Ultimate solder for the RC professional is 1.0mm thick and 60/40 Sn/Pb. Contains 3.3% flux core. The 3m length of solder is nicely rolled into a tiny tube, yet is easy to pull out through the dispensing hole in the cap.

We were doing the obvious stuff, our AC thermostat is set at 84 during the day, 80 at night so we can sleep, turn off all extra lights, running the dishwasher less often, etc. But this one never occured to me..

with being 50 million degrees outside my garage is even hotter...like 70 million. and DUH, it never occurred to me that the chest freezer we have out there is having to work even harder to keep things cold! We have moved the freezer into the house, and dropped the temp on the water heater some, hopefully that will help.

I was just reading an article on the California Building Industry Association's website.  It was citing comments by their chief economist Alan Nevin that he is projecting only about 38,250 new building permits (single family) to be issued statewide this year.  That is a 75% drop from the high in 2004 and a record low since they started keeping track in 1954.

Every time I think things might possibly be getting just the tiniest bit better, I hear news like this...wow!  There seems to be somewhat of a disconnect though between Mr. Nevin's forecast and my own experiences.  Just in the past month or so, I have noticed an increase in activity by at least two of my clients (large national public builders) in Fontana and Victorville.  Both have increased from starting construction on two houses a month to starting construction on between 4-6 per month.  This isn't a trend yet, since it's only been a month and I'm not seeing a lot of activity from my other clients; but just the same, it is encouraging.  This means that they are going to get through their inventory that much faster and will be ready to begin planning the next project that much quicker.  Of course, when they start planning they'll need a utility planner/designer.  I plan on being here when they call.

The challenge for me and others like me is how do I survive in the meantime.  Well, I've got it all figured out.  What you want to do is go ahead and send me $5.00 and I will let you in on the secret.  Until next time...

Thanks for reading,

John Mole - President

Utility Planners, Inc.

www.utilityplanners.net

DaimlerChrysler built the Smart car to help save mother earth, right? No, it's been produced to increase DaimlerChrysler's revenue. They appeal to a new group: the tree huggers. Pretty smart if you ask me. Here's my view: Johnny can buy a new Dodge Neon for $13,800 or an electric Smart car for $27,250. The Neon gets 30 miles per gallon, the Smart car doesn't use gas at all (it operates on electric power, which is not free by the way). Let's do a little math. I have a Neon, and my work is about seven miles away from home. In other words, I could get away with having an electric Smart car, which only goes 40MPH, because I don't have to use freeways to get to work. Living so close to work, I only use a tank of gas a month (ten gallon gas tank). At four dollars a gallon for gas right now, I spend $40 a month. Now the difference between the price of the electric Smart car vs. the Neon is $13,450. How far would that money go towards gas at $4/gallon * 10gallons/month? It would go 28 years ($480 a year in gas). You'd have to drive that two passenger POS around for 28 years (at only 40MPH) for it to be worth the savings in gas money. No thanks, not for me. But, gas prices might continue to rise. Let's say they're going to double, to $8/gallon. And, let's say I double the amount of monthly driving I do to 20 gallons/month. At those rates, you'd have to drive the electric Smart car for seven years before buying a new car to avoid losing money ($1,920 a year in gas). Is it worth it? Not for me. I'll keep my 5 passenger seating, ability to go more than 100 miles in a trip and speeds over 40MPH. And as for Johnny, well, he took one in the pocket book because he's swung at DaimlerChrysler's sales pitch to the environmentalists. Is he really going to be able to go seven years without buying a bigger, faster car? Props to him if he can.

I just think it's interesting how environmentalists get screwed by the high prices of the products their lifestyle requires them. Maybe it's a testament to their faith to actually pay that much to live their beliefs, albeit their beliefs are incongruent to mine.

What do you think?

Do we need to conserve? Yes. Do we need more wind solutions? Absolutely. Do we need to look at solar energy? Of course. How about hybrid, electric, and hydrogen fuel cell cars? Duh.

We must do everything in our power to attack this energy crisis. That includes drilling for the oil we are currently sitting on in this country. We are the only country in the world prohibiting itself from further development of its own natural resources. Drilling can be done without major environmental impacts and must be done to protect our national security.

American Solutions is a non-partisan organization trying to rise above partisan politics to provide real solutions to our most significant problems. They are currently runing a petition drive demanding that our politicians remove the restrictions on domestic oil production for the sake of our economy and national security. I urge you to check them out and sign the petition if you are so inclined.

TT-01 Type-E Chassis, will be available Jun 28, 2008

The machine for the one make-up race of the highest peak

It is developed for highest peak “Porsche super-cup” of the one make-up race that has been held in ten countries in the world, and delivery 911GT3 cup car in a private team. Porsche especially manages the machine, and the assembly kit of the electric radio control car that reproduces VIP car that guest players drive at each race. The modeled body is made of the polycarbonate to enough actually feeling as for the form with power. It can enjoy the light lighting by setting high luminance LED of two headlight lights (white) and two rear light lights (red). Moreover, the logo etc. of the pinstripe and the Porsche of gotten Gold and white were prepared in a chic black color in the sticker.

