Duct Tape, Bailing Wire and High Voltage

Founder's Day

2012-01-27T07:13:00.000-08:00

Saturday was the annual Founder's Day event put on by the Roverlanders club. I won best series one! It helped that I had the only series one until voting was almost finished. If Anthony from Abbotsford had arrived any earlier his pristine machine surely would have won.

As for update on the Series One, it's driveable, but has a minor miss on idle and I haven't got through Aircare yet. I have a wideband oxygen sensor I'm installing this weekend so I can be a little scientific when I dig into the jetting on the Weber carb.

2011-12-05T12:46:00.001-08:00

Got through Aircare on Saturday, will through, but failed. High CO on idle and high NOx on driving test. But I got through which is a plus. Now I have 3 months insurance, and can drive until March! If anyone has a gas analyzer I can use to get everything dialed in, please let know.To do list:change oil in diffs and transfer casereplace breathers on diffsrebleed brakesfind and install mirrors

2011-11-25T17:14:00.001-08:00

No luck at Aircare today. I went through three times, never failed, but I also never passed. It seems that my gas tank has a lot of loose fine rust dust in it. I put 20 litres of clean new gas in this morning, but by the time I drove to Aircare, the fuel filter was plugged and the tech couldn't keep the speed up for the test without the Rover stalling. I managed to drive home (very slowly). I bought a new filter, put it on, and drove back. Same issue. Drives great on the way there, stalls on the rollers due to a plugged filter. I had a spare, so I swapped that in and drove home. Next chance I get I'll drain the tank, fill it with new gas and head back to Aircare with the 4 spare filters I bought on the way home.On the plus side it drives quite nice when the filter isn't plugged.

3 Phase Power

2011-11-24T17:07:00.001-08:00

I've been thinking about 3 phase power for the shop today. Last night I saw a nice 3 phase plasma cutter on Craigslist, but like most normal people I don't have three phase power in the shop. As it is going to be a while before I get back to the electric car project, I've been thinking I can use the inverter to make a phase converter. It will basically be a variable frequency drive with a single phase input and a fixed 60 hz output. I think I have everything I need except a couple of contactors, relays to get from the sanguino output to the coil input on the contactors, and some power resistors to use as precharge load.More thoughts to follow.

Aircare

2011-11-24T17:02:00.000-08:00

Heading to Aircare tomorrow. Wish me luck.

2011-11-22T21:40:00.000-08:00

Latest in Gargamol's series of Robots. I love it!

Rover

2011-11-15T17:30:00.000-08:00

Fuel tank installed with new fuel pump and bypass regulator. Syncro fixed, cleaned out transmission and put in cheapo gear oil for now. Brake lights wired, Brakes rebled, still goes too far. Read a different way to adjust them. Will try next week. This weekend is fully booked with Vancouver Civic Election and East Side Culture Crawl.

To do
Aircare
Make front bumper
Look awesome driving my sweet series 1

Update

2011-11-07T16:02:00.000-08:00

Work done on Rover:

Swapped distributor and coil with an electronic version from SimonBBC. Lots of fiddling with the carb. It was back firing on attempting to accelerate. Later swapped all the plug wires and rewired the coil with a relay straight from the battery. No more back firing.

Brakes are in and plumbed. They work, but need two pumps to get anything. I will be rebleeding the brakes this weekend.

Next on the list is it doesn't shift into 3rd or 4th. I hear this is do to synchro clips either being out of place or disintegrated. Hopefully the synchro itself isn't damaged. Peter from 3 Brothers Classic Rovers has sent me a few spare clips. I was up at Rocky Mountain Parabolics and they has a spare synchro for me to look at. I think I understand what I have to do.

Other item to work on is the fuel tank. Right now it run out of a jerry can. May get the tank in this weekend. Goal is drive-able by Christmas.

New Carb

2011-10-08T21:53:00.000-07:00

I found the previous owner got the rover running by slapping on a carb from a 70's Fiat. Its now in the scrap pile.

The beast now moves quite well under its own power. Stopping is an entirely different undertaking, as it has no brakes. Actually, there are no brake parts. They've all been stripped. Parts should all be here this week. Shout out to Peter from 3 Brothers Rovers who has been a real great source of reasonably priced parts and information.

New Fun

2011-10-08T21:51:00.001-07:00

Its a BEEAUTIFUL 1956 Land Rover Series One 86".

FF in Dresden

2010-03-16T09:42:00.000-07:00

Second in robot series from Molly the Munificent.

Just noticed Google Page Rank

2010-01-07T08:46:00.000-08:00

I rank a 2/10. Its totally the sweet spot.

arg

2010-01-07T08:43:00.000-08:00

I'm trying hard for SparkFun's free day, I had my shopping cart all full of goodies, but I just can't get through to the checkout page!

Been Busy

2010-01-06T10:24:00.000-08:00

But I have managed to put together a McWire Cartesian bot for doing some CNC work. I'm hoping it is stiff enough for light aluminum cutting, if not I'll use it just for circuit boards. This picture has just the X and Y axes, but I finished the Z last night as well. Just waiting for stepper motors from the MakerBot store. I have an old dell server setup to run Linux EMC2 for the control and I'll be using Tom McWire's easy stepper circuit control.

woot.

Forgive me

2009-11-30T11:48:00.000-08:00

I love physics jokes.

http://xkcd.com/45/

Plausible Deniability

2009-10-28T12:01:00.000-07:00

I have no idea if his political opinions are at all useful, helpful or realistic, but you have to admire the governator's style.

http://www.boingboing.net/2009/10/28/arnold-schwarzenegge.html

Motor Turns

2009-10-19T09:43:00.001-07:00

The motor is turning, have gone through program and am starting to remember what it was I was trying to do. Next step will be too pack everything up as I am moving at the end of the month. I will however have some time to work on the program.

Woot.

Progress

2009-10-18T21:58:00.001-07:00

Getting there. Motor is turning. Can't seem to control speed though. I don't remember my program.

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Progress

2009-10-18T14:48:00.001-07:00

Woot

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Vegas knows how to take your money

2009-10-15T10:21:00.001-07:00

Last night I went to find dinner. I found a little chinese noodle shop, ordered a beef brisket noodle soup and an order of gai-lan. Bill - $38. Same dish at Taiwan Beef Noodle house (I think it is now called Wang's) on Granville in Vancouver - $14.

On the plus side, there didn't seem to be too much MSG as my dreams were fairly normal, at least for me. You know, motors, lithium batteries, blinking LEDs. Good dreams.

Have to wait until the weekend.

2009-10-13T15:34:00.000-07:00

I'll be out of town all week, so there will not be any progress until the weekend, but I did pick up all the bits to populate the cards today. Progress should be pretty quick when I get back.

Double sided card done

2009-10-12T10:46:00.000-07:00

The challenge I ran into was I had made a double sided design that really requires good alignment, and also had not aligned full spectrums template exactly square. So I redesigned the board to minimize the top layer and be forgiving to misalignment, and very carefully realigned the template. I believe this will be functional.

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Marathon time

2009-10-11T13:54:00.000-07:00

4:13. Woot.

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follow up

2009-10-09T10:15:00.000-07:00

So the double sided input card didn't work the first time. I guess I installed the stencil slightly off square which didn't impact the single sided cards, but made the double sided card goobered. I probably wont have time to try again until next week.

Why double sided pcbs are hard

2009-10-09T00:18:00.001-07:00

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switch card

2009-10-07T14:10:00.001-07:00

woot.

Progress

2009-10-07T12:09:00.001-07:00

Here are the designs for the cards I am making.

The first I call "Input" which has some protection for the 15V inputs for the Concept Card. This will be the hardest to make as it is two sided and may be difficult to line up. I haven't made this yet.
The next image is "Switch" which takes the 5v from the sanguino and switches it to 15V and also takes the 15v status signal from the concept and knocks it down to 5V. I made this last night, and it turned out pretty good.
On both these cards I tried to keep the power rails on the outside and signal wires in the middle. Hopefully they will be pretty robust from a noise perspective.
The picture on the previous post was "Output" which takes the output from the Concept Card and interfaces to the IGBT's.

I also need to make a 10-15V input to 15V output regulated power supply for up to 20 amps, but this can wait for now as I have an old mac power supply kluged with a 7815 dangling from my desk.

If anyone is wondering, I'm using the free version of Eagle 5.6 for layout, and the reason I did three cards is I am limited to 2.5 by 3.5 inches on the PCB because that is all that will fit through the epson printer in the CD tray.

first succesful inkjet printed PCB

2009-10-05T22:52:00.000-07:00

I bought a kit from Full Spectrum Engineering to do PCB's direct from an Epson R280. The first two didn't turn out very well, but the third worked okay.The trick was to print it 3 times, not the 2 that the instructions say, cooking the ink each time and being Very careful when re-aligning the circuit board.

I think the double sided boards are going to be very tough.

gap, but back at it

2009-09-30T11:13:00.000-07:00

I ran into a wall a few months ago working on the inverter. My circuit to fire the IGBT's was just not working, and I couldn't figure out why. I've since tossed my own own design, got some commercial firing cards (Concept Scale Drivers) and designed some PCB's to interface the firing card to the sanguino.

I'll post some pics when I get the PCB's etched and built.

Quote I like from Tom Ligon from the talk Poywell forum

2009-09-25T12:49:00.000-07:00

Regarding profit, here's the really neat thing. Yes, the reason power companies want to produce power is to sell it and make a profit. The bean-counters have job security, and the engineering economists can calculate the depreciation on capital investment and life cycle costs and all that, enabling the power companies to extract a viable margin.

But that's not the real profit, and we all know it, and it is why we're all concerned about energy. The profit is that the electricity made is worth far more than it sells for. If we cannot get it by other means, we'll spend the money on solar to get it because it will be worth it.

The profit is what you can do with energy, especially abundant energy with fewer negatives involved in getting it, and what the fruits of those expenditures are. Energy, with raw materials and human talent, are the basis for our economy, and so is priceless.

The economics will shake out the most economical way to produce the power we need, but they don't set the value of the power to civilization.

sweet hybrid bus

2009-08-18T22:54:00.000-07:00

From 1905!
link

Not sure if this is real...

2009-08-07T12:55:00.000-07:00

Russian Women's prison..... has a beauty pagent.
http://www.webpark.ru/comment/52940

Is this real or the plot for a bad porno from 1982?

All the tools are moved

2009-08-06T13:00:00.001-07:00

Got everything moved. Likely not organized for a month. Ack.

Totally Knackered

2009-07-27T10:59:00.000-07:00

Had a busy weekend. I irresponsibly purchased two lathes, a drill press, a metal saw, and a lifetime supply of bits of metal. We moved the last (and larger) lathe yesterday with the help of good friend John. This guy's strength never ceases to amaze me.

"No, don't worry. I can totally lift it."

Also did a bunch of wiring at my parents cabin. My hands are very sore from bending 4 gauge teck in electrical panels.

Little to no progress on electric car as I simply have been ignoring it as I walk most places these days.

Soon I'll get back to it.

Lawful Access

2009-06-30T09:38:00.001-07:00

Please listen to this podcast.

I did, and sent the following letter to Minister Van Loan.

You have not struck the right balance. You have listened too much to the Police. You say you have consulted with industry. Which industries? Rogers? Bell? Telus? they are not innovators. They are not the new economy. Please talk to internet entrepreneurs. They are much more in touch with reality.

Your party was elected to protect individuals, not centralize government authority and power.

I listened to your interview on search engine. It is clear you are woefully out of touch with reality. If I could offer you a bit of advice, fire the staffer that briefed you for that interview. Even if you have no idea what you are talking about, you need to be able to fake it.

Jake Gray

Update

2009-03-10T15:34:00.000-07:00

So I've been crazy busy and haven't had a lot of time lately to work on the project. I have figured out the IGBT driving though.

I've built the circuit in bread board and it seems to work. I've designed a PCB and I'm going to try my hand at etching. woot!

Challenges firing an IGBT

2009-02-27T08:00:00.000-08:00

So it turns out firing an IGBT is a little more complicated than I thought. It turns out the gate acts like a capacitor, so if you charge it with a positive voltage to turn on the transistor, it stays on unless you put a negative charge on it to turn it off.

I've found an integrated circuit from fairchild semiconductor, the FOD3180, which does this as well as using an opto isolator. I've ordered a few from Arrow electronics as I couldn't find a local supplier.

more to follow

Side show

2009-02-06T14:51:00.000-08:00

If anyone is interested, I am also building a new bed. It's kind of wacky.

