This is the day to look back on what was accomplished in the previous year.
Er, not much.
I made a visit in February, stayed for a few hours, and left.
Perhaps a few plans got more firm than before. A building plan seems to have been finalized. Maybe.
In two years, I'll be at the halfway point in the payment schedule. This is an accomplishment, but it would be better if something was actually out there. Once the financial situation improves, then that excuse will go away.
Lately, I've figured out a way to align my trailer perfectly along the east-west line. Just wait until the midpoint of the day, when the sun is directly south. This will be true in any season. The shadow will make a perfect north-south line, and a perpendicular line makes east-west.
Therefore, I have a building plan, a location decided, and it's orientation on the property. As for building the thing, there isn't much else to do, besides getting out there and doing it.
One thing to wait on is a better financial position. This could take up to two years.
But I could go sooner if I wanted to. Or not at all.
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Saturday, December 28, 2019
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
A few remarks
Things continue to move, although very slowly.
Today, I filled up the fresh-water tank from the well. I could have done this all along, but today was finally the day to try it out. It acted a little squirrely when I took a shower. At least it works, for now.
A few days ago, I was perusing YouTube when I found some crafts that utilized concrete cloth. This gave me an idea to use that to make another Quonset hut. Maybe one of these days. It would take a lot of fabric to cover the cattle panels. It would be messy to dip the fabric into the concrete, and then hang it on the cattle panel.
I was wondering if there was a way to rig it so that I wouldn't have to get my hands in it and on my clothes. What a mess that would be.
Here's a rig: there would be a container that I would make with plywood. It will be large enough to run a large piece through it a one time. There would be rollers positioned so that the cloth would have to pass through the rollers and the concrete and out of the container. From the container, it would be stretched out on to the cattle panel immediately to dry.
Maybe bed sheets would work the best. Those would be long enough so that one cut in half would cover the entire cattle panel ( or come close ).
The trouble with this is that it may take more than one person to do the job. If I end up doing this, I think I could find somebody who could help.
As for any other topic, I still haven't made my ladder yet. Still thinking about it.
Today, I filled up the fresh-water tank from the well. I could have done this all along, but today was finally the day to try it out. It acted a little squirrely when I took a shower. At least it works, for now.
A few days ago, I was perusing YouTube when I found some crafts that utilized concrete cloth. This gave me an idea to use that to make another Quonset hut. Maybe one of these days. It would take a lot of fabric to cover the cattle panels. It would be messy to dip the fabric into the concrete, and then hang it on the cattle panel.
I was wondering if there was a way to rig it so that I wouldn't have to get my hands in it and on my clothes. What a mess that would be.
Here's a rig: there would be a container that I would make with plywood. It will be large enough to run a large piece through it a one time. There would be rollers positioned so that the cloth would have to pass through the rollers and the concrete and out of the container. From the container, it would be stretched out on to the cattle panel immediately to dry.
Maybe bed sheets would work the best. Those would be long enough so that one cut in half would cover the entire cattle panel ( or come close ).
The trouble with this is that it may take more than one person to do the job. If I end up doing this, I think I could find somebody who could help.
As for any other topic, I still haven't made my ladder yet. Still thinking about it.
Monday, December 16, 2019
Blogging continues here
The other blog is on hold for now.
I took down the link to the other blog from this blog. But not from there to here. I may do that later. As for now, the folks who did go to the other blog may be able to come here from the link over there.
This blog hasn't received much attention lately. It seems that the writing habit is very much still with me. But I am a little rusty having spent most of my time over there.
As for a little content to post about, here is a link to a map of the water ice on Mars.
You know, Mars is so far away, it will need its own government. What do you suppose the new government on Mars will be like?
I took down the link to the other blog from this blog. But not from there to here. I may do that later. As for now, the folks who did go to the other blog may be able to come here from the link over there.
This blog hasn't received much attention lately. It seems that the writing habit is very much still with me. But I am a little rusty having spent most of my time over there.
As for a little content to post about, here is a link to a map of the water ice on Mars.
You know, Mars is so far away, it will need its own government. What do you suppose the new government on Mars will be like?
Monday, December 9, 2019
The Lost Ways
A review of the survivalist book. It is advertised in some places. I wanted a bit more information about it. I haven't bought it myself.
As with any book, it won't do it for you. If only it was that easy.
As with any book, it won't do it for you. If only it was that easy.
Sunday, December 8, 2019
Projects
Update:
12.8.19:
A ladder may not be necessary, but it may be desirable. There are downsides to making one. It will cost money. It may break, especially with me on it. On the other hand, it may not be useful enough to make it worthwhile.
Still scoping out how to proceed.
Instead of make a screen for an incinerator, I just used my washtub. I burned a few pieces of paper in order to try it out. This is a poor man's way of getting rid of some trash.
12.5.19:
A ladder may not be necessary. Nor the other project. An alternative to a ladder would be some type of seal for the leak that would not require that I get on top of the trailer. Perhaps the seal could be slid into place. A piece of plastic might do the job. Some Flex-seal around the seams would finish it off.
A small metal container may be all that is necessary for burning small amounts of paper. No need to make the thing I was considering.
12.4.19:
I am leaning towards making the ladder. It can be mounted on the bumper. It will need bracing to keep it steady. In addition, I can pour some concrete to make it virtually immovable.
The ladder that is available is too short. There is another, but it is so large that I hesitate to use it.
Still considering the options.
12.4.19:
Now there may be a couple.
The second project is to build a ladder so that I can get on the roof of the RV trailer. There's a leaky area up there I'd like to access, and there may be other reasons that I can think up later.
It doesn't have a built-in roof, so either I use a ladder or I build one against the RV. I choose the latter because the ground is not level around here, and a ladder might not be as safe as I'd like. Come to think of it, a ladder might work after all. I need to look at that again before I start doing anything.
The rest is a bit of speculation about building it.
The tarp project involved putting a 2x4 stud with a brace on the rear bumper. The tarp shred to pieces long ago, so it isn't necessary anymore.
This setup can be adapted rather easily, I think towards making one side of the ladder. The other side could be attached either to a wall or to the bumper. The RV is parked against the wall of a building, so the building is very stable.
The wall option would not be as easy to mount the trailer. The bumper side does not match up easily, so it may take some creativity to get it to line up.
More on this later.
12.8.19:
A ladder may not be necessary, but it may be desirable. There are downsides to making one. It will cost money. It may break, especially with me on it. On the other hand, it may not be useful enough to make it worthwhile.
Still scoping out how to proceed.
Instead of make a screen for an incinerator, I just used my washtub. I burned a few pieces of paper in order to try it out. This is a poor man's way of getting rid of some trash.
12.5.19:
A ladder may not be necessary. Nor the other project. An alternative to a ladder would be some type of seal for the leak that would not require that I get on top of the trailer. Perhaps the seal could be slid into place. A piece of plastic might do the job. Some Flex-seal around the seams would finish it off.
A small metal container may be all that is necessary for burning small amounts of paper. No need to make the thing I was considering.
12.4.19:
I am leaning towards making the ladder. It can be mounted on the bumper. It will need bracing to keep it steady. In addition, I can pour some concrete to make it virtually immovable.
The ladder that is available is too short. There is another, but it is so large that I hesitate to use it.
Still considering the options.
12.4.19:
Now there may be a couple.
The second project is to build a ladder so that I can get on the roof of the RV trailer. There's a leaky area up there I'd like to access, and there may be other reasons that I can think up later.
It doesn't have a built-in roof, so either I use a ladder or I build one against the RV. I choose the latter because the ground is not level around here, and a ladder might not be as safe as I'd like. Come to think of it, a ladder might work after all. I need to look at that again before I start doing anything.
