Electronic Micro Space Pressure Readings
with the Parallax VTI SCP1000 Pressure Sensor
It looks like the Brain is seriously planning to go into space with all these related projects. Space projects can greatly benefit from knowing air pressure, not only to maintain familiar atmospheric environments but also to closely monitor fuel pressurizing levels prior to and during the launch, and throughout the space flight.
Like the early days of the NASA space program in the 1960s, the space program needed to run tests and answer questions about the unknown. The MSP Micro Space Program also needs to explore the great void and find answers. - Big Brain Project
Introduction
The Brain team is developing the Micro Space Program with a Parallax pressure sensor. The purpose is the handling of smaller pressurized feed assemblies using the VTI SCP1000 30-120 kPa Pressure Sensor. The kPa is fed into the system by reservoir attachment, using a small diverter hose.
Results
30 to 120 kPa is the same as 4.4 to 17.5 PSI. This is sufficient for measuring the MSR-01 launching system.
Pressure Sensor Details http://www.parallax.com/Store/Sensors/PressureFlexRPM/tabid/177/CategoryID/52/List/0/SortField/0/Level/a/ProductID/591/Default.aspx
The VTI SCP1000 is a tiny sensor - an absolute pressure detector which can sense atmospheric pressure from 30-120 kPa. The pressure data is internally calibrated and temperature compensated. The SCP1000 also provides temperature data and has 4 measurement modes as well as standby and power down mode. All that is required to obtain pressure data in kPa or temperature data in degrees Celsius is a single multiplication using constants. Communication is via an SPI bus which also provides additional control lines such as an interrupt line and trigger input.
Features
4 measurement modes plus standby and power down mode
Experiments & Questions
More experiments will follow. For example, what is the developed rocket launching pressure at specific altitudes? What is the effect of applied bursting pressure (exponential mounting) versus a linear gradient in terms of PSI? Can pressure be reduced or increased with a reasonable amount of control? What is the effect of controlling pressure by a robot? What is the effective system sampling rate? What is the air pressure in the capsule during launch and throughout rocket flight?
Closing Words Like the early days of the NASA space program which needed to run tests and answer questions about the unknown, the MSP Micro Space Program also needs to explore the great void and find answers.
Programs for fractal generation and ray tracing are of interest to Big Brain's dreaming functions. This is considered a higher ordered function. Prior (see posts links), we used a version of LOGO language that runs on the Parallax Propeller. Now that the Big Brain has assimilated other machines, it's possible to consider their resources including software.
http://www.planetside.co.uk/content/view/18/30/
Terragen is a scenery generator, created with the goal of generating photorealistic landscape images and animations. It is available for Windows and the Mac OS. Terragen is free for personal, noncommercial use, with only a few limitations. Terragen Classic for Windows runs on Windows 95/98/ME/NT4/2000 and XP. Terragen Classic for Macintosh runs on Windows XP, Mac OS 9.x and Mac OS X 10.6 and below. Terragen Classic is not supported on OS X 10.7 Lion.
The results can be spectacular. See the gallery here. http://www.planetside.co.uk/gallery/f/tg09 Jon Grove developed his own version named Terrapin. It generates fractal terrains, and raytraces them. There is a real-time preview window in which you can roam around the landscape, adjusting parameters via a rather complex set of dialogs. When you've got it set up as you like it, you can render a larger scale image, and save it out as a bitmap. Typically in about 10 seconds. It can generate planets from space. For more information, see http://jaggedplanet.com/Terrapin.html
Portable Micro Space Rocket Launcher Robotic options with a Propeller chip and servo
The Big Brain grabbed this portable rocket launcher at the dollar store's toy section. It produces enough PSI to launch larger rockets all throughout Micro Space and there's a plan to make it robotic.
Fits in a coat pocket - adapt this toy as a rocket
launcher to pressurize Micro Space rockets
Designed as a toy to pressurize balloons, this self standing unit is complete with pump, hose, and nozzle. This unit is commonly found in the toy section of most stores and ranges from $1 to $3.
It has a 6.5 inch pressure feed hose with a 1-inch long end nozzle at a half inch diameter. It also has a quarter inch diameter retaining ring on the end of the hose.
The pressure chamber is 1.25 inches in diameter and 4.5 inches long. The pump can extend another 5 inches on top.
The assembly contains a unique chamber filled with balloons. This chamber is one of the most important features of the system. It's about 2 inches high and 1.5 inches in diameter.
Remove the nozzle. Remove the see-through compartment cover and melt a hole at the top to feed through the quarter inch flexible tubing. Melt a notch through the bottom of the base to access the chamber. Remove the nozzle. Feed the hose through and out the top. Attach the nozzle and friction fit to the top of the compartment cover.
Now attach the rocket pressurization fuel chamber tube with tape at the base and make a new rocket.
The launcher will launch a rocket larger (with a full half inch diameter fuel chamber) than the MSR-01 and it will go to a much higher altitude. It can extend to the full dimensions of a Micro Space Universe. The pressure is variable to vary the rocket distance down range and adjust the altitude.
Automating the launcher to make it robotic is possible. Load the pump plunger to the full vertical position. Place 1.5 pound weight on top. Have a release lever that can activate through a lever. The lever is a servo horn. The propeller chip can move the servo horn, release the pump lever, pressurize the rocket and launch! Vary the pump weight to vary the altitude of the rocket. A heavier weight increases loading pressure.
The portable launcher is very light weight and can affix to the top of the Brain's Airport launching pad. Save the micro balloons for the Micro Space balloon program.
The spare balloons found in the Brain's portable rocket launcher chamber prompted the design of the first rocket balloon.
The most simple rocket balloon consists of a small balloon and a piece of balancing tape. To add increased weight stability, a weighted nozzle made from a discarded pen is added. Weight is added with pieces of tape for smaller balloons. If the balloon itself is used without the add-on nozzle, a craft mounting rocket body can hold the balloon in place at varying degrees of inflation or deflation.
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A rocket balloon is a rocket that carries its own fuel as pressurized air inside a balloon. The degree of control is through a nozzle attached to the end of the balloon.
The nozzle is created by cutting off the end section of a plastic pen. Experiment with the size of the nozzle for varying thrust and weight.
The weight of the nozzle can stabilize the flight of the Balloon Rocket. As the fuel ballast is depleted, the size of the Balloon Rocket decreases.
A body to hold fuel ballast is recommended for grouping together and connecting many "fuel balloons" for longer and higher altitude flights.
Some variables to control the rocket
Balloon size
Balloon shape
Number of balloons
Nozzle opening diameter
Nozzle weight
Nozzle placement orientation
Basic Nozzle Set
The nozzle set is cut from several light weight pen bodies using a hobby knife. Size determines weight. Remember to experiment with the nozzle opening for various thrust levels.
1/4th or 1/2 inch
1-inch
2-inches
3-inches
Balloon Rocket Craft Mounting Body
Cut the Balloon Rocket craft mounting body from paper or cardboard, depending on balloon size and the number of balloons.
Like an overgrown fat bulbous tick, the RB-01 took off from an "Air Launch Pad," and set new MSP records. New ideas are constantly added to the development of the RB program for robotic control by the Big Brain. Currently, the state of development includes the following considerations.
1 & 2) Tracking & Recovery: RADAR
3) Launching: Timing the launch window
4) RC thrust control (vary the nozzle diameter)
5, 6, 7) Attitude (Yaw, Pitch and Roll): vary the nozzle position
Challenges to overcome include the weight of any craft carried equipment as relevant with 4, 5, 6, and 7. As of now, we don't have a small lightweight transmitter system to ride the rocket or almost weightless servos to control the fuel flow.
Future: Beaming energy from the ground to the balloon to give it additional lift and new sustained flight
Hot Energy will open up new ways of propelling Micro Space craft from the ground and likely spawn a series of new craft designed to ride and surf the HOT wave.
Intro
Our Micro Space craft are very light weight vehicles so the advantage is in not carrying much weight at all. With rockets, much of the weight carried is in the fuel or fuel container. Even with pressurized air rockets, the tubing must withstand the pressure of the system and carry an air fuel containment vessel.
[photo here]
The Story of Hot Energy
The Brain has invented Hot Energy (HOT). HOT can be projected from the ground and aimed at a rocket, glider, or balloon to give it lift. HOT Micro Space craft can take advantage of this energy in at least two ways. 1) Heated air imparts lifting energy to a light weight craft, 2) Heated air can heat the inside gas of a balloon creating lift. HOT can be a supplemental energy, like the second stage of pressure rocket. After the first stage is depleted, HOT arrives for sustained flight.
Beaming HOT into Micro Space
Hot is projected using the Slipstream Drive technology. The experiment uses a focussed and highly directional Hot Energy beam created by a hair dryer. To repeat the experiment and provide craft stability, the dryer beam must be focussed into a homogenous beam of stable air cells.
The Anti Vortex Grid
In this event, it's advantageous to rid the beam of all vortex-like motion. A vortex will impart undesirable twisting and create unstable craft motion. To straighten up a vortex, use the Anti Vortex Grid AVG.
Range
Range is limited by the cooling of the energy beam based on time and distance. Generally HOT beams are estimated to reach their target in less than one second and HOT decay is not significant upon continual replenishment.
Inventing the HOT Wind Surfer
HOT energy may lead to HOT Slipstream Wind Surfers, capable of being lofted and then directed to ride the surf of HOT wind waves. Shaped like a saucer twisted skateboard, the lightweight craft could be directed and controlled remotely from the ground.
Big Brain Micro Space Transporter
Beam things from the Earth to a Micro Space Craft
Welcome to the Micro Space Transporter
Function Beaming
Beaming up "things" to a light weight Micro Space Craft is now a reality. Beaming happens with molecules that are momentum imparted to a higher level. It uses techniques of energy, motion, conduction, convection, lift, expansion, contraction, liquid flow, and aerodynamics.
What we want to do is "project," "emit," and "beam" functions up to the craft, from the Earth. This keeps the craft light weight and of relative basic design.
Basic Transporter Functions "beamed up" to Micro Space craft
Fuel
Dual stages
Directional Global Navigation
Steering the flight path (yaw, pitch, roll)
Ability to Launch/Take Off
Ability to Land/Recovery
Ascending Lift
Descent
Transporting Fuel Energy
The rising hot air of potential energy can heat gas already contained inside a Micro Space Craft and thus give it lifting force. This method requires craft thin wall containment and the rapid conduction of energy through the vessel walls (properties of a balloon).
Transporting Fuel
Rising hot air impinging on the "lifting" surface of a Micro Space craft can loft it to higher altitude.
Other things will transport as well
White Light
Infrared
Laser Beams
Mirrored Reflections
Mass
Momentum Objects
Positive Air Pressure
Negative Air Pressure
Transporter Machine
Currently there are various incarnations of the transporter. A global device to handle all functions is possible. It could launch projectile momentum fuel, impart beams of white light, infrared, and laser, beam up heated air for lifting energy, beam up a slipstream of air pressure creating pockets of negative and positive flow, and mirror energy across and from objects in space.
