User:Graham Robertson
Log
7.12.12
I have been ill with what WebMD calls Gastroenteritis since Monday. It's time to bounce back. I am trying to install Solidworks on my computer, as well as my bowels. 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 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.
7.6.12
Worked more on Microtrac research today. Updated the 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 Industry Standards Analysis. I am very excited to have discovered 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 n