The rest is a bit of speculation about building it.
The tarp project involved putting a 2x4 stud with a brace on the rear bumper. The tarp shred to pieces long ago, so it isn't necessary anymore.
This setup can be adapted rather easily, I think towards making one side of the ladder. The other side could be attached either to a wall or to the bumper. The RV is parked against the wall of a building, so the building is very stable.
The wall option would not be as easy to mount the trailer. The bumper side does not match up easily, so it may take some creativity to get it to line up.
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Starship landing sites on Mars
A map, if you please, of Mars.
The areas are numbered 1-9. Olympus Mons is in the "tropical zone". That means these areas are to the north of that, and maybe well to the north.
 |
| Olympus Mons is the large mountain on Mars, which covers an area roughly the size of France. |
The areas are numbered 1-9. Olympus Mons is in the "tropical zone". That means these areas are to the north of that, and maybe well to the north.
Further explorations at candidate Starship Mars landing site https://t.co/ZUYxs3PgaW— Greg Meadows (@BootsandOilBlog) December 3, 2019
Monday, December 2, 2019
If carbon dioxide is captured, then what?
Comment:
5:32 pm:
I've posted on this in connection to molten-salt reactors. You might get fuel from a process derived from captured carbon dioxide, but it will cost $25 a gallon. In other words, not economical, except in war zones.
Unless this process brings that price down, it won't make economic sense.
12:04 pm:
The obvious question is what do you do with the gas? Any gas can escape, so "sequestration" isn't of much value.
According to the article, it requires 1 gigajoule of electricity to capture 1 ton of the gas. But the processing isn't finished with the mere capture. You have to do something with it. From there, it might be processed back into fuels, but at a cost. If it takes 1 gigajoule, that's about 278 kilowatt-hours per ton.
5:32 pm:
I've posted on this in connection to molten-salt reactors. You might get fuel from a process derived from captured carbon dioxide, but it will cost $25 a gallon. In other words, not economical, except in war zones.
Unless this process brings that price down, it won't make economic sense.
12:04 pm:
The obvious question is what do you do with the gas? Any gas can escape, so "sequestration" isn't of much value.
According to the article, it requires 1 gigajoule of electricity to capture 1 ton of the gas. But the processing isn't finished with the mere capture. You have to do something with it. From there, it might be processed back into fuels, but at a cost. If it takes 1 gigajoule, that's about 278 kilowatt-hours per ton.
1 gigajoule power per ton captured: MIT engineers made a cheaper and more efficient device to trap carbon dioxide https://t.co/fqr7jE1DX5 via @thenextweb— Greg Meadows (@BootsandOilBlog) December 2, 2019
Sunday, December 1, 2019
Some ideas
An idea for a waste burner:
This would be for paper waste. It is designed for catching embers so that they won't catch anything on fire.
It is simple really. Just use a terra cotta planter as the receptacle for the waste. Build a small table like thing with a metal screen on top of it in order to catch the embers.
Use it as follows: fill up with waste and set it on fire. Push the table into position, which will allow the waste to have air to burn, but catch the embers. Simple idea, really.
This gave me an idea to use the same kind of set up to filter rainwater. Instead of a wire mesh screen, use a cloth instead. The cloth will stop some of the dirt and larger objects. The terra cotta planter would be replaced by a water jug or something to hold the water.
In order to save time and money, just reuse the same device as for the burning of waste. Place the cloth on top of the screen.
This would be for paper waste. It is designed for catching embers so that they won't catch anything on fire.
It is simple really. Just use a terra cotta planter as the receptacle for the waste. Build a small table like thing with a metal screen on top of it in order to catch the embers.
Use it as follows: fill up with waste and set it on fire. Push the table into position, which will allow the waste to have air to burn, but catch the embers. Simple idea, really.
This gave me an idea to use the same kind of set up to filter rainwater. Instead of a wire mesh screen, use a cloth instead. The cloth will stop some of the dirt and larger objects. The terra cotta planter would be replaced by a water jug or something to hold the water.
In order to save time and money, just reuse the same device as for the burning of waste. Place the cloth on top of the screen.
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Simple Waste Oil Burner
Comment:
5:00 pm:
Here's another one of these. This is a new area of study for this blog, as the idea never occurred to me. Where to get this waste oil? From used auto oil? It seems to be the case here.
11:33 am:
Don't do this at home, he says. Then why post the video?
Yes, caution is advised. All the same, I'd like to make a note of it for later, perhaps.
5:00 pm:
Here's another one of these. This is a new area of study for this blog, as the idea never occurred to me. Where to get this waste oil? From used auto oil? It seems to be the case here.
11:33 am:
Don't do this at home, he says. Then why post the video?
Yes, caution is advised. All the same, I'd like to make a note of it for later, perhaps.
Friday, November 15, 2019
Self-starting siphon
Comment:
Siphoning is one of the coolest things I've learned. You can filter water this way. Capillary action will cause the water to rise up through the filter medium and drain the dirty water into a cleaner container of water. Works pretty good, but it is SLOW.
This is a quick way to siphon off one container into the next. Self-starting to boot, which is nice.
Siphoning is one of the coolest things I've learned. You can filter water this way. Capillary action will cause the water to rise up through the filter medium and drain the dirty water into a cleaner container of water. Works pretty good, but it is SLOW.
This is a quick way to siphon off one container into the next. Self-starting to boot, which is nice.
Thursday, November 14, 2019
Chickens v. Rabbits
Comment:
This guy says his chickens cost him 50 bucks a month. He didn't say for how many chickens. Given the low cost of chicken meat, it wouldn't seem to be worth it if it cost much at all.
Rabbits were similar, he says. But for a reason not entirely clear, he chooses chickens. "More bang for the buck", he says.
This guy says his chickens cost him 50 bucks a month. He didn't say for how many chickens. Given the low cost of chicken meat, it wouldn't seem to be worth it if it cost much at all.
Rabbits were similar, he says. But for a reason not entirely clear, he chooses chickens. "More bang for the buck", he says.
Monday, November 11, 2019
SpaceX's latest Falcon 9 launch
Comment:
Another component of their Starlink system was placed into orbit. It was the fourth use of a booster, which is a record. The booster was recovered for a fifth attempt in the future.
Another component of their Starlink system was placed into orbit. It was the fourth use of a booster, which is a record. The booster was recovered for a fifth attempt in the future.
Sunday, November 10, 2019
RV power setup
Comment:
Very nice, but expensive power system set up.
Lithium batteries with 10 year warranty. Eight 180 watt solar panels. Didn't price out all of them, but the panels alone are nearly 2k bucks. Way too much money. Does it really need this much power? Looks like 6 to 8 lithium 100 ah batteries.
This dude has a serious system there.
Very nice, but expensive power system set up.
Lithium batteries with 10 year warranty. Eight 180 watt solar panels. Didn't price out all of them, but the panels alone are nearly 2k bucks. Way too much money. Does it really need this much power? Looks like 6 to 8 lithium 100 ah batteries.
This dude has a serious system there.
Saturday, November 9, 2019
Moving right along
Comment:
They seem to be sticking with the plan. The plan was to build a molten-salt reactor according to what is already known. That is opposed to some uncertain future development that has to take place first. In other words, Thorcon is going with what they know will work instead of waiting for something to be developed before going forward.
It looks like Thorcon is on track to a prototype reactor soon, and commercialization should follow shortly thereafter.
They seem to be sticking with the plan. The plan was to build a molten-salt reactor according to what is already known. That is opposed to some uncertain future development that has to take place first. In other words, Thorcon is going with what they know will work instead of waiting for something to be developed before going forward.