Shaft 4WD and TT-01 TYPE-E that improves running

The chassis is TT-01 TYPE-E of length putting motor shaft drive 4WD. The upper deck and the gear cover made of fiberglass reinforced nylon resin were secured for the mainframe of the bathtub type, and it equipped and a high chassis rigidity was secured. The steering wheel system is a type of movement that play is few and smooth. divide into threeThe characteristic of control is demonstrated together with equipped Defgiya etc. low center of gravity, the good balance design, four-wheel double wishbone suspension, and back and forth. Moreover, the number of parts is reduced, easiness to assemble is valued, and the body composition that treats easily that reduces the part where the setting is necessary is a charm. The wheelbase was set to 251mm. Of course, optional option parts are built in and the performance improvement is also possible.

Basic specifications

- Total length 465mm, full
- width 195mm and total height 134mm
- the wheel base 251mm
- tire width/diameter = FR 27/67mm
- frame = bathtub type
- drive system = vertical ranging motor & shaft drive full-time 4WD
- diff. gear = front and back 3 bevels
- steering wheel = 3 divided tie rod systems
- the suspension = 4 wheel double wishbone
- damper = front and back the friction
- gear ratio = 8.35:1
- motor = 540 types
- speed controller = ESC specification

Source : Tamiya

Trinity’s new I-Balance Li-Po Battery Management System offers all-in-one charging, discharging, and balancing for not just Li-Po’s but Ni-CD, Ni-MH, Li-Ion, Li-Fe, and even PB (lead acid) batteries. The I-Balance uses a unique individual-cell-voltage balancer, thus not requiring an external balanccer when charging Li-Po’s. Other features include delta-peak detection, “fast charge” mode, auto charge current limit, capacity limit, 5-slot data storage/recall, temp monitoring, cycling, LCD display, and touch pad keyboard. You can also manage your packs with a PC through the optional USB interface cable (sold seperately.)

Source : Team Trinity

Novak has reinvented the HV Pro High-Voltage Brushless ESCs yet again since it was released in 2006. The series now includes new programming, built-in Li-Po Cut-Off Circuitry and a design makeover. The updated HV Pro ESCs were specifically developed by Novak for R/C cars, and are ideal to power monster trucks — such as the Traxxas® E-Maxx™ and E-Revo™ — converted electric 1/8-scale vehicles and vehicles with massive power needs.

HV PRO BRUSHLESS/BRUSH ESC
Completing the HV Pro Brushless System is the fully programmable HV Pro ESC, which can accommodate 6-14 Ni-Cd/Ni-MH cells (7.2-16.8 volts) or 2S-4S Li-Po and can be wired for dual or single battery packs. This high-power, reversible brushless speed control is also easy to install and operate. The HV Pro uses the same screw pattern as the Traxxas® E-Maxx™ and E-Revo™, making it convenient to install, and it includes a Power-Boost ESC Cooling fan kit and factory-installed motor heat sink for superior cooling.In addition, the HV Pro High-Voltage Brushless ESC includes many of the same great features found in high-quality Novak ESCs, such as One-Touch Set-Up, Thermal Overload Protection, a powerful BEC, Polar Drive and Digital Anti-Glitch circuitries and Smart Braking II.

Novak has also done away with the external Li-Po module with the inclusion of the built-in, auto-detect Smart-Stop Li-Po Cut-Off Circuitry. When active, the Cut-Off Circuitry automatically switches to the proper Li-Po cut-off voltage for the connected battery packs, preventing the batteries from going below the critical safety voltage level.

The HV Pro ESC’s makeover doesn’t end there. In addition, the ESC has been updated with black heat sinks for better heat transfer and a new case label. You won’t mistake this high-voltage system with any other!

HV PROGRAMMABILITY
In addition to the upgrade to full programmability, Novak’s HV Pro High-Voltage Brushless ESC has been updated to three throttle profiles – two with reverse and one with forward/brake. Each throttle profile has on-board programming for extreme versatility and unmatched customization for Minimum Brake, Drag Brake, Dead Band, Minimum Drive, Throttle Curve, Brake Frequency, Brake Disable, Motor Rotation and Li-Po Cut-Off. These programming features make operating an R/C car as easy as One-Touch set-up. Novak’s new Throttle Curve adjustment allows drivers to tailor the throttle response, creating either a quick burst of power with the Linear Curve setting, or a smoother, controlled low-end power delivery with the Expo Curve setting.

For HV Pro High-Voltage Brushless ESC can be factory wired to one of four HV High-Voltage Brushless Motors with 5mm Shafts (#3524-3527) to create the HV Pro Brushless System with 5mm Rotor (#3024-3027).