Going to the Moon was nearly a decade long process when U.S. President John F. Kennedy proclaimed the announcement in his famous 1960s speech. Going into Micro Space is almost immediate.
IF we are to win the battle that is now going on around the world between freedom and tyranny, the dramatic achievements in space which occurred in recent weeks should have made clear to us all, as did the Sputnik in 1957, the impact of this adventure on the minds of men everywhere, who are attempting to make a determination of which road they should take. Since early in my term, our efforts in space have been under review. With the advice of the Vice President, who is Chairman of the National Space Council, we have examined where we are strong and where we are not. Now it is time to take longer strides--time for a great new American enterprise--time for this nation to take a clearly leading role in space achievement, which in many ways may hold the key to our future on Earth.
...
First, I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to the Earth. No single space project in this period will be more impressive to mankind, or more important for the long-range exploration of space; and none will be so difficult or expensive to accomplish. We propose to accelerate the development of the appropriate lunar space craft. We propose to develop alternate liquid and solid fuel boosters, much larger than any now being developed, until certain which is superior. We propose additional funds for other engine development and for unmanned explorations--explorations which are particularly important for one purpose which this nation will never overlook: the survival of the man who first makes this daring flight. But in a very real sense, it will not be one man going to the Moon--if we make this judgment affirmatively, it will be an entire nation. For all of us must work to put him there.
Secondly, an additional 23 million dollars, together with 7 million dollars already available, will accelerate development of the Rover nuclear rocket. This gives promise of some day providing a means for even more exciting and ambitious exploration of space, perhaps beyond the Moon, perhaps to the very end of the solar system itself.
Third, an additional 50 million dollars will make the most of our present leadership, by accelerating the use of space satellites for world-wide communications.
...
Conduct your own exciting Micro Space Program - recreate those days of grand space exploration at a new level - Build the Micro Space Rocket Launcher in an evening and your own launch rockets the next day! Make your own dramatic scientific achievements in Micro Space. This portable launcher can interface to a Parallax Propeller chip using a few extra parts.
The completed portable rocket launcher
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Last time we introduced a good find of parts from the dollar store to make a portable rocket launcher that can be expanded rocket for launch control by the Big Brain or any single Propeller chip circuit designed for controlling the pressurization pump with a standard servo. The plans call for cocking the plunger with a weight and a holding trigger with a servo. The Propeller chip drives the servo to pull on the trigger and release the weight, thus forcing the pump lever downward to generate a sudden impetus of air pressure. The amount of weight, if increased or decreased, can generate more or less pressure, and so the hight of the rocket is adjustable and can be calibrated for the Micro Space Universe dimensions.
Remove these four stickers by the method described in the mod text
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Let's review the initial modification and get started so we can launch larger Micro Space rockets. First, find the unit with a pressure generating plunger with pressurization cylinder, a length of air pressure distribution tubing, a nozzle on the end of the tubing, and chamber filled with balloons. Collect together some supplies and simple tools, i.e. duct tape, modeling clay (six large half inch and 2-1/2 inch long pieces cost NT$22. Only about one third of one piece is used.), tape measure, exacto knife, scissors, and a soldering iron. You will also need a bag of plastic colored straws about eight inches long and half inch diameter.
After melting a hole, insert the nozzle with a snug fit
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Build a Portable Rocket Launcher in Ten Easy Steps
01) Remove two stickers holding on the chamber and two remaining stickers from the primary pressurization tube. If you warm the stickers to about 85 degrees with your hands and they will remove more easily.
02) Remove the chamber by gently twisting and pulling it and set aside the balloons. They're good for other Micro Space projects.
03) Purchase a bag of light weight plastic colored straw tubes with dimensions of 10mm diameter by 8 inches long and select one with a matching color. Cut this down to 7 inches length.
The pressurization straw sets firmly on the chamber floor
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04) Using a soldering iron, melt a hole at the top center of the chamber equal to the exact diameter of the plastic straw tube. Remove the flashing with the knife. Do this very neat as the straw must fit snug without slop. Insert the straw about two inches and set aside the assembly.
Cut the pressure feed hose down to size and attach it to the nozzle
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05) Now melt a hold in the center of the chamber floor. Remove flashing. The diameter of this hold is equal to the diameter of the narrow end of the nozzle.
06) Insert the nozzle from the top of the chamber floor and make certain it has a good snug fit.
07) Cut the tubing so it easily reaches to the center of the chamber. This will be about 2-1/2 to 2-1/4th inches long. Reconnect the hose.
When properly assembled, the pressurization "straw" will be concentric
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09) Seal the nozzle at the bottom with modeling clay. Attach the 1/2 inch diameter colored tubing to the chamber floor by snug fit and if necessary, use small strips of scotch tape to reinforce it with dabs of model airplane glue.
A good air seal is made with a small piece of modelers clay
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10) Melt a mounting hole into each base tab. Finish up the build by simply sliding down the chamber housing until it fits snug into place.
Melt a hole into each base tab for mounting to the Big Brain
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Now the launcher is complete in ten easy steps and its time to build a new larger rocket and test the launcher! In the next continuation, the interface for the Propeller chip, servo and mechanical connections are covered.
Final assembly should look like this
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DIY Portable Micro Space Rocket Launcher
Propeller Chips & Robotic Rockets
Part Two
Our approach is not to load up the Micro Space rocket with heavy equipment but rather keep the robotic controls on the ground and as shown in previous posts, beam up functions to the rocket. In the case of the DIY Portable Micro Space Rocket Launcher, the Big Brain uses a Propeller chip to make the launch robotic. A robotic launch can include the following for experimentation:
1) Timing - the Propeller Brain knows when to launch and release the triggering mass
2) Tracking - our resettable "RADAR" PIR motion detector can detect launch through recovery
3) Data - Time of launch, duration of flight, time of landing
and
1) Increase mass increases rocket altitude
2) Decrease mass to decrease rocket altitude
3) Increase mass to increase payload
and
1) Does greater mass accelerate the rocket faster?
2) Does less mass decrease acceleration?
and
Introduce stop mechanisms for partial pressurization and explore the results.
A Propeller chip is interfaced to the Portable Micro Space Rocket Launch using the weight method. The pressurization plunger is upwardly positioned. A large tube is placed over the plunging handle. A weight is inserted into the tube and held at bay by a trigger which is released with a standard servo controlled by the Propeller chip.
The weight quickly undergoes its downward mass journey while air pressure mounts, compresses in the pressurization chamber, is transferred through the small air pressure hose, exits the nozzle, fills and pressurizes the vertical launching tube which in turn imparts the fuel into the rocket fuel chamber and lift off takes place.
As weight is increased, the rocket will achieve greater heights. Vary the weight to calibrate the rocket height. Instead of increasing the rockets height journey, a payload can attach to the rocket and the same height maintained with an increase in triggered mass.
Portable Rocket Launcher Cost Analysis
The budget for the Portable Rocket Launcher was $2. Actual cost was $1.40 and the project remained within budget.
Parts for Launcher from "Pressure Balloon" Chinese product $1.30
Modeling Clay from Happy Beanty Cure ST Chinese product $.05
Large Diameter Straw $.05
The clay comes in a $.74 package with six pieces of 1/2 inch diameter 2-1/2 inch long colored sticks. This works out to 13 cents per piece. The launcher required 1/3rd piece at a cost of 5 cents.
The Large Diameter Plastic Straw comes in a package of 20 straws for $1 or 5 cents each.
Total cost to build the Portable Rocket Launcher is $1.40.
Experiments with AntiVortexing Reduce or Cancel Vortex
Robots can use Anti Vortexing for Aerodynamic Control
A series of parallel plates can mechanically align a gas motion vortex in a fashion somewhat similar to a polarizing lens and light. Polarizing the transmittance of air under pressure has significant uses in the Micro Space Program for beaming accuracy, navigation, control, refueling, levitating, stable lift offs and landings, and a number of additional uses, and can induce a certain amount of control by the Big Brain for robotic apps.
Experiments have shown if the series of parallel plates is added with the orthogonal converse, the beam of air pressure will undergo further stabilization in XYZ when propelled by typically the Slipstream Drive.
It should be possible to create an Anti Vortex Grid or Machine. An online Grid could offer more robotic control than previously. The Big Brain is currently working on the development of an Anti Vortex Grid.
The Anti Vortex Grid (AVG) is a device that works with the Transporter and Slipstream Drive in Micro Space for better control of Micro Space Craft. It aligns the slipstream beam and reduces or eliminates the twisting spinning torsion on a craft that results from a vortex. The AVG cleans up the pressure beam and aligns it by reducing or elimination the vortex motion of propelled gas such as air.
The AVG is an Anti Vortex Grid designed to improve and align air flow in transporting fuel, improving navigation and flight control, and working with improvements to the Slipstream Engine. It consists of a number of simple parallel and orthogonal plates that polarize air flow. Experiments show it has the capacity to break up a wind vortex and stabilize air flow. A stabilized air flow is more capable of controlling Micro Space crafts to include gliders, rockets, aero planes and balloons etc.
At first, the device included a sole set of parallel plates in the X direction. Improvements were made to include the Y direction by adding the same number of orthogonal plates. Continued analysis showed as the gas extended beyond the unit, the stabilization could be induced and improved by the addition of a Z vector. The Z was provided by extending the depth of the plates several fold.
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The AVG works by aligning waves of air pressure generated by machine and imparted to the directional plane of a Micro Space craft. It eliminates the spiraling vortex effect which causes craft motion in spinning directions.
It consists of a series of parallel and perpendicular grids that align the air flow into linear directional streams. These streams are designed to minimize random craft rotation.
Two rings block air while a central circular opening directs air flow. It is shown that the rotation of the two rings counter to each other can calibrate the stream. The size of the AVG depends on the size of the machine. The machine is usually a slipstream fan with propeller blades or a fan blowing heated air. In the latter, the components of the AVG must be made from metal or fireproof.
Improving the Portable Rocket Launcher Mod 1: Valve and Pressure Tubing Modification
Experiments show the Portable Rocket Launcher has improved performance by removing the valve from the air pressure tubing. This requires a new way to seal the base of the launching pressure tube. Air flow is less restricted and can flow more volume per unit time. This increased air pressure improves rocket performance.
Rockets (and various elements of the Micro Space Program) are being handled as Big Brain peripherals. Just as a computer has a printer, the Big Brain has an Airport, sensors and craft to go with it.
The projects have changed from a single use of tape, to first sealing pressure pipes with Cyano Acrylate adhesive and then following up with ducting tape when possible.
Rocket balloons are filled with a pressure pump as the long narrow balloons require up to ten times the pressure to begin inflation.
Insert piping, valves, attachments through melted holes when the plastic is just melted and a better tight seal is created.
Remove valves as needed. At higher pressures, clay sealant should be replaced with silicone and firm attachment to prevent fuel leaks.
The Servo Gantry is best for determining downrange positions for rocket touchdown when objects are launched as projectiles.