Updated Photo

2009-02-06T14:49:00.000-08:00

So here is the test VFD is it sits today. Sanguino is working generating a PWM 3 phase sin output to the firing cards. I have a 12v supply which is powering everything at the moment. I need to pick up some wire to hook the firing cards to the IGBTs, kluge some power to apply to the IGBTs, and then some big resistors or light bulbs or something to pump power through. I've found some help in locating a suitable vehicle and motors. Updates soon.

Setup of controller

2009-02-02T10:25:00.000-08:00

Here is a photo of the mounted Sanguino, IGBT's, one of two PWM cards, a breadboard and a 12 volt power supply.
I screwed up one of the PWM cards by installing transistors the wrong way, and then desoldering badly and messing up a trace. Arg.

New arrival

2009-01-29T10:47:00.000-08:00

Two PWM driver cards from the Reprap store arrived a couple days ago. I should have a chance to solder them up tonight and see if they do the trick. Now I just need a motor to play with.

Encoder has arrived

2009-01-26T11:43:00.000-08:00

I purchased a BEI encoder from ebay a while ago and now have it in my hot hands. I intend to attach it to whatever motor I use as velocity feedback. That should allow me to create some sort of vector control for the motor. I've been reading a lot, but I am still unsure how the math works, but at least I think I know what the pieces are.

angular velocity of the rotating magnetic field, or frequency of the output (I can control this)
total voltage (I can control this)
output current (I can measure this)
speed difference between magnetic field and rotor, also called slip (I can measure this)

My thoughts are that the gas pedal will be attached to a pot that will essentially be a torque request. The controller will always output a frequency a bit faster than the moving speed of the rotor based on the motors slip. Based on the torque request, the voltage will be changed to get the requested current.

We'll see. Now I just need a few hundred volts dc and a motor to try it on.

Working!

2009-01-23T09:46:00.000-08:00

My sanguino program is working quite well now. I used direct control of timer0 and direct port access on port C to get pwm of 6 normal outputs.I ran into a problem of not being able to generate a fast enough frequency, so I had to reduce the resolution of my sin wave array from a value every 2 degrees to every 6 degrees. I think this should still be fine for motor control, it just may produce some wicked harmonics. I'm still waiting for an encoder I bought off ebay, and two firing cards from the Reprap store.

Next step is to find a small three phase motor, some sort of shunt for measuring the current and start getting things to spin. Woot!

Commissioned Art

2009-01-21T06:41:00.000-08:00

Check it out. Its meant to explore the blurring of the line between technology and humanity. Bender as Manet's Ophelia

Latest code

2009-01-21T06:12:00.000-08:00

I've managed to generate the three phase sin wave output without using analog write commands or any delay functions. It uses some lower level commands within the Arduino programming environment.

It works to speed up and slow down the phases, but I haven't been able to control the maximum voltage yet. I think I'm running into a problem of the interrupt service routine being too long.

Cheers.

// this will be an attempt to change how the pwm is done, and use interupts and direct port access with a higher speed

// port C > 7= pin 23
// port C > 6= pin 22
// port C > 5= pin 21
// port C > 4= pin 20
// port C > 3= pin 19
// port C > 2= pin 18
// port C > 1= pin 17
// port C > 0= pin 16

#include
#include

ISR(TIMER0_COMPA_vect) {
callback();
}

boolean ledpin_1 = 1; // 0 or 1 for if the 1st led should be on
boolean ledpin_2 = 1; // 0 or 1 for if the 2nd led should be on
boolean ledpin_3 = 1; // 0 or 1 for if the 3rd led should be on
boolean ledpin_4 = 1; // 0 or 1 for if the 4th led should be on
boolean ledpin_5 = 1; // 0 or 1 for if the 5th led should be on
boolean ledpin_6 = 1; // 0 or 1 for if the 6th led should be on
int pot_value = 0; // input for the potentiometer used to control frequency
int analog_pin = 0; // input pin for pot

int freq = 0; //this is the counter that is counting up the bins
int freqmax = 10; //this will be the amount the counter counts up before going to the next part of the array, by changing this we can alter the frequency

int sinarray [] = {0,0,87,0,0,87,3,0,85,0,0,88,7,0,83,0,0,90,10,0,81,0,0,91,14,0,79,0,0,93,17,0,77,0,0,94,21,0,74,0,0,95,24,0,72,0,0,96,28,0,69,0,0,97,31,0,67,0,0,98,34,0,64,0,0,98,37,0,62,0,0,99,41,0,59,0,0,99,44,0,56,0,0,100,47,0,53,0,0,100,50,0,50,0,0,100,53,0,47,0,0,100,56,0,44,0,0,100,59,0,41,0,0,99,62,0,37,0,0,99,64,0,34,0,0,98,67,0,31,0,0,98,69,0,28,0,0,97,72,0,24,0,0,96,74,0,21,0,0,95,77,0,17,0,0,94,79,0,14,0,0,93,81,0,10,0,0,91,83,0,7,0,0,90,85,0,3,0,0,88,87,0,0,0,0,87,88,0,0,3,0,85,90,0,0,7,0,83,91,0,0,10,0,81,93,0,0,14,0,79,94,0,0,17,0,77,95,0,0,21,0,74,96,0,0,24,0,72,97,0,0,28,0,69,98,0,0,31,0,67,98,0,0,34,0,64,99,0,0,37,0,62,99,0,0,41,0,59,100,0,0,44,0,56,100,0,0,47,0,53,100,0,0,50,0,50,100,0,0,53,0,47,100,0,0,56,0,44,99,0,0,59,0,41,99,0,0,62,0,37,98,0,0,64,0,34,98,0,0,67,0,31,97,0,0,69,0,28,96,0,0,72,0,24,95,0,0,74,0,21,94,0,0,77,0,17,93,0,0,79,0,14,91,0,0,81,0,10,90,0,0,83,0,7,88,0,0,85,0,3,87,0,0,87,0,0,85,0,0,88,3,0,83,0,0,90,7,0,81,0,0,91,10,0,79,0,0,93,14,0,77,0,0,94,17,0,74,0,0,95,21,0,72,0,0,96,24,0,69,0,0,97,28,0,67,0,0,98,31,0,64,0,0,98,34,0,62,0,0,99,37,0,59,0,0,99,41,0,56,0,0,100,44,0,53,0,0,100,47,0,50,0,0,100,50,0,47,0,0,100,53,0,44,0,0,100,56,0,41,0,0,99,59,0,37,0,0,99,62,0,34,0,0,98,64,0,31,0,0,98,67,0,28,0,0,97,69,0,24,0,0,96,72,0,21,0,0,95,74,0,17,0,0,94,77,0,14,0,0,93,79,0,10,0,0,91,81,0,7,0,0,90,83,0,3,0,0,88,85,0,0,0,0,87,87,0,0,3,0,85,88,0,0,7,0,83,90,0,0,10,0,81,91,0,0,14,0,79,93,0,0,17,0,77,94,0,0,21,0,74,95,0,0,24,0,72,96,0,0,28,0,69,97,0,0,31,0,67,98,0,0,34,0,64,98,0,0,37,0,62,99,0,0,41,0,59,99,0,0,44,0,56,100,0,0,47,0,53,100,0,0,50,0,50,100,0,0,53,0,47,100,0,0,56,0,44,100,0,0,59,0,41,99,0,0,62,0,37,99,0,0,64,0,34,98,0,0,67,0,31,98,0,0,69,0,28,97,0,0,72,0,24,96,0,0,74,0,21,95,0,0,77,0,17,94,0,0,79,0,14,93,0,0,81,0,10,91,0,0,83,0,7,90,0,0,85,0,3,88,0,0,87,0,0,87,0,0,88,3,0,85,0,0,90,7,0,83,0,0,91,10,0,81,0,0,93,14,0,79,0,0,94,17,0,77,0,0,95,21,0,74,0,0,96,24,0,72,0,0,97,28,0,69,0,0,98,31,0,67,0,0,98,34,0,64,0,0,99,37,0,62,0,0,99,41,0,59,0,0,100,44,0,56,0,0,100,47,0,53,0,0,100,50,0,50,0,0,100,53,0,47,0,0,100,56,0,44,0,0,99,59,0,41,0,0,99,62,0,37,0,0,98,64,0,34,0,0,98,67,0,31,0,0,97,69,0,28,0,0,96,72,0,24,0,0,95,74,0,21,0,0,94,77,0,17,0,0,93,79,0,14,0,0,91,81,0,10,0,0,90,83,0,7,0,0,88,85,0,3,0,0,87,87,0,0,0,0,85,88,0,0,3,0,83,90,0,0,7,0,81,91,0,0,10,0,79,93,0,0,14,0,77,94,0,0,17,0,74,95,0,0,21,0,72,96,0,0,24,0,69,97,0,0,28,0,67,98,0,0,31,0,64,98,0,0,34,0,62,99,0,0,37,0,59,99,0,0,41,0,56,100,0,0,44,0,53,100,0,0,47,0,50,100,0,0,50,0,47,100,0,0,53,0,44,100,0,0,56,0,41,99,0,0,59,0,37,99,0,0,62,0,34,98,0,0,64,0,31,98,0,0,67,0,28,97,0,0,69,0,24,96,0,0,72,0,21,95,0,0,74,0,17,94,0,0,77,0,14,93,0,0,79,0,10,91,0,0,81,0,7,90,0,0,83,0,3,88,0,0,85};

int max_volts = 95; // controls amplitude of the sin wave
int analog_volt = 1;

int value_pwm_1 = 0; // variable to keep the actual value_pwm_1
int array_tag_1 = 0; // where to get first value for phase 1 positive from array, first value in array is tagged at 0
int on_pulses_pin1 = 0; // counter for how many pulses pin 1 has been on

int value_pwm_2 = 0; // variable to keep the actual value_pwm_2
int array_tag_2 = 1; // where to get first value for phase 1 negative from array
int on_pulses_pin2 = 0;

int value_pwm_3 = 0; // variable to keep the actual value_pwm_2
int array_tag_3 = 4; // where to get first value for phase 2 positive from array
int on_pulses_pin3 = 0;

int value_pwm_4 = 0; // variable to keep the actual value_pwm_2
int array_tag_4 = 5; // where to get first value for phase 2 negative from array
int on_pulses_pin4 = 0;

int value_pwm_5 = 0; // variable to keep the actual value_pwm_2
int array_tag_5 = 2; // where to get first value for phase 3 positive from array
int on_pulses_pin5 = 0;

int value_pwm_6 = 0; // variable to keep the actual value_pwm_2
int array_tag_6 = 3; // where to get first value for phase 3 negative from array
int on_pulses_pin6 = 0;

void setup()

{
TIMSK0 = (1< // flag a (OCF0A) is written
TCCR0A = (0<TCCR0B = (0<OCR0A = 200; // this is the CTC value, this value gets changed to
// change the resolution of the counter
DDRC = 255; // this sets all of port C to outputs.
}

// This should be the routine called everytime the timer gets to the value of OCR0A
void callback()
{

if (freq >= freqmax)

{
freq = 0;
if (array_tag_1 < 1074) // 1074 is the last the last array tag for phase 1 postive, so below that we add 6 to each tag to get to the next spot for each phase in the array
{
array_tag_1 = array_tag_1 + 6;
array_tag_2 = array_tag_2 + 6;
array_tag_3 = array_tag_3 + 6;
array_tag_4 = array_tag_4 + 6;
array_tag_5 = array_tag_5 + 6;
array_tag_6 = array_tag_6 + 6;
}

else
{ // after 1074 we reset all the array tags to their original value
array_tag_1 = 0; // this resets the array counters back to zero
array_tag_2 = 1;
array_tag_3 = 4;
array_tag_4 = 5;
array_tag_5 = 2;
array_tag_6 = 3;
}
}

else
{
freq = freq + 1;
on_pulses_pin1 = (sinarray[array_tag_1] * freqmax / 100);
on_pulses_pin2 = (sinarray[array_tag_2] * freqmax / 100);
on_pulses_pin3 = (sinarray[array_tag_3] * freqmax / 100);
on_pulses_pin4 = (sinarray[array_tag_4] * freqmax / 100);
on_pulses_pin5 = (sinarray[array_tag_5] * freqmax / 100);
on_pulses_pin6 = (sinarray[array_tag_6] * freqmax / 100);
}

//PIN 1
if (on_pulses_pin1>freq) //these if's check to see if each pins counter has reached its max and then turns the pins on or off as needed
{
ledpin_1 = 1;
}
else
{
ledpin_1 = 0;
}
//PIN 2
if (on_pulses_pin2>freq) //these if's check to see if each pins counter has reached its max and then turns the pins on or off as needed
{
ledpin_2 = 1;
}
else
{
ledpin_2 = 0;
}
//PIN 3
if (on_pulses_pin3>freq) //these if's check to see if each pins counter has reached its max and then turns the pins on or off as needed
{
ledpin_3 = 1;
}
else
{
ledpin_3 = 0;
}
//PIN 4
if (on_pulses_pin4>freq) //these if's check to see if each pins counter has reached its max and then turns the pins on or off as needed
{
ledpin_4 = 1;
}
else
{
ledpin_4 = 0;
}
//PIN 5
if (on_pulses_pin5>freq) //these if's check to see if each pins counter has reached its max and then turns the pins on or off as needed
{
ledpin_5 = 1;
}
else
{
ledpin_5 = 0;
}
//PIN 6
if (on_pulses_pin6>freq) //these if's check to see if each pins counter has reached its max and then turns the pins on or off as needed
{
ledpin_6 = 1;
}
else
{
ledpin_6 = 0;
}

// Set all outputs
PORTC = (0<

}

void loop()

{

// pot_value = analogRead(analog_pin) / 100; // using a pot to control the frequency
// max_volts = analogRead(analog_volt) / 4; // changes the max voltage based on the second pot

pot_value = 100;

// port A looks like the analog inputs
// port B looks safe to play with
// port C looks safe to play with
// port D looks like it has the tx and rx pins

// Disable interrupts
// cli();
// Enable interrupts
// sei();

}

Arduino Libraries

2009-01-12T07:48:00.000-08:00

It seems that the timerone.h library from the arduino site does not work with the sanguino. I'm heading to New York for the week and will take the datasheets with me to see if I can figure out why. It may be something simple like the Library references the wrong pins, or the wrong control registers. Here is the current non-functioning attempt at code using an interupt to time the Pulse width instead of a delay function.