HV PRO HIGH-VOLTAGE BRUSHLESS ESC FEATURES

• Three fully programmable throttle profiles (2 with reverse)
• User-friendly interface and 4 different color status LEDs. User can fine-tune one parameter at a time without having to re-enter other parameters
• Nine adjustable parameters: Minimum Brake (10 settings from 0-30%), Drag Brake (10 settings from 0-30%), Dead Band (5 settings from 2-6%), Minimum Drive (5 settings from 1-12%), Throttle Curve (Linear & Expo), Brake Frequency (7 settings from 1-8 kHz), Brake Disable, Motor Rotation and Li-Po Cut-Off
• Easily bolts into the Traxxas® E-Maxx™ and E-Revo™ trucks
• Dual-Battery Inputs
• No external receiver pack required when used with dual battery packs
• Locked Rotor Detection Circuitry
• Gold-Plated PCB Direct-Solder Wiring Tabs
• User-Replaceable Input Harness (#5315)
• User-replaceable Power Trans-Cap Module (#5684) for cooler operating temperatures
• Includes Power-Boost ESC Cooling Black Fan kit (#5645)
• Includes factory-installed motor heat sink
• 100 percent Digital Microprocessor-Controlled
• Built-in Smart-Stop Li-Po Cut-Off Circuitry to monitor battery voltage level that automatically detects 2S, 3S or 4S Li-Po batteries
• Novak’s Smart Braking II
• Thermal Overload Protection
• High-power BEC for strong and fast servo response
• Radio-Priority Circuitry for ultimate control
• Polar-Drive Circuitry
• Digital Anti-Glitch Circuitry
• One-Touch Set-Up for quick, easy transmitter setup
• Designed and assembled by Novak in Irvine, Calif., using globally-sourced components

HV PRO HIGH-VOLTAGE BRUSHLESS ESC SPECS

• Input Voltage: 6-14 cells (1.2 volts/cell) or 2S-4S Li-Po cells
• Footprint: 1.75” x 2.17” x 0.85”; (44.5 x 55.1 x 21.6 mm)
• Weight (without wires): 4.76 oz. (135 g)
• Throttle Programs: 3 (2 with reverse, 1 without)
• Heavy-duty BEC 6 Volts/3 Amps
• Rated Current: 400 Amps/phase @ 25°C MOSFET Temp.
• On-Resistance: 0.0013 x 2 ohms
• Braking Current: 400 Amps/phase @ 25°C MOSFET Temp.
• Power Motor/Battery Wire: 14-Gauge Super-Flex Copper-Strand Silicone
• Motor Limit: any Novak sensor-based 550-size Brushless
• Li-Po Cut-Off Voltage (automatic): 6.25V (2S), 9.375V (3S), 12.5V (4S)

Source : Novak

With input from the top drifters of the world, Novak has developed the specially designed SLYDR Brushless Drift System (#3066-3068). This system includes the new SLYDR Brushless Drift ESC (#1712) factory-wired to one of three, new Novak Drift-Spec Brushless Motors (#3466-3468). These 540-size sensored brushless motors include the Novak 13mm Neodymium Sintered rotor for improved initial throttle response and natural drag brake. The SLYDR Drift ESC, which is based on Novak’s GTB, contains new brake adjustments and features to help fine tune brake response, as well as all new throttle curve adjustments to further customize the already-smooth throttle response.

SLYDR BRUSHLESS DRIFT SYSTEM WINDS
Novak’s SLYDR Brushless Drift Systems are available in three motor winds:

• SLYDR Brushless Drift System – 6.5T (Kv=5,700; Watts=370) provides the most power to light your tires up and excels on large tracks (#3066).
• SLYDR Brushless Drift System – 7.5T (Kv=5,200; Watts=340) is the best all-around-motor with a great balance between power and run time. It also works well on medium-sized tracks (#3067).
• SLYDR Brushless Drift System – 8.5T (Kv=4,500; Watts=280) has the smoothest power response and longest possible run time. The 8.5T is also ideal to use on small tracks (#3068).

DRIFT-SPEC BRUSHLESS MOTORS
Novak’s drift-specific SLYDR is a sensor-based system that is always aware of the rotor position. That knowledge provides the motor with superior starting torque and continuous synchronization for smooth, controlled low-speed driveability and consistent brakes – a must for drifting! The Drift-Spec series of motors also features a shielded sensor cable and a completely rebuildable design.

HV PRO BRUSHLESS/BRUSH ESC
Though the SLYDR Brushless Drift ESC has one throttle profile, the drift-specific ESC is completely programmable and packed with nine customizable parameters. Novak’s new Throttle Curve gives drivers the ability to experiment with three throttle responses – Linear, Expo-1 and Expo-2 – which range between a quick burst of power to a smoother, more controlled low-end power delivery. In addition, the SLYDR’s Brake Frequency adjustment contains seven degrees of adjustability from a smooth and controllable brake to a more abrupt and grabbier feel. The dozens of adjustments allow drivers to fine-tune their vehicle’s throttle braking for better control and advanced drifting.

But the customization doesn’t end with braking. Novak has also built into the ESC Li-Po Cut-Off Circuitry that prevents the batteries from going below the critical safety voltage level and a Motor Rotation feature that allows the user to easily select direction of the motor.