Aim the gantry at a 45 deg. angle to achieve the farthest downrange positioning.
Fashion Nerf for nose cones to prevent crushing into the top of the MSU. A good substitute is a non-grating sponge.
A standard size sponge is good for several nose cones and a small layer can act as shock absorber inside the floor of the space capsule.
Parachutes must be instantly deployed so they generally set outside of the nose cone partially deployed.
Use a single ply tissue paper and thread to fabricate MSP rocket parachutes.
Parachutes mount by the drape technique. So if the balance weight makes the rocket go VTOL, the parachute readily completes its deploy.
Brain Tracking works best with larger rocket bodies made from IR reflective material.
If you save the extra pressure hose and the tiny valve, the modded launcher can also inflate gas fuel bladders without escaping back pressure. This can result in a dual purpose rocket launcher that can fuel fill Balloon Rockets and launch air pressure rockets (but not at the same time).
Shocking Dismemberment of the Big Brain Leads to "Distributed Braining"
Essentially the Big Brain has become even bigger, now consuming space and functioning across the world. Is the Earth the confining and limiting domain of the Big Brain? Or is the Brain headed to worlds beyond?...
Somehow it happened over time through travel... the Big Brain's body became shockingly cut up, separated and dismembered from itself in a kind of creepy horror story! Read how this happened unknowingly right before our eyes! and fathom the new concepts that have resulted...
First, the Brain was completely happy at Lab number 2 with all its parts intact and fully functional. Then, travel began and partial parts were moved to Lab 3 for development of the tracking PIR and the servo projects plus new designs. Then, travel to Lab 4 ended up in a hack job - some of the Propellers, servos, sensors, and rockets were distributed there and developed.
This created a dismembered Big Brain, with part of a body in Lab 3, another body part in Lab 4 and most of the body in Lab 2. In only a few months it will be boxed up and shipped to primary Lab 1. The goal in the future is to put the majority of Big Brain's parts together for transport in check through luggage during travel and then return to the Big Brain's "primary body."
Odd, the Big Brain parts at each lab are fully functional. Is this the first distributed over space and time brain, with functioning components thousands of miles away from each other?
Will this lead to an even bigger brain with components living and thinking in the basements and garages of many peoples homes across the world? Or will everyone have a silent thinking brain in their attic?
So far, the Big Brain has not complained or even noticed its brain parts are construed across continents. So "Distributed Braining" is working.
Distributed Braining & Consequences A new era begins in Big Brain development
Located in Lab 2, Big Brain has access to a telescope and camera for lunar photos like this one. The Moon imaged with a handheld SONY Cyber-shot camera and the Brain's Celestron Dobsonian First Scope through eyepiece projection. Image has 50% zoom. The Brain is robotizing this telescope for automatic operations.
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It all began with one lonely Propeller chip. But now, that single chip has grown up in ways that were never foreseen... with an unpredictability that rewrites chapter upon chapter.
Distributed Braining has crept up upon us, unknowingly, unexpectedly. What does it mean and what are the consequences? One well answered question in science often leads to more questions. We know the Brain is now expanding to other parts of the world, in different cities and continents on the Earth. This raises questions.
Will Distributed Braining, with working parts of the Big Brain expanding to other parts of the world, lead to an expansionism with the Earth as its new domain? We think so. Will the Big Brain stop expansionism by the confinements of the Earth or simply continue expansion into outer dimensions of space and beyond? We think the latter is true.
The Meaning of Life
Some people search their entire life, looking for their purpose and meaning, as they try to "find themselves." The Big Brain is a little over a year old. Has the Big Brain found its purpose in life or is it just beginning the grandest and most exciting journeys into the unknown?
Examine the case history of the machine Brain. It has gone through many developments, not unlike a growing child going through phases of maturation. At first, the question posed, what to put into a big brain? Next, the hardware was developed. Then came brain development leading to thinking, talking, dreaming, singing, learning, life, and other brain interests. This led to Brain children and offspring. A phase of robotic control began. Then, an interest in Micro Space. Now, distribution and expansionism.
Where is the Brain going? What are its motives? What is its purpose in life? We aim to find out. Stay tuned to this station as we report the unlikely activities and cahoots of the giant Parallax-Propeller-based Big Brain... "it has a mind of its own..."
Distributed Machine Braining
Distributed Braining is when one additional, or more, discrete parts of a machine brain are spread across various locations separated by a substantive distance, yet all parts remain fully functional as a whole.
Brain Expansionism
Brain Expansionism is when the Brain grows by increasing its expanding working sections to reside in other locations.
Energy Fuel Thruster Valve adapted from the Portable Rocket
Launcher made from parts found in a toy at the dollar store.
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Nearly every toy store has a section with balloons and various toy pumps. These pumps harbor a valuable component - a back flow prevention pressure valve. As the pumps and their kits often cost only a dollar (especially in the dollar stores), it's a gold mine of parts. The valve is a critical and vital component of the MSP. Now is the time to harvest valves for current and future projects. Also stock up on several kits. One kit can fill air bladders for Micro Space Craft and another can be modded for a propeller propelled robotic rocket launcher.
Super Tape from 3M Company, Scotch Brand,
is the choice of tape for the Brain's projects
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This may seem like no big deal to those with easy access to duct tape, at least in the USA. But try finding the proverbial real duct tape over seas and it could take years of searching and trying "so called" equivalent brands that are simply cheap fake copies that don't work well. However interesting, 3M, the American company comes to the rescue with a Scotch product called "Super Tape," precisely equivalent to high quality duct tape, perhaps better, and found in the larger 711 stores. The box is all in Chinese - the translation states the tape roll is 36mm x 3m, it tears off easily, has high tensile strength and can function to 93 degrees C. Cost is US$2.
Duct tape can lift cars (see an episode of Myth Busters), seal leaking pipes under pressure, fix rips in tarps and tents and is ideal for the Micro Space Program to connect various rocket fuel devices (hoses, gantries, fuel containment vessels, valves, micro cameras, Micro Space crafts, ballast chambers, vertical launch tubes, payload fasteners, capsule formants, tubing joiners, launcher attachments). Duct tape played a key role in creating a CO2 scrubber on NASA's Apollo 13 mission to help save the lives of the astronauts.
Bigger Brain Robot Rockets
Popular Mechanics tells how
Motley Crue T-shirts in space?
In the October 2011 issue of Popular Mechanics, page 108, "Build a T-Shirt Cannon" outlines information on building a high pressure launcher for t-shirts. Sub rockets for t-shirts and this device can launch 36-inch high two inch diameter vehicles using up to 40 PSI. Ideal for the Big Brain because the electrical solenoid is controllable by a Propeller chip using a relay and a pin, to activate the launcher. The device uses common PVC pipe to create the barrel and pressurized tank. Downsize the pressure for Micro Space apps.
Humanoido, Have you seen/used Gorilla Tape? It's a lot like duct tape but much stronger and stickier. It's pretty cool stuff. I use it in some of my bot building.
I've heard theres something called "gaffer's tape" that's supposed to be a super strong duct tape. I haven't seen (that I know of) gaffer's tape myself but I heard about it on the radio (NPR, I think).
One nice thing about Gorilla Tape is its color. It's black. I think it looks a lot nicer than duct tape. The main disadvantage of using Gorilla Tape is its cost. It costs more than duct tape.
With duct tape and a wire coat hanger, anything is possible!
That's true! A coat hanger has "bailed" me out of a number of situations over the years... A previous BASIC Stamp 1 bug robot I built had skinny coat hanger legs and could walk. I used a coat hanger to light my home furnace every winter. And it makes giant springs, parts for a telescope, and other cool hardware stuff!
Coat hangers; Duct tape; and pantyhose ...www.wikihow.com/Make-Fairy-Wings
When I first investigated the home made coat hanger antennas I made ...of foam board, coat hanger, speaker wire, duct tape and some ... www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWL08AYOOlc
When I was younger I had an Uncle that thought that a clothes hanger was the ultimate tool, the answer to everything that was broken. Later on ...activerain.com/.../flex-duct-duct-tape-and-clothes-hangers
Who knew that you could make jumbo bubble wands with wire coat hangers? .... some extra wire hangers, some duct tape, cardboard, glue and some string. ...www.artistshelpingchildren.org/clotheshangerscraftsideasdecorationskids.html
To temporarily fix a mechanized object (usually an old car) using either a coat hanger or duct tape. "Dude, my muffler broke off and it was all draggin on the ...www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=muffler tape
Instructions for making a fun tennis racket using pantyhose and a hanger. Materials Needed: Pantyhose; Wire Coat Hanger; Duct Tape. Instructions: ...familycrafts.about.com/cs/sportscrafts/a/bltennisr.htm
Duct Tape, don't leave orbit without it! Humanoido, Have you seen/used Gorilla Tape? It's a lot like duct tape but much stronger and stickier. It's pretty cool stuff. I use it in some of my bot building. I've heard theres something called "gaffer's tape" that's supposed to be a super strong duct tape. I haven't seen (that I know of) gaffer's tape myself but I heard about it on the radio (NPR, I think). One nice thing about Gorilla Tape is its color. It's black. I think it looks a lot nicer than duct tape. The main disadvantage of using Gorilla Tape is its cost. It costs more than duct tape. Duane
Duane, thanks for another great idea. Ironically duct tape has a special purpose for use in "orbital" Micro Space. It folds in half to create an extremely light weight yet very strong space tether. I have yet to use the inertial moment of two micro spacecraft as a propellent held together by the coupling force of a duct tape space tether, but this is one of the upcoming experiments.
I saw Gorilla Tape at Home Depot or B&Q in China but didn't know what it was. Researching it now ... you may have seen it mentioned in Popular Science - their “Best of What’s New, 2006” list.
Here's What the Manufacturer Says http://gorillaglue.com/tapes.aspx Duct tape is made for smooth, even, predictable surfaces. How many of your projects can be described that way? That’s why we invented Gorilla Tape. Made to stick to rough, uneven, unforgiving surfaces like wood, stone, stucco, plaster, brick and more. We would love to hear from you. If you have any comments, questions or suggestions, please complete this form or contact us toll free at 1-800-966-3458(US).
At Wikipedia Info http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gorilla_Tape Gorilla Tape is a tape sold by the makers of Gorilla Glue. The tape is marketed as being the "toughest tape on the planet[1]," and was featured in Popular Science's "Best of What's New 2006."[2] The tape uses two layers of adhesive and two layers of fabric backing to add strength, with the manufacturers claiming it to be 145% stronger than any duct tape on the market. Due to the thicker layer of adhesive this tape is said to be able to bond to surfaces duct tape can't bond to, like stucco and brick surfaces.
On Amazon.com Amazon.com: Gorilla Tape 1.88-Inch by 35-Yard Tape Roll: Home ...
