billy barr spent 40 years alone in the woods – collecting compelling evidence of climate change

billy bar (“I spell it small b i-l-l-y, small b a-r-r”) has lived in a small cabin in a ghost town called Gothic, in the Colorado rockies, for over 40 years

“Picture this, it’s a snowy day, it’s dark & cold, & you make a fire & you’re sitting by the fire, & you’re reading with a cup of tea … & it goes on for nine months.”

“I started recording things just because it was somethin’ to do.”

“A researcher at the lab wanted to look at it, & then once he started looking at it scientifically, then all of a sudden, like, these decades worth of data were being used for more than my own curiosity.”

“The trend I see is that we’re getting permanent snowpack later, & we get to bare ground sooner.”



The Atlantic – “The Hermit Who Inadvertently Shaped Climate-Change Science”
https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2017/01/billy-barr-climate-change/512198/ / he spent over 40 years alone in the woods and now scientists love him the Snow Guardian of the Rockies man named billy barr prefers name spelled all lowercase lived alone small cabin Gothic Colorado coldest most isolated places United States began recording snow levels 1973 main thing interacted with weather animals just started recording things just cause it was something to do short film The Snow Guardian Day's Edge Productions climate researchers Rocky Mountain Biological Lab discovered barr’s detailed records showed compelling evidence climate change data has been vital understanding severe impending effects global warming climate change the hermit who inadvertently shaped climate change science Billy Barr moved Rocky Mountains four decades ago bored one winter decided keep notebook has become the stuff of legend life alone Colorado Rocky Mountains Billy Barr began his recordings curiosity task busy his mind during winter skied down from his cabin use the nearest phone vital database climate change scientists climate change 1973 Barr had dropped out of college home abandoned mining shack base the Snow Guardian Gothic Mountain 12,600-foot stone buttress cold winds blew shack’s wood slat walls bare dirt floor skunk pine marten Barr moved from the East Coast Rocky Mountains solitude boredom measured snow levels animal tracks spring first calls birds returning filled notebook observations another notebook continued now for 44 years Barr’s data tinkerings amateur scientist close to the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory RMBL most important phenology research sites in the world scientists RMBL become fascinated with climate change impact plants animals in the high alpines scale their discoveries into broader lessons about life warmer earth research long-term records Gothic spring snow seemed to melt a little earlier flowers blossomed a little sooner without historical context little changes understood RMBL 1928 biology professor summer pilgrimage of scientists researchers lab laboratory university department presidents students long-term conservation studies lab’s longest-running studies wildflower research project ecologist David Inouye Gothic’s only permanent resident research used in many studies particularly important understanding how climate change alters flower blooming times animals depend on them Gothic Mountain’s ecology high alpine environments RMBL Barr’s 40 years of data research student studying environmental science Rutgers University conservation RMBL eccentric mountain man stabilizing getting to be around quiet after a few years I had something to compare each winter with /

Making the world safe for USB-C devices

Belkin USB-A to USB-C cable
Credit: Belkin

How many different types of USB plugs do you own? There's a good chance you own, or have owned, USB A (above), USB B, mini USB & micro USB. There is a smaller chance that you also own a device or devices using the most recent member of the family, USB-C (also shown above).

Combined with the USB 3.1 specification for data transfer & power supply, USB-C is intended to combine the small size required by phones, data transfer rates required by fast discs & video, with the power required to charge laptops.

Unfortunately, some USB-C devices have surfaced, which do not comply.¹ Designers of an Indiegogo project took the view that there was not a sufficiently, “unified industry charging standard”, & postponed the USB-C version of their device.²

Whatever the source of problems, the Satechi USB-C Power Meter can check if a third-party charger, cable, or dock will damage your device.



Manufacturer's web site
https://www.satechi.net/index.php/satechi-type-c-power-meter
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¹ HitchHikers’ Guide 2 Tech: “Beware bad USB-C cables & adapters – Google engineer names & shames”, http://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2015/11/beware-bad-usb-c-cables-adapters-google.html

² Omnicharge Team: “Omnicharge: Smart & Compact Portable Power Bank – Postponing USB-C Option”, https://omnicharge.backerkit.com/hosted_preorders/project_updates?page=2

“Postponing USB-C Option – Due to the results of the survey & serious safety considerations, the team has decided to postpone the launch of the USB-C version of Omnicharge until there is a more unified industry charging standard.”

Omnicharge project on Indiegogo

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/omnicharge-smart-compact-portable-power-bank-smartphone-powerbank/x/9010251#/

/ USB-C innovation technology world single connection type transmit both data and power convenient docking charging solutions problem not all manufacturers adhere power delivery guidelines third-party charger dock could fry your laptop tablet smartphone USB cable Satechi release new product protecting your devices from damage Satechi USB-C Power Meter surge protector fuse dongle shows amps voltage USB-C power source plug your device prevent damage showing stats statistics educated decision continue using the charger choosing charger accessory device maximum voltage amperage do not permanently damage hardware Satechi USB-C Power Meter quickly and easily measures voltage real time Amps input device how much power your device charging manufacturer sleek design easy-to-read display Satechi USB-C Power Meter perfect solution monitoring USB Type-C port power ensuring counterfeit incompatible accessories destroy fry laptops tablets smartphones counterfeit accessories hitting the market accessories safe to use Satechi USB-C Power Meter users upgrade new MacBook ensure existing accessories safe to use life-saver protecting expensive USB-C device new MacBook Pro inexpensive way ensure third-party charger ruins your investment best practice should always stick to the the manufacturer's charger /

“I’d put my money on the Sun & solar energy” – Thomas Edison

Thomas Alva Edison in 1911
Credit: Alevo

If the insight in the quote in the title makes it look like a modern fabrication, there is evidence that it was only one of the insights in a conversation between three extraordinary minds: Thomas Edison, Henry Ford & Harvey Firestone. All three seemed to understand that fossil fuels are a finite resource, & wind, solar & tides are suitable replacements.

The conversation took place in March 1931 – shortly before Edison's death on 18 October 1931¹ – apparently without a knowledge of the impact of fossil fuels on climate. Although discovered in 1896,² the role of carbon dioxide in climate was ignored until well after the time of the conversation between Edison, Ford & Firestone.

Quote Investigator – “I’d Put My Money on the Sun & Solar Energy”
https://quoteinvestigator.com/2015/08/09/solar/
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¹ Wikipedia: “Thomas Edison”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Edison

² S.M. Enzler MSc, “History of the greenhouse effect & global warming”, http://www.lenntech.com/greenhouse-effect/global-warming-history.htm / We are like tenant farmers chopping down the fence around our house for fuel when we should be using nature’s inexhaustible sources of energy sun wind and tide Firestone responded that oil and coal and wood couldn’t last forever They’d been tackling rubber He wondered how much hard research was going into harnessing the wind for example Windmills hadn’t changed much in a thousand years Ford said there were enormously powerful tides for example the Bay of Fundy Scientists had only been playing with the question so far Edison said I’d put my money on the sun and solar energy What a source of power I hope we don’t have to wait till oil and coal run out before we tackle that. I wish I had more years left /

Tesla to begin enabling fully autonomous driving in "3 months maybe, 6 months definitely"

Credit: Motor Trend/EV Annex

Tesla announced on 19 October last year, that they had begun fitting all vehicles produced with the hardware for fully autonomous driving. At the same time, they announced that full autonomy would not be enabled initially, in the interests of gathering statistics about human performance, for subsequent comparison with fully autonomous vehicles.¹

Something similar appears to have been used to gather the stats demonstrating the 40% improvement in the crash rate after Autosteer was enabled in Tesla vehicles.²

In an exchange of tweets, Elon Musk has provided a little more detail on the timetable.