//this will be an attempt to change how the pwm is done, and use interupts with a higher speed

#include "TimerOne.h"

int freq = 0; //this is the counter that is counting up the bins
int freqmax = 1000; //this will be the amount the counter counts up before going to the next part of the array, by changing this we can alter the frequency
int sinarray [] = {0,0,87,0,0,87,3,0,85,0,0,88,7,0,83,0,0,90,10,0,81,0,0,91,14,0,79,0,0,93,17,0,77,0,0,94,21,0,74,0,0,95,24,0,72,0,0,96,28,0,69,0,0,97,31,0,67,0,0,98,34,0,64,0,0,98,37,0,62,0,0,99,41,0,59,0,0,99,44,0,56,0,0,100,47,0,53,0,0,100,50,0,50,0,0,100,53,0,47,0,0,100,56,0,44,0,0,100,59,0,41,0,0,99,62,0,37,0,0,99,64,0,34,0,0,98,67,0,31,0,0,98,69,0,28,0,0,97,72,0,24,0,0,96,74,0,21,0,0,95,77,0,17,0,0,94,79,0,14,0,0,93,81,0,10,0,0,91,83,0,7,0,0,90,85,0,3,0,0,88,87,0,0,0,0,87,88,0,0,3,0,85,90,0,0,7,0,83,91,0,0,10,0,81,93,0,0,14,0,79,94,0,0,17,0,77,95,0,0,21,0,74,96,0,0,24,0,72,97,0,0,28,0,69,98,0,0,31,0,67,98,0,0,34,0,64,99,0,0,37,0,62,99,0,0,41,0,59,100,0,0,44,0,56,100,0,0,47,0,53,100,0,0,50,0,50,100,0,0,53,0,47,100,0,0,56,0,44,99,0,0,59,0,41,99,0,0,62,0,37,98,0,0,64,0,34,98,0,0,67,0,31,97,0,0,69,0,28,96,0,0,72,0,24,95,0,0,74,0,21,94,0,0,77,0,17,93,0,0,79,0,14,91,0,0,81,0,10,90,0,0,83,0,7,88,0,0,85,0,3,87,0,0,87,0,0,85,0,0,88,3,0,83,0,0,90,7,0,81,0,0,91,10,0,79,0,0,93,14,0,77,0,0,94,17,0,74,0,0,95,21,0,72,0,0,96,24,0,69,0,0,97,28,0,67,0,0,98,31,0,64,0,0,98,34,0,62,0,0,99,37,0,59,0,0,99,41,0,56,0,0,100,44,0,53,0,0,100,47,0,50,0,0,100,50,0,47,0,0,100,53,0,44,0,0,100,56,0,41,0,0,99,59,0,37,0,0,99,62,0,34,0,0,98,64,0,31,0,0,98,67,0,28,0,0,97,69,0,24,0,0,96,72,0,21,0,0,95,74,0,17,0,0,94,77,0,14,0,0,93,79,0,10,0,0,91,81,0,7,0,0,90,83,0,3,0,0,88,85,0,0,0,0,87,87,0,0,3,0,85,88,0,0,7,0,83,90,0,0,10,0,81,91,0,0,14,0,79,93,0,0,17,0,77,94,0,0,21,0,74,95,0,0,24,0,72,96,0,0,28,0,69,97,0,0,31,0,67,98,0,0,34,0,64,98,0,0,37,0,62,99,0,0,41,0,59,99,0,0,44,0,56,100,0,0,47,0,53,100,0,0,50,0,50,100,0,0,53,0,47,100,0,0,56,0,44,100,0,0,59,0,41,99,0,0,62,0,37,99,0,0,64,0,34,98,0,0,67,0,31,98,0,0,69,0,28,97,0,0,72,0,24,96,0,0,74,0,21,95,0,0,77,0,17,94,0,0,79,0,14,93,0,0,81,0,10,91,0,0,83,0,7,90,0,0,85,0,3,88,0,0,87,0,0,87,0,0,88,3,0,85,0,0,90,7,0,83,0,0,91,10,0,81,0,0,93,14,0,79,0,0,94,17,0,77,0,0,95,21,0,74,0,0,96,24,0,72,0,0,97,28,0,69,0,0,98,31,0,67,0,0,98,34,0,64,0,0,99,37,0,62,0,0,99,41,0,59,0,0,100,44,0,56,0,0,100,47,0,53,0,0,100,50,0,50,0,0,100,53,0,47,0,0,100,56,0,44,0,0,99,59,0,41,0,0,99,62,0,37,0,0,98,64,0,34,0,0,98,67,0,31,0,0,97,69,0,28,0,0,96,72,0,24,0,0,95,74,0,21,0,0,94,77,0,17,0,0,93,79,0,14,0,0,91,81,0,10,0,0,90,83,0,7,0,0,88,85,0,3,0,0,87,87,0,0,0,0,85,88,0,0,3,0,83,90,0,0,7,0,81,91,0,0,10,0,79,93,0,0,14,0,77,94,0,0,17,0,74,95,0,0,21,0,72,96,0,0,24,0,69,97,0,0,28,0,67,98,0,0,31,0,64,98,0,0,34,0,62,99,0,0,37,0,59,99,0,0,41,0,56,100,0,0,44,0,53,100,0,0,47,0,50,100,0,0,50,0,47,100,0,0,53,0,44,100,0,0,56,0,41,99,0,0,59,0,37,99,0,0,62,0,34,98,0,0,64,0,31,98,0,0,67,0,28,97,0,0,69,0,24,96,0,0,72,0,21,95,0,0,74,0,17,94,0,0,77,0,14,93,0,0,79,0,10,91,0,0,81,0,7,90,0,0,83,0,3,88,0,0,85};
int pot_value = 0; // input for the potentiometer used to control frequency
int analog_pin = 0; // input pin for pot

int max_volts = 0; // controls amplitude of the sin wave
int analog_volt = 1;

int value_pwm_1 = 0; // variable to keep the actual value_pwm_1
int ledpin_1 = 3; // light connected to digital pin 3
int array_tag_1 = 0; // where to get first value for phase 1 positive from array, first value in array is tagged at 0
int on_pulses_pin1 = 0;

int value_pwm_2 = 0; // variable to keep the actual value_pwm_2
int ledpin_2 = 4; // light connected to digital pin 4
int array_tag_2 = 1; // where to get first value for phase 1 negative from array
int on_pulses_pin2 = 0;

int value_pwm_3 = 0; // variable to keep the actual value_pwm_2
int ledpin_3 = 12; // light connected to digital pin 12
int array_tag_3 = 4; // where to get first value for phase 2 positive from array
int on_pulses_pin3 = 0;

int value_pwm_4 = 0; // variable to keep the actual value_pwm_2
int ledpin_4 = 13; // light connected to digital pin 13
int array_tag_4 = 5; // where to get first value for phase 2 negative from array
int on_pulses_pin4 = 0;

int value_pwm_5 = 0; // variable to keep the actual value_pwm_2
int ledpin_5 = 14; // light connected to digital pin 14
int array_tag_5 = 2; // where to get first value for phase 3 positive from array
int on_pulses_pin5 = 0;

int value_pwm_6 = 0; // variable to keep the actual value_pwm_2
int ledpin_6 = 15; // light connected to digital pin 15
int array_tag_6 = 3; // where to get first value for phase 3 negative from array
int on_pulses_pin6 = 0;

void setup()
{
pinMode(7, OUTPUT); // using an LED on pin 7 to indicate the completion of one complete cycle on phase 1
pinMode(3, OUTPUT);
pinMode(4, OUTPUT);
pinMode(12, OUTPUT);
pinMode(13, OUTPUT);
pinMode(14, OUTPUT);
pinMode(15, OUTPUT);
Timer1.initialize(100); // initialize timer1, and set a 1/1000 second period, can this be changed dynamically in the program?
Timer1.attachInterrupt(callback); // attaches callback() as a timer overflow interrupt
}

void callback()
{

if (freq >= freqmax)
{
freq = 0;

if (array_tag_1 < 1074)

{ // 1074 is the last the last array tag for phase 1 postive, so below that we add 6 to each tag to get to the next spot for each phase in the array

array_tag_1 = array_tag_1 + 6;
array_tag_2 = array_tag_2 + 6;
array_tag_3 = array_tag_3 + 6;
array_tag_4 = array_tag_4 + 6;
array_tag_5 = array_tag_5 + 6;
array_tag_6 = array_tag_6 + 6;
}

else
{ // after 1074 we reset all the array tags to their original value
array_tag_1 = 0; // this resets the array counters back to zero
array_tag_2 = 1;
array_tag_3 = 4;
array_tag_4 = 5;
array_tag_5 = 2;
array_tag_6 = 3;

}

}
else
{
freq = freq + 1;
on_pulses_pin1 = (sinarray[array_tag_1] * freqmax / 100);
on_pulses_pin2 = (sinarray[array_tag_2] * freqmax / 100);
on_pulses_pin3 = (sinarray[array_tag_3] * freqmax / 100);
on_pulses_pin4 = (sinarray[array_tag_4] * freqmax / 100);
on_pulses_pin5 = (sinarray[array_tag_5] * freqmax / 100);
on_pulses_pin6 = (sinarray[array_tag_6] * freqmax / 100);

if (on_pulses_pin1>freq) //these if's check to see if each pins counter has reached its max and then turns the pins on or off as needed
{
digitalWrite(ledpin_1, HIGH);
}

else
{
digitalWrite(ledpin_1, LOW);
}

if (on_pulses_pin2>freq) //
{
digitalWrite(ledpin_2, HIGH);
}

else
{
digitalWrite(ledpin_2, LOW);
}

if (on_pulses_pin3>freq) //
{
digitalWrite(ledpin_3, HIGH);
}

else
{
digitalWrite(ledpin_3, LOW);
}

if (on_pulses_pin4>freq) //
{
digitalWrite(ledpin_4, HIGH);
}

else
{
digitalWrite(ledpin_4, LOW);
}

if (on_pulses_pin5>freq) //
{
digitalWrite(ledpin_5, HIGH);
}

else
{
digitalWrite(ledpin_5, LOW);
}

if (on_pulses_pin6>freq) //
{
digitalWrite(ledpin_6, HIGH);
}

else
{
digitalWrite(ledpin_6, LOW);
}

}

}

void loop()
{
pot_value = analogRead(analog_pin) / 100; // using a pot to control the frequency
max_volts = analogRead(analog_volt) / 4; // changes the max voltage based on the second pot

}

OK, now tell us what the hell they are.

2009-01-11T10:22:00.000-08:00

Dear Dr. Dawg,

Sorry for posting something a little obscure. IGBT's or Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors, are fast acting high power semiconductor switches. The units I have are capable of switching 200 amps at 1200 Volts at a significantly high switching rate. This is what makes it possible to use pulse width modulation to turn the switches off and on really fast to generate a variable alternating current output from a dc source, like a big battery pack.

And if anyone knows how to use the timers directly on a Sanguino, please send me a note.

IGBT's have arrived!