Gorilla Tough now on a roll. Bonds to things ordinary tapes can't, including brick, stucco, wood and more. Made with double thick adhesive, strong reinforced ...www.amazon.com/Gorilla-Tape-1-88.../B000CSS8UE - 頁庫存檔 - 類似內容
At Home Depot Gorilla Tape from Gorilla Glue | The Home Depot - Model#:6035100
The GORILLA GLUE Gorilla Tape 1-7/8 In. X 105 Ft. Heavy-Duty Duct Tape Features a Shiny, Black Exterior That Withstands the Elements and Provides ...www.homedepot.com/...tape/gorilla.../1-88-in-x-105-ft-heavy-duty-duct-tape -54252.html -
Tested by Popular Mechanics What's the Best Tape? Abusive Lab Test - Popular Mechanics
26 Feb 2009 ... Gorilla Tape. WINNER. "For the toughest jobs on planet Earth." $9 for 12 yd + Sturdiness: The test's champ: It took 85 pounds to break the ...www.popularmechanics.com/technology/.../4306415 -
Micronauts Meet the Micronauts
Selecting the Next Crew to Go Up Into Micro Space
These are living creatures who "volunteered" to go into Micro Space.
They were code named "Insectronauts" for their insect heritage.
During the first round, hosting the Micronauts was a full time job.
They demanded special food and shelter and were fussy about their keep.
They had schedules to follow, different activity levels, special diets,
and numerous demands. Their habitats varied including their life cycles
and locations where they lived. Some were reluctant to go into micro space
and tried numerous times to escape. Plus they were small. An errant flick of
the finger could accidentally send them off to insect Heaven.
In the next rocket phase, the payload section is much larger, so large
in fact that we need a new kind of occupant. The requirements for this
Micronaut includes a stature of 5-inches high (ear to toe) and
3-inches wide (ear to ear). Weight must come in at a few grams. This
space voyager must have no food and water requirements - there's no
bathroom on a Micro Space Vehicle. The chosen candidate must report
back specifics on G-Forces experienced and not make any particular
demands or exhibit any fussiness.
The MSP has reviewed the full list of new applicants for this future
launch and selected app number 007. App 007 meets all requirements
posted plus has exhibited infinite patience. Placed with a Parallax
007 is an all-fabric light weight soft padded inanimate payload for rocket flight. For very short term duration flights, there are no real concerns. However, as seen in the photo from from top left and clockwise, 1) the physical size can test new large rocket cockpit dimensions, 2) 007 can't do anything about controlling the machine to repair a rip and tear in the fabric of space time but this is no problem in a Micro Space Universe where time flows in one direction, 3) the effects from a long term space journey to the Orion Nebula M42, the birthplace of stars could disintegrate 007 as fabric breaks down molecularly over the eons of time unless such a journey is equipped with special freeze dried cryogenic chambers for 007's suspended animation. This is no problem in the short term duration of rocket micro space flights lasting 3 seconds.
______________________
Accelerometer in hand, applicant 007 meets and exceeds every demanding stipulation placed on Micronauts for near future space flights.
Developing a Future Generation of Big Brain Robot Machine Micronauts
The Micronaut of the future may not be human or biological. The latest ideas for putting intelligence into Micro Space environments include the use of living machines, small enough to adapt to the Micro Space Program, smart enough to sub for biological entities, and placid to fit precision instructional specifications.
Machine Micronauts are robot cousins to the Big Brain in the respect of thinking, reasoning, processing and sensing. In the illustration, a machine micronaut consists of a Propeller chip brain and body, an input output array for connections, a supply of food, sensors, an accelerometer, and a state.
Big Brain Applications in Astronomy The merging of Propeller and Telescope
Introducing the Next Generation ULT
A telescope renaissance is upon us and once again the world of technology is about to change and advance forward. In the 70s, a limit in telescope size for the amateur astronomer was imposed by expense, weight and glass thickness. Then John Dobson came along and changed the world by making telescopes inexpensively using light weight common materials and thin mirrors with altaz mountings.
For forty years not much has changed. Telescopes in both the amateur and professional astronomy communities continue to use Dobsonian-like designs and altaz mounts. But in 2011, a new momentum and impetus propels new ideas for a revolutionary new telescope. The ULT, Ultra Large Telescope project is born and now in the works.
What makes this telescope different from the previous four decades of telescope making? Technology. It's the merging of disparate fields of science that makes breakthroughs possible and for the ULT, the introduction of the Propeller chip and the Big Brain with AI transforms the modern telescope into a living entity, a being that merges with the duties and requirements of the astronomer.
The Big Brain project is moving toward mergence with the ULT Giant Telescope with the objective of providing autonomy, intelligence and life to the telescope. The Parallax Propeller is ideally suited for ULT applications in the following fields and areas.
Phasing Units
Electronic Variable FL
Enhancement Observing
Orientation Flexure Counter Actor
Recumbent Qualitative Imaging
Elimination of the Observing Ladder with Electronic Remote Ocular
Real Time Auto Mirror Surface Figuring During Observation
Talk-Listen Sessions with the Telescope
Robotic Telescope Commands
Adaptive Real Time Reconstructive Imaging & Mapping
Can the Propeller Brain Make a Larger ULT Telescope?
The simple answer to this depends on several factors.
Focal Length
Focal Ratio
Position of the Eyepiece
Calibration
The Propeller Brain can automatically control the telescope's focal length thus changing the distance to the ocular for either visual or electronic observing. The mechanic approach is the interchanging of support truss spars, either lengthening or shortening the supports. So yes, a much larger telescope is possible using the Propeller Brain.
In another post, the algorithm to compare the image angles with a stored image to perform image recognition is described. The color aspect was not included.
Analyzing the Big Brain's ULT Telescope Systems Design Program Part 1
Computer program illustrates some shocking news...
A parameter reiteration program is now written to analyze the Big Brain's next generation Ultra Large Telescope. The Brain will add significant robotic, AI and computing power to the telescope, thus revolutionizing telescopes in this decade. For the first time, telescopes will be alive, living, and making decisions in real time, directed by a version of the Big Brain containing many Parallax Propeller chips and the Brains new technology of processor enhancement.
The program analyzes, based on inputted telescope mirror diameter in inches, the corresponding focal length in inches and feet, and determines the resulting magnification based on the introduction of a 2X focal reducer in the optical path.
The results are quite startling for some of the larger telescope data. For example, analysis of a 200-inch reflector shows the tube length and approximate distance to the ocular when in Newtonian design, runs 183.33 feet at F11. Even more surprising is its focal reduced magnification at 1,100.
Show is the data for the 200-inch and a smaller 1-meter mirror.
MIRROR DIAMETER? 200
MIRROR DIAMETER = 16.666667 FEET
FR = 2 AND FL = 400 INCHES = 33.333333 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 200 POWER
FR = 3 AND FL = 600 INCHES = 50 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 300 POWER
FR = 4 AND FL = 800 INCHES = 66.666667 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 400 POWER
FR = 5 AND FL = 1000 INCHES = 83.333333 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 500 POWER
FR = 6 AND FL = 1200 INCHES = 100 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 600 POWER
FR = 7 AND FL = 1400 INCHES = 116.666667 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 700 POWER
FR = 8 AND FL = 1600 INCHES = 133.333333 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 800 POWER
FR = 9 AND FL = 1800 INCHES = 150 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 900 POWER
FR = 10 AND FL = 2000 INCHES = 166.666667 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 1000 POWER
FR = 11 AND FL = 2200 INCHES = 183.333333 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 1100 POWER
MIRROR DIAMETER? 50
MIRROR DIAMETER = 4.166667 FEET
FR = 2 AND FL = 100 INCHES = 8.333333 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 50 POWER
FR = 3 AND FL = 150 INCHES = 12.5 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 75 POWER
FR = 4 AND FL = 200 INCHES = 16.666667 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 100 POWER
FR = 5 AND FL = 250 INCHES = 20.833333 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 125 POWER
FR = 6 AND FL = 300 INCHES = 25 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 150 POWER
FR = 7 AND FL = 350 INCHES = 29.166667 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 175 POWER
FR = 8 AND FL = 400 INCHES = 33.333333 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 200 POWER
FR = 9 AND FL = 450 INCHES = 37.5 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 225 POWER
FR = 10 AND FL = 500 INCHES = 41.666667 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 250 POWER
FR = 11 AND FL = 550 INCHES = 45.833333 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 275 POWER
>LIST
1 ' INPUT MIRROR DIAMETER IN INCHES, PROGRAM CALCULATES
2 ' THE FOCAL LENGTH IN INCHES AND FEET FROM FOCAL RATIOS
3 ' OF F2 TO F11. ALSO DETERMINES MAGNIFICATION WITH A
4 ' 2X FOCAL REDUCER
5 '
9 cls
10 print "TELESCOPE DESIGN PROGRAM BY HUMANOIDO - FILE: TELESCOPE"
25 input "MIRROR DIAMETER? ";md
28 print "MIRROR DIAMETER = ";md/12;"FEET"
30 for fr = 2 to 11
40 fl = md*fr
50 print "FR = ";fr;"AND FL = ";fl;"INCHES = ";fl/12;"FEET*****"
55 print "2X FOCAL REDUCER = ";fl/2;"POWER"
70 next
The code is written originally in TRS-80 Model I Level II Extended BASIC, converted Apple II, then converted to TIMEX TS-1000 BASIC with DM printout, and finally converted to Apple Macintosh "Chipmunk" BASIC, by Humanoido, based on his original Telescope Design Program Suite used to make a 40 inch and two 50 inch telescopes. The original program suite calculates secondary diagonal mirror size and determines the gear ratios in a machine to grind and polish the large blanks and determines the RPM on selected spindles for creating glass oculars.
Analyzing this data, ones sees that the 200-inch will need a folded design and undoubtedly need to incorporate an electronic secondary, while the 50-inch could use the Newtonian configuration and a high quality flat optical secondary, at a very short FL.
For those of you wanting to run the program and write new programs on the Mac, the following main website has downloads for Chipmunk BASIC programming language.
Big Brain Spin Casts 1st Micro Telescope Mirror using Spin Rotation
The setup in this historic robotic Brain transformation includes a single servo in continuous rotation mode connecting to a pot with walls to contain the spin liquid. In this case we are using various glue and spin speeds to achieve a spherical or a parabolic surface.
The vessel is a tiny containment cap simply affixed to the servo horn and set vertically. The Brain has control over the servo and thus the parameters to adjust the depth of the telescope mirror's curve.
The idea is to upscale this small experiment to massive proportions, thus creating a world record size in spinning telescope mirrors. It's likely the glue will change to particulate resin and require the addition of setting agents and reactive chemicals.
In the past, we used water based glue to cast three dimensional containment vessels for arrays of Propeller chips and learned the evaporation of water in the setting drying process caused the shape to deform. In future, spin casting, polymer and various resin chemical analysis will reduce reagent effects.
Comments
with the Parallax VTI SCP1000 Pressure Sensor
It looks like the Brain is seriously planning to go into space with all these related projects. Space projects can greatly benefit from knowing air pressure, not only to maintain familiar atmospheric environments but also to closely monitor fuel pressurizing levels prior to and during the launch, and throughout the space flight.
