bigger engine, we could add electronic starting and monitoring.

What can't we change on the Power Cube? We can't change the interface! Everything else is up for grabs. What is the interface of the Power Cube (note that it's not especially well documented right now)? It has a certain size (about 2'x2'x2'). Changing the size is against the rules of the interface (ie. contract). You can't change the size of the hydraulic return hose or the outlet hose. You can't make it so the Power Cube relies on an external component for it's strength and stability. So, it turns out there are a lot of things you can't change, but you still have a lot of opportunity to improve and change the Power Cube without having to change any other part of any GVCS maching.

As a counter example, think about a modern car. What parts of the engine system can you change without having to worry about systematic effects? Not very many. Modern cars are highly engineered systems where an all sorts of things depend on each other in unexpected ways. There are benefits to such a design paradigm. One major drawback is that every new car requires that the engine system be re-engineered. This makes design and development of cars very expensive. The GVCS doesn't waste it's time on that. We've got an contract between the engine system and any machine that it drives. If you make a new machine that respects that contract, then it will just work.

So when thinking about the contract for a module it often helps me to think about what a thing needs and what it provides. What does the drive module need? It needs a secure mounting point. It needs a certain amount of clear space in which to exist. Some of that clear space must be between the mounting point and that ground. We need energy input (see adapters below).

What does the drive system provide? It applies torque to the earth =). Okay, a little too general. It moves the thing that it is attached to by pushing on the earth. It is somewhat insensitive to the terrain that it traverses (soft or hard, hill or flat). At the risk of getting too abstract, you can think of there being a contract between the drive module and the earth. If the earth conforms to that contract, then the drive module will work. A souped up Jeep can handle a lot more kinds of earth (has a less strict contract) than a Ferrari does. But a Ferrari does the torque part of the contract exceptionally well.

Interestingly, this helps explain why a track design won't work on my MicroTrac. The contract I want my drive system to have with the earth isn't satisfied by skid steering. So that module won't work. If we do things right though, I'll be able to reuse all of MicroTrac, and just change out the drive module. In order to do this though, I have to know how my wheeled system will interface with MicroTrac. What is the contract?

So with that I'll leave you. I hope that you've found this helpful.

Cheers,

Andy"

File:HabLab contours.tiff

2012-10-09T04:37:26Z

Graham Robertson: Developing the flows and contours around HabLab, to serve as a structure for future buildings.

Developing the flows and contours around HabLab, to serve as a structure for future buildings.

Hab Lab

2012-10-09T04:36:10Z

Graham Robertson:

<html><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/31618999?color=4b2582" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/31618999">Construction Update 2011/11/04</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/opensourceecology">Open Source Ecology</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p></html>

[[Image:hl1.jpg|thumb|Inside main hallway. Compressed earth brick walls.]]

[[Image:hl2.jpg|thumb|Crushed stone floor, with moisture barrier and carpet on top.]]

[[Image:hl3.jpg|thumb|Natural lighting in kitchen.]]

The need for all-weather housing to shelter year-round members of the community, located where summers can be unpleasantly hot and winters unpleasantly cold, can be met with superinsulated designs. Here we will examine some possible options and our progress in bring them into existence. Planning tools, instructions, modifications, etc. will be included.

The [[Hab Lab Design Gallery|Design Page]] is a good place to see what has been offered and to post any of your own great ideas. More ideas are great for everybody!

==Survey & Design==
The area on the property for the first group habitation was on a noticeable slope. OSE staff members worked with a home-made water level to take measurements over a 100' square area.

How to make a water level: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAcT_1T25LM

Ideas submitted for this project are located on the [[Hab Lab Design Gallery]] page.

===Building Orientation===
Oops!
Some of our pads got set 3' South of their intended site. Here is an emergency redesign idea.
[[File:Emergency Remodel HabLab.png|thumb|800px|center]]

==Planning==
There is a lot of planning that goes into building something like this. Here is a FreeMind mind map on that. It will be updated as we do more of it. The green nodes designate things we have completed - and therefore can 'go' forward with.
[[File:HabLab Planning.png|thumb|800px|center]]
The nodes with arrows indicate those that have been created as separate mind maps. Their details will be found in the subsection to which they pertain.

===Kitchen/Bath Water===
A plan for gray water drains - includes a floor drain in the kitchen and the bathroom, 2 showers, a sink, and a [[Laundry]] location in the bathroom, and a sink location in the kitchen.
[[File:Gray Water Drains.png|thumb|600px|center]]

See the [[How Not To]] page for what we ran into with this part of the project.

===Utility/Storage Area===

===Heating===
[[Space_Heating]]
====Source Material====
http://dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub781.pdf

==Site Preparation==

The Hab Lab is designed to be supported by columns built of CEB (Compressed Earth Block)which are constructed on a reinforced concrete pad. Due to the slope of our site, we designed a lowered section which requires a low retaining wall. Included here are instructions for preparing the site with adequate footings.

Here is a picture with a preliminary excavation layout for the column pad sites and the retaining wall in the Hab Lab.
*When you are laying out the excavation site, be sure to add 5' in each direction for the excavator to work to.

[[File:HabLab Excavation Layout.png|thumb|800 px|center]]
This levels diagram is from our theoretical measurements - we actually wound up with a 2' drop, not a 2'8" drop. That will make only a minor difference in raising the building - changing the size of the retaining wall and removing one or two CEB's at the top of the lower columns to maintain the planned roof pitch.
[[File:Levels Diagram for Hab Lab Site.png|thumb|800 px|center]]

==Foundations & Column Slabs==
[[File:Column Pad Form Prep.png|thumb|800px|center]]
[[File:Column Pads Completed.png|thumb|800px|center]]

===Laying out the Hab Lab excavation site to be square===
''Collect equipment and supplies needed''
*Blueprint of site plan
*(2) 100’ Measuring tapes
*4 3-4’ stakes
*Hammer
*Bright spray paint
''Steps for Staking out the excavation site.''
#Choose a spot approximately 5 feet to the North and 5 feet to the West of the area to be excavated.
#Pound in a stake and spray paint the top foot or two of it.
#Measure due East a distance 10’ longer than the foundation width (total 67’).
#Place and paint another stake.
#Calculate a distance 10’ longer than the foundation length (total 62’).
#Calculate the diagonal measurement of the excavation site [Length(squared) x Width(squared) = Diagonal(squared)] (91'4").
#Measure due South from the Northwest stake the distance calculated in step 6.
#Set the second tape measure on the Northeast stake and measure the diagonal calculated in step 7 going Southwest.
#Set your third stake where the two measured lengths meet each other.
#Paint the stake.
#Measure due South from the Northeast stake the distance calculated in step 6.
#Set the second tape measure on the Northwest stake and measure the diagonal calculated in step 7 going Southeast.
#Set your fouth stake where the two measured lengths meet each other.
#Paint the stake.

*With the site leveled, the foundation holes for the column slabs must be laid out.
*After excavation, the stone fill for the foundation goes into the holes.
*At the same time, the 6" stone floor foundation is spread.

===Concrete forms and rebar reinforcing assemblies===
These can be built well ahead of need whenever volunteers are available.
*You could set up an assembly line effect to do them all at once with several people working together.
*An individual might do one unit at a time.
*An individual might do all the wood cutting at one time, another do all the rebar cutting at another time, another do all the rebar bending at another time.
*A couple of people might work together to get some wooden forms assembled once the pieces are cut, another time, a couple of people might work together to get some rebar assemblies welded.

The following step-by-step instructions are provided for building the forms and the reinforcing rebar assemblies.

[[How to bend rebar]]

[[https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=14oCxZUjs09wGuvaL4QTAII6hRxQpy20TKv7skH3INRWAVlXqtgdrh0D2ggtl&hl=en Assembly sheet for column pad forms]]

[[https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=1_hf2n-l9rCiEss45ZC8ogtMpeQki9fCoYIFdkD5x3lCOwjGh7Gknr-POJrNB&hl=en Rebar plan for column footings]]

===Laying out the locations for the forms on top of the foundation stone===
Once the form and rebar assemblies are built and the foundation stone is in place, the string site plan lay-out must be set up for placing the forms properly over their (now invisible) foundations. If you set your hole locating strings far enough out that the excavation didn't disturb them, this will be simple. It will be even easier if you rolled up your strings before the hole excavation got done and saved them. (See comments below!)

''Collect equipment and supplies needed''
*Blueprint of site plan
*100' tape measure
*Pre-placed marking stakes around outside of foundation site.
*Rolled up pre-used string balls from foundation hole layout
''Steps for Laying out Column Pad Form locations.''
#Measure to check that all pre-placed marking stakes are properly positioned.
#If any are missing or misplaced, replace or reposition them as needed.
#Unroll and retie the strings to their corresponding stakes across the foundation site .

Here's what the layout over the stone should look like.
[[File:HabLab Column Pad Form Layout.png|thumb|600 px|center]]

-Notes- Be sure to read the [[How Not To]] page on this one!

===Setting the column pad forms===
''Collect equipment and supplies needed''
*Supplies
**16 Pre-built column pad forms
**80 form stakes (we used 2"x2"x18" wooden stakes)
*Equipment
**Heavy Hammer(s)
**4'spirit Level
**Water level
**tape measure
''Steps to place Column Pad forms''
#Use with the center pad site on the upper level as the reference pad.
#Set a pre-built column pad form in place under the string lines with the inside of the forms under the strings.
#Drive two form stakes next to the outside of one side and one on each of the other three sides. They will need to sit deep enough that the tops of the stakes will be level with (or lower than) the top of the form.
#Level the form.
##Screw one of the stakes (on the side with two) to the side of the form so that the form sits 1/2" above the gravel level. Be sure that the top of the stake is level with (or lower than) the top of the form.
##Use the spirit level to set this side of the form level and screw it in position.
##Use the spirit level to set the opposite side of the form at the same level.
##Check the level on the other two sides and screw them in place.
#Use the water level to set the first level on each of the other pads on the upper level.
#Repeat the remainder of the leveling steps for each form.
#Use the water level to set the level of the center form in the lower level at 24" lower than the upper level pads.
#Complete the leveling steps for this form.
#Use the center form on the lower level for a reference form to set and level the remaining lower level column pad forms.

[[File:Setting Column Pad Forms Diagram.png|thumb|600 px|center]]

===Preparing Column Pad Forms for Reinforced Concrete===
Collect equipment and supplies needed
*Supplies
**16 Pre-built column pad rebar assemblies
**64 rebar chairs
*Equipment
**Rake(s)
**shovel
**tape measure
#Use a rake and shovel to remove about 2" of stone from the inside of the form. (until is 6" deep)
#Pack removed stone around outside of forms to create a fully enclosed 6" deep form.
#Use one prebuilt column pad rebar assembly for each column pad site.
#Center the rebar assembly with 3” gap between assembly and form wall on every side.
#Set rebar chairs under corners of prebuilt column pad rebar assemblies.-Put a stone or some gravel under the chairs if needed to center the rebar so it will sit at about the middle of the finished slab (3" off the floor of the form).

[[File:Preparing Column Pad Sites for Concrete Pouring.png|thumb|600 px|center]]

==Concrete Work==
We are preparing to do the big concrete pour. Using the FreeMind mind map model, this is the node that outlines the dependencies so we can be ready for that. Following sections include instructions for accomplishing them.
[[File:Dependencies for Getting Floors Poured.png|thumb|800px|center]]
Here is the mindmap updated after the all the concrete was poured.
[[File:Concrete Floors Poured.png|thumb|800px|center]]

Here is the planning layout for the concrete - which we are planning to do in one great big pour. We'll let you know how it goes!
[[File:HabLab Concrete Forms Layout.png|800px|center]]

===Insulated Outside Wall Support Slabs===
We are planning to put reinforced concrete the full 3' width of the Column Support Pads all the way around the outside of the building. They will be 3-1/2" (2x4 lumber size) deep and will support the two CEB walls that enclose the hay bale insulation. Rebar assemblies and concrete form sizes can be prepared ahead of time.

====Preparing the rebar reinforcement assemblies====
[[How to bend rebar]]

Rebar Assembly for 13’ Outside Wall pads (make 11 assemblies)

''Collect supplies and equipment''
*(3) 20’ lengths #4 rebar
*Measuring tape
*Marker
*Rebar cutter
*Rebar bender
*Spot welder
''Steps to do:''
#Measure and mark (2) 20’ lengths of #4 rebar 6’4” from one end.
#Bend at a right angle.
#Measure and mark each piece to bend into a U shape with 2’6” between the legs.
#Bend them into (2) U shaped pieces.
#Measure, mark, and cut the long end of each U to the same 6’4” length
#Measure and weld the two assemblies into a single rectangle of 12’6” by 2’6” dimensions.
#Measure and cut (1) 20’ piece of #4 rebar to 12’7” in length.
#Center the 12’7” piece between the long sides of the rectangular assembly.
#Weld it into place.
[[File:Rebar for outside wall pads.png|thumb|600px|center]]

Rebar Assembly for 9’6” Outside Wall pads (make 2 assemblies)

''Collect supplies and equipment''
*(3) 20’ lengths #4 rebar
*Measuring tape
*Marker
*Rebar cutter
*Rebar bender
*Spot welder
''Steps to do:''
#Measure and mark (2) 20’ lengths of #4 rebar 4’7” from one end.
#Bend at a right angle.
#Measure and mark each piece to bend into a U shape with 2’6” between the legs.
#Bend them into (2) U shaped pieces.
#Measure, mark, and cut the long end of each U to the same 4’7” length
#Measure and weld the two assemblies into a single rectangle of 9’ by 2’6” dimensions.
#Measure and cut (1) 20’ piece of #4 rebar to 9’1” in length.
#Center the 9’1” piece between the long sides of the rectangular assembly.
#Weld it into place.
[[File:Rebar for 9.5' outside wall pads.png|thumb|600px|center]]

Rebar Assembly for 7' Outside Wall pads (make 2 assemblies)

''Collect supplies and equipment''
*(3) 20’ lengths #4 rebar
*Measuring tape
*Marker
*Rebar cutter
*Rebar bender
*Spot welder
''Steps to do:''
#Measure and mark (2) 20’ lengths of #4 rebar 3’4” from one end.
#Bend at a right angle.
#Measure and mark each piece to bend into a U shape with 2’6” between the legs.
#Bend them into (2) U shaped pieces.
#Measure, mark, and cut the long end of each U to the same 3’4” length
#Measure and weld the two assemblies into a single rectangle of 6’6” by 2’6” dimensions.
#Measure and cut (1) 20’ piece of #4 rebar to 6'7" in length.
#Center the 6'7" piece between the long sides of the rectangular assembly.
#Weld it into place.
[[File:Rebar for 7' outside wall pads.png|thumb|600px|center]]

====Preparing the concrete forms====
Our pouring plan requires these forms relating to the outside wall construction. For those wall pads that are part of our interior pads, additional forms are in other sections. If you are not pouring large interior pads, you will need to adjust the number of interior forms.

Exterior Forms for 13' Wall slabs. (make 10 assemblies)

''Collect supplies and equipment''
*(2) 2"x4"x7' pine studs
*(1) piece of scrap lumber,
*(4) 3" screws
*Driver
''Steps to do:''
#Start two screws into the flat side of each end of the piece of scrap lumber.
#Butt the two 7' boards end to end
#Lay the piece of scrap lumber over the seam butt joint.
#Be sure the narrow sides of the boards are lined up evenly with each other.
#Drive the screws in completely to hold the boards in line.

Interior Forms for 13' Wall slabs. (make 5 assemblies)

''Collect supplies and equipment''
*(2) 2"x4"x7' pine studs
*Measuring tape
*Pencil
*Saw
*(4) 3" screws
*Driver
''Steps to do:''
#Measure, mark, and cut one board to be 6' long.
#Start two screws into the flat side of each end of the 1' piece of scrap lumber.
#Butt the 6' piece with the other 7' board end to end
#Lay the piece of scrap lumber over the seam butt joint.
#Be sure the narrow sides of the boards are lined up evenly with each other.
#Drive the screws in completely to hold the boards in line.

Forms for Wall slabs on split-level section

''Collect supplies and equipment''
*(6) 2"x4"x7' pine studs
*(4) 2"x4"x10' pine studs
*Measuring tape
*Pencil
*Saw
''Steps to do:''
#Measure, mark, and cut (2) 7' boards to be 6' long.
#Measure, mark, and cut (2) 10' boards to be 9'6" long.
#You will use the other boards uncut.

[[File:Exterior Wall Form Boards.png|thumb|600px|center]]

====Setting the forms====

===Narrow Wall Support Slabs===
We will support and stabilize the interior CEB walls with a 12" wide x 3-1/2" deep concrete slab. Rebar assemblies and concrete form sizes can be prepared ahead of time.

====Preparing Rebar reinforcement assemblies====
Rebar Assembly for all 12” interior wall slabs

''Collect supplies and equipment''
*(10) 20’ lengths #4 rebar
*Measuring tape
*Marker
*Rebar cutter
*Rebar bender
*Spot welder
''Steps to do:''
#Measure and mark (2) 20’ lengths of #4 rebar 3’4” from one end.
#Bend 180⁰ the rebar with a 3” radius.
#Measure and mark so another 180⁰ with a 3” radius will produce 6’6” long assemblies.
#Cut the extra rebar (about 7’) off, leaving enough to tack weld each assembly together.

#Measure and mark (4) 20’ lengths of #4 rebar 4’4” from the end.
#Bend 180⁰ with a 3” radius.
#Measure and mark so another 180⁰ with a 3” radius will produce 8’6” long assemblies.
#Cut the extra rebar off, leaving enough to tack weld each assembly together.

#Measure and mark (4) 20’ lengths of #4 rebar 6’4” from the end.
#Bend 180⁰ with a 3” radius.
#Measure and mark so another 180⁰ with a 3” radius will produce 12’6” long assemblies.
#Use scrap cuttings (about 7’ long) to bridge the gap for each of these assemblies.
[[File:Rebar for 1' inside wall pads.png|thumb|600px|center]]

====Preparing the Concrete Forms====
These 12" wide slabs will provide a firm foundation on which to build our interior CEB room-dividing walls. Mostly they use the same sizes of forms you used for the outside walls. If you are pouring in small stages, you won't have build more forms because you can reuse the ones from the outside wall slabs. If you are going to pour all the concrete at once, you will need 7 more of the 13' inside form assemblies, 4 more uncut 7' boards, 2 more 7' boards cut to 6' lengths, 6 more boards cut to 9'6", and two boards cut to 9' in length.
Instructions for preparing all of these boards are found above - in the [[#Insulated Outside Wall Support Slabs/Preparing the Concrete Forms|Outside Wall Slabs]] section.

====Setting the Forms====

===Kitchen and Bath Areas===
The Kitchen and Bath Floor Areas both have a potential for receiving noticeable amounts of water. We consider it advisable to pave them both with concrete and include a central drain. Rebar assemblies and concrete form sizes can be prepared ahead of time.
====Preparing the Rebar Assemblies====
Rebar Assembly for 16’x13’ slabs (make 2 assemblies)

''Collect supplies and equipment''
*(3) 20’ lengths #4 rebar
*Measuring tape
*Marker
*Rebar cutter
*Rebar bender
*Spot welder
''Steps to do:''
#Measure and mark (4) 20’ lengths of #4 rebar 6’4” from the end.
#Bend at a right angle.
#Cut the long ends to 7’10” long.
#Overlap the short ends of two L-shaped pieces and measure to make a U shaped assembly with 12’6” between the legs.
#Make two of these assemblies.
#Overlap the legs of the U-shaped assemblies to make a rectangle measuring 15’6” x 12’6”
#Measure and cut (5) pieces of #4 rebar to 15’7” long.
#Measure and cut (7) pieces of #4 rebar to 12’7” long.
#Space and position the cut pieces into a 24” grid across the rectangle.
[[File:Rebar for between big slabs.png|thumb|600px|center]]

#Weld them into place.
[[File:Rebar for 16x13 slab.png|thumb|600px|center]]

There is one more assembly to go into this section between the two big ones. It is a modification of the exterior wall slab reinforcements.

Rebar Assembly for Interior 13’x3’ section of big Slab

''Collect supplies and equipment''
*(2) 20’ lengths #4 rebar
*Measuring tape
*Marker
*Rebar cutter
*Rebar bender
*Spot welder
''Steps to do:''
#Measure and mark (2) 20’ lengths of #4 rebar 6’4” #from one end.
#Bend at a right angle.
#Measure and mark each piece to bend into a U shape with 2’ between the legs.
#Bend them into (2) U shaped pieces.
#Measure, mark, and cut the long end of each U to the same 6’4” length
#Measure and weld the two assemblies into a single rectangle of 12’6” by 2’ dimensions.

====Preparing the Concrete forms====
Because we are pouring this all at once, we decided to eliminate some complicated form work by including the equipment area and one room in this slab. This will be a big pour of concrete. It requires about 5 cubic yards of concrete. If you have plenty of time and are working in small batches, you can save over a yard of concrete by building the interior wall forms and pouring only wall-support pads - as shown on the layout.

The large slabs are laid between column pads, using 13' interior form assemblies. If you are pouring all at once, you will need two more of these assemblies, one more board cut to 9'6", and a piece of scrap about 3' long to complete the form work for this area. This, of course, assumes that you already have the exterior forms for the exterior wall slabs prepared. Instructions for preparing all of these are above in the [[#Insulated Outside Wall Support Slabs/Preparing the Concrete Forms|Outside Wall Slabs]]
section.
====Setting the Forms====

===Retaining Wall for Lower Level===
Ideas for this wall have been through several iterations. At present (Oct. 10th), we are planning to lay a 6" footer, 18" wide and 62' long. On top of that, we plan to put a 12" thick wall of bitumen-protected CEB. For the concrete footer, rebar assemblies and concrete form sizes can be prepared ahead of time.
====Preparing the Rebar Assembly====
Rebar Assembly for Retaining wall footer

''Collect supplies and equipment''
*(9) 20’ lengths #4 rebar
*Scrap #4 rebar to make (1) 6’ pieces and (1) 1’1” piece
*Measuring tape
*Marker
*Rebar cutter
*Rebar bender
*Spot welder
''Steps to do:''
#Measure and mark (2) 20’ lengths of #4 rebar 8’ from one end.
#Bend at a right angle.
#Measure and mark each piece to bend into a U shape with 12” between the legs.
#Bend them into (2) U shaped pieces.
#Measure, mark, and cut (1) 6’ and (1) 1’1” piece of #4 rebar.
#Overlap and weld (1) 20’ length of rebar to each leg.
#Measure and weld the two longer legs together so the resulting assembly is 61’6” long.
#Weld the 6’ piece of rebar between the ends of the two shorter legs so that side is 61’6” long, too.
#Weld (3) 20’ pieces of #4 rebar into an approximately 60’ length of rebar.
#Center the 60’ piece between the long sides of the rectangular assembly.
#Weld one end at the center of one end of the rectangle.
#Position the 1’1” piece of rebar across the rectangle to support the free end of the 60’ assembly.
#Weld the short piece to the three long ones.
[[File:Rebar Assembly for Retaining wall.png|thumb|600px|center]]
====Preparing the Concrete Form====
This is a really long form - 62 feet. You don't want to put it together ahead of time and try to carry it anywhere! What you ''do'' want to do is make sure you have all the pieces you will need cut and reserved against the time you will be setting the forms up.

''Collect supplies and equipment''
*(8) 2"x6"x16' boards
*(6) Pieces of 2x4 or 2x6 scrap for splicing.
*Measuring tape
*Pencil
*Saw
''Steps to do''
#Measure and mark 18" from the end of (2) 2x6x16' boards
#Cut the two 18" pieces and mark them "form ends".
#Set aside the 6 16' boards, the 14'6" boards, the form ends, and all the scrap pieces in a reserve pile.

====Setting the Concrete Form====

==CEB Columns==

[[http://ww2.unhabitat.org/programmes/housingpolicy/Images/PDF.gif|UN CEB PDF]]

[[File:Hab_Lab_Coursework_Columns.png|thumb|400px|Center]]

==CEB Arches==

[[http://ww2.unhabitat.org/programmes/housingpolicy/documents/Vault.pdf|UN Vaults PDF]]

[[http://www.amazon.com/Concrete-Hardness-Hammer-HT-225A-Portable/dp/B0049DDJCK/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1317915942&sr=8-6|Hardness Test Hammer]] for quality assurance

==CEB Floors==

[[http://www.velacreations.com/cebfloors.html|CEB Floor Instructions]]

==CEB Walls==

[[File:Hab_Lab_Coursework_Interior_Walls.png|thumb|800px|center]]

==CEB Retaining Wall==

[[File:Hab_Lab_Coursework_Retaining_Wall.png|thumb|800px|center]]

==Insulated Roof==

# 16 11-member 2x6x16' frames
# a layer of tyvek
# a layer of lathe, mounted diagonally about 18" apart
# a layer of hay bales surrounded and around 2x12 spacers
# 16 11-member 2x4x16' frames
# agricultural roof panel on top and sides

Frames are built with one 16' beam on each end of 9 other 16' beams laid on 24" centers. These roof frames can be built quite quickly at any time labor is available, preferably ahead of time so that they can be installed as soon as the columns are ready to be covered.

==Super Insulated Walls==

2.5 foot thick wall.

4x6x12 bricks laid on the 12x4" side in standard wall layup, two walls outside surfaces 2.5' apart.

With air space left on either side, bales are stacked in the center of the wall, creating super insulation between the interior and exterior.

==Heating the HabLab==

I propose a [http://www.heatkit.com Heatkit] masonry furnace kit, surrounded by CEB

==Considerations for Future Designs==

===Comfort===

Premise:

People's comfort decides whether they want to spend time in a place.

Therefore,

'''Before monetary costs, structural engineering, or materials used, the design of a human environment must consider how well it meets the needs of its inhabitants''', or else time saved on construction is worthless if people are too uncomfortable to spend time there.

===Patterns that Hurt and Help===

'''South Facing Outdoors'''

It is very pleasant to be able to sit inside during the winter and take in the warmth and view from the low winter sun.

People naturally gather along the southern sides of buildings as opposed to the north.

-Cooling problem with large south facing windows: Although the 4 foot overhang prevents summer sun from entering the windows, bare ground outside reflects light into the house, creating a greenhouse effect.

-Solution: Create an outdoor entrance room along the south side of HabLab, using a post-and-beam trellis structure to grow deciduous vines. This will provide shade in the summer and sun in the winter. The shade will prevent light being reflected off the ground into the southern windows. A post and beam structure with rafters could potentially serve as a structure for a partial roof, perhaps just over the main entrance to serve as a shelter from the elements, while waiting, saying goodbye, or watching the rain and snow.

-Problem: South facing windows to increase solar gain does not mean that main entrances should open to the south. There are many paths within and without a building that can increase or hinder the flow throughout a place.

Example: the main path into HabLab flows East/West, but the main entrance opens to the south.

Solution: Create entrances according to how they integrate with the natural paths and destinations of the site. This delves into a wider assumption of site design that buildings and spaces should be laid out on the ground where one intends to build, as opposed to isolated computer drawings. This is not to say computer drawings shouldnt be used, rather, the flows of the site should be laid out on a drawing so as to weave the building into the natural life of the place.

Example:
[[File:HabLab_contours.tiff|thumb|800px|center]]

[http://www.mediafire.com/?3bmdfg21e1u42h6 Download HabLab site .skp file and contribute designs and proposals for new buildings]

This model is beginning to show the natural contours around HabLab, being recorded with the building as the nucleus for future buildings: terraces, walls, greenhouses, outdoor rooms, gardens, paths. As this is now a center of activity, we can observe the flows of humans, animals, nutrients, water, wind, sun, and earth by recording contours, paths, sun cycles, etc as a CAD model. Future buildings should center around existing buildings and activity.

'''Sleeping to the East'''
*Windows in the east facing rooms of HabLab facilitate natural sleep rhythms. Humans are meant to wake with the sun.

'''Communal Eating'''
*The glue that holds any human group together.
*Give people a place to gather and eat in any building with more than one person.
*How do we create a place for people in a future house cluster of singles, couples, and families to gather and share meals?

[[Category:Housing and construction]]

Hab Lab

2012-10-07T20:47:33Z

Graham Robertson:

<html><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/31618999?color=4b2582" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/31618999">Construction Update 2011/11/04</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/opensourceecology">Open Source Ecology</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p></html>

[[Image:hl1.jpg|thumb|Inside main hallway. Compressed earth brick walls.]]

[[Image:hl2.jpg|thumb|Crushed stone floor, with moisture barrier and carpet on top.]]

[[Image:hl3.jpg|thumb|Natural lighting in kitchen.]]

The need for all-weather housing to shelter year-round members of the community, located where summers can be unpleasantly hot and winters unpleasantly cold, can be met with superinsulated designs. Here we will examine some possible options and our progress in bring them into existence. Planning tools, instructions, modifications, etc. will be included.

The [[Hab Lab Design Gallery|Design Page]] is a good place to see what has been offered and to post any of your own great ideas. More ideas are great for everybody!

==Survey & Design==
The area on the property for the first group habitation was on a noticeable slope. OSE staff members worked with a home-made water level to take measurements over a 100' square area.

How to make a water level: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAcT_1T25LM

Ideas submitted for this project are located on the [[Hab Lab Design Gallery]] page.

===Building Orientation===
Oops!
Some of our pads got set 3' South of their intended site. Here is an emergency redesign idea.
[[File:Emergency Remodel HabLab.png|thumb|800px|center]]

==Planning==
There is a lot of planning that goes into building something like this. Here is a FreeMind mind map on that. It will be updated as we do more of it. The green nodes designate things we have completed - and therefore can 'go' forward with.
[[File:HabLab Planning.png|thumb|800px|center]]
The nodes with arrows indicate those that have been created as separate mind maps. Their details will be found in the subsection to which they pertain.

===Kitchen/Bath Water===
A plan for gray water drains - includes a floor drain in the kitchen and the bathroom, 2 showers, a sink, and a [[Laundry]] location in the bathroom, and a sink location in the kitchen.
[[File:Gray Water Drains.png|thumb|600px|center]]

See the [[How Not To]] page for what we ran into with this part of the project.

===Utility/Storage Area===

===Heating===
[[Space_Heating]]
====Source Material====
http://dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub781.pdf

==Site Preparation==

The Hab Lab is designed to be supported by columns built of CEB (Compressed Earth Block)which are constructed on a reinforced concrete pad. Due to the slope of our site, we designed a lowered section which requires a low retaining wall. Included here are instructions for preparing the site with adequate footings.

Here is a picture with a preliminary excavation layout for the column pad sites and the retaining wall in the Hab Lab.
*When you are laying out the excavation site, be sure to add 5' in each direction for the excavator to work to.

[[File:HabLab Excavation Layout.png|thumb|800 px|center]]
This levels diagram is from our theoretical measurements - we actually wound up with a 2' drop, not a 2'8" drop. That will make only a minor difference in raising the building - changing the size of the retaining wall and removing one or two CEB's at the top of the lower columns to maintain the planned roof pitch.
[[File:Levels Diagram for Hab Lab Site.png|thumb|800 px|center]]

==Foundations & Column Slabs==
[[File:Column Pad Form Prep.png|thumb|800px|center]]
[[File:Column Pads Completed.png|thumb|800px|center]]

===Laying out the Hab Lab excavation site to be square===
''Collect equipment and supplies needed''
*Blueprint of site plan
*(2) 100’ Measuring tapes
*4 3-4’ stakes
*Hammer
*Bright spray paint
''Steps for Staking out the excavation site.''
#Choose a spot approximately 5 feet to the North and 5 feet to the West of the area to be excavated.
#Pound in a stake and spray paint the top foot or two of it.
#Measure due East a distance 10’ longer than the foundation width (total 67’).
#Place and paint another stake.
#Calculate a distance 10’ longer than the foundation length (total 62’).
#Calculate the diagonal measurement of the excavation site [Length(squared) x Width(squared) = Diagonal(squared)] (91'4").
#Measure due South from the Northwest stake the distance calculated in step 6.
#Set the second tape measure on the Northeast stake and measure the diagonal calculated in step 7 going Southwest.
#Set your third stake where the two measured lengths meet each other.
#Paint the stake.
#Measure due South from the Northeast stake the distance calculated in step 6.
#Set the second tape measure on the Northwest stake and measure the diagonal calculated in step 7 going Southeast.
#Set your fouth stake where the two measured lengths meet each other.
#Paint the stake.

*With the site leveled, the foundation holes for the column slabs must be laid out.
*After excavation, the stone fill for the foundation goes into the holes.
*At the same time, the 6" stone floor foundation is spread.

===Concrete forms and rebar reinforcing assemblies===
These can be built well ahead of need whenever volunteers are available.
*You could set up an assembly line effect to do them all at once with several people working together.
*An individual might do one unit at a time.
*An individual might do all the wood cutting at one time, another do all the rebar cutting at another time, another do all the rebar bending at another time.
*A couple of people might work together to get some wooden forms assembled once the pieces are cut, another time, a couple of people might work together to get some rebar assemblies welded.

The following step-by-step instructions are provided for building the forms and the reinforcing rebar assemblies.

[[How to bend rebar]]

[[https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=14oCxZUjs09wGuvaL4QTAII6hRxQpy20TKv7skH3INRWAVlXqtgdrh0D2ggtl&hl=en Assembly sheet for column pad forms]]

[[https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=1_hf2n-l9rCiEss45ZC8ogtMpeQki9fCoYIFdkD5x3lCOwjGh7Gknr-POJrNB&hl=en Rebar plan for column footings]]

===Laying out the locations for the forms on top of the foundation stone===
Once the form and rebar assemblies are built and the foundation stone is in place, the string site plan lay-out must be set up for placing the forms properly over their (now invisible) foundations. If you set your hole locating strings far enough out that the excavation didn't disturb them, this will be simple. It will be even easier if you rolled up your strings before the hole excavation got done and saved them. (See comments below!)

''Collect equipment and supplies needed''
*Blueprint of site plan
*100' tape measure
*Pre-placed marking stakes around outside of foundation site.
*Rolled up pre-used string balls from foundation hole layout
''Steps for Laying out Column Pad Form locations.''
#Measure to check that all pre-placed marking stakes are properly positioned.
#If any are missing or misplaced, replace or reposition them as needed.
#Unroll and retie the strings to their corresponding stakes across the foundation site .

Here's what the layout over the stone should look like.
[[File:HabLab Column Pad Form Layout.png|thumb|600 px|center]]

-Notes- Be sure to read the [[How Not To]] page on this one!

===Setting the column pad forms===
''Collect equipment and supplies needed''
*Supplies
**16 Pre-built column pad forms
**80 form stakes (we used 2"x2"x18" wooden stakes)
*Equipment
**Heavy Hammer(s)
**4'spirit Level
**Water level
**tape measure
''Steps to place Column Pad forms''
#Use with the center pad site on the upper level as the reference pad.
#Set a pre-built column pad form in place under the string lines with the inside of the forms under the strings.
#Drive two form stakes next to the outside of one side and one on each of the other three sides. They will need to sit deep enough that the tops of the stakes will be level with (or lower than) the top of the form.
#Level the form.
##Screw one of the stakes (on the side with two) to the side of the form so that the form sits 1/2" above the gravel level. Be sure that the top of the stake is level with (or lower than) the top of the form.
##Use the spirit level to set this side of the form level and screw it in position.
##Use the spirit level to set the opposite side of the form at the same level.
##Check the level on the other two sides and screw them in place.
#Use the water level to set the first level on each of the other pads on the upper level.
#Repeat the remainder of the leveling steps for each form.
#Use the water level to set the level of the center form in the lower level at 24" lower than the upper level pads.
#Complete the leveling steps for this form.
#Use the center form on the lower level for a reference form to set and level the remaining lower level column pad forms.

[[File:Setting Column Pad Forms Diagram.png|thumb|600 px|center]]

===Preparing Column Pad Forms for Reinforced Concrete===
Collect equipment and supplies needed
*Supplies
**16 Pre-built column pad rebar assemblies
**64 rebar chairs
*Equipment
**Rake(s)
**shovel
**tape measure
#Use a rake and shovel to remove about 2" of stone from the inside of the form. (until is 6" deep)
#Pack removed stone around outside of forms to create a fully enclosed 6" deep form.
#Use one prebuilt column pad rebar assembly for each column pad site.
#Center the rebar assembly with 3” gap between assembly and form wall on every side.
#Set rebar chairs under corners of prebuilt column pad rebar assemblies.-Put a stone or some gravel under the chairs if needed to center the rebar so it will sit at about the middle of the finished slab (3" off the floor of the form).

[[File:Preparing Column Pad Sites for Concrete Pouring.png|thumb|600 px|center]]

==Concrete Work==
We are preparing to do the big concrete pour. Using the FreeMind mind map model, this is the node that outlines the dependencies so we can be ready for that. Following sections include instructions for accomplishing them.
[[File:Dependencies for Getting Floors Poured.png|thumb|800px|center]]
Here is the mindmap updated after the all the concrete was poured.
[[File:Concrete Floors Poured.png|thumb|800px|center]]

Here is the planning layout for the concrete - which we are planning to do in one great big pour. We'll let you know how it goes!
[[File:HabLab Concrete Forms Layout.png|800px|center]]

===Insulated Outside Wall Support Slabs===
We are planning to put reinforced concrete the full 3' width of the Column Support Pads all the way around the outside of the building. They will be 3-1/2" (2x4 lumber size) deep and will support the two CEB walls that enclose the hay bale insulation. Rebar assemblies and concrete form sizes can be prepared ahead of time.

====Preparing the rebar reinforcement assemblies====
[[How to bend rebar]]

Rebar Assembly for 13’ Outside Wall pads (make 11 assemblies)

''Collect supplies and equipment''
*(3) 20’ lengths #4 rebar
*Measuring tape
*Marker
*Rebar cutter
*Rebar bender
*Spot welder
''Steps to do:''
#Measure and mark (2) 20’ lengths of #4 rebar 6’4” from one end.
#Bend at a right angle.
#Measure and mark each piece to bend into a U shape with 2’6” between the legs.
#Bend them into (2) U shaped pieces.
#Measure, mark, and cut the long end of each U to the same 6’4” length
#Measure and weld the two assemblies into a single rectangle of 12’6” by 2’6” dimensions.
#Measure and cut (1) 20’ piece of #4 rebar to 12’7” in length.
#Center the 12’7” piece between the long sides of the rectangular assembly.
#Weld it into place.
[[File:Rebar for outside wall pads.png|thumb|600px|center]]

Rebar Assembly for 9’6” Outside Wall pads (make 2 assemblies)

''Collect supplies and equipment''
*(3) 20’ lengths #4 rebar
*Measuring tape
*Marker
*Rebar cutter
*Rebar bender
*Spot welder
''Steps to do:''
#Measure and mark (2) 20’ lengths of #4 rebar 4’7” from one end.
#Bend at a right angle.
#Measure and mark each piece to bend into a U shape with 2’6” between the legs.
#Bend them into (2) U shaped pieces.
#Measure, mark, and cut the long end of each U to the same 4’7” length
#Measure and weld the two assemblies into a single rectangle of 9’ by 2’6” dimensions.
#Measure and cut (1) 20’ piece of #4 rebar to 9’1” in length.
#Center the 9’1” piece between the long sides of the rectangular assembly.
#Weld it into place.
[[File:Rebar for 9.5' outside wall pads.png|thumb|600px|center]]

Rebar Assembly for 7' Outside Wall pads (make 2 assemblies)

''Collect supplies and equipment''
*(3) 20’ lengths #4 rebar
*Measuring tape
*Marker
*Rebar cutter
*Rebar bender
*Spot welder
''Steps to do:''
#Measure and mark (2) 20’ lengths of #4 rebar 3’4” from one end.
#Bend at a right angle.
#Measure and mark each piece to bend into a U shape with 2’6” between the legs.
#Bend them into (2) U shaped pieces.
#Measure, mark, and cut the long end of each U to the same 3’4” length
#Measure and weld the two assemblies into a single rectangle of 6’6” by 2’6” dimensions.
#Measure and cut (1) 20’ piece of #4 rebar to 6'7" in length.
#Center the 6'7" piece between the long sides of the rectangular assembly.
#Weld it into place.
[[File:Rebar for 7' outside wall pads.png|thumb|600px|center]]

====Preparing the concrete forms====
Our pouring plan requires these forms relating to the outside wall construction. For those wall pads that are part of our interior pads, additional forms are in other sections. If you are not pouring large interior pads, you will need to adjust the number of interior forms.

Exterior Forms for 13' Wall slabs. (make 10 assemblies)

''Collect supplies and equipment''
*(2) 2"x4"x7' pine studs
*(1) piece of scrap lumber,
*(4) 3" screws
*Driver
''Steps to do:''
#Start two screws into the flat side of each end of the piece of scrap lumber.
#Butt the two 7' boards end to end
#Lay the piece of scrap lumber over the seam butt joint.
#Be sure the narrow sides of the boards are lined up evenly with each other.
#Drive the screws in completely to hold the boards in line.

Interior Forms for 13' Wall slabs. (make 5 assemblies)

''Collect supplies and equipment''
*(2) 2"x4"x7' pine studs
*Measuring tape
*Pencil
*Saw
*(4) 3" screws
*Driver
''Steps to do:''
#Measure, mark, and cut one board to be 6' long.
#Start two screws into the flat side of each end of the 1' piece of scrap lumber.
#Butt the 6' piece with the other 7' board end to end
#Lay the piece of scrap lumber over the seam butt joint.
#Be sure the narrow sides of the boards are lined up evenly with each other.
#Drive the screws in completely to hold the boards in line.

Forms for Wall slabs on split-level section

''Collect supplies and equipment''
*(6) 2"x4"x7' pine studs
*(4) 2"x4"x10' pine studs
*Measuring tape
*Pencil
*Saw
''Steps to do:''
#Measure, mark, and cut (2) 7' boards to be 6' long.
#Measure, mark, and cut (2) 10' boards to be 9'6" long.
#You will use the other boards uncut.

[[File:Exterior Wall Form Boards.png|thumb|600px|center]]

====Setting the forms====

===Narrow Wall Support Slabs===
We will support and stabilize the interior CEB walls with a 12" wide x 3-1/2" deep concrete slab. Rebar assemblies and concrete form sizes can be prepared ahead of time.

====Preparing Rebar reinforcement assemblies====
Rebar Assembly for all 12” interior wall slabs

''Collect supplies and equipment''
*(10) 20’ lengths #4 rebar
*Measuring tape
*Marker
*Rebar cutter
*Rebar bender
*Spot welder
''Steps to do:''
#Measure and mark (2) 20’ lengths of #4 rebar 3’4” from one end.
#Bend 180⁰ the rebar with a 3” radius.
#Measure and mark so another 180⁰ with a 3” radius will produce 6’6” long assemblies.
#Cut the extra rebar (about 7’) off, leaving enough to tack weld each assembly together.

#Measure and mark (4) 20’ lengths of #4 rebar 4’4” from the end.
#Bend 180⁰ with a 3” radius.
#Measure and mark so another 180⁰ with a 3” radius will produce 8’6” long assemblies.
#Cut the extra rebar off, leaving enough to tack weld each assembly together.

#Measure and mark (4) 20’ lengths of #4 rebar 6’4” from the end.
#Bend 180⁰ with a 3” radius.
#Measure and mark so another 180⁰ with a 3” radius will produce 12’6” long assemblies.
#Use scrap cuttings (about 7’ long) to bridge the gap for each of these assemblies.
[[File:Rebar for 1' inside wall pads.png|thumb|600px|center]]

====Preparing the Concrete Forms====
These 12" wide slabs will provide a firm foundation on which to build our interior CEB room-dividing walls. Mostly they use the same sizes of forms you used for the outside walls. If you are pouring in small stages, you won't have build more forms because you can reuse the ones from the outside wall slabs. If you are going to pour all the concrete at once, you will need 7 more of the 13' inside form assemblies, 4 more uncut 7' boards, 2 more 7' boards cut to 6' lengths, 6 more boards cut to 9'6", and two boards cut to 9' in length.
Instructions for preparing all of these boards are found above - in the [[#Insulated Outside Wall Support Slabs/Preparing the Concrete Forms|Outside Wall Slabs]] section.

====Setting the Forms====

===Kitchen and Bath Areas===
The Kitchen and Bath Floor Areas both have a potential for receiving noticeable amounts of water. We consider it advisable to pave them both with concrete and include a central drain. Rebar assemblies and concrete form sizes can be prepared ahead of time.
====Preparing the Rebar Assemblies====
Rebar Assembly for 16’x13’ slabs (make 2 assemblies)

''Collect supplies and equipment''
*(3) 20’ lengths #4 rebar
*Measuring tape
*Marker
*Rebar cutter
*Rebar bender
*Spot welder
''Steps to do:''
#Measure and mark (4) 20’ lengths of #4 rebar 6’4” from the end.
#Bend at a right angle.
#Cut the long ends to 7’10” long.
#Overlap the short ends of two L-shaped pieces and measure to make a U shaped assembly with 12’6” between the legs.
#Make two of these assemblies.
#Overlap the legs of the U-shaped assemblies to make a rectangle measuring 15’6” x 12’6”
#Measure and cut (5) pieces of #4 rebar to 15’7” long.
#Measure and cut (7) pieces of #4 rebar to 12’7” long.
#Space and position the cut pieces into a 24” grid across the rectangle.
[[File:Rebar for between big slabs.png|thumb|600px|center]]

#Weld them into place.
[[File:Rebar for 16x13 slab.png|thumb|600px|center]]

There is one more assembly to go into this section between the two big ones. It is a modification of the exterior wall slab reinforcements.