It looks like Thorcon is on track to a prototype reactor soon, and commercialization should follow shortly thereafter.
Friday, November 8, 2019
Composting toilet in an RV
Comment:
11.8.19:
Some faqs about composting toilets.
11.7.19:
7:20 am:
More info here:
6:00 am:
Here's one that may be better.
11.6.19:
This gives me an idea. The idea is to convert from a black water tank to a composting toilet. This will permit the occupation of the land without the necessity of digging a septic tank.
11.8.19:
Some faqs about composting toilets.
11.7.19:
7:20 am:
More info here:
6:00 am:
Here's one that may be better.
11.6.19:
This gives me an idea. The idea is to convert from a black water tank to a composting toilet. This will permit the occupation of the land without the necessity of digging a septic tank.
"Solar" mini split a/c
Comment:
11.8.19:
Here's a second take of the video. He believes it was necessary, but I don't think it was. Nevertheless, I'll put it up.
11.7.19:
I've seen mini-splits before, but this one seems better for some reason. Actually, it is very efficient in terms of energy use. According to this video, it never uses more than 500 watts at a time, and can run on a lot less. It can start with a 1000 watt inverter, which is also nice.
It is available on amazon for under 1000 dollars. That part seems a bit expensive, though.
11.8.19:
Here's a second take of the video. He believes it was necessary, but I don't think it was. Nevertheless, I'll put it up.
11.7.19:
I've seen mini-splits before, but this one seems better for some reason. Actually, it is very efficient in terms of energy use. According to this video, it never uses more than 500 watts at a time, and can run on a lot less. It can start with a 1000 watt inverter, which is also nice.
It is available on amazon for under 1000 dollars. That part seems a bit expensive, though.
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Aneutronic fusion news, progress being made
Comment:
Still a long ways to go, but progress is being made. A very significant milestone will require energy production to increase by a factor of about 80.
Still a long ways to go, but progress is being made. A very significant milestone will require energy production to increase by a factor of about 80.
Aneutronic Fusion News: Oscillations Down, Fusion Yield Up: https://t.co/h9iKxah3M2— Greg Meadows (@BootsandOilBlog) November 8, 2019
Hour shower
Comment:
This is a nifty little set up. It will recirculate shower water over and over giving you a good shower with only a small amount of water. At least, that is what the claim is.
Actually, this set up may be useful for cleaning up rainwater that you may have collected. The water I collect doesn't look all that good. It has to be filtered in order to be useful. Well, this system has a filter that supposedly works pretty good. Certainly it should be good enough to clean up some rainwater.
Interesting idea.
This is a nifty little set up. It will recirculate shower water over and over giving you a good shower with only a small amount of water. At least, that is what the claim is.
Actually, this set up may be useful for cleaning up rainwater that you may have collected. The water I collect doesn't look all that good. It has to be filtered in order to be useful. Well, this system has a filter that supposedly works pretty good. Certainly it should be good enough to clean up some rainwater.
Interesting idea.
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
Monday, November 4, 2019
RV batteries
Comment:
He said some pretty nice things about lithium ion batteries. He didn't say some negative stuff about lithium ion batteries. One thing is don't let them get too hot.
Lithium ion batteries can catch on fire. Too enthusiastic about these bad boys. Still, it is all about judgment. The more you know the better.
He said some pretty nice things about lithium ion batteries. He didn't say some negative stuff about lithium ion batteries. One thing is don't let them get too hot.
Lithium ion batteries can catch on fire. Too enthusiastic about these bad boys. Still, it is all about judgment. The more you know the better.
Sunday, November 3, 2019
Controlling sway
Comment:
I've had this trailer for 3 years and I've never taken it anywhere. There is a sway bar system, but this video says that's no guarantee.
It has to be perfectly set up.
Argh.
Here's another video which demonstrates conclusively that weight distribution is critical in controlling sway.
Moral: don't put a lot of weight on the back. Maybe a good idea to drive slowly too. This crash involved a car passing a big rig. The wind probably caught it and cause the big sway that caused a loss of control.
I've had this trailer for 3 years and I've never taken it anywhere. There is a sway bar system, but this video says that's no guarantee.
It has to be perfectly set up.
Argh.
Here's another video which demonstrates conclusively that weight distribution is critical in controlling sway.
Moral: don't put a lot of weight on the back. Maybe a good idea to drive slowly too. This crash involved a car passing a big rig. The wind probably caught it and cause the big sway that caused a loss of control.
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
Tangerines
Comment:
Tangerines have about 1/2 the Vitamin C of an orange. You can grow these in containers, which may be a fact in their favor ( As far as I'm concerned.)
Tangerines have about 1/2 the Vitamin C of an orange. You can grow these in containers, which may be a fact in their favor ( As far as I'm concerned.)
How to Grow Tangerines in Pots https://t.co/SnBdvmjJiP via @PlantInstruct— Greg Meadows (@BootsandOilBlog) October 29, 2019
Sunday, October 27, 2019
Toy RC helos are smaller
They must mean a "real" helo. This one can transport a person.
Fast Clip: This is the world’s smallest helicopter. (48 sec clip) https://t.co/uXjlAPCE9G— Greg Meadows (@BootsandOilBlog) October 27, 2019
Friday, October 25, 2019
Gobsmacked!
Comment:
Is this real? If so, it is an RCS controlled device. People do mess around with RCS planes and such. ( But I haven't seen rockets, especially ones like this.)
Is this real? If so, it is an RCS controlled device. People do mess around with RCS planes and such. ( But I haven't seen rockets, especially ones like this.)
ant killer borax!
Comment:
Updated:
10.25.19:
More ways to get rid of the ants in your pants. Actually, the borax mixture with honey seems to work. Ants are really attracted to the honey.
7.22.19:
It should be no surprise, but it is. Mix up some hot water, borax, and put something sweet in the mixture. The sweetness to the mixture attracts the ants, and they consume the poison. It is slow acting, but it will kill them in a few days.
It reminds me of how well that stuff works with roaches. However, the methods differ somewhat. Roaches will die by crawling on it, but ants will consume it. Will roaches consume the borax mixture?
Warning! Do not let kids, pets, or other creatures to consume the stuff. Not good. Other than that, it is better and cheaper than bug spray.
Updated:
10.25.19:
More ways to get rid of the ants in your pants. Actually, the borax mixture with honey seems to work. Ants are really attracted to the honey.
7.22.19:
It should be no surprise, but it is. Mix up some hot water, borax, and put something sweet in the mixture. The sweetness to the mixture attracts the ants, and they consume the poison. It is slow acting, but it will kill them in a few days.
It reminds me of how well that stuff works with roaches. However, the methods differ somewhat. Roaches will die by crawling on it, but ants will consume it. Will roaches consume the borax mixture?
Warning! Do not let kids, pets, or other creatures to consume the stuff. Not good. Other than that, it is better and cheaper than bug spray.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Artificial gravity system for Starship
Comment:
The system would require 3 Starships and some truss materials to link the three together. They will be spun up to 3 rpm in order to give artificial gravity to near earth levels.
The system would require 3 Starships and some truss materials to link the three together. They will be spun up to 3 rpm in order to give artificial gravity to near earth levels.