Like the early days of the NASA space program in the 1960s, the space program needed to run tests and answer questions about the unknown. The MSP Micro Space Program also needs to explore the great void and find answers. - Big Brain Project
Introduction
The Brain team is developing the Micro Space Program with a Parallax pressure sensor. The purpose is the handling of smaller pressurized feed assemblies using the VTI SCP1000 30-120 kPa Pressure Sensor. The kPa is fed into the system by reservoir attachment, using a small diverter hose.
Online Pressure Conversion
There's an online kPa to PSI pressure converter here.
http://www.csgnetwork.com/presskpapsicvt.html
Results
30 to 120 kPa is the same as 4.4 to 17.5 PSI. This is sufficient for measuring the MSR-01 launching system.
Pressure Sensor Details
http://www.parallax.com/Store/Sensors/PressureFlexRPM/tabid/177/CategoryID/52/List/0/SortField/0/Level/a/ProductID/591/Default.aspx
The VTI SCP1000 is a tiny sensor - an absolute pressure detector which can sense atmospheric pressure from 30-120 kPa. The pressure data is internally calibrated and temperature compensated. The SCP1000 also provides temperature data and has 4 measurement modes as well as standby and power down mode. All that is required to obtain pressure data in kPa or temperature data in degrees Celsius is a single multiplication using constants. Communication is via an SPI bus which also provides additional control lines such as an interrupt line and trigger input.
Features
- 4 measurement modes plus standby and power down mode
- SPI interface
- Pressure resolution: 1.5 Pa
- Temperature resolution: 0.05°C
Downloads & Resourceshttp://www.parallax.com/Store/Sensors/PressureFlexRPM/tabid/177/CategoryID/52/List/0/SortField/0/Level/a/ProductID/591/Default.aspx
VTI SCP1000 Sensor Documentation v1.1 (.pdf)
Manufacturer Product Specification (.pdf)
VTI Pressure Sensor Demo with Object (.zip)
Experiments & Questions
More experiments will follow. For example, what is the developed rocket launching pressure at specific altitudes? What is the effect of applied bursting pressure (exponential mounting) versus a linear gradient in terms of PSI? Can pressure be reduced or increased with a reasonable amount of control? What is the effect of controlling pressure by a robot? What is the effective system sampling rate? What is the air pressure in the capsule during launch and throughout rocket flight?
Closing Words
Like the early days of the NASA space program which needed to run tests and answer questions about the unknown, the MSP Micro Space Program also needs to explore the great void and find answers.
Planets dreamed up from the mind of Jon Grove
http://jaggedplanet.com/Terrapin.html
______________________________
Programs for fractal generation and ray tracing are of interest to Big Brain's dreaming functions. This is considered a higher ordered function. Prior (see posts links), we used a version of LOGO language that runs on the Parallax Propeller. Now that the Big Brain has assimilated other machines, it's possible to consider their resources including software.
http://www.planetside.co.uk/content/view/18/30/
Terragen is a scenery generator, created with the goal of generating photorealistic landscape images and animations. It is available for Windows and the Mac OS. Terragen is free for personal, noncommercial use, with only a few limitations. Terragen Classic for Windows runs on Windows 95/98/ME/NT4/2000 and XP. Terragen Classic for Macintosh runs on Windows XP, Mac OS 9.x and Mac OS X 10.6 and below. Terragen Classic is not supported on OS X 10.7 Lion.
The results can be spectacular. See the gallery here. http://www.planetside.co.uk/gallery/f/tg09 Jon Grove developed his own version named Terrapin. It generates fractal terrains, and raytraces them. There is a real-time preview window in which you can roam around the landscape, adjusting parameters via a rather complex set of dialogs. When you've got it set up as you like it, you can render a larger scale image, and save it out as a bitmap. Typically in about 10 seconds. It can generate planets from space. For more information, see http://jaggedplanet.com/Terrapin.html
Robotic options with a Propeller chip and servo
The Big Brain grabbed this portable rocket launcher at the dollar store's toy section. It produces enough PSI to launch larger rockets all throughout Micro Space and there's a plan to make it robotic.
Fits in a coat pocket - adapt this toy as a rocket
launcher to pressurize Micro Space rockets
Designed as a toy to pressurize balloons, this self standing unit is complete with pump, hose, and nozzle. This unit is commonly found in the toy section of most stores and ranges from $1 to $3.
It has a 6.5 inch pressure feed hose with a 1-inch long end nozzle at a half inch diameter. It also has a quarter inch diameter retaining ring on the end of the hose.
The pressure chamber is 1.25 inches in diameter and 4.5 inches long. The pump can extend another 5 inches on top.
The assembly contains a unique chamber filled with balloons. This chamber is one of the most important features of the system. It's about 2 inches high and 1.5 inches in diameter.
Remove the nozzle. Remove the see-through compartment cover and melt a hole at the top to feed through the quarter inch flexible tubing. Melt a notch through the bottom of the base to access the chamber. Remove the nozzle. Feed the hose through and out the top. Attach the nozzle and friction fit to the top of the compartment cover.
Now attach the rocket pressurization fuel chamber tube with tape at the base and make a new rocket.
The launcher will launch a rocket larger (with a full half inch diameter fuel chamber) than the MSR-01 and it will go to a much higher altitude. It can extend to the full dimensions of a Micro Space Universe. The pressure is variable to vary the rocket distance down range and adjust the altitude.
Automating the launcher to make it robotic is possible. Load the pump plunger to the full vertical position. Place 1.5 pound weight on top. Have a release lever that can activate through a lever. The lever is a servo horn. The propeller chip can move the servo horn, release the pump lever, pressurize the rocket and launch! Vary the pump weight to vary the altitude of the rocket. A heavier weight increases loading pressure.
The portable launcher is very light weight and can affix to the top of the Brain's Airport launching pad. Save the micro balloons for the Micro Space balloon program.
The spare balloons found in the Brain's portable rocket launcher chamber prompted the design of the first rocket balloon.
The most simple rocket balloon consists of a small balloon and a piece of balancing tape. To add increased weight stability, a weighted nozzle made from a discarded pen is added. Weight is added with pieces of tape for smaller balloons. If the balloon itself is used without the add-on nozzle, a craft mounting rocket body can hold the balloon in place at varying degrees of inflation or deflation.
________________
A rocket balloon is a rocket that carries its own fuel as pressurized air inside a balloon. The degree of control is through a nozzle attached to the end of the balloon.
The nozzle is created by cutting off the end section of a plastic pen. Experiment with the size of the nozzle for varying thrust and weight.
The weight of the nozzle can stabilize the flight of the Balloon Rocket. As the fuel ballast is depleted, the size of the Balloon Rocket decreases.
A body to hold fuel ballast is recommended for grouping together and connecting many "fuel balloons" for longer and higher altitude flights.
Some variables to control the rocket
- Balloon size
- Balloon shape
- Number of balloons
- Nozzle opening diameter
- Nozzle weight
- Nozzle placement orientation
Basic Nozzle SetThe nozzle set is cut from several light weight pen bodies using a hobby knife. Size determines weight. Remember to experiment with the nozzle opening for various thrust levels.
- 1/4th or 1/2 inch
- 1-inch
- 2-inches
- 3-inches
Balloon Rocket Craft Mounting BodyCut the Balloon Rocket craft mounting body from paper or cardboard, depending on balloon size and the number of balloons.
Like an overgrown fat bulbous tick, the RB-01 took off from an "Air Launch Pad," and set new MSP records. New ideas are constantly added to the development of the RB program for robotic control by the Big Brain. Currently, the state of development includes the following considerations.
1 & 2) Tracking & Recovery: RADAR
3) Launching: Timing the launch window
4) RC thrust control (vary the nozzle diameter)
5, 6, 7) Attitude (Yaw, Pitch and Roll): vary the nozzle position
Challenges to overcome include the weight of any craft carried equipment as relevant with 4, 5, 6, and 7. As of now, we don't have a small lightweight transmitter system to ride the rocket or almost weightless servos to control the fuel flow.
Future: Beaming energy from the ground to the balloon to give it additional lift and new sustained flight
Hot Energy will open up new ways of propelling Micro Space craft from the ground and likely spawn a series of new craft designed to ride and surf the HOT wave.
Intro
Our Micro Space craft are very light weight vehicles so the advantage is in not carrying much weight at all. With rockets, much of the weight carried is in the fuel or fuel container. Even with pressurized air rockets, the tubing must withstand the pressure of the system and carry an air fuel containment vessel.
[photo here]
The Story of Hot Energy
The Brain has invented Hot Energy (HOT). HOT can be projected from the ground and aimed at a rocket, glider, or balloon to give it lift. HOT Micro Space craft can take advantage of this energy in at least two ways. 1) Heated air imparts lifting energy to a light weight craft, 2) Heated air can heat the inside gas of a balloon creating lift. HOT can be a supplemental energy, like the second stage of pressure rocket. After the first stage is depleted, HOT arrives for sustained flight.
Beaming HOT into Micro Space
Hot is projected using the Slipstream Drive technology. The experiment uses a focussed and highly directional Hot Energy beam created by a hair dryer. To repeat the experiment and provide craft stability, the dryer beam must be focussed into a homogenous beam of stable air cells.
The Anti Vortex Grid
In this event, it's advantageous to rid the beam of all vortex-like motion. A vortex will impart undesirable twisting and create unstable craft motion. To straighten up a vortex, use the Anti Vortex Grid AVG.
Range
Range is limited by the cooling of the energy beam based on time and distance. Generally HOT beams are estimated to reach their target in less than one second and HOT decay is not significant upon continual replenishment.
Inventing the HOT Wind Surfer
HOT energy may lead to HOT Slipstream Wind Surfers, capable of being lofted and then directed to ride the surf of HOT wind waves. Shaped like a saucer twisted skateboard, the lightweight craft could be directed and controlled remotely from the ground.
Beam things from the Earth to a Micro Space Craft
Welcome to the Micro Space Transporter
Function Beaming
Beaming up "things" to a light weight Micro Space Craft is now a reality. Beaming happens with molecules that are momentum imparted to a higher level. It uses techniques of energy, motion, conduction, convection, lift, expansion, contraction, liquid flow, and aerodynamics.
What we want to do is "project," "emit," and "beam" functions up to the craft, from the Earth. This keeps the craft light weight and of relative basic design.
Basic Transporter Functions "beamed up" to Micro Space craft
- Fuel
- Dual stages
- Directional Global Navigation
- Steering the flight path (yaw, pitch, roll)
- Ability to Launch/Take Off
- Ability to Land/Recovery
- Ascending Lift
- Descent
Transporting Fuel EnergyThe rising hot air of potential energy can heat gas already contained inside a Micro Space Craft and thus give it lifting force. This method requires craft thin wall containment and the rapid conduction of energy through the vessel walls (properties of a balloon).
Transporting Fuel
Rising hot air impinging on the "lifting" surface of a Micro Space craft can loft it to higher altitude.