Rebar Assembly for Interior 13’x3’ section of big Slab

''Collect supplies and equipment''
*(2) 20’ lengths #4 rebar
*Measuring tape
*Marker
*Rebar cutter
*Rebar bender
*Spot welder
''Steps to do:''
#Measure and mark (2) 20’ lengths of #4 rebar 6’4” #from one end.
#Bend at a right angle.
#Measure and mark each piece to bend into a U shape with 2’ between the legs.
#Bend them into (2) U shaped pieces.
#Measure, mark, and cut the long end of each U to the same 6’4” length
#Measure and weld the two assemblies into a single rectangle of 12’6” by 2’ dimensions.

====Preparing the Concrete forms====
Because we are pouring this all at once, we decided to eliminate some complicated form work by including the equipment area and one room in this slab. This will be a big pour of concrete. It requires about 5 cubic yards of concrete. If you have plenty of time and are working in small batches, you can save over a yard of concrete by building the interior wall forms and pouring only wall-support pads - as shown on the layout.

The large slabs are laid between column pads, using 13' interior form assemblies. If you are pouring all at once, you will need two more of these assemblies, one more board cut to 9'6", and a piece of scrap about 3' long to complete the form work for this area. This, of course, assumes that you already have the exterior forms for the exterior wall slabs prepared. Instructions for preparing all of these are above in the [[#Insulated Outside Wall Support Slabs/Preparing the Concrete Forms|Outside Wall Slabs]]
section.
====Setting the Forms====

===Retaining Wall for Lower Level===
Ideas for this wall have been through several iterations. At present (Oct. 10th), we are planning to lay a 6" footer, 18" wide and 62' long. On top of that, we plan to put a 12" thick wall of bitumen-protected CEB. For the concrete footer, rebar assemblies and concrete form sizes can be prepared ahead of time.
====Preparing the Rebar Assembly====
Rebar Assembly for Retaining wall footer

''Collect supplies and equipment''
*(9) 20’ lengths #4 rebar
*Scrap #4 rebar to make (1) 6’ pieces and (1) 1’1” piece
*Measuring tape
*Marker
*Rebar cutter
*Rebar bender
*Spot welder
''Steps to do:''
#Measure and mark (2) 20’ lengths of #4 rebar 8’ from one end.
#Bend at a right angle.
#Measure and mark each piece to bend into a U shape with 12” between the legs.
#Bend them into (2) U shaped pieces.
#Measure, mark, and cut (1) 6’ and (1) 1’1” piece of #4 rebar.
#Overlap and weld (1) 20’ length of rebar to each leg.
#Measure and weld the two longer legs together so the resulting assembly is 61’6” long.
#Weld the 6’ piece of rebar between the ends of the two shorter legs so that side is 61’6” long, too.
#Weld (3) 20’ pieces of #4 rebar into an approximately 60’ length of rebar.
#Center the 60’ piece between the long sides of the rectangular assembly.
#Weld one end at the center of one end of the rectangle.
#Position the 1’1” piece of rebar across the rectangle to support the free end of the 60’ assembly.
#Weld the short piece to the three long ones.
[[File:Rebar Assembly for Retaining wall.png|thumb|600px|center]]
====Preparing the Concrete Form====
This is a really long form - 62 feet. You don't want to put it together ahead of time and try to carry it anywhere! What you ''do'' want to do is make sure you have all the pieces you will need cut and reserved against the time you will be setting the forms up.

''Collect supplies and equipment''
*(8) 2"x6"x16' boards
*(6) Pieces of 2x4 or 2x6 scrap for splicing.
*Measuring tape
*Pencil
*Saw
''Steps to do''
#Measure and mark 18" from the end of (2) 2x6x16' boards
#Cut the two 18" pieces and mark them "form ends".
#Set aside the 6 16' boards, the 14'6" boards, the form ends, and all the scrap pieces in a reserve pile.

====Setting the Concrete Form====

==CEB Columns==

[[http://ww2.unhabitat.org/programmes/housingpolicy/Images/PDF.gif|UN CEB PDF]]

[[File:Hab_Lab_Coursework_Columns.png|thumb|400px|Center]]

==CEB Arches==

[[http://ww2.unhabitat.org/programmes/housingpolicy/documents/Vault.pdf|UN Vaults PDF]]

[[http://www.amazon.com/Concrete-Hardness-Hammer-HT-225A-Portable/dp/B0049DDJCK/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1317915942&sr=8-6|Hardness Test Hammer]] for quality assurance

==CEB Floors==

[[http://www.velacreations.com/cebfloors.html|CEB Floor Instructions]]

==CEB Walls==

[[File:Hab_Lab_Coursework_Interior_Walls.png|thumb|800px|center]]

==CEB Retaining Wall==

[[File:Hab_Lab_Coursework_Retaining_Wall.png|thumb|800px|center]]

==Insulated Roof==

# 16 11-member 2x6x16' frames
# a layer of tyvek
# a layer of lathe, mounted diagonally about 18" apart
# a layer of hay bales surrounded and around 2x12 spacers
# 16 11-member 2x4x16' frames
# agricultural roof panel on top and sides

Frames are built with one 16' beam on each end of 9 other 16' beams laid on 24" centers. These roof frames can be built quite quickly at any time labor is available, preferably ahead of time so that they can be installed as soon as the columns are ready to be covered.

==Super Insulated Walls==

2.5 foot thick wall.

4x6x12 bricks laid on the 12x4" side in standard wall layup, two walls outside surfaces 2.5' apart.

With air space left on either side, bales are stacked in the center of the wall, creating super insulation between the interior and exterior.

==Heating the HabLab==

I propose a [http://www.heatkit.com Heatkit] masonry furnace kit, surrounded by CEB

==Things to Replicate in Future CEB Houses==

'''South Facing Outdoors'''
*It is very pleasant to be able to sit inside during the winter and take in the warmth and view from the low winter sun.
*Problem with large south facing windows: Although the 4 foot overhang prevents summer sun from entering the house, bare ground on the southern outdoors reflects light into the house, creating a greenhouse effect.
*Solution: Create an outdoor entrance room along the south side of HabLab, using a post-and-beam trellis structure to grow deciduous vines. This will provide shade in the summer and sun in the winter. The shade will prevent light being reflected off the ground into the southern windows.

'''Sleeping to the East'''
*Windows in the east facing rooms of HabLab facilitate natural sleep rhythms. Humans are meant to wake with the sun.

'''Communal Eating'''
*The glue that holds any human group together.
*Give people a place to gather and eat in any building with more than one person.
*How do we create a place for people in a future house cluster of singles, couples, and families to gather and share meals?

==Considerations for Future Designs==

===Comfort===

Premise:

People's comfort decides whether they want to spend time in a place.

Therefore,

'''the design of a human environment must first consider how well it meets the emotional needs of its inhabitants''', not the monetary costs, structural engineering or materials used. Otherwise, sustainability or time saved on construction is worthless if people are too uncomfortable to spend time there.

[[Category:Housing and construction]]

Hab Lab

2012-10-07T17:44:16Z

Graham Robertson:

<html><iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/31618999?color=4b2582" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/31618999">Construction Update 2011/11/04</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/opensourceecology">Open Source Ecology</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p></html>

[[Image:hl1.jpg|thumb|Inside main hallway. Compressed earth brick walls.]]

[[Image:hl2.jpg|thumb|Crushed stone floor, with moisture barrier and carpet on top.]]

[[Image:hl3.jpg|thumb|Natural lighting in kitchen.]]

The need for all-weather housing to shelter year-round members of the community, located where summers can be unpleasantly hot and winters unpleasantly cold, can be met with superinsulated designs. Here we will examine some possible options and our progress in bring them into existence. Planning tools, instructions, modifications, etc. will be included.

The [[Hab Lab Design Gallery|Design Page]] is a good place to see what has been offered and to post any of your own great ideas. More ideas are great for everybody!

==Survey & Design==
The area on the property for the first group habitation was on a noticeable slope. OSE staff members worked with a home-made water level to take measurements over a 100' square area.

How to make a water level: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAcT_1T25LM

Ideas submitted for this project are located on the [[Hab Lab Design Gallery]] page.

===Building Orientation===
Oops!
Some of our pads got set 3' South of their intended site. Here is an emergency redesign idea.
[[File:Emergency Remodel HabLab.png|thumb|800px|center]]

==Planning==
There is a lot of planning that goes into building something like this. Here is a FreeMind mind map on that. It will be updated as we do more of it. The green nodes designate things we have completed - and therefore can 'go' forward with.
[[File:HabLab Planning.png|thumb|800px|center]]
The nodes with arrows indicate those that have been created as separate mind maps. Their details will be found in the subsection to which they pertain.

===Kitchen/Bath Water===
A plan for gray water drains - includes a floor drain in the kitchen and the bathroom, 2 showers, a sink, and a [[Laundry]] location in the bathroom, and a sink location in the kitchen.
[[File:Gray Water Drains.png|thumb|600px|center]]

See the [[How Not To]] page for what we ran into with this part of the project.

===Utility/Storage Area===

===Heating===
[[Space_Heating]]
====Source Material====
http://dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub781.pdf

==Site Preparation==

The Hab Lab is designed to be supported by columns built of CEB (Compressed Earth Block)which are constructed on a reinforced concrete pad. Due to the slope of our site, we designed a lowered section which requires a low retaining wall. Included here are instructions for preparing the site with adequate footings.

Here is a picture with a preliminary excavation layout for the column pad sites and the retaining wall in the Hab Lab.
*When you are laying out the excavation site, be sure to add 5' in each direction for the excavator to work to.

[[File:HabLab Excavation Layout.png|thumb|800 px|center]]
This levels diagram is from our theoretical measurements - we actually wound up with a 2' drop, not a 2'8" drop. That will make only a minor difference in raising the building - changing the size of the retaining wall and removing one or two CEB's at the top of the lower columns to maintain the planned roof pitch.
[[File:Levels Diagram for Hab Lab Site.png|thumb|800 px|center]]

==Foundations & Column Slabs==
[[File:Column Pad Form Prep.png|thumb|800px|center]]
[[File:Column Pads Completed.png|thumb|800px|center]]

===Laying out the Hab Lab excavation site to be square===
''Collect equipment and supplies needed''
*Blueprint of site plan
*(2) 100’ Measuring tapes
*4 3-4’ stakes
*Hammer
*Bright spray paint
''Steps for Staking out the excavation site.''
#Choose a spot approximately 5 feet to the North and 5 feet to the West of the area to be excavated.
#Pound in a stake and spray paint the top foot or two of it.
#Measure due East a distance 10’ longer than the foundation width (total 67’).
#Place and paint another stake.
#Calculate a distance 10’ longer than the foundation length (total 62’).
#Calculate the diagonal measurement of the excavation site [Length(squared) x Width(squared) = Diagonal(squared)] (91'4").
#Measure due South from the Northwest stake the distance calculated in step 6.
#Set the second tape measure on the Northeast stake and measure the diagonal calculated in step 7 going Southwest.
#Set your third stake where the two measured lengths meet each other.
#Paint the stake.
#Measure due South from the Northeast stake the distance calculated in step 6.
#Set the second tape measure on the Northwest stake and measure the diagonal calculated in step 7 going Southeast.
#Set your fouth stake where the two measured lengths meet each other.
#Paint the stake.

*With the site leveled, the foundation holes for the column slabs must be laid out.
*After excavation, the stone fill for the foundation goes into the holes.
*At the same time, the 6" stone floor foundation is spread.

===Concrete forms and rebar reinforcing assemblies===
These can be built well ahead of need whenever volunteers are available.
*You could set up an assembly line effect to do them all at once with several people working together.
*An individual might do one unit at a time.
*An individual might do all the wood cutting at one time, another do all the rebar cutting at another time, another do all the rebar bending at another time.
*A couple of people might work together to get some wooden forms assembled once the pieces are cut, another time, a couple of people might work together to get some rebar assemblies welded.

The following step-by-step instructions are provided for building the forms and the reinforcing rebar assemblies.

[[How to bend rebar]]

[[https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=14oCxZUjs09wGuvaL4QTAII6hRxQpy20TKv7skH3INRWAVlXqtgdrh0D2ggtl&hl=en Assembly sheet for column pad forms]]

[[https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=1_hf2n-l9rCiEss45ZC8ogtMpeQki9fCoYIFdkD5x3lCOwjGh7Gknr-POJrNB&hl=en Rebar plan for column footings]]

===Laying out the locations for the forms on top of the foundation stone===
Once the form and rebar assemblies are built and the foundation stone is in place, the string site plan lay-out must be set up for placing the forms properly over their (now invisible) foundations. If you set your hole locating strings far enough out that the excavation didn't disturb them, this will be simple. It will be even easier if you rolled up your strings before the hole excavation got done and saved them. (See comments below!)

''Collect equipment and supplies needed''
*Blueprint of site plan
*100' tape measure
*Pre-placed marking stakes around outside of foundation site.
*Rolled up pre-used string balls from foundation hole layout
''Steps for Laying out Column Pad Form locations.''
#Measure to check that all pre-placed marking stakes are properly positioned.
#If any are missing or misplaced, replace or reposition them as needed.
#Unroll and retie the strings to their corresponding stakes across the foundation site .

Here's what the layout over the stone should look like.
[[File:HabLab Column Pad Form Layout.png|thumb|600 px|center]]

-Notes- Be sure to read the [[How Not To]] page on this one!

===Setting the column pad forms===
''Collect equipment and supplies needed''
*Supplies
**16 Pre-built column pad forms
**80 form stakes (we used 2"x2"x18" wooden stakes)
*Equipment
**Heavy Hammer(s)
**4'spirit Level
**Water level
**tape measure
''Steps to place Column Pad forms''
#Use with the center pad site on the upper level as the reference pad.
#Set a pre-built column pad form in place under the string lines with the inside of the forms under the strings.
#Drive two form stakes next to the outside of one side and one on each of the other three sides. They will need to sit deep enough that the tops of the stakes will be level with (or lower than) the top of the form.
#Level the form.
##Screw one of the stakes (on the side with two) to the side of the form so that the form sits 1/2" above the gravel level. Be sure that the top of the stake is level with (or lower than) the top of the form.
##Use the spirit level to set this side of the form level and screw it in position.
##Use the spirit level to set the opposite side of the form at the same level.
##Check the level on the other two sides and screw them in place.
#Use the water level to set the first level on each of the other pads on the upper level.
#Repeat the remainder of the leveling steps for each form.
#Use the water level to set the level of the center form in the lower level at 24" lower than the upper level pads.
#Complete the leveling steps for this form.
#Use the center form on the lower level for a reference form to set and level the remaining lower level column pad forms.

[[File:Setting Column Pad Forms Diagram.png|thumb|600 px|center]]

===Preparing Column Pad Forms for Reinforced Concrete===
Collect equipment and supplies needed
*Supplies
**16 Pre-built column pad rebar assemblies
**64 rebar chairs
*Equipment
**Rake(s)
**shovel
**tape measure
#Use a rake and shovel to remove about 2" of stone from the inside of the form. (until is 6" deep)
#Pack removed stone around outside of forms to create a fully enclosed 6" deep form.
#Use one prebuilt column pad rebar assembly for each column pad site.
#Center the rebar assembly with 3” gap between assembly and form wall on every side.
#Set rebar chairs under corners of prebuilt column pad rebar assemblies.-Put a stone or some gravel under the chairs if needed to center the rebar so it will sit at about the middle of the finished slab (3" off the floor of the form).

[[File:Preparing Column Pad Sites for Concrete Pouring.png|thumb|600 px|center]]

==Concrete Work==
We are preparing to do the big concrete pour. Using the FreeMind mind map model, this is the node that outlines the dependencies so we can be ready for that. Following sections include instructions for accomplishing them.
[[File:Dependencies for Getting Floors Poured.png|thumb|800px|center]]
Here is the mindmap updated after the all the concrete was poured.
[[File:Concrete Floors Poured.png|thumb|800px|center]]

Here is the planning layout for the concrete - which we are planning to do in one great big pour. We'll let you know how it goes!
[[File:HabLab Concrete Forms Layout.png|800px|center]]

===Insulated Outside Wall Support Slabs===
We are planning to put reinforced concrete the full 3' width of the Column Support Pads all the way around the outside of the building. They will be 3-1/2" (2x4 lumber size) deep and will support the two CEB walls that enclose the hay bale insulation. Rebar assemblies and concrete form sizes can be prepared ahead of time.

====Preparing the rebar reinforcement assemblies====
[[How to bend rebar]]

Rebar Assembly for 13’ Outside Wall pads (make 11 assemblies)

''Collect supplies and equipment''
*(3) 20’ lengths #4 rebar
*Measuring tape
*Marker
*Rebar cutter
*Rebar bender
*Spot welder
''Steps to do:''
#Measure and mark (2) 20’ lengths of #4 rebar 6’4” from one end.
#Bend at a right angle.
#Measure and mark each piece to bend into a U shape with 2’6” between the legs.
#Bend them into (2) U shaped pieces.
#Measure, mark, and cut the long end of each U to the same 6’4” length
#Measure and weld the two assemblies into a single rectangle of 12’6” by 2’6” dimensions.
#Measure and cut (1) 20’ piece of #4 rebar to 12’7” in length.
#Center the 12’7” piece between the long sides of the rectangular assembly.
#Weld it into place.
[[File:Rebar for outside wall pads.png|thumb|600px|center]]

Rebar Assembly for 9’6” Outside Wall pads (make 2 assemblies)

''Collect supplies and equipment''
*(3) 20’ lengths #4 rebar
*Measuring tape
*Marker
*Rebar cutter
*Rebar bender
*Spot welder
''Steps to do:''
#Measure and mark (2) 20’ lengths of #4 rebar 4’7” from one end.
#Bend at a right angle.
#Measure and mark each piece to bend into a U shape with 2’6” between the legs.
#Bend them into (2) U shaped pieces.
#Measure, mark, and cut the long end of each U to the same 4’7” length
#Measure and weld the two assemblies into a single rectangle of 9’ by 2’6” dimensions.
#Measure and cut (1) 20’ piece of #4 rebar to 9’1” in length.
#Center the 9’1” piece between the long sides of the rectangular assembly.
#Weld it into place.
[[File:Rebar for 9.5' outside wall pads.png|thumb|600px|center]]

Rebar Assembly for 7' Outside Wall pads (make 2 assemblies)

''Collect supplies and equipment''
*(3) 20’ lengths #4 rebar
*Measuring tape
*Marker
*Rebar cutter
*Rebar bender
*Spot welder
''Steps to do:''
#Measure and mark (2) 20’ lengths of #4 rebar 3’4” from one end.
#Bend at a right angle.
#Measure and mark each piece to bend into a U shape with 2’6” between the legs.
#Bend them into (2) U shaped pieces.
#Measure, mark, and cut the long end of each U to the same 3’4” length
#Measure and weld the two assemblies into a single rectangle of 6’6” by 2’6” dimensions.
#Measure and cut (1) 20’ piece of #4 rebar to 6'7" in length.
#Center the 6'7" piece between the long sides of the rectangular assembly.
#Weld it into place.
[[File:Rebar for 7' outside wall pads.png|thumb|600px|center]]

====Preparing the concrete forms====
Our pouring plan requires these forms relating to the outside wall construction. For those wall pads that are part of our interior pads, additional forms are in other sections. If you are not pouring large interior pads, you will need to adjust the number of interior forms.

Exterior Forms for 13' Wall slabs. (make 10 assemblies)

''Collect supplies and equipment''
*(2) 2"x4"x7' pine studs
*(1) piece of scrap lumber,
*(4) 3" screws
*Driver
''Steps to do:''
#Start two screws into the flat side of each end of the piece of scrap lumber.
#Butt the two 7' boards end to end
#Lay the piece of scrap lumber over the seam butt joint.
#Be sure the narrow sides of the boards are lined up evenly with each other.
#Drive the screws in completely to hold the boards in line.

Interior Forms for 13' Wall slabs. (make 5 assemblies)

''Collect supplies and equipment''
*(2) 2"x4"x7' pine studs
*Measuring tape
*Pencil
*Saw
*(4) 3" screws
*Driver
''Steps to do:''
#Measure, mark, and cut one board to be 6' long.
#Start two screws into the flat side of each end of the 1' piece of scrap lumber.
#Butt the 6' piece with the other 7' board end to end
#Lay the piece of scrap lumber over the seam butt joint.
#Be sure the narrow sides of the boards are lined up evenly with each other.
#Drive the screws in completely to hold the boards in line.

Forms for Wall slabs on split-level section

''Collect supplies and equipment''
*(6) 2"x4"x7' pine studs
*(4) 2"x4"x10' pine studs
*Measuring tape
*Pencil
*Saw
''Steps to do:''
#Measure, mark, and cut (2) 7' boards to be 6' long.
#Measure, mark, and cut (2) 10' boards to be 9'6" long.
#You will use the other boards uncut.

[[File:Exterior Wall Form Boards.png|thumb|600px|center]]

====Setting the forms====

===Narrow Wall Support Slabs===
We will support and stabilize the interior CEB walls with a 12" wide x 3-1/2" deep concrete slab. Rebar assemblies and concrete form sizes can be prepared ahead of time.

====Preparing Rebar reinforcement assemblies====
Rebar Assembly for all 12” interior wall slabs

''Collect supplies and equipment''
*(10) 20’ lengths #4 rebar
*Measuring tape
*Marker
*Rebar cutter
*Rebar bender
*Spot welder
''Steps to do:''
#Measure and mark (2) 20’ lengths of #4 rebar 3’4” from one end.
#Bend 180⁰ the rebar with a 3” radius.
#Measure and mark so another 180⁰ with a 3” radius will produce 6’6” long assemblies.
#Cut the extra rebar (about 7’) off, leaving enough to tack weld each assembly together.

#Measure and mark (4) 20’ lengths of #4 rebar 4’4” from the end.
#Bend 180⁰ with a 3” radius.
#Measure and mark so another 180⁰ with a 3” radius will produce 8’6” long assemblies.
#Cut the extra rebar off, leaving enough to tack weld each assembly together.

#Measure and mark (4) 20’ lengths of #4 rebar 6’4” from the end.
#Bend 180⁰ with a 3” radius.
#Measure and mark so another 180⁰ with a 3” radius will produce 12’6” long assemblies.
#Use scrap cuttings (about 7’ long) to bridge the gap for each of these assemblies.
[[File:Rebar for 1' inside wall pads.png|thumb|600px|center]]

====Preparing the Concrete Forms====
These 12" wide slabs will provide a firm foundation on which to build our interior CEB room-dividing walls. Mostly they use the same sizes of forms you used for the outside walls. If you are pouring in small stages, you won't have build more forms because you can reuse the ones from the outside wall slabs. If you are going to pour all the concrete at once, you will need 7 more of the 13' inside form assemblies, 4 more uncut 7' boards, 2 more 7' boards cut to 6' lengths, 6 more boards cut to 9'6", and two boards cut to 9' in length.
Instructions for preparing all of these boards are found above - in the [[#Insulated Outside Wall Support Slabs/Preparing the Concrete Forms|Outside Wall Slabs]] section.

====Setting the Forms====

===Kitchen and Bath Areas===
The Kitchen and Bath Floor Areas both have a potential for receiving noticeable amounts of water. We consider it advisable to pave them both with concrete and include a central drain. Rebar assemblies and concrete form sizes can be prepared ahead of time.
====Preparing the Rebar Assemblies====
Rebar Assembly for 16’x13’ slabs (make 2 assemblies)

''Collect supplies and equipment''
*(3) 20’ lengths #4 rebar
*Measuring tape
*Marker
*Rebar cutter
*Rebar bender
*Spot welder
''Steps to do:''
#Measure and mark (4) 20’ lengths of #4 rebar 6’4” from the end.
#Bend at a right angle.
#Cut the long ends to 7’10” long.
#Overlap the short ends of two L-shaped pieces and measure to make a U shaped assembly with 12’6” between the legs.
#Make two of these assemblies.
#Overlap the legs of the U-shaped assemblies to make a rectangle measuring 15’6” x 12’6”
#Measure and cut (5) pieces of #4 rebar to 15’7” long.
#Measure and cut (7) pieces of #4 rebar to 12’7” long.
#Space and position the cut pieces into a 24” grid across the rectangle.
[[File:Rebar for between big slabs.png|thumb|600px|center]]

#Weld them into place.
[[File:Rebar for 16x13 slab.png|thumb|600px|center]]

There is one more assembly to go into this section between the two big ones. It is a modification of the exterior wall slab reinforcements.

Rebar Assembly for Interior 13’x3’ section of big Slab

''Collect supplies and equipment''
*(2) 20’ lengths #4 rebar
*Measuring tape
*Marker
*Rebar cutter
*Rebar bender
*Spot welder
''Steps to do:''
#Measure and mark (2) 20’ lengths of #4 rebar 6’4” #from one end.
#Bend at a right angle.
#Measure and mark each piece to bend into a U shape with 2’ between the legs.
#Bend them into (2) U shaped pieces.
#Measure, mark, and cut the long end of each U to the same 6’4” length
#Measure and weld the two assemblies into a single rectangle of 12’6” by 2’ dimensions.

====Preparing the Concrete forms====
Because we are pouring this all at once, we decided to eliminate some complicated form work by including the equipment area and one room in this slab. This will be a big pour of concrete. It requires about 5 cubic yards of concrete. If you have plenty of time and are working in small batches, you can save over a yard of concrete by building the interior wall forms and pouring only wall-support pads - as shown on the layout.

The large slabs are laid between column pads, using 13' interior form assemblies. If you are pouring all at once, you will need two more of these assemblies, one more board cut to 9'6", and a piece of scrap about 3' long to complete the form work for this area. This, of course, assumes that you already have the exterior forms for the exterior wall slabs prepared. Instructions for preparing all of these are above in the [[#Insulated Outside Wall Support Slabs/Preparing the Concrete Forms|Outside Wall Slabs]]
section.
====Setting the Forms====

===Retaining Wall for Lower Level===
Ideas for this wall have been through several iterations. At present (Oct. 10th), we are planning to lay a 6" footer, 18" wide and 62' long. On top of that, we plan to put a 12" thick wall of bitumen-protected CEB. For the concrete footer, rebar assemblies and concrete form sizes can be prepared ahead of time.
====Preparing the Rebar Assembly====
Rebar Assembly for Retaining wall footer

''Collect supplies and equipment''
*(9) 20’ lengths #4 rebar
*Scrap #4 rebar to make (1) 6’ pieces and (1) 1’1” piece
*Measuring tape
*Marker
*Rebar cutter
*Rebar bender
*Spot welder
''Steps to do:''
#Measure and mark (2) 20’ lengths of #4 rebar 8’ from one end.
#Bend at a right angle.
#Measure and mark each piece to bend into a U shape with 12” between the legs.
#Bend them into (2) U shaped pieces.
#Measure, mark, and cut (1) 6’ and (1) 1’1” piece of #4 rebar.
#Overlap and weld (1) 20’ length of rebar to each leg.
#Measure and weld the two longer legs together so the resulting assembly is 61’6” long.
#Weld the 6’ piece of rebar between the ends of the two shorter legs so that side is 61’6” long, too.
#Weld (3) 20’ pieces of #4 rebar into an approximately 60’ length of rebar.
#Center the 60’ piece between the long sides of the rectangular assembly.
#Weld one end at the center of one end of the rectangle.
#Position the 1’1” piece of rebar across the rectangle to support the free end of the 60’ assembly.
#Weld the short piece to the three long ones.
[[File:Rebar Assembly for Retaining wall.png|thumb|600px|center]]
====Preparing the Concrete Form====
This is a really long form - 62 feet. You don't want to put it together ahead of time and try to carry it anywhere! What you ''do'' want to do is make sure you have all the pieces you will need cut and reserved against the time you will be setting the forms up.

''Collect supplies and equipment''
*(8) 2"x6"x16' boards
*(6) Pieces of 2x4 or 2x6 scrap for splicing.
*Measuring tape
*Pencil
*Saw
''Steps to do''
#Measure and mark 18" from the end of (2) 2x6x16' boards
#Cut the two 18" pieces and mark them "form ends".
#Set aside the 6 16' boards, the 14'6" boards, the form ends, and all the scrap pieces in a reserve pile.

====Setting the Concrete Form====

==CEB Columns==

[[http://ww2.unhabitat.org/programmes/housingpolicy/Images/PDF.gif|UN CEB PDF]]

[[File:Hab_Lab_Coursework_Columns.png|thumb|400px|Center]]

==CEB Arches==

[[http://ww2.unhabitat.org/programmes/housingpolicy/documents/Vault.pdf|UN Vaults PDF]]

[[http://www.amazon.com/Concrete-Hardness-Hammer-HT-225A-Portable/dp/B0049DDJCK/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1317915942&sr=8-6|Hardness Test Hammer]] for quality assurance

==CEB Floors==

[[http://www.velacreations.com/cebfloors.html|CEB Floor Instructions]]

==CEB Walls==

[[File:Hab_Lab_Coursework_Interior_Walls.png|thumb|800px|center]]

==CEB Retaining Wall==

[[File:Hab_Lab_Coursework_Retaining_Wall.png|thumb|800px|center]]

==Insulated Roof==

# 16 11-member 2x6x16' frames
# a layer of tyvek
# a layer of lathe, mounted diagonally about 18" apart
# a layer of hay bales surrounded and around 2x12 spacers
# 16 11-member 2x4x16' frames
# agricultural roof panel on top and sides

Frames are built with one 16' beam on each end of 9 other 16' beams laid on 24" centers. These roof frames can be built quite quickly at any time labor is available, preferably ahead of time so that they can be installed as soon as the columns are ready to be covered.

==Super Insulated Walls==

2.5 foot thick wall.

4x6x12 bricks laid on the 12x4" side in standard wall layup, two walls outside surfaces 2.5' apart.

With air space left on either side, bales are stacked in the center of the wall, creating super insulation between the interior and exterior.

==Heating the HabLab==

I propose a [http://www.heatkit.com Heatkit] masonry furnace kit, surrounded by CEB

==Things to Replicate in Future CEB Houses==

'''South Facing Outdoors'''
*It is very pleasant to be able to sit inside during the winter and take in the warmth and view from the low winter sun.

'''Sleeping to the East'''
*Windows in the east facing rooms of HabLab facilitate natural rhythms. Humans are meant to wake with the sun.

'''Communal Eating'''
*The glue that holds any human group together.
*Give people a place to gather and eat in any building with more than one person.
*How do we create a place for people in a future house cluster of singles, couples, and families to gather and share meals?

==Considerations for Future Designs==

===Comfort===

Premise:

People's comfort decides whether they want to spend time in a place.

Therefore,

'''the design of a human environment must first consider how well it meets the emotional needs of its inhabitants''', not the monetary costs, structural engineering or materials used. Otherwise, sustainability or time saved on construction is worthless if people are too uncomfortable to spend time there.

[[Category:Housing and construction]]

Mud Throwin'

2012-10-02T18:55:48Z

Graham Robertson:

Sprayer from: http://www.mortarsprayer.com/stucco-tools/fittings/

See also [[Graham Log]]

<html><img src="https://docs.google.com/drawings/pub?id=1SmuMJgGF4ASUqLgE_SYwyu9dvxvAkThU5oT7eR7I61w&w=480&h=360">
</html>

[https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1SmuMJgGF4ASUqLgE_SYwyu9dvxvAkThU5oT7eR7I61w/edit edit]

Nolan 541-221-1349
Owner of mortarsprayer.com
*willing to give advice and support

Graham Robertson Contract

2012-09-28T03:54:31Z

Graham Robertson:

=Work Plan=

==Month I: June 17-July 17==

===Workshop===

Learn how to use shop tools
#Oxy torch
#CNC torch table
#Lathe
#Plasma cutter
#Drill Press
#Iron worker
#CNC mill
#Grinder
#Cold saw

Help with whatever I am able. I assume I will have a more concrete plan as I get situated.

*Update: Director of plaster cross training, mob on finishing HabLab interior plaster and exterior stucco

*Assist construction director in framing remaining rooms

==Month II: July 17-August 17==

===Construction===

#Assist in finishing remaining rooms in Hablab
#Begin site plan of Microhouse
#Surveying and long term site plan for Hablab Zone 1 with Gabi and Marcin
*Rainwater Cistern Storage design and implementation with Yoonseo
*Earthworks: Terraces, french drains, swales
*Food gardens
*Outdoor gathering places
*Solar arc of food trees on East West and North sides
*Cooling shade arbor on South side with deciduous food vines (grapes, hardy kiwi, annual veg)
*Pallet chairs!

===Microtrac Research and Development===

#Background Work
*Research: Existing related projects, Information Architecture, Analysis of Open Source Industry Standards,
#Strategic Development
*Work on Replication and Recruiting Strategy, facilitate Subject matter expert surveys, design challenges for OS tracks, flash mob teleconferences,
#Source materials and parts for Microtrac V2
#Begin Build of Microtrac

more to come

==Month 3: August 17-September 17==

===Production Runs===

#Assist with CEB production
*Fabrication and production process
*Assist at first, will help with odds and ends, and learn about shop tools in the process

#Power cube
*Assist with fabrication and production

#Lifetrac production

C. Wiki Documentation
a. Become proficient in editing wiki pages and inputting pictures, videos, text, etc
b. I can work on this somewhat before coming to FeF

D. Microtractor Design
a. Collaborate with Lifetrac fabricators, designers, etc to refine current design, increasing
interchangeability between LT and MT parts, while retaining small size, maneuverability,
general ease of use and maintenance of MT

E. Prototyping
a. Become familiar with Lifetrac ecology, research modularity and interchangeability with Microtrac
b. Apply newly gained shop skills in fabricating first MT frame, quick connect wheels, loader arms, etc with help of shop team

F. Field Testing
a. Can farming team use this tool in growing operations?
b. Shop team feedback
i. How can we decrease cost of materials while retaining sufficiency?
ii. Document solutions on wiki

c. Farm team feedback
i. Document problems and suggested improvements in maneuverability, traction, ergonomics on the MT wiki page
ii. Implement solutions
iii. Document progress on the wiki weekly

[[Category: Graham]]

Graham Robertson Contract

2012-09-28T03:53:02Z

Graham Robertson: /* Workshop */

==Work Plan==

==Month I: June 17-July 17==

=Workshop=

Learn how to use shop tools
#Oxy torch
#CNC torch table
#Lathe
#Plasma cutter
#Drill Press
#Iron worker
#CNC mill
#Grinder
#Cold saw

Help with whatever I am able. I assume I will have a more concrete plan as I get situated.

*Update: Director of plaster cross training, mob on finishing HabLab interior plaster and exterior stucco

*Assist construction director in framing remaining rooms

=Month II: July 17-August 17=

==Construction==

#Assist in finishing remaining rooms in Hablab
#Begin site plan of Microhouse
#Surveying and long term site plan for Hablab Zone 1 with Gabi and Marcin
*Rainwater Cistern Storage design and implementation with Yoonseo
*Earthworks: Terraces, french drains, swales
*Food gardens
*Outdoor gathering places
*Solar arc of food trees on East West and North sides
*Cooling shade arbor on South side with deciduous food vines (grapes, hardy kiwi, annual veg)
*Pallet chairs!

==Microtrac Research and Development==

#Background Work
*Research: Existing related projects, Information Architecture, Analysis of Open Source Industry Standards,
#Strategic Development
*Work on Replication and Recruiting Strategy, facilitate Subject matter expert surveys, design challenges for OS tracks, flash mob teleconferences,
#Source materials and parts for Microtrac V2
#Begin Build of Microtrac

more to come

=Month 3: August 17-September 17=

==Production Runs==

#Assist with CEB production
*Fabrication and production process
*Assist at first, will help with odds and ends, and learn about shop tools in the process

#Power cube
*Assist with fabrication and production

#Lifetrac production

C. Wiki Documentation
a. Become proficient in editing wiki pages and inputting pictures, videos, text, etc
b. I can work on this somewhat before coming to FeF

D. Microtractor Design
a. Collaborate with Lifetrac fabricators, designers, etc to refine current design, increasing
interchangeability between LT and MT parts, while retaining small size, maneuverability,
general ease of use and maintenance of MT

E. Prototyping
a. Become familiar with Lifetrac ecology, research modularity and interchangeability with Microtrac
b. Apply newly gained shop skills in fabricating first MT frame, quick connect wheels, loader arms, etc with help of shop team

F. Field Testing
a. Can farming team use this tool in growing operations?
b. Shop team feedback
i. How can we decrease cost of materials while retaining sufficiency?
ii. Document solutions on wiki

c. Farm team feedback
i. Document problems and suggested improvements in maneuverability, traction, ergonomics on the MT wiki page
ii. Implement solutions
iii. Document progress on the wiki weekly

[[Category: Graham]]

Factor e Farm Site Plan

2012-09-16T19:04:21Z

Graham Robertson: /* Critical Components */

=Site Plan=
'''Permaculture Zones'''
([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Permaculture from Wikipedia])
are a way of organizing design elements in a human environment on the basis of the frequency of human use and plant or animal needs. Frequently manipulated or harvested elements of the design are located close to the house in zones 1 and 2. Less frequently used or manipulated elements, and elements that benefit from isolation (such as wild species) are farther away. Zones is about positioning things appropriately. Zones are numbered from 0 to 5:[citation needed]
*Zone 0
**The house, or home center. Here permaculture principles would be applied in terms of aiming to reduce energy and water needs, harnessing natural resources such as sunlight, and generally creating a harmonious, sustainable environment in which to live and work. Zone 0 is an informal designation, which is not specifically defined in Mollison's book.
*Zone 1
**The zone nearest to the house, the location for those elements in the system that require frequent attention, or that need to be visited often, such as salad crops, herb plants, soft fruit like strawberries or raspberries, greenhouse and cold frames, propagation area, worm compost bin for kitchen waste, etc. Raised beds are often used in zone 1 in urban areas.
*Zone 2
**This area is used for siting perennial plants that require less frequent maintenance, such as occasional weed control or pruning, including currant bushes and orchards. This would also be a good place for beehives, larger scale composting bins, and so on.
*Zone 3
**The area where maincrops are grown, both for domestic use and for trade purposes. After establishment, care and maintenance required are fairly minimal (provided mulches and similar things are used), such as watering or weed control maybe once a week.
*Zone 4
**A semi-wild area. This zone is mainly used for forage and collecting wild food as well as timber production.
*Zone 5
**A wild area. There is no human intervention in zone 5 apart from the observation of natural ecosystems and cycles.

[[File:siteplan.skp]]

[[Image:soilmaponline2.jpg |thumb| Soils Map]]

=Critical Components=

1-12 is used to label the most important components. To edit this spreadsheet, go [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Av4ZjQn4DHJHdExuSGp3a2xZbDhaXy1QRnhRc1MzSWc#gid=0 here].

<html><iframe width='500' height='300' frameborder='0' src='https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?key=0Av4ZjQn4DHJHdExuSGp3a2xZbDhaXy1QRnhRc1MzSWc&output=html&widget=true'></iframe></html>

To determine the placement of components, the Site Planning team has classified them into zones based on frequency of human activity and maintenance.

<html><iframe width='1000' height='500' frameborder='0' src='https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnPs1ULLrKSZdDJTbHFreUJSN2RCcFM2clNoZV8xX1E#gid=0'></iframe></html>

=Discussion=
==Marcin==
Dan,

I just called - the soils map people referred me to http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSurvey.aspx

I spoke to Jason Saunders. He said the above has 2009 or 2010 aerial photography. He said the USGS quarter quad shows images from about 2001, so he recommended just the online stuff.

Their number in the DeKalb County NRCS office is 816.449.2118.

Let me know what we still need.

I looked at the soils: here is the result: the border is our 30 acres:

http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Factor_e_Farm_Site_Plan

Marcin
==Dan==

I understand you have a need for some discussion around the following:
*Small scale methane
*Single family and community sized constructed wetlands for domestic waste treatment and disposal
*Aquaculture/aquaponics
*water filtration and purification
*Small (1 acre) cattle and pasture development
*Land drainage and soil regeneration

Please bring along your USGS quarter quad from the local NRCS office. You can also get the soils map of the place there too. I have Kuchler and Bailey resources for potential natural vegetation for that location. We'll look at your bio-region as well.

==Permaculture Site Plan Logistics==

[[Permaculture]] is a ecological design methodology based on a set of core principles and values that Open Source Ecology shares. Its primary application is to generate best practices for environmental site analysis and ecological site plan design but is also used to design ecological systems in general.

*idea 1: host a permaculture course at the Factor e Farm and have the course practicum be a site plan for Factor e Farm
*idea 2: host an individual permaculture designer in exchange for food, board and fame
**[[User:Liam.rattray]] volunteers to do conduct an on-site environmental analysis and provide a comprehensive site plan for FeF over a week from 3/20/10 to 3/28/10 in exchange for cooperation in constructing a modified CEB press.
*idea 3: send a Factor E Farm member to a PDC course to get Permaculture certified and do the site plan

===Permaculture Teachers===
*Peter Bane
*[http://www.midwestpermaculture.com/Instructors.php# Wayne Weiseman: Midwest Permaculture]
*Chuck Marsh
*Patricia Allen
*Bob Burns * Isabel Crabtree
*Penny Livingston
*Larry Santoyo

==Online Resources==
*'''[http://www.permaculture.info/index.php/Main_Page Permaculture Wiki]'''
*[http://www.pfaf.org/index.php Plants for a Future Database] >7k species, lots edible perennials
*[http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/default.html NewCrop] Perdue's edible species profiles
*[http://www.worldagroforestry.org/sea/Products/AFDbases/AF/index.asp AgroForestryTree Database] World Agroforestry Center's tree species profiles
*[http://www.worldagroforestry.org/sea/Products/AFDbases/AF/index.asp Forest, Farm, and Community Tree Network] more agroforestry resources
*[http://nzdl.sadl.uleth.ca/cgi-bin/library?e=d-00000-00---off-0fnl2.2--00-0--0-10-0--0-0---0prompt-10---4------4-0-1l--11-en-50-0--20-about--100-0-1-00-0-0-11-1-0utfZz-8-00-0-1-00-0-0-11-1-0utfZz-8-00&a=d&cl=CL1 Food and Nutrition Library 2.2] lots of free e-books on food, nutrition, farming

==FeF Environmental Site Analysis==

===Ponds===

8.11.12

Met with Dennis Brinton to talk about a pond that we can contract him to dig. He's been on bulldozers for 30 years. Seems pretty simple, we get a bulldozer parked about midway up the hill, just on the east side of the treeline, and he's going to dig the slope away to dam in the shape of a semi-circle. It will be approximately 3/4 to 1 acre on the surface, 10 feet deep (deep enough for fish!).

See the [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Surveying_101 surveying wiki] for more information.

The rationale is to dig one large pond to start, dig it right, and get the water stored so that it doesn't flood us/erode our soil. We will then use our own technology and labor, when time is less limited, to dig more ponds in sites that necessitate shallower ditches.

8.13.12

Dennis Brinton charges 145/hr. Estimated a greatest maximum price of 6,000-6,500 for digging. Depending on how long it takes to dig, it could be less. I need Marcin's approval and then I'll be calling him to set up some dates and we'll be on our way to having a real pond at FeF!

9.2.12

Dennis needs more rain to fall before he can start digging. Soil moisture at a certain level is required for good compaction of the dam. He's going to call after a few more inches fall.

==FeF Ecological Site Plan==
''needs to integrate with the FeF [[Integrated Development Strategy]]''

[[Category: Food and Agriculture]]
[[Category:Factor e Farm]]
[[Category:FeF Master Plan]]
[[Category:Gabi]]

Talk:OSE Microhouse Prototype

2012-09-16T18:51:02Z

Graham Robertson:

Marcin,

I think it might be helpful to establish a shared vision for the house.

What is the intended purpose?

A house for one person, a couple, or a family (any mix of individuals that call themselves as such)?

After studying A Pattern Language, there are some design considerations that I am confident will help to make future buildings more alive, comfortable and whole.

You can download the book [http://www.mediafire.com/view/?fhgx4ag0k38hxxs here], but for now I copied some text below:

The first pattern considers the process of choosing a site for the house.

'''SITE REPAIR'''

'''Buildings must always be built on those parts of the land which are in the worst condition, not the best.'''

This idea is indeed very simple. But it is the exact opposite of what usually happens; and it takes enormous will power to follow it through.
What usually happens when someone thinks of building on a piece of land? He looks for the best site—where the grass is most beautiful, the trees most healthy, the slope of the land most even, the view most lovely, the soil most fertile—and that is just where he decides to put his house. The same thing happens whether the piece of land is large or small. On a small lot in a town the building goes in the sunniest corner, wherever it is most pleasant. On a hundred acres in the country, the buildings go on the most pleasant hillside.
It is only human nature; and, for a person who lacks a total view of the ecology of the land, it seems the most obvious and sensible thing to do. If you are going to build a building,
"..build it in the best possible place." But think now of the three-quarters of the available land
which are not quite so nice. Since people always build on the one- quarter which is healthiest, the other three-quarters, already less healthy ecologically, become neglected. Gradually, they become less and less healthy. Who is ever going to do anything on that corner of the lot which is dark and dank, where the garbage accumulates, or that part of the land which is a stagnant swamp, or the dry, stony hillside, where no plants are growing?
Not only that. When we build on the best parts of the land, those beauties which are there already—-the crocuses that break through the lawn each spring, the sunny pile of stones where lizards sun themselves, the favorite gravel path, which we love walking on—it is always these things which get lost in the shuffle. When the construction starts on the parts of the land which are already healthy, innumerable beauties are wiped out with every act of building.
People always say to themselves, well, of course, we can always start another garden, build another trellis, put in another gravel path, put new crocuses in the new lawn, and the lizards will find some other pile of stones. But it just is not so. These simple things take years to grow—it isn't all that easy to create them, just by wanting to. And every time we disturb one of these precious details, it may take twenty years, a lifetime even, before some comparable details grow again from our small daily acts.
If we always build on that part of the land which is most healthy, we can be virtually certain that a great deal of the land will always be less than healthy. If we want the land to be healthy all over—all of it—then we must do the opposite. We must treat every new act of building as an opportunity to mend some rent in the existing cloth; each act of building gives us the chance to make one of the ugliest and least healthy parts of the environment more healthy—as for those parts which are already healthy and beautiful—they of course need no attention. And in fact, we must discipline ourselves most strictly to leave them alone, so that our energy actually goes to the places which need it. This is the principle of site repair.