2009-01-10T14:31:00.000-08:00

Three fully functional 200A (450 peak!) 1200 V IGBT blocks arrived yesterday. I paid about 90 dollars Canadian including shipping and handling. These are generally about 2-300 dollars a piece new, so I think I did okay. They are actually smaller than I thought they'd be. I guess newer semiconductors produce less heat and so they can make the package smaller.

New book arriving

2009-01-07T13:03:00.001-08:00

I looked up some relevant courses at UBC in Electrical Engineering in order to find relevant textbooks. I found a course that was titled "Electro-mechanical Energy Conversion and Transmission" which sounded pretty good. However the textbook "Electric Machinery Fundamentals" from Stephen Chapman is a $200 plus textbook. I found it used for about $30 on Amazon. Woo! Still waiting for the encoder and the IGBTs from ebay.
I need to learn how to seperate the magetizing current from the torque producing current so I can figure out an algorithm for feed back and control of the frequency and voltage output. I may just use a Voltage/frequency table to start, but I'd like to learn how to calculate the real output required for Vector Control.
On a side note, I had a comment from MSimon, who I think is one of the avid contibuters to the Talk-Polywell fusion forum which I read every morning. If you're at all interested in super-conducting magnets, plasma physics, massive pulsed capacitor banks, or other energy geek type stuff check it out.

Political Interjection

2009-01-06T14:13:00.000-08:00

How does this guy get appointed to the Senate?

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090106.wsenate06/BNStory/politics/home

Call me old fashioned, call me judgmental, but pony tails and more than one ring per hand is "not senate material."

3 phase sin wave

2009-01-06T08:32:00.000-08:00

I've managed to generate a 3 phase sin wave on the sanguino. Its just pulsing LEDs at this point, but I am able to modulate the frequency and the amplitude. Still have lots of work to do as this current code uses the analogWrite command which does PWM at about 490 Hz. I'm going to need this to work a lot faster. Also I've used a delay command to change the frequency. I'd like to come up with a way to not use any delays in the program. Here it is if anyone is interested:

// 3 phase sin wave output
// by Swamijake

int sinarray [] = {0,0,87,0,0,87,3,0,85,0,0,88,7,0,83,0,0,90,10,0,81,0,0,91,14,0,79,0,0,93,17,0,77,0,0,94,21,0,74,0,0,95,24,0,72,0,0,96,28,0,69,0,0,97,31,0,67,0,0,98,34,0,64,0,0,98,37,0,62,0,0,99,41,0,59,0,0,99,44,0,56,0,0,100,47,0,53,0,0,100,50,0,50,0,0,100,53,0,47,0,0,100,56,0,44,0,0,100,59,0,41,0,0,99,62,0,37,0,0,99,64,0,34,0,0,98,67,0,31,0,0,98,69,0,28,0,0,97,72,0,24,0,0,96,74,0,21,0,0,95,77,0,17,0,0,94,79,0,14,0,0,93,81,0,10,0,0,91,83,0,7,0,0,90,85,0,3,0,0,88,87,0,0,0,0,87,88,0,0,3,0,85,90,0,0,7,0,83,91,0,0,10,0,81,93,0,0,14,0,79,94,0,0,17,0,77,95,0,0,21,0,74,96,0,0,24,0,72,97,0,0,28,0,69,98,0,0,31,0,67,98,0,0,34,0,64,99,0,0,37,0,62,99,0,0,41,0,59,100,0,0,44,0,56,100,0,0,47,0,53,100,0,0,50,0,50,100,0,0,53,0,47,100,0,0,56,0,44,99,0,0,59,0,41,99,0,0,62,0,37,98,0,0,64,0,34,98,0,0,67,0,31,97,0,0,69,0,28,96,0,0,72,0,24,95,0,0,74,0,21,94,0,0,77,0,17,93,0,0,79,0,14,91,0,0,81,0,10,90,0,0,83,0,7,88,0,0,85,0,3,87,0,0,87,0,0,85,0,0,88,3,0,83,0,0,90,7,0,81,0,0,91,10,0,79,0,0,93,14,0,77,0,0,94,17,0,74,0,0,95,21,0,72,0,0,96,24,0,69,0,0,97,28,0,67,0,0,98,31,0,64,0,0,98,34,0,62,0,0,99,37,0,59,0,0,99,41,0,56,0,0,100,44,0,53,0,0,100,47,0,50,0,0,100,50,0,47,0,0,100,53,0,44,0,0,100,56,0,41,0,0,99,59,0,37,0,0,99,62,0,34,0,0,98,64,0,31,0,0,98,67,0,28,0,0,97,69,0,24,0,0,96,72,0,21,0,0,95,74,0,17,0,0,94,77,0,14,0,0,93,79,0,10,0,0,91,81,0,7,0,0,90,83,0,3,0,0,88,85,0,0,0,0,87,87,0,0,3,0,85,88,0,0,7,0,83,90,0,0,10,0,81,91,0,0,14,0,79,93,0,0,17,0,77,94,0,0,21,0,74,95,0,0,24,0,72,96,0,0,28,0,69,97,0,0,31,0,67,98,0,0,34,0,64,98,0,0,37,0,62,99,0,0,41,0,59,99,0,0,44,0,56,100,0,0,47,0,53,100,0,0,50,0,50,100,0,0,53,0,47,100,0,0,56,0,44,100,0,0,59,0,41,99,0,0,62,0,37,99,0,0,64,0,34,98,0,0,67,0,31,98,0,0,69,0,28,97,0,0,72,0,24,96,0,0,74,0,21,95,0,0,77,0,17,94,0,0,79,0,14,93,0,0,81,0,10,91,0,0,83,0,7,90,0,0,85,0,3,88,0,0,87,0,0,87,0,0,88,3,0,85,0,0,90,7,0,83,0,0,91,10,0,81,0,0,93,14,0,79,0,0,94,17,0,77,0,0,95,21,0,74,0,0,96,24,0,72,0,0,97,28,0,69,0,0,98,31,0,67,0,0,98,34,0,64,0,0,99,37,0,62,0,0,99,41,0,59,0,0,100,44,0,56,0,0,100,47,0,53,0,0,100,50,0,50,0,0,100,53,0,47,0,0,100,56,0,44,0,0,99,59,0,41,0,0,99,62,0,37,0,0,98,64,0,34,0,0,98,67,0,31,0,0,97,69,0,28,0,0,96,72,0,24,0,0,95,74,0,21,0,0,94,77,0,17,0,0,93,79,0,14,0,0,91,81,0,10,0,0,90,83,0,7,0,0,88,85,0,3,0,0,87,87,0,0,0,0,85,88,0,0,3,0,83,90,0,0,7,0,81,91,0,0,10,0,79,93,0,0,14,0,77,94,0,0,17,0,74,95,0,0,21,0,72,96,0,0,24,0,69,97,0,0,28,0,67,98,0,0,31,0,64,98,0,0,34,0,62,99,0,0,37,0,59,99,0,0,41,0,56,100,0,0,44,0,53,100,0,0,47,0,50,100,0,0,50,0,47,100,0,0,53,0,44,100,0,0,56,0,41,99,0,0,59,0,37,99,0,0,62,0,34,98,0,0,64,0,31,98,0,0,67,0,28,97,0,0,69,0,24,96,0,0,72,0,21,95,0,0,74,0,17,94,0,0,77,0,14,93,0,0,79,0,10,91,0,0,81,0,7,90,0,0,83,0,3,88,0,0,85};

// generated the array in excel, it is 6 outputs (one positive and one negative for each phase) times 180 bins for 2 degree resolution

int pot_value = 0; // input for the potentiometer used to control frequency
int analog_pin = 0; // input pin for pot

int max_volts = 0; // controls amplitude of the sin wave
int analog_volt = 1;

int value_pwm_1 = 0; // variable to keep the actual value_pwm_1
int ledpin_1 = 3; // light connected to digital pin 3
int array_tag_1 = 0; // where to get first value for phase 1 positive from array, first value in array is tagged at 0

int value_pwm_2 = 0; // variable to keep the actual value_pwm_2
int ledpin_2 = 4; // light connected to digital pin 4
int array_tag_2 = 1; // where to get first value for phase 1 negative from array

int value_pwm_3 = 0; // variable to keep the actual value_pwm_2
int ledpin_3 = 12; // light connected to digital pin 12
int array_tag_3 = 2; // where to get first value for phase 2 positive from array

int value_pwm_4 = 0; // variable to keep the actual value_pwm_2
int ledpin_4 = 13; // light connected to digital pin 13
int array_tag_4 = 3; // where to get first value for phase 2 negative from array

int value_pwm_5 = 0; // variable to keep the actual value_pwm_2
int ledpin_5 = 14; // light connected to digital pin 14
int array_tag_5 = 4; // where to get first value for phase 3 positive from array

int value_pwm_6 = 0; // variable to keep the actual value_pwm_2
int ledpin_6 = 15; // light connected to digital pin 15
int array_tag_6 = 5; // where to get first value for phase 3 negative from array

void setup()
{
pinMode(7, OUTPUT); // using an LED on pin 7 to indicate the completion of one complete cycle on phase 1
}

void loop()
{
pot_value = analogRead(analog_pin) / 100; // using a pot to control the frequency
max_volts = analogRead(analog_volt) / 4; // changes the max voltage based on the second pot

analogWrite(ledpin_1, (sinarray[array_tag_1] * max_volts / 100)); // sets the value_pwm_1 picked from the array
analogWrite(ledpin_2, (sinarray[array_tag_2] * max_volts / 100)); // sets the value_pwm_2 picked from the array
analogWrite(ledpin_3, (sinarray[array_tag_3] * max_volts / 100)); // sets the value_pwm_3
analogWrite(ledpin_4, (sinarray[array_tag_4] * max_volts / 100)); // sets the value_pwm_4
analogWrite(ledpin_5, (sinarray[array_tag_5] * max_volts / 100)); // sets the value_pwm_5
analogWrite(ledpin_6, (sinarray[array_tag_6] * max_volts / 100)); // sets the value_pwm_6

if (array_tag_1 < 1074) { // 1074 is the last the last array tag for phase 1 postive, so below that we add 6 to each tag to get to the next spot for each phase in the array

array_tag_1 = array_tag_1 + 6;
array_tag_2 = array_tag_2 + 6;
array_tag_3 = array_tag_3 + 6;
array_tag_4 = array_tag_4 + 6;
array_tag_5 = array_tag_5 + 6;
array_tag_6 = array_tag_6 + 6;

}

else { // after 1074 we reset all the array tags to their original value

digitalWrite (7,HIGH); // I flash an LED to see the completion of each cycle

array_tag_1 = 0; // this resets the array counters back to zero
array_tag_2 = 1;
array_tag_3 = 2;
array_tag_4 = 3;
array_tag_5 = 4;
array_tag_6 = 5;

}

delay(pot_value); // delays and reruns the whole thing after going through each full cycle. I need to be able to due this without delays and with faster PWM

digitalWrite (7,LOW);

}

Thoughts on batteries

2008-12-31T19:27:00.000-08:00

So the idea about recycling packs from old power tools is essentially dead. I did some calculations and figure that such a pack would weigh more than a given lead pack. yikes. There are a few lithium options that would be great but still very expensive, likely 10-12 thousand for a decent pack. Another option is the very cool sounding molten salt nickel or Zebra battery being manufactured by Cebi in Switzerland. No idea on the current cost as they are only selling to OEMs, but in the long run should be much cheaper than a lithium pack.

IGBT's on the way

2008-12-31T19:24:00.001-08:00

I won an ebay auction for 3 Fuji 1200 V 200 amp IGBT's. They should be here in a few weeks. woot!

Shopping List

2008-12-23T13:39:00.000-08:00

So here is the list of parts I'm trying to scavenge. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Motor, 30 to 40 Hp 1800 or 3600 RPM TEFC, any frame size. Burnt out is okay as I will likely have to rewind it anyway.
IGBTs. Need 3. Looking for at least 600V, 200 to 300 amp. I'll likely find these on Ebay.
Firing Cards. The sanguino only outputs 5V at low current, so will need to step this up to fire the IGBTs. I'll likely buy the PWM cards from the Reprap store.
Current Shunt. I need to measure somewhere up to 200 to 300 amps. These are available pretty cheap on Ebay.
Encoder - already have one from BEI coming from Ebay. I've used these with great success in industrial applications. However the unit I won is a 1000 pulse per revolution, which may be too many pulses per second.
Busbar - This stuff is expensive, but I will try and find some from my favorite used electrical guys at ACNelson. If not I will flatten some copper pipe.
Fuses - I'd like to include low voltage control fuses and a high voltage high amp high speed semiconductor fuse on the DC bus. I think this might be one place I buy new.
DC Contactors - I'd like to use two or three single pole contactors in series in the pack such that when the car is off, or any thing bad happens, all the contactors drop out, reducing the total voltage anywhere in the pack. And one big two pole contactor for the main contactor. Not sure where I am going to find these.
Circuit Breaker - I need a 400V 200A breaker. Still looking for a solution.
Throttle - need a beefy industrial potentiometer to be used for the throttle. Will be doing some sort of regen as well, but not yet sure if I will do this off the brake pedal.