SLYDR BRUSHLESS DRIFT ESC FEATURES

• Fully programmable throttle profile specifically developed for drifting
• Nine adjustable parameters: Minimum Brake (10 settings from 3-50%), Drag Brake (10 settings from 3-50%), Dead Band (5 settings from 2-6%), Minimum Drive (5 settings from 2-12%), Throttle Curve (Linear, Expo-1 and Expo-2), Brake Frequency (7 settings from 1-8 kHz), Reverse, Motor Rotation and Li-Po Cut-Off
• User-friendly interface and 4 different color status LEDs. User can fine-tune one parameter at a time without having to re-enter other parameters
• Based on the Novak GTB Brushless ESC for ultimate brushless motor performance
• Built-in Smart-Stop Li-Po Cut-Off Circuitry Protection to monitor battery voltage level
• Independent programming of Drag Brakes and Minimum Brake for the ultimate braking control
• One-Touch Set-Up for quick, easy transmitter setup
• Smart Braking II enables users to “shift” from forward to reverse
• Compatible with Novak’s 540-size sensored brushless motors down to 5.5 turns
• Microprocessor-controlled
• Gold-Plated PCB Direct-Solder Wiring Tabs
• User-replaceable input harness (#5315) and remote power programming switch (#5602)
• 30×30x6mm cooling fan (#5648) mounted on factory-installed heat sink
• Factory-installed Power Trans-Cap Module (#5679) for cooler operating temperatures
• Water-resistant case
• Locked Rotor Detection and Thermal Overload Protection
• Novak’s Radio-Priority and Polar Drive Circuits
• Meets RoHS compliance and includes 120-Day Warranty
• Designed and assembled by Novak in Irvine, California, using globally-sourced components

SLYDR BRUSHLESS DRIFT ESC SPECS

• Input Voltage: 2S Li-Po cells or 4-6 NiMH cells (1.2V/cell)
• Footprint: 1.16” x 1.49” (29.5 x 37.8 mm)
• Weight (without wires): 1.36 oz. (38.5 g)
• Motor Limit: 5.5-turn Novak 540-size sensored brushless motor
• On-Resistance: 0.00040 ohms @ 25°C trans. temp.
• BEC: 6.0 volts DC / 3.0 amps
• Status LEDs: 4
• Voltage Cut-Off: 6.25V (when Li-Poly Cut-Off Circuitry is enabled)
• Power Wires (battery/motor): 14G Super-Flex Copper-Strand Silicone Wire

DRIFT-SPEC BRUSHLESS MOTOR FEATURES

• Specifically designed for drift vehicles
• Nickel-plated, high-strength 13mm Sintered Neodymium rotor for increased motor acceleration, improved initial throttle response, improved performance in high-temperature conditions, and natural drag brake
• Sensor-based for excellent braking and low-speed driveability
• Shielded sensor cable with sheathed sensor wires
• Oversized front bearing for increased load handling and bearing life
• Lightweight, ribbed end bells
• Provides approximately 20% longer run-times compared to brushed motors
• Direct-Solder Wiring Tabs
• Thermal Overload Protection (when used with Novak SLYDR Drift or GTB ESCs)
• Minimal Maintenance and Low cogging
• Rebuildable design: user-replaceable rotor (#5909) and user-replaceable front end bell/bearing and rear bearing (#5919)
• Meets RoHS compliance and includes 120-Day Warranty
• Designed, hand-wound and dyno-tested by Novak in Irvine, Calif.

DRIFT-SPEC BRUSHLESS MOTOR SPECS

• Turns: 6.5 (#3466), 7.5 (#3467), 8.5 (#3468)
• Design: Sensor-based
• Input Voltage: 2S Li-Po cells or 4-6 NiMH cells (1.2 volts/cell)
• Magnet: 13mm Nickel-plated, Sintered, high-strength Neodymium
• Watts: 370 (#3466), 340 (#3467), 280 (#3468)
• KV (unloaded): 5,700 (#3466), 5,200 (#3467), 4,500 (#3468) RPM/Volt
• Motor Size: 540 Size: 2.08” L X 1.41” D (52.8 x 35.8 mm)
• Motor Weight: 6.61 oz. (187 g)
• Shaft Diameter: 0.125” (3.2 mm) [accepts all existing pinion gears]
• Bearing Size: 1/2” x 3/16” (12.7×4.8mm)
• Protection: Thermal

Source : Novak

[audio http://boxstr.com/files/2569754_auezh/010708youcomplain1.mp3]

        RPM = 120 . f         

                      P

Dimana:

RPM          : Speed Motor (RPM)

F               : Frekuensi (Hz)

P              : Kutup motor (pole)

Jadi dengan memainkan perubahan frekuensi tegangan yang masuk pada motor, speed akan berubah. Karena itu inverter disebut juga Variable Frequency Drive.