The fact is, that current development hardly ever does well by this pattern: everyone has a story about how some new building or road destroyed a place dear to them. The following news article from the San Francisco Chronicle (February 6, 1973) head- lined "Angry Boys Bulldoze House" struck us as the perfect case:
Two 13-year old boys—enraged over a swath of suburban homes being built in the midst of their rabbit-hunting turf—were arrested after they admitted flattening- one of the homes with a purloined bulldozer.
According to the Washoe County sheriff's office, the youths started up a bulldozer used at the construction site about four miles north of Reno, then plowed the sturdy vehicle through one of the homes four times late last Friday night.
The ranch-style house—which was nearly completed—was a shambles when workmen arrived yesterday morning. Damage was estimated at $7800 by the contractor. One of the boys told authorities the home along with several others nearby was ruining a "favorite rabbit-hunting preserve."
The two boys were booked on charges of felonious destruction.
The idea of site repair is just a beginning. It deals with the problem of how to minimize damage. But the most talented of traditional builders have always been able to use built form, not only to avoid damage, but also to improve the natural landscape. This attitude is so profoundly different from our current view of building, that concepts which will help us decide how to place buildings to improve the landscape don't even exist yet.
Therefore:
'''On no account place buildings in the places which are most beautiful. In fact, do the opposite. Consider the site and its buildings as a single living eco-system. Leave those areas that are the most precious, beautiful, comfortable, and healthy as they are, and build new structures in those parts of the site which are least pleasant now.'''

'''LONG THIN HOUSE'''

'''The shape of a building has a great effect on the relative degrees of privacy and overcrowding in it, and this in turn has a critical effect on people's comfort and well being.'''

The shape of a building has a great effect on the relative degrees of privacy and overcrowding in it, and this in turn has a critical effect on people's comfort and well being.
There is widespread evidence to show that overcrowding in small dwellings causes psychological and social damage. (For example, Wiliam C. Loring, "Housing Characteristics and Social Disorganization," Social Problems, January 1956; Chombart de Lauwe, Famille et Habitation, Editions du Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris, 1959; Bernard Lander,
Towards an Understanding of Juvenile Delinquency, New York: Columbia University Press, 1954.) Everyone seems to be on top of everyone else. Everything seems to be too near everything else. Privacy for individuals or couples is almost impossible.
It would be simple to solve these problems by providing more space—but space is expensive, and it is usually impossible to buy more than a certain very limited amount of it. So the question is: For a given fixed area, which shape will create the greatest feeling of spaciousness?
There is a mathematical answer to this question.
The feeling of overcrowding is largely created by the mean point-to-point distances inside a building. In a small house these distances are small—as a result it is not possible to walk far inside the house nor to get away from annoying disturbances; and it is hard to get away from noise sources, even when they are in other rooms.

To reduce this effect the building should have a shape for which the mean point-to-point distance is high. (For any given shape, we may compute the mean or average distance between two randomly chosen points within the shape). The mean point- to-point distance is low in compact shapes like circles and squares, and high in those distended shapes like long thin rectangles, and branched shapes, and tall narrow towers. These shapes increase the separation between places inside the building and therefore increase the relative privacy which people are able to get within a given area.

Of course, in practice there are limits on the long-thinness of a building. If it is too long and thin, the cost of walls becomes prohibitive, the cost of heating is too high, and the plan is not useful. But this is still no reason to settle only for box-like forms.
A small building can actually be much narrower than people imagine. It can certainly be much narrower than the 25 foot width proposed in WINGS OF LIGHT (107). We have seen successful buildings as narrow as 12 feet wide—indeed, Richard Neutra's own house in Los Angeles is even less.

And a long thin house can also be a tower, or a pair of towers, connected at ground level. Towers, like floors can be much narrower than people realize. A building which is 12 feet square, and three stories high, with an exterior stair, makes a wonderful house. The rooms are so far apart, psychologically, that you feel as if you are in a mansion.

Therefore:
'''In small buildings, don't cluster all the rooms together around each other; instead string out the rooms one after another, so that distance between each room is as great as it can be. You can do this horizontally—so that the plan becomes a thin, long rectangle; or you can do it vertically —so that the building becomes a tall narrow tower. In either case, the building can be surprisingly narrow and still work— 8,10, and 12 feet are all quite possible.'''

Talk:OSE Microhouse Prototype

2012-09-16T17:17:20Z

Graham Robertson: Created page with "Marcin, I think it might be helpful to establish a shared vision for the house. What is the intended purpose? A house for one person, a couple, or a family? After studying..."

Marcin,

I think it might be helpful to establish a shared vision for the house.

What is the intended purpose?

A house for one person, a couple, or a family?

After studying A Pattern Language, there are some design considerations that I am confident will help to make future buildings more alive, comfortable and whole.

You can download the book [http://www.mediafire.com/view/?fhgx4ag0k38hxxs here], but for now I copied some text below:

The first pattern considers the process of choosing a site for the house.

'''SITE REPAIR'''

'''Buildings must always be built on those parts of the land which are in the worst condition, not the best.'''

This idea is indeed very simple. But it is the exact opposite of what usually happens; and it takes enormous will power to follow it through.
What usually happens when someone thinks of building on a piece of land? He looks for the best site—where the grass is most beautiful, the trees most healthy, the slope of the land most even, the view most lovely, the soil most fertile—and that is just where he decides to put his house. The same thing happens whether the piece of land is large or small. On a small lot in a town the building goes in the sunniest corner, wherever it is most pleasant. On a hundred acres in the country, the buildings go on the most pleasant hillside.
It is only human nature; and, for a person who lacks a total view of the ecology of the land, it seems the most obvious and sensible thing to do. If you are going to build a building,
"..build it in the best possible place." But think now of the three-quarters of the available land
which are not quite so nice. Since people always build on the one- quarter which is healthiest, the other three-quarters, already less healthy ecologically, become neglected. Gradually, they become less and less healthy. Who is ever going to do anything on that corner of the lot which is dark and dank, where the garbage accumulates, or that part of the land which is a stagnant swamp, or the dry, stony hillside, where no plants are growing?
Not only that. When we build on the best parts of the land, those beauties which are there already—-the crocuses that break through the lawn each spring, the sunny pile of stones where lizards sun themselves, the favorite gravel path, which we love walking on—it is always these things which get lost in the shuffle. When the construction starts on the parts of the land which are already healthy, innumerable beauties are wiped out with every act of building.
People always say to themselves, well, of course, we can always start another garden, build another trellis, put in another gravel path, put new crocuses in the new lawn, and the lizards will find some other pile of stones. But it just is not so. These simple things take years to grow—it isn't all that easy to create them, just by wanting to. And every time we disturb one of these precious details, it may take twenty years, a lifetime even, before some comparable details grow again from our small daily acts.
If we always build on that part of the land which is most healthy, we can be virtually certain that a great deal of the land will always be less than healthy. If we want the land to be healthy all over—all of it—then we must do the opposite. We must treat every new act of building as an opportunity to mend some rent in the existing cloth; each act of building gives us the chance to make one of the ugliest and least healthy parts of the environment more healthy—as for those parts which are already healthy and beautiful—they of course need no attention. And in fact, we must discipline ourselves most strictly to leave them alone, so that our energy actually goes to the places which need it. This is the principle of site repair.

The fact is, that current development hardly ever does well by this pattern: everyone has a story about how some new building or road destroyed a place dear to them. The following news article from the San Francisco Chronicle (February 6, 1973) head- lined "Angry Boys Bulldoze House" struck us as the perfect case:
Two 13-year old boys—enraged over a swath of suburban homes being built in the midst of their rabbit-hunting turf—were arrested after they admitted flattening- one of the homes with a purloined bulldozer.
According to the Washoe County sheriff's office, the youths started up a bulldozer used at the construction site about four miles north of Reno, then plowed the sturdy vehicle through one of the homes four times late last Friday night.
The ranch-style house—which was nearly completed—was a shambles when workmen arrived yesterday morning. Damage was estimated at $7800 by the contractor. One of the boys told authorities the home along with several others nearby was ruining a "favorite rabbit-hunting preserve."
The two boys were booked on charges of felonious destruction.
The idea of site repair is just a beginning. It deals with the problem of how to minimize damage. But the most talented of traditional builders have always been able to use built form, not only to avoid damage, but also to improve the natural landscape. This attitude is so profoundly different from our current view of building, that concepts which will help us decide how to place buildings to improve the landscape don't even exist yet.
Therefore:
'''On no account place buildings in the places which are most beautiful. In fact, do the opposite. Consider the site and its buildings as a single living eco-system. Leave those areas that are the most precious, beautiful, comfortable, and healthy as they are, and build new structures in those parts of the site which are least pleasant now.'''

'''LONG THIN HOUSE'''

'''The shape of a building has a great effect on the relative degrees of privacy and overcrowding in it, and this in turn has a critical effect on people's comfort and well being.'''

The shape of a building has a great effect on the relative degrees of privacy and overcrowding in it, and this in turn has a critical effect on people's comfort and well being.
There is widespread evidence to show that overcrowding in small dwellings causes psychological and social damage. (For example, Wiliam C. Loring, "Housing Characteristics and Social Disorganization," Social Problems, January 1956; Chombart de Lauwe, Famille et Habitation, Editions du Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris, 1959; Bernard Lander,
Towards an Understanding of Juvenile Delinquency, New York: Columbia University Press, 1954.) Everyone seems to be on top of everyone else. Everything seems to be too near everything else. Privacy for individuals or couples is almost impossible.
It would be simple to solve these problems by providing more space—but space is expensive, and it is usually impossible to buy more than a certain very limited amount of it. So the question is: For a given fixed area, which shape will create the greatest feeling of spaciousness?
There is a mathematical answer to this question.
The feeling of overcrowding is largely created by the mean point-to-point distances inside a building. In a small house these distances are small—as a result it is not possible to walk far inside the house nor to get away from annoying disturbances; and it is hard to get away from noise sources, even when they are in other rooms.

To reduce this effect the building should have a shape for which the mean point-to-point distance is high. (For any given shape, we may compute the mean or average distance between two randomly chosen points within the shape). The mean point- to-point distance is low in compact shapes like circles and squares, and high in those distended shapes like long thin rectangles, and branched shapes, and tall narrow towers. These shapes increase the separation between places inside the building and therefore increase the relative privacy which people are able to get within a given area.

Of course, in practice there are limits on the long-thinness of a building. If it is too long and thin, the cost of walls becomes prohibitive, the cost of heating is too high, and the plan is not useful. But this is still no reason to settle only for box-like forms.
A small building can actually be much narrower than people imagine. It can certainly be much narrower than the 25 foot width proposed in WINGS OF LIGHT (107). We have seen successful buildings as narrow as 12 feet wide—indeed, Richard Neutra's own house in Los Angeles is even less.

And a long thin house can also be a tower, or a pair of towers, connected at ground level. Towers, like floors can be much narrower than people realize. A building which is 12 feet square, and three stories high, with an exterior stair, makes a wonderful house. The rooms are so far apart, psychologically, that you feel as if you are in a mansion.

Therefore:
'''In small buildings, don't cluster all the rooms together around each other; instead string out the rooms one after another, so that distance between each room is as great as it can be. You can do this horizontally—so that the plan becomes a thin, long rectangle; or you can do it vertically —so that the building becomes a tall narrow tower. In either case, the building can be surprisingly narrow and still work— 8,10, and 12 feet are all quite possible.'''

Team

2012-09-01T22:55:01Z

Graham Robertson: /* Volunteer - Graham Robertson */

==Executive Director - Marcin Jakubowski PhD==
[[File:OSE_-_Marcin_Jakubowski_PhD.JPG|400px|left]]

opensourceecology@gmail.com

A Polish-American who is starting a new civilization -- from scratch -- in the Midwestern US. Marcin came to the U.S. from Poland as a child. He graduated with honors from Princeton and earned his PhD in fusion physics from the University of Wisconsin. Frustrated with the lack of relevance to pressing world issues in his education, he founded Open Source Ecology in 2003 in order to make closed-loop manufacturing a reality. He began development on the Global Village Construction Set (GVCS) (see his 2011 TED Talk), an open source DIY tool set of 50 different industrial machines necessary to create a small civilization with modern comforts.

His work has recently been recognized in his acceptance as a [[2012 TED Senior Fellow]], a [[2012 Shuttleworth Foundation Fellow]], and his TED Talk was named the top 6th in the [[Huffington Post Best of TED 2011]]. His goal is to create the open source economy - an economy that optimizes both production and distribution - while providing environmental regeneration and social justice. To this end, Marcin is currently building a team of global collaborators and on-site builders for his land-based facility - to take this from concept to reality. He believes that the open source economy is a prerequisite to autonomy that allows people to pursue mastery - consistent with higher purpose.

==Yoonseo Kang==
[[File:079.JPG|400px|right]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

==Production Director - Marshall Hilton P.E.==
[[File:OSE_Team_-_Marshall_Hilton.JPG|400px|left]]

marshall.hilton@gmail.com

Marshall is a Mechanical Engineer, bike mechanic and metal fabricator originally from St. Louis, Missouri and recently from San Francisco, California. He has a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering and a Masters of Architecture from the University of Kansas. He holds a professional's Engineer's license in California. He has worked for Arup in San Francisco for 4 years. He has been a bike mechanics instructor at the Bike Kitchen in San Francisco for the last 3 years.

Marshall's passion is creating transformative technologies which have a regenerative relationship with the earth while living in compassionate community. The principals of permiculture are his inspiration

Marshall is an avid bicyclist and in 2011 bicycled from San Francisco, CA to Oaxaca, Mexico with his sister.

==Agriculture Director - Gabrielle LeBlanc==
[[File:OSE_Team_-_Gabrielle_Leblanc.JPG|400px|right|]]

feathersandmoss@gmail.com

Gabrielle (Gabi) has been on-site at Factor e Farm since June, 2012. Gabi hails from California, where she grew up and went to school for animal science, with an emphasis on livestock and dairy. During and after school she worked at various community gardens, ranches, and farms. Her life's passion is healing the earth through land stewardship and responsible food production. She is an expert wiki changer, yet is unaware that we're onto her.

Gabi is at Factor e Farm to create a template for subsistent agriculture; developing and maintaining an ecosystem that produces sufficient food, fiber, medicine, and fuel for the Global Village. Towards this end, here's what she's done so far:
*Gotten a cow on-site for off-grid dairy production
*Begun a rabbit dynasty for off-grid meat
*Developed garden space
*Begun soil amendment in the orchard to increase yields
*Designed a site map for future development of agriculture and human habitation
*Developed ways to use LifeTrac for agriculture
**Retrofitting attachments to make the mower, rake, and baler usable for baling hay
**Designing and fabricating subsoil blades for keyline plowing
*Planning for the future of subsistent agricultural development
**Perrenial planting
**Hedgelines and edible fencelines
**Propagation of useful native plants
**Self-funding business model to sustain Gabi's living on-site
*Waterworks and developed irrigation

Further reading:
*[http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/User:Gabrielle_LeBlanc User Bio]
*[http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Gabi_LeBlanc_Log Gabi's log]
*[http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Agriculture_Resources FeF Agriculture Resources]
*[http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Garden_Plan On-Site Garden Plan]
*[http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Neosubsistent_Agriculture_Model Neosubsistent Agriculture Model]
*[http://www.youtube.com/user/gabileblanc Gabi's Youtube Channel]

==Executive Assistant - Parker Bonnell==
[[File:OSE_Team_-_Parker_Bonnell_-_02.jpg|400px|left]]

parkerbonnell@gmail.com

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

==Video Communications Director - Tristan Copley Smith==
[[File:OSE_Team_-_Tristan_Copley_Smith_-_2.JPG|400px|right]]

trizcs@gmail.com

Talents: juggling, videography, fly prevention

It is easy and natural for you to accept responsibilities, to lead a rather ordered life, and to apply caution in your financial and business dealings. You rarely jump to conclusions or take uneducated risks. You have a certain amount of patience and enough self-discipline to slowly but surely achieve what you set out to do. Although somewhat undemonstrative, you are generally loyal and responsible people to those you care about. You take your time in most endeavors and generally use a step-by-step approach to most projects--but you steadily reach your goals. You are naturally trustworthy, and you don't have much patience for those who don't show respect for others, who take foolish risks, and who lead disorganized lives.

==Volunteer - Aidan Williamson==
[[File:OSE_Team_-_Aidan_Williamson.JPG|400px|left]]

aidan.d.williamson@gmail.com

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

==Volunteer - Graham Robertson==
[[File:OSE_-_Graham_Robertson_-_3.JPG|400px|right]]

In 2008, Graham left school at 15 to be able to pursue his interests. After a year of researching and mulling ideas, he set out to connect with others who were working in permaculture design, and heard about OSE by word of mouth among interest groups in Dallas.

After two years of working with a natural builder in Texas and apprenticing on farms, Graham decided learning about fabrication of GVCS was his primary goal for 2012. He plans to take this knowledge back to Texas to replicate GVCS machines for sale and use in a small market garden endeavor.

His past research and experience lies in design of buildings and food systems; he hopes to find ways to integrate community design with GVCS tech.

He initially planned to build Microtrac prototype II before 2013, but has realized the shortage of hands at FeF and the abundance of other priorities, so his work on Microtrac design is on hiatus. He plans to resume work if/when FeF infrastructure is sufficient and a self-funding business model is in place for the project. If the right people and opportunities come together in Texas, he hopes to open a machine shop for developing and selling GVCS machines.

Graham's current projects:

Site Survey and Planning

Construction

Water Infrastructure

Microtractor Research and Development [http://www.scrumy.com/barnyard28hoarders Scrum board]

CEB Production [http://www.scrumy.com/CEB_Production Scrum board]

*[http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/User:Graham_Robertson Graham's Log]

grobertson29@gmail.com

Team

2012-08-29T14:23:02Z

Graham Robertson: /* Volunteer - Graham Robertson */

==Executive Director - Marcin Jakubowski PhD==
[[File:OSE_-_Marcin_Jakubowski_PhD.JPG|400px|left]]

opensourceecology@gmail.com

A Polish-American who is starting a new civilization -- from scratch -- in the Midwestern US. Marcin came to the U.S. from Poland as a child. He graduated with honors from Princeton and earned his PhD in fusion physics from the University of Wisconsin. Frustrated with the lack of relevance to pressing world issues in his education, he founded Open Source Ecology in 2003 in order to make closed-loop manufacturing a reality. He began development on the Global Village Construction Set (GVCS) (see his 2011 TED Talk), an open source DIY tool set of 50 different industrial machines necessary to create a small civilization with modern comforts.

His work has recently been recognized in his acceptance as a [[2012 TED Senior Fellow]], a [[2012 Shuttleworth Foundation Fellow]], and his TED Talk was named the top 6th in the [[Huffington Post Best of TED 2011]]. His goal is to create the open source economy - an economy that optimizes both production and distribution - while providing environmental regeneration and social justice. To this end, Marcin is currently building a team of global collaborators and on-site builders for his land-based facility - to take this from concept to reality. He believes that the open source economy is a prerequisite to autonomy that allows people to pursue mastery - consistent with higher purpose.

==Yoonseo Kang==
[[File:079.JPG|400px|right]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

==Production Director - Marshall Hilton==
[[File:OSE_Team_-_Marshall_Hilton.JPG|400px|left]]

marshall.hilton@gmail.com

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

==Agriculture Director - Gabrielle LeBlanc==
[[File:OSE_Team_-_Gabrielle_Leblanc.JPG|400px|right|]]

feathersandmoss@gmail.com

Gabrielle (Gabi) has been on-site at Factor e Farm since June, 2012. Gabi hails from California, where she grew up and went to school for animal science, with an emphasis on livestock and dairy. During and after school she worked at various community gardens, ranches, and farms. Her life's passion is healing the earth through land stewardship and responsible food production. She is an expert wiki changer, yet is unaware that we're onto her.

Gabi is at Factor e Farm to create a template for subsistent agriculture; developing and maintaining an ecosystem that produces sufficient food, fiber, medicine, and fuel for the Global Village. Towards this end, here's what she's done so far:
*Gotten a cow on-site for off-grid dairy production
*Begun a rabbit dynasty for off-grid meat
*Developed garden space
*Begun soil amendment in the orchard to increase yields
*Designed a site map for future development of agriculture and human habitation
*Developed ways to use LifeTrac for agriculture
**Retrofitting attachments to make the mower, rake, and baler usable for baling hay
**Designing and fabricating subsoil blades for keyline plowing
*Planning for the future of subsistent agricultural development
**Perrenial planting
**Hedgelines and edible fencelines
**Propagation of useful native plants
**Self-funding business model to sustain Gabi's living on-site
*Waterworks and developed irrigation

Further reading:
*[http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/User:Gabrielle_LeBlanc User Bio]
*[http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Gabi_LeBlanc_Log Gabi's log]
*[http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Agriculture_Resources FeF Agriculture Resources]
*[http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Garden_Plan On-Site Garden Plan]
*[http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Neosubsistent_Agriculture_Model Neosubsistent Agriculture Model]
*[http://www.youtube.com/user/gabileblanc Gabi's Youtube Channel]

==Executive Assistant - Parker Bonnell==
[[File:OSE_Team_-_Parker_Bonnell_-_02.jpg|400px|left]]

parkerbonnell@gmail.com

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

==Video Communications Director - Tristan Copley Smith==
[[File:OSE_Team_-_Tristan_Copley_Smith_-_2.JPG|400px|right]]

trizcs@gmail.com

Talents: juggling, videography, fly prevention

It is easy and natural for you to accept responsibilities, to lead a rather ordered life, and to apply caution in your financial and business dealings. You rarely jump to conclusions or take uneducated risks. You have a certain amount of patience and enough self-discipline to slowly but surely achieve what you set out to do. Although somewhat undemonstrative, you are generally loyal and responsible people to those you care about. You take your time in most endeavors and generally use a step-by-step approach to most projects--but you steadily reach your goals. You are naturally trustworthy, and you don't have much patience for those who don't show respect for others, who take foolish risks, and who lead disorganized lives.

==Volunteer - Aidan Williamson==
[[File:OSE_Team_-_Aidan_Williamson.JPG|400px|left]]

aidan.d.williamson@gmail.com

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

==Volunteer - Graham Robertson==
[[File:OSE_-_Graham_Robertson_-_3.JPG|400px|right]]

In 2008, Graham left school at 15 to be able to pursue his interests. After a year of idea incubation and research, he set out to connect with others who were working in permaculture design, and heard about OSE by word of mouth among these groups.

After two years of working with a natural builder in Texas and apprenticing on farms, Graham decided learning about fabrication was the primary goal for 2012. He plans to take this knowledge back to Texas to replicate GVCS machines for sale and use in a small market garden endeavor.

His past research and experience lies in design of buildings and food systems; he hopes to find ways to integrate community design with GVCS tech.

He initially planned to build Microtrac prototype II before 2013, but has realized the shortage of hands at FeF and the abundance of other priorities, so his work on Microtrac design is on hiatus.

Graham's current projects:

Site Survey and Planning

Construction

Water Infrastructure

Microtractor Research and Development [http://www.scrumy.com/barnyard28hoarders Scrum board]

CEB Production [http://www.scrumy.com/CEB_Production Scrum board]

*[http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/User:Graham_Robertson Graham's Log]

grobertson29@gmail.com

Team

2012-08-17T03:24:17Z

Graham Robertson: /* Volunteer - Graham Robertson */

==Executive Director - Marcin Jakubowski PhD==
[[File:OSE_-_Marcin_Jakubowski_PhD.JPG|400px|left]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
==Yoonseo Kang==
[[File:079.JPG|400px|right]]
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==Production Director - Marshall Hilton==
[[File:OSE_Team_-_Marshall_Hilton.JPG|400px|left]]
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==Agriculture Director - Gabrielle LeBlanc==
[[File:Gabi LeBlanc.jpeg|400px|right]]
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==Executive Assistant - Parker Bonnell==
[[File:OSE_Team_-_Parker_Bonnell.JPG|400px|left]]
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==Video Communications Director - Tristan Copley Smith==
[[File:OSE_Team_-_Tristan_Copley_Smith_-_2.JPG|400px|right]]
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==Volunteer - Aidan Williamson==
[[File:OSE_Team_-_Aidan_Williamson.JPG|400px|left]]
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==Volunteer - Graham Robertson==
[[File:OSE_-_Graham_Robertson_-_3.JPG|400px|right]]
Current project teams I am on:

Site Survey and Planning

Construction

Water Infrastructure

Microtractor Research and Development (Scrum Master)

CEB Production

Team

2012-08-17T03:20:17Z

Graham Robertson:

==Executive Director - Marcin Jakubowski PhD==
[[File:OSE_-_Marcin_Jakubowski_PhD.JPG|400px|left]]
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==Yoonseo Kang==
[[File:079.JPG|400px|right]]
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==Production Director - Marshall Hilton==
[[File:OSE_Team_-_Marshall_Hilton.JPG|400px|left]]
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==Agriculture Director - Gabrielle Leblanc==
[[File:OSE_-_Team_-_Gabrielle_Leblanc_2.JPG|400px|right]]
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==Executive Assistant - Parker Bonnell==
[[File:OSE_Team_-_Parker_Bonnell.JPG|400px|left]]
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==Video Communications Director - Tristan Copley Smith==
[[File:OSE_Team_-_Tristan_Copley_Smith_-_2.JPG|400px|right]]
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==Volunteer - Aidan Williamson==
[[File:OSE_Team_-_Aidan_Williamson.JPG|400px|left]]
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.

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==Volunteer - Graham Robertson==
[[File:OSE_-_Graham_Robertson_-_3.JPG|400px|right]]
Current project teams I am on:

Site Survey and Planning
Construction
Water Infrastructure
Microtractor Research and Development (Scrum Master)
CEB Production

Graham Robertson

2012-08-13T22:07:58Z

Graham Robertson: /* Contact */

=Contact=

grobertson29@gmail.com

Skype: grobertson29

Facebook: Graham Robertson

Youtube: http://youtube.com/tidnull

=Work Plan=

=Workshop=

==Month I: June 17-July 17==

Learn how to use shop tools
#Oxy torch
#CNC torch table
#Lathe
#Plasma cutter
#Drill Press
#Iron worker
#CNC mill
#Grinder
#Cold saw

Help with whatever I am able. I assume I will have a more concrete plan as I get situated.

*Update: Director of plaster cross training, mob on finishing HabLab interior plaster and exterior stucco

*Assist construction director in framing remaining rooms

=Month II: July 17-August 17=

==Construction==

#Assist in finishing remaining rooms in Hablab
#Begin site plan of Microhouse
#Surveying and long term site plan for Hablab Zone 1 with Gabi and Marcin
*Rainwater Cistern Storage design and implementation with Yoonseo
*Earthworks: Terraces, french drains, swales
*Food gardens
*Outdoor gathering places
*Solar arc of food trees on East West and North sides
*Cooling shade arbor on South side with deciduous food vines (grapes, hardy kiwi, annual veg)
*Pallet chairs!

==Microtrac Research and Development==

#Background Work
*Research: Existing related projects, Information Architecture, Analysis of Open Source Industry Standards,
#Strategic Development
*Work on Replication and Recruiting Strategy, facilitate Subject matter expert surveys, design challenges for OS tracks, flash mob teleconferences,
#Source materials and parts for Microtrac V2
#Begin Build of Microtrac

more to come

=Month 3: August 17-September 17=

==Production Runs==

#Assist with CEB production
*Fabrication and production process
*Assist at first, will help with odds and ends, and learn about shop tools in the process

#Power cube
*Assist with fabrication and production

#Lifetrac production

C. Wiki Documentation
a. Become proficient in editing wiki pages and inputting pictures, videos, text, etc
b. I can work on this somewhat before coming to FeF

D. Microtractor Design
a. Collaborate with Lifetrac fabricators, designers, etc to refine current design, increasing
interchangeability between LT and MT parts, while retaining small size, maneuverability,
general ease of use and maintenance of MT

E. Prototyping
a. Become familiar with Lifetrac ecology, research modularity and interchangeability with Microtrac
b. Apply newly gained shop skills in fabricating first MT frame, quick connect wheels, loader arms, etc with help of shop team

F. Field Testing
a. Can farming team use this tool in growing operations?
b. Shop team feedback
i. How can we decrease cost of materials while retaining sufficiency?
ii. Document solutions on wiki

c. Farm team feedback
i. Document problems and suggested improvements in maneuverability, traction, ergonomics on the MT wiki page
ii. Implement solutions
iii. Document progress on the wiki weekly

[[Category: Graham]]

Graham Robertson

2012-08-13T22:07:23Z

Graham Robertson:

=Contact=

grobertson29@gmail.com
Skype: grobertson29
Facebook: Graham Robertson
Youtube: http://youtube.com/tidnull

=Work Plan=

=Workshop=

==Month I: June 17-July 17==

Learn how to use shop tools
#Oxy torch
#CNC torch table
#Lathe
#Plasma cutter
#Drill Press
#Iron worker
#CNC mill
#Grinder
#Cold saw

Help with whatever I am able. I assume I will have a more concrete plan as I get situated.

*Update: Director of plaster cross training, mob on finishing HabLab interior plaster and exterior stucco

*Assist construction director in framing remaining rooms

=Month II: July 17-August 17=

==Construction==

#Assist in finishing remaining rooms in Hablab
#Begin site plan of Microhouse
#Surveying and long term site plan for Hablab Zone 1 with Gabi and Marcin
*Rainwater Cistern Storage design and implementation with Yoonseo
*Earthworks: Terraces, french drains, swales
*Food gardens
*Outdoor gathering places
*Solar arc of food trees on East West and North sides
*Cooling shade arbor on South side with deciduous food vines (grapes, hardy kiwi, annual veg)
*Pallet chairs!

==Microtrac Research and Development==

#Background Work
*Research: Existing related projects, Information Architecture, Analysis of Open Source Industry Standards,
#Strategic Development
*Work on Replication and Recruiting Strategy, facilitate Subject matter expert surveys, design challenges for OS tracks, flash mob teleconferences,
#Source materials and parts for Microtrac V2
#Begin Build of Microtrac

more to come

=Month 3: August 17-September 17=

==Production Runs==

#Assist with CEB production
*Fabrication and production process
*Assist at first, will help with odds and ends, and learn about shop tools in the process

#Power cube
*Assist with fabrication and production

#Lifetrac production

C. Wiki Documentation
a. Become proficient in editing wiki pages and inputting pictures, videos, text, etc
b. I can work on this somewhat before coming to FeF

D. Microtractor Design
a. Collaborate with Lifetrac fabricators, designers, etc to refine current design, increasing
interchangeability between LT and MT parts, while retaining small size, maneuverability,
general ease of use and maintenance of MT

E. Prototyping
a. Become familiar with Lifetrac ecology, research modularity and interchangeability with Microtrac
b. Apply newly gained shop skills in fabricating first MT frame, quick connect wheels, loader arms, etc with help of shop team

F. Field Testing
a. Can farming team use this tool in growing operations?
b. Shop team feedback
i. How can we decrease cost of materials while retaining sufficiency?
ii. Document solutions on wiki

c. Farm team feedback
i. Document problems and suggested improvements in maneuverability, traction, ergonomics on the MT wiki page
ii. Implement solutions
iii. Document progress on the wiki weekly

[[Category: Graham]]

Soil Analysis

2012-08-13T22:02:05Z

Graham Robertson:

=Sampling Your Soil=

Determining your soil composition is the most important part of making strong bricks.

==Gather the Samples==

Go to at least two sites around available soil sources.

Fill a glass lidded container with one sample per jar. Fill the jar half with soil, half with water.

Label your jars according to their source!

After adding water, shake the jar for a while, then let them sit. Notice which particles fall to the bottom first. Which take the longest to fall and why?

Sand, gravel, and stones will fall first because of their high density.

Silt falls next, and clay last, because it has the smallest particles.

Let your jars sit for at least a few hours. Some clays can take half a day to fully hydrate, so maybe wait 8 hours and then shake it again to make sure the clay is fully suspended.

Document your observations!

=FeF Analysis=

This section is only intended to gather and document information on FeF soils before determining needed admixtures, if any.

Below is a spreadsheet with data points from four sites around FeF.

The main block we are encountering as far as producing CEBs from all onsite resources is sharp sand. As I walked the property taking samples, I wondered if it could be somewhere on site. We have a main creek running through the forest, so I figured all the sand would be at the very bottom of the slope where it meets the street. I found only clay and silt, but very dark and nutrient rich soil. I assume the nutrients are washing fast down the slope due to the extreme erosion at FeF.

My next idea was that it would be found in the upper slopes where there are keylines (places where the slope graduates into wider contour lines). There, I found very pure sand; all the clay and silt had washed down slope and left very sharp sand mixed with organic matter.

So I am wondering now, how far down does the sand go in these spots? Are there other places where we can harvest without cutting down trees? There are many ruts around that must be collecting sand. If not, where would be a good site in the forested creek belt where a pond would be appropriate and non destructive? Then we could take the sand for CEBs and use clay to seal the bottom.

<html><iframe width='1000' height='500' frameborder='0' src='https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?key=0AnPs1ULLrKSZdEN6TmR5di1CdXNVcnZ6S2FxcWF3S0E&output=html&widget=true'></iframe></html>

Soil Analysis

2012-08-13T21:52:47Z

Graham Robertson:

Below is a spreadsheet with data points from four sites around FeF.

Determining your soil composition is the most important part of making strong bricks. This section is only intended to gather information on FeF soils before determining needed admixtures, if any.

The main block we are encountering as far as producing CEBs from all onsite resources is sharp sand. As I walked the property taking samples, I wondered if it could be somewhere on site. We have a main creek running through the forest, so I figured all the sand would be at the very bottom of the slope where it meets the street. I found only clay and silt, but very dark and nutrient rich soil. I assume the nutrients are washing fast down the slope due to the extreme erosion at FeF.

My next idea was that it would be found in the upper slopes where there are keylines (places where the slope graduates into wider contour lines). There, I found very pure sand; all the clay and silt had washed down slope and left very sharp sand mixed with organic matter.

So I am wondering now, how far down does the sand go in these spots? Are there other places where we can harvest without cutting down trees? There are many ruts around that must be collecting sand. If not, where would be a good site in the forested creek belt where a pond would be appropriate and non destructive? Then we could take the sand for CEBs and use clay to seal the bottom.

<html><iframe width='1000' height='500' frameborder='0' src='https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?key=0AnPs1ULLrKSZdEN6TmR5di1CdXNVcnZ6S2FxcWF3S0E&output=html&widget=true'></iframe></html>

Shelter

2012-08-13T21:44:46Z

Graham Robertson: /* Processes */

=Shelter Infrastructure=

'''Our buildings are made using:'''

*Compressed Earth Blocks

*Wood Beams

*Metal Roofing

*Glass and Polycarbonate Windows

*Stucco (Applied with Netting)

*Hay

*Spunbond Olefin Fibre Sheets

*Concrete

*Steel Rebar

*Gravel

*Metal Fasteners and Accessories

=Processes=

*[http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Soil_Analysis Soil Sample Analysis for CEBs]

*[http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Shelter_Foundation Foundation]

*[http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Wood_Frame Wood Frame]

*[http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Metal_Roofing Metal Roofing]

*[http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/CEB Compressed Earth Blocks]

*[http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Ceiling Ceiling]

*[http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Stucco Stucco]

*[http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Ground Ground]

Shelter

2012-08-13T21:44:28Z

Graham Robertson: /* Processes */

=Shelter Infrastructure=

'''Our buildings are made using:'''

*Compressed Earth Blocks

*Wood Beams

*Metal Roofing

*Glass and Polycarbonate Windows

*Stucco (Applied with Netting)

*Hay

*Spunbond Olefin Fibre Sheets

*Concrete

*Steel Rebar

*Gravel

*Metal Fasteners and Accessories

=Processes=

*[http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Soil_Analysis Soil Sample Analysis]

*[http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Shelter_Foundation Foundation]

*[http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Wood_Frame Wood Frame]

*[http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Metal_Roofing Metal Roofing]

*[http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/CEB Compressed Earth Blocks]

*[http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Ceiling Ceiling]

*[http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Stucco Stucco]

*[http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Ground Ground]

Soil Analysis

2012-08-13T21:43:13Z

Graham Robertson: Created page with "Below is a spreadsheet with data points from four sites around FeF. The main block we are encountering as far as producing CEBs from all onsite resources is sharp sand. As I wa..."

Below is a spreadsheet with data points from four sites around FeF.

The main block we are encountering as far as producing CEBs from all onsite resources is sharp sand. As I walked the property looking for sand, I wondered if it could be somewhere on site. we have a main creek running through the forest, so I figured all the sand would be at the very bottom of the slope where it meets the street. I found only clay and silt, but very dark and nutrient rich soil here. I assume the nutrients are washing fast down the slope due to the extreme erosion at FeF.

My next idea was that it would be found in the upper slopes where there are keylines (places where the slope graduates into wider contour lines). There, I found very pure sand; all the clay and silt had washed down slope and left very sharp sand mixed with organic matter.

So I am wondering now, how far down does the sand go in these spots? Are there other places where we can harvest without cutting down trees? There are many ruts around that must be collecting sand. If not, where would be a good site in the forested creek belt where a pond would be appropriate and non destructive?

<html><iframe width='1000' height='500' frameborder='0' src='https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?key=0AnPs1ULLrKSZdEN6TmR5di1CdXNVcnZ6S2FxcWF3S0E&output=html&widget=true'></iframe></html>

OSE Microhouse

2012-08-12T17:48:41Z

Graham Robertson:

See [[Microhouse Architectural Details]] for wall, roof, and other details.

=Update 7.10.2012=

[http://ge.tt/8e7qGHK?c New Visualizations and Sketchup Model]

=Update 1.15.2012=

616x931 cm

246"x372"

Plans are now up to v0.5: http://ge.tt/8m9uELC?c

[[Image:microhouse04.jpg]]

Plans nearing completion, architectural detail to be produced by January 15, 2012. Features Poland-code-approved Open Source Reed Plant for blackwater treatment.

v0.4 download in PDF - [[File:microhouse04.pdf]]

=Introduction=

Full, open source plans for a '''Hybrid Microhouse''' - a superinsulated CEB/straw hybrid - will be avaiable by 1.15.2012. Right now, you can download the [http://www.cohabitat.net/open-source-macrohabitat.html conceptual sketches from the Cohabitat Group]. These plans draw upon our practical experiences from the 2011 building season, and professional guidance on CEB construction from Floyd Hagerman, local CEB Builder. This is an exciting collaboration between OSE and the [[Cohabitat Group]] - where our goal is to redefine the meaning of affordable, high performance housing - by tapping into the true power of open source collaboration.

[[Image:microhouse.jpg]]

[[Image:hablab2.jpg]]

=Simplified Microhouse=
[[Image:simplifiedmicrohouse.jpg|400px]]

[[Image:Simplifiedmicrohouse_2.jpg|400px]]

==Design Considerations for Microhouse==

What are our needs?

Based on verbal agreements and discussions, I assume that FeF aims to create community that considers the needs of all cycles of life, all backgrounds, ethnicities, ages and orientations.

I believe it is essential to have contact with all forms and stages of life.

So it is time to start asking questions about our designs. Can the one-size-fits-all house really work for couples, families, singles, and group households?

Based on research in the book A Pattern Language, lets look at some of the differences between these types of housing:

===Pattern 78: House for One Person===

"The plan of such a house will be characteristically different from other houses, primarily because it requires almost no dif- ferentiation of its spaces: it need only be one room. It can be a cottage or a studio, built on the ground or in a larger building, part of a group household or a detached structure. In essence, it is simply a central space, with nooks around it. The nooks re- place the rooms in a larger house; they are for bed, bath, kitchen, workshop and entrance."

"Conceive a house for one person as a place of the utmost simplicity: essentially a one-room cottage or studio, with large and small alcoves around it. When it is most intense, the entire house may be no more than 300 to 400 square feet."

How can we use CEBs to create these nooks around a common space?

Greenhouses

2012-08-12T05:47:17Z

Graham Robertson:

{{OrigLang}}
{{Breadcrumb|Housing and construction}}
{{Category=Controlled-environment growing}}

Greenhouses are rooms that maximize natural light and can be used for controlled-environment growing. They may be stand-alone or part of a house. We aim to open source robust growing systems. This will empower people to grow high-value crops such as herbs - for self-sufficiency and for market.

Greenhouses need to stay warm all year round. This can be accomplished without using any energy at all - no electric heaters or fuel. A well-designed greenhouse can do this by using [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seasonal_thermal_store seasonal thermal store], heat sinks, insulation and maximising solar heat and light. In keeping with Open Ecology principles, we aim to gather information in the public domain that allows people to build cheap, effective, zero-energy greenhouses.

==Greenhouses as a Part of the Home==

Excerpt from A Pattern Language by Christopher Alexander:

"Imagine a simple greenhouse, attached to a living room, turned to the winter sun, and -filled with shelves for flowers and vege- tables. It has an entrance from the house—so you can go into it and use it in the winter without going outdoors. And it has an entrance from the garden—so you can use it as a workshop while you are out in the garden and not have to walk through the house.

This greenhouse then becomes a wonderful place: a source of life, a place where flowers can be grown as part of the life of the house. The classic conservatory was a natural part of countless houses in the temperate climates.

For someone who has not experienced a greenhouse as an ex- tension of the house, it may be hard to recognize how fundamental it becomes. It is a world unto itself, as definite and wonderful as fire or water, and it provides an experience which can hardly be matched by any other pattern. Hewitt Ryan, the psychiatrist for whom we built the clinic in Modesto with the help of this pattern language, thought greenhouses so essential that he included one as a basic part of the clinic: a place beside the common area, where people could reintegrate themselves by growing seedlings that would be gradually transplanted to form gardens for the clinic."

==Inflatable greenhouses and Pillowdome==
[[File:Pillowdome.JPG|thumb|right|450px|Pillow dome: The Ark houses a growing environment consisting of intensive organic gardens, irrigated by the "exhaust" from large, transparent tanks containing fish. (See [[Aquaponics|aquaponics]].) The aquaponic tanks also serve as an effective heat sink, allowing an indoor climate warm enough to grow bananas in February, in New England, with no fossil fuel heat source.]]

Nick says: Inflatable greenhouses such as [http://www.isawitonthebox.com/tv/this-morning/inflatable-greenhouse-as-seen-on-this-morning this one] would eliminate frame material and make for quick easy setup. The only trick would be creating a good seal around the air columns. Most greenhouse film is a UV resitant type of polyethylene and can be "welded". [http://www.delviesplastics.com/welding.htm Here] is a plastic welding kit for $288. There may be better ways of doing but the concept seems to have potential.

Bob says check out [http://www.thegreencenter.net/pdf/dome1985.pdf pillow domes] - a kind of geodesic dome devised by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._Baldwin Jay Baldwin] (a Bucky Fuller student) with Argon-inflated pillows of long lived UV transparent plastic ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tefzel Tefzel]). The concept was later applied on a much larger scale in the [http://www.edenproject.com/ Eden Project].

==Passive solar greenhouses==
[[File:Bolivian solar greenhouse.JPG|thumb|right|400px|Bolivian solar greenhouse]]Solar greenhouses incorporate special design features to maximize use of the Sun's heat so they can run without an input of energy. The article <i>[http://www.maximumyield.com/article_sh_db.php?articleID=289 Those Remarkable Bolivian Solarhouses]</i> from Maximum Yield magazine describes a UN project in Bolivia. Over 300 solarhouses were built. They cost $6/m<sup>2</sup> (56c per square foot) and proved themselves capable of growing warm-climate vegetables throughout winter high in the Andes without heaters. The article gives detailed descriptions of how they are built.

The design needs to do two things in order to achieve a comfortable growing temperature year-round: firstly, to maximise the use of the Sun's heat and light and secondly, to create a 'thermal mass' effect i.e. include elements that do not change temperature easily, to stabilize the indoor temperature.

Solar greenhouse design features can include -
*Low walls, only 100-120cm high (39-47 inches), painted black. Made of adobe and straw. For OSE, [[Superinsulated CEB Construction‎]] would be perfect. Alternatively, the floor could be sunk below ground level to provide better thermal mass, but this would require more labour to build.
*A domed or sloped roof of wooden poles stretched over clear polyethylene sheeting
*"Small windows are constructed in the adobe walls to allow for opening and closing to raise or lower temperature"
*The floor can be painted black or covered with something black to increase the heat it stores.
*If thermal mass needs to be increased more, fill black plastic bags with gravel or sand; these will store heat. In the Bolivian project, two liter bottles were painted black and filled with sand for this purpose. Black stones can also be used.
*Water tanks also act as a heat store. It might be worth considering [[Aquaponics|aquaponics]] in a solar greenhouse, as a large fishtank will regulate the temperature of the room. A large rainwater catchment, painted black, will work too.

==Earth Sheltered and Walipini greenhouses==
[[File:Walipini.jpg|thumb|400px|right|Walipini greenhouse]]A greenhouse can be built by digging a hole in the ground and covering it with glass. This takes advantage of the heat stored in the earth during the cold season (warmth in winter, cooling in summer). It is an adaptation of the idea of [http://earthshelters.com/faq/passive-annual-heat-storage-definition/ passive annual heat storage (PAHS)] to the greenhouse. Therefore very suitable for climates with cold winters. At the depth of several meters, there is very little seasonal variation in temperature. The earth around the greenhouse structure has large thermal mass.