@tsrandall 3 months maybe, 6 months definitely

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 24, 2017

This promises to make good on his prediction, in October last year, “Our goal is, & I feel pretty good about this goal, that we’ll be able to do a demonstration drive of full autonomy all the way from LA to New York, from home in LA to let’s say dropping you off in Time Square in New York, & then having the car go park itself – by the end of next year.”³

Electrek – “Tesla to transition from ‘Enhanced Autopilot’ to ‘Fully Self-Driving’ as soon as ‘3 to 6 months’, says Elon Musk”
https://electrek.co/2017/01/24/tesla-enhanced-autopilot-to-fully-self-driving-says-elon-musk/

Forbes – “Musk Wants To Begin Shifting Teslas To ‘Full’ Self-Driving Capability Within 6 Months”
https://www.forbes.com/sites/alanohnsman/2017/01/24/elon-musk-targets-full-self-driving-capability-for-teslas-within-6-months/#1e70154779ee
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¹ Hitchhikers’ Guide 2 Tech: “As of 19 October 2016, all Teslas produced will have the hardware necessary for fully autonomous driving (video)”, https://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2016/10/as-of-19-october-2016-all-teslas.html

² Hitchhikers’ Guide 2 Tech: “NHTSA report on fatal Tesla crash makes a strong case for Autopilot safety – update”, https://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2017/01/nhtsa-report-on-fatal-tesla-crash-makes.html

³ Tech Crunch: “Musk targeting coast-to-coast test drive of fully self-driving Tesla by late 2017”, https://techcrunch.com/2016/10/19/musk-targeting-coast-to-coast-test-drive-of-fully-self-driving-tesla-by-late-2017/ / Last year Tesla updated radar camera ultrasonic sensors electric cars CEO Elon Musk new hardware's capabilities would lag behind cars on the street already Musk has projected Hardware 2.0 cars surpass older generation Hardware 1.0 vehicles fully self-driving 3 to 6 months news owners Hardware 2.0 cars rollout Autopilot features over-the-air updates over the air updates bringing those models closer functionality older-hardware cars full self-driving capability features enhanced autopilot features Elon Musk arrival Autopilot newer cars behind schedule series tweets Musk slow rollout Autopilot features camera calibration software update buyers Tesla cars built after October 2016 newly updated hardware start surpassing old hardware soon Musk's plan two-tiered Autopilot system Hardware 1 cars capable of running Autopilot Hardware 2 cars feature Enhanced Autopilot Hardware 2 cars offer a fully self-driving system Autopilot Hardware 2-equipped cars fully self-driving option installed half of their sensors enabled possibility running Autopilot two different sets of cars Musk goal driverless Enhanced Autopilot fully self-driving trip Los Angeles New York small delay Autopilot rollout /

Identity – unique minimalist wallet

Identity card wallet
Credit: The Gadgeteer

Identity card wallet qualifies as a minimalist wallet by being only slightly wider & taller than a credit card, plus just 7 mm (0.28 inch) thick, before you start adding cards.

What sets it apart is
● aerospace-grade carbon fiber construction
● no provision for carrying cash
● most of all, its Z-profile construction


Identity card wallet Z-profile construction
Credit: The Gadgeteer


Identity card wallet with cards inserted
Credit: The Gadgeteer



The Gadgeteer – “Identity card wallet review”
http://the-gadgeteer.com/2017/01/26/identity-card-wallet-review/

Identity first appeared as a Kickstarter project
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/798110330/identity-a-wallet-like-you-have-never-seen-before / Identity Card wallet review EDC quality item simple to use minimal minimalist how much space they take up never use cash anymore. When I buy something easier swipe credit card unzip wallet pull out the required cash receive change back wallets tend to be bulky accumulate extra stuff receipts other paper Identity Card wallet minimal wallet Identity Card wallet ultra small and ultra light weight light-weight lightweight minimalist wallet aerospace-grade aerospace grade carbon fiber unique folded one-piece design separate your cards into two piles wallet hold four cards on one side of the wallet and four cards on the other side wallet hold four cards on each side footprint almost the same size regular credit card smallest wallet I’ve found so far sides are smooth to the touch no rough edges Identity Card wallet offers wallet with or without a logo badge on the front crowdfunding campaign wallet logo badge offering it without the badge badgeless version edges of the logo cards that I carry in the Identity Card wallet several regular plastic credit cards along few thinner paper cards business cards held securely in place by the sides of the wallet cards inserted into the wallet still very thin diagonal cutouts on the front and back easy to slide out the top card with your thumb Identity Card wallet fits very easily into my pocket so thin that I barely even notice that it’s there zero bad things to say about the Identity Card wallet can’t use it to carry cash perfect wallet for minimalists /

Not all of the news from the United States is bad (update)

California state Governor, Jerry Brown, speaking to the American Geophysical Union Fall​ Meeting (San Francisco 12-16 December 2016), on California’s plans to continue to act against climate change.



In the last few days (post Trump inauguration). Governor Jerry Brown, delivered the State of the State address, including a similar statement on climate change. To avoid lengthy procedural matters, the video starts playing at 19:30



If after watching the above, you are confused by the reference to, “alternative facts”, watch this



If the video above no longer works for you, try this:

/ President Trump President Donald J Trump climate change global warming science truth lies alternative facts state of the state address greenhouse gas carbon dioxide pollution /

Good news – renewables are now the largest source of installed power in the world!

Credit: The Brattle Group/Google

“Renewables have surpassed coal last year to become the largest source of installed power capacity in the world.” – International Energy Agency (IEA)

More good news – “Over the next five years, renewables will remain the fastest-growing source of electricity generation, with their share growing to 28% in 2021 from 23% in 2015.” – IEA

IEA – “IEA raises its five-year renewable growth forecast as 2015 marks record year”
https://www.iea.org/newsroom/news/2016/october/iea-raises-its-five-year-renewable-growth-forecast-as-2015-marks-record-year.html

Electrek – “Renewable energy overtakes coal as world’s largest source of power capacity”, https://electrek.co/2016/10/25/renewable-energy-overtakes-coal-as-worlds-largest-source-of-power-capacity/