That's it to start.

Request for Batteries

2008-12-23T13:30:00.000-08:00

I have an idea for the battery pack. There are lots of dead cordless power tools floating around. When these packs go bad, it is usually just one or two cells that are toast. I'm thinking I could pull apart dead packs, and scavenge the remaining good cells to build the pack. It would be a lot of futzing around, but it would be free.

So, if anyone has dead tool packs you'd like to recycle, send me an email at "jake (at) jakegray (dot) ca" and I'll give you my address.

Issues I had with the sanguino

2008-12-23T13:25:00.001-08:00

I bought the kit from the Rep Rap Store, and they are great. It came very fast, and was well packaged and complete. The online instructions are easy to follow, and though the soldering pads are quite small, I had no problems with the assembly.

I had a bit of a challenge getting my first program to upload. The instructions didn't mention getting a driver for the USB to TTL cable that is required for programming the sanguino. Once the drivers were downloaded and installed, it worked great.

Changing the Purpose of this Blog.

2008-12-23T12:48:00.000-08:00

As the election is long passed, and I'm back to the regular part of my life, I'm going to start using this to document my attempt to build an electric car. I'll be kluging together all the parts I can scrounge, and recycling or upcylcing at every opportunity. This will be the ultimate cheap skate ride.

Here is the basic idea:

Find an old small light car to convert. I have a friend with a '68 VW beetle who may be interested in donating it to the cause. It's a bit rusty, but I'm a decent welder and the replacement steel is cheap.

Ditch the engine/gas tank and anything else no longer needed, hopefully selling the engine for the cost of the steel repairs.

Find a burnt out 30 to 40 hp squirrel cage AC motor for scrap value. Grind off the cooling fins, weld on a water jacket, fabricate an adapter to the transmission, replace the bearings, and rewind with high quality windings.

Make my own VFD for controlling the motor. I'm going to use a sanguino which I have already bought and built. I'm having to learn how to program it which is very fun. I've bought an encoder off ebay and will be trying to implement some kind of vector control. I like full torque at 0 rpm.

Highish voltage pack. Somewhere around 400V DC. Still trying to figure out what batteries to use. If I can find a sponsor I will try and use lithium. I have no problem plastering the car with some companies logo if it means we can afford a juicy highpower pack. Only issue is lithium needs a much more complex pack controller, and the fact lithium is about 4 times the price of lead. Looking for about a 17 kwh pack which should make for at least an 80km range. More to follow.

Homebuilt progammable charger. I'll likely use a microcontroller, a big IGBT and a welding power supply.

Woot.

Oh dear!

2008-09-24T12:40:00.001-07:00

http://bouquetsofgray.blogspot.com/2008/09/ryan-warawa-another-problematic.html

Phew!

2008-04-10T15:43:00.000-07:00

Jim Prentice has blocked the takeover of Macdonald-Dettwiler by Alliant Techsystems Inc.

While I am mostly a free market kind of guy, I'm glad that common sense has prevailed, and not placed Radarsat-2, the world's most advanced radar imaging satellite, into American control.

Congratulations Mister Prentice. While the opposition parties are asking for protection of Canadian aerospace industries this is not what is really needed. Protectionism simply breeds weak, inefficient companies. However there are instances where national security issues should block foreign takeovers of Canadian companies.

Mr. Prentice, can I recommend that you develop some clear guidelines for your ministry and your predecessors on how you determine what is of "net benefit" to Canada, and what national security issues should block the sale of Canadian companies? Business needs certainty.

Best Political Fundraiser Ever #2

2008-02-15T11:21:00.000-08:00

March 2nd we are hosting our 2nd of many movie nights at the Clova in Cloverdale. We've got Charlie Wilson's War. Here is a link to the Facebook group. link.

To get tickets contact me, jake@jakegray.ca

I'm looking forward to another successful event!

I should have seen it coming, but I'm still disappointed.

2008-02-01T10:57:00.000-08:00

Canada has abolished the position of National Science Advisor.

link.

Everybody vs. Alberta, Water Meters

2008-01-25T12:08:00.000-08:00

Today Ed Stelmach, Premier of Alberta, released a climate change plan that would have Alberta STOP INCREASING its GHG emissions by 2020, and reduce them 14% of 2005 levels by 2050.

Lets compare this to some other jurisdictions.
- BC is set to reduce GHG emissions 33 percent below 2007 levels by 2020, 80 % below 2007 levels by 2050. Tonnes per person per year in 2004 - 15.9.
- Ontario is set to reduce GHG emissions to 15% below 1990 levels by 2020, and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. Tonnes per person per year in 2004 - 16.4.
- Quebec is set to reduce GHG emissions to 1.5% below 1990 levels by 2012. Tonnes per person per year in 2004 - 12.2.
- Norway - GHG NEUTRAL ie zero emissions by 2030. Tonnes per person per year in 2005 - 8.

Alberta - raising emissions until 2020, 14% below 2005 by 2050. Tonnes per person per year in 2004 - 73.2.

Is this going to be a show down between Ottawa and Edmonton? Unlikely, our "environment" minister released a statement welcoming Alberta's plan. Don't forget, Stephen Harper's riding is Calgary Southwest.

Now to a Langley issue. The township of Langley is contemplating putting water meters on private wells. Though not a Federal matter, this is something that effects me directly as I am a user of well water. This is an issue I am torn on.

On the Say No to meter side. who is going to pay for the meters? The taxpayers of the Township, that's who. We already have seen large increases in property taxes over the past few years. Once a meter is in place, it is only a matter of time before the water is taxed. But what about the farms, the huge users of water? If we are trying to protect the aquifers, should not the largest users of water be controlled? They will be protected from water taxes by the right to farm legislation of the Province. I don't think putting meters on their wells will stop them from using whatever irrigation system is the cheapest, no matter how much water it wastes.

On the Say Yes to meter side. Our ground water is a shared resource, and as such it is subject to what is called the tragedy of the commons. If a shared resource has no cost to individual users, that resource will be squandered. It is seen time and time again in fisheries and water rights. Water mis-management is suspected to have caused the demise of the Mayan civilization. Langley's water table is shared and unmanaged. There is no cost to any individual for over use. There is another old adage that says " you can't manage what you don't measure." If we are to manage our water, it must be measured, and perhaps taxed at a level that makes us think twice about watering our lawns in the middle of the day. While the right to farm legislation in essence immunizes the farms, if the meters are in place the provincial politicians will have better information with which to change that legislation.

So I am torn on the issue. Water is a very important resource that must be protected, and that may mean metering. On the flip side, I really do not want a water meter on my well.

Please let me know what you think.

Jake

Movie Night

2008-01-21T19:49:00.000-08:00

Last night we put on a movie night at the Clova Theatre in Cloverdale. It was a roaring success which we are going to do once a month. Our plan is to have fundraisers that are actually fun.

So, we are now starting Jake's Clova Movie Club.

If they want to be consistent....

2008-01-17T00:39:00.000-08:00

I hear Micheal Brown is looking for a job...

link1

link2

Let them eat cake

2008-01-15T11:14:00.000-08:00

International Trade Minister David Emerson said the recent money transferred to the softwood industry was proof that the softwood deal is working.

How is it working? By driving companies out of business so that the Federal Government has to prop up an industry in tatters?

A weak US market, a high Canadian dollar, over supply of beetle kill logs, and a terrible and unworkable trade deal have the softwood lumber industry in tatters.

David Emerson was the president of Canfor. He knows this. Stop lying.

Jake

NRTEE, a good report to read if you have time

2008-01-15T11:05:00.000-08:00

There was a comment on an earlier post where someone hadn't read anything that explained how a carbon tax or cap and trade system actually reduces GHG emissions.

It's a bit heavy, but here is a link to the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy Report which does a better job than I at explaining why we need one of these solutions, and how it will get us to the reductions we are looking for.

Link

New Transit Plan

2008-01-14T12:54:00.001-08:00

Okay, I have had a chance to look at the plan a little bit and here is what I like and what I don't like so far.

Good - More buses. However I am sure that the existing buses can be more effectively utilitzed with better tracking systems to spread the buses out properly. I hope the new buses have GPS dispatch systems.

Good - More Trains. Evergreen, Expo Extension, Line to UBC (watch out businesses on Broadway!), more trains on the tracks, all good moves.

Good - Dedicated bus lines. I prefer streetcars for better economics and ease of electrification, but having a bus that can maintain a schedule is a good start.

Good - Smart Card system. We need to utilize technology that is available. I like the idea of not having to find a vendor once a month.

Bad - Langley and further East gets the shaft until after 2020. We need massively increased service now. Line by 2030? What about using the old Interurban line today?

Bad - New plan doesn't really address freight transit in the lower mainland. A new crossing and a few new switching yards are needed to help get containers on trains instead of trucks. The new port in Prince Rupert will help, but won't be enough.

Bad - The feds haven't committed to anything, nor is it clear they will. The province will be asking for more than 3 billion dollars from the Federal Government. The Conservatives already committed money to Montreal and Toronto. The previous Liberal Government put the money up for the Canada Line, and the Conservatives tried to pull it back. So we'll see if they will come to the party. I'm all for more transit investment.

Bad - These are all expensive options. I'd like to see more cheap solutions along with the big ticket items. Part of the problem is in the world of public infrastructure, everyone loves a show.

Jake

A blog with an effective view on media bias

2008-01-14T12:09:00.000-08:00

Here is a blog I really like that talks about real issues in the US, including some clear and concise discussions on the challenges facing the US economy.

Jon Taplin

Other items of note.

Some folks think that with just a little slowing of the economy the government will be back in a deficit situation. Upbeat Jim doesn't think so.

Gary Lunn continues to spew blame on Linda Keen, who is firing back. This whole story is still a bit hazy.

Kevin Flacon just announced a huge amount of investment for public transit. I'm still digesting the info and will post about later, but first off, any investment in public transit is a good move.

Jake

Carbon tax vs. Cap and Trade vs. Baird's Beer Belly

2008-01-10T14:14:00.000-08:00

It is pretty well understood, and accepted, that Canadians have to lower our collective emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG), at least, it is understood by all the opposition parties, and the vast majority of voters.

What is less well understood is how are we going to do it? The two common methods are cap and trade system and a carbon tax. So, how do they work, which one is better, which should Canada implement, and why aren't we doing it already?

Carbon Tax. This is pretty simple. The government requires all producers of GHG to monitor and report there emissions. Then they pay a fee for each tonne equivalent of CO2 they emit. Would this raise prices? Yes. Prices of any product that has associated emissions would go up. Would the cost of living go up? Not necessarily. If the government offset the carbon tax with income tax cuts (which are much better for the structure of the economy than GST cuts) the cost of living could stay the same. The whole point is to get consumers and companies to use less of the things that emit the most GHG. The issue is then how high should the fees per tonne of CO2 be? It has to be high enough to provide a significant incentive to reduce emissions, but not so high it crushes the economy.

Cap and Trade System. This is a much more difficult to understand system, but it avoids the unpalatable term "tax". The Government sets the total amount of emissions the country is allowed for the year. The Government creates formulas to assign each business a certain amount of GHG credits for that year. If the business is over their credits, they must purchase credits from a carbon credit trading market. If a business is under their credits they may sell their credits on the market. This system penalizes the heavy polluters, and rewards those making reductions. The end effect is the same as a Carbon Tax. Because the government sets who gets how many credits, it allows the government to direct the economy. I don't think this is a good idea. Managed economies have not had a track record of doing as well as the free market.

I prefer the Carbon Tax. It is simple. It penalizes the worst emitters and rewards those that reduce their emissions. It pushes the economy towards less emitting industries, but does it while allowing the market to decide what is best. I have a lot more faith in the market than bureaucracy.

Why don't we have a Carbon Tax now? Europe has had a cap and trade system for years. Even the US has a carbon market before they have regulations. The Harper government thinks that Canadians do not want to do anything about climate change. Everything was in place to have a carbon tax three years ago and has been left to languish with child care, poverty reduction, and infrastructure investment. I would gladly support a 30% income tax reduction traded for the equivalent Carbon Tax. If we can't have a Carbon Tax, I would support a cap and trade system too, as long as the credit assignment process was open and transparent.