Prinsip kerja inverter yang sedehana adalah :

• Tegangan yang masuk dari jala jala 50 Hz dialirkan ke board Rectifier/ penyearah DC, dan ditampung ke bank capacitor. Jadi dari AC di jadikan DC.
• Tegangan DC kemudian diumpankan ke board inverter untuk dijadikan AC kembali dengan frekuensi sesuai kebutuhan. Jadi dari DC ke AC yang komponen utamanya adalah Semiconduktor aktif seperti IGBT. Dengan menggunakan frekuensi carrier (bisa sampai 20 kHz), tegangan DC dicacah dan dimodulasi sehingga keluar tegangan dan frekuensi yang diinginkan.

Untuk pemasangan inverter sebaiknya juga dipasang unit pengaman hubung singkat seperti Seconductor Fuse atau bisa juga Breaker. Ini seperti pada pemasangan softstarter hanya saja tanpa contactor bypass.

Pengontrolan start, stop, jogging dll bisa dilakukan dengan dua cara yaitu via local dan remote. Local maksudnya adalah dengan menekan tombol pada keypad di inverternya. Sedangkan remote dengan menghubungkan terminal di board control dengan tombol external seperti push button atau switch. Masing masing option tersebut mempunyai kelemahan dan keunggulan sendiri sendiri.

Frekuensi dikontrol dengan berbagai macam cara yaitu : melalui keypad (local), dengan external potensiometer, Input 0 ~ 10 VDC , 4 ~ 20 mA atau dengan preset memori. Semua itu bisa dilakukan dengan mengisi parameter program yang sesuai.

Beberapa parameter yang umum dipergunakan/ minimal adalah sebagai berikut (istilah/nama parameter bisa berbeda untuk tiap merk) :

• Display : Untuk mengatur parameter yang ditampilkan pada keypad display.
• Control : Untuk menentukan jenis control local/ remote.
• Speed Control : Untuk menentukan jenis control frekuensi reference
• Voltage : Tegangan Suply Inverter.
• Base Freq. : Frekuensi tegangan supply.
• Lower Freq. : Frekuensi operasi terendah.
• Upper Freq. : Frekuensi operasi tertinggi.
• Stop mode : Stop bisa dengan braking, penurunan frekuensi dan di lepas seperti starter DOL/ Y-D.
• Acceleration : Setting waktu Percepatan.
• Deceleration : Setting waktu Perlambatan.
• Overload : Setting pembatasan arus.
• Lock : Penguncian setting program.

Whether you're aiming to reduce your carbon footprint, save some money on petrol or just beat the traffic blues, there are some cheap, green and exciting ways of getting around that can replace your motor car.

Most journeys are only a few kilometres long and often with no passengers, so it makes sense to look beyond the car as the smartest way to cross the city. Of course there's the bicycle, or even public transport, but other options are worth considering.

ELECTRIC SKATEBOARD

Your skateboarding days may be long gone but these are becoming a viable option for getting from A to B then C.

They can reach up to 26km/h, a decent cycling pace, and the average battery life lasts for about 22km.

If you combine a skateboard with some public transport you have a low-cost, carbon-friendly way of getting around, not to mention convenient.

Some models even come with ABS braking and a special sensor to engage the brakes if the rider leaves the board.

Control is by a foot pedal or a hand-held remote control. Several models are powerful enough to get up steep hills. Prices range from $500 to $900 and off-road wheels are available if you want to leave the pavement.

ELECTRIC SCOOTER

Several companies are importing electric scooters for sale in New Zealand. The Kero is a popular brand and, depending on the model, you can get up to 90km on one charge (less if there are lots of hills or if you are carrying a passenger). Most models can be operated by holding a car licence and are similar to petrol- powered scooters. But you will need to get in the habit of charging it each night. Electric vehicles are quiet so you will need to be aware of pedestrians stepping out without looking.

ELECTRIC CAR

The electric car became established in California during the late 1990s in response to legislation requiring car manufacturers to produce alternative-fuelled cars. The customers loved them but when the law was relaxed, the car companies recalled the vehicles and despite many protests sent them to the crusher.

There are not yet any commercially available electric cars in New Zealand but that hasn't stopped several ingenious Kiwis making their own. One such enterprising motorist lives in New Plymouth. He has successfully converted an old Mitsubishi Tredia to run on electricity. It is totally road-legal and he has done the work himself on a tight budget.

If you'd like something a little more stylish than a Tredia, then a Tesla will be hard to beat. Available only in the United States or Europe, this electric car rockets to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds. It runs for 1.5c a km and has a range of 350km per charge. Lotus Cars is assembling the Tesla Roadster under contract to Tesla Motors, so although it is an American car it is being assembled in the UK.

With Jay Leno, George Clooney and Arnold Schwarzenegger all reportedly on the waiting list, you'll be buying in some illustrious company. The 2008 production is sold out with a waiting list of 12 months. Priced at around $200,000, the Tesla has overcome all the negatives of earlier electric cars by creating a high-performance vehicle with a decent range between battery charging. Tesla has plans for lower-priced family vehicles.