Climate Council – “Historic milestone: renewables now largest source of installed power in the world”
https://www.climatecouncil.org.au/renewables-now-largest-source-of-installed-power-in-the-world / International Energy Agency significantly increasing five-year growth forecast renewables strong policy support key countries sharp cost reductions renewables surpassed coal become largest source installed power capacity in the world latest edition IEA’s Medium-Term Renewable Market Report renewables growing 13% more between last year’s forecast stronger policy backing United States China India Mexico forecast period costs expected drop by a quarter solar PV 15 percent onshore wind turning point renewables wind solar renewables more than half new power capacity around the world reaching record 153 Gigawatt GW 15% more than the previous year gains driven record-level wind additions 66 GW solar PV additions 49 GW half a million solar panels installed every day around world last year China accounted about half the wind additions 40% all renewable capacity increases two wind turbines installed every hour 2015 witnessing transformation global power markets led renewables center of gravity renewable growth moving to emerging markets Dr Fatih Birol IEA’s executive director many factors behind remarkable achievement more competition enhanced policy support key markets technology improvements climate change mitigation powerful driver renewables many countries cutting deadly air pollution diversifying energy supplies improve energy security play equally strong role growing low-carbon energy sources especially emerging Asia next five years renewables remain fastest-growing source electricity generation their share growing 28% 2021 23% in 2015 renewables are expected cover more than 60% increase world electricity generation over medium term rapidly closing the gap with coal generation from renewables expected exceed 7600 TWh by 2021 equivalent total electricity generation United States European Union put together today 2015 was an exceptional year grounds for caution policy uncertainty persists too many countries slowing down the pace of investments rapid progress variable renewables such as wind solar PV exacerbating system integration issues in a number of markets cost of financing remains barrier many developing countries progress in renewable growth heat and transport sectors remains slow needs significantly stronger policy efforts IEA two-speed world renewable electricity over next five years Asia takes the lead in renewable growth region’s fast-paced rise electricity demand China alone responsible 40% global renewable power growth represents only half country’s electricity demand increase contrast European Union Japan United States where additional renewable generation outpace electricity demand growth between 2015 and 2021 IEA report identifies policy market frameworks boost renewable capacity growth by almost 30% next five years annual market 200 GW by 2020 accelerated growth put the world on a firmer path to meeting long-term climate goals records for renewables projections growth over the next five years more optimistic Dr. Birol higher expectations remain modest huge untapped potential renewables IEA working with governments around the world maximize deployment renewables in coming years /

Vigo electric motorcycle from Eco Motorcycles UK

If the video looks good, check the specs

Specifications from the Eco Motorcycles web site¹
Range 400 miles (640 km)
Battery Capacity 21 kWh
Life 250,000 miles (400,000 km)
Motor Power 90 kW (120 horsepower)
Acceleration 3.2 seconds to 60 mph (100 kmh)
Max Speed 180 mph (290 km/h)
Total Weight 350 pounds (160 kg)

And if you like the specs, you'll love the price:

Estimated Retail Price £7,999 (9,799 USD)¹ [$13,160 Australian]
Special Price (for supporters) £5,999 (7,499 USD) [$9,866 Australian]

Just to put this in perspective, compare with a Zero Motorcycles SR ZF13.0

Zero SR ZF13.0 with 13.0 kWh battery²
Zero Battery 13.0 kWh
“City” speed range is quoted as 161 miles (259 km)
Highway, 55 mph (89 km/h) 98 miles (158 km)
Highway, 70 mph (113 km/h) 81 miles (130 km)
Top speed (max) 102 mph (164 km/h)
Top speed (sustained) 95 mph (153 km/h)

Note how the range of the Zero declines with speed. Scaling the 161 mile (259 km), “City”, speed range of the Zero to allow for the larger battery in the Vigo (21 kWh verses 13.0 kWh), suggests that the Vigo will have 260 miles (418 km),³ rather than the 400 miles (640 km) claimed by Eco Motorcycles.

City riding implies stop-start driving. Regenerative braking isn't 100%. Extraordinary distances can be covered on a straight, flat road at a constant, low speed, but such numbers aren't a useful guide to the distance a vehicle will cover, on a single charge, on a trip, or around town.

In addition to developing the Vigo, Eco Motorcycles is a retailer of Zero electric motorcycles. Their web site offers the Zero SR ZF13.0 for £13,500.

Is any of the above possible?

Price – Eco Motorcycles claims it has in development, a motorcycle with 160% of the battery for 59% of the price (44% at the “supporter” price) of the current competition.

Performance – Zero makes no claims re acceleration. Top speed of 102 mph is probably electronically limited to preserve range. Power quoted for the Vigo is 90 kW. Comparison with internal combustion motorcycles suggests a top speed closer to 150 mph,⁴ rather than the 180 claimed.

Range – even assuming the claim of 400 miles of range is at, “city”, speed, the claimed range of the Vigo seems to defy the laws of physics for any practical purpose.

What can we expect in the Vigo electric motor cycle?

Right now, nothing – the Vigo is, “currently in development”. If a commercial product did not eventuate, it would not be the first development project from a startup manufacturer to fail. But there is no doubt that battery prices will continue to fall for some time. A motorcycle with 21 kWh battery in the quoted price range may be possible within a few years.

Top speed & range on the other hand – given the specs, both are likely to be better than the Zero SR ZF13.0, but are not likely to equal the claimed 180 mph & 400 miles of range.
__________

¹ Eco Motorcycles: “Vigo”, http://eco-motorcycles.co.uk/vigo

Update: Vigo’s web page has changed since this article was first posted. Best source of information previously included there, is now the Indiegogo page at

Indiegogo: “VIGO: Electric Motorcycle of the Future”
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/vigo-electric-motorcycle-of-the-future/x/9010251#/

² Zero Motorcycles: “Zero SR ZF13.0”, http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/au/zero-s-specs?model=sr

³ 161 * 21 / 13 = 260

⁴ Wikipedia: “List of fastest production motorcycles”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fastest_production_motorcycles#Fastest_production_motorcycles

/ video check specs specifications Eco Motorcycles web site range 400 miles 640 km battery capacity 21 kWh battery life motor power 90 kW 120 horsepower acceleration 3.2 seconds 60 mph 100 kmh max speed 180 mph 290 km/h weight 350 pounds 160 kg specs price estimated retail price £7,999 $US9,799 USD $A13,160 Australian special price supporters £5,999 $US7,499 USD $A9,866 Australian Zero Motorcycles SR ZF13.0 Zero SR ZF13.0 13.0 kWh battery Zero Battery 13.0 kWh city speed range 161 miles 259 km highway speed 55 mph 89 km/h 98 miles 158 km highway speed 70 mph 113 km/h 81 miles 130 km top speed 102 mph 164 km/h range Zero scaling 161 mile 259 km city speed range Zero larger battery Vigo 21 kWh 13.0 kWh 260 miles 418 km 400 miles 640 km claimed Eco Motorcycles developing Vigo Eco Motorcycles retailer Zero electric motorcycles Zero SR ZF13.0 price Eco Motorcycles in development motorcycle 160% bigger battery 59% price supporter price current competition performance Zero acceleration power quoted Vigo 90 kW 73% greater 52 kW claimed Zero higher top speed top speed 73% more power aerodynamic drag increases as the square of the speed range claim of 400 miles range city speed claimed range Vigo seems to defy the laws of physics Vigo electric motorcycle motor cycle Vigo currently in development commercial product first development project startup manufacturer fail battery prices will continue to fall motorcycle 21 kWh battery quoted price range adjusted inflation likely to be possible within a few years top speed range specs specifications better than Zero SR ZF13.0 Eco Motorcycles Vigo Zero Motorcycles Zero SR ZF13 /

Note 7 fires – what Samsung found

Schematic of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 lithium ion battery
Credit: Samsung

Since recall of the Galaxy Note 7,¹ 96% of 3 million Note 7s have been returned globally. Hard to imagine why the remaining 4% haven't been returned, given their safety record, & the ongoing shutting down of service around the world.^2,3

Investigations have included a large number of charge/discharge cycles on 200,000 Note 7 devices & 30,000 Note 7 batteries by 700 researchers. Underlying cause is short circuiting inside Note 7 batteries arising from manufacturing & product quality issues.