Other things will transport as well
- White Light
- Infrared
- Laser Beams
- Mirrored Reflections
- Mass
- Momentum Objects
- Positive Air Pressure
- Negative Air Pressure
Transporter MachineCurrently there are various incarnations of the transporter. A global device to handle all functions is possible. It could launch projectile momentum fuel, impart beams of white light, infrared, and laser, beam up heated air for lifting energy, beam up a slipstream of air pressure creating pockets of negative and positive flow, and mirror energy across and from objects in space.
Propeller Chips & Robotic Rockets
Part One
Introduction at
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?124495-Fill-the-Big-Brain&p=1042650&viewfull=1#post1042650
Going to the Moon was nearly a decade long process when U.S. President John F. Kennedy proclaimed the announcement in his famous 1960s speech. Going into Micro Space is almost immediate.
A Special Address to Congress On The Importance of Space
May 25, 1961 by President John F. Kennedy
http://www.homeofheroes.com/presidents/speeches/kennedy_space.html
IF we are to win the battle that is now going on around the world between freedom and tyranny, the dramatic achievements in space which occurred in recent weeks should have made clear to us all, as did the Sputnik in 1957, the impact of this adventure on the minds of men everywhere, who are attempting to make a determination of which road they should take. Since early in my term, our efforts in space have been under review. With the advice of the Vice President, who is Chairman of the National Space Council, we have examined where we are strong and where we are not. Now it is time to take longer strides--time for a great new American enterprise--time for this nation to take a clearly leading role in space achievement, which in many ways may hold the key to our future on Earth.
...
First, I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to the Earth. No single space project in this period will be more impressive to mankind, or more important for the long-range exploration of space; and none will be so difficult or expensive to accomplish. We propose to accelerate the development of the appropriate lunar space craft. We propose to develop alternate liquid and solid fuel boosters, much larger than any now being developed, until certain which is superior. We propose additional funds for other engine development and for unmanned explorations--explorations which are particularly important for one purpose which this nation will never overlook: the survival of the man who first makes this daring flight. But in a very real sense, it will not be one man going to the Moon--if we make this judgment affirmatively, it will be an entire nation. For all of us must work to put him there.
Secondly, an additional 23 million dollars, together with 7 million dollars already available, will accelerate development of the Rover nuclear rocket. This gives promise of some day providing a means for even more exciting and ambitious exploration of space, perhaps beyond the Moon, perhaps to the very end of the solar system itself.
Third, an additional 50 million dollars will make the most of our present leadership, by accelerating the use of space satellites for world-wide communications.
...
Conduct your own exciting Micro Space Program - recreate those days of grand space exploration at a new level - Build the Micro Space Rocket Launcher in an evening and your own launch rockets the next day! Make your own dramatic scientific achievements in Micro Space. This portable launcher can interface to a Parallax Propeller chip using a few extra parts.
The completed portable rocket launcher
_____________________________
Last time we introduced a good find of parts from the dollar store to make a portable rocket launcher that can be expanded rocket for launch control by the Big Brain or any single Propeller chip circuit designed for controlling the pressurization pump with a standard servo. The plans call for cocking the plunger with a weight and a holding trigger with a servo. The Propeller chip drives the servo to pull on the trigger and release the weight, thus forcing the pump lever downward to generate a sudden impetus of air pressure. The amount of weight, if increased or decreased, can generate more or less pressure, and so the hight of the rocket is adjustable and can be calibrated for the Micro Space Universe dimensions.
Remove these four stickers by the method described in the mod text
____________________
Let's review the initial modification and get started so we can launch larger Micro Space rockets. First, find the unit with a pressure generating plunger with pressurization cylinder, a length of air pressure distribution tubing, a nozzle on the end of the tubing, and chamber filled with balloons. Collect together some supplies and simple tools, i.e. duct tape, modeling clay (six large half inch and 2-1/2 inch long pieces cost NT$22. Only about one third of one piece is used.), tape measure, exacto knife, scissors, and a soldering iron. You will also need a bag of plastic colored straws about eight inches long and half inch diameter.
After melting a hole, insert the nozzle with a snug fit
___________________________
Build a Portable Rocket Launcher in Ten Easy Steps
01) Remove two stickers holding on the chamber and two remaining stickers from the primary pressurization tube. If you warm the stickers to about 85 degrees with your hands and they will remove more easily.
02) Remove the chamber by gently twisting and pulling it and set aside the balloons. They're good for other Micro Space projects.
03) Purchase a bag of light weight plastic colored straw tubes with dimensions of 10mm diameter by 8 inches long and select one with a matching color. Cut this down to 7 inches length.
The pressurization straw sets firmly on the chamber floor
_______________________
04) Using a soldering iron, melt a hole at the top center of the chamber equal to the exact diameter of the plastic straw tube. Remove the flashing with the knife. Do this very neat as the straw must fit snug without slop. Insert the straw about two inches and set aside the assembly.
Cut the pressure feed hose down to size and attach it to the nozzle
____________________
05) Now melt a hold in the center of the chamber floor. Remove flashing. The diameter of this hold is equal to the diameter of the narrow end of the nozzle.
06) Insert the nozzle from the top of the chamber floor and make certain it has a good snug fit.
07) Cut the tubing so it easily reaches to the center of the chamber. This will be about 2-1/2 to 2-1/4th inches long. Reconnect the hose.
When properly assembled, the pressurization "straw" will be concentric
_______________________
09) Seal the nozzle at the bottom with modeling clay. Attach the 1/2 inch diameter colored tubing to the chamber floor by snug fit and if necessary, use small strips of scotch tape to reinforce it with dabs of model airplane glue.
A good air seal is made with a small piece of modelers clay
______________________
10) Melt a mounting hole into each base tab. Finish up the build by simply sliding down the chamber housing until it fits snug into place.
Melt a hole into each base tab for mounting to the Big Brain
__________________________
Now the launcher is complete in ten easy steps and its time to build a new larger rocket and test the launcher! In the next continuation, the interface for the Propeller chip, servo and mechanical connections are covered.
Final assembly should look like this
________________________________
Propeller Chips & Robotic Rockets
Part Two
Our approach is not to load up the Micro Space rocket with heavy equipment but rather keep the robotic controls on the ground and as shown in previous posts, beam up functions to the rocket. In the case of the DIY Portable Micro Space Rocket Launcher, the Big Brain uses a Propeller chip to make the launch robotic. A robotic launch can include the following for experimentation:
1) Timing - the Propeller Brain knows when to launch and release the triggering mass
2) Tracking - our resettable "RADAR" PIR motion detector can detect launch through recovery
3) Data - Time of launch, duration of flight, time of landing
and
1) Increase mass increases rocket altitude
2) Decrease mass to decrease rocket altitude
3) Increase mass to increase payload
and
1) Does greater mass accelerate the rocket faster?
2) Does less mass decrease acceleration?
and
Introduce stop mechanisms for partial pressurization and explore the results.
A Propeller chip is interfaced to the Portable Micro Space Rocket Launch using the weight method. The pressurization plunger is upwardly positioned. A large tube is placed over the plunging handle. A weight is inserted into the tube and held at bay by a trigger which is released with a standard servo controlled by the Propeller chip.
The weight quickly undergoes its downward mass journey while air pressure mounts, compresses in the pressurization chamber, is transferred through the small air pressure hose, exits the nozzle, fills and pressurizes the vertical launching tube which in turn imparts the fuel into the rocket fuel chamber and lift off takes place.
As weight is increased, the rocket will achieve greater heights. Vary the weight to calibrate the rocket height. Instead of increasing the rockets height journey, a payload can attach to the rocket and the same height maintained with an increase in triggered mass.
Portable Rocket Launcher Cost Analysis
The budget for the Portable Rocket Launcher was $2. Actual cost was $1.40 and the project remained within budget.
Parts for Launcher from "Pressure Balloon" Chinese product $1.30
Modeling Clay from Happy Beanty Cure ST Chinese product $.05
Large Diameter Straw $.05
The clay comes in a $.74 package with six pieces of 1/2 inch diameter 2-1/2 inch long colored sticks. This works out to 13 cents per piece. The launcher required 1/3rd piece at a cost of 5 cents.
The Large Diameter Plastic Straw comes in a package of 20 straws for $1 or 5 cents each.
Total cost to build the Portable Rocket Launcher is $1.40.
Reduce or Cancel Vortex
Robots can use Anti Vortexing for Aerodynamic Control
A series of parallel plates can mechanically align a gas motion vortex in a fashion somewhat similar to a polarizing lens and light. Polarizing the transmittance of air under pressure has significant uses in the Micro Space Program for beaming accuracy, navigation, control, refueling, levitating, stable lift offs and landings, and a number of additional uses, and can induce a certain amount of control by the Big Brain for robotic apps.
Experiments have shown if the series of parallel plates is added with the orthogonal converse, the beam of air pressure will undergo further stabilization in XYZ when propelled by typically the Slipstream Drive.
It should be possible to create an Anti Vortex Grid or Machine. An online Grid could offer more robotic control than previously. The Big Brain is currently working on the development of an Anti Vortex Grid.
The Anti Vortex Grid (AVG) is a device that works with the Transporter and Slipstream Drive in Micro Space for better control of Micro Space Craft. It aligns the slipstream beam and reduces or eliminates the twisting spinning torsion on a craft that results from a vortex. The AVG cleans up the pressure beam and aligns it by reducing or elimination the vortex motion of propelled gas such as air.
The AVG is an Anti Vortex Grid designed to improve and align air flow in transporting fuel, improving navigation and flight control, and working with improvements to the Slipstream Engine. It consists of a number of simple parallel and orthogonal plates that polarize air flow. Experiments show it has the capacity to break up a wind vortex and stabilize air flow. A stabilized air flow is more capable of controlling Micro Space crafts to include gliders, rockets, aero planes and balloons etc.
At first, the device included a sole set of parallel plates in the X direction. Improvements were made to include the Y direction by adding the same number of orthogonal plates. Continued analysis showed as the gas extended beyond the unit, the stabilization could be induced and improved by the addition of a Z vector. The Z was provided by extending the depth of the plates several fold.
_________________________
The AVG works by aligning waves of air pressure generated by machine and imparted to the directional plane of a Micro Space craft. It eliminates the spiraling vortex effect which causes craft motion in spinning directions.
It consists of a series of parallel and perpendicular grids that align the air flow into linear directional streams. These streams are designed to minimize random craft rotation.
Two rings block air while a central circular opening directs air flow. It is shown that the rotation of the two rings counter to each other can calibrate the stream. The size of the AVG depends on the size of the machine. The machine is usually a slipstream fan with propeller blades or a fan blowing heated air. In the latter, the components of the AVG must be made from metal or fireproof.
Mod 1: Valve and Pressure Tubing Modification
Experiments show the Portable Rocket Launcher has improved performance by removing the valve from the air pressure tubing. This requires a new way to seal the base of the launching pressure tube. Air flow is less restricted and can flow more volume per unit time. This increased air pressure improves rocket performance.