ELECTRICITY SOURCE

With so many transport options powered by electricity, the question arises: how green is an electric-powered vehicle? Although it has no emissions you do have to be careful about the electricity source. If your power company is sourcing its electricity from a coal-fired power station then your travels will still be leaving a carbon footprint. Meridian Energy is carbon-neutral so would be a logical choice for supplying your electricity, as most of its electricity is hydro.

Or you could go one step further and generate your own electricity by installing photovoltaic solar cells on your roof. Unfortunately the capital cost of this means you will pay a lot more for your electricity than you do now but it would be good to know your transport is self-sufficient and very green. As electricity prices climb and new technologies are introduced this will become more viable.

BIODIESEL VEHICLES

Local company Environfuel is collecting waste cooking oils from restaurants and producing biodiesel for use in vehicles. Most diesel vehicles can be converted to run on biodiesel, at a cost of around $3000. You will also need a storage tank at home with the non-toxic/non-flammable fuel being delivered to you, 50 to 2000 litres at a time. Surely having your own fuel supply at home is just about worth it on its own. No more queuing at petrol stations or buying two chocolate bars for $3. Their biodiesel is selling for 89c a litre plus GST and if you are out of town your vehicle will still run on normal diesel, so range is not an issue.

If you are looking for an alternative fuel source but don't want it to be your legs you might consider something electric-powered for around town and perhaps a biodiesel vehicle for longer trips. Either way you'll be saving money and helping the planet.

There are three distinct periods in Italian history. First, there is the engineering, economic and military brilliance of the Romans. Next, the cultural and scientific genius of the Renaissance. And last, and certainly the least, we have the Great and Unfathomable Age of Mindless Incompetence and Pointless Complexity. That is, our present day.

Several months ago, in a small and rather unimportant office somewhere in a small and rather unimportant provincial town (Salerno), an event of great moment took place. I and several other subjects of her majesty Queen Elizabeth II installed what was to become the centre piece of our lives. As one would do with a fire place in a cold and remote mountain cabin, when it was finished we gathered round our handiwork and admired its brilliance. It has 3 holes, one switch, two screws and requires at least 6 strong and well fed horses to yank it out of its place on the wall. The moment was indeed noteworthy, since to us it was the equivalent of raising the flag on the North Pole, or planting it in the lunar dust. To this day it sits exactly where it was first installed; solid, reliable and functional. And, above all, immovable.

We speak of course of the humble electric wall socket - British variety. Together with the tap, it is indisputably the life blood of modern domestic and industrial life, bringing power and convenience to the remotest corner of every home and workplace. Our reliance on it is colossal, and it is only when it is absent or doesn't work that we realise exactly where we'd be without it.

This is why it is astonishing that Italy can function as a society, because the Italian wall socket is anything but convenient. It is, to put it mildly, an abomination, a stain on the history of design and development, a blot on the landscape of ingenuity and a curse to any foreigner who was born into a nation where wall sockets faithfully do what they are supposed to do: stay firmly fixed to where you screwed them in.

To get an appreciation of this, it is sadly necessary to burden the reader with the design of the Italian wall socket. The device, if it might be called such, has a plastic body, in which is set one or more "gangs" that receive the plugs of electrical appliances. To either side of the gangs there are usually two screws, that, theoretically, are supposed to anchor the socket into the wall. The screws themselves are each attached to a metal lug on the inside of the socket, and when tightened they are supposed, again theoretically, to grip the sides of the hole into which the socket is placed.

But this is where the problems start. The hole is usually lined with a short cylindrical pipe, and it is the inside of this pipe that the metal lugs are "designed" to grip, pressing against the sides when the screws are tightened from the outside. However, because the pipe frequently lacks any internal groove or lip behind which the metal lugs can anchor themselves, what usually results is that the socket comes clean out of the hole whenever an appliance is unplugged, attached, perhaps, to a bit of the wall as well. Even in the rare case when the socket stays firmly anchored, what often happens is that the gangs themselves come away instead! This is because the problem is not only with the functional design, but also with the quality of the materials used.

This all may not sound like much, especially if you are an average Italian who has grown up surrounded by the entrails of plugs dangling from every wall. But to a foreigner from an electrically advanced society (EAS), it is nothing short of a nightmare. What should be a simple procedure of unplugging your shaver or hairdryer turns into a life or death struggle with a ravenous serpent that refuses to let go of the plug.

Sadly (though somewhat unsurprisingly) the story of the evils of electrical inconvenience in Italy does not end there. It is further infinitely complicated by the plethora of electric plugs, adaptors and extension leads used in the everyday attempt to get the simplest of appliances to work (the picture only shows a handful). If you think that toasting your bread or grinding your coffee is as simple as plugging in the toaster or grinder, then you have probably never been to Italy. The procedure can at times be unbelievably complicated, and often you may fail entirely. There are easily four different sizes and ratings of plugs, from the very thin and flimsy to the very thick and rigid, and all of them are cunningly designed so as not to fit into the same socket (regardless of whether the socket is dangling from the wall or still miraculously fixed to it).  