Storage capacity of a lithium ion battery, such as the one in your phone, depends substantially on the surface area of the electrodes. To this end, the electrodes are wound around each other, as shown in the diagram above. To prevent short circuits, they have a separator wound between them. Also present, but not shown in the diagram, is insulating tape.

Defects Samsung identified:
● bending of negative electrode by the battery case

● bending of negative electrode due to incorrect positioning in the curve at the thin side of the battery

● high welding burrs on the positive electrode causing it to penetrate the insulation tape (not shown in the schematic above) & separator causing an internal short circuit

● some batteries had missing insulation tape

More detail in the Samsung report – “Galaxy Note7: What We Discovered”, https://news.samsung.com/global/infographic-galaxy-note7-what-we-discovered
__________

¹ Hitchhikers Guide 2 Tech: “Samsung pulls the plug on the Note 7”, https://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2016/10/samsung-pulls-plug-on-note-7.html

² ITNews: “Samsung is kicking Galaxy Note 7 users off Aussie telco networks”, http://www.itnews.com.au/news/samsung-is-kicking-galaxy-note-7-users-off-aussie-telco-networks-443170

³ Fortune – “Here’s How Samsung Will Disable Unreturned Galaxy Note 7 Devices”, https://fortune.com/2016/12/09/samsung-kill-galaxy-note-7/

/ Samsung internal short-circuiting internal short circuit batteries battery caused fires Samsung Electronics found internal short circuiting Samsung Galaxy Note 7 batteries caused phones heat up catch on fire catch fire Note 7 launched globally users reported batteries catching on fire Samsung announced global product replacement program swap problematic batteries problems continued device discontinued globally press conference headquarters Seoul South Korea president Samsung's mobile communications business DJ Koh apologised customers retailers business partners invested all efforts substantial resources analyse every aspect failure fully investigate the causes over 700 researchers engineers spent months analysing 200,000 Note 7 devices 30,000 Note 7 batteries devices batteries repeatedly charged discharged simulating incidents in the field incidents caused battery cell focus investigation batteries 96 per cent of 3 million devices sold activated globally returned Samsung conducted internal review independent reviews UL safety science organisation Exponent US-based consulting engineering firm TuvRheinland German-based company batteries sourced two suppliers presentation UL president consumer business Sajeev Jesudas organisation found assembly manufacturing issues batteries suppliers product quality issues batteries higher energy density batteries increase severity battery failure design manufacturing issues batteries field failures Note 7 devices Note 7 handsets lithium-ion batteries arranged in layers positive negative electrodes physical separator between short circuit battery cell damage separator Samsung says it won't happen again South Korean company improved its processes Samsung developed battery check protocol invited researchers academics provide analysis ensure battery safety /

New 2017 Tesla Model S 100D version rated at 335 miles of electric range

Credit: Pinterest

Tesla has had a 100kWh battery for some time, but it has only been available in the performance-oriented P100D, with an EPA combined range of 315 miles (510km). As of the last few days, Tesla’s Model S 100D has become available, with an EPA combined range extended to 335 miles (539 km). In addition to being the best range available in any commercial electric car, it is only 8.5% less than the EPA-rated 366 miles (589 km) of the 2017 Honda Clarity hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.

In Australia, using the less stringent NEDC standard, the Model S 100D is rated at 632 km (393 miles).

Not surprisingly, Tesla's Model X also gets the 100kWh non-performance battery pack option.

Electrek – “Tesla releases new Model S 100D with 335 miles of range – longest range EV in the world yet”, https://electrek.co/2017/01/20/tesla-longest-range-car-model-s-100d-with-335-miles/

Road & Track – “Tesla Model S 100D Launches With World's Best Driving Range, 335 Miles”, http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/news/a32356/tesla-launches-non-performance-model-s-100d-trim-with-335-miles-of-range/

Car & Driver – “Tesla Adds Non-P 100D Models to Its Lineup, Claims Additional Driving Range”, http://blog.caranddriver.com/tesla-adds-non-p-100d-models-to-its-lineup-claims-additional-driving-range/

Green Car Reports – “New Tesla Model S 100D version rated at 335 miles of electric range”, http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1108470_new-tesla-model-s-100d-version-gets-335-miles-of-electric-range / Tesla introduced P100D battery Model S Model X performance version pack non-performance version Tesla updated online design studio 100D version Tesla Model S Tesla Model X P100D battery pack Model S Tesla’s flagship car quickest production car in the world electric car longest range in the world P100D title new Model S 100D P100D EPA estimated range 315 miles new 100D 335 miles Tesla’s 100 kWh battery pack Model S P100D new 100D 90D very popular option Tesla’s longest-range option Tesla’s longest-range option Tesla electric vehicle buyers value range boosts automaker many options range lineup new 100D available Model X extends range all electric SUV 295 miles less than the performance version new option boost Tesla’s sales increasing range single charge longest range option significantly reducing its price /

NHTSA report on fatal Tesla crash makes a strong case for Autopilot safety – update

On 07 May 2016, a Telsa Model S was involved in a fatal crash, while in Autopilot.^1,2 NHTSA began an investigation on 28 June 2016, & made its report available just 2 days ago.

Final report on Autopilot issued by @NHTSAgov is very positive https://t.co/KsOZSrr3l9

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 19, 2017

At the time of this post, the link to the NHTSA report in the tweet, above, is broken, but the report is imbedded in the Electrek article linked below.

Update 24 January – link to the NHTSA report in the tweet above, is fixed.

NHTSA summary of their findings concluded:

“A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further examination of this issue does not appear to be warranted. Accordingly, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists. The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances. For more information about the analysis, see the attached report.”

Despite the careful language in the quote above, Figure 11 from the NHTSA report (below) makes a strong case for Autopilot, & Autosteer in particular:


Credit: NHTSA/Electrek

Which Elon Musk subsequently described with a quote from the NHTSA report:

Report highlight: “The data show that the Tesla vehicles crash rate dropped by almost 40 percent after Autosteer installation.”

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 19, 2017

Electrek – “Tesla’s crash rate was reduced by 40% after introduction of Autopilot based on data reviewed by NHTSA”
https://electrek.co/2017/01/19/tesla-crash-rate-autopilot-nhtsa/

Wired – “After Probing Tesla’s Deadly Crash, Feds Say Yay to Self-Driving”
https://www.wired.com/2017/01/probing-teslas-deadly-crash-feds-say-yay-self-driving/?mbid=nl_12017_p4&CNDID=

Bloomberg – “Tesla’s Autopilot Vindicated With 40% Drop in Crashes”, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-01-19/tesla-s-autopilot-vindicated-with-40-percent-drop-in-crashes
__________

¹ Hitchhiker's Guide 2 Tech: “Tesla driver dies in Autopilot crash”, https://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2016/07/tesla-driver-dies-in-autopilot-crash.html