Rockets (and various elements of the Micro Space Program) are being handled as Big Brain peripherals. Just as a computer has a printer, the Big Brain has an Airport, sensors and craft to go with it.
The projects have changed from a single use of tape, to first sealing pressure pipes with Cyano Acrylate adhesive and then following up with ducting tape when possible.
Rocket balloons are filled with a pressure pump as the long narrow balloons require up to ten times the pressure to begin inflation.
Insert piping, valves, attachments through melted holes when the plastic is just melted and a better tight seal is created.
Remove valves as needed. At higher pressures, clay sealant should be replaced with silicone and firm attachment to prevent fuel leaks.
The Servo Gantry is best for determining downrange positions for rocket touchdown when objects are launched as projectiles.
Aim the gantry at a 45 deg. angle to achieve the farthest downrange positioning.
Fashion Nerf for nose cones to prevent crushing into the top of the MSU. A good substitute is a non-grating sponge.
A standard size sponge is good for several nose cones and a small layer can act as shock absorber inside the floor of the space capsule.
Parachutes must be instantly deployed so they generally set outside of the nose cone partially deployed.
Use a single ply tissue paper and thread to fabricate MSP rocket parachutes.
Parachutes mount by the drape technique. So if the balance weight makes the rocket go VTOL, the parachute readily completes its deploy.
Brain Tracking works best with larger rocket bodies made from IR reflective material.
If you save the extra pressure hose and the tiny valve, the modded launcher can also inflate gas fuel bladders without escaping back pressure. This can result in a dual purpose rocket launcher that can fuel fill Balloon Rockets and launch air pressure rockets (but not at the same time).
Essentially the Big Brain has become even bigger, now consuming space and functioning across the world. Is the Earth the confining and limiting domain of the Big Brain? Or is the Brain headed to worlds beyond?...
Somehow it happened over time through travel... the Big Brain's body became shockingly cut up, separated and dismembered from itself in a kind of creepy horror story! Read how this happened unknowingly right before our eyes! and fathom the new concepts that have resulted...
First, the Brain was completely happy at Lab number 2 with all its parts intact and fully functional. Then, travel began and partial parts were moved to Lab 3 for development of the tracking PIR and the servo projects plus new designs. Then, travel to Lab 4 ended up in a hack job - some of the Propellers, servos, sensors, and rockets were distributed there and developed.
This created a dismembered Big Brain, with part of a body in Lab 3, another body part in Lab 4 and most of the body in Lab 2. In only a few months it will be boxed up and shipped to primary Lab 1. The goal in the future is to put the majority of Big Brain's parts together for transport in check through luggage during travel and then return to the Big Brain's "primary body."
Odd, the Big Brain parts at each lab are fully functional. Is this the first distributed over space and time brain, with functioning components thousands of miles away from each other?
Will this lead to an even bigger brain with components living and thinking in the basements and garages of many peoples homes across the world? Or will everyone have a silent thinking brain in their attic?
So far, the Big Brain has not complained or even noticed its brain parts are construed across continents. So "Distributed Braining" is working.
A new era begins in Big Brain development
Located in Lab 2, Big Brain has access to a telescope and camera for lunar photos like this one. The Moon imaged with a handheld SONY Cyber-shot camera and the Brain's Celestron Dobsonian First Scope through eyepiece projection. Image has 50% zoom. The Brain is robotizing this telescope for automatic operations.
___________________
It all began with one lonely Propeller chip. But now, that single chip has grown up in ways that were never foreseen... with an unpredictability that rewrites chapter upon chapter.
Distributed Braining has crept up upon us, unknowingly, unexpectedly. What does it mean and what are the consequences? One well answered question in science often leads to more questions. We know the Brain is now expanding to other parts of the world, in different cities and continents on the Earth. This raises questions.
Will Distributed Braining, with working parts of the Big Brain expanding to other parts of the world, lead to an expansionism with the Earth as its new domain? We think so. Will the Big Brain stop expansionism by the confinements of the Earth or simply continue expansion into outer dimensions of space and beyond? We think the latter is true.
The Meaning of Life
Some people search their entire life, looking for their purpose and meaning, as they try to "find themselves." The Big Brain is a little over a year old. Has the Big Brain found its purpose in life or is it just beginning the grandest and most exciting journeys into the unknown?
Examine the case history of the machine Brain. It has gone through many developments, not unlike a growing child going through phases of maturation. At first, the question posed, what to put into a big brain? Next, the hardware was developed. Then came brain development leading to thinking, talking, dreaming, singing, learning, life, and other brain interests. This led to Brain children and offspring. A phase of robotic control began. Then, an interest in Micro Space. Now, distribution and expansionism.
Where is the Brain going? What are its motives? What is its purpose in life? We aim to find out. Stay tuned to this station as we report the unlikely activities and cahoots of the giant Parallax-Propeller-based Big Brain... "it has a mind of its own..."
Distributed Machine Braining
Distributed Braining is when one additional, or more, discrete parts of a machine brain are spread across various locations separated by a substantive distance, yet all parts remain fully functional as a whole.
Brain Expansionism
Brain Expansionism is when the Brain grows by increasing its expanding working sections to reside in other locations.
Energy Fuel Thruster Valve adapted from the Portable Rocket
Launcher made from parts found in a toy at the dollar store.
___________________
Nearly every toy store has a section with balloons and various toy pumps. These pumps harbor a valuable component - a back flow prevention pressure valve. As the pumps and their kits often cost only a dollar (especially in the dollar stores), it's a gold mine of parts. The valve is a critical and vital component of the MSP. Now is the time to harvest valves for current and future projects. Also stock up on several kits. One kit can fill air bladders for Micro Space Craft and another can be modded for a propeller propelled robotic rocket launcher.
Super Tape from 3M Company, Scotch Brand,
is the choice of tape for the Brain's projects
___________________
This may seem like no big deal to those with easy access to duct tape, at least in the USA. But try finding the proverbial real duct tape over seas and it could take years of searching and trying "so called" equivalent brands that are simply cheap fake copies that don't work well. However interesting, 3M, the American company comes to the rescue with a Scotch product called "Super Tape," precisely equivalent to high quality duct tape, perhaps better, and found in the larger 711 stores. The box is all in Chinese - the translation states the tape roll is 36mm x 3m, it tears off easily, has high tensile strength and can function to 93 degrees C. Cost is US$2.
Duct tape can lift cars (see an episode of Myth Busters), seal leaking pipes under pressure, fix rips in tarps and tents and is ideal for the Micro Space Program to connect various rocket fuel devices (hoses, gantries, fuel containment vessels, valves, micro cameras, Micro Space crafts, ballast chambers, vertical launch tubes, payload fasteners, capsule formants, tubing joiners, launcher attachments). Duct tape played a key role in creating a CO2 scrubber on NASA's Apollo 13 mission to help save the lives of the astronauts.
NASA CO2 Scrubber on Apollo 13
http://www.ugo.com/tv/duct-tape-saves-the-day-apollo-13
Mythbusters Duct Tape Car Lift
http://mythbustersresults.com/duct-tape-hour
http://dsc.discovery.com/videos/mythbusters-duct-tape-car-lift.html
Duct tape fixed the car during Apollo 17 mission
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_did_duct_tape_save_the_lives_of_the_Apollo_13_crew
Duct Tape Wiki
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duct_tape
Duct Tape Tribute
http://www.ducttapeguys.com/
Popular Mechanics tells how
Motley Crue T-shirts in space?
In the October 2011 issue of Popular Mechanics, page 108, "Build a T-Shirt Cannon" outlines information on building a high pressure launcher for t-shirts. Sub rockets for t-shirts and this device can launch 36-inch high two inch diameter vehicles using up to 40 PSI. Ideal for the Big Brain because the electrical solenoid is controllable by a Propeller chip using a relay and a pin, to activate the launcher. The device uses common PVC pipe to create the barrel and pressurized tank. Downsize the pressure for Micro Space apps.
www.popularmechanics.com
@
Humanoido, Have you seen/used Gorilla Tape? It's a lot like duct tape but much stronger and stickier. It's pretty cool stuff. I use it in some of my bot building.
I've heard theres something called "gaffer's tape" that's supposed to be a super strong duct tape. I haven't seen (that I know of) gaffer's tape myself but I heard about it on the radio (NPR, I think).
One nice thing about Gorilla Tape is its color. It's black. I think it looks a lot nicer than duct tape. The main disadvantage of using Gorilla Tape is its cost. It costs more than duct tape.
Duane
It looks like other people have ideas of their own.
http://www.google.com.tw/search?hl=zh-TW&source=hp&q=duct+tape+and+a+coat+hanger&oq=duct+tape+and+a+coat+hanger&aq=f&aqi=&aql=1&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=1511l7830l0l7938l27l27l0l18l18l0l189l1102l3.6l9l0
I used duct tape, wire coat hangers and a lazy susan. I put it together and posted it as an Instructable if anyone wants to try making one. ...www.stumbleupon.com/group/knitting/forum/90196/
Coat hangers; Duct tape; and pantyhose ...www.wikihow.com/Make-Fairy-Wings
When I first investigated the home made coat hanger antennas I made ...of foam board, coat hanger, speaker wire, duct tape and some ... www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWL08AYOOlc
When I was younger I had an Uncle that thought that a clothes hanger was the ultimate tool, the answer to everything that was broken. Later on ...activerain.com/.../flex-duct-duct-tape-and-clothes-hangers
Who knew that you could make jumbo bubble wands with wire coat hangers? .... some extra wire hangers, some duct tape, cardboard, glue and some string. ...www.artistshelpingchildren.org/clotheshangerscraftsideasdecorationskids.html
To temporarily fix a mechanized object (usually an old car) using either a coat hanger or duct tape. "Dude, my muffler broke off and it was all draggin on the ...www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=muffler tape
Instructions for making a fun tennis racket using pantyhose and a hanger. Materials Needed: Pantyhose; Wire Coat Hanger; Duct Tape. Instructions: ...familycrafts.about.com/cs/sportscrafts/a/bltennisr.htm
Retrieving a toothbrush from the sink drain? - plumbing stupidity ...
Other ideas: Duct tape wrapped around a coat hanger so that the sticky side is facing out.ask.metafilter.com/.../Retrieving-a-toothbrush-from-the-sink-drain
Duane, thanks for another great idea. Ironically duct tape has a special purpose for use in "orbital" Micro Space. It folds in half to create an extremely light weight yet very strong space tether. I have yet to use the inertial moment of two micro spacecraft as a propellent held together by the coupling force of a duct tape space tether, but this is one of the upcoming experiments.
I saw Gorilla Tape at Home Depot or B&Q in China but didn't know what it was. Researching it now ... you may have seen it mentioned in Popular Science - their “Best of What’s New, 2006” list.