The Benson Agriculture and Food Institute at Brigham Young University examined the concept in detail and has [http://www.bensoninstitute.org/Publication/Manuals/Walipini.pdf put together a manual] with specific designs ([http://openfarmtech.org/wiki/File:Walipini.pdf internal copy here]). These underground greenhouses are called ''"Walipini"'' (pit greenhouse) in South America. The Benson Institute's experiment was built in Bolivia, high up in the Andes where it gets ''really'' cold. Their greenhouse costs $250-$300 in materials and is designed to provide vegetables year-round for seven people. They recommend a minimum of 94 square feet (less than 8.75m<sup>2</sup>) of growing space per person.

[[File:Oehler greenhouse.jpg|thumb|300px|The basic design of the greenhouses in Mike Oehler's book]]Mike Oehler of [http://undergroundhousing.com/ UndergroundHousing.com], described a similar concept in ''The Earth-Sheltered Solar Greenhouse Book'', available [http://www.downarchive.com/ebooks/313290-the-earth-sheltered-solar-greenhouse-book-by-mike.html here]. This is an adaptation from his earlier work on [[Underground Housing|underground housing]] for residential purposes.

==FAO booklet: solar and Chinese greenhouse==
'''[http://www.fao.org/docrep/T4470E/t4470e0b.htm#TopOfPage 8. Solar house]'''<br>
8.1. The combined passive solar energy training building<br>
8.2. The passive and active combined solar working office

'''[http://www.fao.org/docrep/T4470E/t4470e0c.htm#TopOfPage 9. Research on the temperature environment of solar greenhouse]''' <br>
9.1. The temperature simulation and structural optimization of the solar greenhouse<br>
9.2. The underground heat exchange system of protected vegetable cultivation<br>
9.3. The benefit of vegetable production in the underground heat exchange solar greenhouse

'''[http://www.fao.org/docrep/T4470E/t4470e0d.htm#TopOfPage 10. Integrated energy self-served animal and plant complementary ecosystem in China]''' <br>
10.1. Introduction (about CO2 enrichment) <br>
10.2. History and principle of the integrated energy self-served animal and plant complementary producing system<br>
10.3. The investigation of the problems of the integrated energy self-served ecosystem<br>
10.4. The structure improvement of the energy self-served animal and plant complementary ecosystem<br>
10.5. The study and test of the ventilation system in the E-W form of the ecosystem

==Product Ecology==
* [[Biochar]] to improve [[:Category:Soil and compost|soil]]
* [[Aquaponics]] to produce fish, fertilize plants and buffer temperature.
* [[Integrated Food and Waste Management System]]
* [[Organoponic Raised Bed Gardening]]
* [[Vermicompost]] to improve [[:Category:Soil and compost|soil]] and to feed fish if aquaponics is used
* [[Black Soldier Fly]] to produce compost. Larvae can feed fish if aquaponics is used
* [[CEB press|CEBs]] and [[Superinsulated CEB Construction]]
* [[Compressed_Air|compressed air]] for ventilation
* [[Plastic Extrusion & Molding|Plastic extruder]] for pipes and glazing with stuff like polycarbonate
* [[Rabbits]] to produce CO<sub>2</sub> and compost
* [[Mushrooms]]to produce CO<sub>2</sub> (fungi inhale oxygen and exhale CO<sub>2</sub> like animals) and make compost from wood

==See Also==
* [[Geodesic domes]]
* [[Organoponic Raised Bed Gardening]]

* [http://undergroundhousing.com/ UndergroundHousing.com]
* [http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/08/garden-pool-family-of-four-grows-food-in-swimming-pool-arizona.php swimming pool to greenhouse conversion].
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aeroponics Wikipedia: Aeroponics]
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenhouse Wikipedia: Greenhouse]

User:Graham Robertson

2012-08-06T05:10:30Z

Graham Robertson:

=Contact=
grobertson29@gmail.com
Skype: grobertson29

=Work Plan/ Contract=

http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Graham_Robertson_Contract

=Log=
<html><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1_aiDF2n8_CVbL1nicmHpT6R86Rc8r7ZYejLC7FJuNjc&embedded=true" width="800px" height="400px"></iframe></html>
==7.1.12==

I awoke at 7 to Aaron getting me up to help with stuffing hay into the ceiling. We shared some coffee and got the rest of the ceiling stuffed. The hay coats you in a fur of chaff, so I went on a run to the lake, had a quick dip, and came back. The rest of the day was pretty relaxed. I am compiling the house guidelines that we have written during our house meetings so far.

*I could only find house meeting notes from July 8 and 21. Might anyone have the other meeting notes and be willing to add any remaining guidelines from past proposals?

House Guidelines

No bleach in the drains. Alternatives: Dish Soap, Baking Soda, Vinegar

Nobody eats others' foods without asking. Share shelf/cabinet is fair game!

Personal items are taken away from bathroom upon leaving.

We all clean our dishes right after using them.

RO rejects 4 gallons per every 1 gallon. Take boiling water out of the tap. Put RO water in the gallon jugs when you can.

Drink Tap water at your own risk, or boil it.

Things you dont know can be very dangerous. Ask before you touch stuff.

Return objects to electronics station after use.

Regarding Microtrac and general development styles, I consulted our Agile/Scrum guru Vann, and he introduced me to Contract-First Design. This means that we define parameters for each interface before starting design, so that contributors can run wild with innovation, while keeping within necessary limits and specs of our rationale.

Here I have listed the interfaces and began listing their parameters.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnPs1ULLrKSZdDBEak1NcjFIQXB3aVcxMFdXcUtGblE#gid=0

==7.30.12==

So the wiki decided not to post my last entry from the 28th.

RECAP:

I had a cold for the past three days and finally feel physically functional. I still feel more mentally aloof than normal. Drinking lots of caffeinated tea to get back on track--Microtrac, that is.

Friday our Microtrac team had its first Scrum Planning Meeting. I am grateful for Vann's help in clarifying the process and meaning of Scrum and Agile development. Our task board is here: https://scrumy.com/barnyard28hoarders

We have three active remote collaborators: Ben from Australia, Andy from Baltimore and James from Oklahoma. We have made some great progress since Friday and I feel really excited and comfortable with my role as Scrum master: one who directs and guides the project's process. At first I felt overwhelmed when I assumed the roles of researcher, designer, builder, documenter, etc. Now I see myself as a stakeholder: I want to see this built so that I can replicate it in Texas. My parents are designing and building a new home this year. Site preparation will be much easier and cheaper with a microtractor, plus I plan on major earthworks in the next few years while we set up a sustainable food system.

I assume another stakeholder: you, being the rest of the world, our biggest customer. Would you buy or build a compact utility loader that is replicable, low cost, and easy to fabricate? Industry standards cost 15-20 grand: most people are willing to pay less than half that for a reliable, used car. Materials and labor for OSE machines have shown 70% decrease in cost for Industry Standard tools. Because it is a replicable design, people all over the world can build it and improve on our design, remix it to meet their needs, and contribute documentation. Am I preaching to the choir here or is anyone new to OSE actually reading this? Maybe I am just clarifying for myself.

I talked to Aaron today; he requested taking time off Microtrac to gain velocity and focus on CEB production. So after this design sprint (Friday) we will probably review the designs and make more changes. Then, we will see where we are at prior to CEB production. If time allows, we plan a sprint for parts sourcing and build of Microtrac V2.
==7.27.12==

Experimenting with Checkvist.com for organizing my time.

<html><iframe src="http://checkvist.com/checklists/139149-my-projects" scrolling="auto" width="400" height="400" frameborder="0"></iframe></html>

Tomorrow I am going to my first ever auction. We hope to get a good deal on a bandsaw.

==7.24.12==

FeF is the first place I have worked with where people joyfully work until after midnight, then get up with little sleep and do it again. I have worked on many projects and organizations where my energy was drained at the end of the day because of opposed project management styles without shared intention.

In my years since leaving school, my vision has been forming and honing. I abandoned some values and held onto others. Through all my empowering and hopeless moments, the idea of a world that values sharing and open collaboration endures and grows stronger. The OSE paradigm enables this vision, and I am grateful to be able to contribute.

Woke up early and went to Savannah with Aidan to help unload three power cubes at a small engine repair shop. A husband and wife run the business out of their garage; they seem to make a good team and the guy was really knowledgeable. Hope to mine more insights about the workings of the cubes when we pick them up. We stopped in St. Joseph and picked up some mistic metal mover, found a groovin tape by Loggins and Messina in Marcin's truck.

Your mama dont dance and your daddy does not rock and roll.

Found a source in KC for water cisterns. They can give us quotes on any kind of fittings, manholes, insulation, inlets etc. There are many options that can be factory installed/modified. At our next water meeting, TBD, we will discuss options to consider for cisterns.

Aidan is leaving in four weeks and wants to see the microtractor built before leaving. We will be holding a scrum planning meeting, if anyone wants to join the team, see the following discussion on [https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!forum/microtractor-development Microtrac Development's Google group.]

Also posted to http://www.TractorByNet.com, asking for peer review on our current concept drawing.

==7.20.12==

Priorities:

Water system
*Parts sourcing
*Integrated site design
Surveying
*9 more 1000 foot lines at 50 ft intervals...180 data points total
*Scrum update video halfway
Cold Saw
*milling remaining parts
*double threaded rod

==7.19.12==

<html><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed//EhrwoVja74Y" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></html>

Here is what I have been working on since last weekend with Bri, Aidan, Yoonseo, and Alex. I helped Bri mill, drill, grind, and tap while learning how to use the mill and surface grinder and work on welding. We had a lot of fun building this thing, and we will be able to use it to cut parts to make more cold saws and more!

I plan to use the skills I learned this week in CEB production runs, and prototyping Microtrac II, which is now being reworked in Solidworks by Aidan. Andrew Spina is developing a [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Akre6PDjx-eFdEVadHN2NG5haTNVbFNnWWRuZW9ZV2c#gid=0 rubric for modular drive systems], specifically for suburban use cases. I imagine more drive system rubrics will be developed for small farm and construction purposes. I think we can also assume different sets of implements will be needed for certain use cases:

*farming: tillers, chippers, mowers, balers, buckets, backhoe
*suburban: mowers, tillers, snow throwers
*construction: trenchers, buckets, backhoe, levelers, concrete mixers, etc.

Dorkmo has generated some [https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0BwxMMqGvwTM-T242Vmo5Y1Y5T28/edit?pli=1 awesome tracks CAD], designed to be cut on the Torch Table prototype II. Again developments can be closely followed on [https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!forum/microtractor-development Microtrac Google group]. The mailing list is open to the public.

We still need to create a survey for SMEs on frame geometry, hydraulic design, motor/shaft supports, track design, implement designers, mini/loader/skid steer industry insiders.

==7.18.12==

Today was the last day working with Bri and I am really grateful for her willingness to train us on the mill, welding, tapping, etc. Also thanks to Aidan for guiding me in the shop during my first days and everyone here for welcoming me to the FeF community. I am thrilled to know you all and share this exciting work.

We started assembling the Cold Saw around dusk today, and have tomorrow morning before Bri leaves to get as far as we can. I will do a Scrum update before she leaves. Also painting the Ironworker!

I am lying in bed and feeling guilty about asking the Greeks to go to bed at 1 AM.. Sometimes it is hard to understand people because you are constantly together. I am having a hard time caring for others' needs because I am losing sleep due to their noise. I wish there were more thin building wings where people are able to party and enjoy themselves without disturbing others, or being disturbed. I am sad to say I believe the cause is in the building's design. The space is too deep and there is no private or hidden place except by isolating oneself in a bedroom, where there is no real peace, quiet or privacy (only visual). It is this fundamental problem that I see as a hindrance to true comfort and harmony with each other.

I would like to step back and look at how far FeF has come. I can't imagine living here without a dignified kitchen and food storage. I am grateful to have a place to gather in the shade, protected from the elements. Any building is better than what was here before, but I believe there is a lot to learn from being Hablab's first inhabitants.

==7.17.12==

Today's me and Fef's one month! Let's look back at this month's accomplishments:

Learned:

*basics of electrical wiring
*how to solder, wire breadboards, differentiate between diodes, capacitors, and resistors
*welding, surface grinding, milling, cutting, tapping,
*basics Solidworks
*using Virtual Machine to dual boot with alternative OS
*how to facilitate consensus style meetings

other:

*helped Aidan build a welding table
*saw torch table prototype II cut its first sheet
*drank milk warmed by cow utter
*abstained from smoking for 3 weeks and counting after two years of habit
*organized HabLab construction workspace
*built a pallet chair
*plastered much of HabLab's remaining rooms and walls
*organized Microtrac development, team building
*published Microtrac industry standards analysis
*surveyed 40 elevation data points at FeF

Today I helped Bri in the shop on milling and grinding more parts for Cold Saw, then surveyed 20 more points with Gabi. We are moving swiftly across the site. We will be skipping the tree line tomorrow and moving to FeF East

==7.16.12==
We started the day by prioritizing during our scrum meeting. We organized all the user stories by priority, then each person placed one post it note next to the project they wanted to work on. Yoonseo had placed three post it notes, and it was interesting to see how difficult it is for us to emotionally detach from the 2 or more projects to which we are committed. I chose surveying today.

Gabi and I surveyed 1000 ft of the property. We got 20 data points at 50 ft intervals. We will be developing a grid of elevation data points before making any major changes to the landscape (terraces, ponds, berms, swales). I think our main plan of action at present is to get the data points, mark the contours, and then go through with a string trimmer and lay all the plant stalks on contour to form "brush berms." Also called chop and drop technique. Ragweed is abundant here and the pollen is an allergen for many. So cutting it at the stalk in early fall and laying it on contour will help prevent erosion, allergies, spreading of seed, and build organic matter right where it is needed.

Surveying only took a couple hours for a thousand feet, and there was a bit of a learning curve, so we will be improving on our speed every day. The sun takes a lot out of me.

I worked for a couple hours with Bri on milling Cold Saw parts. I learned how to use a cutter on the mill and how to sharpen the cutter blade.

==7.13.12==
Got to work on milling more parts for Cold Saw. I learned how to tap a hole (making threads for bolts) and use the Bridgeport mill as a drill press. We also learned how to use a vice and torch to heat and bend pieces of metal into clean corners.

I am now researching long term water storage systems, the first being rainwater catchment from HabLab roof runoff. Read the report on rainwater harvesting, published [http://openfarmtech.org/wiki/Water here.] I do not know much about well drilling so feel free to update our research on deep wells on the aforementioned page.

==7.12.12==

I have been ill with what WebMD calls Gastroenteritis since Monday. It's time to bounce back! Marshall and I discussed CEB Hopper design changes on Monday. I plan to help draw up the new hopper design in Solidworks, if and when I can get it working on my Windows 7 Virtual Machine. I started a Google group called [https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!forum/microtractor-development Microtrac Development.] Dorkmo and Andrew Spina joined the discussion and we are defining a rubric to guide design of modular drive systems. We expect there will be many different use-cases where the unique needs of terrain, costs, ease of fabrication, etc will come into play.

Bri and Yoonseo are starting the first build of the [http://openfarmtech.org/wiki/Cold_Saw Cold Saw] today. I helped Bri mark some pieces for a motor mount and a blade guard. Bri demonstrated using a circle cutter with a torch, like a compass for torches. This machine is going to be so awesome. It is amazing to see how fast such a valuable tool can come together. All the fabrication drawings are uploaded on GitHub thanks to Yoonseo.

We held a meeting to assess the problem of clean water scarcity. We are now starting a new clean, sealed storage system with a few barrels; we hope this lowers the risk of sickness from washing or brushing teeth with the unfiltered water.

==7.6.12==

Worked more on Microtrac research today. Updated the [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnPs1ULLrKSZdDBENTdYSmVlcmlGTzZCSFJKS3hFcFE#gid=0 Status Brief.] Made some shelves for the back room of HabLab. We need as many shelves as we can get here.

==7.5.12==

Building progress is on hold until we get a better plan for the construction of the rest of Hablab. Marcin did not like our somewhat haphazard installation of the ceiling panels. I agree, there are gaps where mice can get in. He wants the building to "look good" as it is a showcase for CEB building. So Matt will be spending the rest of the week making plans for moving forward on construction. I spent a few hours on Microtrac research, published [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnPs1ULLrKSZdFFKZ00yYTRZVjVYdmRwRnlGTUNaMHc#gid=0 Industry Standards Analysis.] I am very excited to have discovered [http://www.kanga-loader.com/ Kanga Loaders out of Australia.] They are the first designers of mini loaders/ skid steers. in 1980 they created the concept of a motorized wheelbarrow. The prototype resembles the simple boxy frame of Lifetrac.

I have also decided I am not qualified to fully design Microtrac. Marcin had greater ambitions than me. I have mostly theoretical knowledge about the inner workings of tractors, engines, hydraulics, frame geometry. Research and development management is where my abilities lie. I would rather put my energy into pooling resources and contacts. I am willing to make preliminary drawings, as I do understand what works based on Industry Standards. As for reworking in Solidworks, I want to learn this, but I will need some guidance and support. I am very excited to be contributing to this project, and have direct interest in seeing Prototype II built before leaving in fall (I plan to use this in landscaping ponds, terraces, swales, berms, gardens, house foundations etc). I would like to begin developing the design at a workshop somewhere in Dallas or elsewhere.

==7.4.12==

Matt and I worked til five today putting up ceiling panels and stuffing with straw. We got about 90 sq ft installed. Made a bonfire and had a good time as a group.

==7.3.12==

We now have more raw milk than filtered water. I am drinking about two to one milk to water. I am surprised by how great I feel. I never drink this much milk, if any.
Matt and I started on installing ceiling panels and stuffing straw today. It was a bit of a rocky start as the screws kept falling as we were drilling. Once the panels were up it was fast work to stuff the cavities with straw. We need at least one extra hand to help installing panels. It is much more worthwhile work than doing wood 1x8 ceiling boards. All the toil of 15 minutes for a 3 ft ceiling panel is much better than cutting to size each board and taking thrice as long to secure 3 ft of wood, and less expensive. Maybe not as aesthetic, but aesthetic doesnt seem to be the theme of HabLab.

I am still slowly making progress on Microtrac Industry Standards Analysis spreadsheet. I would like to dedicate time to finishing today when I have a free hour. Also making a simple iteration of our new Microtrac design in Sketchup.

==7.2.12==

Lots of excitement here. Matt and I went over plans for finishing HabLab and cleaned up the construction workspace. We organized lumber into like piles, then [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJKS5vtEemw&feature=plcp I made CEB shelves and organized tools]. I feel much more calm and clear with everything organized.

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsi-nWcD-So&feature=context-cha Good cow is settling in] and loving the forage here (former primarily grain fed diet). Gabi says this is her 'spring fling' which means she is peaking in production as there is so much forage available.

I met with Marcin and discussed design changes for Microtrac. We will be using track designs similar to Bobcat, but with metal wheel design for ease of replication and interchangeability. The design will become even smaller as the power cube will be used as part of the structure. I enlisted the help of the Greek students to use their Solidworks skills for the first drawing.

==7.1.12==
Worked on plaster for most of the day. Aidan and Chris chipped in for a bit. I am grateful for the help. I have finished plastering almost two rooms. Matt, our construction director and I discussed plans for finishing construction of these rooms. I am very excited to work with him. I appreciate his care of research and planning before acting. We also talked about safety and organization. The rooms I have been working in have tools, lumber and materials in the way of paths and work space. Tomorrow we will work on cleaning up the rooms and organizing tools and materials. I still have some plaster left over that needs to be applied.

I came up with an idea for cooling HabLab that works into a bigger, unofficial plan for Creating Microclimate and Gathering Places Around HabLab. When I first arrived, I noticed the need for many improvements (I realize we are still in the construction phase). 1. social gathering space. this could take the form of outdoor rooms with food plants and trees serving as privacy hedges, and shade. 2. erosion control. I see terraces as the main strategy for surrounding Hablab with fertile soil, good food, shade, and prevention of flooding and erosion. Terraces with low sitting walls also serve as the main structure for creating gathering places. 3. Cooling and shade. We HabLab dwellers have observed most heat coming into the building is caused by reflection from the ground into the southern living room windows. When the bedroom doors are closed, the rooms stay an average of 10 degrees cooler in the day. We have discussed options for low energy cooling. Ideas include cross draft/stack effect ventilation, and earth cooling tubes. I am envisioning an arbor that spans at least the south facing windows, extending 10-15 ft in front of the house. This arbor would provide structure for growing kiwi, grapes, berries, and other deciduous edible vines. In the winter they die back, letting the low winter sun into the living room. This could also extend into the solar arc concept of having trees planted on the north, west, and east sides of a house to cool the building.

We had an awesome soccer game today, thanks to Aidan's diligence in creating a small field for us to host our games. It ended abruptly when the ball was kicked into a thorny locust tree. Bri and I let the chicks out and watched them chase each other and fight over mulberries and bugs.

==6.30.12==
Had our first house meeting today. Gabi taught consensus methods for decision making. We passed a meeting agenda around for people to write ideas they wanted to speak about. I liked what everyone had to say. We chose a structure for organizing chores, and discussed shop safety, cooperative food buying, workshop organization, and options for cooling HabLab. Spent a few hours stuccoing. Got one wall done, then spent the day at the lake. Aidan got a rowboat and picked us up. We went on a voyage and they tried to maroon me on the other side of the lake. Nice try Aidan.

==6.29.12==
Spent most of the day plastering. Got two walls done.

==6.28.12==
I attempted a digging knife for Gabi today, which proved to be unnecessary since we have hand shovels whose edges can be sharpened. Still I got to practice my welding and grinding skills.

==6.27.12==

Today was a food extravaganza. I started on sauerkraut, made a lentil soup and rice dinner for everyone, and showed Yoonseo how to make bread. He loves to document. Check out our [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Sourdough_Bread sourdough bread baking instructions]. I spent a few hours addressing envelopes to be sent worldwide to our kickstarter supporters. During late afternoon I joined Gabi and Aidan in the workshop and welded some pieces of metal together and called them hand hoes. Gabi needs hand tools for weeding and digging in the garden. Today I am going to make a digging knife.

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==6.26.12==

Aidan and I spent most of the afternoon running around Maysville and Cameron shopping for envelopes and stamps to mail the kickstarter rewards. We returned around 4 and I spent the rest of the day plastering the east rooms. Need to figure out how to control the quality of the plaster. Had a good bean lentil chili made by Gabi and then Yoonseo and I got straight to our breadboard temperature controller lesson. We worked from 9 til midnight. By the end of the night I knew how to solder, wire breadboards, differentiate between diodes, capacitors, and resistors. I liked the way Yoonseo teaches. We first went over basic principles of Ohm's theory of resistance, roles of diodes, capacitors, resistors, and general layout of the circuit. He had me solder a few practice wires and then we got right to building the board. By then end of the night I was exhausted.

==6.24.12==

12.15AM
After Scrum, familiarized myself with the Flashy XM Control Panel. It was overwhelming at first, but now I see it as a helpful and innovative tool to organize research and development. Spent rest of today stuccoing the outer south wall. Had a good day working alone and getting back to mud plastering. I missed working with earthen plasters. It reminds me of working on the pallet house with [http://texasnaturalbuilders.info Texas Natural Builders] in Pine Ridge, SD. Yoonseo and I finally gave up trying to install Ubuntu from a USB Flash Drive containing a bootable .DMG file. He gave in to everyone's advice to use Virtual Machine. It was a fast and easy success. Documentation is here:
http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Ubuntu_Mac
^Needs peer review from Mac users interested in running Ubuntu^

Plan for tomorrow:

#Help Yoonseo with peer review. (the ability to peer review his work using Ubuntu was the main reason for our research, plus I wanted to try it anyway).
#Start filling out Industry Standards Analysis spreadsheet for Microtrac.
#Plaster East rooms

==6.23.12==

Woke up, heard the rain and was so grateful that the cardboard and hay got a nice soaking. Gabi covered the paths in the garden with cardboard just before the storm. There were 30 mph winds heading straight north. I hope the Hablab will be able to handle 60 mph, because we were all scared watching the overhangs rattle. Today I plan to work on the new scrum board, get kickstarter magnets punched and counted. We need 380.
...1 AM: Scrum board is up and magnets are punched. Aidan is testing the magnets to see if they can be glued to the punches. I made a sweet potato stew for the group, conversed with a Polish family from Chicago about systemic change, helped Aidan clean up the kitchen. Today is my sixth day here, and I feel comfortable, empowered, and free. I love everyone I have met here and I am looking forward to starting production runs of the Liberator. The workshop is getting close to optimal efficiency and organization! Soon we will be able to cut sheet metal with the torch table instead of by hand. I want to do an update video with Gabi on the garden progress tomorrow, make some shower curtain rods, and go to the lake and drink beer and swim. I have learned to keep my intentions focused on my desires and needs, but to relinquish expectations and assumptions. I dont know if I will be able to do what I want, only the goal.

==6.22.12==

Today was workshop organization. We started by finalizing our shop layout in Sketchup with Chris, Aidan and Aaron. I am amazed to see all we did today. Update vid from tonight on shop organization.

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I periodically glanced at the work Gabi and Aidan were doing in the field, plowing and fence building. There are many lessons to be learned from the Lifetrac that will benefit Microtrac prototype II.

1. Width must be narrow to be able to spin in place.

2. Needs rear attachment for plows and other towed implements

3. Loader arm shaft must be placed farther back to prevent tipping.

More to come later. Feel free to add to this list.

From 5-9PM Gabi and I finished up working in the garden. We tweaked the beds' height and width, covered with soaked cardboard and hay. Tomorrow we will fill in the paths with either carpet or cardboard. We will be planting corn, beans, and squash on the north side and sorghum and millet on the south. I have enjoyed the freedom to choose how I spend my time. I spent a few hours organizing in the shop and a few in the garden. And I am glad to work longer hours rather than appeasing a boss's demands. I look forward to be able to direct my own work AND carve out a locally sufficient enterprise based on GVCS. Vann arrived today. He will be working on gathering a remote team to develop the power inverter. When Gabi and I finished we returned to Hablab and yum pasta and soup made by Aidan and Yoonseo.

==6.19.12==

15 Chicks went outside today for the first time.
Started the day by repairing wires and extending the welding power to the southeast corner of the shop. We rearranged and cleaned the scrum board to accommodate for general/daily house tasks on one board and specific shop/agriculture tasks on the other. Aidan and I worked on building another welding table. I spent about an hour machining four small squares with holes for the legs, my first time using the mag drill and abrasive saw. Aidan and I were both frustrated when we discovered none of the power cubes were working, so we were not able to use the iron worker. I was amazed by how fast the ironworker is compared with the abrasive saw. We just have a little more to do tomorrow and we will have a new table! I am really grateful to have Aidan guiding and helping me develop my skills. Yoonseo hosted a great class on Solidworks. I am trying to download Windows 7 so I can dualboot and use Solidworks on Mac.

==6.18.12==

To Do this week

Clean up of shop and Hablab, familiarize myself with organization of shop

refine short/long term work plan,

Solidworks class with Yoonseo, Microtrac Mob?

Plaster "hotel rooms"

...ended up killing the chick with the splayed leg. I am relieved she didnt suffer any longer.. Heavy breathing, somewhat immobile. I am glad to have the support of everyone here as this was my first time killing an animal. Gabi helped me with some words of gratitude towards the thing...

Participated in my first Scrum meeting and helped organize tools, shelves, and tables. Rewired the welding cables overhead, learned about wiring. Learned how the power inverter works. Practiced my first ever weld. Helped Aidan grind down some newly built welding tables. Tomorrow I will help make another welding table and practice more welding and grinding. We set up the new welding area at the end of the day. After dark we saw the first ever cutting of metal with the CNC Torch table Prototype 2. Very exciting! The neighbor and local gardener Walt brought over a cake, and it just so happens it is Yoonseo's birthday. I made lentil soup and then we celebrated with cake and presents for Yoonseo.

==6.17.12==

Jose left today, along with Creation Flame who brought Bri along for a week. My Dad got up at dawn to go back to Dallas. I wish he had been able to stay with us on Father's Day.
Aaron and Gabi went to pay for the new resident cow, while Yoonseo, Chris, Darren and I went to Pony Express lake and enjoyed swimming, eating, drinking, napping. Aaron met us after returning from the trip to pay for the cow. I enjoyed the constructive discussions had while at the lake. We grilled some meat on the campfire behind Hablab when we got back.
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grilling on Darren's last night at FeF

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==6.16.12==

My dad and I spent all day today driving, arrived around 7. First thing we saw was the tricked out LifeTrac. We were welcomed Chris DeAngelis, and Aaron from Creation Flame. Witnessed some torch table testing. Learned a bit about stepper motors. Met the rest of the crew over at Hablab as they finished a day of stuccoing. The plaster is looking really smooth and strong for being just sand/clay. I am guessing this is because of the sand used, with its irregular, sharp grains. We were also introduced to the new flock of chicks in the incubator. A couple were having a hard time hatching, and Aaron assured me it will damage their muscles and bones to pick the shell away. It was eventually ignored and helped out of the shell and we now have a chick with a splayed leg. Not sure what to do, but it was a very direct learning experience. Trust the gentle voice in your heart!

[[Image: rod_phillips.jpg|Rod Phillips]]

[[Category: Graham]]

User:Graham Robertson

2012-08-02T04:49:39Z

Graham Robertson:

=Contact=
grobertson29@gmail.com
Skype: grobertson29

=Work Plan/ Contract=

http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Graham_Robertson_Contract

=Log=
==7.1.12==

I awoke at 7 to Aaron getting me up to help with stuffing hay into the ceiling. We shared some coffee and got the rest of the ceiling stuffed. The hay coats you in a fur of chaff, so I went on a run to the lake, had a quick dip, and came back. The rest of the day was pretty relaxed. I am compiling the house guidelines that we have written during our house meetings so far.

*I could only find house meeting notes from July 8 and 21. Might anyone have the other meeting notes and be willing to add any remaining guidelines from past proposals?

House Guidelines

No bleach in the drains. Alternatives: Dish Soap, Baking Soda, Vinegar

Nobody eats others' foods without asking. Share shelf/cabinet is fair game!

Personal items are taken away from bathroom upon leaving.

We all clean our dishes right after using them.

RO rejects 4 gallons per every 1 gallon. Take boiling water out of the tap. Put RO water in the gallon jugs when you can.

Drink Tap water at your own risk, or boil it.

Things you dont know can be very dangerous. Ask before you touch stuff.

Return objects to electronics station after use.

Regarding Microtrac and general development styles, I consulted our Agile/Scrum guru Vann, and he introduced me to Contract-First Design. This means that we define parameters for each interface before starting design, so that contributors can run wild with innovation, while keeping within necessary limits and specs of our rationale.

Here I have listed the interfaces and began listing their parameters.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnPs1ULLrKSZdDBEak1NcjFIQXB3aVcxMFdXcUtGblE#gid=0

==7.30.12==

So the wiki decided not to post my last entry from the 28th.

RECAP:

I had a cold for the past three days and finally feel physically functional. I still feel more mentally aloof than normal. Drinking lots of caffeinated tea to get back on track--Microtrac, that is.

Friday our Microtrac team had its first Scrum Planning Meeting. I am grateful for Vann's help in clarifying the process and meaning of Scrum and Agile development. Our task board is here: https://scrumy.com/barnyard28hoarders

We have three active remote collaborators: Ben from Australia, Andy from Baltimore and James from Oklahoma. We have made some great progress since Friday and I feel really excited and comfortable with my role as Scrum master: one who directs and guides the project's process. At first I felt overwhelmed when I assumed the roles of researcher, designer, builder, documenter, etc. Now I see myself as a stakeholder: I want to see this built so that I can replicate it in Texas. My parents are designing and building a new home this year. Site preparation will be much easier and cheaper with a microtractor, plus I plan on major earthworks in the next few years while we set up a sustainable food system.

I assume another stakeholder: you, being the rest of the world, our biggest customer. Would you buy or build a compact utility loader that is replicable, low cost, and easy to fabricate? Industry standards cost 15-20 grand: most people are willing to pay less than half that for a reliable, used car. Materials and labor for OSE machines have shown 70% decrease in cost for Industry Standard tools. Because it is a replicable design, people all over the world can build it and improve on our design, remix it to meet their needs, and contribute documentation. Am I preaching to the choir here or is anyone new to OSE actually reading this? Maybe I am just clarifying for myself.

I talked to Aaron today; he requested taking time off Microtrac to gain velocity and focus on CEB production. So after this design sprint (Friday) we will probably review the designs and make more changes. Then, we will see where we are at prior to CEB production. If time allows, we plan a sprint for parts sourcing and build of Microtrac V2.
==7.27.12==

Experimenting with Checkvist.com for organizing my time.

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Tomorrow I am going to my first ever auction. We hope to get a good deal on a bandsaw.

==7.24.12==

FeF is the first place I have worked with where people joyfully work until after midnight, then get up with little sleep and do it again. I have worked on many projects and organizations where my energy was drained at the end of the day because of opposed project management styles without shared intention.

In my years since leaving school, my vision has been forming and honing. I abandoned some values and held onto others. Through all my empowering and hopeless moments, the idea of a world that values sharing and open collaboration endures and grows stronger. The OSE paradigm enables this vision, and I am grateful to be able to contribute.

Woke up early and went to Savannah with Aidan to help unload three power cubes at a small engine repair shop. A husband and wife run the business out of their garage; they seem to make a good team and the guy was really knowledgeable. Hope to mine more insights about the workings of the cubes when we pick them up. We stopped in St. Joseph and picked up some mistic metal mover, found a groovin tape by Loggins and Messina in Marcin's truck.

Your mama dont dance and your daddy does not rock and roll.

Found a source in KC for water cisterns. They can give us quotes on any kind of fittings, manholes, insulation, inlets etc. There are many options that can be factory installed/modified. At our next water meeting, TBD, we will discuss options to consider for cisterns.

Aidan is leaving in four weeks and wants to see the microtractor built before leaving. We will be holding a scrum planning meeting, if anyone wants to join the team, see the following discussion on [https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!forum/microtractor-development Microtrac Development's Google group.]

Also posted to http://www.TractorByNet.com, asking for peer review on our current concept drawing.

==7.20.12==

Priorities:

Water system
*Parts sourcing
*Integrated site design
Surveying
*9 more 1000 foot lines at 50 ft intervals...180 data points total
*Scrum update video halfway
Cold Saw
*milling remaining parts
*double threaded rod

==7.19.12==

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Here is what I have been working on since last weekend with Bri, Aidan, Yoonseo, and Alex. I helped Bri mill, drill, grind, and tap while learning how to use the mill and surface grinder and work on welding. We had a lot of fun building this thing, and we will be able to use it to cut parts to make more cold saws and more!

I plan to use the skills I learned this week in CEB production runs, and prototyping Microtrac II, which is now being reworked in Solidworks by Aidan. Andrew Spina is developing a [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Akre6PDjx-eFdEVadHN2NG5haTNVbFNnWWRuZW9ZV2c#gid=0 rubric for modular drive systems], specifically for suburban use cases. I imagine more drive system rubrics will be developed for small farm and construction purposes. I think we can also assume different sets of implements will be needed for certain use cases:

*farming: tillers, chippers, mowers, balers, buckets, backhoe
*suburban: mowers, tillers, snow throwers
*construction: trenchers, buckets, backhoe, levelers, concrete mixers, etc.

Dorkmo has generated some [https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0BwxMMqGvwTM-T242Vmo5Y1Y5T28/edit?pli=1 awesome tracks CAD], designed to be cut on the Torch Table prototype II. Again developments can be closely followed on [https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!forum/microtractor-development Microtrac Google group]. The mailing list is open to the public.

We still need to create a survey for SMEs on frame geometry, hydraulic design, motor/shaft supports, track design, implement designers, mini/loader/skid steer industry insiders.

==7.18.12==

Today was the last day working with Bri and I am really grateful for her willingness to train us on the mill, welding, tapping, etc. Also thanks to Aidan for guiding me in the shop during my first days and everyone here for welcoming me to the FeF community. I am thrilled to know you all and share this exciting work.

We started assembling the Cold Saw around dusk today, and have tomorrow morning before Bri leaves to get as far as we can. I will do a Scrum update before she leaves. Also painting the Ironworker!

I am lying in bed and feeling guilty about asking the Greeks to go to bed at 1 AM.. Sometimes it is hard to understand people because you are constantly together. I am having a hard time caring for others' needs because I am losing sleep due to their noise. I wish there were more thin building wings where people are able to party and enjoy themselves without disturbing others, or being disturbed. I am sad to say I believe the cause is in the building's design. The space is too deep and there is no private or hidden place except by isolating oneself in a bedroom, where there is no real peace, quiet or privacy (only visual). It is this fundamental problem that I see as a hindrance to true comfort and harmony with each other.

I would like to step back and look at how far FeF has come. I can't imagine living here without a dignified kitchen and food storage. I am grateful to have a place to gather in the shade, protected from the elements. Any building is better than what was here before, but I believe there is a lot to learn from being Hablab's first inhabitants.

==7.17.12==

Today's me and Fef's one month! Let's look back at this month's accomplishments:

Learned:

*basics of electrical wiring
*how to solder, wire breadboards, differentiate between diodes, capacitors, and resistors
*welding, surface grinding, milling, cutting, tapping,
*basics Solidworks
*using Virtual Machine to dual boot with alternative OS
*how to facilitate consensus style meetings

other:

*helped Aidan build a welding table
*saw torch table prototype II cut its first sheet
*drank milk warmed by cow utter
*abstained from smoking for 3 weeks and counting after two years of habit
*organized HabLab construction workspace
*built a pallet chair
*plastered much of HabLab's remaining rooms and walls
*organized Microtrac development, team building
*published Microtrac industry standards analysis
*surveyed 40 elevation data points at FeF

Today I helped Bri in the shop on milling and grinding more parts for Cold Saw, then surveyed 20 more points with Gabi. We are moving swiftly across the site. We will be skipping the tree line tomorrow and moving to FeF East

==7.16.12==
We started the day by prioritizing during our scrum meeting. We organized all the user stories by priority, then each person placed one post it note next to the project they wanted to work on. Yoonseo had placed three post it notes, and it was interesting to see how difficult it is for us to emotionally detach from the 2 or more projects to which we are committed. I chose surveying today.

Gabi and I surveyed 1000 ft of the property. We got 20 data points at 50 ft intervals. We will be developing a grid of elevation data points before making any major changes to the landscape (terraces, ponds, berms, swales). I think our main plan of action at present is to get the data points, mark the contours, and then go through with a string trimmer and lay all the plant stalks on contour to form "brush berms." Also called chop and drop technique. Ragweed is abundant here and the pollen is an allergen for many. So cutting it at the stalk in early fall and laying it on contour will help prevent erosion, allergies, spreading of seed, and build organic matter right where it is needed.

Surveying only took a couple hours for a thousand feet, and there was a bit of a learning curve, so we will be improving on our speed every day. The sun takes a lot out of me.

I worked for a couple hours with Bri on milling Cold Saw parts. I learned how to use a cutter on the mill and how to sharpen the cutter blade.

==7.13.12==
Got to work on milling more parts for Cold Saw. I learned how to tap a hole (making threads for bolts) and use the Bridgeport mill as a drill press. We also learned how to use a vice and torch to heat and bend pieces of metal into clean corners.

I am now researching long term water storage systems, the first being rainwater catchment from HabLab roof runoff. Read the report on rainwater harvesting, published [http://openfarmtech.org/wiki/Water here.] I do not know much about well drilling so feel free to update our research on deep wells on the aforementioned page.

==7.12.12==

I have been ill with what WebMD calls Gastroenteritis since Monday. It's time to bounce back! Marshall and I discussed CEB Hopper design changes on Monday. I plan to help draw up the new hopper design in Solidworks, if and when I can get it working on my Windows 7 Virtual Machine. I started a Google group called [https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!forum/microtractor-development Microtrac Development.] Dorkmo and Andrew Spina joined the discussion and we are defining a rubric to guide design of modular drive systems. We expect there will be many different use-cases where the unique needs of terrain, costs, ease of fabrication, etc will come into play.

Bri and Yoonseo are starting the first build of the [http://openfarmtech.org/wiki/Cold_Saw Cold Saw] today. I helped Bri mark some pieces for a motor mount and a blade guard. Bri demonstrated using a circle cutter with a torch, like a compass for torches. This machine is going to be so awesome. It is amazing to see how fast such a valuable tool can come together. All the fabrication drawings are uploaded on GitHub thanks to Yoonseo.

We held a meeting to assess the problem of clean water scarcity. We are now starting a new clean, sealed storage system with a few barrels; we hope this lowers the risk of sickness from washing or brushing teeth with the unfiltered water.

==7.6.12==

Worked more on Microtrac research today. Updated the [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnPs1ULLrKSZdDBENTdYSmVlcmlGTzZCSFJKS3hFcFE#gid=0 Status Brief.] Made some shelves for the back room of HabLab. We need as many shelves as we can get here.

==7.5.12==

Building progress is on hold until we get a better plan for the construction of the rest of Hablab. Marcin did not like our somewhat haphazard installation of the ceiling panels. I agree, there are gaps where mice can get in. He wants the building to "look good" as it is a showcase for CEB building. So Matt will be spending the rest of the week making plans for moving forward on construction. I spent a few hours on Microtrac research, published [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnPs1ULLrKSZdFFKZ00yYTRZVjVYdmRwRnlGTUNaMHc#gid=0 Industry Standards Analysis.] I am very excited to have discovered [http://www.kanga-loader.com/ Kanga Loaders out of Australia.] They are the first designers of mini loaders/ skid steers. in 1980 they created the concept of a motorized wheelbarrow. The prototype resembles the simple boxy frame of Lifetrac.

I have also decided I am not qualified to fully design Microtrac. Marcin had greater ambitions than me. I have mostly theoretical knowledge about the inner workings of tractors, engines, hydraulics, frame geometry. Research and development management is where my abilities lie. I would rather put my energy into pooling resources and contacts. I am willing to make preliminary drawings, as I do understand what works based on Industry Standards. As for reworking in Solidworks, I want to learn this, but I will need some guidance and support. I am very excited to be contributing to this project, and have direct interest in seeing Prototype II built before leaving in fall (I plan to use this in landscaping ponds, terraces, swales, berms, gardens, house foundations etc). I would like to begin developing the design at a workshop somewhere in Dallas or elsewhere.

==7.4.12==

Matt and I worked til five today putting up ceiling panels and stuffing with straw. We got about 90 sq ft installed. Made a bonfire and had a good time as a group.

==7.3.12==

We now have more raw milk than filtered water. I am drinking about two to one milk to water. I am surprised by how great I feel. I never drink this much milk, if any.
Matt and I started on installing ceiling panels and stuffing straw today. It was a bit of a rocky start as the screws kept falling as we were drilling. Once the panels were up it was fast work to stuff the cavities with straw. We need at least one extra hand to help installing panels. It is much more worthwhile work than doing wood 1x8 ceiling boards. All the toil of 15 minutes for a 3 ft ceiling panel is much better than cutting to size each board and taking thrice as long to secure 3 ft of wood, and less expensive. Maybe not as aesthetic, but aesthetic doesnt seem to be the theme of HabLab.

I am still slowly making progress on Microtrac Industry Standards Analysis spreadsheet. I would like to dedicate time to finishing today when I have a free hour. Also making a simple iteration of our new Microtrac design in Sketchup.

==7.2.12==

Lots of excitement here. Matt and I went over plans for finishing HabLab and cleaned up the construction workspace. We organized lumber into like piles, then [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJKS5vtEemw&feature=plcp I made CEB shelves and organized tools]. I feel much more calm and clear with everything organized.

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsi-nWcD-So&feature=context-cha Good cow is settling in] and loving the forage here (former primarily grain fed diet). Gabi says this is her 'spring fling' which means she is peaking in production as there is so much forage available.

I met with Marcin and discussed design changes for Microtrac. We will be using track designs similar to Bobcat, but with metal wheel design for ease of replication and interchangeability. The design will become even smaller as the power cube will be used as part of the structure. I enlisted the help of the Greek students to use their Solidworks skills for the first drawing.

==7.1.12==
Worked on plaster for most of the day. Aidan and Chris chipped in for a bit. I am grateful for the help. I have finished plastering almost two rooms. Matt, our construction director and I discussed plans for finishing construction of these rooms. I am very excited to work with him. I appreciate his care of research and planning before acting. We also talked about safety and organization. The rooms I have been working in have tools, lumber and materials in the way of paths and work space. Tomorrow we will work on cleaning up the rooms and organizing tools and materials. I still have some plaster left over that needs to be applied.

I came up with an idea for cooling HabLab that works into a bigger, unofficial plan for Creating Microclimate and Gathering Places Around HabLab. When I first arrived, I noticed the need for many improvements (I realize we are still in the construction phase). 1. social gathering space. this could take the form of outdoor rooms with food plants and trees serving as privacy hedges, and shade. 2. erosion control. I see terraces as the main strategy for surrounding Hablab with fertile soil, good food, shade, and prevention of flooding and erosion. Terraces with low sitting walls also serve as the main structure for creating gathering places. 3. Cooling and shade. We HabLab dwellers have observed most heat coming into the building is caused by reflection from the ground into the southern living room windows. When the bedroom doors are closed, the rooms stay an average of 10 degrees cooler in the day. We have discussed options for low energy cooling. Ideas include cross draft/stack effect ventilation, and earth cooling tubes. I am envisioning an arbor that spans at least the south facing windows, extending 10-15 ft in front of the house. This arbor would provide structure for growing kiwi, grapes, berries, and other deciduous edible vines. In the winter they die back, letting the low winter sun into the living room. This could also extend into the solar arc concept of having trees planted on the north, west, and east sides of a house to cool the building.