² Hitchhiker's Guide 2 Tech: “Tesla Autopilot death – was the driver watching a movie?”, http://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2016/07/tesla-autopilot-death-was-driver.html / reported NHTSA closing investigation fatal accident Tesla Autopilot without finding defect issuing recall access full report interesting key findings crash Tesla’s Autopilot agency reviewed data indicates Tesla’s crash rate reduced by 40% after Autopilot Autosteer feature introduced enabled Autosteer main feature Autopilot system enables vehicle steer itself certain conditions NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation ODI reviewed crash rate data Tesla’s vehicles before and after introduction Autosteer ODI analyzed mileage airbag deployment data supplied Tesla MY 2014 through 2016 Model S 2016 Model X vehicles equipped Autopilot Technology Package installed vehicle when sold through OTA update calculate crash rates miles traveled prior after Autopilot installation conclusion the data show Tesla vehicles crash rate dropped almost 40 percent after Autosteer installation 1.3 crashes per million miles before Autosteer 0.8 crashes after Autosteer data particularly interesting context debate between going directly fully autonomous cars gradually more autonomous vehicles leading full autonomy Tesla other automakers argument transition between autonomy manual control dangerous Tesla’s argument reduces number accidents used properly data appears to confirm NHTSA’s general probe Tesla’s Autopilot system agency specific accident prompted investigation interesting finding crash itself NHTSA did crash reconstruction claims indicates that tractor trailer should have been visible Tesla driver at least seven seconds prior to impact report’s main conclusion Autopilot ADAS system require continual full attention driver monitor traffic environment prepared take action avoid crashes agency reviewed Tesla’s customer-facing literature Autopilot concluded Tesla provided information about system limitations owner’s manuals user interface associated warnings alerts driver monitoring system intended aid driver remaining engaged driving task all times NHTSA urges drivers read all instructions and warnings before using driver assist systems /

2015 was the hottest year on record – until 2016

Credit: NASA

2014 was the hottest year on record – until 2015.¹ Then during 2016, a series of record hot months threatened another record year² – which NASA & NOAA have just reported, came to pass.

NASA – “NASA, NOAA Data Show 2016 Warmest Year on Record Globally”
https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-noaa-data-show-2016-warmest-year-on-record-globally

Australian Broadcasting Corporation – “2016 crowned hottest year on record: Australia needs to get heat smart”
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-19/2016-hottest-year-on-record-australia-needs-to-get-heat-smart/8194182

New York Times – “Earth Sets a Temperature Record for the Third Straight Year”
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/18/science/earth-highest-temperature-record.html?_r=0

Washington Post – “U.S. scientists officially declare 2016 the hottest year on record. That makes three in a row.”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2017/01/18/u-s-scientists-officially-declare-2016-the-hottest-year-on-record-that-makes-three-in-a-row/?utm_term=.0cbe69e7aa27

Green Car Reports – “2016 was planet's hottest year on record, third new high in a row”
http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1108420_2016-was-planets-hottest-year-on-record-third-new-high-in-a-row
__________

¹ Hitchhiker's Guide 2 Tech: “2014 was the hottest year on record – until 2015”, https://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2016/07/2014-was-hottest-year-on-record-until.html

² Hitchhiker's Guide 2 Tech: “July 2016 was the hottest month ever recorded”, https://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2016/08/july-2016-was-hottest-month-ever.html / NASA NOAA data 2016 warmest year on record globally Earth’s 2016 surface temperatures warmest since modern record keeping began 1880 independent analyses NASA National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration NOAA globally averaged temperatures 2016 1.78 degrees Fahrenheit 0.99 degrees Celsius warmer mid-20th century mean 2016 third year in a row set a new record for global average surface temperatures 2016 temperatures continue long-term warming trend analisis analyses scientists NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies GISS New York NOAA scientists concur finding 2016 warmest year on record separate independent analyses data weather station locations measurement practices change over time uncertainties interpretation specific year-to-year global mean temperature differences taking this into account NASA estimates 2016 warmest year greater than 95 percent certainty 2016 remarkably third record year in a row in this series GISS Director Gavin Schmidt record years every year ongoing long-term warming trend is clear planet’s average surface temperature risen 2.0 degrees Fahrenheit 1.1 degrees Celsius since late 19th century change driven largely by increased carbon dioxide other human-made emissions into the atmosphere /

New Silk Road – by train from China to Britain

On Wednesday, a train arrived in London, after an 18-day, 12,000 km (7,500 mile) journey from Yiwu, in eastern China – the first train from China to Britain ever. The journey included Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Poland, Germany, Belgium, France, & the Chunnel.


New Silk Road – Yiwu (a wholesale market town in the eastern Chinese province of Zhejiang) to Barking (east London)
Credit: The Sun

At 18 days, the journey took less than half the time that would have been taken by a sea journey.

The Independent – “First direct train service from China to the UK arrives in London”
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/first-direct-train-china-to-uk-arrives-east-london-yiwu-city-barking-channel-tunnel-a7533726.html

NPR – “China's First Freight Train To The U.K. Rolls Into London”
https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/01/18/510460107/chinas-first-freight-train-to-the-u-k-rolls-into-london

Reuters – “First freight train from China to Britain arrives in London”, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-britain-train-idUSKBN1521YP / first freight train China to Britain arrives London first China to Britain freight train arrived London Wednesday 7,500-mile journey China's push build commercial links Europe and Asia train Barking east London after 18 day eighteen day journey Yiwu wholesale market town eastern Chinese province Zhejiang passed through Kazakhstan Russia Belarus Poland Germany Belgium France cross under English Channel tunnel Chunnel Britain consignment reach Britain sea train cargo small commodities including household items clothes fabrics bags suitcases Yiwu Timex Industrial Investment Yiwu-London Yiwu to London freight service London 15th European city direct rail link with China 2013 One Belt One Road initiative Chinese premier Xi Jinping Carsten Pottharst managing director Switzerland InterRail Group train operator runs between China and Britain run the train in less than 18 days to Britain cargo from the United Kingdom to China trains eastbound Oscar Lin general manager OTT Logistics local UK booking office train train service first train test reaction UK market enquiries marketing Prime Minister Theresa May relationship with China billions of dollars in Chinese investment Britain leave the European Union /

Better ways to disable your webcam

Mark Zuckerberg appears to have disabled his webcam – microphone too¹
Credit: wn.com

There are good reasons to disable the camera on your computing devices – laptop, desktop, phone & tablet. This view is shared by Mark Zuckerberg (above) & FBI Director James Comey.²

Although a piece of strategically placed adhesive tape works, it may be inconvenient if you frequently use your camera for legitimate purposes, & may not be practical on a phone – not very aesthetically pleasing either. Adhesive from the tape on the camera lens & surrounding parts of the device may also be a problem.

Something that answers all of these objections is this Kickstarter project


Credit: Intelligent Security/Kickstarter

More on Kickstarter
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ispaul/intelligent-security-camera-cover-webcam-privacy-c

SPIshutter is a webcam cover for MacBooks
The Gadgeteer: “SPIshutter MacBook webcam privacy cover review”
http://the-gadgeteer.com/2014/03/03/spishutter-macbook-webcam-privacy-cover-review/

If neither of the above is to your liking, a Google search for, “webcam cover”, or, “laptop camera cover”, will yield many alternatives.
__________

¹ Hitchhikers Guide 2 Tech: “How to keep hackers from listening to your computer’s microphone”, https://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2016/07/how-to-keep-hackers-from-listening-to.html

² Hitchhikers Guide 2 Tech: “Why you should disable your webcam”, https://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2016/04/why-you-should-disable-your-webcam.html