Inconvenient truths
Comment:
The size of the proposed EV is only about 8 feet long. Weight is minimized, which decreases the requirements for power from the battery. As small as this thing will be, it will still be too heavy for its size. ( Physics: In my opinion, that is the flaw of battery-powered EV's. )
There may be multiple solutions to the problem of range anxiety. It is technically feasible to do EV's. The question is whether or not it actually makes any sense economically. For the excuse to impose these technologies, proponents need to sell the AGW theory. This little car is still relatively expensive. ( Economics: But I don't buy AGW, nor would anybody else without compulsion. )
Reality is a bitch. ( Oops, I might get in trouble for using that word. Which one? Maybe both words these days. PC is the real bitch. )
The size of the proposed EV is only about 8 feet long. Weight is minimized, which decreases the requirements for power from the battery. As small as this thing will be, it will still be too heavy for its size. ( Physics: In my opinion, that is the flaw of battery-powered EV's. )
There may be multiple solutions to the problem of range anxiety. It is technically feasible to do EV's. The question is whether or not it actually makes any sense economically. For the excuse to impose these technologies, proponents need to sell the AGW theory. This little car is still relatively expensive. ( Economics: But I don't buy AGW, nor would anybody else without compulsion. )
Reality is a bitch. ( Oops, I might get in trouble for using that word. Which one? Maybe both words these days. PC is the real bitch. )
Think physics and economics: To go big on EVs, Japanese car makers think super-small https://t.co/3F4wEc0GzA— Greg Meadows (@BootsandOilBlog) October 23, 2019
Monday, October 21, 2019
Monday, October 14, 2019
Starship Launch Animation
Comment:
After that last post, I can see the urgency in Musk. He wants to do this while he is still relatively young and vigorous. Life is short.
Yep. My "moonshot" was later than I thought it was. I don't know if it was started "too late", but it might have been.
I could go out there now, but ...
But what? That's the proverbial 64k dollar question. I don't want to say the word, but a certain thought does come to mind.
After that last post, I can see the urgency in Musk. He wants to do this while he is still relatively young and vigorous. Life is short.
Yep. My "moonshot" was later than I thought it was. I don't know if it was started "too late", but it might have been.
I could go out there now, but ...
But what? That's the proverbial 64k dollar question. I don't want to say the word, but a certain thought does come to mind.
Monday, October 7, 2019
Off-grid post, 10.6.19
A few general comments...
It rained here last night. I captured about ten gallons of water.
I've been in this trailer for three years now. Just now, I found something on the trailer that may need attention. It is no big deal, and that isn't the point. The point is that I know what to look for now because I have the experience with living in an RV trailer. Before I started, I knew none of this.
Back in 2015, I took a trip out the property in W. Texas in order to see where I was in my transition to living off-grid. I found out that I knew almost nothing. For the first year, all my preparations basically were part of the learning curve. It has been a pretty long curve.
Not to be claiming that now I know everything there is to know on the subject. There's a whole lot that needs polishing. But slowly, ever so slowly, I am confident I am on the path of getting there.
The only problem with that is that I am not getting any younger nor healthier.
If it ain't one thing, it is another.
It rained here last night. I captured about ten gallons of water.
I've been in this trailer for three years now. Just now, I found something on the trailer that may need attention. It is no big deal, and that isn't the point. The point is that I know what to look for now because I have the experience with living in an RV trailer. Before I started, I knew none of this.
Back in 2015, I took a trip out the property in W. Texas in order to see where I was in my transition to living off-grid. I found out that I knew almost nothing. For the first year, all my preparations basically were part of the learning curve. It has been a pretty long curve.
Not to be claiming that now I know everything there is to know on the subject. There's a whole lot that needs polishing. But slowly, ever so slowly, I am confident I am on the path of getting there.
The only problem with that is that I am not getting any younger nor healthier.
If it ain't one thing, it is another.
Sunday, October 6, 2019
Tuesday, October 1, 2019
Paging Capt. Kirk
Comment:
Spock couldn't be reached for comment.
Seriously, some advances have been made, but it is still very speculative.
Spock couldn't be reached for comment.
Seriously, some advances have been made, but it is still very speculative.
Warp drives are being taken seriously? https://t.co/T9lQlcY1mm— Greg Meadows (@BootsandOilBlog) October 1, 2019
Sunday, September 29, 2019
Starship news
Comment:
He's on to something this Elon Musk. If you look at the freaking huge version of the starship/booster, you start getting economies of scale.
Here's what I mean.
Doubling the diameter from 9 meters to 18 meters gives 10 times as much payload capacity. Total liftoff mass is about 2 and a half times. There is a distinct advantage to going really big. By the way, let's look at another ratio for this thing to see the efficiency gained. Note that the ratio to payload and liftoff mass. For the first version of Starship, it is 2% of the total liftoff mass. The second more massive version of Starship will have a ratio of 1/12th or 8% roughly. You triple the payload fraction when you double the size. It really pays off.
With that, I turn it over to the video.
He's on to something this Elon Musk. If you look at the freaking huge version of the starship/booster, you start getting economies of scale.
Here's what I mean.
Doubling the diameter from 9 meters to 18 meters gives 10 times as much payload capacity. Total liftoff mass is about 2 and a half times. There is a distinct advantage to going really big. By the way, let's look at another ratio for this thing to see the efficiency gained. Note that the ratio to payload and liftoff mass. For the first version of Starship, it is 2% of the total liftoff mass. The second more massive version of Starship will have a ratio of 1/12th or 8% roughly. You triple the payload fraction when you double the size. It really pays off.
With that, I turn it over to the video.
Friday, September 27, 2019
Idea for a post
This idea came into my head just now. Or is it a rehash of something previously thought up?
I once had an idea to use an electric car to get around, and solar panels to recharge the batteries. That would be on the property out in west Texas.
If somebody used a system of deep charge batteries to power both home and transportation, that would be an idea worth pursuing. Or so it seems. I actually had that idea once, but it seems too far-fetched at this time with my resources.
I'd have to get help. Where to turn?
So maybe you go to this program I saw advertised. That may be a risky idea by the way.
Anyway, if you were to get solar panels for FREE ( as the ad suggests is possible--- there is gotta be a catch ), then you could get power for both home and transportation by using an electric car. Use the panels to charge the batteries for both home and transportation.
I was thinking the Volt. But I may not want to spend the money that would entail. Then you have to convert a vehicle to electric to try to do it on the cheap.
The commercial units use 360 volt systems. Now if you were to put 30 12 volt batteries in series, you'd get 360 volts. Then if you discharge each of the 30 batteries at 12 volts and 5 amp hr, that would give you 1.8 kw power available. Not much. But at 360 volts at 150 amp hr gives 54 kw power. You can run something with that.
I don't have the expertise for that. It would be easy for me to screw it up.
Just a thought. Like everything else.
I once had an idea to use an electric car to get around, and solar panels to recharge the batteries. That would be on the property out in west Texas.
If somebody used a system of deep charge batteries to power both home and transportation, that would be an idea worth pursuing. Or so it seems. I actually had that idea once, but it seems too far-fetched at this time with my resources.
I'd have to get help. Where to turn?
So maybe you go to this program I saw advertised. That may be a risky idea by the way.
Anyway, if you were to get solar panels for FREE ( as the ad suggests is possible--- there is gotta be a catch ), then you could get power for both home and transportation by using an electric car. Use the panels to charge the batteries for both home and transportation.
I was thinking the Volt. But I may not want to spend the money that would entail. Then you have to convert a vehicle to electric to try to do it on the cheap.
The commercial units use 360 volt systems. Now if you were to put 30 12 volt batteries in series, you'd get 360 volts. Then if you discharge each of the 30 batteries at 12 volts and 5 amp hr, that would give you 1.8 kw power available. Not much. But at 360 volts at 150 amp hr gives 54 kw power. You can run something with that.
I don't have the expertise for that. It would be easy for me to screw it up.