Either is wishful thinking under the current government.

Jake

Jake

Absoslutely ridiculous

2008-01-10T12:32:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the conservative government does something so stupid it is hard to understand what they are thinking.

With no public discourse, with no discussion of knowledgeable scientists or health care professionals, with no discussion with any community advocates, the conservative government has effectively banned organ donations from gay men.

Do you want to ban people who have high risk sexual behaviour? Go ahead. But banning people based on sexual orientation will not make tissue transplants safer. It will just make the wait list longer.

This is a strong demonstration of the irrational homophobic bigotry that still pervades the Conservative Party. Remember, this is not the Progressive Conservative Party anymore. It is the pigs of the Reform party wearing a conservative dress. There is no PC left.

I feel bad for Peter McKay, because to quote John Stewart, "you're the guy who has to spray perfume on these turds."

All is not well in the land of Automobilia

2008-01-10T09:35:00.000-08:00

Tata, a massive Indian industrial company and purveyor of fine tea, has started production on a new "people's car". It will sell for about 2,550 US dollars.

The Bad.

I visited India for 4 months in 1999. Back then, India did not need more cars. The congestion in the major cities of Mumbai, Delhi and Calcutta made the Fraser Valley's rush hour seem like a leisurely drive in the country. With this car, Tata intends to bring the car within reach of much more of the population. While in the 9 years since I was there, India has dramatically improved the rail and road infrastructure, their road system is still woefully inadequate for the traffic they already have. As well, building more roads does not solve congestion. It never has. Putting a million more cars on their roads is not going to "empower the poor", it is only going to dirty the air.

The Good.

Tata has beaten the western companies at providing something the people actually want. A small, cheap, efficient way to get around. If a car like this was available here, I would probably buy it. Products arise in markets that need them. We have the Smart car, but at almost 10 times the cost of Tata's creation, it doesn't seem to be much of a bargain.

I've railed against GM in the past, saying such things as

"They are doomed."
"They will never turn themselves around because they continue to make bad cars."
"They can't make a good car, so they buy crappy Daewoo's and put they're name on it."

But GM is doing a couple things I like. The Volt is set to be in production for 2010. This is a Plug in Hybrid sports car. Good mileage, good performance, and it is first good looking prototype I've seen from GM in years.

The first crack for GM at hybrids was a bit silly. Hybrid Tahoe?

However their current hybrid system incorporates electric motors into the transmission case which allows allows full electric, fuel engine only, or combined operation. This is similar to the Toyota system to the driver, but without the extra gear system of Toyota's Synergy Drive.

Now GM just has to get off their keister with a high performance low emission diesel engine that is setup for biodiesel.

Diesel Volt Anyone?

Comments, Questions for you, Fundraiser!

2008-01-09T20:29:00.000-08:00

I just learned how to moderate the comments. Yay!

There is some good information in there so have a look.

If people would like to know where I stand on a particular issue, please leave a comment, or send me an email (jake@jakegray.ca). I sit down and write about what I feel strongly about, but I'm concerned I might turn into a broken record writing about the same issues all the time.

We are having a fundraiser on Sunday January 20th at 3:15 pm at the Clova Cinema. Here is the Facebook event with more details.

Jake

Back to writing

2008-01-07T16:20:00.000-08:00

There are many things to write about today, and its hard to pick a topic. American elections, Ottawa mayor getting finger printed, Federal report calling for a carbon tax, Consumer Electronics Expo in Las Vegas, Storms in California. I might as well write about it all.

American Elections. My favorite candidate is the Democrat Bill Richardson. He believes in strong action on climate change, is a supporter of free trade, and is a proponent of more money for education and health care. Unfortunately he is pretty much out of the running now. Maybe he will make someone's running mate. Some of the other Democrat candidates use too much protectionist rhetoric for my taste. As for the Republicans, Huckabee is a train wreck. The guy should be a county commissioner in some backwater swamp, not a serious contender for the republican nomination. I suppose John McCain and Rudy Giuliani don't make me feel queasy, but do nothing to inspire me about the future. I get a bad feeling from Romney, not like he is evil, just that he has no real substance. He also some historical allegations of receiving bribes and influence peddling, which leads to...

Ottawa Mayor getting fingerprinted for influence peddling charges. The Mayor of Ottawa, Larry O'Brien, is charged with promising a previous mayoral competitor, Terry Kilrea, a cushy position with the National Parole Board of Canada if Terry were to drop out of the Mayorlty race. But it goes further than the municipality, as the Mayor of Ottawa can't promise a position like that, no no no, it would have had to be delivered by the then Chairman of the Treasury Board.....My buddy John Baird.....

Who just received the the Federal Report from the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy, which recommends a Carbon Tax or an immediate cap and trade system. John Baird's response was the usual blame Stephane Dion. I swear this guy blames Dion for the ring around his bath tub. The fact is a year ago the Dion and the Liberals were calling for a Carbon Tax. As written in a previous post, Baird is not a good choice for the position of Minister of the Environment. He only knows how to blame and evade. What we need is a luminary.....

Like this new TV from Sony just announced at the CES show in Vegas! I don't watch TV, and don't own one, but this things is so geek sexy, I might have to consider it. Organic LED lighting, only 3 mm thick, super bright, super efficient, super sleek. It's going to be super expensive, but somethings are worth it.

As California understands with their lawsuit against the EPA. Since their federal government is full of the same neo-conservative blockheads, California has been trying to impose their own CO2 restraints on cars and industry as they are seeing the direct results of climate change with their crazy summer of fires last year and the crazy winter of snow and rain right now. The EPA ruled that carbon emissions are federal jurisdiction, so the state is suing the EPA for not following their own mandate.

At least the issue is now big enough and public enough that it is showing up in the rhetoric of the presidential candidates.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-24T22:55:00.000-08:00

Tonight I am back at home, enjoying the roar of the fire and the cacophony of family. I hope everybody has the same. Merry Christmas to those who celebrate it and Happy Holidays to everyone.

Jake

Tokamak, Polywell, and focused IEC

2007-12-19T19:23:00.000-08:00

Completely unrelated to usual posts, but I have found some exciting material as of late.

I had believed that fusion power was at least a hundred years away. In BC we have great hydroelectric power production, and capacity for many more dams. While there are many problems with large scale hydro electric, it is still the best utility scale method for environmental performance. But what about Ontario? What about Israel? What about Australia? What about France?

These places do not have the natural surroundings for dams, and are relying on coal or nuclear fission for electricity. Fusion is the sort of holy grail of clean electricity production.

Up until last week, I had thought the only real alternative for fusion was the upcoming ITER, a massive multi billion dollar international collaboration to build a Deuterium Tritium Tokamak Fusion reactor. It turns out there are people working on a few different, much cheaper, and maybe just feasible designs. Its got me excited that I may see fusion power in my lifetime.

If you are a clean energy geek like me, you may find the following rather interesting.

Bussard's Polywell
Focus Fusion

PS - I love everything Google.

Why I hate politics

2007-12-18T14:21:00.000-08:00

Today there is an article in the Globe about Michael Burns and Atomic Energy of Canada Limited. It looks like Michael Burns was appointed as chair of AECL for purely partisan reasons, and in a similar fashion to Michael Brown of FEMA fame, was probably not the most appropriate choice for this position.

No political party that has been in power in Canada has not committed this error to one degree or another. The question I ask, is why are there so often people appointed to important positions in government that are not qualified to be there, and what can we do about it.

Why - During an election, those wishing to get elected have to build a team of volunteers and staff to run the campaign. The politicians are truly in the hands of those working on your campaign, and so you have to trust those in important campaign positions. If the politician is elected and forms government, they are now in the hands of the public service. The politicians rely on the public service to get the things done that they were elected to do. So what do the politicians do? They get rid of the people the people they don't trust, and hire the people that helped them win, people they already trust.

So what is the outcome? Every time we change governments, we end up with a bunch of people in key positions that are really not qualified to be in those positions. While these people may be great people, they are put in over their heads until they can learn how to fill the role properly. As citizens we like to ignore this learning processes unless it is a key position that really needs to have a qualified person, such as Chair of the Bank of Canada, or Chair of AECL.

So what do we do about it? I'm not sure there is much we can do about, outside of getting involved. This is what I have done. I'm not willing to let some dough heads make the important decisions for our riding. I am supporting a party I believe has the right values, and will do everything within my capability to make sure they don't commit the same patronage mistakes that seem to plague our governmental system.

If anyone has a better idea on how to fix the system, please let me know.

Article on the Importance of Market Forces and Innovation

2007-12-17T11:28:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine recently sent me an article that outlines some good economic principles when looking at the challenge of fighting climate change, including explaining why large companies are do not have an incentive to invest in major energy R & D.
http://www.voxeu.org/index.php?q=node/803

This is why I really like BC's intent to monitor the governments emissions and buy "virtual offsets" which go into a research fund for clean energy. Its a bit misleading as they are not buying actual offsets and so won't be offsetting their emissions, but may in the long run be creating a more important outcome: clean technology.

I'd like to see a national carbon tax replacing the lowest bracket of the income tax. However, this tax must NOT go into general revenue. It should be used for education and research, preferably run like a large venture capital fund. This also creates a challenge, as we do not want the government to crowd out people doing good work in the Venture Capital field. It would have to be structured to only fund the technology that is too risky or too early for Venture Capital funds to be involved with.

This is good for the environment and good for the economy. Mr. Baird, Mr. Prentice, Mr. Flaherty, could you please get together and propose this to Mr. Harper? Or can you not find time in your busy schedules to deal with the most important issue of our life times?

Google Goofiness

2007-12-15T16:32:00.000-08:00

I put a google adsense ad on this sight down a bit on the right hand side, really just so I can use their excellent tracking information. I was quite surprised to find an ad for a Taser.

One more item before I get back to work,

2007-12-14T13:18:00.000-08:00

If you get a chance, check out Jordan Bateman's Langley2020 site. Jordan and I disagree on some issues, but we both agree that Langley, really the whole area south of the Fraser, is woefully under served by public transit. Please check out his ideas and leave some comments if you like them, don't like them, have questions, or have some more ideas of your own.

Unfortunately, (or fortunately) all of the comments, including mine, are very supportive. In order to make really cogent presentations and arguments, us pro-transit folks need to be aware of the counterarguments and be able to address them. So please, be critical!

Merry Christmas for those who celebrate it, and Happy Holidays for all,

Jake

Idea for the next post

2007-12-14T13:16:00.000-08:00

I'm thinking Why Jim Flaherty is a terrible choice for Minister of Finance? The problem is there is simply too much material for posts like this.

Why John Baird is a Terrible Choice for Minister of Environment

2007-12-14T11:57:00.000-08:00

I had written a post that I vetted through some trusted friends, and though they agree with what I wrote, several recommended against posting it. I'm generally level headed, but I am happy to have some friends to tell me when I need to tone it down. So instead I have written a point by point explanation of why I think Steven Harper made a very poor choice in appointing John Baird as the Conservative Minister of Environment.

John Baird lacks experience and knowledge of the subject matter.

Baird's undergraduate degree is a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Baird has been a politico all his professional life. Prior to being appointed by Steven Harper as Minister for the Environment, he had never worked in an industry that has to manage environmental affairs, nor had he ever been part of an environmental NGO, nor had he ever worked in an environmental regulatory capacity. Link.

John Baird's history of statements and actions show he does not take environmental issues seriously.

"We have already seen the impacts of climate change in the north with melting
permafrost, schools shifting off foundations, and the spread of the pine beetle."
This from the man that as President of the Treasury board cut Federal spending
to beetle kill programs in BC at a time when the federal surplus was a record
13 billion dollars.

John Baird is regarded as having killed (for political vendetta reasons) an
already approved light rail plan for the City of Ottawa. Link.

"We've had unusually warm weather in parts of the country and
unusually harsh weather in other parts of the country and I wanted to
come out first hand and see it," he said. "It's demonstrably worse than
anything you can see on television and it's a wake-up call." So the decades
of science won't convince you, but trees blown over in Stanley Park will?

Interaction of John Baird and Dr. David Suzuki at the Green Living Consumer show,
April 27th, 2007

"It's a disappointment, John," Suzuki said.
Baird countered: "This is more action than any government in Canadian history has
ever taken."
Suzuki was unmoved by the minister's words and replied, "It's not enough John,
you know there's a lot of opportunity. Please come and see us."
Baird replied, "we're very happy to," before walking away.
He hasn't been to see Suzuki yet.