/ FBI Director James Comey disable his webcam his privacy uses tape cover up his laptop webcam ensure Privacy adopt encryption techniques warrant-proof webcam thwart lawful surveillance investigated shame on him Edward Snowden leaks NSA Optic Nerve project capture webcam images random Yahoo users million users images captured stored government servers 2008 tape over the lens webcam stop hackers government spying agencies recording your voice prevent watching capturing your live visual feeds slave slaves concern paranoia paranoid reports revelations spy on you through webcam disable cover webcam review handy products Script-kiddie hackers easily accessible tools phishing techniques hijack webcams unsuspecting people watch them through their camera store images videos people in compromising situations bedroom uploaded shady websites kids children implementing stop webcams on all the time webcam spying threat government agents hackers law-breaking voyeurs actively spy computer’s webcam ramblings paranoid conspiracy theorist hypervigilant hyper vigilant hyper-vigilant privacy advocate news stories over paranoia uncomfortable reality student sued his school school-provided laptop secretly photographing ensuing legal investigation revealed school collected 56,000 photographs students without their knowledge consent researchers demonstrated activate webcam MacBooks without indicator light turning on previously considered impossible former FBI agent confirmed possible doing it for years documents leaked by Edward Snowden NSA backdoor access cameras on iPhones Blackberries NSA tools remotely monitor users Gumfish malware tool remote video monitoring via webcam BlackShades remote access webcam access victim’s computers Back Orifice marginally skilled malicious users gain access your computer Ars Technica Meet The Men Who Spy On Women Through Their Webcams spying government agents low-tier hackers simple phishing tricks malicious websites simple tools catalog monitor allegations government spying intellectual majority of actual webcam spying creepy Peeping Toms Remote Access Tools RATs Trojans malware well documented examples only active snapping selfies Skyping trust indicator light camera can be active without the light webcam spying real threat spooks at the NSA kid next door access tools webcam against owner then threat legitimate disable or obscure computer webcam documented cases webcam spying insecure recording device permanently disable remove webcam obscure lens disable webcam antivirus anti-virus link running wrong executable whitelist trojan antivirus malware secure help unplug camera desktop users external webcams desktop machines external USB web cam webcam hacking hacker hacked plug an unplugged device workstation monitors USB cable hardware operating system OS BIOS option laptops integrated webcams disable webcam via BIOS reboot microphone camera microphone module same expansion board privacy mic microphone disable OS operating system solution secure foolproof disabling webcam cripple webcam disabling removing driver support Windows Device Manager Imaging Devices roster of devices remote administrative access install missing drivers enable device disable webcam Eyebloc Cover C-Slide tiny plastic slider Creative Cam Covers DIY electrical tape cover /

Lithium ion battery fires – Stanford team adopts a direct approach

Fire in a Jeep Grand Cherokee was attributed to a Note 7 charging on the dashboard
Credit: Fox News/news.com.au

Samsung's recent problem with the Note 7, highlighted the lithium ion fire safety risk.¹

Solutions exist,² but a research team at Stanford University has decided to adopt the direct approach: fit a fire extinguisher.

Credit: Kai Liu, Wei Liu, Yongcai Qiu, Biao Kong, Yongming Sun, Zheng Chen, Denys Zhuo, Dingchang Lin & Yi Cui/Science Advances

A. Fire retardant (green) is contained in a polymer shell, inside the lithium ion cell.

B. If the battery temperature rises too high (as in thermal runaway), the polymer shell melts, releasing the fire retardant.

New Atlas: “Lithium-ion battery packs its own fire extinguisher”,
https://newatlas.com/lithium-ion-battery-fire-extinguisher/47401/

9to5Google: “Stanford team creates battery w/ built-in fire extinguisher to avoid future Note 7-like disasters”, https://9to5google.com/2017/01/16/stanford-team-creates-battery-w-built-in-fire-extinguisher-to-avoid-future-note-7-like-disasters/
__________

¹ “More lithium ion battery fires – not just phones”, https://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2016/11/more-lithium-ion-battery-fires.html

² “Samsung Galaxy Note 7 fires – cause – simple solution”, https://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2016/09/samsung-galaxy-note-7-fires-cause-what.html / Samsung Galaxy Note 7 production permanently discontinued Samsung permanently discontinuing production Galaxy Note 7 smartphones halted global sales devices reports replacement devices catching fire South Korean regulatory filing stop manufacturing Note 7s consumer safety Samsung struggling regain consumer trust recall recalls prompted criticism faulty devices company's handling of the problem global halt sales Note 7 multiple reports exploding batteries major retailers stopped selling phones Samsung recalled devices initial recall identified manufacturing defect batteries battery top-of-the-line smartphone shipping new Note 7 phones safe safer reports replacements catching fire Samsung announcement announce stopping sales devices Monday Tuesday Wednesday South Korean firm comment identified cause of the fires replacement devices officials in Seoul several possibilities including batteries more difficult analyse cause accidents various patterns of the accidents official Korean Agency for Technology and Standards met with Samsung experts company offering exchange Note 7s other products refund them Note 7 could cost Samsung $17 billion analysts Samsung's decision pull Note 7s off the shelves raises fresh doubts about firm's quality control huge financial and reputational costs analysts permanent end Note 7 sales cost Samsung $17 billion tarnish other phone products minds consumers carriers investors wiped nearly $20 billion off Samsung Electronics market value Tuesday local time shares gadget fire extinguisher Stanford fire extinguisher lithium ion battery fires /

Fiat Chrysler diesels have software to thwart emissions controls too

Credit: Charles Krupa/AP/The Guardian

You may have read about the Volkswagen diesel emissions cheats. Looks like Fiat Chrysler may have been doing something similar.

Vehicles implicated are 2014, 2015, & 2016 diesel Jeep Grand Cherokees, Dodge Ram 1500 trucks with 3.0-liter diesel engines – 104,000 vehicles in total.

The Guardian – “Fiat Chrysler used software to cheat diesel emissions testing, EPA alleges”
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/jan/12/fiat-chrysler-diesel-emission-cheating-software-epa

Ars Technica – “Fiat Chrysler diesels have software to thwart emissions controls”
https://arstechnica.com/cars/2017/01/epa-says-fiat-chrysler-violated-clean-air-act-with-secret-software/ / car company installed software multiple models increases air pollution violation of the Clean Air Act EPA US Environmental Protection Agency accused second major car company Fiat Chrysler cheating diesel emissions testing using secret software applications multiple models Jeep Cherokee Dodge Ram vehicles management software increases air pollution nitrogen oxides EPA alleged notice of violation Fiat Chrysler citation emission control systems automakers play by the same rules hold companies accountable gain unfair illegal competitive advantage Cynthia Giles assistant administrator EPA’s office of enforcement and compliance assurance Volkswagen accused software diesel vehicles mask emissions greenhouse gas regulators slapped automaker $15bn fines consumers filed class-action lawsuits shares Fiat Chrysler dropped Sergio Marchionne CEO Fiat Chrysler comparisons Volkswagen Fiat Chrysler different unlawful emission auto industry bailout software Fiat Chrysler emissions nitrogen oxides testing EPA failing to disclose software FCA Fiat Chrysler Automobiles violated important provisions Clean Air Act /

Noah Kraft wants to let you remix the sound of the real world

Here One buds from Doppler Labs will be available in black & white
Credit: Doppler Labs/Wired

Doppler Labs will soon be releasing Here One – wireless earbuds that do so much more, including:

● noise cancellation – raised to a whole new level – attenuate all the sound – or just specific frequencies

● remix the music at a concert – drums overpowering the rest of the band? – turn them down to hear all of the music

● noisy environment? Here One has three directional microphones per ear, so using the companion app, control the direction & frequency of sound, to separate out the voice of the person you are talking to

● turn down the noise of the city, to hear your music, without being run down at the next crossing

Noah Kraft is the leading light of Doppler Labs, & at CIS, he provided a bit more detail on what he hopes to do for the way we interact with sound.



