CHIP — the $9 computer

Credit: Next Thing Co./Kickstarter

1 GHz processor
512 MB RAM
4 GB on board storage
Linux operating system
Bluetooth & WiFi
Connects to any screen — composite on-board — VGA & HDMI optional

Many more features. Check it out on Kickstarter:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1598272670/chip-the-worlds-first-9-computer?ref=nav_search / chip CHIP C.H.I.P. computer tiny easy to use C.H.I.P. computer work in LibreOffice save your documents C.H.I.P.’s onboard storage surf Web check your email Wi-Fi wifi play games Bluetooth controller applications tools preinstalled C.H.I.P. power it on computer students hackers C.H.I.P. computer computer based projects built in WiFi + Bluetooth Internet attach keyboard mouse wirelessly work with any screen C.H.I.P.’s built-in composite output add simple adapter VGA HDMI LibreOffice edit spreadsheets create Word documents Chromium browser surf the web check websites send emails watch videos pre-loaded with Scratch easy to learn language teaches the basics of programing connect bluetooth controllers C.H.I.P. games retro new DOS game MIDI keyboard C.H.I.P. jam portable music player attach powered speakers C.H.I.P.'s open source operating system easy to use navigate graphical display C.H.I.P. preinstalled dozens of useful applications tools games free applications open source community PocketC.H.I.P. Pocket C.H.I.P. portable QWERTY keyboard /

SpaceX Crew Dragon pad abort test

Credit: SpaceX/Space

Launching people into space has many difficulties, not the least of which is caused by placing said people at the top of a rocket filled with a lot of energy-dense chemicals which stand a reasonable chance of starting a runaway reaction which may blow said people to pieces.

If a catastrophic failure occurs, those people need to get out of there really fast. Spacex has successfully tested their launch abort system for doing just this. A launch abort system is like an ejector seat, but instead of ejecting seat & pilot, the entire crew capsule is ejected.

Previous launch abort systems have involved a rocket tower mounted on top of the crew capsule. In the event of an abort, a rocket tower would tow the crew capsule to safety. Rocket towers were jettisoned soon after launch.

SpaceX places its launch abort system below the crew capsule. It remains attached & provides an abort capability all the way to orbit. On return from space, the same thrusters can be used to provide a controlled descent to land.

SpaceX expects its first crewed flights in 2017.



http://www.spacex.com/news/2015/05/06/crew-dragon-completes-pad-abort-test

http://www.engadget.com/2015/05/06/spacex-dragon-pad-abort-test-video/

Written before the test was run, but has excellent background information:
http://www.spacex.com/news/2015/05/04/5-things-know-about-spacexs-pad-abort-test / SpaceX first key flight test of its Crew Dragon spacecraft vehicle designed carry astronauts to and from space successful Pad Abort Test first flight test SpaceX’s revolutionary launch abort system data captured here Crew Dragon first human missions 2017 test simulated Dragon would carry astronauts to safety emergency on the launch pad Crew Dragon’s abort system powered eight SuperDraco engines produces 15,000 pounds of thrust engines integrated directly into the sides of the vehicle carried on top of the vehicle previous launch abort systems configuration astronauts escape capability launch pad all the way to orbit spacecraft use the same thrusters land propulsively at the end of a mission Pad Abort Test eight SuperDracos ignited ignite simultaneously reached maximum thrust propel propelling spacecraft launch pad half a second vertical flight Crew Dragon pitched controlled burn SuperDraco engines throttled throttle control trajectory real-time measurements vehicle’s sensors accelerate 0-100 mph in 1.2 seconds maximum velocity 345 mph abort burn terminated propellant trunk jettisoned spacecraft heat shield small parachutes drogues deployed trunk separation drogue parachutes stabilized vehicle three main parachutes deployed spacecraft splashdown ignition Dragon splashed down Atlantic Ocean downrange launch pad test Crew Dragon test dummy equipped with sensors gather data necessary safe environment future crew humans provide valuable data future flight testing Crew Dragon spacecraft high-altitude abort test uncrewed mission Space Station /