A quote from the Financial Post, a typically conservative supporting paper, "Meanwhile, in an apparent effort to fend off international attacks over its climate change policies, the Harper government began a series of multimillion-dollar environmental announcements. Mr. Baird insisted the funds are proof that the government is taking real action to stop global warming. But he was unable to say whether his main announcement of the day, a pledge to spend $85.9 million over four years on climate change adaptation and research, is any different from a Natural Resources Canada climate change adaptation program that his government shut down last summer. The now-defunct federal climate research network conducted studies to help various communities and economic sectors cope with the impacts of a changing climate, such as severe weather, the pine beetle infestations in western Canada, and crumbling infrastructure."

From Environmental Defense - "For far too long they have found themselves on the receiving end of promises that packaged a whole lot of punch but delivered little more than a pinch - what you call empty promises. Unlike our predecessors we are doing more than just talking, we're taking real action." But environmentalists were not impressed. "I'm actually shocked at how little it is," said John Bennett of Climate for Change. "What is industry's target? How many megatonnes will industry do? "

John Baird is implicated in a scandal regarding the past Ottawa Municipal Elections

There are no charges against Minister Baird yet, but there is a public investigation by the OPP into allegations that the current Ottawa Mayor tried to bribe one of the opponents into dropping out by offering him an appointment. The appointment would be made by Minister Baird. It may be nothing but a smear, but give it a bit of time. The truth will out. Link.

I could go on for days. John Baird, like so many of the Conservative Ministers, is simply ill equipped, inexperienced, and way over his head.

Jake

I wish I better understand the legal ins and outs of libel, or it is my personal opinion that John Baird may be mentally defficient

2007-12-13T10:59:00.000-08:00

I wrote a few paragraphs about John Baird, but I'm worried that if I post it, it may be libel. Are there any lawyers I can send this to for a free opinion before I post? I'm happy to preface every sentence with something like "It is my opinion that . . . "

It's so hard to write about what the guy is doing without descending into a complete rant.

I will try and remove the nasty parts this afternoon, and form a cogent, non-malicious explanation of why I think John Baird is a complete turd. Oops, this is hard!

Jake

Clarification

2007-12-12T18:04:00.000-08:00

I'm not anti-Taser, I'm pro very defined Taser use policy. I'm of the opinion it should be located right before a firearm on the continuum of force. I believe an officer would be warranted in using a Taser in a situation that if they did not have the Taser, they would have used their fire arm.

Unfortunately for the members on the street, the guidelines for Taser use have been hazy at best and absent at worst.

Competing Taser Headlines, or Why You Have to Get News From More Than One Place

2007-12-12T10:47:00.000-08:00

Here are two different headlines for the same news piece.

National Post: No ban on Tasers needed now, watchdog report says

Globe and Mail: RCMP should restrict taser use immediately: report

Both of these articles refer to the same report, just published by the RCMP Public Complaints Commission. The first headline suggests that all is fine, however if you go through and read both the articles, you will discover that the report does not suggest all is honky dory. I wish the newspapers would provide a link to the actual report, but they don't, so here it is. What it says is that Tasers have not been used correctly, and more disturbingly, the RCMP has not tracked how tasers have been used or what the outcome from their use has been;

"there exists no empirical data generated by the RCMP as to the benefits, or detriments, of using the weapon. The CEW has been deployed in push stun or probe mode over 3,000 times since its introduction in December 2001, yet not one annual report has been produced and the information captured on the Conducted Energy Weapon Usage Form has not been thoroughly examined nor utilized in the development of current CEW policy."

These findings are very close to the discussion at our last Electoral District Association. Usually discussions at these meetings have individuals that have drastically different view points, however on this issue, the discussion was quite unified. We talked about how the RCMP were using the Taser as if it was not harmful to the person being subdued. Interestingly though, nobody argued that the Taser should be banned, just that the guidelines for its use were likely not in line with the potential harm of the device.

When safety figures have been quoted by law enforcement agencies, they are quoting figures from studies funded by the manufacturer of the devices. These studies only look at direct lethal effects, so they only count a death from a Taser if the shock stops a healthy and not on drugs subject's heart. However, there are many other potential sources of harm from a Taser shock. Falling and hitting the head, acidosis of lung muscles from repeated shocks preventing respiration, Cardiac arythmia, and the very strange and scary "post-shock lethal events."

One other thing, I wish the RCMP would not use the term Excited Delerium when talking about Robert Dziekanski. This is a term that has been invented by law enforcement agencies, has no formal medical recognition, and refers to people who are in a state that is usually brought on by the use of PCP or cocaine. In fact, several studies have shown that Taser use on subjects in this state is very dangerous as both PCP and cocaine can cause heart perturbations which can be than be turned fatal by the electrical discharge of the Taser.

Somethings I love about Canada.

2007-12-11T12:11:00.000-08:00

When certain politicians attempt to do something really stupid, people raise up and tell them to their face that they are being stupid.
Link 1 Link 2
Now we just have to get some people in there that don't have to be told every day that they are being stupid.

What keeps me busy

2007-12-10T17:09:00.001-08:00

I've been getting quite a few questions about what I am up to, so I thought I should let you all know what occupies the bulk of my time outside the campaign.

1. I am the regional manager for the Fraser Valley for the Rock Solid Business Development Program. We help small and medium businesses develop core business management skills to build solid, dependable enterprises that form the economic core of healthy communities. Part of what makes Langley a great place to live is it's economic success. Healthy businesses of all sizes are what allows us to afford good health care, child care programs, education systems, infrastructure projects and everything else that goes into making Canada one of the best countries in the world to live.

2. I'm a founding partner of Econic, an online retailer of low carbon impact products. Our mission is to help savvy customers find products that have lower carbon impacts than current alternatives, yet fit with our western lifestyles. There are a lot of products out there claiming to do this, but we are cutting through the chaff to find the products that actually make a difference. Consumers want to make a difference, are willing to pay a little extra to make that difference, but are having a tough time navigating through the marketing. We're trying to be the compass. The government is not taking action to reduce our carbon impact, so we are trying to take things in our own hands.

3. I'm studying to take the Project Management Professional designation exam. It's a bear of a test that barring an election, I will be taking in February. My mom keeps telling me that you can never have enough education, and you can never brush you teeth enough.

4. I'm trying to learn how to swim better. I'm going to enter a triathlon this spring, but my swimming is not good enough. If anyone uses the Walnut Grove Community Center and would like to give me some constructive criticism, let me know when you are free and I'll meet you there.

5. I try to keep up to date on all the going's on in the community, but it is hard. There are so many people doing many great things in Langley, that it becomes impossible to keep up with all of the great work. Go Langley!

6. I post to the intarweb. I'm getting used to the semi regular writing regime, however I have no idea if the people who read this enjoy it. I can tell I am getting hits, but I have yet to generate many comments. Perhaps I should be more controversial?

By the way I am going to start documenting the discussions we have in our Electoral District Association meetings. They can get quite heated and lively, and I humbly think our little group are some of the better informed folks out there. I hope it will generate just as heated discussion on here.

Jake

Next Fundraiser

2007-12-10T16:47:00.000-08:00

Hi,

We have booked the Clova Theater in downtown Cloverdale for an afternoon movie showing at 3:30 pm Sunday January 20th. There is some regulation that prevents us advertising the movie, but it is recent, funny and family oriented. (I can tell you when you buy a ticket) Ticket price will be $10. Get tickets early as we only have 235 seats. You can leave a comment, send me an email or call me if you need tickets. I will get up and speak before we play the movie, but I promise to keep it short.

Jake

The Ultimate Christmas Present

2007-12-07T22:13:00.000-08:00

http://www.cleanishappy.com/

Special Interest Groups, Take a Lesson in Lobbying

2007-12-07T19:04:00.000-08:00

A bill is set to be introduced in parliament that will lead the way to US style suings of kids with shared songs on their computers.

Its a good example of people who don't understand changes in the world lashing out in the wrong direction.

The internet is here.
It is not going away.
Suing children will not stop file sharing.
DRM controls will be hacked the day they are released.

They shut down Napster, and eMule, Gnutella and Bit-Torrent were born. Faster, more anonymous and larger catalogs of pirated material.

Mr. Prentice, please, do not listen to the recording industry. Listen to the artists. Listen to the Bare-naked Ladies, Avril Lavigne, and Sarah MacLachlan. They don't need or want American style DMCA copyright control. You will risk sounding like the now laughing stock Doug Morris, CEO of Universal Music Group.

Please check out these links.

A list of questions from CBC listeners that Industry Minister Jim Prentice refuses to answer

Michael Geist, professor of Internet Law

Boing Boing, a Repository for weird and wonderful things, and proponents of Free Speech and Privacy

These copyright laws being proposed were written by people that do not understand the Internet or how to use it. It is being sold and implemented by people who don't understand the implications of what they are doing. It is not a series of tubes.

I believe in Free Speech.
I believe that free flows of information lead to greater innovation.
I believe no corporation has the right to invade my privacy.

One of the big problems with our government system, is those that are most affected by decisions made today are the least represented in government. Those who are in there 20's and 30's today are going to have to live with the decisions our government makes today, and yet there are very few people under 40 or even under 50 in government.

Time to change that.

2010 Mascots

2007-11-28T13:34:00.000-08:00

Whether you like them not, you have to be impressed by the secrecy Vanoc was able to maintain, and how quickly the roll out has happened.

Personally, I like them, although I half expect them to transform into some sort of robot/spaceplane with rockets, lasers and strange psychic abilities.

Dear Mr. Rogers, My Phone Bill is Too High.

2007-11-28T13:20:00.000-08:00

To Jim Prentice,

Bravo. Thank you for your start in breaking the oligopoly of wireless transmission.

We are 8-10 years behind Europe and Asia in the wireless phone game. This is a good start in getting more competition, better service, and lower prices.

Jake

51-2, we all lose

2007-11-26T10:32:00.000-08:00

For those interested in Climate change, Canada just embarrassed itself again. At the Commonwealth meeting on Saturday, Mr. Harper scuttled any mention of real binding greenhouse reduction targets, once again showing he is the biggest greenwasher of them all. His speech after was nauseating, stating that the leaders of the Commonwealth had created a "significant statement" on climate change.

Perhaps Mr. Harper is a bit deaf.

WE DON'T NEED STATEMENTS! WE NEED ACTION!

Everyone knows it. Everyone is ready for it. Everyone wants it.

Karlheinz, the prince of pork

2007-11-13T11:04:00.000-08:00

Let me start by saying I really like the Airbus planes. The seats are wider and more comfortable than the same era Boeings. But at least the Boeings don't have a funny smell. . . .

I will insert a large disclaimer right here. I do not have any more information on this topic than anyone else with a computer and a radio. I here the news and read the papers. All I can say at this point is their is a lot more to this story than we are currently getting, and it all stinks like a pork fat rendering plant that is in a state of disrepair so that half rendered, rancid grease seeps from every cracked pipe.

Here is my admittedly hazy understanding of the affair to date. Most of which is gleaned from the Globe and Mail article here. I've inserted comments in brackets and additional dates in italics.

1974: Karlheinz Schreiber makes his first trip to Alberta, looking for business opportunities (nothing wrong with that, lots of people go to Alberta looking for business opportunities)

1976: Brian Mulroney makes his first run at the leadership of the federal Progressive Conservative party and loses to Joe Clark. Mr. Schreiber later testifies that he donated $25,000-$30,000 toward Mr. Mulroney's efforts. (Also nothing wrong here. Leadership contests are expensive and donations are welcome. Today it is not possible for one person to make such a donation, as one of Chretien's last moves was to limit personal donations to parties, and leadership races.)

1981: Mr. Mulroney, then president of the Iron Ore Company of Canada, begins his lunchtime meetings at the Mount Royal Club, plotting his second run for the leadership of the Conservative party, even though Mr. Clark had not stepped down. Among the confidants was Frank Moores, the former premier of Newfoundland. (Kind of sketchy, definitely not illegal)

Feb. 23, 1982: Mr. Mulroney sends a Telex to Mr. Schreiber's room at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Montreal, where the German-born dealmaker is celebrating becoming a Canadian citizen: "Dear Karlheinze (sic), Congratulations and best wishes on this important and first day of your new relationship with our country. It is a pleasure to welcome you to Canada." (really its the least he can do for someone who has been supporting him for 6 years.)

January 1983: Progressive Conservative Leader Joe Clark announces a leadership convention after receiving only 66 per cent support from delegates at a party meeting in Winnipeg, many of whom were flown in from Quebec. Mr. Schreiber later reveals that he gave money to the wives of anti-Clark delegates to go shopping while in the Manitoba capital. (hmm, probably not technically illegal, definitely a bit shady)

June 11, 1983: Mr. Mulroney is elected leader of the Progressive Conservative party, defeating Mr. Clark.