More about Here One
http://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2016/07/dopplers-wireless-earbuds-let-you-remix.html / Doppler Labs company straight-outta-science-fiction earbuds let you control volume world new product Here One wireless earbuds tweaking sound mix concert tuning out subway noise One everything expect standard set of wireless headphones even more stuff on top of that Here One buds will cost $299 ship in November Doppler Here Ones set of wireless headphones stream music take calls interact with Siri Google Now pair of headphones Doppler’s Here buds Here One buds do even better filter change the noise of the real world companion app change frequency response tune out baby screams train screeches turn up the volume people in front of you multiple directional mics three directional mics Here One buds sound editing even more powerful Doppler not a medical device Doppler CEO Noah Kraft false binary people either can hear or can’t hear first set up your Here Ones customization customisation process software learn particulars of your ears hearing attenuate sound specifically for you mix real-world sound whatever you’re listening to Doppler calls layered listening jamming headphones into your ears drown out the world sound as though music’s playing speaker a few feet away whoever you’re talking to on your bike still hear the cars flying by Doppler’s a number of companies working on truly wireless headphones Here One among the most comfortable and usable Doppler interesting engineering wireless headphones executive chairman Fritz Lanman soon enough everyone from Apple Samsung Microsoft try sell you wireless earbuds Doppler’s put a computer in their ears soundtrack sound track sounds of the city Noah Kraft leading light Doppler Labs CIS we interact with sound Doppler Labs releasing Here One wireless earbuds /

Bob Inglis is a conservative Republican politician – who supports action on climate change

In the TED talk below, Bob Inglis,¹ conservative Republican politician, explains how & why, he came to support action on climate change.

“When I first went to Congress, I said that climate change was a bunch of hooey – Al Gore’s imagination … It was all based on ignorance from me. I had not looked into the facts at all. All I knew, was that Al Gore was for it & therefore I was against it.”

What changed his mind? His four daughters, son & wife on the one hand, &

“I got the opportunity to go to Antactica, & saw in the ice core drillings at the South Pole, the evidence – it’s pretty clear. Long stability followed by an uptick in CO2 that coincides with the Industrial Revolution …”

More



Slate – “This Man Is America’s Best Hope for Near-Term Climate Action”
http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/future_tense/2015/05/republican_bob_inglis_is_america_s_best_hope_for_near_term_climate_action.html

Sierra Club – “Bob Inglis Takes a Stand on Climate Change”, https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/2016-6-november-december/feature/bob-inglis-takes-stand-climate-change
__________

¹ Wikipedia: “Bob Inglis”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Inglis / Bob Inglis takes a stand on climate change former Republican Congressman seen the light on global warming fellow conservatives Bob Inglis former Republican congressman current climate activist Republican American Legion Boys State Young Pioneer Camps straightlaced right-leaning former Republican congressman transform the way conservatives think about climate change global warming clean energy wind and solar stump speech dramatic defection Republican climate change orthodoxy climate change hooey Vice President Al Gore environmental collapse climate change real human-caused free enterprise address better faster big government regulations conservatives innovators Inglis's support revenue-neutral carbon tax changed my views on climate change extremely conservative organization RepublicEn.org climate change is real human-caused free enterprise can fix it RepublicEn.org's community members of Congress solution liberal or conservative solution North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences conservatives progressives
anthropogenic climate change human activities are causing climate change global warming carbon dioxide CO2 greenhouse gas methane /

Making drones safer

Oscar Webb, the toddler in the image below lost an eye to a drone.¹


Credit: news.com.au

Many other injuries have occurred, including a woman who had her face cut open, & another who was knocked out.¹

Among the drones at CES this year, were two that included safeguards against these & other injuries.

Fleye



New Atlas – “Fleye could be your personal autonomous robot drone”
https://newatlas.com/fleye-autonomous-personal-robot-drone/40765/

Kickstarter project
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gofleye/fleye-your-personal-flying-robot

Manufacturer’s web site
http://gofleye.com/

Hover Camera



Engadget – “Hover Camera is a safe & foldable drone that follows you”
https://www.engadget.com/2016/04/26/hover-camera-drone-zero-zero-robotics/

Manufacture’s web site
https://gethover.com/
__________

¹ “Toddler's eyeball sliced in half by drone propeller”, http://hhg2tech.blogspot.com/2015/12/toddlers-eyeball-sliced-in-half-by.html / hover autonomous Hover Camera carbon fibre Fleye toddler eyeball sliced in half drone propeller 18-month-old boy lost eye hit by a drone flown family friend Oscar Webb eye sliced in half propeller operator Simon Evans lost control drone toddler Stourport-on-Severn Worcestershire UK United Kingdom Britain first drone injury Oscar surgeon many more Evans brought it back down land clipped tree span spun round heard my friend shriek Oh God no blood his baby on the floor crying Oscar's mother Amy Roberts ambulance taking Oscar to hospital Birmingham opened his eye I can still see it now the worst thing I've ever seen Oscar's accident family were unaware potential safety issues surrounding drones Faye Mellington consultant oculoplastics orbital surgery Sandwell West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust team outlook for Oscar's vision long term was extremely poor see out of his uninjured eye guidance for safe drone flying check drone for damage all components working in accordance with user manual drone within the operator's sight at all times operator responsible avoiding collisions people objects drone flown endanger people or property illegal fly drones over congested areas streets towns or cities stay clear airports airfields fly drones within 50m person vehicle building structure overhead groups of people at any height drones /

Faraday Future promises much – delivers a prototype – & more promises (video)

Farady Future electric prototype in camouflage
Credit: Electrek

Faraday Future is another start up promising a Tesla beater. Their “big reveal” at CES 2016 promised much, but revealed a stationary concept car.

Recently they released video of their prototype beating the 0-60 mph time of a Bentley Bentayga, Ferrari 488 GTB, & a Tesla Model X P100D Ludicrous – while quietly ignoring the advantages a prototype has over a production vehicle:



And subsequently, a Tesla Model S P100D:



But there have been a number of disturbing hiccups at Faraday, including finance & key staff jumping ship. They had a lot riding on their CES 2017 presentation, but it didn’t go as well as they would have hoped, including what can very generously be described as, “slight of hand”:



Robert Llewllyn took a slightly more positive view:

/ Faraday Future prototype beats Tesla Model S P100D Ludicrous 2.5 seconds 0 to 60 mph Faraday Future released drag race video Bentley Bentayga Ferrari 488 GTB Tesla Model X P100D Ludicrous battery upgrade claimed battery electric vehicle EV BEV faster Tesla Model S startup prototype quicker Tesla Model S P100D’s Ludicrous 2.5 seconds 0 to 60 mph time Model X Tesla Ludicrous mode state of charge battery 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 2.5 seconds FF prototype Model S powertrain Faraday Future world-class team engineers developing EV technology financial troubles mismanagement technology tech develop developer developed /

Tesla's Melbourne to Brisbane Supercharger route opens

Credit: Tesla

Tesla's Melbourne to Brisbane Supercharger route has opened with the addition of Tesla Superchargers at

● Knockrow (just below Gold Coast in the map above)

● Coffs Harbour

● Heatherbrae (just north of Newcastle)

For the time being, it will be necessary to plan around non-availability of a Supercharger in Brisbane. This should not be difficult – Google Maps indicates Knockrow-Brisbane CBD is only 176 km.