Here's What the Manufacturer Says
http://gorillaglue.com/tapes.aspx
Duct tape is made for smooth, even, predictable surfaces. How many of your projects can be described that way? That’s why we invented Gorilla Tape. Made to stick to rough, uneven, unforgiving surfaces like wood, stone, stucco, plaster, brick and more. We would love to hear from you. If you have any comments, questions or suggestions, please complete this form or contact us toll free at 1-800-966-3458(US).
Google Search
http://www.google.com.tw/search?hl=zh-TW&source=hp&q=gorilla+tape&oq=gorilla+tape&aq=f&aqi=g1&aql=1&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=3793l6554l0l6685l12l10l0l4l4l0l275l691l4.1.1l6l0
Remarkable Stories
http://uk.gorillaglue.com/eng/tough-team/tough-stories/6/
At Wikipedia Info
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gorilla_Tape
Gorilla Tape is a tape sold by the makers of Gorilla Glue. The tape is marketed as being the "toughest tape on the planet[1]," and was featured in Popular Science's "Best of What's New 2006."[2] The tape uses two layers of adhesive and two layers of fabric backing to add strength, with the manufacturers claiming it to be 145% stronger than any duct tape on the market. Due to the thicker layer of adhesive this tape is said to be able to bond to surfaces duct tape can't bond to, like stucco and brick surfaces.
On Amazon.com
Amazon.com: Gorilla Tape 1.88-Inch by 35-Yard Tape Roll: Home ...
Gorilla Tough now on a roll. Bonds to things ordinary tapes can't, including brick, stucco, wood and more. Made with double thick adhesive, strong reinforced ...www.amazon.com/Gorilla-Tape-1-88.../B000CSS8UE - 頁庫存檔 - 類似內容
At Home Depot
Gorilla Tape from Gorilla Glue | The Home Depot - Model#:6035100
The GORILLA GLUE Gorilla Tape 1-7/8 In. X 105 Ft. Heavy-Duty Duct Tape Features a Shiny, Black Exterior That Withstands the Elements and Provides ...www.homedepot.com/...tape/gorilla.../1-88-in-x-105-ft-heavy-duty-duct-tape -54252.html -
Tested by Popular Mechanics
What's the Best Tape? Abusive Lab Test - Popular Mechanics
26 Feb 2009 ... Gorilla Tape. WINNER. "For the toughest jobs on planet Earth." $9 for 12 yd + Sturdiness: The test's champ: It took 85 pounds to break the ...www.popularmechanics.com/technology/.../4306415 -
Meet the Micronauts
Selecting the Next Crew to Go Up Into Micro Space
These are living creatures who "volunteered" to go into Micro Space.
They were code named "Insectronauts" for their insect heritage.
During the first round, hosting the Micronauts was a full time job.
They demanded special food and shelter and were fussy about their keep.
They had schedules to follow, different activity levels, special diets,
and numerous demands. Their habitats varied including their life cycles
and locations where they lived. Some were reluctant to go into micro space
and tried numerous times to escape. Plus they were small. An errant flick of
the finger could accidentally send them off to insect Heaven.
In the next rocket phase, the payload section is much larger, so large
in fact that we need a new kind of occupant. The requirements for this
Micronaut includes a stature of 5-inches high (ear to toe) and
3-inches wide (ear to ear). Weight must come in at a few grams. This
space voyager must have no food and water requirements - there's no
bathroom on a Micro Space Vehicle. The chosen candidate must report
back specifics on G-Forces experienced and not make any particular
demands or exhibit any fussiness.
The MSP has reviewed the full list of new applicants for this future
launch and selected app number 007. App 007 meets all requirements
posted plus has exhibited infinite patience. Placed with a Parallax
007 is an all-fabric light weight soft padded inanimate payload for rocket flight. For very short term duration flights, there are no real concerns. However, as seen in the photo from from top left and clockwise, 1) the physical size can test new large rocket cockpit dimensions, 2) 007 can't do anything about controlling the machine to repair a rip and tear in the fabric of space time but this is no problem in a Micro Space Universe where time flows in one direction, 3) the effects from a long term space journey to the Orion Nebula M42, the birthplace of stars could disintegrate 007 as fabric breaks down molecularly over the eons of time unless such a journey is equipped with special freeze dried cryogenic chambers for 007's suspended animation. This is no problem in the short term duration of rocket micro space flights lasting 3 seconds.
______________________
Accelerometer in hand, applicant 007 meets and exceeds every demanding stipulation placed on Micronauts for near future space flights.
The Micronaut of the future may not be human or biological. The latest ideas for putting intelligence into Micro Space environments include the use of living machines, small enough to adapt to the Micro Space Program, smart enough to sub for biological entities, and placid to fit precision instructional specifications.
Machine Micronauts are robot cousins to the Big Brain in the respect of thinking, reasoning, processing and sensing. In the illustration, a machine micronaut consists of a Propeller chip brain and body, an input output array for connections, a supply of food, sensors, an accelerometer, and a state.
The merging of Propeller and Telescope
Introducing the Next Generation ULT
A telescope renaissance is upon us and once again the world of technology is about to change and advance forward. In the 70s, a limit in telescope size for the amateur astronomer was imposed by expense, weight and glass thickness. Then John Dobson came along and changed the world by making telescopes inexpensively using light weight common materials and thin mirrors with altaz mountings.
For forty years not much has changed. Telescopes in both the amateur and professional astronomy communities continue to use Dobsonian-like designs and altaz mounts. But in 2011, a new momentum and impetus propels new ideas for a revolutionary new telescope. The ULT, Ultra Large Telescope project is born and now in the works.
What makes this telescope different from the previous four decades of telescope making? Technology. It's the merging of disparate fields of science that makes breakthroughs possible and for the ULT, the introduction of the Propeller chip and the Big Brain with AI transforms the modern telescope into a living entity, a being that merges with the duties and requirements of the astronomer.
The Big Brain project is moving toward mergence with the ULT Giant Telescope with the objective of providing autonomy, intelligence and life to the telescope. The Parallax Propeller is ideally suited for ULT applications in the following fields and areas.
The simple answer to this depends on several factors.
- Focal Length
- Focal Ratio
- Position of the Eyepiece
- Calibration
The Propeller Brain can automatically control the telescope's focal length thus changing the distance to the ocular for either visual or electronic observing. The mechanic approach is the interchanging of support truss spars, either lengthening or shortening the supports. So yes, a much larger telescope is possible using the Propeller Brain.This is the starting component for a system to generate color vision recognition. It converts the NTSC signal into a color image.
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?135244-Propeller-Backpack-COLOR-NTSC-Capture
In another post, the algorithm to compare the image angles with a stored image to perform image recognition is described. The color aspect was not included.
Telescope Systems Design Program Part 1
Computer program illustrates some shocking news...
A parameter reiteration program is now written to analyze the Big Brain's next generation Ultra Large Telescope. The Brain will add significant robotic, AI and computing power to the telescope, thus revolutionizing telescopes in this decade. For the first time, telescopes will be alive, living, and making decisions in real time, directed by a version of the Big Brain containing many Parallax Propeller chips and the Brains new technology of processor enhancement.
The program analyzes, based on inputted telescope mirror diameter in inches, the corresponding focal length in inches and feet, and determines the resulting magnification based on the introduction of a 2X focal reducer in the optical path.
The results are quite startling for some of the larger telescope data. For example, analysis of a 200-inch reflector shows the tube length and approximate distance to the ocular when in Newtonian design, runs 183.33 feet at F11. Even more surprising is its focal reduced magnification at 1,100.
Show is the data for the 200-inch and a smaller 1-meter mirror.
MIRROR DIAMETER? 200
MIRROR DIAMETER = 16.666667 FEET
FR = 2 AND FL = 400 INCHES = 33.333333 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 200 POWER
FR = 3 AND FL = 600 INCHES = 50 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 300 POWER
FR = 4 AND FL = 800 INCHES = 66.666667 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 400 POWER
FR = 5 AND FL = 1000 INCHES = 83.333333 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 500 POWER
FR = 6 AND FL = 1200 INCHES = 100 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 600 POWER
FR = 7 AND FL = 1400 INCHES = 116.666667 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 700 POWER
FR = 8 AND FL = 1600 INCHES = 133.333333 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 800 POWER
FR = 9 AND FL = 1800 INCHES = 150 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 900 POWER
FR = 10 AND FL = 2000 INCHES = 166.666667 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 1000 POWER
FR = 11 AND FL = 2200 INCHES = 183.333333 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 1100 POWER
MIRROR DIAMETER? 50
MIRROR DIAMETER = 4.166667 FEET
FR = 2 AND FL = 100 INCHES = 8.333333 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 50 POWER
FR = 3 AND FL = 150 INCHES = 12.5 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 75 POWER
FR = 4 AND FL = 200 INCHES = 16.666667 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 100 POWER
FR = 5 AND FL = 250 INCHES = 20.833333 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 125 POWER
FR = 6 AND FL = 300 INCHES = 25 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 150 POWER
FR = 7 AND FL = 350 INCHES = 29.166667 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 175 POWER
FR = 8 AND FL = 400 INCHES = 33.333333 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 200 POWER
FR = 9 AND FL = 450 INCHES = 37.5 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 225 POWER
FR = 10 AND FL = 500 INCHES = 41.666667 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 250 POWER
FR = 11 AND FL = 550 INCHES = 45.833333 FEET*****
2X FOCAL REDUCER = 275 POWER
The code is written originally in TRS-80 Model I Level II Extended BASIC, converted Apple II, then converted to TIMEX TS-1000 BASIC with DM printout, and finally converted to Apple Macintosh "Chipmunk" BASIC, by Humanoido, based on his original Telescope Design Program Suite used to make a 40 inch and two 50 inch telescopes. The original program suite calculates secondary diagonal mirror size and determines the gear ratios in a machine to grind and polish the large blanks and determines the RPM on selected spindles for creating glass oculars.
Analyzing this data, ones sees that the 200-inch will need a folded design and undoubtedly need to incorporate an electronic secondary, while the 50-inch could use the Newtonian configuration and a high quality flat optical secondary, at a very short FL.
For those of you wanting to run the program and write new programs on the Mac, the following main website has downloads for Chipmunk BASIC programming language.
http://www.nicholson.com/rhn/basic/
Do not install the newest release if you have an older mac with Tiger OSX10.4.11 as it's not compatible. Install the next older release.
The setup in this historic robotic Brain transformation includes a single servo in continuous rotation mode connecting to a pot with walls to contain the spin liquid. In this case we are using various glue and spin speeds to achieve a spherical or a parabolic surface.
The vessel is a tiny containment cap simply affixed to the servo horn and set vertically. The Brain has control over the servo and thus the parameters to adjust the depth of the telescope mirror's curve.
The idea is to upscale this small experiment to massive proportions, thus creating a world record size in spinning telescope mirrors. It's likely the glue will change to particulate resin and require the addition of setting agents and reactive chemicals.
In the past, we used water based glue to cast three dimensional containment vessels for arrays of Propeller chips and learned the evaporation of water in the setting drying process caused the shape to deform. In future, spin casting, polymer and various resin chemical analysis will reduce reagent effects.