We had an awesome soccer game today, thanks to Aidan's diligence in creating a small field for us to host our games. It ended abruptly when the ball was kicked into a thorny locust tree. Bri and I let the chicks out and watched them chase each other and fight over mulberries and bugs.

==6.30.12==
Had our first house meeting today. Gabi taught consensus methods for decision making. We passed a meeting agenda around for people to write ideas they wanted to speak about. I liked what everyone had to say. We chose a structure for organizing chores, and discussed shop safety, cooperative food buying, workshop organization, and options for cooling HabLab. Spent a few hours stuccoing. Got one wall done, then spent the day at the lake. Aidan got a rowboat and picked us up. We went on a voyage and they tried to maroon me on the other side of the lake. Nice try Aidan.

==6.29.12==
Spent most of the day plastering. Got two walls done.

==6.28.12==
I attempted a digging knife for Gabi today, which proved to be unnecessary since we have hand shovels whose edges can be sharpened. Still I got to practice my welding and grinding skills.

==6.27.12==

Today was a food extravaganza. I started on sauerkraut, made a lentil soup and rice dinner for everyone, and showed Yoonseo how to make bread. He loves to document. Check out our [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Sourdough_Bread sourdough bread baking instructions]. I spent a few hours addressing envelopes to be sent worldwide to our kickstarter supporters. During late afternoon I joined Gabi and Aidan in the workshop and welded some pieces of metal together and called them hand hoes. Gabi needs hand tools for weeding and digging in the garden. Today I am going to make a digging knife.

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==6.26.12==

Aidan and I spent most of the afternoon running around Maysville and Cameron shopping for envelopes and stamps to mail the kickstarter rewards. We returned around 4 and I spent the rest of the day plastering the east rooms. Need to figure out how to control the quality of the plaster. Had a good bean lentil chili made by Gabi and then Yoonseo and I got straight to our breadboard temperature controller lesson. We worked from 9 til midnight. By the end of the night I knew how to solder, wire breadboards, differentiate between diodes, capacitors, and resistors. I liked the way Yoonseo teaches. We first went over basic principles of Ohm's theory of resistance, roles of diodes, capacitors, resistors, and general layout of the circuit. He had me solder a few practice wires and then we got right to building the board. By then end of the night I was exhausted.

==6.24.12==

12.15AM
After Scrum, familiarized myself with the Flashy XM Control Panel. It was overwhelming at first, but now I see it as a helpful and innovative tool to organize research and development. Spent rest of today stuccoing the outer south wall. Had a good day working alone and getting back to mud plastering. I missed working with earthen plasters. It reminds me of working on the pallet house with [http://texasnaturalbuilders.info Texas Natural Builders] in Pine Ridge, SD. Yoonseo and I finally gave up trying to install Ubuntu from a USB Flash Drive containing a bootable .DMG file. He gave in to everyone's advice to use Virtual Machine. It was a fast and easy success. Documentation is here:
http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Ubuntu_Mac
^Needs peer review from Mac users interested in running Ubuntu^

Plan for tomorrow:

#Help Yoonseo with peer review. (the ability to peer review his work using Ubuntu was the main reason for our research, plus I wanted to try it anyway).
#Start filling out Industry Standards Analysis spreadsheet for Microtrac.
#Plaster East rooms

==6.23.12==

Woke up, heard the rain and was so grateful that the cardboard and hay got a nice soaking. Gabi covered the paths in the garden with cardboard just before the storm. There were 30 mph winds heading straight north. I hope the Hablab will be able to handle 60 mph, because we were all scared watching the overhangs rattle. Today I plan to work on the new scrum board, get kickstarter magnets punched and counted. We need 380.
...1 AM: Scrum board is up and magnets are punched. Aidan is testing the magnets to see if they can be glued to the punches. I made a sweet potato stew for the group, conversed with a Polish family from Chicago about systemic change, helped Aidan clean up the kitchen. Today is my sixth day here, and I feel comfortable, empowered, and free. I love everyone I have met here and I am looking forward to starting production runs of the Liberator. The workshop is getting close to optimal efficiency and organization! Soon we will be able to cut sheet metal with the torch table instead of by hand. I want to do an update video with Gabi on the garden progress tomorrow, make some shower curtain rods, and go to the lake and drink beer and swim. I have learned to keep my intentions focused on my desires and needs, but to relinquish expectations and assumptions. I dont know if I will be able to do what I want, only the goal.

==6.22.12==

Today was workshop organization. We started by finalizing our shop layout in Sketchup with Chris, Aidan and Aaron. I am amazed to see all we did today. Update vid from tonight on shop organization.

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I periodically glanced at the work Gabi and Aidan were doing in the field, plowing and fence building. There are many lessons to be learned from the Lifetrac that will benefit Microtrac prototype II.

1. Width must be narrow to be able to spin in place.

2. Needs rear attachment for plows and other towed implements

3. Loader arm shaft must be placed farther back to prevent tipping.

More to come later. Feel free to add to this list.

From 5-9PM Gabi and I finished up working in the garden. We tweaked the beds' height and width, covered with soaked cardboard and hay. Tomorrow we will fill in the paths with either carpet or cardboard. We will be planting corn, beans, and squash on the north side and sorghum and millet on the south. I have enjoyed the freedom to choose how I spend my time. I spent a few hours organizing in the shop and a few in the garden. And I am glad to work longer hours rather than appeasing a boss's demands. I look forward to be able to direct my own work AND carve out a locally sufficient enterprise based on GVCS. Vann arrived today. He will be working on gathering a remote team to develop the power inverter. When Gabi and I finished we returned to Hablab and yum pasta and soup made by Aidan and Yoonseo.

==6.19.12==

15 Chicks went outside today for the first time.
Started the day by repairing wires and extending the welding power to the southeast corner of the shop. We rearranged and cleaned the scrum board to accommodate for general/daily house tasks on one board and specific shop/agriculture tasks on the other. Aidan and I worked on building another welding table. I spent about an hour machining four small squares with holes for the legs, my first time using the mag drill and abrasive saw. Aidan and I were both frustrated when we discovered none of the power cubes were working, so we were not able to use the iron worker. I was amazed by how fast the ironworker is compared with the abrasive saw. We just have a little more to do tomorrow and we will have a new table! I am really grateful to have Aidan guiding and helping me develop my skills. Yoonseo hosted a great class on Solidworks. I am trying to download Windows 7 so I can dualboot and use Solidworks on Mac.

==6.18.12==

To Do this week

Clean up of shop and Hablab, familiarize myself with organization of shop

refine short/long term work plan,

Solidworks class with Yoonseo, Microtrac Mob?

Plaster "hotel rooms"

...ended up killing the chick with the splayed leg. I am relieved she didnt suffer any longer.. Heavy breathing, somewhat immobile. I am glad to have the support of everyone here as this was my first time killing an animal. Gabi helped me with some words of gratitude towards the thing...

Participated in my first Scrum meeting and helped organize tools, shelves, and tables. Rewired the welding cables overhead, learned about wiring. Learned how the power inverter works. Practiced my first ever weld. Helped Aidan grind down some newly built welding tables. Tomorrow I will help make another welding table and practice more welding and grinding. We set up the new welding area at the end of the day. After dark we saw the first ever cutting of metal with the CNC Torch table Prototype 2. Very exciting! The neighbor and local gardener Walt brought over a cake, and it just so happens it is Yoonseo's birthday. I made lentil soup and then we celebrated with cake and presents for Yoonseo.

==6.17.12==

Jose left today, along with Creation Flame who brought Bri along for a week. My Dad got up at dawn to go back to Dallas. I wish he had been able to stay with us on Father's Day.
Aaron and Gabi went to pay for the new resident cow, while Yoonseo, Chris, Darren and I went to Pony Express lake and enjoyed swimming, eating, drinking, napping. Aaron met us after returning from the trip to pay for the cow. I enjoyed the constructive discussions had while at the lake. We grilled some meat on the campfire behind Hablab when we got back.
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grilling on Darren's last night at FeF

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==6.16.12==

My dad and I spent all day today driving, arrived around 7. First thing we saw was the tricked out LifeTrac. We were welcomed Chris DeAngelis, and Aaron from Creation Flame. Witnessed some torch table testing. Learned a bit about stepper motors. Met the rest of the crew over at Hablab as they finished a day of stuccoing. The plaster is looking really smooth and strong for being just sand/clay. I am guessing this is because of the sand used, with its irregular, sharp grains. We were also introduced to the new flock of chicks in the incubator. A couple were having a hard time hatching, and Aaron assured me it will damage their muscles and bones to pick the shell away. It was eventually ignored and helped out of the shell and we now have a chick with a splayed leg. Not sure what to do, but it was a very direct learning experience. Trust the gentle voice in your heart!

[[Image: rod_phillips.jpg|Rod Phillips]]

[[Category: Graham]]

User:Graham Robertson

2012-07-30T23:46:56Z

Graham Robertson:

=Contact=
grobertson29@gmail.com
Skype: grobertson29

=Work Plan/ Contract=

http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Graham_Robertson_Contract

=Log=

==7.30.12==

So the wiki decided not to post my last entry from the 28th.

RECAP:

I had a cold for the past three days and finally feel physically functional. I still feel more mentally aloof than normal. Drinking lots of caffeinated tea to get back on track--Microtrac, that is.

Friday our Microtrac team had its first Scrum Planning Meeting. I am grateful for Vann's help in clarifying the process and meaning of Scrum and Agile development. Our task board is here: https://scrumy.com/barnyard28hoarders

We have three active remote collaborators: Ben from Australia, Andy from Baltimore and James from Oklahoma. We have made some great progress since Friday and I feel really excited and comfortable with my role as Scrum master: one who directs and guides the project's process. At first I felt overwhelmed when I assumed the roles of researcher, designer, builder, documenter, etc. Now I see myself as a stakeholder: I want to see this built so that I can replicate it in Texas. My parents are designing and building a new home this year. Site preparation will be much easier and cheaper with a microtractor, plus I plan on major earthworks in the next few years while we set up a sustainable food system.

I assume another stakeholder: you, being the rest of the world, our biggest customer. Would you buy or build a compact utility loader that is replicable, low cost, and easy to fabricate? Industry standards cost 15-20 grand: most people are willing to pay less than half that for a reliable, used car. Materials and labor for OSE machines have shown 70% decrease in cost for Industry Standard tools. Because it is a replicable design, people all over the world can build it and improve on our design, remix it to meet their needs, and contribute documentation. Am I preaching to the choir here or is anyone new to OSE actually reading this? Maybe I am just clarifying for myself.

I talked to Aaron today; he requested taking time off Microtrac to gain velocity and focus on CEB production. So after this design sprint (Friday) we will probably review the designs and make more changes. Then, we will see where we are at prior to CEB production. If time allows, we plan a sprint for parts sourcing and build of Microtrac V2.
==7.27.12==

Experimenting with Checkvist.com for organizing my time.

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Tomorrow I am going to my first ever auction. We hope to get a good deal on a bandsaw.

==7.24.12==

FeF is the first place I have worked with where people joyfully work until after midnight, then get up with little sleep and do it again. I have worked on many projects and organizations where my energy was drained at the end of the day because of opposed project management styles without shared intention.

In my years since leaving school, my vision has been forming and honing. I abandoned some values and held onto others. Through all my empowering and hopeless moments, the idea of a world that values sharing and open collaboration endures and grows stronger. The OSE paradigm enables this vision, and I am grateful to be able to contribute.

Woke up early and went to Savannah with Aidan to help unload three power cubes at a small engine repair shop. A husband and wife run the business out of their garage; they seem to make a good team and the guy was really knowledgeable. Hope to mine more insights about the workings of the cubes when we pick them up. We stopped in St. Joseph and picked up some mistic metal mover, found a groovin tape by Loggins and Messina in Marcin's truck.

Your mama dont dance and your daddy does not rock and roll.

Found a source in KC for water cisterns. They can give us quotes on any kind of fittings, manholes, insulation, inlets etc. There are many options that can be factory installed/modified. At our next water meeting, TBD, we will discuss options to consider for cisterns.

Aidan is leaving in four weeks and wants to see the microtractor built before leaving. We will be holding a scrum planning meeting, if anyone wants to join the team, see the following discussion on [https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!forum/microtractor-development Microtrac Development's Google group.]

Also posted to http://www.TractorByNet.com, asking for peer review on our current concept drawing.

==7.20.12==

Priorities:

Water system
*Parts sourcing
*Integrated site design
Surveying
*9 more 1000 foot lines at 50 ft intervals...180 data points total
*Scrum update video halfway
Cold Saw
*milling remaining parts
*double threaded rod

==7.19.12==

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Here is what I have been working on since last weekend with Bri, Aidan, Yoonseo, and Alex. I helped Bri mill, drill, grind, and tap while learning how to use the mill and surface grinder and work on welding. We had a lot of fun building this thing, and we will be able to use it to cut parts to make more cold saws and more!

I plan to use the skills I learned this week in CEB production runs, and prototyping Microtrac II, which is now being reworked in Solidworks by Aidan. Andrew Spina is developing a [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Akre6PDjx-eFdEVadHN2NG5haTNVbFNnWWRuZW9ZV2c#gid=0 rubric for modular drive systems], specifically for suburban use cases. I imagine more drive system rubrics will be developed for small farm and construction purposes. I think we can also assume different sets of implements will be needed for certain use cases:

*farming: tillers, chippers, mowers, balers, buckets, backhoe
*suburban: mowers, tillers, snow throwers
*construction: trenchers, buckets, backhoe, levelers, concrete mixers, etc.

Dorkmo has generated some [https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0BwxMMqGvwTM-T242Vmo5Y1Y5T28/edit?pli=1 awesome tracks CAD], designed to be cut on the Torch Table prototype II. Again developments can be closely followed on [https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!forum/microtractor-development Microtrac Google group]. The mailing list is open to the public.

We still need to create a survey for SMEs on frame geometry, hydraulic design, motor/shaft supports, track design, implement designers, mini/loader/skid steer industry insiders.

==7.18.12==

Today was the last day working with Bri and I am really grateful for her willingness to train us on the mill, welding, tapping, etc. Also thanks to Aidan for guiding me in the shop during my first days and everyone here for welcoming me to the FeF community. I am thrilled to know you all and share this exciting work.

We started assembling the Cold Saw around dusk today, and have tomorrow morning before Bri leaves to get as far as we can. I will do a Scrum update before she leaves. Also painting the Ironworker!

I am lying in bed and feeling guilty about asking the Greeks to go to bed at 1 AM.. Sometimes it is hard to understand people because you are constantly together. I am having a hard time caring for others' needs because I am losing sleep due to their noise. I wish there were more thin building wings where people are able to party and enjoy themselves without disturbing others, or being disturbed. I am sad to say I believe the cause is in the building's design. The space is too deep and there is no private or hidden place except by isolating oneself in a bedroom, where there is no real peace, quiet or privacy (only visual). It is this fundamental problem that I see as a hindrance to true comfort and harmony with each other.

I would like to step back and look at how far FeF has come. I can't imagine living here without a dignified kitchen and food storage. I am grateful to have a place to gather in the shade, protected from the elements. Any building is better than what was here before, but I believe there is a lot to learn from being Hablab's first inhabitants.

==7.17.12==

Today's me and Fef's one month! Let's look back at this month's accomplishments:

Learned:

*basics of electrical wiring
*how to solder, wire breadboards, differentiate between diodes, capacitors, and resistors
*welding, surface grinding, milling, cutting, tapping,
*basics Solidworks
*using Virtual Machine to dual boot with alternative OS
*how to facilitate consensus style meetings

other:

*helped Aidan build a welding table
*saw torch table prototype II cut its first sheet
*drank milk warmed by cow utter
*abstained from smoking for 3 weeks and counting after two years of habit
*organized HabLab construction workspace
*built a pallet chair
*plastered much of HabLab's remaining rooms and walls
*organized Microtrac development, team building
*published Microtrac industry standards analysis
*surveyed 40 elevation data points at FeF

Today I helped Bri in the shop on milling and grinding more parts for Cold Saw, then surveyed 20 more points with Gabi. We are moving swiftly across the site. We will be skipping the tree line tomorrow and moving to FeF East

==7.16.12==
We started the day by prioritizing during our scrum meeting. We organized all the user stories by priority, then each person placed one post it note next to the project they wanted to work on. Yoonseo had placed three post it notes, and it was interesting to see how difficult it is for us to emotionally detach from the 2 or more projects to which we are committed. I chose surveying today.

Gabi and I surveyed 1000 ft of the property. We got 20 data points at 50 ft intervals. We will be developing a grid of elevation data points before making any major changes to the landscape (terraces, ponds, berms, swales). I think our main plan of action at present is to get the data points, mark the contours, and then go through with a string trimmer and lay all the plant stalks on contour to form "brush berms." Also called chop and drop technique. Ragweed is abundant here and the pollen is an allergen for many. So cutting it at the stalk in early fall and laying it on contour will help prevent erosion, allergies, spreading of seed, and build organic matter right where it is needed.

Surveying only took a couple hours for a thousand feet, and there was a bit of a learning curve, so we will be improving on our speed every day. The sun takes a lot out of me.

I worked for a couple hours with Bri on milling Cold Saw parts. I learned how to use a cutter on the mill and how to sharpen the cutter blade.

==7.13.12==
Got to work on milling more parts for Cold Saw. I learned how to tap a hole (making threads for bolts) and use the Bridgeport mill as a drill press. We also learned how to use a vice and torch to heat and bend pieces of metal into clean corners.

I am now researching long term water storage systems, the first being rainwater catchment from HabLab roof runoff. Read the report on rainwater harvesting, published [http://openfarmtech.org/wiki/Water here.] I do not know much about well drilling so feel free to update our research on deep wells on the aforementioned page.

==7.12.12==

I have been ill with what WebMD calls Gastroenteritis since Monday. It's time to bounce back! Marshall and I discussed CEB Hopper design changes on Monday. I plan to help draw up the new hopper design in Solidworks, if and when I can get it working on my Windows 7 Virtual Machine. I started a Google group called [https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!forum/microtractor-development Microtrac Development.] Dorkmo and Andrew Spina joined the discussion and we are defining a rubric to guide design of modular drive systems. We expect there will be many different use-cases where the unique needs of terrain, costs, ease of fabrication, etc will come into play.

Bri and Yoonseo are starting the first build of the [http://openfarmtech.org/wiki/Cold_Saw Cold Saw] today. I helped Bri mark some pieces for a motor mount and a blade guard. Bri demonstrated using a circle cutter with a torch, like a compass for torches. This machine is going to be so awesome. It is amazing to see how fast such a valuable tool can come together. All the fabrication drawings are uploaded on GitHub thanks to Yoonseo.

We held a meeting to assess the problem of clean water scarcity. We are now starting a new clean, sealed storage system with a few barrels; we hope this lowers the risk of sickness from washing or brushing teeth with the unfiltered water.

==7.6.12==

Worked more on Microtrac research today. Updated the [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnPs1ULLrKSZdDBENTdYSmVlcmlGTzZCSFJKS3hFcFE#gid=0 Status Brief.] Made some shelves for the back room of HabLab. We need as many shelves as we can get here.

==7.5.12==

Building progress is on hold until we get a better plan for the construction of the rest of Hablab. Marcin did not like our somewhat haphazard installation of the ceiling panels. I agree, there are gaps where mice can get in. He wants the building to "look good" as it is a showcase for CEB building. So Matt will be spending the rest of the week making plans for moving forward on construction. I spent a few hours on Microtrac research, published [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnPs1ULLrKSZdFFKZ00yYTRZVjVYdmRwRnlGTUNaMHc#gid=0 Industry Standards Analysis.] I am very excited to have discovered [http://www.kanga-loader.com/ Kanga Loaders out of Australia.] They are the first designers of mini loaders/ skid steers. in 1980 they created the concept of a motorized wheelbarrow. The prototype resembles the simple boxy frame of Lifetrac.

I have also decided I am not qualified to fully design Microtrac. Marcin had greater ambitions than me. I have mostly theoretical knowledge about the inner workings of tractors, engines, hydraulics, frame geometry. Research and development management is where my abilities lie. I would rather put my energy into pooling resources and contacts. I am willing to make preliminary drawings, as I do understand what works based on Industry Standards. As for reworking in Solidworks, I want to learn this, but I will need some guidance and support. I am very excited to be contributing to this project, and have direct interest in seeing Prototype II built before leaving in fall (I plan to use this in landscaping ponds, terraces, swales, berms, gardens, house foundations etc). I would like to begin developing the design at a workshop somewhere in Dallas or elsewhere.

==7.4.12==

Matt and I worked til five today putting up ceiling panels and stuffing with straw. We got about 90 sq ft installed. Made a bonfire and had a good time as a group.

==7.3.12==

We now have more raw milk than filtered water. I am drinking about two to one milk to water. I am surprised by how great I feel. I never drink this much milk, if any.
Matt and I started on installing ceiling panels and stuffing straw today. It was a bit of a rocky start as the screws kept falling as we were drilling. Once the panels were up it was fast work to stuff the cavities with straw. We need at least one extra hand to help installing panels. It is much more worthwhile work than doing wood 1x8 ceiling boards. All the toil of 15 minutes for a 3 ft ceiling panel is much better than cutting to size each board and taking thrice as long to secure 3 ft of wood, and less expensive. Maybe not as aesthetic, but aesthetic doesnt seem to be the theme of HabLab.

I am still slowly making progress on Microtrac Industry Standards Analysis spreadsheet. I would like to dedicate time to finishing today when I have a free hour. Also making a simple iteration of our new Microtrac design in Sketchup.

==7.2.12==

Lots of excitement here. Matt and I went over plans for finishing HabLab and cleaned up the construction workspace. We organized lumber into like piles, then [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJKS5vtEemw&feature=plcp I made CEB shelves and organized tools]. I feel much more calm and clear with everything organized.

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsi-nWcD-So&feature=context-cha Good cow is settling in] and loving the forage here (former primarily grain fed diet). Gabi says this is her 'spring fling' which means she is peaking in production as there is so much forage available.

I met with Marcin and discussed design changes for Microtrac. We will be using track designs similar to Bobcat, but with metal wheel design for ease of replication and interchangeability. The design will become even smaller as the power cube will be used as part of the structure. I enlisted the help of the Greek students to use their Solidworks skills for the first drawing.

==7.1.12==
Worked on plaster for most of the day. Aidan and Chris chipped in for a bit. I am grateful for the help. I have finished plastering almost two rooms. Matt, our construction director and I discussed plans for finishing construction of these rooms. I am very excited to work with him. I appreciate his care of research and planning before acting. We also talked about safety and organization. The rooms I have been working in have tools, lumber and materials in the way of paths and work space. Tomorrow we will work on cleaning up the rooms and organizing tools and materials. I still have some plaster left over that needs to be applied.

I came up with an idea for cooling HabLab that works into a bigger, unofficial plan for Creating Microclimate and Gathering Places Around HabLab. When I first arrived, I noticed the need for many improvements (I realize we are still in the construction phase). 1. social gathering space. this could take the form of outdoor rooms with food plants and trees serving as privacy hedges, and shade. 2. erosion control. I see terraces as the main strategy for surrounding Hablab with fertile soil, good food, shade, and prevention of flooding and erosion. Terraces with low sitting walls also serve as the main structure for creating gathering places. 3. Cooling and shade. We HabLab dwellers have observed most heat coming into the building is caused by reflection from the ground into the southern living room windows. When the bedroom doors are closed, the rooms stay an average of 10 degrees cooler in the day. We have discussed options for low energy cooling. Ideas include cross draft/stack effect ventilation, and earth cooling tubes. I am envisioning an arbor that spans at least the south facing windows, extending 10-15 ft in front of the house. This arbor would provide structure for growing kiwi, grapes, berries, and other deciduous edible vines. In the winter they die back, letting the low winter sun into the living room. This could also extend into the solar arc concept of having trees planted on the north, west, and east sides of a house to cool the building.

We had an awesome soccer game today, thanks to Aidan's diligence in creating a small field for us to host our games. It ended abruptly when the ball was kicked into a thorny locust tree. Bri and I let the chicks out and watched them chase each other and fight over mulberries and bugs.

==6.30.12==
Had our first house meeting today. Gabi taught consensus methods for decision making. We passed a meeting agenda around for people to write ideas they wanted to speak about. I liked what everyone had to say. We chose a structure for organizing chores, and discussed shop safety, cooperative food buying, workshop organization, and options for cooling HabLab. Spent a few hours stuccoing. Got one wall done, then spent the day at the lake. Aidan got a rowboat and picked us up. We went on a voyage and they tried to maroon me on the other side of the lake. Nice try Aidan.

==6.29.12==
Spent most of the day plastering. Got two walls done.

==6.28.12==
I attempted a digging knife for Gabi today, which proved to be unnecessary since we have hand shovels whose edges can be sharpened. Still I got to practice my welding and grinding skills.

==6.27.12==

Today was a food extravaganza. I started on sauerkraut, made a lentil soup and rice dinner for everyone, and showed Yoonseo how to make bread. He loves to document. Check out our [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Sourdough_Bread sourdough bread baking instructions]. I spent a few hours addressing envelopes to be sent worldwide to our kickstarter supporters. During late afternoon I joined Gabi and Aidan in the workshop and welded some pieces of metal together and called them hand hoes. Gabi needs hand tools for weeding and digging in the garden. Today I am going to make a digging knife.

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==6.26.12==

Aidan and I spent most of the afternoon running around Maysville and Cameron shopping for envelopes and stamps to mail the kickstarter rewards. We returned around 4 and I spent the rest of the day plastering the east rooms. Need to figure out how to control the quality of the plaster. Had a good bean lentil chili made by Gabi and then Yoonseo and I got straight to our breadboard temperature controller lesson. We worked from 9 til midnight. By the end of the night I knew how to solder, wire breadboards, differentiate between diodes, capacitors, and resistors. I liked the way Yoonseo teaches. We first went over basic principles of Ohm's theory of resistance, roles of diodes, capacitors, resistors, and general layout of the circuit. He had me solder a few practice wires and then we got right to building the board. By then end of the night I was exhausted.

==6.24.12==

12.15AM
After Scrum, familiarized myself with the Flashy XM Control Panel. It was overwhelming at first, but now I see it as a helpful and innovative tool to organize research and development. Spent rest of today stuccoing the outer south wall. Had a good day working alone and getting back to mud plastering. I missed working with earthen plasters. It reminds me of working on the pallet house with [http://texasnaturalbuilders.info Texas Natural Builders] in Pine Ridge, SD. Yoonseo and I finally gave up trying to install Ubuntu from a USB Flash Drive containing a bootable .DMG file. He gave in to everyone's advice to use Virtual Machine. It was a fast and easy success. Documentation is here:
http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Ubuntu_Mac
^Needs peer review from Mac users interested in running Ubuntu^

Plan for tomorrow:

#Help Yoonseo with peer review. (the ability to peer review his work using Ubuntu was the main reason for our research, plus I wanted to try it anyway).
#Start filling out Industry Standards Analysis spreadsheet for Microtrac.
#Plaster East rooms

==6.23.12==

Woke up, heard the rain and was so grateful that the cardboard and hay got a nice soaking. Gabi covered the paths in the garden with cardboard just before the storm. There were 30 mph winds heading straight north. I hope the Hablab will be able to handle 60 mph, because we were all scared watching the overhangs rattle. Today I plan to work on the new scrum board, get kickstarter magnets punched and counted. We need 380.
...1 AM: Scrum board is up and magnets are punched. Aidan is testing the magnets to see if they can be glued to the punches. I made a sweet potato stew for the group, conversed with a Polish family from Chicago about systemic change, helped Aidan clean up the kitchen. Today is my sixth day here, and I feel comfortable, empowered, and free. I love everyone I have met here and I am looking forward to starting production runs of the Liberator. The workshop is getting close to optimal efficiency and organization! Soon we will be able to cut sheet metal with the torch table instead of by hand. I want to do an update video with Gabi on the garden progress tomorrow, make some shower curtain rods, and go to the lake and drink beer and swim. I have learned to keep my intentions focused on my desires and needs, but to relinquish expectations and assumptions. I dont know if I will be able to do what I want, only the goal.

==6.22.12==

Today was workshop organization. We started by finalizing our shop layout in Sketchup with Chris, Aidan and Aaron. I am amazed to see all we did today. Update vid from tonight on shop organization.

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I periodically glanced at the work Gabi and Aidan were doing in the field, plowing and fence building. There are many lessons to be learned from the Lifetrac that will benefit Microtrac prototype II.

1. Width must be narrow to be able to spin in place.

2. Needs rear attachment for plows and other towed implements

3. Loader arm shaft must be placed farther back to prevent tipping.

More to come later. Feel free to add to this list.

From 5-9PM Gabi and I finished up working in the garden. We tweaked the beds' height and width, covered with soaked cardboard and hay. Tomorrow we will fill in the paths with either carpet or cardboard. We will be planting corn, beans, and squash on the north side and sorghum and millet on the south. I have enjoyed the freedom to choose how I spend my time. I spent a few hours organizing in the shop and a few in the garden. And I am glad to work longer hours rather than appeasing a boss's demands. I look forward to be able to direct my own work AND carve out a locally sufficient enterprise based on GVCS. Vann arrived today. He will be working on gathering a remote team to develop the power inverter. When Gabi and I finished we returned to Hablab and yum pasta and soup made by Aidan and Yoonseo.

==6.19.12==

15 Chicks went outside today for the first time.
Started the day by repairing wires and extending the welding power to the southeast corner of the shop. We rearranged and cleaned the scrum board to accommodate for general/daily house tasks on one board and specific shop/agriculture tasks on the other. Aidan and I worked on building another welding table. I spent about an hour machining four small squares with holes for the legs, my first time using the mag drill and abrasive saw. Aidan and I were both frustrated when we discovered none of the power cubes were working, so we were not able to use the iron worker. I was amazed by how fast the ironworker is compared with the abrasive saw. We just have a little more to do tomorrow and we will have a new table! I am really grateful to have Aidan guiding and helping me develop my skills. Yoonseo hosted a great class on Solidworks. I am trying to download Windows 7 so I can dualboot and use Solidworks on Mac.

==6.18.12==

To Do this week

Clean up of shop and Hablab, familiarize myself with organization of shop

refine short/long term work plan,

Solidworks class with Yoonseo, Microtrac Mob?

Plaster "hotel rooms"

...ended up killing the chick with the splayed leg. I am relieved she didnt suffer any longer.. Heavy breathing, somewhat immobile. I am glad to have the support of everyone here as this was my first time killing an animal. Gabi helped me with some words of gratitude towards the thing...

Participated in my first Scrum meeting and helped organize tools, shelves, and tables. Rewired the welding cables overhead, learned about wiring. Learned how the power inverter works. Practiced my first ever weld. Helped Aidan grind down some newly built welding tables. Tomorrow I will help make another welding table and practice more welding and grinding. We set up the new welding area at the end of the day. After dark we saw the first ever cutting of metal with the CNC Torch table Prototype 2. Very exciting! The neighbor and local gardener Walt brought over a cake, and it just so happens it is Yoonseo's birthday. I made lentil soup and then we celebrated with cake and presents for Yoonseo.

==6.17.12==

Jose left today, along with Creation Flame who brought Bri along for a week. My Dad got up at dawn to go back to Dallas. I wish he had been able to stay with us on Father's Day.
Aaron and Gabi went to pay for the new resident cow, while Yoonseo, Chris, Darren and I went to Pony Express lake and enjoyed swimming, eating, drinking, napping. Aaron met us after returning from the trip to pay for the cow. I enjoyed the constructive discussions had while at the lake. We grilled some meat on the campfire behind Hablab when we got back.
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grilling on Darren's last night at FeF

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==6.16.12==

My dad and I spent all day today driving, arrived around 7. First thing we saw was the tricked out LifeTrac. We were welcomed Chris DeAngelis, and Aaron from Creation Flame. Witnessed some torch table testing. Learned a bit about stepper motors. Met the rest of the crew over at Hablab as they finished a day of stuccoing. The plaster is looking really smooth and strong for being just sand/clay. I am guessing this is because of the sand used, with its irregular, sharp grains. We were also introduced to the new flock of chicks in the incubator. A couple were having a hard time hatching, and Aaron assured me it will damage their muscles and bones to pick the shell away. It was eventually ignored and helped out of the shell and we now have a chick with a splayed leg. Not sure what to do, but it was a very direct learning experience. Trust the gentle voice in your heart!

[[Image: rod_phillips.jpg|Rod Phillips]]

[[Category: Graham]]

Graham Robertson Contract

2012-07-27T15:54:52Z

Graham Robertson: /* Microtrac Research and Development */

==Work Plan==

=Workshop=

==Month I: June 17-July 17==

Learn how to use shop tools
#Oxy torch
#CNC torch table
#Lathe
#Plasma cutter
#Drill Press
#Iron worker
#CNC mill
#Grinder
#Cold saw

Help with whatever I am able. I assume I will have a more concrete plan as I get situated.

*Update: Director of plaster cross training, mob on finishing HabLab interior plaster and exterior stucco

*Assist construction director in framing remaining rooms

=Month II: July 17-August 17=

==Construction==

#Assist in finishing remaining rooms in Hablab
#Begin site plan of Microhouse
#Surveying and long term site plan for Hablab Zone 1 with Gabi and Marcin
*Rainwater Cistern Storage design and implementation with Yoonseo
*Earthworks: Terraces, french drains, swales
*Food gardens
*Outdoor gathering places
*Solar arc of food trees on East West and North sides
*Cooling shade arbor on South side with deciduous food vines (grapes, hardy kiwi, annual veg)
*Pallet chairs!

==Microtrac Research and Development==

#Background Work
*Research: Existing related projects, Information Architecture, Analysis of Open Source Industry Standards,
#Strategic Development
*Work on Replication and Recruiting Strategy, facilitate Subject matter expert surveys, design challenges for OS tracks, flash mob teleconferences,
#Source materials and parts for Microtrac V2
#Begin Build of Microtrac

more to come

=Month 3: August 17-September 17=

==Production Runs==

#Assist with CEB production
*Fabrication and production process
*Assist at first, will help with odds and ends, and learn about shop tools in the process

#Power cube
*Assist with fabrication and production

#Lifetrac production

C. Wiki Documentation
a. Become proficient in editing wiki pages and inputting pictures, videos, text, etc
b. I can work on this somewhat before coming to FeF

D. Microtractor Design
a. Collaborate with Lifetrac fabricators, designers, etc to refine current design, increasing
interchangeability between LT and MT parts, while retaining small size, maneuverability,
general ease of use and maintenance of MT

E. Prototyping
a. Become familiar with Lifetrac ecology, research modularity and interchangeability with Microtrac
b. Apply newly gained shop skills in fabricating first MT frame, quick connect wheels, loader arms, etc with help of shop team

F. Field Testing
a. Can farming team use this tool in growing operations?
b. Shop team feedback
i. How can we decrease cost of materials while retaining sufficiency?
ii. Document solutions on wiki

c. Farm team feedback
i. Document problems and suggested improvements in maneuverability, traction, ergonomics on the MT wiki page
ii. Implement solutions
iii. Document progress on the wiki weekly

[[Category: Graham]]

Graham Robertson Contract

2012-07-27T15:53:31Z

Graham Robertson: /* Construction */

==Work Plan==

=Workshop=

==Month I: June 17-July 17==

Learn how to use shop tools
#Oxy torch
#CNC torch table
#Lathe
#Plasma cutter
#Drill Press
#Iron worker
#CNC mill
#Grinder
#Cold saw

Help with whatever I am able. I assume I will have a more concrete plan as I get situated.

*Update: Director of plaster cross training, mob on finishing HabLab interior plaster and exterior stucco

*Assist construction director in framing remaining rooms

=Month II: July 17-August 17=

==Construction==

#Assist in finishing remaining rooms in Hablab
#Begin site plan of Microhouse
#Surveying and long term site plan for Hablab Zone 1 with Gabi and Marcin
*Rainwater Cistern Storage design and implementation with Yoonseo
*Earthworks: Terraces, french drains, swales
*Food gardens
*Outdoor gathering places
*Solar arc of food trees on East West and North sides
*Cooling shade arbor on South side with deciduous food vines (grapes, hardy kiwi, annual veg)
*Pallet chairs!

==Microtrac Research and Development==

#Background Work
*Research: Existing related projects, Information Architecture, Analysis of Open Source Industry Standards,
#Strategic Development
*Work on Replication and Recruiting Strategy, facilitate Subject matter expert surveys, design challenges for OS tracks, flash mob teleconferences,

more to come

=Month 3: August 17-September 17=

==Production Runs==

#Assist with CEB production
*Fabrication and production process
*Assist at first, will help with odds and ends, and learn about shop tools in the process

#Power cube
*Assist with fabrication and production

#Lifetrac production

C. Wiki Documentation
a. Become proficient in editing wiki pages and inputting pictures, videos, text, etc
b. I can work on this somewhat before coming to FeF

D. Microtractor Design
a. Collaborate with Lifetrac fabricators, designers, etc to refine current design, increasing
interchangeability between LT and MT parts, while retaining small size, maneuverability,
general ease of use and maintenance of MT

E. Prototyping
a. Become familiar with Lifetrac ecology, research modularity and interchangeability with Microtrac
b. Apply newly gained shop skills in fabricating first MT frame, quick connect wheels, loader arms, etc with help of shop team

F. Field Testing
a. Can farming team use this tool in growing operations?
b. Shop team feedback
i. How can we decrease cost of materials while retaining sufficiency?
ii. Document solutions on wiki

c. Farm team feedback
i. Document problems and suggested improvements in maneuverability, traction, ergonomics on the MT wiki page
ii. Implement solutions
iii. Document progress on the wiki weekly

[[Category: Graham]]

User:Graham Robertson

2012-07-27T15:39:51Z

Graham Robertson:

=Contact=
grobertson29@gmail.com
Skype: grobertson29

=Work Plan/ Contract=

http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Graham_Robertson_Contract

=Log=

==7.27.12==

Experimenting with Checkvist.com for organizing my time.

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Tomorrow I am going to my first ever auction. We hope to get a good deal on a bandsaw.

==7.24.12==

FeF is the first place I have worked with where people joyfully work until after midnight, then get up with little sleep and do it again. I have worked on many projects and organizations where my energy was drained at the end of the day because of opposed project management styles without shared intention.

In my years since leaving school, my vision has been forming and honing. I abandoned some values and held onto others. Through all my empowering and hopeless moments, the idea of a world that values sharing and open collaboration endures and grows stronger. The OSE paradigm enables this vision, and I am grateful to be able to contribute.

Woke up early and went to Savannah with Aidan to help unload three power cubes at a small engine repair shop. A husband and wife run the business out of their garage; they seem to make a good team and the guy was really knowledgeable. Hope to mine more insights about the workings of the cubes when we pick them up. We stopped in St. Joseph and picked up some mistic metal mover, found a groovin tape by Loggins and Messina in Marcin's truck.

Your mama dont dance and your daddy does not rock and roll.

Found a source in KC for water cisterns. They can give us quotes on any kind of fittings, manholes, insulation, inlets etc. There are many options that can be factory installed/modified. At our next water meeting, TBD, we will discuss options to consider for cisterns.

Aidan is leaving in four weeks and wants to see the microtractor built before leaving. We will be holding a scrum planning meeting, if anyone wants to join the team, see the following discussion on [https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!forum/microtractor-development Microtrac Development's Google group.]

Also posted to http://www.TractorByNet.com, asking for peer review on our current concept drawing.

==7.20.12==

Priorities:

Water system
*Parts sourcing
*Integrated site design
Surveying
*9 more 1000 foot lines at 50 ft intervals...180 data points total
*Scrum update video halfway
Cold Saw
*milling remaining parts
*double threaded rod

==7.19.12==

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Here is what I have been working on since last weekend with Bri, Aidan, Yoonseo, and Alex. I helped Bri mill, drill, grind, and tap while learning how to use the mill and surface grinder and work on welding. We had a lot of fun building this thing, and we will be able to use it to cut parts to make more cold saws and more!

I plan to use the skills I learned this week in CEB production runs, and prototyping Microtrac II, which is now being reworked in Solidworks by Aidan. Andrew Spina is developing a [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Akre6PDjx-eFdEVadHN2NG5haTNVbFNnWWRuZW9ZV2c#gid=0 rubric for modular drive systems], specifically for suburban use cases. I imagine more drive system rubrics will be developed for small farm and construction purposes. I think we can also assume different sets of implements will be needed for certain use cases:

*farming: tillers, chippers, mowers, balers, buckets, backhoe
*suburban: mowers, tillers, snow throwers
*construction: trenchers, buckets, backhoe, levelers, concrete mixers, etc.

Dorkmo has generated some [https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0BwxMMqGvwTM-T242Vmo5Y1Y5T28/edit?pli=1 awesome tracks CAD], designed to be cut on the Torch Table prototype II. Again developments can be closely followed on [https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!forum/microtractor-development Microtrac Google group]. The mailing list is open to the public.

We still need to create a survey for SMEs on frame geometry, hydraulic design, motor/shaft supports, track design, implement designers, mini/loader/skid steer industry insiders.

==7.18.12==

Today was the last day working with Bri and I am really grateful for her willingness to train us on the mill, welding, tapping, etc. Also thanks to Aidan for guiding me in the shop during my first days and everyone here for welcoming me to the FeF community. I am thrilled to know you all and share this exciting work.

We started assembling the Cold Saw around dusk today, and have tomorrow morning before Bri leaves to get as far as we can. I will do a Scrum update before she leaves. Also painting the Ironworker!

I am lying in bed and feeling guilty about asking the Greeks to go to bed at 1 AM.. Sometimes it is hard to understand people because you are constantly together. I am having a hard time caring for others' needs because I am losing sleep due to their noise. I wish there were more thin building wings where people are able to party and enjoy themselves without disturbing others, or being disturbed. I am sad to say I believe the cause is in the building's design. The space is too deep and there is no private or hidden place except by isolating oneself in a bedroom, where there is no real peace, quiet or privacy (only visual). It is this fundamental problem that I see as a hindrance to true comfort and harmony with each other.

I would like to step back and look at how far FeF has come. I can't imagine living here without a dignified kitchen and food storage. I am grateful to have a place to gather in the shade, protected from the elements. Any building is better than what was here before, but I believe there is a lot to learn from being Hablab's first inhabitants.

==7.17.12==

Today's me and Fef's one month! Let's look back at this month's accomplishments:

Learned:

*basics of electrical wiring
*how to solder, wire breadboards, differentiate between diodes, capacitors, and resistors
*welding, surface grinding, milling, cutting, tapping,
*basics Solidworks
*using Virtual Machine to dual boot with alternative OS
*how to facilitate consensus style meetings

other:

*helped Aidan build a welding table
*saw torch table prototype II cut its first sheet
*drank milk warmed by cow utter
*abstained from smoking for 3 weeks and counting after two years of habit
*organized HabLab construction workspace
*built a pallet chair
*plastered much of HabLab's remaining rooms and walls
*organized Microtrac development, team building
*published Microtrac industry standards analysis
*surveyed 40 elevation data points at FeF

Today I helped Bri in the shop on milling and grinding more parts for Cold Saw, then surveyed 20 more points with Gabi. We are moving swiftly across the site. We will be skipping the tree line tomorrow and moving to FeF East

==7.16.12==
We started the day by prioritizing during our scrum meeting. We organized all the user stories by priority, then each person placed one post it note next to the project they wanted to work on. Yoonseo had placed three post it notes, and it was interesting to see how difficult it is for us to emotionally detach from the 2 or more projects to which we are committed. I chose surveying today.

Gabi and I surveyed 1000 ft of the property. We got 20 data points at 50 ft intervals. We will be developing a grid of elevation data points before making any major changes to the landscape (terraces, ponds, berms, swales). I think our main plan of action at present is to get the data points, mark the contours, and then go through with a string trimmer and lay all the plant stalks on contour to form "brush berms." Also called chop and drop technique. Ragweed is abundant here and the pollen is an allergen for many. So cutting it at the stalk in early fall and laying it on contour will help prevent erosion, allergies, spreading of seed, and build organic matter right where it is needed.

Surveying only took a couple hours for a thousand feet, and there was a bit of a learning curve, so we will be improving on our speed every day. The sun takes a lot out of me.

I worked for a couple hours with Bri on milling Cold Saw parts. I learned how to use a cutter on the mill and how to sharpen the cutter blade.

==7.13.12==
Got to work on milling more parts for Cold Saw. I learned how to tap a hole (making threads for bolts) and use the Bridgeport mill as a drill press. We also learned how to use a vice and torch to heat and bend pieces of metal into clean corners.

I am now researching long term water storage systems, the first being rainwater catchment from HabLab roof runoff. Read the report on rainwater harvesting, published [http://openfarmtech.org/wiki/Water here.] I do not know much about well drilling so feel free to update our research on deep wells on the aforementioned page.

==7.12.12==

I have been ill with what WebMD calls Gastroenteritis since Monday. It's time to bounce back! Marshall and I discussed CEB Hopper design changes on Monday. I plan to help draw up the new hopper design in Solidworks, if and when I can get it working on my Windows 7 Virtual Machine. I started a Google group called [https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!forum/microtractor-development Microtrac Development.] Dorkmo and Andrew Spina joined the discussion and we are defining a rubric to guide design of modular drive systems. We expect there will be many different use-cases where the unique needs of terrain, costs, ease of fabrication, etc will come into play.

Bri and Yoonseo are starting the first build of the [http://openfarmtech.org/wiki/Cold_Saw Cold Saw] today. I helped Bri mark some pieces for a motor mount and a blade guard. Bri demonstrated using a circle cutter with a torch, like a compass for torches. This machine is going to be so awesome. It is amazing to see how fast such a valuable tool can come together. All the fabrication drawings are uploaded on GitHub thanks to Yoonseo.