And Coffs Harbour is a temporary installation with just two bays.

Reaching either of the two Superchargers in Sydney requires a substantial deviation from the most direct route, for many journeys, through relatively heavy traffic. Best plan may be to bypass them. Google Maps reports Goulburn-Heatherbrae as a distance of 349 km.

Interactive map
https://www.tesla.com/en_AU/findus#/ / battery charge recharge electric vehicle battery BEV EV LiIon lithium ion cell travellers car park resides panel solar grid newly constructed car port electric revolution charging stations electric cars petrol bowsers driving longer distances electric cars the way of the future electric vehicle EV new car sales figures demand for electric cars, Australia big infrastructure investment technology American electric car company Tesla 16 high-powered supercharger stations between Melbourne Brisbane 2016 stations Tesla customer travel supercharger network exceeding 140 stations established luxury brands BMW local electric market rollout free electric charging stations build it and they will come Tesla spokesman Heath Walker supercharger network hotel partnerships high powered wall units motles hotels single three phase Darling Hotel in Sydney Marriot Melbourne range anxiety high purchase prices infrastructure charging at home barrier 40 amps of power home house charge overnight up to 500km of range next morning forward thinking Elon Musk design range car charging station free for public use Tesla Melbourne to Brisbane Supercharger route opened addition Tesla Superchargers Knockrow Gold Coast map Coffs Harbour Heatherbrae north Newcastle Raymond Terrace Supercharger Brisbane Coffs Harbour temporary installation two bays two Superchargers Sydney most direct route journeys heavy traffic bypass distance interactive map /

AirBar gives your laptop a touchscreen

AirBar fitted to a MacBook Air
Credit: Stereopoly

Touchscreens are widely available in phones, tablets, smart watches, some laptops & a very small number of desktops.

If you want to add touch to your not-touchscreen computer, AirBar may have the answer.



Airbar is available for 15.6" Windows laptops. In March, a MacBook Air 13.3" version will be available.

Apple has been saying it will never release a touchscreen Mac since at least 2010,^1,2,3 so if you are a Macbook user, Airbar is your only touchscreen option for the foreseeable future.

The Next Web: “AirBar adds touchscreen & gesture control to non-touch PCs”
https://thenextweb.com/gadgets/2017/01/07/airbar-adds-touchscreen-and-gesture-control-to-non-touch-pcs/

Engadget: “AirBar gives your MacBook Air a touchscreen for $99”
https://www.engadget.com/2017/01/04/airbar-macbook-air-touchcreen/

Manufacturer’s web site
http://www.air.bar/
http://air.bar/mac
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¹ Cult of Mac: “Why Apple Will Never Ship a Touchscreen MacBook”, (2010) https://www.cultofmac.com/75179/why-apple-will-never-ship-a-touchscreen-macbook/

² Cnet: “Touch-screen Mac unlikely, says Apple's Federighi”, (2014) https://www.cnet.com/au/news/touch-screen-mac-unlikely-says-apples-federighi/

³ Cult of Mac: “Here’s why Apple will never give MacBook a touchscreen”, (2016) https://www.cultofmac.com/451511/heres-apple-will-never-give-macbook-touchscreen/ / AirBar MacBook Air touchscreen USB accessory below display held in place magnets MacBook Pro Touch Bar Apple laptop owners machine full touchscreen display AirBar PC faithful USB accessory 15.6-inch screen tactile function CES 13.3-inch MacBook Air device plug-and-touch plug and touch drivers use the gadget Airbar MacBook Air touchscreen touch screen accessory installation process couple magnets laptop hold AirBar in place plug into USB port device emits light field infrared infra red infra-red display pick touch navigation pinch-to-zoom scrolling gestures remove completely close your laptop addition touch relatively painless install tried AirBar MacBook Air CES performed well navigating around Google Maps Paintbrush OS X display working prototype zoom scrolling functionality physical object handle input stylus paintbrush one size one Apple laptop expand the line more sizes accommodate more computers 13-inch MacBook Air AirBar accessory /

Alpine Labs Pulse DSLR camera remote

Alpine Labs Pulse DSLR camera remote mounted on a Canon EOS 70D
Credit: Alpine Labs/The Gadgeteer

Camera manufacturers generally have a smartphone app which can be connected to your smartphone to control a range of functions. Alpine Labs Pulse connects to Canon & Nikon SLR & mirrorless cameras via Bluetooth (both standard & the new Low Energy supported) & adds:

● control of aperture, shutter & ISO
● thumbnail & histogram review
● advanced time lapse
● exposure ramping
● time delay
● timed & manual Long Exposure
● HDR bracketing (7 EV steps)
● long Exposure
● control up to 3 cameras
● firmware upgradeable
● all in just 1.5 ounces (43 grammes)

The Gadgeteer – “Alpine Labs Pulse DSLR camera remote review”
http://the-gadgeteer.com/2017/01/06/alpine-labs-pulse-dslr-camera-remote-review/#more-210196

Wired – “Review: Pulse Camera Remote”
https://www.wired.com/2016/11/review-pulse-trigger/

Shutterbug – “Get Pro-Level Wireless Control Over Your Camera with Your Smartphone Using the Pulse Remote”
http://www.shutterbug.com/content/new-pulse-remote-trigger-offers-pro-features-easy%E2%80%93%E2%80%93use-interface#13PY07Ftkb0f6YEI.97

Alpine Labs Pulse DSLR camera remote first appeared as a Kickstarter project
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/alpinelabs/pulse-your-camera-upgraded

Manufacturer’s web site
https://alpinelaboratories.com/ / stills timelapse time lapse video complete control your DSLR mirrorless camera from your smartphone wirelessly Alpine Labs Pulse DSLR camera remote Pulse most powerful way control your camera from your smartphone Pulse plugs into DSLR mirrorless camera USB port shooting photos time lapse video complete creative freedom remotely from your smartphone your current camera 100 foot bluetooth low energy radio advanced USB control software beautifully designed interface product your biggest project ideas day-long time lapses backpacking trip size take Pulse anywhere wireless image preview image preview view thumbnails on your phone take a photo range 100 feet camera Pulse get the perfect shot Pulse plugs into your camera's USB port compatible with Canon Nikon DSLR Panasonic GH4 Pulse app free iPhone and Android devices camera compatible Pulse FAQ compatible with Nikon Canon cameras trigger remotely Pulse set up your camera trigger from anywhere in the room Pulse's Bluetooth connection range 100 feet from camera shooting low light keep camera absolutely still Pulse shot leave your shutter open up to several hours few seconds long exposure mode lock the shutter down manually set exposure timer count down Pulse supports HDR capabilities differing lighting conditions Pulse blinks photo lighting of your shot turn it off dim it smartest time lapse products on the market Pulse time lapse easier expanding features level of control experienced shooters traditional triggers Pulse's USB control single frame app low battery buffering time ruin your shoot remote triggers take photos Pulse plugs into your camera's USB port not the trigger port let you control video Pulse control up to three Pulse-equipped cameras at once from the same smartphone useful independent film makers Pulse all the right angles for your shot Pulse's Exposure Ramping feature ramp your ISO shutter speed capture day-to-night transitions time lapse LRTimelapse shooting Aperture Shutter Priority Exposure Ramping your camera in manual your photo's EXIF-Data written properly for LRTimelapse workflows /