Sept. 4, 1984: Mr. Mulroney becomes prime minister designate.

March 7, 1985: Airbus Industrie, a European consortium, enters into a secret agreement with International Aircraft Leasing for assistance with the sale of aircraft to Canada — $500,000 per plane. Mr. Schreiber's embittered accountant later identifies International Aircraft Leasing as a shell company belonging to Mr. Schreiber. The contract stipulates that the agreement will be automatically terminated "in case of a major political change in the territory."

March 30, 1988: Air Canada's board of directors agrees to the Airbus deal — 34 A320s at a price of $1.8-billion. (There is no mention of any interference by Mulroney in this deal, which if there was would really fuel the scandal)

Sept. 18, 1989: Mulroney writes to Schreiber on the Prime Minister's letterhead: "Dear Karlheinz, Thank you for your letter of August 28. I too was pleased to have the opportunity to meet with you. The recent General Meeting provided a tremendous opportunity for the PC party to reflect on its past success and to look ahead to a future that promises to offer Canadians countless opportunities both at home and abroad."

June 23, 1993: Mr. Mulroney sends a limousine for Mr. Schreiber to visit him at the prime minister's official residence at Harrington Lake, Que. Over the next two years, they meet three times in hotels and Mr. Schreiber gives Mr. Mulroney a total of $300,000 cash. (The thing to note here, is that according to Schreiber, WHILE MULRONEY WAS STILL PRIME MINISTER, they agreed to this $300,000 grand deal, either pay for the plane deal or pay for continued influence, also this is still an accusation not a fact)

June 25, 1993: Mr. Mulroney's last day as Prime Minister.

July 27, 1993: Mr. Schreiber withdraws $100,000 from his Swiss bank account — a Canadian funds account coded 'Britan.'

Aug. 27, 1993: Mr. Schreiber meets with Mr. Mulroney at a Montreal airport hotel and gives him $100,000 cash.

August, 1993: Mr. Mulroney rejoins his old law firm of Ogilvy Renault.

Nov. 3, 1993: Mr. Schreiber withdraws another $100,000 from 'Britan'

Nov. 11, 1993: Mr. Schreiber meets with Mr. Mulroney at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel's Gold Key Lounge and gives him $100,000

July 21, 1994: Mr. Schreiber withdraws $50,000 from 'Britan'

Nov. 21, 1994: Mr. Schreiber withdraws $50,000 from 'Britan'

Dec. 8, 1994: Mr. Schreiber meets with Mr. Mulroney at the Pierre Hotel in New York City where he gives Mr. Mulroney $100,000.

March 1995: The RCMP, in the midst of a criminal investigation into the Airbus deal, sends a letter of request to Switzerland, seeking access to Mr. Schreiber's bank accounts and alleging that Mr. Mulroney defrauded Canadians. (this was the cause of Mulroney's $50 million lawsuit. The letter was not written carefully, and implied guilt prior to having evidence or a trial.)

Nov. 18, 1995: The Financial Post publishes a story about the letter of request to Switzerland and the allegations. The same day, Mr. Mulroney announces he will sue the federal government.

April 17, 1996: Mr. Mulroney is examined as part of his lawsuit and when asked about his relationship with Mr. Schreiber and when they have met since he stepped down as prime minister, he says under oath: "Well, from time to time, not very often. When he was going through Montreal, he would give me a call. We would have a cup of coffee, I think, once or twice." He elaborates: "Well, he doesn't pass through Montreal and visit me. He comes … when he's on his way to Montreal, he called me and asked me and I say perhaps once or twice, if I could come to a cup … have a cup of coffee with him at a hotel. And I think I had one in the Queen Elizabeth Hotel with him … the coffee bar of the Queen Elizabeth Hotel." (Mulroney fails to mention that he has received $300,000 in cash from Schreiber.)

Jan. 9, 1997: The federal government apologizes to Frank Moores, Mr. Schreiber and Mr. Mulroney.

May 7, 1997: Germans issue an arrest warrant for Mr. Schreiber for tax evasion. He has changed his primary residence to Switzerland and is not arrested.

Oct. 6, 1997: Mr. Mulroney obtains a $2.1-million settlement from the federal government

Sometime in 1998-1999 (exact date unavailable): Mulroney makes a voluntary disclosure to Revenue Canada regarding the $300,000 cash payments.

Feb. 2, 1998: Mr. Mulroney meets Mr. Schreiber in a private suite in Zurich. Mr. Schreiber says that Mr. Mulroney wanted to know if there was any evidence that could connect him to the cash payments.

May 7, 1999: Former Tory MP Elmer MacKay flies to Switzerland and meets with Mr. Schreiber. The next day, they fly to Toronto and then to Nova Scotia

Aug. 31, 1999: Mr. Schreiber is arrested by RCMP on a warrant from Germany

October, 1999: CBC producer Harvey Cashore obtains Mr. Schreiber's Swiss bank records, including the records of an account with the code name 'Britan.' There are four substantial cash withdrawals totalling $300,000. When Mr. Cashore tries to obtain an interview with Mr. Mulroney about the account, Mr. Mulroney's spokesman, Luc Lavoie, calls Mr. Schreiber "the biggest fucking liar the world has ever seen." (ha ha ha, what a great response. Schreiber is a diaper head. No interview)

Oct. 17, 1999: Before the CBC airs its piece on the mysterious bank account, according to Mr. Schreiber's Alberta lawyer, Robert Hladun, Mr. Mulroney makes two phone calls to Mr. Hladun, saying that he is going to send a letter to the CBC in an attempt to quash the show.

April 22, 2003: RCMP announces that the Airbus investigation is concluded, no charges

Nov. 10, 2003: Author William Kaplan reveals in The Globe and Mail that Mr. Schreiber paid Mr. Mulroney $300,000. Through a spokesman, Mr. Mulroney says the payments were made to help Mr. Schreiber promote his pasta business. (except that Mr. Schreiber has no idea about the stated pasta business, and there is no evidence he had started or intended to start a pasta business)

Feb. 8, 2006: The CBC's fifth estate show reveals that the $300,000 in cash came from a Swiss bank account connected to the Airbus Affair. The account had the codename 'Britan.'

Feb. 14, 2006: The federal justice department explores whether it should set aside Mr. Mulroney's $2.1-million settlement. In an e-mail, Assistant Deputy Minister Brian Saunders writes, "Research would be required to evaluate whether this new element justifies any attempt to set aside the settlement." The department decides not to proceed for reasons that have never been explained.

March 22, 2007: Mr. Schreiber sues Mr. Mulroney for the $300,000 plus interest, alleging that he has done no work for the money.

March 29, 2007: Mr. Schreiber sends a letter to the Prime Minister's Office addressed to Mister Harper. This letter outlines the cash arrangement that Mulroney and Schrieber allegedly came to while Mulroney was still Prime Minister. Harper currently alleges never having seen the letter.

May 11, 2007: The Ontario Court of Appeal dismisses Mr. Schreiber's second-last legal strike against his extradition, leaving him with only one last appeal to the Supreme Court.

July 26, 2007: A registrar in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice orders a default judgment against Mr. Mulroney and awards Mr. Schreiber $470,432.88. The decision is later set aside when a judge rules that Mr. Schreiber's lawyers went behind the back of Mr. Mulroney's lawyers to obtain the judgment. Mr. Schreiber's lawyers are ordered to pay some of the costs of the process

Oct. 4, 2007: An emergency injunction filed by Mr. Schreiber's lawyer, Edward Greenspan, saves him from being hauled off the to the airport in handcuffs to be surrendered to Germany. Mr. Schreiber's fate is undecided until Nov. 15, when he is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Appeal.

Nov. 9th, 2007: Stephen Harper announces that because of the new information (which was received by his office in March, but which only hit the media this week) he will appoint a third party advisor to look at Mulroney's cash dealings and see if a Public Inquiry is warranted. Opposition Parties call for a full judicial inquiry saying that a third party advisor is a stall tactic, and question why the PMO did not act on the information Mr. Scheiber sent in March. Mulroney also calls for a public inquiry to clear the issue.

Is a full judicial inquiry going to shed more light on this? Maybe, but one has to remember, these are very clever people, that if their has been any impropriety (I'm not saying there has, but I'm also not saying there hasn't, wink wink, nudge nudge, say no more squire) it will be very well hidden. It is likely that it will take several years and several millions of dollars in judges, lawyers and court time to ferret the information out.

By which time the next election may have already come and gone.

So that leaves us citizens with many questions. Is Mr. Schreiber desperate to stay in Canada? You bet. Is he someone who would lie, cheat and steal to get ahead? Maybe. Are his allegations an elaborate to ruse to prevent getting deported? We have no way of knowing at this point. Is Mulroney as dirty as a pig, fresh from a day spent rolling in the sty? Its about as clear as mud. Is Harper implicated in covering up the scandal? We'll see.

Foreign Takeovers that Have Not Had Net Benefit for Canada

2007-10-26T07:41:00.000-07:00

Ill write a bit more about it, but for now, here is an article in the Globe that causes me great concern.

Throne Speech 2

2007-10-17T13:56:00.000-07:00

Here is my bet on what is going to happen. Throne speech will pass, probably with some form of amendments.

Crime bill will come almost immediately, it will be offensive and unworkable, and we'll be in an election right around Christmas.

Throne Speech

2007-10-16T16:58:00.000-07:00

So the throne speech is just over, and here is my first ideas:

It was vague, but here is what I took away.

Mapping of the Arctic Ocean. Okay. I'm not sure why we'd do this except to flex our muscles against Russian incursions. But why not say we are going to put a military presence up north? I don't like these "subtle" signals, that are not really subtle.

Crime. They are going to bring back the crime bills that failed in the previous session. This is the issue they want to fight an election on. I'm all for tougher penalties, but it has to be merged with prevention measures, or we just end up with more crowded jails.

Environment. They are going to bring back the clean air act, but I couldn't tell if they were going to bring back the amended clean air act, or the unamended clean air act. If it is the amended version, I'm all for it.

Tax. This is stupid. Tax cuts for the rich, cut to GST, with an overheated economy and a dollar so high it is killing manufacturing. With these cuts they could have eliminated the lowest tax bracket. There is not a country in the G8 that is cutting consumption taxes. Blatant vote grab that is not in the long term interest of the country. I'm all for corporate tax rate cuts, it helps they economy in a number of ways.

Lowering Inter-Provincial barriers to trade. This I fully support. I hope they don't pooch up the implementation.

Limiting Federal Spending in areas of Provincial Jurisdiction. This sounds very much like the social union Liberal plan. This was woefully unpopular in Quebec, but I like it. I'm always amused when the Conservatives re-release Liberal programs.

A very effective arugument

2007-10-10T16:50:00.001-07:00

This is a similar argument to what I have been trying to say to people who don't believe drastic action on climate change is needed today. However this fellow articulates the argument better than i have been able to.

Somebody is listening

2007-10-09T17:18:00.000-07:00

So Jim Prentice is going to announce new rules on foreign investment. I suppose I can live with the conservatives reading my blog if they implement what I recommend.

http://www.reportonbusiness.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20071009.wtakeovers1009/BNStory/robNews/home

Its too bad they haven't been using the tools that are already in place, and have let Alcan, Inco, Falconbridge, Dofasco and Prime West to be bought by foreign state owned enterprises.

A little correction

2007-10-04T21:53:00.000-07:00

While I am happy to hear about any expansion to transit, I have to provide a little correction.

Premier Campbell says “Today, the percentage of transit ridership in the Metro Vancouver region is about 12 per cent. The leading cities of the world, be they London, Paris or Hong Kong, see ridership in the 20 to 25 per cent range.”

Unfortunately we are much further behind with non-car transportation than the Premier believes.

New York 50-55 percent train, bus, metro, bike or foot.

London 55-60 percent train, bus, metro, bike or foot.

Tokyo 57 percent train and metro.

Paris train 65-70 percent, bus, metro, bike or foot.

Moscow 85 percent train, bus, metro, bike or foot.

Hong Kong 95 percent train, bus, metro, bike or foot.

So why do these cities have such high rates of ridership? Their systems work. It is very easy to get around these cities using the public transit system, and very slow and annoying using a car.

We have a long way to go, but a good first start would be using the interurban line to get rail service in the Valley.

Strange Happenings

2007-10-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

The US is a very interesting political landscape. If you can't make something happen one way there are many other avenues to pursue.

The supreme court found that the EPA has the authority to regulate carbon dioxide and other green house gas emissions. The California Attorney General with the help of several environmental groups is now petitioning the EPA to regulate green house gas emissions from shipping vessels entering US ports. Here is a link to the New York Times article.

I suppose this is good news?