Just a thought. Like everything else.
Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Monday, September 23, 2019
Saturday, September 21, 2019
Friday, September 20, 2019
Lunar Space Elevator
Question:
If it is feasible, what can you do with it? Keep in mind that it may support its own weight, how much more weight can it handle? That will determine how useful it would be.
No, you cannot push the button. There could be an earth-shattering kaboom.
If it is feasible, what can you do with it? Keep in mind that it may support its own weight, how much more weight can it handle? That will determine how useful it would be.
CAN I PUSH THE BUTTON? A Lunar Space Elevator Is Actually Feasible & Inexpensive, Scientists Find. … https://t.co/YyxsyNFUjF— Greg Meadows (@BootsandOilBlog) September 20, 2019
No, you cannot push the button. There could be an earth-shattering kaboom.
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Knots in the head
Comment:
Here is another new subject that has gotten my attention. Maybe I'll learn something from these videos, but it is harder than it looks.
The reason is that these guys go way, way too fast. Secondly, they cover up what they do. It is almost like trying to figure out a sleight of hand trick.
Daily Update:
More knots. These videos fill in gaps that others leave out. Eventually, you can learn what you need to know. At least, I hope so.
Yet another one of these. The truckers hitch seems like a good one, but it isn't exactly what I am looking for.
Here is another new subject that has gotten my attention. Maybe I'll learn something from these videos, but it is harder than it looks.
The reason is that these guys go way, way too fast. Secondly, they cover up what they do. It is almost like trying to figure out a sleight of hand trick.
Daily Update:
More knots. These videos fill in gaps that others leave out. Eventually, you can learn what you need to know. At least, I hope so.
Yet another one of these. The truckers hitch seems like a good one, but it isn't exactly what I am looking for.
New Starship Prototype
Comment:
Musk's ambitions seem boundless. Not only that, but he appears capable of all of it.
Musk's ambitions seem boundless. Not only that, but he appears capable of all of it.
SpaceX's Next Starship Prototype Taking Shape (Photos) https://t.co/Mz34AZ0apy— Greg Meadows (@BootsandOilBlog) September 18, 2019
Monday, September 16, 2019
Saturday, September 14, 2019
Framing square tips
Comment:
This is a lot bigger than I imagined. It is a big project, I mean. But I've been working on it for over five years now, so it has to be a bit big. For me, that is.
This is a lot bigger than I imagined. It is a big project, I mean. But I've been working on it for over five years now, so it has to be a bit big. For me, that is.
Friday, September 13, 2019
Green new deal won't work, but this could
Comment:
For those who are so hell bent to end fossil fuels, why don't you support something like this? Anti-nuclear activists don't want to go this direction, but their reasoning doesn't hold water.
Molten-salt reactors can reduce long term wastes by 99 percent. Aneutronic fusion can do even better than that. Nuclear is the way to go. Solar is not the answer. Neither is wind.
For those who are so hell bent to end fossil fuels, why don't you support something like this? Anti-nuclear activists don't want to go this direction, but their reasoning doesn't hold water.
Molten-salt reactors can reduce long term wastes by 99 percent. Aneutronic fusion can do even better than that. Nuclear is the way to go. Solar is not the answer. Neither is wind.
Sen. Pennachio Introduces NJ Fusion Energy Bills, Tracking Down FF-2B's Problematic Oscillations, Subscription Drive Starts, and New Contest!: https://t.co/ZX11y1mY5q— Greg Meadows (@BootsandOilBlog) September 13, 2019
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
Friday, September 6, 2019
Meet the Open Lunar Foundation
Comment:
The article says that this field of endeavor is bustling with activity. Maybe it will happen sooner than anyone will imagine.
The article says that this field of endeavor is bustling with activity. Maybe it will happen sooner than anyone will imagine.
Meet the Open Lunar Foundation: A group of tech executives and engineers who have serious ambitions to create a settlement on the moon https://t.co/qdilr80hrt via @technology— Greg Meadows (@BootsandOilBlog) September 6, 2019
Tuesday, September 3, 2019
All the more reason to switch to molten-salt reactors
Comment:
A Carrington Event will cause havoc in conventional reactors. It would have no effect upon a molten-salt reactor.
It makes sense to shut down conventional nuke reactors. But it doesn't make sense to not switch to molten-salt reactors.
But people will do nothing because the danger is not obvious. It is inevitable though that an event of this type will occur. It is a matter of time.
A Carrington Event will cause havoc in conventional reactors. It would have no effect upon a molten-salt reactor.
It makes sense to shut down conventional nuke reactors. But it doesn't make sense to not switch to molten-salt reactors.
But people will do nothing because the danger is not obvious. It is inevitable though that an event of this type will occur. It is a matter of time.
ON THIS DAY IN 1859, the Carrington Event. Something like that would be devastatingly destructive t… https://t.co/U7QR0UtL8Q— Greg Meadows (@BootsandOilBlog) September 3, 2019
Monday, September 2, 2019
Building roof truss systems for shed, barn, or tiny house
Comment:
One of these days I will finalize a plan for building out there. One of these days.
One of these days I will finalize a plan for building out there. One of these days.
Freaking Huge
Comment:
Can you imagine a rocket this frickin' big? One million kg to low Earth orbit. The second stage by itself could get to orbit on its own??? Maybe. Dozens of engines on the lower stage?
Clearly, Elon Musk could be thinking economies of scale in his rockets. The more the merrier.
He'd better find some other place to launch this thing because the "gubmint" isn't going to allow something this massive to take off from the Florida coast.
Can you imagine a rocket this frickin' big? One million kg to low Earth orbit. The second stage by itself could get to orbit on its own??? Maybe. Dozens of engines on the lower stage?
Clearly, Elon Musk could be thinking economies of scale in his rockets. The more the merrier.
He'd better find some other place to launch this thing because the "gubmint" isn't going to allow something this massive to take off from the Florida coast.
Sunday, September 1, 2019
Fission fragment rockets not a new idea
Comment:
Aw, shucks.
Aw, shucks.
Don't feel bad. This week I discovered the dusty plasma fission fragment rocket was first proposed in... get this... 1946! By Lockheed!— Beyond NERVA (@BeyondNerva) July 11, 2019
WTF?!?
SpaceX's Starship to get bigger?
Comment:
Perhaps one way to "nuke" the nukes would be to scale up the rocket to an unbelievable size.
But I still like the fission fragment concept.
Perhaps one way to "nuke" the nukes would be to scale up the rocket to an unbelievable size.
But I still like the fission fragment concept.
Thursday, August 29, 2019
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Starhopper hops again
This was the second and final test for this prototype. On to bigger and better things.
Rocket equation calculator
Comment:
In order to use this, you'll need your ISP number. From there, you can calculate your Delta V, which is what you need for a mission.
For example, for 5000 ISP fission fragment rocket discussed recently, you'll need to use about 5 metric tons of reaction mass. Not bad. This would propel a 100 metric ton spacecraft to a delta v of about 2.5 km sec. Depending on where you start, this could be enough to do a mission to Mars.
The starting point would be the lagrange point between the earth and moon.
In order to use this, you'll need your ISP number. From there, you can calculate your Delta V, which is what you need for a mission.
For example, for 5000 ISP fission fragment rocket discussed recently, you'll need to use about 5 metric tons of reaction mass. Not bad. This would propel a 100 metric ton spacecraft to a delta v of about 2.5 km sec. Depending on where you start, this could be enough to do a mission to Mars.
The starting point would be the lagrange point between the earth and moon.
Rocket Equation Calculator
An ISP potential of 1.5 million?