No third party watch faces for the Apple Watch

Credit: Forbes

As previously indicated in these pages, there are no third party watch faces for the Apple Watch, & it looks like Apple intends to keep it that way:

http://www.tgdaily.com/mobile/132176-no-new-time-telling-apps-for-apple-watch

Maybe, in time, Apple will liberalise the rules, as they did with the iPhone. / Apple update App Store Review Guidelines new rule 10.7 states "Watch Apps whose primary function is telling time will be rejected." Apple Watch battery problem Apple’s website states choose face customize 9 nine faces Apple built into the Watch problem third-party developers new faces for the Apple Watch Apple carefully thought out iconic face designs people wearing the devices instantly recognize nine built-in faces Apple Watch changing the look of the face confuse other people you spent all that money Apple Watch Apple Watch face display displaying using customers marketing efforts Apple public facing image apps users ability customize faces Apple Watches trivial apps a lot of people out there some pretty imaginative designs new faces Apple loosen up their restrictions /

Is the Galaxy S6 Edge worth $100 more than the Galaxy S6? (video)

For me, the only advantage of the Edge over the standard S6 is location of the power button in my preferred position at the top, rather than at the side, opposite the volume buttons. Scratch that one — Note 4 Edge has the power button on the top, but S6 Edge has it on the side opposite the volume buttons.

As noted in the video, the surface area at the sides for gripping the Edge is considerably reduced by the curved edges.



Transcript:
http://www.phonedog.com/videos/galaxy-s6-edge-worth-100-more-galaxy-s6

Review from The Gadgeteer:
http://the-gadgeteer.com/2015/05/06/samsung-galaxy-s6-edge-smartphone-review/#more-177794 / Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge battery LiIon lithium ion edge screen personal device smartphone smart phone review unit video topic best smartphones Samsung Samsung Galaxy S5 two devices, use using daily basis hard to recommend standard Samsung Galaxy S6 tech enthusiast casual user hardware looks really sleek futuristic premium both edges display curve around the side really hard good grip device few millimeters space each side device fingers grip curved display actually grip device Gorilla Glass front back cover Galaxy S6 easier to hold grip Galaxy S6 best better Edge $100 $200 less good amount of money screen curves left and right hand side device same resolution same display size same display technology slightly larger battery 2600mAh 2550mAh difference curve curved display unique effect watching videos content looks great effect appear content Edge screen features Edge Lighting People Edge Information Stream Night Clock Edge Lighting lights up edge of the display calls notifications received 5 people contact most frequently most contacted Edge Screen Edge Lighting Information Stream view feeds edge screen main screen is turned off dash clock unique features aren’t very practical most practical People Edge open up Dialer app Messenger app contact retrain yourself People Edge feature features worth $100 S6 display appears slightly larger edges aren’t tapered displays phones bigger save your money /

Convert a disposable lighter into a pocket torch

Credit: sotooutdoors.com/The Gadgeteer

Fits on the top of a disposable lighter & adds:

● temperatures up to 1,300°C (2,372°F)
● wind resistance
● increased lifespan for the lighter

Soto notes that the Soto PT-14SB Pocket Torch may not work at altitude or low temperatures, but this is a limitation of the lighter, rather than the torch.

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2015/05/04/convert-a-disposible-lighter-into-a-pocket-torch/

Not all disposable lighters fit:
http://www.sotooutdoors.com/where_to_buy/lighter.html / Soto PT-14SB Pocket Torch transform standard disposable lighter strong wind-resistant wind resistant proof burner electronic ignition Soto enclosure lighter produce flame temperatures 2300 degrees Farenheit Celcius 1300°C light stoves lamps solder metal melt snow torch increased lifespan up to 60% lighter tool outdoor may not ignite colder temperatures altitudes above 5,000 ft /

Test driving a fossil fuel car

Linked below is a tongue-in-cheek test drive of a fossil fuel car, by a Swedish Tesla electric vehicle (EV) owner. Some of the humour may be lost if you aren’t familiar with EVs in general, or Teslas in particular, so a few points to note:

● it is not necessary to start a Tesla — sit in the driver’s seat with the “key” — select drive (which releases the hand brake) — go
● similarly, no need to turn a Tesla off — shift to park/engage hand brake, get out, lock — if preferred, let the Tesla lock itself
● EVs use the electric motor to generate electricity when the accelerator is released — this produces a braking effect — in the Tesla, the braking effect is quite strong & the brake lights are activated — use of the mechanical brakes is generally necessary only for coming to a complete stop, or in an emergency
● owners routinely charge their EVs overnight, at home, at little cost
● Tesla have installed free-to-use, ultra-fast chargers (Superchagers) to facilitate cross-country travel
● electric motors have only one moving part, while fossil fuel engines have hundreds
● in practice, fossil fuel engines use approximately 20% of the energy in fuel to propel the vehicle — the remainder is lost as heat — EVs use approximately 90% of the energy in the battery to move the vehicle
● Tesla sells its cars through Tesla-owned stores, rather than independently owned dealerships

Fossil-fueled test drive
http://teslaclubsweden.se/test-drive-of-a-petrol-car/

Thanks to Canberra EV for the link. / Tesla Model S electric vehicle EV battery internal combustion engine ICE battery LiIon lithium ion charge charger recharge Supercharger efficient inefficient /

Tesla’s Power Wall

Fundamental to existing electricity supply around the world is “base load”, mainly provided by fossil &/or nuclear. Norway is an exception, with 99% of electric power provided by hydro*.

Hydo & geothermal excepted, renewable sources of electrical energy are intermittent: solar when the Sun shines, wind only when it blows.

All of the above notwithstanding, some claim that base load is an outdated concept. They reason that a modern grid, of continental scale, can be used to supply power from the places where the Sun is shining &/or the wind is blowing to the places where little or no power is being generated. E.g. Professor Mark Diesendorf, at the University of New South Wales claims that all of Australia’s electricity needs can be supplied with wind & solar, existing hydro, plus 6% from bio-fuelled gas turbines. In such a mix, the bio-fuelled gas turbines would be filling the peak demand function which fossil-fueled gas turbines fulfil in the existing Australian & other grids.

If it turns out that base load is required for a sustainable power grid, there are a few possibilities, including:

● Ambri utility-scale aluminium storage battery

● Repurposed used electric vehicle batteries

● Tesla has just announced its range of power storage batteries for domestic, businesses & power utility use:

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2015/05/tesla-powerwall-a-battery-for-your-home/

Tesla Power Wall press kit
http://www.teslamotors.com/presskit/teslaenergy

Should you get a Tesla Power Wall?
http://www.wired.com/2015/05/get-tesla-home-battery-let-physics-explain/
__________
* “Renewable energy in Norway” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renewable_energy_in_Norway / 20 trillion kWh energy power supply energy nuclear power plant fossil fuel transportation electricity production USA electric power sector carbon dioxide CO2 EPA forest environmental damage electricity grid fossil fuels sustainable renewable energy sources power consumption dirtiest power generation resources cleaner smaller more resilient energy grid Tesla Energy homes businesses utilities fostering clean energy ecosystem fossil fuel energy innovation company Tesla Energy zero emission power generation Tesla Energy, Tesla move away from fossil fuels sustainable energy Tesla batteries store sustainable renewable energy manage power demand backup power increase grid resilience renewable power partners deploy storage on the grid improve resiliency cleanliness grid Tesla Powerwall rechargeable lithium-ion battery store energy residential level load shifting backup power self-consumption solar power generation Powerwall Tesla’s lithium-ion battery pack liquid thermal control system software dispatch commands solar inverter integrated with the local grid harness excess power load shifting financial savings charging during low rate periods demand for electricity lower discharging more expensive rate periods electricity demand is higher increasing self-consumption rooftop roof top solar power generation store surplus solar energy generated back-up power outage Powerwall grid outages solar grid backup power optimized solar power Powerwall cost benefits installers load shifting mounting wall mounted indoor outdoor inverter energy continuous power peak power round trip efficiency warranty Powerwall distribution Treehouse sustainable home improvement store Fronius Symo Hybrid inverter photovoltaic PV reduces overall system cost SolarEdge Green Mountain Power powertrain Tesla electric vehicle Tesla energy storage systems consumption avoid peak demand charges power outage Amazon Target Jackson Family Wines EnerNOC Tesla Energy for Utilities Advanced Microgrid Solutions OnCor Southern California Edison Edison Energy Edison International AES /