We held a meeting to assess the problem of clean water scarcity. We are now starting a new clean, sealed storage system with a few barrels; we hope this lowers the risk of sickness from washing or brushing teeth with the unfiltered water.

==7.6.12==

Worked more on Microtrac research today. Updated the [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnPs1ULLrKSZdDBENTdYSmVlcmlGTzZCSFJKS3hFcFE#gid=0 Status Brief.] Made some shelves for the back room of HabLab. We need as many shelves as we can get here.

==7.5.12==

Building progress is on hold until we get a better plan for the construction of the rest of Hablab. Marcin did not like our somewhat haphazard installation of the ceiling panels. I agree, there are gaps where mice can get in. He wants the building to "look good" as it is a showcase for CEB building. So Matt will be spending the rest of the week making plans for moving forward on construction. I spent a few hours on Microtrac research, published [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnPs1ULLrKSZdFFKZ00yYTRZVjVYdmRwRnlGTUNaMHc#gid=0 Industry Standards Analysis.] I am very excited to have discovered [http://www.kanga-loader.com/ Kanga Loaders out of Australia.] They are the first designers of mini loaders/ skid steers. in 1980 they created the concept of a motorized wheelbarrow. The prototype resembles the simple boxy frame of Lifetrac.

I have also decided I am not qualified to fully design Microtrac. Marcin had greater ambitions than me. I have mostly theoretical knowledge about the inner workings of tractors, engines, hydraulics, frame geometry. Research and development management is where my abilities lie. I would rather put my energy into pooling resources and contacts. I am willing to make preliminary drawings, as I do understand what works based on Industry Standards. As for reworking in Solidworks, I want to learn this, but I will need some guidance and support. I am very excited to be contributing to this project, and have direct interest in seeing Prototype II built before leaving in fall (I plan to use this in landscaping ponds, terraces, swales, berms, gardens, house foundations etc). I would like to begin developing the design at a workshop somewhere in Dallas or elsewhere.

==7.4.12==

Matt and I worked til five today putting up ceiling panels and stuffing with straw. We got about 90 sq ft installed. Made a bonfire and had a good time as a group.

==7.3.12==

We now have more raw milk than filtered water. I am drinking about two to one milk to water. I am surprised by how great I feel. I never drink this much milk, if any.
Matt and I started on installing ceiling panels and stuffing straw today. It was a bit of a rocky start as the screws kept falling as we were drilling. Once the panels were up it was fast work to stuff the cavities with straw. We need at least one extra hand to help installing panels. It is much more worthwhile work than doing wood 1x8 ceiling boards. All the toil of 15 minutes for a 3 ft ceiling panel is much better than cutting to size each board and taking thrice as long to secure 3 ft of wood, and less expensive. Maybe not as aesthetic, but aesthetic doesnt seem to be the theme of HabLab.

I am still slowly making progress on Microtrac Industry Standards Analysis spreadsheet. I would like to dedicate time to finishing today when I have a free hour. Also making a simple iteration of our new Microtrac design in Sketchup.

==7.2.12==

Lots of excitement here. Matt and I went over plans for finishing HabLab and cleaned up the construction workspace. We organized lumber into like piles, then [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJKS5vtEemw&feature=plcp I made CEB shelves and organized tools]. I feel much more calm and clear with everything organized.

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsi-nWcD-So&feature=context-cha Good cow is settling in] and loving the forage here (former primarily grain fed diet). Gabi says this is her 'spring fling' which means she is peaking in production as there is so much forage available.

I met with Marcin and discussed design changes for Microtrac. We will be using track designs similar to Bobcat, but with metal wheel design for ease of replication and interchangeability. The design will become even smaller as the power cube will be used as part of the structure. I enlisted the help of the Greek students to use their Solidworks skills for the first drawing.

==7.1.12==
Worked on plaster for most of the day. Aidan and Chris chipped in for a bit. I am grateful for the help. I have finished plastering almost two rooms. Matt, our construction director and I discussed plans for finishing construction of these rooms. I am very excited to work with him. I appreciate his care of research and planning before acting. We also talked about safety and organization. The rooms I have been working in have tools, lumber and materials in the way of paths and work space. Tomorrow we will work on cleaning up the rooms and organizing tools and materials. I still have some plaster left over that needs to be applied.

I came up with an idea for cooling HabLab that works into a bigger, unofficial plan for Creating Microclimate and Gathering Places Around HabLab. When I first arrived, I noticed the need for many improvements (I realize we are still in the construction phase). 1. social gathering space. this could take the form of outdoor rooms with food plants and trees serving as privacy hedges, and shade. 2. erosion control. I see terraces as the main strategy for surrounding Hablab with fertile soil, good food, shade, and prevention of flooding and erosion. Terraces with low sitting walls also serve as the main structure for creating gathering places. 3. Cooling and shade. We HabLab dwellers have observed most heat coming into the building is caused by reflection from the ground into the southern living room windows. When the bedroom doors are closed, the rooms stay an average of 10 degrees cooler in the day. We have discussed options for low energy cooling. Ideas include cross draft/stack effect ventilation, and earth cooling tubes. I am envisioning an arbor that spans at least the south facing windows, extending 10-15 ft in front of the house. This arbor would provide structure for growing kiwi, grapes, berries, and other deciduous edible vines. In the winter they die back, letting the low winter sun into the living room. This could also extend into the solar arc concept of having trees planted on the north, west, and east sides of a house to cool the building.

We had an awesome soccer game today, thanks to Aidan's diligence in creating a small field for us to host our games. It ended abruptly when the ball was kicked into a thorny locust tree. Bri and I let the chicks out and watched them chase each other and fight over mulberries and bugs.

==6.30.12==
Had our first house meeting today. Gabi taught consensus methods for decision making. We passed a meeting agenda around for people to write ideas they wanted to speak about. I liked what everyone had to say. We chose a structure for organizing chores, and discussed shop safety, cooperative food buying, workshop organization, and options for cooling HabLab. Spent a few hours stuccoing. Got one wall done, then spent the day at the lake. Aidan got a rowboat and picked us up. We went on a voyage and they tried to maroon me on the other side of the lake. Nice try Aidan.

==6.29.12==
Spent most of the day plastering. Got two walls done.

==6.28.12==
I attempted a digging knife for Gabi today, which proved to be unnecessary since we have hand shovels whose edges can be sharpened. Still I got to practice my welding and grinding skills.

==6.27.12==

Today was a food extravaganza. I started on sauerkraut, made a lentil soup and rice dinner for everyone, and showed Yoonseo how to make bread. He loves to document. Check out our [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Sourdough_Bread sourdough bread baking instructions]. I spent a few hours addressing envelopes to be sent worldwide to our kickstarter supporters. During late afternoon I joined Gabi and Aidan in the workshop and welded some pieces of metal together and called them hand hoes. Gabi needs hand tools for weeding and digging in the garden. Today I am going to make a digging knife.

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==6.26.12==

Aidan and I spent most of the afternoon running around Maysville and Cameron shopping for envelopes and stamps to mail the kickstarter rewards. We returned around 4 and I spent the rest of the day plastering the east rooms. Need to figure out how to control the quality of the plaster. Had a good bean lentil chili made by Gabi and then Yoonseo and I got straight to our breadboard temperature controller lesson. We worked from 9 til midnight. By the end of the night I knew how to solder, wire breadboards, differentiate between diodes, capacitors, and resistors. I liked the way Yoonseo teaches. We first went over basic principles of Ohm's theory of resistance, roles of diodes, capacitors, resistors, and general layout of the circuit. He had me solder a few practice wires and then we got right to building the board. By then end of the night I was exhausted.

==6.24.12==

12.15AM
After Scrum, familiarized myself with the Flashy XM Control Panel. It was overwhelming at first, but now I see it as a helpful and innovative tool to organize research and development. Spent rest of today stuccoing the outer south wall. Had a good day working alone and getting back to mud plastering. I missed working with earthen plasters. It reminds me of working on the pallet house with [http://texasnaturalbuilders.info Texas Natural Builders] in Pine Ridge, SD. Yoonseo and I finally gave up trying to install Ubuntu from a USB Flash Drive containing a bootable .DMG file. He gave in to everyone's advice to use Virtual Machine. It was a fast and easy success. Documentation is here:
http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Ubuntu_Mac
^Needs peer review from Mac users interested in running Ubuntu^

Plan for tomorrow:

#Help Yoonseo with peer review. (the ability to peer review his work using Ubuntu was the main reason for our research, plus I wanted to try it anyway).
#Start filling out Industry Standards Analysis spreadsheet for Microtrac.
#Plaster East rooms

==6.23.12==

Woke up, heard the rain and was so grateful that the cardboard and hay got a nice soaking. Gabi covered the paths in the garden with cardboard just before the storm. There were 30 mph winds heading straight north. I hope the Hablab will be able to handle 60 mph, because we were all scared watching the overhangs rattle. Today I plan to work on the new scrum board, get kickstarter magnets punched and counted. We need 380.
...1 AM: Scrum board is up and magnets are punched. Aidan is testing the magnets to see if they can be glued to the punches. I made a sweet potato stew for the group, conversed with a Polish family from Chicago about systemic change, helped Aidan clean up the kitchen. Today is my sixth day here, and I feel comfortable, empowered, and free. I love everyone I have met here and I am looking forward to starting production runs of the Liberator. The workshop is getting close to optimal efficiency and organization! Soon we will be able to cut sheet metal with the torch table instead of by hand. I want to do an update video with Gabi on the garden progress tomorrow, make some shower curtain rods, and go to the lake and drink beer and swim. I have learned to keep my intentions focused on my desires and needs, but to relinquish expectations and assumptions. I dont know if I will be able to do what I want, only the goal.

==6.22.12==

Today was workshop organization. We started by finalizing our shop layout in Sketchup with Chris, Aidan and Aaron. I am amazed to see all we did today. Update vid from tonight on shop organization.

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I periodically glanced at the work Gabi and Aidan were doing in the field, plowing and fence building. There are many lessons to be learned from the Lifetrac that will benefit Microtrac prototype II.

1. Width must be narrow to be able to spin in place.

2. Needs rear attachment for plows and other towed implements

3. Loader arm shaft must be placed farther back to prevent tipping.

More to come later. Feel free to add to this list.

From 5-9PM Gabi and I finished up working in the garden. We tweaked the beds' height and width, covered with soaked cardboard and hay. Tomorrow we will fill in the paths with either carpet or cardboard. We will be planting corn, beans, and squash on the north side and sorghum and millet on the south. I have enjoyed the freedom to choose how I spend my time. I spent a few hours organizing in the shop and a few in the garden. And I am glad to work longer hours rather than appeasing a boss's demands. I look forward to be able to direct my own work AND carve out a locally sufficient enterprise based on GVCS. Vann arrived today. He will be working on gathering a remote team to develop the power inverter. When Gabi and I finished we returned to Hablab and yum pasta and soup made by Aidan and Yoonseo.

==6.19.12==

15 Chicks went outside today for the first time.
Started the day by repairing wires and extending the welding power to the southeast corner of the shop. We rearranged and cleaned the scrum board to accommodate for general/daily house tasks on one board and specific shop/agriculture tasks on the other. Aidan and I worked on building another welding table. I spent about an hour machining four small squares with holes for the legs, my first time using the mag drill and abrasive saw. Aidan and I were both frustrated when we discovered none of the power cubes were working, so we were not able to use the iron worker. I was amazed by how fast the ironworker is compared with the abrasive saw. We just have a little more to do tomorrow and we will have a new table! I am really grateful to have Aidan guiding and helping me develop my skills. Yoonseo hosted a great class on Solidworks. I am trying to download Windows 7 so I can dualboot and use Solidworks on Mac.

==6.18.12==

To Do this week

Clean up of shop and Hablab, familiarize myself with organization of shop

refine short/long term work plan,

Solidworks class with Yoonseo, Microtrac Mob?

Plaster "hotel rooms"

...ended up killing the chick with the splayed leg. I am relieved she didnt suffer any longer.. Heavy breathing, somewhat immobile. I am glad to have the support of everyone here as this was my first time killing an animal. Gabi helped me with some words of gratitude towards the thing...

Participated in my first Scrum meeting and helped organize tools, shelves, and tables. Rewired the welding cables overhead, learned about wiring. Learned how the power inverter works. Practiced my first ever weld. Helped Aidan grind down some newly built welding tables. Tomorrow I will help make another welding table and practice more welding and grinding. We set up the new welding area at the end of the day. After dark we saw the first ever cutting of metal with the CNC Torch table Prototype 2. Very exciting! The neighbor and local gardener Walt brought over a cake, and it just so happens it is Yoonseo's birthday. I made lentil soup and then we celebrated with cake and presents for Yoonseo.

==6.17.12==

Jose left today, along with Creation Flame who brought Bri along for a week. My Dad got up at dawn to go back to Dallas. I wish he had been able to stay with us on Father's Day.
Aaron and Gabi went to pay for the new resident cow, while Yoonseo, Chris, Darren and I went to Pony Express lake and enjoyed swimming, eating, drinking, napping. Aaron met us after returning from the trip to pay for the cow. I enjoyed the constructive discussions had while at the lake. We grilled some meat on the campfire behind Hablab when we got back.
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grilling on Darren's last night at FeF

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==6.16.12==

My dad and I spent all day today driving, arrived around 7. First thing we saw was the tricked out LifeTrac. We were welcomed Chris DeAngelis, and Aaron from Creation Flame. Witnessed some torch table testing. Learned a bit about stepper motors. Met the rest of the crew over at Hablab as they finished a day of stuccoing. The plaster is looking really smooth and strong for being just sand/clay. I am guessing this is because of the sand used, with its irregular, sharp grains. We were also introduced to the new flock of chicks in the incubator. A couple were having a hard time hatching, and Aaron assured me it will damage their muscles and bones to pick the shell away. It was eventually ignored and helped out of the shell and we now have a chick with a splayed leg. Not sure what to do, but it was a very direct learning experience. Trust the gentle voice in your heart!

[[Image: rod_phillips.jpg|Rod Phillips]]

[[Category: Graham]]

User:Graham Robertson

2012-07-25T02:57:36Z

Graham Robertson:

=Contact=
grobertson29@gmail.com
Skype: grobertson29

=Work Plan/ Contract=

http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Graham_Robertson_Contract

=Log=

==7.24.12==

FeF is the first place I have worked with where people joyfully work until after midnight, then get up with little sleep and do it again. I have worked on many projects and organizations where my energy was drained at the end of the day because of opposed project management styles without shared intention.

In my years since leaving school, my vision has been forming and honing. I abandoned some values and held onto others. Through all my empowering and hopeless moments, the idea of a world that values sharing and open collaboration endures and grows stronger. The OSE paradigm enables this vision, and I am grateful to be able to contribute.

Woke up early and went to Savannah with Aidan to help unload three power cubes at a small engine repair shop. A husband and wife run the business out of their garage; they seem to make a good team and the guy was really knowledgeable. Hope to mine more insights about the workings of the cubes when we pick them up. We stopped in St. Joseph and picked up some mistic metal mover, found a groovin tape by Loggins and Messina in Marcin's truck.

Your mama dont dance and your daddy does not rock and roll.

Found a source in KC for water cisterns. They can give us quotes on any kind of fittings, manholes, insulation, inlets etc. There are many options that can be factory installed/modified. At our next water meeting, TBD, we will discuss options to consider for cisterns.

Aidan is leaving in four weeks and wants to see the microtractor built before leaving. We will be holding a scrum planning meeting, if anyone wants to join the team, see the following discussion on [https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!forum/microtractor-development Microtrac Development's Google group.]

Also posted to http://www.TractorByNet.com, asking for peer review on our current concept drawing.

==7.20.12==

Priorities:

Water system
*Parts sourcing
*Integrated site design
Surveying
*9 more 1000 foot lines at 50 ft intervals...180 data points total
*Scrum update video halfway
Cold Saw
*milling remaining parts
*double threaded rod

==7.19.12==

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Here is what I have been working on since last weekend with Bri, Aidan, Yoonseo, and Alex. I helped Bri mill, drill, grind, and tap while learning how to use the mill and surface grinder and work on welding. We had a lot of fun building this thing, and we will be able to use it to cut parts to make more cold saws and more!

I plan to use the skills I learned this week in CEB production runs, and prototyping Microtrac II, which is now being reworked in Solidworks by Aidan. Andrew Spina is developing a [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Akre6PDjx-eFdEVadHN2NG5haTNVbFNnWWRuZW9ZV2c#gid=0 rubric for modular drive systems], specifically for suburban use cases. I imagine more drive system rubrics will be developed for small farm and construction purposes. I think we can also assume different sets of implements will be needed for certain use cases:

*farming: tillers, chippers, mowers, balers, buckets, backhoe
*suburban: mowers, tillers, snow throwers
*construction: trenchers, buckets, backhoe, levelers, concrete mixers, etc.

Dorkmo has generated some [https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0BwxMMqGvwTM-T242Vmo5Y1Y5T28/edit?pli=1 awesome tracks CAD], designed to be cut on the Torch Table prototype II. Again developments can be closely followed on [https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!forum/microtractor-development Microtrac Google group]. The mailing list is open to the public.

We still need to create a survey for SMEs on frame geometry, hydraulic design, motor/shaft supports, track design, implement designers, mini/loader/skid steer industry insiders.

==7.18.12==

Today was the last day working with Bri and I am really grateful for her willingness to train us on the mill, welding, tapping, etc. Also thanks to Aidan for guiding me in the shop during my first days and everyone here for welcoming me to the FeF community. I am thrilled to know you all and share this exciting work.

We started assembling the Cold Saw around dusk today, and have tomorrow morning before Bri leaves to get as far as we can. I will do a Scrum update before she leaves. Also painting the Ironworker!

I am lying in bed and feeling guilty about asking the Greeks to go to bed at 1 AM.. Sometimes it is hard to understand people because you are constantly together. I am having a hard time caring for others' needs because I am losing sleep due to their noise. I wish there were more thin building wings where people are able to party and enjoy themselves without disturbing others, or being disturbed. I am sad to say I believe the cause is in the building's design. The space is too deep and there is no private or hidden place except by isolating oneself in a bedroom, where there is no real peace, quiet or privacy (only visual). It is this fundamental problem that I see as a hindrance to true comfort and harmony with each other.

I would like to step back and look at how far FeF has come. I can't imagine living here without a dignified kitchen and food storage. I am grateful to have a place to gather in the shade, protected from the elements. Any building is better than what was here before, but I believe there is a lot to learn from being Hablab's first inhabitants.

==7.17.12==

Today's me and Fef's one month! Let's look back at this month's accomplishments:

Learned:

*basics of electrical wiring
*how to solder, wire breadboards, differentiate between diodes, capacitors, and resistors
*welding, surface grinding, milling, cutting, tapping,
*basics Solidworks
*using Virtual Machine to dual boot with alternative OS
*how to facilitate consensus style meetings

other:

*helped Aidan build a welding table
*saw torch table prototype II cut its first sheet
*drank milk warmed by cow utter
*abstained from smoking for 3 weeks and counting after two years of habit
*organized HabLab construction workspace
*built a pallet chair
*plastered much of HabLab's remaining rooms and walls
*organized Microtrac development, team building
*published Microtrac industry standards analysis
*surveyed 40 elevation data points at FeF

Today I helped Bri in the shop on milling and grinding more parts for Cold Saw, then surveyed 20 more points with Gabi. We are moving swiftly across the site. We will be skipping the tree line tomorrow and moving to FeF East

==7.16.12==
We started the day by prioritizing during our scrum meeting. We organized all the user stories by priority, then each person placed one post it note next to the project they wanted to work on. Yoonseo had placed three post it notes, and it was interesting to see how difficult it is for us to emotionally detach from the 2 or more projects to which we are committed. I chose surveying today.

Gabi and I surveyed 1000 ft of the property. We got 20 data points at 50 ft intervals. We will be developing a grid of elevation data points before making any major changes to the landscape (terraces, ponds, berms, swales). I think our main plan of action at present is to get the data points, mark the contours, and then go through with a string trimmer and lay all the plant stalks on contour to form "brush berms." Also called chop and drop technique. Ragweed is abundant here and the pollen is an allergen for many. So cutting it at the stalk in early fall and laying it on contour will help prevent erosion, allergies, spreading of seed, and build organic matter right where it is needed.

Surveying only took a couple hours for a thousand feet, and there was a bit of a learning curve, so we will be improving on our speed every day. The sun takes a lot out of me.

I worked for a couple hours with Bri on milling Cold Saw parts. I learned how to use a cutter on the mill and how to sharpen the cutter blade.

==7.13.12==
Got to work on milling more parts for Cold Saw. I learned how to tap a hole (making threads for bolts) and use the Bridgeport mill as a drill press. We also learned how to use a vice and torch to heat and bend pieces of metal into clean corners.

I am now researching long term water storage systems, the first being rainwater catchment from HabLab roof runoff. Read the report on rainwater harvesting, published [http://openfarmtech.org/wiki/Water here.] I do not know much about well drilling so feel free to update our research on deep wells on the aforementioned page.

==7.12.12==

I have been ill with what WebMD calls Gastroenteritis since Monday. It's time to bounce back! Marshall and I discussed CEB Hopper design changes on Monday. I plan to help draw up the new hopper design in Solidworks, if and when I can get it working on my Windows 7 Virtual Machine. I started a Google group called [https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!forum/microtractor-development Microtrac Development.] Dorkmo and Andrew Spina joined the discussion and we are defining a rubric to guide design of modular drive systems. We expect there will be many different use-cases where the unique needs of terrain, costs, ease of fabrication, etc will come into play.

Bri and Yoonseo are starting the first build of the [http://openfarmtech.org/wiki/Cold_Saw Cold Saw] today. I helped Bri mark some pieces for a motor mount and a blade guard. Bri demonstrated using a circle cutter with a torch, like a compass for torches. This machine is going to be so awesome. It is amazing to see how fast such a valuable tool can come together. All the fabrication drawings are uploaded on GitHub thanks to Yoonseo.

We held a meeting to assess the problem of clean water scarcity. We are now starting a new clean, sealed storage system with a few barrels; we hope this lowers the risk of sickness from washing or brushing teeth with the unfiltered water.

==7.6.12==

Worked more on Microtrac research today. Updated the [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnPs1ULLrKSZdDBENTdYSmVlcmlGTzZCSFJKS3hFcFE#gid=0 Status Brief.] Made some shelves for the back room of HabLab. We need as many shelves as we can get here.

==7.5.12==

Building progress is on hold until we get a better plan for the construction of the rest of Hablab. Marcin did not like our somewhat haphazard installation of the ceiling panels. I agree, there are gaps where mice can get in. He wants the building to "look good" as it is a showcase for CEB building. So Matt will be spending the rest of the week making plans for moving forward on construction. I spent a few hours on Microtrac research, published [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnPs1ULLrKSZdFFKZ00yYTRZVjVYdmRwRnlGTUNaMHc#gid=0 Industry Standards Analysis.] I am very excited to have discovered [http://www.kanga-loader.com/ Kanga Loaders out of Australia.] They are the first designers of mini loaders/ skid steers. in 1980 they created the concept of a motorized wheelbarrow. The prototype resembles the simple boxy frame of Lifetrac.

I have also decided I am not qualified to fully design Microtrac. Marcin had greater ambitions than me. I have mostly theoretical knowledge about the inner workings of tractors, engines, hydraulics, frame geometry. Research and development management is where my abilities lie. I would rather put my energy into pooling resources and contacts. I am willing to make preliminary drawings, as I do understand what works based on Industry Standards. As for reworking in Solidworks, I want to learn this, but I will need some guidance and support. I am very excited to be contributing to this project, and have direct interest in seeing Prototype II built before leaving in fall (I plan to use this in landscaping ponds, terraces, swales, berms, gardens, house foundations etc). I would like to begin developing the design at a workshop somewhere in Dallas or elsewhere.

==7.4.12==

Matt and I worked til five today putting up ceiling panels and stuffing with straw. We got about 90 sq ft installed. Made a bonfire and had a good time as a group.

==7.3.12==

We now have more raw milk than filtered water. I am drinking about two to one milk to water. I am surprised by how great I feel. I never drink this much milk, if any.
Matt and I started on installing ceiling panels and stuffing straw today. It was a bit of a rocky start as the screws kept falling as we were drilling. Once the panels were up it was fast work to stuff the cavities with straw. We need at least one extra hand to help installing panels. It is much more worthwhile work than doing wood 1x8 ceiling boards. All the toil of 15 minutes for a 3 ft ceiling panel is much better than cutting to size each board and taking thrice as long to secure 3 ft of wood, and less expensive. Maybe not as aesthetic, but aesthetic doesnt seem to be the theme of HabLab.

I am still slowly making progress on Microtrac Industry Standards Analysis spreadsheet. I would like to dedicate time to finishing today when I have a free hour. Also making a simple iteration of our new Microtrac design in Sketchup.

==7.2.12==

Lots of excitement here. Matt and I went over plans for finishing HabLab and cleaned up the construction workspace. We organized lumber into like piles, then [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJKS5vtEemw&feature=plcp I made CEB shelves and organized tools]. I feel much more calm and clear with everything organized.

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsi-nWcD-So&feature=context-cha Good cow is settling in] and loving the forage here (former primarily grain fed diet). Gabi says this is her 'spring fling' which means she is peaking in production as there is so much forage available.

I met with Marcin and discussed design changes for Microtrac. We will be using track designs similar to Bobcat, but with metal wheel design for ease of replication and interchangeability. The design will become even smaller as the power cube will be used as part of the structure. I enlisted the help of the Greek students to use their Solidworks skills for the first drawing.

==7.1.12==
Worked on plaster for most of the day. Aidan and Chris chipped in for a bit. I am grateful for the help. I have finished plastering almost two rooms. Matt, our construction director and I discussed plans for finishing construction of these rooms. I am very excited to work with him. I appreciate his care of research and planning before acting. We also talked about safety and organization. The rooms I have been working in have tools, lumber and materials in the way of paths and work space. Tomorrow we will work on cleaning up the rooms and organizing tools and materials. I still have some plaster left over that needs to be applied.

I came up with an idea for cooling HabLab that works into a bigger, unofficial plan for Creating Microclimate and Gathering Places Around HabLab. When I first arrived, I noticed the need for many improvements (I realize we are still in the construction phase). 1. social gathering space. this could take the form of outdoor rooms with food plants and trees serving as privacy hedges, and shade. 2. erosion control. I see terraces as the main strategy for surrounding Hablab with fertile soil, good food, shade, and prevention of flooding and erosion. Terraces with low sitting walls also serve as the main structure for creating gathering places. 3. Cooling and shade. We HabLab dwellers have observed most heat coming into the building is caused by reflection from the ground into the southern living room windows. When the bedroom doors are closed, the rooms stay an average of 10 degrees cooler in the day. We have discussed options for low energy cooling. Ideas include cross draft/stack effect ventilation, and earth cooling tubes. I am envisioning an arbor that spans at least the south facing windows, extending 10-15 ft in front of the house. This arbor would provide structure for growing kiwi, grapes, berries, and other deciduous edible vines. In the winter they die back, letting the low winter sun into the living room. This could also extend into the solar arc concept of having trees planted on the north, west, and east sides of a house to cool the building.

We had an awesome soccer game today, thanks to Aidan's diligence in creating a small field for us to host our games. It ended abruptly when the ball was kicked into a thorny locust tree. Bri and I let the chicks out and watched them chase each other and fight over mulberries and bugs.

==6.30.12==
Had our first house meeting today. Gabi taught consensus methods for decision making. We passed a meeting agenda around for people to write ideas they wanted to speak about. I liked what everyone had to say. We chose a structure for organizing chores, and discussed shop safety, cooperative food buying, workshop organization, and options for cooling HabLab. Spent a few hours stuccoing. Got one wall done, then spent the day at the lake. Aidan got a rowboat and picked us up. We went on a voyage and they tried to maroon me on the other side of the lake. Nice try Aidan.

==6.29.12==
Spent most of the day plastering. Got two walls done.

==6.28.12==
I attempted a digging knife for Gabi today, which proved to be unnecessary since we have hand shovels whose edges can be sharpened. Still I got to practice my welding and grinding skills.

==6.27.12==

Today was a food extravaganza. I started on sauerkraut, made a lentil soup and rice dinner for everyone, and showed Yoonseo how to make bread. He loves to document. Check out our [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Sourdough_Bread sourdough bread baking instructions]. I spent a few hours addressing envelopes to be sent worldwide to our kickstarter supporters. During late afternoon I joined Gabi and Aidan in the workshop and welded some pieces of metal together and called them hand hoes. Gabi needs hand tools for weeding and digging in the garden. Today I am going to make a digging knife.

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==6.26.12==

Aidan and I spent most of the afternoon running around Maysville and Cameron shopping for envelopes and stamps to mail the kickstarter rewards. We returned around 4 and I spent the rest of the day plastering the east rooms. Need to figure out how to control the quality of the plaster. Had a good bean lentil chili made by Gabi and then Yoonseo and I got straight to our breadboard temperature controller lesson. We worked from 9 til midnight. By the end of the night I knew how to solder, wire breadboards, differentiate between diodes, capacitors, and resistors. I liked the way Yoonseo teaches. We first went over basic principles of Ohm's theory of resistance, roles of diodes, capacitors, resistors, and general layout of the circuit. He had me solder a few practice wires and then we got right to building the board. By then end of the night I was exhausted.

==6.24.12==

12.15AM
After Scrum, familiarized myself with the Flashy XM Control Panel. It was overwhelming at first, but now I see it as a helpful and innovative tool to organize research and development. Spent rest of today stuccoing the outer south wall. Had a good day working alone and getting back to mud plastering. I missed working with earthen plasters. It reminds me of working on the pallet house with [http://texasnaturalbuilders.info Texas Natural Builders] in Pine Ridge, SD. Yoonseo and I finally gave up trying to install Ubuntu from a USB Flash Drive containing a bootable .DMG file. He gave in to everyone's advice to use Virtual Machine. It was a fast and easy success. Documentation is here:
http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Ubuntu_Mac
^Needs peer review from Mac users interested in running Ubuntu^

Plan for tomorrow:

#Help Yoonseo with peer review. (the ability to peer review his work using Ubuntu was the main reason for our research, plus I wanted to try it anyway).
#Start filling out Industry Standards Analysis spreadsheet for Microtrac.
#Plaster East rooms

==6.23.12==

Woke up, heard the rain and was so grateful that the cardboard and hay got a nice soaking. Gabi covered the paths in the garden with cardboard just before the storm. There were 30 mph winds heading straight north. I hope the Hablab will be able to handle 60 mph, because we were all scared watching the overhangs rattle. Today I plan to work on the new scrum board, get kickstarter magnets punched and counted. We need 380.
...1 AM: Scrum board is up and magnets are punched. Aidan is testing the magnets to see if they can be glued to the punches. I made a sweet potato stew for the group, conversed with a Polish family from Chicago about systemic change, helped Aidan clean up the kitchen. Today is my sixth day here, and I feel comfortable, empowered, and free. I love everyone I have met here and I am looking forward to starting production runs of the Liberator. The workshop is getting close to optimal efficiency and organization! Soon we will be able to cut sheet metal with the torch table instead of by hand. I want to do an update video with Gabi on the garden progress tomorrow, make some shower curtain rods, and go to the lake and drink beer and swim. I have learned to keep my intentions focused on my desires and needs, but to relinquish expectations and assumptions. I dont know if I will be able to do what I want, only the goal.

==6.22.12==

Today was workshop organization. We started by finalizing our shop layout in Sketchup with Chris, Aidan and Aaron. I am amazed to see all we did today. Update vid from tonight on shop organization.

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I periodically glanced at the work Gabi and Aidan were doing in the field, plowing and fence building. There are many lessons to be learned from the Lifetrac that will benefit Microtrac prototype II.

1. Width must be narrow to be able to spin in place.

2. Needs rear attachment for plows and other towed implements

3. Loader arm shaft must be placed farther back to prevent tipping.

More to come later. Feel free to add to this list.

From 5-9PM Gabi and I finished up working in the garden. We tweaked the beds' height and width, covered with soaked cardboard and hay. Tomorrow we will fill in the paths with either carpet or cardboard. We will be planting corn, beans, and squash on the north side and sorghum and millet on the south. I have enjoyed the freedom to choose how I spend my time. I spent a few hours organizing in the shop and a few in the garden. And I am glad to work longer hours rather than appeasing a boss's demands. I look forward to be able to direct my own work AND carve out a locally sufficient enterprise based on GVCS. Vann arrived today. He will be working on gathering a remote team to develop the power inverter. When Gabi and I finished we returned to Hablab and yum pasta and soup made by Aidan and Yoonseo.

==6.19.12==

15 Chicks went outside today for the first time.
Started the day by repairing wires and extending the welding power to the southeast corner of the shop. We rearranged and cleaned the scrum board to accommodate for general/daily house tasks on one board and specific shop/agriculture tasks on the other. Aidan and I worked on building another welding table. I spent about an hour machining four small squares with holes for the legs, my first time using the mag drill and abrasive saw. Aidan and I were both frustrated when we discovered none of the power cubes were working, so we were not able to use the iron worker. I was amazed by how fast the ironworker is compared with the abrasive saw. We just have a little more to do tomorrow and we will have a new table! I am really grateful to have Aidan guiding and helping me develop my skills. Yoonseo hosted a great class on Solidworks. I am trying to download Windows 7 so I can dualboot and use Solidworks on Mac.

==6.18.12==

To Do this week

Clean up of shop and Hablab, familiarize myself with organization of shop

refine short/long term work plan,

Solidworks class with Yoonseo, Microtrac Mob?

Plaster "hotel rooms"

...ended up killing the chick with the splayed leg. I am relieved she didnt suffer any longer.. Heavy breathing, somewhat immobile. I am glad to have the support of everyone here as this was my first time killing an animal. Gabi helped me with some words of gratitude towards the thing...

Participated in my first Scrum meeting and helped organize tools, shelves, and tables. Rewired the welding cables overhead, learned about wiring. Learned how the power inverter works. Practiced my first ever weld. Helped Aidan grind down some newly built welding tables. Tomorrow I will help make another welding table and practice more welding and grinding. We set up the new welding area at the end of the day. After dark we saw the first ever cutting of metal with the CNC Torch table Prototype 2. Very exciting! The neighbor and local gardener Walt brought over a cake, and it just so happens it is Yoonseo's birthday. I made lentil soup and then we celebrated with cake and presents for Yoonseo.

==6.17.12==

Jose left today, along with Creation Flame who brought Bri along for a week. My Dad got up at dawn to go back to Dallas. I wish he had been able to stay with us on Father's Day.
Aaron and Gabi went to pay for the new resident cow, while Yoonseo, Chris, Darren and I went to Pony Express lake and enjoyed swimming, eating, drinking, napping. Aaron met us after returning from the trip to pay for the cow. I enjoyed the constructive discussions had while at the lake. We grilled some meat on the campfire behind Hablab when we got back.
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grilling on Darren's last night at FeF

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==6.16.12==

My dad and I spent all day today driving, arrived around 7. First thing we saw was the tricked out LifeTrac. We were welcomed Chris DeAngelis, and Aaron from Creation Flame. Witnessed some torch table testing. Learned a bit about stepper motors. Met the rest of the crew over at Hablab as they finished a day of stuccoing. The plaster is looking really smooth and strong for being just sand/clay. I am guessing this is because of the sand used, with its irregular, sharp grains. We were also introduced to the new flock of chicks in the incubator. A couple were having a hard time hatching, and Aaron assured me it will damage their muscles and bones to pick the shell away. It was eventually ignored and helped out of the shell and we now have a chick with a splayed leg. Not sure what to do, but it was a very direct learning experience. Trust the gentle voice in your heart!

[[Image: rod_phillips.jpg|Rod Phillips]]

[[Category: Graham]]

User:Graham Robertson

2012-07-25T00:38:03Z

Graham Robertson:

=Contact=
grobertson29@gmail.com
Skype: grobertson29

=Work Plan/ Contract=

http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Graham_Robertson_Contract

=Log=

==7.24.12==

Woke up early and went to Savannah with Aidan to help unload three power cubes at a small engine repair shop. A husband and wife run the business out of their garage; they seem to make a good team and the guy was really knowledgeable. Hope to mine more insights about the workings of the cubes when we pick them up. We stopped in St. Joseph and picked up some mistic metal mover, found a groovin tape by Loggins and Messina in Marcin's truck.

Your mama dont dance and your daddy does not rock and roll.

Found a source in KC for water cisterns. They can give us quotes on any kind of fittings, manholes, insulation, inlets etc. There's many options that can be factory installed/modified. At our next water meeting, TBD, we will discuss options to consider for cisterns.

Aidan is leaving in four weeks and wants to see the microtractor built before leaving. We will be holding a scrum planning meeting, if anyone wants to join the team, see the following discussion on [https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!forum/microtractor-development Microtrac Development's Google group.]

Also posted to http://www.TractorByNet.com, asking for peer review on our current concept drawing.

==7.20.12==

Priorities:

Water system
*Parts sourcing
*Integrated site design
Surveying
*9 more 1000 foot lines at 50 ft intervals...180 data points total
*Scrum update video halfway
Cold Saw
*milling remaining parts
*double threaded rod

==7.19.12==

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Here is what I have been working on since last weekend with Bri, Aidan, Yoonseo, and Alex. I helped Bri mill, drill, grind, and tap while learning how to use the mill and surface grinder and work on welding. We had a lot of fun building this thing, and we will be able to use it to cut parts to make more cold saws and more!

I plan to use the skills I learned this week in CEB production runs, and prototyping Microtrac II, which is now being reworked in Solidworks by Aidan. Andrew Spina is developing a [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Akre6PDjx-eFdEVadHN2NG5haTNVbFNnWWRuZW9ZV2c#gid=0 rubric for modular drive systems], specifically for suburban use cases. I imagine more drive system rubrics will be developed for small farm and construction purposes. I think we can also assume different sets of implements will be needed for certain use cases:

*farming: tillers, chippers, mowers, balers, buckets, backhoe
*suburban: mowers, tillers, snow throwers
*construction: trenchers, buckets, backhoe, levelers, concrete mixers, etc.

Dorkmo has generated some [https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0BwxMMqGvwTM-T242Vmo5Y1Y5T28/edit?pli=1 awesome tracks CAD], designed to be cut on the Torch Table prototype II. Again developments can be closely followed on [https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!forum/microtractor-development Microtrac Google group]. The mailing list is open to the public.

We still need to create a survey for SMEs on frame geometry, hydraulic design, motor/shaft supports, track design, implement designers, mini/loader/skid steer industry insiders.

==7.18.12==

Today was the last day working with Bri and I am really grateful for her willingness to train us on the mill, welding, tapping, etc. Also thanks to Aidan for guiding me in the shop during my first days and everyone here for welcoming me to the FeF community. I am thrilled to know you all and share this exciting work.

We started assembling the Cold Saw around dusk today, and have tomorrow morning before Bri leaves to get as far as we can. I will do a Scrum update before she leaves. Also painting the Ironworker!

I am lying in bed and feeling guilty about asking the Greeks to go to bed at 1 AM.. Sometimes it is hard to understand people because you are constantly together. I am having a hard time caring for others' needs because I am losing sleep due to their noise. I wish there were more thin building wings where people are able to party and enjoy themselves without disturbing others, or being disturbed. I am sad to say I believe the cause is in the building's design. The space is too deep and there is no private or hidden place except by isolating oneself in a bedroom, where there is no real peace, quiet or privacy (only visual). It is this fundamental problem that I see as a hindrance to true comfort and harmony with each other.

I would like to step back and look at how far FeF has come. I can't imagine living here without a dignified kitchen and food storage. I am grateful to have a place to gather in the shade, protected from the elements. Any building is better than what was here before, but I believe there is a lot to learn from being Hablab's first inhabitants.

==7.17.12==

Today's me and Fef's one month! Let's look back at this month's accomplishments:

Learned:

*basics of electrical wiring
*how to solder, wire breadboards, differentiate between diodes, capacitors, and resistors
*welding, surface grinding, milling, cutting, tapping,
*basics Solidworks
*using Virtual Machine to dual boot with alternative OS
*how to facilitate consensus style meetings

other:

*helped Aidan build a welding table
*saw torch table prototype II cut its first sheet
*drank milk warmed by cow utter
*abstained from smoking for 3 weeks and counting after two years of habit
*organized HabLab construction workspace
*built a pallet chair
*plastered much of HabLab's remaining rooms and walls
*organized Microtrac development, team building
*published Microtrac industry standards analysis
*surveyed 40 elevation data points at FeF

Today I helped Bri in the shop on milling and grinding more parts for Cold Saw, then surveyed 20 more points with Gabi. We are moving swiftly across the site. We will be skipping the tree line tomorrow and moving to FeF East

==7.16.12==
We started the day by prioritizing during our scrum meeting. We organized all the user stories by priority, then each person placed one post it note next to the project they wanted to work on. Yoonseo had placed three post it notes, and it was interesting to see how difficult it is for us to emotionally detach from the 2 or more projects to which we are committed. I chose surveying today.

Gabi and I surveyed 1000 ft of the property. We got 20 data points at 50 ft intervals. We will be developing a grid of elevation data points before making any major changes to the landscape (terraces, ponds, berms, swales). I think our main plan of action at present is to get the data points, mark the contours, and then go through with a string trimmer and lay all the plant stalks on contour to form "brush berms." Also called chop and drop technique. Ragweed is abundant here and the pollen is an allergen for many. So cutting it at the stalk in early fall and laying it on contour will help prevent erosion, allergies, spreading of seed, and build organic matter right where it is needed.

Surveying only took a couple hours for a thousand feet, and there was a bit of a learning curve, so we will be improving on our speed every day. The sun takes a lot out of me.

I worked for a couple hours with Bri on milling Cold Saw parts. I learned how to use a cutter on the mill and how to sharpen the cutter blade.

==7.13.12==
Got to work on milling more parts for Cold Saw. I learned how to tap a hole (making threads for bolts) and use the Bridgeport mill as a drill press. We also learned how to use a vice and torch to heat and bend pieces of metal into clean corners.

I am now researching long term water storage systems, the first being rainwater catchment from HabLab roof runoff. Read the report on rainwater harvesting, published [http://openfarmtech.org/wiki/Water here.] I do not know much about well drilling so feel free to update our research on deep wells on the aforementioned page.

==7.12.12==

I have been ill with what WebMD calls Gastroenteritis since Monday. It's time to bounce back! Marshall and I discussed CEB Hopper design changes on Monday. I plan to help draw up the new hopper design in Solidworks, if and when I can get it working on my Windows 7 Virtual Machine. I started a Google group called [https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!forum/microtractor-development Microtrac Development.] Dorkmo and Andrew Spina joined the discussion and we are defining a rubric to guide design of modular drive systems. We expect there will be many different use-cases where the unique needs of terrain, costs, ease of fabrication, etc will come into play.

Bri and Yoonseo are starting the first build of the [http://openfarmtech.org/wiki/Cold_Saw Cold Saw] today. I helped Bri mark some pieces for a motor mount and a blade guard. Bri demonstrated using a circle cutter with a torch, like a compass for torches. This machine is going to be so awesome. It is amazing to see how fast such a valuable tool can come together. All the fabrication drawings are uploaded on GitHub thanks to Yoonseo.

We held a meeting to assess the problem of clean water scarcity. We are now starting a new clean, sealed storage system with a few barrels; we hope this lowers the risk of sickness from washing or brushing teeth with the unfiltered water.

==7.6.12==

Worked more on Microtrac research today. Updated the [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnPs1ULLrKSZdDBENTdYSmVlcmlGTzZCSFJKS3hFcFE#gid=0 Status Brief.] Made some shelves for the back room of HabLab. We need as many shelves as we can get here.

==7.5.12==

Building progress is on hold until we get a better plan for the construction of the rest of Hablab. Marcin did not like our somewhat haphazard installation of the ceiling panels. I agree, there are gaps where mice can get in. He wants the building to "look good" as it is a showcase for CEB building. So Matt will be spending the rest of the week making plans for moving forward on construction. I spent a few hours on Microtrac research, published [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnPs1ULLrKSZdFFKZ00yYTRZVjVYdmRwRnlGTUNaMHc#gid=0 Industry Standards Analysis.] I am very excited to have discovered [http://www.kanga-loader.com/ Kanga Loaders out of Australia.] They are the first designers of mini loaders/ skid steers. in 1980 they created the concept of a motorized wheelbarrow. The prototype resembles the simple boxy frame of Lifetrac.

I have also decided I am not qualified to fully design Microtrac. Marcin had greater ambitions than me. I have mostly theoretical knowledge about the inner workings of tractors, engines, hydraulics, frame geometry. Research and development management is where my abilities lie. I would rather put my energy into pooling resources and contacts. I am willing to make preliminary drawings, as I do understand what works based on Industry Standards. As for reworking in Solidworks, I want to learn this, but I will need some guidance and support. I am very excited to be contributing to this project, and have direct interest in seeing Prototype II built before leaving in fall (I plan to use this in landscaping ponds, terraces, swales, berms, gardens, house foundations etc). I would like to begin developing the design at a workshop somewhere in Dallas or elsewhere.

==7.4.12==

Matt and I worked til five today putting up ceiling panels and stuffing with straw. We got about 90 sq ft installed. Made a bonfire and had a good time as a group.

==7.3.12==

We now have more raw milk than filtered water. I am drinking about two to one milk to water. I am surprised by how great I feel. I never drink this much milk, if any.
Matt and I started on installing ceiling panels and stuffing straw today. It was a bit of a rocky start as the screws kept falling as we were drilling. Once the panels were up it was fast work to stuff the cavities with straw. We need at least one extra hand to help installing panels. It is much more worthwhile work than doing wood 1x8 ceiling boards. All the toil of 15 minutes for a 3 ft ceiling panel is much better than cutting to size each board and taking thrice as long to secure 3 ft of wood, and less expensive. Maybe not as aesthetic, but aesthetic doesnt seem to be the theme of HabLab.