Comment:
8.28.19:
This seems like an exciting possibility. But you know what they say-- "No bucks, no Buck Rogers". It is a political problem as much as a scientific and engineering problem. Unless you get a champion for this as a program, then it goes nowhere.
8.27.19:
This concept uses fission fragments as the reaction mass. Yes, you read that correctly. Fission fragments.
This is a scary thing to the public, and that is why it most likely will not be pursued. However, if you were to do this on the far side of the moon, well, you might be in business.
Mr. Reid, as he is known, believes that the technology to do this exists today. When he wrote that article, it was in 2012.
A bit more digging unearthed ( no pun intended ) a pdf file that had a bit more info. I found that it doesn't scale down as well as scaling up. Consequently, one could wonder if a device such as this would be practical for near Earth missions. I'm thinking of trips to Mars or Venus. Certainly a trip to Jupiter or Saturn could be more feasible. But the missions mentioned are well outside the solar system, but the thing is not practical for trips to the nearest star.
NASA studied this concept and published a paper on it here.
And more here.
8.28.19:
This seems like an exciting possibility. But you know what they say-- "No bucks, no Buck Rogers". It is a political problem as much as a scientific and engineering problem. Unless you get a champion for this as a program, then it goes nowhere.
8.27.19:
This concept uses fission fragments as the reaction mass. Yes, you read that correctly. Fission fragments.
This is a scary thing to the public, and that is why it most likely will not be pursued. However, if you were to do this on the far side of the moon, well, you might be in business.
Mr. Reid, as he is known, believes that the technology to do this exists today. When he wrote that article, it was in 2012.
A bit more digging unearthed ( no pun intended ) a pdf file that had a bit more info. I found that it doesn't scale down as well as scaling up. Consequently, one could wonder if a device such as this would be practical for near Earth missions. I'm thinking of trips to Mars or Venus. Certainly a trip to Jupiter or Saturn could be more feasible. But the missions mentioned are well outside the solar system, but the thing is not practical for trips to the nearest star.
NASA studied this concept and published a paper on it here.
And more here.
The fission-fragment rocket | https://t.co/k5c4tZXPd1 https://t.co/57U5VmnFJf— Greg Meadows (@BootsandOilBlog) August 25, 2019
Monday, August 26, 2019
How to bond new concrete to old concrete
Comment:
1. Acid wash
2. Make sure old concrete is damp
3. Mix some white glue to portland cement
4. Put the mix on the old concrete
5. Apply new concrete to this.
1. Acid wash
2. Make sure old concrete is damp
3. Mix some white glue to portland cement
4. Put the mix on the old concrete
5. Apply new concrete to this.
Sunday, August 25, 2019
Saturday, August 24, 2019
Tuesday, August 20, 2019
Sensible ideas for using baking soda
Comment:
This will be useful info. That's why I'm putting it up.
It is better to use common over the counter items as opposed to spending a lot of money on stuff that doesn't do any better.
This will be useful info. That's why I'm putting it up.
It is better to use common over the counter items as opposed to spending a lot of money on stuff that doesn't do any better.
Shelving
Here's a bit of something that is hard to categorize. This trailer is pretty crowded, so the need to maximize the use of space exists.
After a lot of procrastination, the job finally got done. There is now about six square feet more of shelving.
It is still crowded in here.
Somehow, it does seem worth it. But that six feet sure doesn't go far.
Saturday, August 17, 2019
5 gallon wick buckets
Comment:
Interesting concept. There are so many ways to skin this cat that it may get confusing.
Here's another video a lot like it.
Interesting concept. There are so many ways to skin this cat that it may get confusing.
Here's another video a lot like it.
Thursday, August 15, 2019
Dream Chaser to launch on Vulcan rocket
Comment:
Spock couldn't be reached for comment.
Spock couldn't be reached for comment.
Dream Chaser spaceplanes to launch on ULA Vulcan rocket https://t.co/HkMnWlTfcw via @CBSNews— Greg Meadows (@BootsandOilBlog) August 15, 2019
Tuesday, August 13, 2019
Small trencher for geothermal concept?
Comment:
This might be somewhat useful, but I am not so sure. It only goes down to 18".
This might be somewhat useful, but I am not so sure. It only goes down to 18".
Sunday, August 11, 2019
Hydrogen peroxide & baking soda
... can help you grow your tomatoes.
It is cheap stuff and it probably works. But I wouldn't know yet, because I haven't tried it.
It is useful to stockpile videos like these because one of these days...
It is cheap stuff and it probably works. But I wouldn't know yet, because I haven't tried it.
It is useful to stockpile videos like these because one of these days...
Saturday, August 10, 2019
Another rocket stove concept
Updated,
8.10.19:
An idea has occurred to me that I could use the rocket stove concept to suck air into the geothermal tubes that I am contemplating. Air is sucked into the rocket stove by way of the combustion and expansion of the superheated air rising from the flames. It is why it is called the rocket stove, due to the air suction effect.
I was wondering if that could be substituted in place of an electric fan. The fan is using a scarce resource, such as electricity, in order to move the air through the geothermal vents. Now, the rocket stove is going to heat the hell out of it anyway, so the geothermal temperature effect is lost, I suppose.
However, the air will be heated, and the piping could be used as a chimney. I was thinking of a heat exchange device that would be employed, so as to gain heat from the pipe and transfer it to water, through which a fan would blow the heated air into the room.
Just a thought.
8.5.19:
Comment:
The Greenshorts guy is at it again with another rocket stock concept. Or am I the one at it again with these embedded videos? Either way, it is bad. I don't know rocket stoves.
This one uses a terra cotta chimney thingie as the, er, chimney thingie. The firebox thingie is made of other stuff.
Whatever.
The thing that interests me is that it may be possible to do some hacking on this in order to make it fit my plans. For instance, what about wrapping a copper tube around the chimney thingie, and heat up some water? The water can be used for space heating, and the top part can be used for cooking.
Hmm. Might be worthwhile.
8.10.19:
An idea has occurred to me that I could use the rocket stove concept to suck air into the geothermal tubes that I am contemplating. Air is sucked into the rocket stove by way of the combustion and expansion of the superheated air rising from the flames. It is why it is called the rocket stove, due to the air suction effect.
I was wondering if that could be substituted in place of an electric fan. The fan is using a scarce resource, such as electricity, in order to move the air through the geothermal vents. Now, the rocket stove is going to heat the hell out of it anyway, so the geothermal temperature effect is lost, I suppose.
However, the air will be heated, and the piping could be used as a chimney. I was thinking of a heat exchange device that would be employed, so as to gain heat from the pipe and transfer it to water, through which a fan would blow the heated air into the room.
Just a thought.
8.5.19:
Comment:
The Greenshorts guy is at it again with another rocket stock concept. Or am I the one at it again with these embedded videos? Either way, it is bad. I don't know rocket stoves.
This one uses a terra cotta chimney thingie as the, er, chimney thingie. The firebox thingie is made of other stuff.
Whatever.
The thing that interests me is that it may be possible to do some hacking on this in order to make it fit my plans. For instance, what about wrapping a copper tube around the chimney thingie, and heat up some water? The water can be used for space heating, and the top part can be used for cooking.
Hmm. Might be worthwhile.
Galvanized culvert pipe
Updated,
8.10.19:
This morning, I have been reviewing a few things, and I came across this post. It so happens that I have been thinking about this concept from time-to-time, and the idea came to mind to implement it.
But do not use a metal pipe. It could be possible with pvc piping. The idea is to use an augur drill to dig down 8 feet or so. In order to keep the sandy soil stable, I would use segments of pvc pipe one segment at a time as I drill down. As I go deeper into the soil, I would add a segment, thereby lengthen the tube one segment at a time.