Yet, as with most things that would drive any half-normal person completely insane, this is no deterrent to the Italian. Whether designed in Italy or imported from abroad, he has found a solution. Like some deranged mastermind solving a Rubik cube style puzzle, he will whip out one, two, three and even four adapters and connectors in a brilliant display of problem solving aimed at getting a shaver or hairdryer working. To be sure, in the eyes of our hero, this exasperating procedure represents a triumph, and not the colossal waste of time (not to mention vexation) that it would to any normal person.

In blessed contrast, the British domestic electrical system is simplicity itself, which is to say nothing of its elegance, convenience and safety (being also fused). With only one standard type of plug, wall socket, adapter and extension, your average British citizen abides in an electrical paradise. Once fixed to the wall, the British electrical socket stays there - forever. Plugging and unplugging an appliance is pure joy (so much, in fact, that if one had nothing better to do one could do it all day). And there are no words to describe the pleasure experienced when one pulls out a plug and finds that the wall socket (and also the wall) is exactly where it should be. This luxury of functional design, together with the standardisation of fittings, saves not only frustration and time, but probably also lives.

We have finally arrived at why Italy was never a great world power, while Nations like the British most indubitably were. No country that has time to battle with dangling electrical sockets, or rummage through draws or in cupboards or under beds, or which risks loosing members of its population to electrocutions, could ever have found the time to sail the wide seas and conquer the world. The Romans did it, to be sure, but strictly speaking they were not Italians, because just like the ancient Egyptians they have about as much in common with Inginiere Pasquale or elettrecista Giuseppe as Tutankhamen has with president Mubarak.

God save The Queen

Nigel Blake is a waiter who attempts to live and work in the southern Italian town of Salerno. He has written many articles about Southern Italy and has lost many friends as a result. He hopes one day to retire in Switzerland. He cannot be contacted because he is, at the moment, in hiding.

It's name is Roth Motorboard 2000XR. Sounds like a japanese racing motorbike rather than a eco-friendly californian toy, so you may call it Alicia, Woody or "My Little Mule" if you prefer.

You may not be surprised by its design (orange wheels and wood platform) and its lightweight aluminum frame, but you will be amazed by its power.

This time, you won't have to push on miles and miles with your legs and sweat like a chihuaha under the hot mexican sun : this electric gliding wonder is powered by Hi-Tech Lithium batteries. These are actually computer-controlled nano-batteries - and they are smaller than a PDA device !

Top speed is 15MPH , with a two-hours autonomy that allows you to ride on a 10 miles range. And now, the VERY good news : it charges faster than your mobile phone : 90 minutes are enough to have the beast "back on the road" again !

So, if you have 799 $ to spend, you know what to offer Leonard Di Caprio and Al Gore - or buy for youself to have fun AND feel like you're saving the panet from global warming !

I could of course find someone to blame for my unableness to buy electric car for a reasonable price - for instance General Motors because they discontinued producing EV-1 thus stopping or quite decelerating progression of electric cars that way making electric cars expensive comparing to ordinary internal combustion cars. But it is no use because we don't know if we were to take the decision we might done the same.

Looking at car market today you can find several car manufacturers who might become next "Toyota" in next century by being one of the first who has kick-started an electric dream again.

Honors

First honors goes to the high-priced fetish, I mean Venturi Fetish, for being the first car being "mass" produced anew. Not really going into mass production, because there will be only 25 exclusive pieces sold for the price of 297'000 Euros + VAT approx. $463'874 each.

Two seater roadster with options to have a hard roof. Don't know if the "exclusivity" and big price tag will help sell these cars having so many good competitors in the ring from all sides. If you had such spare amount of money it might seem reasonable to buy this car, just to show, that you have so much money and are able to think green. Because its' V type shape hood and being first anew to produce electric car and good looks offering reasonable drive distance, and great dynamics is not those things to attract most buyers - it is price, price, price, price only then design and looks.

You must agree me, it looks good.

But for that price you could have a very, very decent sports car and have a gasoline reserved for quite a sometime. Just saw a Top Gear test accomplished in Jeremy's style. Putting six super cars on the start line with only one gallon in fuel tank to find out that Audi R8 is the most economical super car - doing 5 miles to the gallon at a very fast pace.

Prices for this beast starts at $ 178'691 USD. Buying Audi R8 I am left with $ 285'183 doing some calculations I can say that roughly at $4 a gallon you can buy 71'295.75 gallons of gasoline and drive 356'478.75 miles.

If someone gave me a $470'000 I would buy an Audi R8 with no doubt. The growl in the electric car is still missing. And 356'000 miles I could drive off in 1424 days that is 3.9 years time, doing 250 miles a day driving like mad.

Oh, boy, how I would like to have an Audi R8 - drives excellent, sounds great, looks awesome, prices reasonably. And having seen it in Iron Man movie makes it even cooler, as Jeremy Clarkson might say - sub zero cool.