I am still slowly making progress on Microtrac Industry Standards Analysis spreadsheet. I would like to dedicate time to finishing today when I have a free hour. Also making a simple iteration of our new Microtrac design in Sketchup.

==7.2.12==

Lots of excitement here. Matt and I went over plans for finishing HabLab and cleaned up the construction workspace. We organized lumber into like piles, then [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJKS5vtEemw&feature=plcp I made CEB shelves and organized tools]. I feel much more calm and clear with everything organized.

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsi-nWcD-So&feature=context-cha Good cow is settling in] and loving the forage here (former primarily grain fed diet). Gabi says this is her 'spring fling' which means she is peaking in production as there is so much forage available.

I met with Marcin and discussed design changes for Microtrac. We will be using track designs similar to Bobcat, but with metal wheel design for ease of replication and interchangeability. The design will become even smaller as the power cube will be used as part of the structure. I enlisted the help of the Greek students to use their Solidworks skills for the first drawing.

==7.1.12==
Worked on plaster for most of the day. Aidan and Chris chipped in for a bit. I am grateful for the help. I have finished plastering almost two rooms. Matt, our construction director and I discussed plans for finishing construction of these rooms. I am very excited to work with him. I appreciate his care of research and planning before acting. We also talked about safety and organization. The rooms I have been working in have tools, lumber and materials in the way of paths and work space. Tomorrow we will work on cleaning up the rooms and organizing tools and materials. I still have some plaster left over that needs to be applied.

I came up with an idea for cooling HabLab that works into a bigger, unofficial plan for Creating Microclimate and Gathering Places Around HabLab. When I first arrived, I noticed the need for many improvements (I realize we are still in the construction phase). 1. social gathering space. this could take the form of outdoor rooms with food plants and trees serving as privacy hedges, and shade. 2. erosion control. I see terraces as the main strategy for surrounding Hablab with fertile soil, good food, shade, and prevention of flooding and erosion. Terraces with low sitting walls also serve as the main structure for creating gathering places. 3. Cooling and shade. We HabLab dwellers have observed most heat coming into the building is caused by reflection from the ground into the southern living room windows. When the bedroom doors are closed, the rooms stay an average of 10 degrees cooler in the day. We have discussed options for low energy cooling. Ideas include cross draft/stack effect ventilation, and earth cooling tubes. I am envisioning an arbor that spans at least the south facing windows, extending 10-15 ft in front of the house. This arbor would provide structure for growing kiwi, grapes, berries, and other deciduous edible vines. In the winter they die back, letting the low winter sun into the living room. This could also extend into the solar arc concept of having trees planted on the north, west, and east sides of a house to cool the building.

We had an awesome soccer game today, thanks to Aidan's diligence in creating a small field for us to host our games. It ended abruptly when the ball was kicked into a thorny locust tree. Bri and I let the chicks out and watched them chase each other and fight over mulberries and bugs.

==6.30.12==
Had our first house meeting today. Gabi taught consensus methods for decision making. We passed a meeting agenda around for people to write ideas they wanted to speak about. I liked what everyone had to say. We chose a structure for organizing chores, and discussed shop safety, cooperative food buying, workshop organization, and options for cooling HabLab. Spent a few hours stuccoing. Got one wall done, then spent the day at the lake. Aidan got a rowboat and picked us up. We went on a voyage and they tried to maroon me on the other side of the lake. Nice try Aidan.

==6.29.12==
Spent most of the day plastering. Got two walls done.

==6.28.12==
I attempted a digging knife for Gabi today, which proved to be unnecessary since we have hand shovels whose edges can be sharpened. Still I got to practice my welding and grinding skills.

==6.27.12==

Today was a food extravaganza. I started on sauerkraut, made a lentil soup and rice dinner for everyone, and showed Yoonseo how to make bread. He loves to document. Check out our [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Sourdough_Bread sourdough bread baking instructions]. I spent a few hours addressing envelopes to be sent worldwide to our kickstarter supporters. During late afternoon I joined Gabi and Aidan in the workshop and welded some pieces of metal together and called them hand hoes. Gabi needs hand tools for weeding and digging in the garden. Today I am going to make a digging knife.

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==6.26.12==

Aidan and I spent most of the afternoon running around Maysville and Cameron shopping for envelopes and stamps to mail the kickstarter rewards. We returned around 4 and I spent the rest of the day plastering the east rooms. Need to figure out how to control the quality of the plaster. Had a good bean lentil chili made by Gabi and then Yoonseo and I got straight to our breadboard temperature controller lesson. We worked from 9 til midnight. By the end of the night I knew how to solder, wire breadboards, differentiate between diodes, capacitors, and resistors. I liked the way Yoonseo teaches. We first went over basic principles of Ohm's theory of resistance, roles of diodes, capacitors, resistors, and general layout of the circuit. He had me solder a few practice wires and then we got right to building the board. By then end of the night I was exhausted.

==6.24.12==

12.15AM
After Scrum, familiarized myself with the Flashy XM Control Panel. It was overwhelming at first, but now I see it as a helpful and innovative tool to organize research and development. Spent rest of today stuccoing the outer south wall. Had a good day working alone and getting back to mud plastering. I missed working with earthen plasters. It reminds me of working on the pallet house with [http://texasnaturalbuilders.info Texas Natural Builders] in Pine Ridge, SD. Yoonseo and I finally gave up trying to install Ubuntu from a USB Flash Drive containing a bootable .DMG file. He gave in to everyone's advice to use Virtual Machine. It was a fast and easy success. Documentation is here:
http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Ubuntu_Mac
^Needs peer review from Mac users interested in running Ubuntu^

Plan for tomorrow:

#Help Yoonseo with peer review. (the ability to peer review his work using Ubuntu was the main reason for our research, plus I wanted to try it anyway).
#Start filling out Industry Standards Analysis spreadsheet for Microtrac.
#Plaster East rooms

==6.23.12==

Woke up, heard the rain and was so grateful that the cardboard and hay got a nice soaking. Gabi covered the paths in the garden with cardboard just before the storm. There were 30 mph winds heading straight north. I hope the Hablab will be able to handle 60 mph, because we were all scared watching the overhangs rattle. Today I plan to work on the new scrum board, get kickstarter magnets punched and counted. We need 380.
...1 AM: Scrum board is up and magnets are punched. Aidan is testing the magnets to see if they can be glued to the punches. I made a sweet potato stew for the group, conversed with a Polish family from Chicago about systemic change, helped Aidan clean up the kitchen. Today is my sixth day here, and I feel comfortable, empowered, and free. I love everyone I have met here and I am looking forward to starting production runs of the Liberator. The workshop is getting close to optimal efficiency and organization! Soon we will be able to cut sheet metal with the torch table instead of by hand. I want to do an update video with Gabi on the garden progress tomorrow, make some shower curtain rods, and go to the lake and drink beer and swim. I have learned to keep my intentions focused on my desires and needs, but to relinquish expectations and assumptions. I dont know if I will be able to do what I want, only the goal.

==6.22.12==

Today was workshop organization. We started by finalizing our shop layout in Sketchup with Chris, Aidan and Aaron. I am amazed to see all we did today. Update vid from tonight on shop organization.

<html><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed//hb8VjeM19r0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></html>

I periodically glanced at the work Gabi and Aidan were doing in the field, plowing and fence building. There are many lessons to be learned from the Lifetrac that will benefit Microtrac prototype II.

1. Width must be narrow to be able to spin in place.

2. Needs rear attachment for plows and other towed implements

3. Loader arm shaft must be placed farther back to prevent tipping.

More to come later. Feel free to add to this list.

From 5-9PM Gabi and I finished up working in the garden. We tweaked the beds' height and width, covered with soaked cardboard and hay. Tomorrow we will fill in the paths with either carpet or cardboard. We will be planting corn, beans, and squash on the north side and sorghum and millet on the south. I have enjoyed the freedom to choose how I spend my time. I spent a few hours organizing in the shop and a few in the garden. And I am glad to work longer hours rather than appeasing a boss's demands. I look forward to be able to direct my own work AND carve out a locally sufficient enterprise based on GVCS. Vann arrived today. He will be working on gathering a remote team to develop the power inverter. When Gabi and I finished we returned to Hablab and yum pasta and soup made by Aidan and Yoonseo.

==6.19.12==

15 Chicks went outside today for the first time.
Started the day by repairing wires and extending the welding power to the southeast corner of the shop. We rearranged and cleaned the scrum board to accommodate for general/daily house tasks on one board and specific shop/agriculture tasks on the other. Aidan and I worked on building another welding table. I spent about an hour machining four small squares with holes for the legs, my first time using the mag drill and abrasive saw. Aidan and I were both frustrated when we discovered none of the power cubes were working, so we were not able to use the iron worker. I was amazed by how fast the ironworker is compared with the abrasive saw. We just have a little more to do tomorrow and we will have a new table! I am really grateful to have Aidan guiding and helping me develop my skills. Yoonseo hosted a great class on Solidworks. I am trying to download Windows 7 so I can dualboot and use Solidworks on Mac.

==6.18.12==

To Do this week

Clean up of shop and Hablab, familiarize myself with organization of shop

refine short/long term work plan,

Solidworks class with Yoonseo, Microtrac Mob?

Plaster "hotel rooms"

...ended up killing the chick with the splayed leg. I am relieved she didnt suffer any longer.. Heavy breathing, somewhat immobile. I am glad to have the support of everyone here as this was my first time killing an animal. Gabi helped me with some words of gratitude towards the thing...

Participated in my first Scrum meeting and helped organize tools, shelves, and tables. Rewired the welding cables overhead, learned about wiring. Learned how the power inverter works. Practiced my first ever weld. Helped Aidan grind down some newly built welding tables. Tomorrow I will help make another welding table and practice more welding and grinding. We set up the new welding area at the end of the day. After dark we saw the first ever cutting of metal with the CNC Torch table Prototype 2. Very exciting! The neighbor and local gardener Walt brought over a cake, and it just so happens it is Yoonseo's birthday. I made lentil soup and then we celebrated with cake and presents for Yoonseo.

==6.17.12==

Jose left today, along with Creation Flame who brought Bri along for a week. My Dad got up at dawn to go back to Dallas. I wish he had been able to stay with us on Father's Day.
Aaron and Gabi went to pay for the new resident cow, while Yoonseo, Chris, Darren and I went to Pony Express lake and enjoyed swimming, eating, drinking, napping. Aaron met us after returning from the trip to pay for the cow. I enjoyed the constructive discussions had while at the lake. We grilled some meat on the campfire behind Hablab when we got back.
<html><a href="http://s33.photobucket.com/albums/d83/moondog451/?action=view&current=IMG_1028.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d83/moondog451/IMG_1028.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a></html>

grilling on Darren's last night at FeF

<html><a href="http://s33.photobucket.com/albums/d83/moondog451/?action=view&current=IMG_1029.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d83/moondog451/IMG_1029.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a></html>

==6.16.12==

My dad and I spent all day today driving, arrived around 7. First thing we saw was the tricked out LifeTrac. We were welcomed Chris DeAngelis, and Aaron from Creation Flame. Witnessed some torch table testing. Learned a bit about stepper motors. Met the rest of the crew over at Hablab as they finished a day of stuccoing. The plaster is looking really smooth and strong for being just sand/clay. I am guessing this is because of the sand used, with its irregular, sharp grains. We were also introduced to the new flock of chicks in the incubator. A couple were having a hard time hatching, and Aaron assured me it will damage their muscles and bones to pick the shell away. It was eventually ignored and helped out of the shell and we now have a chick with a splayed leg. Not sure what to do, but it was a very direct learning experience. Trust the gentle voice in your heart!

[[Image: rod_phillips.jpg|Rod Phillips]]

[[Category: Graham]]

Water

2012-07-22T16:35:29Z

Graham Robertson: /* Parts Sourcing */

=See Also=

[[Water Recycling]]

=Water Cistern Design=

[[Image: watercistern.png]]

1" diameter hydraulic connectors standard.

For dry-run protection for the submersible pump, current sense device may be used to turn the pump off if current draw exceeds designated value.

Wet Access: reach for float switch, grab and pull rope for submersible pump.

Dry Access: Use ladder. Careful of hydrogen sulfide if cistern leaked in from ground below. Hydrogen sulfide displaces the air in the cistern. Careful of oxygen-consuming bacteria.

=Water Infrastructure=

Our water infrastructure consists of:

*Well

*Submersible Pump

*Long Hoses

*Float Switch [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Float_Switch Instructions]

*Many (under 20) 55 gallon barrels

*Reverse Osmosis Filtration System

*Surface Pump (with Pressure Switch at 50psi and strainer)

=System Summary=

*The well draws water in from its surroundings.

*The submersible pump pushes water from the well through long hoses to a 55 gallon barrel.

*Once the water level reaches the height of the float switch, the float switch turns off the submersible pump to prevent overflow (once the water level drops below the float switch, the float switch turns on the submersible pump).

*The 55 gallon barrels are linked to each other so as to become a single large water reserve.

*The surface pump pushes water from the reserve through the long hoses to the residential areas.

*The residential area has a reverse osmosis filtration system that cleans some of the received water for drinking. The rest of the water is used for general purpose applications without such filtration.

*'''Notes''' When atmospheric temperatures drop below freezing, the water inside exposed infrastructure will freeze and expand. The freezing will block water from moving past that point; the expansion may cause serious damage to the water infrastructure.

The temperature-time functions of the air in both the general region and specific areas are a significant factor of where and if the water system will freeze. Also, how closely packed the volume of water is and their insulation are other major factors.

Hoses are vulnerable because the cross-sectional area of the water volume is low and the volume of water within a hose line is spaced apart hence cannot effectively transfer thermal energy throughout the line. Hoses are most vulnerable when flow is zero and progressively less vulnerable as flow rate increases (because water movement improves thermal transfer within the water and new water transfers thermal energy into the insulation). Hoses should be insulated (ex. buried into the ground).

Large reserves of water are resilient to freezing because their heat capacity and rate of thermal transfer are high, but given severe freezing temperatures, long durations, and little insulation, these reserves will freeze as well. Fortunately, when large reserves of water begin to freeze, the most exposed part of the reserve freezes first to become an insulating layer of ice between the air and the water. Hence it becomes progressively harder for the air to freeze the water volumes that are deeper within the reserve. Small enough reserves should be insulated (ex. partially or fully buried into the ground).

Active parts of the water infrastructure such as surface pumps are especially in need of insulation. The submersible pump is already well insulated by being inside the ground.

A further step past insulation to prevent freezing is to add a thermal energy machine with a temperature switch to turn it on or off at designated temperatures. A critical consideration here is to ensure that fires do not occur by fireproofing the heated area (ex. with stone around) in addition to the temperature switch.

An ergonomics and energy consideration regarding water use is to insulate and heat the water infrastructure more than just to prevent freezing. Excessively cold water is detrimental for comfortable use, hence it makes sense to keep the water at or close to optimal use temperatures as practically possible. Furthermore, more energy is required to heat a colder volume of water than a warmer one, hence it makes sense to keep water cold using passive insulation techniques rather than by active heating that required energy.

Overall, extremely high levels of passive insulation are desirable to prevent freezing, improve water use, and reduce energy requirements. In extreme conditions, thermal energy machines may be required throughout the water infrastructure.

=Storage System Research=

Due to recent realizations of safety hazards with our current water storage system, we will be exploring other options for large scale storage of water for 10-20 people living at FeF (mostly at HabLab).

Our goals are reliable storage (well insulated and enough volume), high quality clean water, and cost effectiveness.

=Current Water Usage=

Current use for 15 people=400 gallons per day+400 to play it safe

24,000 gallons per month

292,000 gallons per year

==Rainwater Catchment for FeF==

===Catchment Calculations===

To calculate we use this equation:

Catchment area (ft^2) x Annual Rainfall (ft) x 7.48 gallons = Total Rainwater (gallons)

'''3200''' ft^2 x '''3.42''' ft x 7.48 gallons = '''81,861 gallons per year'''

That means '''we are short 210,000 gallons per year if there are 15 people living at FeF year round''' (and we are only using HabLab runoff).

If we get equal amounts of rain every month, we will have '''7000 gallons per month''' from HabLab's roof (5000 gal short of current usage).

Assuming that 1/8" rain is the average lowest amount of rainfall, and 5" the highest, our range of water to fall on HabLab's roof from a given event is 225-9200 gallons.

If we use 800 gallons per day, we will need at least a 2400 gallon cistern for three days storage.

*'''Our current storage of sixteen 55 gallon barrels amounts to 880 gallons, so 2400 should be more than enough considering we will be using a float switch to control a well pump whenever the rainwater level is below sufficient volume.'''

===Water Quality===

The following taken from Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond: Vol 1 [http://www.mediafire.com/?eeb3bzoo7nppzo4,9y5bbex96ls1drk (.PDF download)]

"Rainwater is naturally distilled prior to cloud formation, and thus is one of our purest sources of water. Rain is considered soft due to lack of calcium carbonate and magnesium found in solution, and is excellent for cooking, washing, and saving energy. Rainwater use reduces soap and detergent requirements, and eliminates soap scum, hardness deposits, and the need for a water softener (sometimes required for well water systems), besides being a natural hair conditioner."

A note on current well water quality: the well water is not the source of pathogens. Our storage technique is the problem, and is better suited for agriculture. I propose cisterns for short term storage of well water, and also if we choose rainwater catchment later.

===Life Cycle Cost===

10,000 gallons of cistern storage

Burial and/or Insulation of Cistern(s)

pipes

gutters

downspouts

screens

===Timeframe===

We need large scale, sealed storage whether we use rain or well water. Cisterns would be a fast solution to large volume water storage, as opposed to barrels.

This is an immediate solution to water storage, it would be a large cost to buy them, and also require renting an excavator to bury the cistern and pipes before winter.

===Short Term Action Items===

*Get a Float Switch
*Research and Acquisition of Increased Storage, either One or two large cisterns or many interlinked containers
*Research Utility Outbuilding options
*Research mobile water vehicle

==Parts Sourcing==

Cisterns:
# [http://www.snydernet.com/poly-tank-products-snyder-industries.htm Snyder Industries]

*recommended by Andy Halbert
*below ground water cisterns do not exceed 1700 gallons
*Options for above-ground, [http://www.snydernet.com/heat-trace-insulated-tanks-snyder.htm polyurethane insulation and heat traces] make bigger volumes possible + making digging down obsolete.
*Need to research prices

Water

2012-07-22T16:35:06Z

Graham Robertson:

=See Also=

[[Water Recycling]]

=Water Cistern Design=

[[Image: watercistern.png]]

1" diameter hydraulic connectors standard.

For dry-run protection for the submersible pump, current sense device may be used to turn the pump off if current draw exceeds designated value.

Wet Access: reach for float switch, grab and pull rope for submersible pump.

Dry Access: Use ladder. Careful of hydrogen sulfide if cistern leaked in from ground below. Hydrogen sulfide displaces the air in the cistern. Careful of oxygen-consuming bacteria.

=Water Infrastructure=

Our water infrastructure consists of:

*Well

*Submersible Pump

*Long Hoses

*Float Switch [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Float_Switch Instructions]

*Many (under 20) 55 gallon barrels

*Reverse Osmosis Filtration System

*Surface Pump (with Pressure Switch at 50psi and strainer)

=System Summary=

*The well draws water in from its surroundings.

*The submersible pump pushes water from the well through long hoses to a 55 gallon barrel.

*Once the water level reaches the height of the float switch, the float switch turns off the submersible pump to prevent overflow (once the water level drops below the float switch, the float switch turns on the submersible pump).

*The 55 gallon barrels are linked to each other so as to become a single large water reserve.

*The surface pump pushes water from the reserve through the long hoses to the residential areas.

*The residential area has a reverse osmosis filtration system that cleans some of the received water for drinking. The rest of the water is used for general purpose applications without such filtration.

*'''Notes''' When atmospheric temperatures drop below freezing, the water inside exposed infrastructure will freeze and expand. The freezing will block water from moving past that point; the expansion may cause serious damage to the water infrastructure.

The temperature-time functions of the air in both the general region and specific areas are a significant factor of where and if the water system will freeze. Also, how closely packed the volume of water is and their insulation are other major factors.

Hoses are vulnerable because the cross-sectional area of the water volume is low and the volume of water within a hose line is spaced apart hence cannot effectively transfer thermal energy throughout the line. Hoses are most vulnerable when flow is zero and progressively less vulnerable as flow rate increases (because water movement improves thermal transfer within the water and new water transfers thermal energy into the insulation). Hoses should be insulated (ex. buried into the ground).

Large reserves of water are resilient to freezing because their heat capacity and rate of thermal transfer are high, but given severe freezing temperatures, long durations, and little insulation, these reserves will freeze as well. Fortunately, when large reserves of water begin to freeze, the most exposed part of the reserve freezes first to become an insulating layer of ice between the air and the water. Hence it becomes progressively harder for the air to freeze the water volumes that are deeper within the reserve. Small enough reserves should be insulated (ex. partially or fully buried into the ground).

Active parts of the water infrastructure such as surface pumps are especially in need of insulation. The submersible pump is already well insulated by being inside the ground.

A further step past insulation to prevent freezing is to add a thermal energy machine with a temperature switch to turn it on or off at designated temperatures. A critical consideration here is to ensure that fires do not occur by fireproofing the heated area (ex. with stone around) in addition to the temperature switch.

An ergonomics and energy consideration regarding water use is to insulate and heat the water infrastructure more than just to prevent freezing. Excessively cold water is detrimental for comfortable use, hence it makes sense to keep the water at or close to optimal use temperatures as practically possible. Furthermore, more energy is required to heat a colder volume of water than a warmer one, hence it makes sense to keep water cold using passive insulation techniques rather than by active heating that required energy.

Overall, extremely high levels of passive insulation are desirable to prevent freezing, improve water use, and reduce energy requirements. In extreme conditions, thermal energy machines may be required throughout the water infrastructure.

=Storage System Research=

Due to recent realizations of safety hazards with our current water storage system, we will be exploring other options for large scale storage of water for 10-20 people living at FeF (mostly at HabLab).

Our goals are reliable storage (well insulated and enough volume), high quality clean water, and cost effectiveness.

=Current Water Usage=

Current use for 15 people=400 gallons per day+400 to play it safe

24,000 gallons per month

292,000 gallons per year

==Rainwater Catchment for FeF==

===Catchment Calculations===

To calculate we use this equation:

Catchment area (ft^2) x Annual Rainfall (ft) x 7.48 gallons = Total Rainwater (gallons)

'''3200''' ft^2 x '''3.42''' ft x 7.48 gallons = '''81,861 gallons per year'''

That means '''we are short 210,000 gallons per year if there are 15 people living at FeF year round''' (and we are only using HabLab runoff).

If we get equal amounts of rain every month, we will have '''7000 gallons per month''' from HabLab's roof (5000 gal short of current usage).

Assuming that 1/8" rain is the average lowest amount of rainfall, and 5" the highest, our range of water to fall on HabLab's roof from a given event is 225-9200 gallons.

If we use 800 gallons per day, we will need at least a 2400 gallon cistern for three days storage.

*'''Our current storage of sixteen 55 gallon barrels amounts to 880 gallons, so 2400 should be more than enough considering we will be using a float switch to control a well pump whenever the rainwater level is below sufficient volume.'''

===Water Quality===

The following taken from Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond: Vol 1 [http://www.mediafire.com/?eeb3bzoo7nppzo4,9y5bbex96ls1drk (.PDF download)]

"Rainwater is naturally distilled prior to cloud formation, and thus is one of our purest sources of water. Rain is considered soft due to lack of calcium carbonate and magnesium found in solution, and is excellent for cooking, washing, and saving energy. Rainwater use reduces soap and detergent requirements, and eliminates soap scum, hardness deposits, and the need for a water softener (sometimes required for well water systems), besides being a natural hair conditioner."

A note on current well water quality: the well water is not the source of pathogens. Our storage technique is the problem, and is better suited for agriculture. I propose cisterns for short term storage of well water, and also if we choose rainwater catchment later.

===Life Cycle Cost===

10,000 gallons of cistern storage

Burial and/or Insulation of Cistern(s)

pipes

gutters

downspouts

screens

===Timeframe===

We need large scale, sealed storage whether we use rain or well water. Cisterns would be a fast solution to large volume water storage, as opposed to barrels.

This is an immediate solution to water storage, it would be a large cost to buy them, and also require renting an excavator to bury the cistern and pipes before winter.

===Short Term Action Items===

*Get a Float Switch
*Research and Acquisition of Increased Storage, either One or two large cisterns or many interlinked containers
*Research Utility Outbuilding options
*Research mobile water vehicle

==Parts Sourcing==

Cisterns:
# [http://www.snydernet.com/poly-tank-products-snyder-industries.htm Snyder Industries] *recommended by Andy Halbert
*below ground water cisterns do not exceed 1700 gallons
*Options for above-ground, [http://www.snydernet.com/heat-trace-insulated-tanks-snyder.htm polyurethane insulation and heat traces] make bigger volumes possible + making digging down obsolete.
*Need to research prices

Water

2012-07-22T16:29:06Z

Graham Robertson: /* Catchment Calculations */

Water

2012-07-22T16:26:49Z

Graham Robertson:

=See Also=

[[Water Recycling]]

=Water Cistern Design=

[[Image: watercistern.png]]

1" diameter hydraulic connectors standard.

For dry-run protection for the submersible pump, current sense device may be used to turn the pump off if current draw exceeds designated value.

Wet Access: reach for float switch, grab and pull rope for submersible pump.

Dry Access: Use ladder. Careful of hydrogen sulfide if cistern leaked in from ground below. Hydrogen sulfide displaces the air in the cistern. Careful of oxygen-consuming bacteria.

=Water Infrastructure=

Our water infrastructure consists of:

*Well

*Submersible Pump

*Long Hoses

*Float Switch [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Float_Switch Instructions]

*Many (under 20) 55 gallon barrels

*Reverse Osmosis Filtration System

*Surface Pump (with Pressure Switch at 50psi and strainer)

=System Summary=

*The well draws water in from its surroundings.

*The submersible pump pushes water from the well through long hoses to a 55 gallon barrel.

*Once the water level reaches the height of the float switch, the float switch turns off the submersible pump to prevent overflow (once the water level drops below the float switch, the float switch turns on the submersible pump).

*The 55 gallon barrels are linked to each other so as to become a single large water reserve.

*The surface pump pushes water from the reserve through the long hoses to the residential areas.

*The residential area has a reverse osmosis filtration system that cleans some of the received water for drinking. The rest of the water is used for general purpose applications without such filtration.

*'''Notes''' When atmospheric temperatures drop below freezing, the water inside exposed infrastructure will freeze and expand. The freezing will block water from moving past that point; the expansion may cause serious damage to the water infrastructure.

The temperature-time functions of the air in both the general region and specific areas are a significant factor of where and if the water system will freeze. Also, how closely packed the volume of water is and their insulation are other major factors.

Hoses are vulnerable because the cross-sectional area of the water volume is low and the volume of water within a hose line is spaced apart hence cannot effectively transfer thermal energy throughout the line. Hoses are most vulnerable when flow is zero and progressively less vulnerable as flow rate increases (because water movement improves thermal transfer within the water and new water transfers thermal energy into the insulation). Hoses should be insulated (ex. buried into the ground).

Large reserves of water are resilient to freezing because their heat capacity and rate of thermal transfer are high, but given severe freezing temperatures, long durations, and little insulation, these reserves will freeze as well. Fortunately, when large reserves of water begin to freeze, the most exposed part of the reserve freezes first to become an insulating layer of ice between the air and the water. Hence it becomes progressively harder for the air to freeze the water volumes that are deeper within the reserve. Small enough reserves should be insulated (ex. partially or fully buried into the ground).

Active parts of the water infrastructure such as surface pumps are especially in need of insulation. The submersible pump is already well insulated by being inside the ground.

A further step past insulation to prevent freezing is to add a thermal energy machine with a temperature switch to turn it on or off at designated temperatures. A critical consideration here is to ensure that fires do not occur by fireproofing the heated area (ex. with stone around) in addition to the temperature switch.

An ergonomics and energy consideration regarding water use is to insulate and heat the water infrastructure more than just to prevent freezing. Excessively cold water is detrimental for comfortable use, hence it makes sense to keep the water at or close to optimal use temperatures as practically possible. Furthermore, more energy is required to heat a colder volume of water than a warmer one, hence it makes sense to keep water cold using passive insulation techniques rather than by active heating that required energy.

Overall, extremely high levels of passive insulation are desirable to prevent freezing, improve water use, and reduce energy requirements. In extreme conditions, thermal energy machines may be required throughout the water infrastructure.

=Storage System Research=

Due to recent realizations of safety hazards with our current water storage system, we will be exploring other options for large scale storage of water for 10-20 people living at FeF (mostly at HabLab).

Our goals are reliable storage (well insulated and enough volume), high quality clean water, and cost effectiveness.

=Current Water Usage=

Current use for 15 people=400 gallons per day+400 to play it safe

24,000 gallons per month

292,000 gallons per year

==Rainwater Catchment for FeF==

===Catchment Calculations===

To calculate we use this equation:

Catchment area (ft^2) x Annual Rainfall (ft) x 7.48 gallons = Total Rainwater (gallons)

'''3200''' ft^2 x '''3.42''' ft x 7.48 gallons = '''81,861 gallons per year'''

That means '''we are short 210,000 gallons per year if there are 15 people living at FeF year round''' (and we are only using HabLab runoff).

If we get equal amounts of rain every month, we will have '''7000 gallons per month''' from HabLab's roof (5000 gal short of current usage).

Assuming that 1/8" rain is the average lowest amount of rainfall, and 5" the highest, our range of water to fall on HabLab's roof from a given event is 225-9200 gallons.

If we use 800 gallons per day, we will need at least a 2400 gallon cistern for three days storage.

===Water Quality===

The following taken from Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond: Vol 1 [http://www.mediafire.com/?eeb3bzoo7nppzo4,9y5bbex96ls1drk (.PDF download)]

"Rainwater is naturally distilled prior to cloud formation, and thus is one of our purest sources of water. Rain is considered soft due to lack of calcium carbonate and magnesium found in solution, and is excellent for cooking, washing, and saving energy. Rainwater use reduces soap and detergent requirements, and eliminates soap scum, hardness deposits, and the need for a water softener (sometimes required for well water systems), besides being a natural hair conditioner."

A note on current well water quality: the well water is not the source of pathogens. Our storage technique is the problem, and is better suited for agriculture. I propose cisterns for short term storage of well water, and also if we choose rainwater catchment later.

===Life Cycle Cost===

10,000 gallons of cistern storage

Burial and/or Insulation of Cistern(s)

pipes

gutters

downspouts

screens

===Timeframe===

We need large scale, sealed storage whether we use rain or well water. Cisterns would be a fast solution to large volume water storage, as opposed to barrels.

This is an immediate solution to water storage, it would be a large cost to buy them, and also require renting an excavator to bury the cistern and pipes before winter.

===Short Term Action Items===

*Get a Float Switch
*Research and Acquisition of Increased Storage, either One or two large cisterns or many interlinked containers
*Research Utility Outbuilding options
*Research mobile water vehicle

User:Graham Robertson

2012-07-20T13:11:09Z

Graham Robertson: /* 7.19.12 */

=Contact=
grobertson29@gmail.com
Skype: grobertson29

=Work Plan/ Contract=

http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Graham_Robertson_Contract

=Log=
==7.20.12==

Priorities:

Water system
*Parts sourcing
*Integrated site design
Surveying
*9 more 1000 foot lines at 50 ft intervals...180 data points total
*Scrum update video halfway
Cold Saw
*milling remaining parts
*double threaded rod

==7.19.12==

<html><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed//EhrwoVja74Y" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></html>

Here is what I have been working on since last weekend with Bri, Aidan, Yoonseo, and Alex. I helped Bri mill, drill, grind, and tap while learning how to use the mill and surface grinder and work on welding. We had a lot of fun building this thing, and we will be able to use it to cut parts to make more cold saws and more!

I plan to use the skills I learned this week in CEB production runs, and prototyping Microtrac II, which is now being reworked in Solidworks by Aidan. Andrew Spina is developing a [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Akre6PDjx-eFdEVadHN2NG5haTNVbFNnWWRuZW9ZV2c#gid=0 rubric for modular drive systems], specifically for suburban use cases. I imagine more drive system rubrics will be developed for small farm and construction purposes. I think we can also assume different sets of implements will be needed for certain use cases:

*farming: tillers, chippers, mowers, balers, buckets, backhoe
*suburban: mowers, tillers, snow throwers
*construction: trenchers, buckets, backhoe, levelers, concrete mixers, etc.

Dorkmo has generated some [https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0BwxMMqGvwTM-T242Vmo5Y1Y5T28/edit?pli=1 awesome tracks CAD], designed to be cut on the Torch Table prototype II. Again developments can be closely followed on [https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!forum/microtractor-development Microtrac Google group]. The mailing list is open to the public.

We still need to create a survey for SMEs on frame geometry, hydraulic design, motor/shaft supports, track design, implement designers, mini/loader/skid steer industry insiders.

==7.18.12==

Today was the last day working with Bri and I am really grateful for her willingness to train us on the mill, welding, tapping, etc. Also thanks to Aidan for guiding me in the shop during my first days and everyone here for welcoming me to the FeF community. I am thrilled to know you all and share this exciting work.

We started assembling the Cold Saw around dusk today, and have tomorrow morning before Bri leaves to get as far as we can. I will do a Scrum update before she leaves. Also painting the Ironworker!

I am lying in bed and feeling guilty about asking the Greeks to go to bed at 1 AM.. Sometimes it is hard to understand people because you are constantly together. I am having a hard time caring for others' needs because I am losing sleep due to their noise. I wish there were more thin building wings where people are able to party and enjoy themselves without disturbing others, or being disturbed. I am sad to say I believe the cause is in the building's design. The space is too deep and there is no private or hidden place except by isolating oneself in a bedroom, where there is no real peace, quiet or privacy (only visual). It is this fundamental problem that I see as a hindrance to true comfort and harmony with each other.

I would like to step back and look at how far FeF has come. I can't imagine living here without a dignified kitchen and food storage. I am grateful to have a place to gather in the shade, protected from the elements. Any building is better than what was here before, but I believe there is a lot to learn from being Hablab's first inhabitants.

==7.17.12==

Today's me and Fef's one month! Let's look back at this month's accomplishments:

Learned:

*basics of electrical wiring
*how to solder, wire breadboards, differentiate between diodes, capacitors, and resistors
*welding, surface grinding, milling, cutting, tapping,
*basics Solidworks
*using Virtual Machine to dual boot with alternative OS
*how to facilitate consensus style meetings

other:

*helped Aidan build a welding table
*saw torch table prototype II cut its first sheet
*drank milk warmed by cow utter
*abstained from smoking for 3 weeks and counting after two years of habit
*organized HabLab construction workspace
*built a pallet chair
*plastered much of HabLab's remaining rooms and walls
*organized Microtrac development, team building
*published Microtrac industry standards analysis
*surveyed 40 elevation data points at FeF

Today I helped Bri in the shop on milling and grinding more parts for Cold Saw, then surveyed 20 more points with Gabi. We are moving swiftly across the site. We will be skipping the tree line tomorrow and moving to FeF East

==7.16.12==
We started the day by prioritizing during our scrum meeting. We organized all the user stories by priority, then each person placed one post it note next to the project they wanted to work on. Yoonseo had placed three post it notes, and it was interesting to see how difficult it is for us to emotionally detach from the 2 or more projects to which we are committed. I chose surveying today.

Gabi and I surveyed 1000 ft of the property. We got 20 data points at 50 ft intervals. We will be developing a grid of elevation data points before making any major changes to the landscape (terraces, ponds, berms, swales). I think our main plan of action at present is to get the data points, mark the contours, and then go through with a string trimmer and lay all the plant stalks on contour to form "brush berms." Also called chop and drop technique. Ragweed is abundant here and the pollen is an allergen for many. So cutting it at the stalk in early fall and laying it on contour will help prevent erosion, allergies, spreading of seed, and build organic matter right where it is needed.

Surveying only took a couple hours for a thousand feet, and there was a bit of a learning curve, so we will be improving on our speed every day. The sun takes a lot out of me.

I worked for a couple hours with Bri on milling Cold Saw parts. I learned how to use a cutter on the mill and how to sharpen the cutter blade.

==7.13.12==
Got to work on milling more parts for Cold Saw. I learned how to tap a hole (making threads for bolts) and use the Bridgeport mill as a drill press. We also learned how to use a vice and torch to heat and bend pieces of metal into clean corners.

I am now researching long term water storage systems, the first being rainwater catchment from HabLab roof runoff. Read the report on rainwater harvesting, published [http://openfarmtech.org/wiki/Water here.] I do not know much about well drilling so feel free to update our research on deep wells on the aforementioned page.

==7.12.12==

I have been ill with what WebMD calls Gastroenteritis since Monday. It's time to bounce back! Marshall and I discussed CEB Hopper design changes on Monday. I plan to help draw up the new hopper design in Solidworks, if and when I can get it working on my Windows 7 Virtual Machine. I started a Google group called [https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!forum/microtractor-development Microtrac Development.] Dorkmo and Andrew Spina joined the discussion and we are defining a rubric to guide design of modular drive systems. We expect there will be many different use-cases where the unique needs of terrain, costs, ease of fabrication, etc will come into play.

Bri and Yoonseo are starting the first build of the [http://openfarmtech.org/wiki/Cold_Saw Cold Saw] today. I helped Bri mark some pieces for a motor mount and a blade guard. Bri demonstrated using a circle cutter with a torch, like a compass for torches. This machine is going to be so awesome. It is amazing to see how fast such a valuable tool can come together. All the fabrication drawings are uploaded on GitHub thanks to Yoonseo.

We held a meeting to assess the problem of clean water scarcity. We are now starting a new clean, sealed storage system with a few barrels; we hope this lowers the risk of sickness from washing or brushing teeth with the unfiltered water.

==7.6.12==

Worked more on Microtrac research today. Updated the [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnPs1ULLrKSZdDBENTdYSmVlcmlGTzZCSFJKS3hFcFE#gid=0 Status Brief.] Made some shelves for the back room of HabLab. We need as many shelves as we can get here.

==7.5.12==

Building progress is on hold until we get a better plan for the construction of the rest of Hablab. Marcin did not like our somewhat haphazard installation of the ceiling panels. I agree, there are gaps where mice can get in. He wants the building to "look good" as it is a showcase for CEB building. So Matt will be spending the rest of the week making plans for moving forward on construction. I spent a few hours on Microtrac research, published [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnPs1ULLrKSZdFFKZ00yYTRZVjVYdmRwRnlGTUNaMHc#gid=0 Industry Standards Analysis.] I am very excited to have discovered [http://www.kanga-loader.com/ Kanga Loaders out of Australia.] They are the first designers of mini loaders/ skid steers. in 1980 they created the concept of a motorized wheelbarrow. The prototype resembles the simple boxy frame of Lifetrac.

I have also decided I am not qualified to fully design Microtrac. Marcin had greater ambitions than me. I have mostly theoretical knowledge about the inner workings of tractors, engines, hydraulics, frame geometry. Research and development management is where my abilities lie. I would rather put my energy into pooling resources and contacts. I am willing to make preliminary drawings, as I do understand what works based on Industry Standards. As for reworking in Solidworks, I want to learn this, but I will need some guidance and support. I am very excited to be contributing to this project, and have direct interest in seeing Prototype II built before leaving in fall (I plan to use this in landscaping ponds, terraces, swales, berms, gardens, house foundations etc). I would like to begin developing the design at a workshop somewhere in Dallas or elsewhere.

==7.4.12==

Matt and I worked til five today putting up ceiling panels and stuffing with straw. We got about 90 sq ft installed. Made a bonfire and had a good time as a group.

==7.3.12==

We now have more raw milk than filtered water. I am drinking about two to one milk to water. I am surprised by how great I feel. I never drink this much milk, if any.
Matt and I started on installing ceiling panels and stuffing straw today. It was a bit of a rocky start as the screws kept falling as we were drilling. Once the panels were up it was fast work to stuff the cavities with straw. We need at least one extra hand to help installing panels. It is much more worthwhile work than doing wood 1x8 ceiling boards. All the toil of 15 minutes for a 3 ft ceiling panel is much better than cutting to size each board and taking thrice as long to secure 3 ft of wood, and less expensive. Maybe not as aesthetic, but aesthetic doesnt seem to be the theme of HabLab.

I am still slowly making progress on Microtrac Industry Standards Analysis spreadsheet. I would like to dedicate time to finishing today when I have a free hour. Also making a simple iteration of our new Microtrac design in Sketchup.

==7.2.12==

Lots of excitement here. Matt and I went over plans for finishing HabLab and cleaned up the construction workspace. We organized lumber into like piles, then [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJKS5vtEemw&feature=plcp I made CEB shelves and organized tools]. I feel much more calm and clear with everything organized.

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsi-nWcD-So&feature=context-cha Good cow is settling in] and loving the forage here (former primarily grain fed diet). Gabi says this is her 'spring fling' which means she is peaking in production as there is so much forage available.

I met with Marcin and discussed design changes for Microtrac. We will be using track designs similar to Bobcat, but with metal wheel design for ease of replication and interchangeability. The design will become even smaller as the power cube will be used as part of the structure. I enlisted the help of the Greek students to use their Solidworks skills for the first drawing.

==7.1.12==
Worked on plaster for most of the day. Aidan and Chris chipped in for a bit. I am grateful for the help. I have finished plastering almost two rooms. Matt, our construction director and I discussed plans for finishing construction of these rooms. I am very excited to work with him. I appreciate his care of research and planning before acting. We also talked about safety and organization. The rooms I have been working in have tools, lumber and materials in the way of paths and work space. Tomorrow we will work on cleaning up the rooms and organizing tools and materials. I still have some plaster left over that needs to be applied.

I came up with an idea for cooling HabLab that works into a bigger, unofficial plan for Creating Microclimate and Gathering Places Around HabLab. When I first arrived, I noticed the need for many improvements (I realize we are still in the construction phase). 1. social gathering space. this could take the form of outdoor rooms with food plants and trees serving as privacy hedges, and shade. 2. erosion control. I see terraces as the main strategy for surrounding Hablab with fertile soil, good food, shade, and prevention of flooding and erosion. Terraces with low sitting walls also serve as the main structure for creating gathering places. 3. Cooling and shade. We HabLab dwellers have observed most heat coming into the building is caused by reflection from the ground into the southern living room windows. When the bedroom doors are closed, the rooms stay an average of 10 degrees cooler in the day. We have discussed options for low energy cooling. Ideas include cross draft/stack effect ventilation, and earth cooling tubes. I am envisioning an arbor that spans at least the south facing windows, extending 10-15 ft in front of the house. This arbor would provide structure for growing kiwi, grapes, berries, and other deciduous edible vines. In the winter they die back, letting the low winter sun into the living room. This could also extend into the solar arc concept of having trees planted on the north, west, and east sides of a house to cool the building.

We had an awesome soccer game today, thanks to Aidan's diligence in creating a small field for us to host our games. It ended abruptly when the ball was kicked into a thorny locust tree. Bri and I let the chicks out and watched them chase each other and fight over mulberries and bugs.

==6.30.12==
Had our first house meeting today. Gabi taught consensus methods for decision making. We passed a meeting agenda around for people to write ideas they wanted to speak about. I liked what everyone had to say. We chose a structure for organizing chores, and discussed shop safety, cooperative food buying, workshop organization, and options for cooling HabLab. Spent a few hours stuccoing. Got one wall done, then spent the day at the lake. Aidan got a rowboat and picked us up. We went on a voyage and they tried to maroon me on the other side of the lake. Nice try Aidan.

==6.29.12==
Spent most of the day plastering. Got two walls done.

==6.28.12==
I attempted a digging knife for Gabi today, which proved to be unnecessary since we have hand shovels whose edges can be sharpened. Still I got to practice my welding and grinding skills.

==6.27.12==

Today was a food extravaganza. I started on sauerkraut, made a lentil soup and rice dinner for everyone, and showed Yoonseo how to make bread. He loves to document. Check out our [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Sourdough_Bread sourdough bread baking instructions]. I spent a few hours addressing envelopes to be sent worldwide to our kickstarter supporters. During late afternoon I joined Gabi and Aidan in the workshop and welded some pieces of metal together and called them hand hoes. Gabi needs hand tools for weeding and digging in the garden. Today I am going to make a digging knife.

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==6.26.12==

Aidan and I spent most of the afternoon running around Maysville and Cameron shopping for envelopes and stamps to mail the kickstarter rewards. We returned around 4 and I spent the rest of the day plastering the east rooms. Need to figure out how to control the quality of the plaster. Had a good bean lentil chili made by Gabi and then Yoonseo and I got straight to our breadboard temperature controller lesson. We worked from 9 til midnight. By the end of the night I knew how to solder, wire breadboards, differentiate between diodes, capacitors, and resistors. I liked the way Yoonseo teaches. We first went over basic principles of Ohm's theory of resistance, roles of diodes, capacitors, resistors, and general layout of the circuit. He had me solder a few practice wires and then we got right to building the board. By then end of the night I was exhausted.