This would entail cutting the tube into shorter segments, and then refastening them as the hole gets deeper.
The augur bit will be narrower than the pvc pipe. Remove the soil and use the lengthened pipe as a guide and as a soil stabilizer so that the job can get done. I hope...
It may be a challenge getting the holes dug-out. Perhaps I can think about this plan a bit more before I actually try it.
4.6.19:
Checking out what it would take to make a vertical geothermal for climate control. Since the soil is sandy out there, it may be preferable to use galvanized culvert pipe in order to support the vertical holes.
But those aren't exactly cheap. For a 12" in diameter culvert pipe of 10 feet in length, you would have to pay 150 bucks. If I were to drill several of these, the cost would be commensurate with how many of the holes dug.
I don't know that I "dig" this idea that much anymore. However, there is a certain appeal to not having to add electrical capacity in order to pay for a/c or heating.
8.10.19:
This morning, I have been reviewing a few things, and I came across this post. It so happens that I have been thinking about this concept from time-to-time, and the idea came to mind to implement it.
But do not use a metal pipe. It could be possible with pvc piping. The idea is to use an augur drill to dig down 8 feet or so. In order to keep the sandy soil stable, I would use segments of pvc pipe one segment at a time as I drill down. As I go deeper into the soil, I would add a segment, thereby lengthen the tube one segment at a time.
This would entail cutting the tube into shorter segments, and then refastening them as the hole gets deeper.
The augur bit will be narrower than the pvc pipe. Remove the soil and use the lengthened pipe as a guide and as a soil stabilizer so that the job can get done. I hope...
It may be a challenge getting the holes dug-out. Perhaps I can think about this plan a bit more before I actually try it.
4.6.19:
Checking out what it would take to make a vertical geothermal for climate control. Since the soil is sandy out there, it may be preferable to use galvanized culvert pipe in order to support the vertical holes.
But those aren't exactly cheap. For a 12" in diameter culvert pipe of 10 feet in length, you would have to pay 150 bucks. If I were to drill several of these, the cost would be commensurate with how many of the holes dug.
I don't know that I "dig" this idea that much anymore. However, there is a certain appeal to not having to add electrical capacity in order to pay for a/c or heating.
Friday, August 9, 2019
off grid post, 8.9.19
Here's a video that may be useful in marketing the northern half of the "ranch".
It isn't the greatest quality. Basically, it is a recycling of old videos and splicing them together in order to make something that might be watchable.
If it isn't, it is due to lack of practice at this. As with everything, practice makes perfect. Or less imperfect.
It isn't the greatest quality. Basically, it is a recycling of old videos and splicing them together in order to make something that might be watchable.
If it isn't, it is due to lack of practice at this. As with everything, practice makes perfect. Or less imperfect.
Monday, August 5, 2019
Review of AirFreeze
Comment:
Oh, no! Must be a Russian conspiracy! It's a Russian dude.
Just kidding.... He does a good job analyzing the thing. It is just a swamp cooler. However, for swamp coolers, it is not too shabby.
A bit pricey though. It is rather small and limited.
Oh, no! Must be a Russian conspiracy! It's a Russian dude.
Just kidding.... He does a good job analyzing the thing. It is just a swamp cooler. However, for swamp coolers, it is not too shabby.
A bit pricey though. It is rather small and limited.
Sunday, August 4, 2019
Rocket stove to cook eggs?
Comment:
This looks like a lot of work for such a modest result. As far as cooking eggs, this little egg cooker device I have uses 300 watts and a couple ounces of water, and it can boil up 4 eggs at a time. That is not very much electricity.
Sometimes, you may want to approach a problem from a different direction.
This looks like a lot of work for such a modest result. As far as cooking eggs, this little egg cooker device I have uses 300 watts and a couple ounces of water, and it can boil up 4 eggs at a time. That is not very much electricity.
Sometimes, you may want to approach a problem from a different direction.
Terra preta technique in your garden
Comment:
Rather than "slash and burn" agriculture, this guy uses ash from the barbeque pit. The ash shouldn't be allowed to get wet, as the nutrients will leach away.
Rather than "slash and burn" agriculture, this guy uses ash from the barbeque pit. The ash shouldn't be allowed to get wet, as the nutrients will leach away.
Uses for hydrogen peroxide
Comment:
It will help with root rot and is a good disinfectant. Given that it is a good disinfectant, that makes it useful for other applications as well. It is a good reminder, as I already knew that it was good as a disinfectant.
One thing I like about all these chemicals is that they are cheap. Also, they are low-impact in terms of toxicity. If you can use them on plants, then it cannot be all bad.
It will help with root rot and is a good disinfectant. Given that it is a good disinfectant, that makes it useful for other applications as well. It is a good reminder, as I already knew that it was good as a disinfectant.
One thing I like about all these chemicals is that they are cheap. Also, they are low-impact in terms of toxicity. If you can use them on plants, then it cannot be all bad.
Saturday, August 3, 2019
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
How to make clay
This could be useful for small projects. It would take a lot of dirt to make clay. Very labor-intensive.
Monday, July 29, 2019
Starhopper test
Coming soon. Perhaps this week, or this coming week.
Starhopper has hopped.
Elon Musk says SpaceX is about to launch and 'hover' a Mars rocket prototype. Here's what we know about Starhopper's next big test in south Texas. https://t.co/gEmQ7LmC5J via @businessinsider— Greg Meadows (@BootsandOilBlog) July 13, 2019
Starhopper has hopped.
Uses for vinegar
Very handy and very cheap. It seems to work in repelling pesky insects. It seems that you can also use cinnamon. But cinnamon is a bit volatile and won't last.
Purslane, a superfood
It grows "in the wild", so to speak. That, as opposed to cultivating it. From what I gathered on the video, seeds can be obtained. Naturally, I'd like the idea of growing my own food. Since this stuff grows on its own, then it should be relatively easy to cultivate it. Or so I think.
Tuesday, July 23, 2019
Hot diggetty, you might say.
Comment:
Betcha they used the hell out of slave labor, and they probably used the hell out of concrete. These two factors were well within their their capabilities. It isn't "high tech", but modern day people may think of it as such.
The Romans knew about geothermal power and in the renaissance architects utilized the same sources to build great villas with natural air conditioning. Here is the Villa Trento Carli in Italy, built in 1645, never warmer than 17 to 23 degrees c even in the hottest of summers. pic.twitter.com/xD2Njy7gai— Wrath Of Gnon (@wrathofgnon) July 22, 2019
Monday, July 22, 2019
Too much optimism at SpaceX?
Comment:
It's a new engine type. It's a new rocket configuration. It is made of stainless steel. It hasn't been tried like this before. Perhaps there are so many things here that aren't "tried and true" that to project completion dates like Musk is doing seems a bit much. We'll see.
It's a new engine type. It's a new rocket configuration. It is made of stainless steel. It hasn't been tried like this before. Perhaps there are so many things here that aren't "tried and true" that to project completion dates like Musk is doing seems a bit much. We'll see.
Elon Musk says Starship prototypes will have first test flights in '2 to 3 months' https://t.co/iGUoo52lCp via @techcrunch— Greg Meadows (@BootsandOilBlog) July 21, 2019
Sunday, July 21, 2019
Off-grid post 7.21.19
The weather is hot lately. It is an opportunity to test out some ideas on climate control.
You've got to follow the sun. If you can keep in the shade, it would be a big help. An exposure to the sun creates a "greenhouse effect". The heat gets trapped, and it takes something to get that heat back out. If the trapped heat can be avoided, then the problem is mostly solved.