So, what else is out there able to satisfy your need for speed and overcome great distances?

Tesla. Named in honor of genius Nikola Tesla, an inventor, electrical engineer and scientist. Among his life's many inventions (and more than 700 patents) is the induction motor and alternating-current power transmission.

The Tesla CEO Martin Eberhard starting the company decided that first car has to be excellent otherwise they won't be able to compete in the market so being a Lotus Elise fan decided that using some of Lotus technology contacts and ideas would make a perfect fit for an excellent electric powered car. The main thing as I thought earlier is that they are not using Lotus Elise chassis, other what's changed explained in detail by inventor himself here.

Because being it too spartan and uncomfortable for normal people to accept it, they have changed key facts - lowered lower doorsill and improved interior.

This car also is a two seat roadster with soft top roof what means it is a spot on competitor to Fetish and Lotus Elise which costs only $54,500 USD, meaning internal combustion propelled cars are still cheaper, but let's hope not for long.

Tesla surprisingly costs "only" $ 109'000 USD meaning it stands near BMW Z4 roadster with loads of extras, but is much, more greener.

Drive fast, look good.

This wind blows from the island called United Kingdom. They seem to be keener on going "electric" than any other country in the world for now.

They are offering a very sexy, oh-my-god-how-after-Aston-martin super cool looking set of wheels which really could depict a lightning strike in all its speed and might materialized and frozen in a car body.

After these sleek looks and beautiful eyes your brains instantly gives you a message saying:"Out of your league, Man!" and it is true, because car costs, it costs - $ 295'000 USD. Just as much as Aston Martin DBS, car which is driven by James Bond, agent 007 in Casino Royale.

They both have similar driving distances and from stop to sixty in four seconds. Both are good looking. As a James Bond fan I would take Lightning as next agent 007 supercar.

A performance information of the above mentioned cars compared to my parents Opel (Vauxhall) Zafira 2.0 diesel, 96 bhp:

Results

So, what are conclusions?

For now these good looking, fast going cars are still a fraction too unaffordable. But looking at mileage it is not so bad for an electric car, if you keep remembering that it's a sports cars performance you have under the hood sadly without a sports cars' growl, but with jet engine like whoosh and hiss only quieter.

Only real problem I see while there is no infrastructure for fast battery recharging and as many of us doesn't live in homes but in flats in a multistory buildings, not owning a garage or not being able to park your car in front of your house, you will "kill" yourself and neighbors with a wire.

Best it can be seen at the end of this video:

Skip to 3:50

So for now I will still sadly but definitely stick to the Opel.

This morning at a press conference with California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tesla Motors announced plans to build a new five passenger sports sedan that will be built at a new manufacturing plant it will be opening in California.

The new model, called the Model S, will sell for around $60,000 and be able to travel up to 225 miles on a full charge.

No pictures or release info just yet but I'll post more info should I find any.

For more info about Tesla Motors check out their webpage here.

[Via Engadget]

Erin Brockovich-Ellis is an American legal clerk who, despite the lack of a formal law school education, was instrumental in constructing a case against the $28 billion Pacific Gas and Electric Company of California in 1993. Since the release of the movie that shares her story and name, she has hosted Challenge America with Erin Brockovich on ABC and Final Justice on Lifetime. She is the president of Brockovich Research & Consulting, a consulting firm.

Her investigation into the Pacific Gas and Electric Company case eventually established that the health of countless people who lived in and around Hinkley, California, in the 1960's, 70's and 80's had been severely compromised by exposure to toxic Chromium 6, which had leaked into the groundwater from a nearby compressor station. In 1996, as a result of the largest direct action lawsuit of its kind, spearheaded by Brockovich and attorney Ed Masry, the giant utility paid the largest toxic tort injury settlement in U.S. history: $333 million in damages to more than 600 Hinkley residents.

Her story is the topic of a feature film, starring Julia Roberts in the title role. The film was nominated for several Academy Awards, including Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Director, Best Picture, and Best Writing in a Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen. Roberts won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Erin Brockovich. Erin Brockovich herself had a cameo role as a waitress named Julia (in reference to Julia Roberts playing Erin).

NOTE: All information contained in this article comes from Wikipedia and Erin Brockovich's official web site. Recycle This Blog holds no liability for any false or misleading information contained herein.

Much More have released a new series of connectors with traditional straight laminates, which offer up to 30% improved efficiency. These gold plated connectors have a large contact surface and can therefore carry the high currents required by todays powerful brushless motors, while the heavy duty battery soldering tags minimize voltage losses. Sold as seperate male and female connectors, as well as a complete set they are available in 2mm, 3mm, 3.5mm a 4mm diameter versions.

Source: Much More & RedRC

We've seen electric cars, trains and bikes - but how about an airplane? This was my Master's thesis project - an electric solar powered sailplane/glider for 2 passengers.  All the wings and the main lower fin fold up for easy storage or ground transportation too.  The propellor turns about the fuselage and the landing gear is retractable.  The above image is of a 1/4 scale model.