==6.24.12==

12.15AM
After Scrum, familiarized myself with the Flashy XM Control Panel. It was overwhelming at first, but now I see it as a helpful and innovative tool to organize research and development. Spent rest of today stuccoing the outer south wall. Had a good day working alone and getting back to mud plastering. I missed working with earthen plasters. It reminds me of working on the pallet house with [http://texasnaturalbuilders.info Texas Natural Builders] in Pine Ridge, SD. Yoonseo and I finally gave up trying to install Ubuntu from a USB Flash Drive containing a bootable .DMG file. He gave in to everyone's advice to use Virtual Machine. It was a fast and easy success. Documentation is here:
http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Ubuntu_Mac
^Needs peer review from Mac users interested in running Ubuntu^

Plan for tomorrow:

#Help Yoonseo with peer review. (the ability to peer review his work using Ubuntu was the main reason for our research, plus I wanted to try it anyway).
#Start filling out Industry Standards Analysis spreadsheet for Microtrac.
#Plaster East rooms

==6.23.12==

Woke up, heard the rain and was so grateful that the cardboard and hay got a nice soaking. Gabi covered the paths in the garden with cardboard just before the storm. There were 30 mph winds heading straight north. I hope the Hablab will be able to handle 60 mph, because we were all scared watching the overhangs rattle. Today I plan to work on the new scrum board, get kickstarter magnets punched and counted. We need 380.
...1 AM: Scrum board is up and magnets are punched. Aidan is testing the magnets to see if they can be glued to the punches. I made a sweet potato stew for the group, conversed with a Polish family from Chicago about systemic change, helped Aidan clean up the kitchen. Today is my sixth day here, and I feel comfortable, empowered, and free. I love everyone I have met here and I am looking forward to starting production runs of the Liberator. The workshop is getting close to optimal efficiency and organization! Soon we will be able to cut sheet metal with the torch table instead of by hand. I want to do an update video with Gabi on the garden progress tomorrow, make some shower curtain rods, and go to the lake and drink beer and swim. I have learned to keep my intentions focused on my desires and needs, but to relinquish expectations and assumptions. I dont know if I will be able to do what I want, only the goal.

==6.22.12==

Today was workshop organization. We started by finalizing our shop layout in Sketchup with Chris, Aidan and Aaron. I am amazed to see all we did today. Update vid from tonight on shop organization.

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I periodically glanced at the work Gabi and Aidan were doing in the field, plowing and fence building. There are many lessons to be learned from the Lifetrac that will benefit Microtrac prototype II.

1. Width must be narrow to be able to spin in place.

2. Needs rear attachment for plows and other towed implements

3. Loader arm shaft must be placed farther back to prevent tipping.

More to come later. Feel free to add to this list.

From 5-9PM Gabi and I finished up working in the garden. We tweaked the beds' height and width, covered with soaked cardboard and hay. Tomorrow we will fill in the paths with either carpet or cardboard. We will be planting corn, beans, and squash on the north side and sorghum and millet on the south. I have enjoyed the freedom to choose how I spend my time. I spent a few hours organizing in the shop and a few in the garden. And I am glad to work longer hours rather than appeasing a boss's demands. I look forward to be able to direct my own work AND carve out a locally sufficient enterprise based on GVCS. Vann arrived today. He will be working on gathering a remote team to develop the power inverter. When Gabi and I finished we returned to Hablab and yum pasta and soup made by Aidan and Yoonseo.

==6.19.12==

15 Chicks went outside today for the first time.
Started the day by repairing wires and extending the welding power to the southeast corner of the shop. We rearranged and cleaned the scrum board to accommodate for general/daily house tasks on one board and specific shop/agriculture tasks on the other. Aidan and I worked on building another welding table. I spent about an hour machining four small squares with holes for the legs, my first time using the mag drill and abrasive saw. Aidan and I were both frustrated when we discovered none of the power cubes were working, so we were not able to use the iron worker. I was amazed by how fast the ironworker is compared with the abrasive saw. We just have a little more to do tomorrow and we will have a new table! I am really grateful to have Aidan guiding and helping me develop my skills. Yoonseo hosted a great class on Solidworks. I am trying to download Windows 7 so I can dualboot and use Solidworks on Mac.

==6.18.12==

To Do this week

Clean up of shop and Hablab, familiarize myself with organization of shop

refine short/long term work plan,

Solidworks class with Yoonseo, Microtrac Mob?

Plaster "hotel rooms"

...ended up killing the chick with the splayed leg. I am relieved she didnt suffer any longer.. Heavy breathing, somewhat immobile. I am glad to have the support of everyone here as this was my first time killing an animal. Gabi helped me with some words of gratitude towards the thing...

Participated in my first Scrum meeting and helped organize tools, shelves, and tables. Rewired the welding cables overhead, learned about wiring. Learned how the power inverter works. Practiced my first ever weld. Helped Aidan grind down some newly built welding tables. Tomorrow I will help make another welding table and practice more welding and grinding. We set up the new welding area at the end of the day. After dark we saw the first ever cutting of metal with the CNC Torch table Prototype 2. Very exciting! The neighbor and local gardener Walt brought over a cake, and it just so happens it is Yoonseo's birthday. I made lentil soup and then we celebrated with cake and presents for Yoonseo.

==6.17.12==

Jose left today, along with Creation Flame who brought Bri along for a week. My Dad got up at dawn to go back to Dallas. I wish he had been able to stay with us on Father's Day.
Aaron and Gabi went to pay for the new resident cow, while Yoonseo, Chris, Darren and I went to Pony Express lake and enjoyed swimming, eating, drinking, napping. Aaron met us after returning from the trip to pay for the cow. I enjoyed the constructive discussions had while at the lake. We grilled some meat on the campfire behind Hablab when we got back.
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grilling on Darren's last night at FeF

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==6.16.12==

My dad and I spent all day today driving, arrived around 7. First thing we saw was the tricked out LifeTrac. We were welcomed Chris DeAngelis, and Aaron from Creation Flame. Witnessed some torch table testing. Learned a bit about stepper motors. Met the rest of the crew over at Hablab as they finished a day of stuccoing. The plaster is looking really smooth and strong for being just sand/clay. I am guessing this is because of the sand used, with its irregular, sharp grains. We were also introduced to the new flock of chicks in the incubator. A couple were having a hard time hatching, and Aaron assured me it will damage their muscles and bones to pick the shell away. It was eventually ignored and helped out of the shell and we now have a chick with a splayed leg. Not sure what to do, but it was a very direct learning experience. Trust the gentle voice in your heart!

[[Image: rod_phillips.jpg|Rod Phillips]]

[[Category: Graham]]

User:Graham Robertson

2012-07-20T06:32:15Z

Graham Robertson:

=Contact=
grobertson29@gmail.com
Skype: grobertson29

=Work Plan/ Contract=

http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Graham_Robertson_Contract

=Log=
==7.19.12==

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Here is what I have been working on since last weekend with Bri, Aidan, Yoonseo, and Alex. I helped Bri mill, drill, grind, and tap while learning how to use the mill and surface grinder and work on welding. We had a lot of fun building this thing, and we will be able to use it to cut parts to make more cold saws and more!

I plan to use the skills I learned this week in CEB production runs, and prototyping Microtrac II, which is now being reworked in Solidworks by Aidan. Andrew Spina is developing a [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Akre6PDjx-eFdEVadHN2NG5haTNVbFNnWWRuZW9ZV2c#gid=0 rubric for modular drive systems], specifically for suburban use cases. I imagine more drive system rubrics will be developed for small farm and construction purposes. I think we can also assume different sets of implements will be needed for certain use cases:

*farming: tillers, chippers, mowers, balers, buckets, backhoe
*suburban: mowers, tillers, snow throwers
*construction: trenchers, buckets, backhoe, levelers, concrete mixers, etc.

Dorkmo has generated some [https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0BwxMMqGvwTM-T242Vmo5Y1Y5T28/edit?pli=1 awesome tracks CAD], designed to be cut on the Torch Table prototype II. Again developments can be closely followed on [https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!forum/microtractor-development Microtrac Google group]. The mailing list is open to the public.

We still need to create a survey for SMEs on frame geometry, hydraulic design, motor/shaft supports, track design, implement designers, mini/loader/skid steer industry insiders.

==7.18.12==

Today was the last day working with Bri and I am really grateful for her willingness to train us on the mill, welding, tapping, etc. Also thanks to Aidan for guiding me in the shop during my first days and everyone here for welcoming me to the FeF community. I am thrilled to know you all and share this exciting work.

We started assembling the Cold Saw around dusk today, and have tomorrow morning before Bri leaves to get as far as we can. I will do a Scrum update before she leaves. Also painting the Ironworker!

I am lying in bed and feeling guilty about asking the Greeks to go to bed at 1 AM.. Sometimes it is hard to understand people because you are constantly together. I am having a hard time caring for others' needs because I am losing sleep due to their noise. I wish there were more thin building wings where people are able to party and enjoy themselves without disturbing others, or being disturbed. I am sad to say I believe the cause is in the building's design. The space is too deep and there is no private or hidden place except by isolating oneself in a bedroom, where there is no real peace, quiet or privacy (only visual). It is this fundamental problem that I see as a hindrance to true comfort and harmony with each other.

I would like to step back and look at how far FeF has come. I can't imagine living here without a dignified kitchen and food storage. I am grateful to have a place to gather in the shade, protected from the elements. Any building is better than what was here before, but I believe there is a lot to learn from being Hablab's first inhabitants.

==7.17.12==

Today's me and Fef's one month! Let's look back at this month's accomplishments:

Learned:

*basics of electrical wiring
*how to solder, wire breadboards, differentiate between diodes, capacitors, and resistors
*welding, surface grinding, milling, cutting, tapping,
*basics Solidworks
*using Virtual Machine to dual boot with alternative OS
*how to facilitate consensus style meetings

other:

*helped Aidan build a welding table
*saw torch table prototype II cut its first sheet
*drank milk warmed by cow utter
*abstained from smoking for 3 weeks and counting after two years of habit
*organized HabLab construction workspace
*built a pallet chair
*plastered much of HabLab's remaining rooms and walls
*organized Microtrac development, team building
*published Microtrac industry standards analysis
*surveyed 40 elevation data points at FeF

Today I helped Bri in the shop on milling and grinding more parts for Cold Saw, then surveyed 20 more points with Gabi. We are moving swiftly across the site. We will be skipping the tree line tomorrow and moving to FeF East

==7.16.12==
We started the day by prioritizing during our scrum meeting. We organized all the user stories by priority, then each person placed one post it note next to the project they wanted to work on. Yoonseo had placed three post it notes, and it was interesting to see how difficult it is for us to emotionally detach from the 2 or more projects to which we are committed. I chose surveying today.

Gabi and I surveyed 1000 ft of the property. We got 20 data points at 50 ft intervals. We will be developing a grid of elevation data points before making any major changes to the landscape (terraces, ponds, berms, swales). I think our main plan of action at present is to get the data points, mark the contours, and then go through with a string trimmer and lay all the plant stalks on contour to form "brush berms." Also called chop and drop technique. Ragweed is abundant here and the pollen is an allergen for many. So cutting it at the stalk in early fall and laying it on contour will help prevent erosion, allergies, spreading of seed, and build organic matter right where it is needed.

Surveying only took a couple hours for a thousand feet, and there was a bit of a learning curve, so we will be improving on our speed every day. The sun takes a lot out of me.

I worked for a couple hours with Bri on milling Cold Saw parts. I learned how to use a cutter on the mill and how to sharpen the cutter blade.

==7.13.12==
Got to work on milling more parts for Cold Saw. I learned how to tap a hole (making threads for bolts) and use the Bridgeport mill as a drill press. We also learned how to use a vice and torch to heat and bend pieces of metal into clean corners.

I am now researching long term water storage systems, the first being rainwater catchment from HabLab roof runoff. Read the report on rainwater harvesting, published [http://openfarmtech.org/wiki/Water here.] I do not know much about well drilling so feel free to update our research on deep wells on the aforementioned page.

==7.12.12==

I have been ill with what WebMD calls Gastroenteritis since Monday. It's time to bounce back! Marshall and I discussed CEB Hopper design changes on Monday. I plan to help draw up the new hopper design in Solidworks, if and when I can get it working on my Windows 7 Virtual Machine. I started a Google group called [https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!forum/microtractor-development Microtrac Development.] Dorkmo and Andrew Spina joined the discussion and we are defining a rubric to guide design of modular drive systems. We expect there will be many different use-cases where the unique needs of terrain, costs, ease of fabrication, etc will come into play.

Bri and Yoonseo are starting the first build of the [http://openfarmtech.org/wiki/Cold_Saw Cold Saw] today. I helped Bri mark some pieces for a motor mount and a blade guard. Bri demonstrated using a circle cutter with a torch, like a compass for torches. This machine is going to be so awesome. It is amazing to see how fast such a valuable tool can come together. All the fabrication drawings are uploaded on GitHub thanks to Yoonseo.

We held a meeting to assess the problem of clean water scarcity. We are now starting a new clean, sealed storage system with a few barrels; we hope this lowers the risk of sickness from washing or brushing teeth with the unfiltered water.

==7.6.12==

Worked more on Microtrac research today. Updated the [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnPs1ULLrKSZdDBENTdYSmVlcmlGTzZCSFJKS3hFcFE#gid=0 Status Brief.] Made some shelves for the back room of HabLab. We need as many shelves as we can get here.

==7.5.12==

Building progress is on hold until we get a better plan for the construction of the rest of Hablab. Marcin did not like our somewhat haphazard installation of the ceiling panels. I agree, there are gaps where mice can get in. He wants the building to "look good" as it is a showcase for CEB building. So Matt will be spending the rest of the week making plans for moving forward on construction. I spent a few hours on Microtrac research, published [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnPs1ULLrKSZdFFKZ00yYTRZVjVYdmRwRnlGTUNaMHc#gid=0 Industry Standards Analysis.] I am very excited to have discovered [http://www.kanga-loader.com/ Kanga Loaders out of Australia.] They are the first designers of mini loaders/ skid steers. in 1980 they created the concept of a motorized wheelbarrow. The prototype resembles the simple boxy frame of Lifetrac.

I have also decided I am not qualified to fully design Microtrac. Marcin had greater ambitions than me. I have mostly theoretical knowledge about the inner workings of tractors, engines, hydraulics, frame geometry. Research and development management is where my abilities lie. I would rather put my energy into pooling resources and contacts. I am willing to make preliminary drawings, as I do understand what works based on Industry Standards. As for reworking in Solidworks, I want to learn this, but I will need some guidance and support. I am very excited to be contributing to this project, and have direct interest in seeing Prototype II built before leaving in fall (I plan to use this in landscaping ponds, terraces, swales, berms, gardens, house foundations etc). I would like to begin developing the design at a workshop somewhere in Dallas or elsewhere.

==7.4.12==

Matt and I worked til five today putting up ceiling panels and stuffing with straw. We got about 90 sq ft installed. Made a bonfire and had a good time as a group.

==7.3.12==

We now have more raw milk than filtered water. I am drinking about two to one milk to water. I am surprised by how great I feel. I never drink this much milk, if any.
Matt and I started on installing ceiling panels and stuffing straw today. It was a bit of a rocky start as the screws kept falling as we were drilling. Once the panels were up it was fast work to stuff the cavities with straw. We need at least one extra hand to help installing panels. It is much more worthwhile work than doing wood 1x8 ceiling boards. All the toil of 15 minutes for a 3 ft ceiling panel is much better than cutting to size each board and taking thrice as long to secure 3 ft of wood, and less expensive. Maybe not as aesthetic, but aesthetic doesnt seem to be the theme of HabLab.

I am still slowly making progress on Microtrac Industry Standards Analysis spreadsheet. I would like to dedicate time to finishing today when I have a free hour. Also making a simple iteration of our new Microtrac design in Sketchup.

==7.2.12==

Lots of excitement here. Matt and I went over plans for finishing HabLab and cleaned up the construction workspace. We organized lumber into like piles, then [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJKS5vtEemw&feature=plcp I made CEB shelves and organized tools]. I feel much more calm and clear with everything organized.

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsi-nWcD-So&feature=context-cha Good cow is settling in] and loving the forage here (former primarily grain fed diet). Gabi says this is her 'spring fling' which means she is peaking in production as there is so much forage available.

I met with Marcin and discussed design changes for Microtrac. We will be using track designs similar to Bobcat, but with metal wheel design for ease of replication and interchangeability. The design will become even smaller as the power cube will be used as part of the structure. I enlisted the help of the Greek students to use their Solidworks skills for the first drawing.

==7.1.12==
Worked on plaster for most of the day. Aidan and Chris chipped in for a bit. I am grateful for the help. I have finished plastering almost two rooms. Matt, our construction director and I discussed plans for finishing construction of these rooms. I am very excited to work with him. I appreciate his care of research and planning before acting. We also talked about safety and organization. The rooms I have been working in have tools, lumber and materials in the way of paths and work space. Tomorrow we will work on cleaning up the rooms and organizing tools and materials. I still have some plaster left over that needs to be applied.

I came up with an idea for cooling HabLab that works into a bigger, unofficial plan for Creating Microclimate and Gathering Places Around HabLab. When I first arrived, I noticed the need for many improvements (I realize we are still in the construction phase). 1. social gathering space. this could take the form of outdoor rooms with food plants and trees serving as privacy hedges, and shade. 2. erosion control. I see terraces as the main strategy for surrounding Hablab with fertile soil, good food, shade, and prevention of flooding and erosion. Terraces with low sitting walls also serve as the main structure for creating gathering places. 3. Cooling and shade. We HabLab dwellers have observed most heat coming into the building is caused by reflection from the ground into the southern living room windows. When the bedroom doors are closed, the rooms stay an average of 10 degrees cooler in the day. We have discussed options for low energy cooling. Ideas include cross draft/stack effect ventilation, and earth cooling tubes. I am envisioning an arbor that spans at least the south facing windows, extending 10-15 ft in front of the house. This arbor would provide structure for growing kiwi, grapes, berries, and other deciduous edible vines. In the winter they die back, letting the low winter sun into the living room. This could also extend into the solar arc concept of having trees planted on the north, west, and east sides of a house to cool the building.

We had an awesome soccer game today, thanks to Aidan's diligence in creating a small field for us to host our games. It ended abruptly when the ball was kicked into a thorny locust tree. Bri and I let the chicks out and watched them chase each other and fight over mulberries and bugs.

==6.30.12==
Had our first house meeting today. Gabi taught consensus methods for decision making. We passed a meeting agenda around for people to write ideas they wanted to speak about. I liked what everyone had to say. We chose a structure for organizing chores, and discussed shop safety, cooperative food buying, workshop organization, and options for cooling HabLab. Spent a few hours stuccoing. Got one wall done, then spent the day at the lake. Aidan got a rowboat and picked us up. We went on a voyage and they tried to maroon me on the other side of the lake. Nice try Aidan.

==6.29.12==
Spent most of the day plastering. Got two walls done.

==6.28.12==
I attempted a digging knife for Gabi today, which proved to be unnecessary since we have hand shovels whose edges can be sharpened. Still I got to practice my welding and grinding skills.

==6.27.12==

Today was a food extravaganza. I started on sauerkraut, made a lentil soup and rice dinner for everyone, and showed Yoonseo how to make bread. He loves to document. Check out our [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Sourdough_Bread sourdough bread baking instructions]. I spent a few hours addressing envelopes to be sent worldwide to our kickstarter supporters. During late afternoon I joined Gabi and Aidan in the workshop and welded some pieces of metal together and called them hand hoes. Gabi needs hand tools for weeding and digging in the garden. Today I am going to make a digging knife.

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==6.26.12==

Aidan and I spent most of the afternoon running around Maysville and Cameron shopping for envelopes and stamps to mail the kickstarter rewards. We returned around 4 and I spent the rest of the day plastering the east rooms. Need to figure out how to control the quality of the plaster. Had a good bean lentil chili made by Gabi and then Yoonseo and I got straight to our breadboard temperature controller lesson. We worked from 9 til midnight. By the end of the night I knew how to solder, wire breadboards, differentiate between diodes, capacitors, and resistors. I liked the way Yoonseo teaches. We first went over basic principles of Ohm's theory of resistance, roles of diodes, capacitors, resistors, and general layout of the circuit. He had me solder a few practice wires and then we got right to building the board. By then end of the night I was exhausted.

==6.24.12==

12.15AM
After Scrum, familiarized myself with the Flashy XM Control Panel. It was overwhelming at first, but now I see it as a helpful and innovative tool to organize research and development. Spent rest of today stuccoing the outer south wall. Had a good day working alone and getting back to mud plastering. I missed working with earthen plasters. It reminds me of working on the pallet house with [http://texasnaturalbuilders.info Texas Natural Builders] in Pine Ridge, SD. Yoonseo and I finally gave up trying to install Ubuntu from a USB Flash Drive containing a bootable .DMG file. He gave in to everyone's advice to use Virtual Machine. It was a fast and easy success. Documentation is here:
http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Ubuntu_Mac
^Needs peer review from Mac users interested in running Ubuntu^

Plan for tomorrow:

#Help Yoonseo with peer review. (the ability to peer review his work using Ubuntu was the main reason for our research, plus I wanted to try it anyway).
#Start filling out Industry Standards Analysis spreadsheet for Microtrac.
#Plaster East rooms

==6.23.12==

Woke up, heard the rain and was so grateful that the cardboard and hay got a nice soaking. Gabi covered the paths in the garden with cardboard just before the storm. There were 30 mph winds heading straight north. I hope the Hablab will be able to handle 60 mph, because we were all scared watching the overhangs rattle. Today I plan to work on the new scrum board, get kickstarter magnets punched and counted. We need 380.
...1 AM: Scrum board is up and magnets are punched. Aidan is testing the magnets to see if they can be glued to the punches. I made a sweet potato stew for the group, conversed with a Polish family from Chicago about systemic change, helped Aidan clean up the kitchen. Today is my sixth day here, and I feel comfortable, empowered, and free. I love everyone I have met here and I am looking forward to starting production runs of the Liberator. The workshop is getting close to optimal efficiency and organization! Soon we will be able to cut sheet metal with the torch table instead of by hand. I want to do an update video with Gabi on the garden progress tomorrow, make some shower curtain rods, and go to the lake and drink beer and swim. I have learned to keep my intentions focused on my desires and needs, but to relinquish expectations and assumptions. I dont know if I will be able to do what I want, only the goal.

==6.22.12==

Today was workshop organization. We started by finalizing our shop layout in Sketchup with Chris, Aidan and Aaron. I am amazed to see all we did today. Update vid from tonight on shop organization.

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I periodically glanced at the work Gabi and Aidan were doing in the field, plowing and fence building. There are many lessons to be learned from the Lifetrac that will benefit Microtrac prototype II.

1. Width must be narrow to be able to spin in place.

2. Needs rear attachment for plows and other towed implements

3. Loader arm shaft must be placed farther back to prevent tipping.

More to come later. Feel free to add to this list.

From 5-9PM Gabi and I finished up working in the garden. We tweaked the beds' height and width, covered with soaked cardboard and hay. Tomorrow we will fill in the paths with either carpet or cardboard. We will be planting corn, beans, and squash on the north side and sorghum and millet on the south. I have enjoyed the freedom to choose how I spend my time. I spent a few hours organizing in the shop and a few in the garden. And I am glad to work longer hours rather than appeasing a boss's demands. I look forward to be able to direct my own work AND carve out a locally sufficient enterprise based on GVCS. Vann arrived today. He will be working on gathering a remote team to develop the power inverter. When Gabi and I finished we returned to Hablab and yum pasta and soup made by Aidan and Yoonseo.

==6.19.12==

15 Chicks went outside today for the first time.
Started the day by repairing wires and extending the welding power to the southeast corner of the shop. We rearranged and cleaned the scrum board to accommodate for general/daily house tasks on one board and specific shop/agriculture tasks on the other. Aidan and I worked on building another welding table. I spent about an hour machining four small squares with holes for the legs, my first time using the mag drill and abrasive saw. Aidan and I were both frustrated when we discovered none of the power cubes were working, so we were not able to use the iron worker. I was amazed by how fast the ironworker is compared with the abrasive saw. We just have a little more to do tomorrow and we will have a new table! I am really grateful to have Aidan guiding and helping me develop my skills. Yoonseo hosted a great class on Solidworks. I am trying to download Windows 7 so I can dualboot and use Solidworks on Mac.

==6.18.12==

To Do this week

Clean up of shop and Hablab, familiarize myself with organization of shop

refine short/long term work plan,

Solidworks class with Yoonseo, Microtrac Mob?

Plaster "hotel rooms"

...ended up killing the chick with the splayed leg. I am relieved she didnt suffer any longer.. Heavy breathing, somewhat immobile. I am glad to have the support of everyone here as this was my first time killing an animal. Gabi helped me with some words of gratitude towards the thing...

Participated in my first Scrum meeting and helped organize tools, shelves, and tables. Rewired the welding cables overhead, learned about wiring. Learned how the power inverter works. Practiced my first ever weld. Helped Aidan grind down some newly built welding tables. Tomorrow I will help make another welding table and practice more welding and grinding. We set up the new welding area at the end of the day. After dark we saw the first ever cutting of metal with the CNC Torch table Prototype 2. Very exciting! The neighbor and local gardener Walt brought over a cake, and it just so happens it is Yoonseo's birthday. I made lentil soup and then we celebrated with cake and presents for Yoonseo.

==6.17.12==

Jose left today, along with Creation Flame who brought Bri along for a week. My Dad got up at dawn to go back to Dallas. I wish he had been able to stay with us on Father's Day.
Aaron and Gabi went to pay for the new resident cow, while Yoonseo, Chris, Darren and I went to Pony Express lake and enjoyed swimming, eating, drinking, napping. Aaron met us after returning from the trip to pay for the cow. I enjoyed the constructive discussions had while at the lake. We grilled some meat on the campfire behind Hablab when we got back.
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grilling on Darren's last night at FeF

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==6.16.12==

My dad and I spent all day today driving, arrived around 7. First thing we saw was the tricked out LifeTrac. We were welcomed Chris DeAngelis, and Aaron from Creation Flame. Witnessed some torch table testing. Learned a bit about stepper motors. Met the rest of the crew over at Hablab as they finished a day of stuccoing. The plaster is looking really smooth and strong for being just sand/clay. I am guessing this is because of the sand used, with its irregular, sharp grains. We were also introduced to the new flock of chicks in the incubator. A couple were having a hard time hatching, and Aaron assured me it will damage their muscles and bones to pick the shell away. It was eventually ignored and helped out of the shell and we now have a chick with a splayed leg. Not sure what to do, but it was a very direct learning experience. Trust the gentle voice in your heart!

[[Image: rod_phillips.jpg|Rod Phillips]]

[[Category: Graham]]

Graham Microtrac

2012-07-20T06:28:43Z

Graham Robertson: /* Proposal for Prototype II */

New Frame concept:

http://www.mediafire.com/?mcbdc8d84w3tata

[[Category:Microtractor]]

=Track Design=

==James Slade's Bobcat Tracks==

Can we replicate this? How easy can we make fabrication of sufficiently functional tracks?

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=Tracked Machines=

*http://www.heavyequipmentforums.com/showthread.php?1199-Aveling-Barford-Calfdozer

[[Image:calfdozer.jpg|thumb]]

=Track Designs=

[[Image: tracks14.jpg|thumb|left]]
https://docs.google.com/folder/d/0BwxMMqGvwTM-T242Vmo5Y1Y5T28/edit

User:Graham Robertson

2012-07-19T06:30:32Z

Graham Robertson:

=Contact=
grobertson29@gmail.com
Skype: grobertson29

=Work Plan/ Contract=

http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Graham_Robertson_Contract

=Log=

==7.18.12==

Today was the last day working with Bri and I am really grateful for her willingness to train us on the mill, welding, tapping, etc. Also thanks to Aidan for guiding me in the shop during my first days and everyone here for welcoming me to the FeF community. I am thrilled to know you all and share this exciting work.

We started assembling the Cold Saw around dusk today, and have tomorrow morning before Bri leaves to get as far as we can. I will do a Scrum update before she leaves. Also painting the Ironworker!

I am lying in bed and feeling guilty about asking the Greeks to go to bed at 1 AM.. Sometimes it is hard to understand people because you are constantly together. I am having a hard time caring for others' needs because I am losing sleep due to their noise. I wish there were more thin building wings where people are able to party and enjoy themselves without disturbing others, or being disturbed. I am sad to say I believe the cause is in the building's design. The space is too deep and there is no private or hidden place except by isolating oneself in a bedroom, where there is no real peace, quiet or privacy (only visual). It is this fundamental problem that I see as a hindrance to true comfort and harmony with each other.

I would like to step back and look at how far FeF has come. I can't imagine living here without a dignified kitchen and food storage. I am grateful to have a place to gather in the shade, protected from the elements. Any building is better than what was here before, but I believe there is a lot to learn from being Hablab's first inhabitants.

==7.17.12==

Today's me and Fef's one month! Let's look back at this month's accomplishments:

Learned:

*basics of electrical wiring
*how to solder, wire breadboards, differentiate between diodes, capacitors, and resistors
*welding, surface grinding, milling, cutting, tapping,
*basics Solidworks
*using Virtual Machine to dual boot with alternative OS
*how to facilitate consensus style meetings

other:

*helped Aidan build a welding table
*saw torch table prototype II cut its first sheet
*drank milk warmed by cow utter
*abstained from smoking for 3 weeks and counting after two years of habit
*organized HabLab construction workspace
*built a pallet chair
*plastered much of HabLab's remaining rooms and walls
*organized Microtrac development, team building
*published Microtrac industry standards analysis
*surveyed 40 elevation data points at FeF

Today I helped Bri in the shop on milling and grinding more parts for Cold Saw, then surveyed 20 more points with Gabi. We are moving swiftly across the site. We will be skipping the tree line tomorrow and moving to FeF East

==7.16.12==
We started the day by prioritizing during our scrum meeting. We organized all the user stories by priority, then each person placed one post it note next to the project they wanted to work on. Yoonseo had placed three post it notes, and it was interesting to see how difficult it is for us to emotionally detach from the 2 or more projects to which we are committed. I chose surveying today.

Gabi and I surveyed 1000 ft of the property. We got 20 data points at 50 ft intervals. We will be developing a grid of elevation data points before making any major changes to the landscape (terraces, ponds, berms, swales). I think our main plan of action at present is to get the data points, mark the contours, and then go through with a string trimmer and lay all the plant stalks on contour to form "brush berms." Also called chop and drop technique. Ragweed is abundant here and the pollen is an allergen for many. So cutting it at the stalk in early fall and laying it on contour will help prevent erosion, allergies, spreading of seed, and build organic matter right where it is needed.

Surveying only took a couple hours for a thousand feet, and there was a bit of a learning curve, so we will be improving on our speed every day. The sun takes a lot out of me.

I worked for a couple hours with Bri on milling Cold Saw parts. I learned how to use a cutter on the mill and how to sharpen the cutter blade.

==7.13.12==
Got to work on milling more parts for Cold Saw. I learned how to tap a hole (making threads for bolts) and use the Bridgeport mill as a drill press. We also learned how to use a vice and torch to heat and bend pieces of metal into clean corners.

I am now researching long term water storage systems, the first being rainwater catchment from HabLab roof runoff. Read the report on rainwater harvesting, published [http://openfarmtech.org/wiki/Water here.] I do not know much about well drilling so feel free to update our research on deep wells on the aforementioned page.

==7.12.12==

I have been ill with what WebMD calls Gastroenteritis since Monday. It's time to bounce back! Marshall and I discussed CEB Hopper design changes on Monday. I plan to help draw up the new hopper design in Solidworks, if and when I can get it working on my Windows 7 Virtual Machine. I started a Google group called [https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!forum/microtractor-development Microtrac Development.] Dorkmo and Andrew Spina joined the discussion and we are defining a rubric to guide design of modular drive systems. We expect there will be many different use-cases where the unique needs of terrain, costs, ease of fabrication, etc will come into play.

Bri and Yoonseo are starting the first build of the [http://openfarmtech.org/wiki/Cold_Saw Cold Saw] today. I helped Bri mark some pieces for a motor mount and a blade guard. Bri demonstrated using a circle cutter with a torch, like a compass for torches. This machine is going to be so awesome. It is amazing to see how fast such a valuable tool can come together. All the fabrication drawings are uploaded on GitHub thanks to Yoonseo.

We held a meeting to assess the problem of clean water scarcity. We are now starting a new clean, sealed storage system with a few barrels; we hope this lowers the risk of sickness from washing or brushing teeth with the unfiltered water.

==7.6.12==

Worked more on Microtrac research today. Updated the [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnPs1ULLrKSZdDBENTdYSmVlcmlGTzZCSFJKS3hFcFE#gid=0 Status Brief.] Made some shelves for the back room of HabLab. We need as many shelves as we can get here.

==7.5.12==

Building progress is on hold until we get a better plan for the construction of the rest of Hablab. Marcin did not like our somewhat haphazard installation of the ceiling panels. I agree, there are gaps where mice can get in. He wants the building to "look good" as it is a showcase for CEB building. So Matt will be spending the rest of the week making plans for moving forward on construction. I spent a few hours on Microtrac research, published [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AnPs1ULLrKSZdFFKZ00yYTRZVjVYdmRwRnlGTUNaMHc#gid=0 Industry Standards Analysis.] I am very excited to have discovered [http://www.kanga-loader.com/ Kanga Loaders out of Australia.] They are the first designers of mini loaders/ skid steers. in 1980 they created the concept of a motorized wheelbarrow. The prototype resembles the simple boxy frame of Lifetrac.

I have also decided I am not qualified to fully design Microtrac. Marcin had greater ambitions than me. I have mostly theoretical knowledge about the inner workings of tractors, engines, hydraulics, frame geometry. Research and development management is where my abilities lie. I would rather put my energy into pooling resources and contacts. I am willing to make preliminary drawings, as I do understand what works based on Industry Standards. As for reworking in Solidworks, I want to learn this, but I will need some guidance and support. I am very excited to be contributing to this project, and have direct interest in seeing Prototype II built before leaving in fall (I plan to use this in landscaping ponds, terraces, swales, berms, gardens, house foundations etc). I would like to begin developing the design at a workshop somewhere in Dallas or elsewhere.

==7.4.12==

Matt and I worked til five today putting up ceiling panels and stuffing with straw. We got about 90 sq ft installed. Made a bonfire and had a good time as a group.

==7.3.12==

We now have more raw milk than filtered water. I am drinking about two to one milk to water. I am surprised by how great I feel. I never drink this much milk, if any.
Matt and I started on installing ceiling panels and stuffing straw today. It was a bit of a rocky start as the screws kept falling as we were drilling. Once the panels were up it was fast work to stuff the cavities with straw. We need at least one extra hand to help installing panels. It is much more worthwhile work than doing wood 1x8 ceiling boards. All the toil of 15 minutes for a 3 ft ceiling panel is much better than cutting to size each board and taking thrice as long to secure 3 ft of wood, and less expensive. Maybe not as aesthetic, but aesthetic doesnt seem to be the theme of HabLab.

I am still slowly making progress on Microtrac Industry Standards Analysis spreadsheet. I would like to dedicate time to finishing today when I have a free hour. Also making a simple iteration of our new Microtrac design in Sketchup.

==7.2.12==

Lots of excitement here. Matt and I went over plans for finishing HabLab and cleaned up the construction workspace. We organized lumber into like piles, then [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJKS5vtEemw&feature=plcp I made CEB shelves and organized tools]. I feel much more calm and clear with everything organized.

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsi-nWcD-So&feature=context-cha Good cow is settling in] and loving the forage here (former primarily grain fed diet). Gabi says this is her 'spring fling' which means she is peaking in production as there is so much forage available.

I met with Marcin and discussed design changes for Microtrac. We will be using track designs similar to Bobcat, but with metal wheel design for ease of replication and interchangeability. The design will become even smaller as the power cube will be used as part of the structure. I enlisted the help of the Greek students to use their Solidworks skills for the first drawing.

==7.1.12==
Worked on plaster for most of the day. Aidan and Chris chipped in for a bit. I am grateful for the help. I have finished plastering almost two rooms. Matt, our construction director and I discussed plans for finishing construction of these rooms. I am very excited to work with him. I appreciate his care of research and planning before acting. We also talked about safety and organization. The rooms I have been working in have tools, lumber and materials in the way of paths and work space. Tomorrow we will work on cleaning up the rooms and organizing tools and materials. I still have some plaster left over that needs to be applied.

I came up with an idea for cooling HabLab that works into a bigger, unofficial plan for Creating Microclimate and Gathering Places Around HabLab. When I first arrived, I noticed the need for many improvements (I realize we are still in the construction phase). 1. social gathering space. this could take the form of outdoor rooms with food plants and trees serving as privacy hedges, and shade. 2. erosion control. I see terraces as the main strategy for surrounding Hablab with fertile soil, good food, shade, and prevention of flooding and erosion. Terraces with low sitting walls also serve as the main structure for creating gathering places. 3. Cooling and shade. We HabLab dwellers have observed most heat coming into the building is caused by reflection from the ground into the southern living room windows. When the bedroom doors are closed, the rooms stay an average of 10 degrees cooler in the day. We have discussed options for low energy cooling. Ideas include cross draft/stack effect ventilation, and earth cooling tubes. I am envisioning an arbor that spans at least the south facing windows, extending 10-15 ft in front of the house. This arbor would provide structure for growing kiwi, grapes, berries, and other deciduous edible vines. In the winter they die back, letting the low winter sun into the living room. This could also extend into the solar arc concept of having trees planted on the north, west, and east sides of a house to cool the building.

We had an awesome soccer game today, thanks to Aidan's diligence in creating a small field for us to host our games. It ended abruptly when the ball was kicked into a thorny locust tree. Bri and I let the chicks out and watched them chase each other and fight over mulberries and bugs.

==6.30.12==
Had our first house meeting today. Gabi taught consensus methods for decision making. We passed a meeting agenda around for people to write ideas they wanted to speak about. I liked what everyone had to say. We chose a structure for organizing chores, and discussed shop safety, cooperative food buying, workshop organization, and options for cooling HabLab. Spent a few hours stuccoing. Got one wall done, then spent the day at the lake. Aidan got a rowboat and picked us up. We went on a voyage and they tried to maroon me on the other side of the lake. Nice try Aidan.

==6.29.12==
Spent most of the day plastering. Got two walls done.

==6.28.12==
I attempted a digging knife for Gabi today, which proved to be unnecessary since we have hand shovels whose edges can be sharpened. Still I got to practice my welding and grinding skills.

==6.27.12==

Today was a food extravaganza. I started on sauerkraut, made a lentil soup and rice dinner for everyone, and showed Yoonseo how to make bread. He loves to document. Check out our [http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Sourdough_Bread sourdough bread baking instructions]. I spent a few hours addressing envelopes to be sent worldwide to our kickstarter supporters. During late afternoon I joined Gabi and Aidan in the workshop and welded some pieces of metal together and called them hand hoes. Gabi needs hand tools for weeding and digging in the garden. Today I am going to make a digging knife.

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==6.26.12==

Aidan and I spent most of the afternoon running around Maysville and Cameron shopping for envelopes and stamps to mail the kickstarter rewards. We returned around 4 and I spent the rest of the day plastering the east rooms. Need to figure out how to control the quality of the plaster. Had a good bean lentil chili made by Gabi and then Yoonseo and I got straight to our breadboard temperature controller lesson. We worked from 9 til midnight. By the end of the night I knew how to solder, wire breadboards, differentiate between diodes, capacitors, and resistors. I liked the way Yoonseo teaches. We first went over basic principles of Ohm's theory of resistance, roles of diodes, capacitors, resistors, and general layout of the circuit. He had me solder a few practice wires and then we got right to building the board. By then end of the night I was exhausted.

==6.24.12==

12.15AM
After Scrum, familiarized myself with the Flashy XM Control Panel. It was overwhelming at first, but now I see it as a helpful and innovative tool to organize research and development. Spent rest of today stuccoing the outer south wall. Had a good day working alone and getting back to mud plastering. I missed working with earthen plasters. It reminds me of working on the pallet house with [http://texasnaturalbuilders.info Texas Natural Builders] in Pine Ridge, SD. Yoonseo and I finally gave up trying to install Ubuntu from a USB Flash Drive containing a bootable .DMG file. He gave in to everyone's advice to use Virtual Machine. It was a fast and easy success. Documentation is here:
http://opensourceecology.org/wiki/Ubuntu_Mac
^Needs peer review from Mac users interested in running Ubuntu^

Plan for tomorrow:

#Help Yoonseo with peer review. (the ability to peer review his work using Ubuntu was the main reason for our research, plus I wanted to try it anyway).
#Start filling out Industry Standards Analysis spreadsheet for Microtrac.
#Plaster East rooms

==6.23.12==

Woke up, heard the rain and was so grateful that the cardboard and hay got a nice soaking. Gabi covered the paths in the garden with cardboard just before the storm. There were 30 mph winds heading straight north. I hope the Hablab will be able to handle 60 mph, because we were all scared watching the overhangs rattle. Today I plan to work on the new scrum board, get kickstarter magnets punched and counted. We need 380.
...1 AM: Scrum board is up and magnets are punched. Aidan is testing the magnets to see if they can be glued to the punches. I made a sweet potato stew for the group, conversed with a Polish family from Chicago about systemic change, helped Aidan clean up the kitchen. Today is my sixth day here, and I feel comfortable, empowered, and free. I love everyone I have met here and I am looking forward to starting production runs of the Liberator. The workshop is getting close to optimal efficiency and organization! Soon we will be able to cut sheet metal with the torch table instead of by hand. I want to do an update video with Gabi on the garden progress tomorrow, make some shower curtain rods, and go to the lake and drink beer and swim. I have learned to keep my intentions focused on my desires and needs, but to relinquish expectations and assumptions. I dont know if I will be able to do what I want, only the goal.

==6.22.12==

Today was workshop organization. We started by finalizing our shop layout in Sketchup with Chris, Aidan and Aaron. I am amazed to see all we did today. Update vid from tonight on shop organization.

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I periodically glanced at the work Gabi and Aidan were doing in the field, plowing and fence building. There are many lessons to be learned from the Lifetrac that will benefit Microtrac prototype II.

1. Width must be narrow to be able to spin in place.

2. Needs rear attachment for plows and other towed implements

3. Loader arm shaft must be placed farther back to prevent tipping.

More to come later. Feel free to add to this list.

From 5-9PM Gabi and I finished up working in the garden. We tweaked the beds' height and width, covered with soaked cardboard and hay. Tomorrow we will fill in the paths with either carpet or cardboard. We will be planting corn, beans, and squash on the north side and sorghum and millet on the south. I have enjoyed the freedom to choose how I spend my time. I spent a few hours organizing in the shop and a few in the garden. And I am glad to work longer hours rather than appeasing a boss's demands. I look forward to be able to direct my own work AND carve out a locally sufficient enterprise based on GVCS. Vann arrived today. He will be working on gathering a remote team to develop the power inverter. When Gabi and I finished we returned to Hablab and yum pasta and soup made by Aidan and Yoonseo.

==6.19.12==

15 Chicks went outside today for the first time.
Started the day by repairing wires and extending the welding power to the southeast corner of the shop. We rearranged and cleaned the scrum board to accommodate for general/daily house tasks on one board and specific shop/agriculture tasks on the other. Aidan and I worked on building another welding table. I spent about an hour machining four small squares with holes for the legs, my first time using the mag drill and abrasive saw. Aidan and I were both frustrated when we discovered none of the power cubes were working, so we were not able to use the iron worker. I was amazed by how fast the ironworker is compared with the abrasive saw. We just have a little more to do tomorrow and we will have a new table! I am really grateful to have Aidan guiding and helping me develop my skills. Yoonseo hosted a great class on Solidworks. I am trying to download Windows 7 so I can dualboot and use Solidworks on Mac.

==6.18.12==

To Do this week

Clean up of shop and Hablab, familiarize myself with organization of shop

refine short/long term work plan,

Solidworks class with Yoonseo, Microtrac Mob?

Plaster "hotel rooms"

...ended up killing the chick with the splayed leg. I am relieved she didnt suffer any longer.. Heavy breathing, somewhat immobile. I am glad to have the support of everyone here as this was my first time killing an animal. Gabi helped me with some words of gratitude towards the thing...

Participated in my first Scrum meeting and helped organize tools, shelves, and tables. Rewired the welding cables overhead, learned about wiring. Learned how the power inverter works. Practiced my first ever weld. Helped Aidan grind down some newly built welding tables. Tomorrow I will help make another welding table and practice more welding and grinding. We set up the new welding area at the end of the day. After dark we saw the first ever cutting of metal with the CNC Torch table Prototype 2. Very exciting! The neighbor and local gardener Walt brought over a cake, and it just so happens it is Yoonseo's birthday. I made lentil soup and then we celebrated with cake and presents for Yoonseo.

==6.17.12==

Jose left today, along with Creation Flame who brought Bri along for a week. My Dad got up at dawn to go back to Dallas. I wish he had been able to stay with us on Father's Day.
Aaron and Gabi went to pay for the new resident cow, while Yoonseo, Chris, Darren and I went to Pony Express lake and enjoyed swimming, eating, drinking, napping. Aaron met us after returning from the trip to pay for the cow. I enjoyed the constructive discussions had while at the lake. We grilled some meat on the campfire behind Hablab when we got back.
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grilling on Darren's last night at FeF

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==6.16.12==

My dad and I spent all day today driving, arrived around 7. First thing we saw was the tricked out LifeTrac. We were welcomed Chris DeAngelis, and Aaron from Creation Flame. Witnessed some torch table testing. Learned a bit about stepper motors. Met the rest of the crew over at Hablab as they finished a day of stuccoing. The plaster is looking really smooth and strong for being just sand/clay. I am guessing this is because of the sand used, with its irregular, sharp grains. We were also introduced to the new flock of chicks in the incubator. A couple were having a hard time hatching, and Aaron assured me it will damage their muscles and bones to pick the shell away. It was eventually ignored and helped out of the shell and we now have a chick with a splayed leg. Not sure what to do, but it was a very direct learning experience. Trust the gentle voice in your heart!

[[Image: rod_phillips.jpg|Rod Phillips]]

[[Category: Graham]]