Easier said than done. Digging out a trench will take heavy equipment. It also introduces other problems, like creating a low spot for rain run-off. Another problem could be that the soil is too unstable out there. Disturb it, and it could be a disaster waiting to happen.
Perhaps the most conservative ways are the best here. A simple structure with an east-west alignment. On the south side, there will be an overhang, which will block the sun. Not too much of an overhang, though. Summer isn't the only season out there. As for the unstable soil, a wide profile base as foundation would offer the best stability. There would still be post holes, but these would be connected to each other ---- giving that wide base.
As for what to build, well, I've been going back and forth on that one for almost the entire time I've been in this trailer. The trailer offers the simplest solution. Install the septic, put up a roof, and add some fencing on the south side, then presto! I may go with this idea after all. It would also be the lowest cost option, I suspect. Once you start adding all the costs, money will become an issue. Heck, it already is.
Back to the climate- control summer phase--- It is a good idea to keep the breeze blowing thru the joint if the goal is to minimize the a/c use. I did that yesterday. I'd like to eliminate the a/c altogether, but that will not be possible. If that fails, then I will have to use a portable generator so that my a/c can run. Solar panels and batteries aren't cheap, never mind what the greenies say.
Awhile back, I found a video which demonstrated that a common window unit can run off of a modest generator, which also turns out to be quite efficient. Given my economizing so far, in order to run it a couple hours per day may not be all that costly. But that is still under study.
You've got to follow the sun. If you can keep in the shade, it would be a big help. An exposure to the sun creates a "greenhouse effect". The heat gets trapped, and it takes something to get that heat back out. If the trapped heat can be avoided, then the problem is mostly solved.
Easier said than done. Digging out a trench will take heavy equipment. It also introduces other problems, like creating a low spot for rain run-off. Another problem could be that the soil is too unstable out there. Disturb it, and it could be a disaster waiting to happen.
Perhaps the most conservative ways are the best here. A simple structure with an east-west alignment. On the south side, there will be an overhang, which will block the sun. Not too much of an overhang, though. Summer isn't the only season out there. As for the unstable soil, a wide profile base as foundation would offer the best stability. There would still be post holes, but these would be connected to each other ---- giving that wide base.
As for what to build, well, I've been going back and forth on that one for almost the entire time I've been in this trailer. The trailer offers the simplest solution. Install the septic, put up a roof, and add some fencing on the south side, then presto! I may go with this idea after all. It would also be the lowest cost option, I suspect. Once you start adding all the costs, money will become an issue. Heck, it already is.
Back to the climate- control summer phase--- It is a good idea to keep the breeze blowing thru the joint if the goal is to minimize the a/c use. I did that yesterday. I'd like to eliminate the a/c altogether, but that will not be possible. If that fails, then I will have to use a portable generator so that my a/c can run. Solar panels and batteries aren't cheap, never mind what the greenies say.
Awhile back, I found a video which demonstrated that a common window unit can run off of a modest generator, which also turns out to be quite efficient. Given my economizing so far, in order to run it a couple hours per day may not be all that costly. But that is still under study.
Thursday, July 18, 2019
Friday, July 12, 2019
Metal foundry
Updated,
7.12.19:
lighting it up foundry making copper ingots:
7.7.19:
Here's a couple more. There may be more. The author says so.
mega foundry out of a trash can
upgrade of foundry:
7.6.19:
Here's one way to recycle aluminum. Melt it down and make some aluminum muffins.
Probably not good for your teeth.
Btw, I'd like to recycle all my garbage out there. ( Don't bother with the wisecracks. )
7.12.19:
lighting it up foundry making copper ingots:
7.7.19:
Here's a couple more. There may be more. The author says so.
mega foundry out of a trash can
upgrade of foundry:
7.6.19:
Here's one way to recycle aluminum. Melt it down and make some aluminum muffins.
Probably not good for your teeth.
Btw, I'd like to recycle all my garbage out there. ( Don't bother with the wisecracks. )
Tuesday, July 9, 2019
3D printer magic
Hey, if you got enough sand, you can make bricks made of glass.
But don't throw any stones, okay?
But don't throw any stones, okay?
This 3D printer works best in the middle of the Sahara desert pic.twitter.com/fPlFEtSo58— Mashable (@mashable) July 9, 2019
Friday, July 5, 2019
Lop-G Gateway Space Station
There are critics of this approach, but I have no comment upon that. This video doesn't cover the criticisms per se, but merely describes what it is.
Thursday, July 4, 2019
Focus Fusion making progress
Previous experiments used tungsten. The latest will use beryllium. The beryllium electrode is seen in this pic:
A pic looking up at the assembled device. The beryllium cathode is in the center.
How long until breakeven? It all depends on how successful they are. It appears to be on track, so the answers should be coming soon. "Soon" meaning in the next year or two.
LPPFusion Report July 3, 2019: https://t.co/LGH7iL2b5F— Greg Meadows (@BootsandOilBlog) July 4, 2019
Wednesday, July 3, 2019
A/C off of solar panels, he says
This video is so good that I had to put it up.
What is so good about it?
The generator he mentions seems to be quite capable, light, and economical. The a/c unit is likewise. He said that he could run the a/c off this little generator, and the video demonstrates this. Not to mention that the video is actually about running it off of solar.
Maybe you don't want to fool around with gasoline. It smells and its dangerous to handle.
Anyway, here's the video.
Daily update:
There's a lot of links in the description section, so this video is included.
I noted that he had a travel trailer with solar panels mounted on the roof. This gives me an idea.
What is so good about it?
The generator he mentions seems to be quite capable, light, and economical. The a/c unit is likewise. He said that he could run the a/c off this little generator, and the video demonstrates this. Not to mention that the video is actually about running it off of solar.
Maybe you don't want to fool around with gasoline. It smells and its dangerous to handle.
Anyway, here's the video.
Daily update:
There's a lot of links in the description section, so this video is included.
I noted that he had a travel trailer with solar panels mounted on the roof. This gives me an idea.
Tuesday, July 2, 2019
Orion test
An abort test.
The Orion spacecraft flew Tuesday morning, and it looked pretty spectacular https://t.co/61qeqoyAVX— Greg Meadows (@BootsandOilBlog) July 2, 2019
Things that Gilligan never told us
Bust a coconut without any tools.
I bet Chuck Noland would have liked to have watched this video.
Who's Chuck?
I bet Chuck Noland would have liked to have watched this video.
Who's Chuck?
Making your own rope
Making rope
He makes a machine that makes the rope. It is a simple enough machine so that most folks could do it.
Part two making rope
With his machine, he demonstrates it making some rope.
Soda bottle rope:
Must be Seven Up, or Sprite. ( it's green ) By the way, another one of his machines takes a two liter ( empty) bottle of soda pop, and makes strips that can be woven into rope. It is actually quite strong.
Monday, July 1, 2019
Portable air cooler ( similar to mine )
Mine recirculates water, and routes it through a heater core from an automotive heater device. Also, I did not cut holes in my cooler!
Mine worked okay, but lugging around a lot of ice seemed to be a headache.
Sunday, June 30, 2019
Light a fire with a baggie full of water
The idea is to make a type of ball that can focus the sun's light into a beam hot enough to start a fire.
Footings, beams, and floors
How to pour concrete footings
How to attach a beam to a post
How to level a shed floor
Making space ships reuable
SpaceX Fairing-Snagging Ship Returns to Shore with Epic Catch (Photos) https://t.co/vjVQyymziZ— Greg Meadows (@BootsandOilBlog) June 29, 2019
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