Final Self Evaluation

This is my final self evaluation of my blog.  I feel confident in my blog content and the number of blogs I have posted.  In total, I have posted twelve (12) blogs including two (2) video posts.  My blogging style has not really evolved over the course of the semester.  I have pretty much kept the same tone, slowly increasing the multimedia content in my blogs.  The major difficulty I have encountered is trying to come up with new material to write about every week.  Improvements I would make to my blog would include more interactive posts that I did not have the time for.  My blogs did not effectively educate the public, as I did not have any listeners or followers.  Not sure what happened there.

Goodbye Blog

This will be my last post (besides the final self evaluation post that will be posted next).  I would like to thank my vast number of readers (which is zero) for turning in.  It breaks my heart to inform all my readers that i will not (ever) be starting up another blog.  I hope you all have learned a lot from what I have to offer.

Thanks again.

Analyzing the World with Data Acquisition Systems

Data acquisition systems, or DAQ systems, are the the next generation of tools built for analyzing the world around us.  DAQ systems are an essential engineering tool that allow physical conditions to be converted into electrical signals, which can then be analyzed by a computer.

To start off simple we can look at a simple system, such as a digital thermostat.  Just like the old school thermometers on the wall that you adjust with a lever or dial, a digital thermostat controls the temperature with a digital controls utilizing data acquisition.  First, a temperature sensor produces a signal that is analyzed by the DAQ system.  The DAQ system analyzes the current temperature then adjust the heater or ac to establish the set temperature.

Larger DAQ system record multiple temperatures and pretty much any other type of sensor that produces an electrical signal.  Below is an image of a few type of DAQ systems by National Instruments.

National Instruments is the industry leader in test system and automation.

Physics of a Dog Fight

This video blog takes an in-depth analysis of a dog fight between two dogs, one named Buell and the other Heli.  Pay close attention to their styles.

Leatherman MUT: Only the greatest tool ever in existance

I really don't need to say anything more about this tool.  It is simply the greatest multi-tool ever invented in the history of everything.  If I hadn't already proposed to my current fiance I would have asked my the Leatherman MUT to marry me.  You name it, this thing has it: Super-sharp-ass knife (a technical term), firearm disassembly, C4 punch, brass scraper, screwdrivers, cutting hook, wire cutters, saw, hammer. Just watch the video and tell me you aren't drooling.

Electrical Motors

Exibit A: Electric Motor

Electrical motors, just like Legos, make the world go round.  But seriously, they do make the world go round.  The earth spins on a giant motor, you didn't know that?  Anyways it would probably be a good idea to tell you about the basic types of motors: AC and DC.  AC, or alternating current, motors are driven by AC power and can power anything from a refrigerator to HVAC system in Brown Building.  Typically, AC motors are used for constant speed applications.  DC, or direct current, motors are driven by DC power and are typically used to power anything that operates on a battery.  Robots, automobile starters, and the playstation 3 controller are all powered by batteries and require DC power to drive their motors.  One significant advantage of DC motors is their ability to provide a high starting torque, approximately 6x that of AC power.  This large starting torque is need for various applications, such as starting your car on a cold winter morning.

Below is a video demonstration of how the internal components of a DC motor work together.  It is a bit technically but honestly the only way to understand a motor is get technical.  Here is the untechnical side of a motor:  I plug the electrical cord into the wall and it starts spinning. Done.

For the techs (do not read if you do not have an engineering degree, it will only melt your mind): So basically an electric DC voltage is applied across the green +- potential, which induces a current in what is called the rotor.  This current thereby creates a magnetic field which interacts with a permanent magnetic field provided by the stator in blue.  This interaction between the two magnetic fields results in a force which caused the rotor to spin a specific direction.

Clean Power

When dad brings home a brand new TV on Sunday afternoon that he just picked up from Ultimate Electronic's going out of business sale, he usually doesn't think twice when plugs the power cord into the wall for the first time. Most electronic consumers are not aware of the 'unclean', or dirty power delivered to consumers,  or the fact that it can and will be very harmful to your electronics.

The electrical companies won't tell you that they really don't give a rat's ass what kind of power is delivered to your house.  As long as they get close enough to 120V+/-10V, that's good enough for them.  I am sure most of us have randomly turned on our TV or some other electronics to find it exploding or simply not working.  Ever seen the lights dim when the refrigerator turns on?  These are all example of dirty power that can harm electronics.  Below is a plot of clean and dirty power constancy.  Granted the plots have not units, what they are really illustrating is the RMS (root mean square) power delivered to a device.

Below is a video (courtesy of Monster Power) that explains exactly what is going on with electrical power.

The point is, it is essential to provide & protect your electronic devices with surge protection, noise filters, isolation, and voltage stabilization.  This protection significantly increases the longevity of your electronics as well as their overall performance.  I have personal experience with failed equipment that was not protected.  Even after one of my pieces of electrical equipment had failed on standard power, I was able to power it with clean power and the device started working again just because it had the correct power.  

Moral of the story: If you have any respect for your equipment, you should think twice about plugging it into any random outlet.

Robotic Tracks / Treads

Tracks or treads, whatever you want to call them, are often the first thing that pop into many people's heads when someone mentions the word robot.  During my robotics course, I have run into a number of tread configurations, some better than others.  Below I have stolen a diagram that reveals a number of track configurations:

I have personally used methods A, E, and C.  The simple method (A) is relatively easy to configure but often requires re-gearing in order to drive the treads.  Most of the time the motor will not fit directly on the wheel since the treads are low to the ground.  In an attempt the correct the problem, I changed my robot to tread configuration E.  My mistake was I used the upper wheel to drive the treads.  Big mistake because in order to effectively drive the treads they should wrap close to 180 degrees around the wheel.  The upper wheel in configuration E wraps about 45 degrees and slips terribly.  In an effort to correct this problem, i changed to configuration C.  This has proven to be an effective design because it keeps tension in the treads and wraps the treads about 180 degrees around the drive wheel.  Below is a photo of my latest and greatest robot:

Happy roboting.

Essential Engineering Tools: A Video Blog

Just watch it and don't ask.

Evolution Wars: The New Global Warming Stunt

Just like global warming, the Evolution Wars represent another publicity stunt in an effort to obtain funding to research something.  Evolutionists strongly believe that life itself is a result of organisms evolving from one another as a result of Darwin's theory, survival of the fittest.  These new age Intelligent Design people on the other hand strongly believe there is no possible way life could have evolved on it's own and somewhere it received a 'little push' in the right direction from an intelligent designer (aka God).  Evolutionists can explain everything back to the Big Bang.  Their biggest flaw is they have no concrete idea where the bang came from.  A good Christian would proudly admit this bang came from God.

What I don't understand is these two things, evolution and intelligent design, can be considered the same thing.  That is to say, one could believe in both evolution and intelligent design.  Since atomic theory is still just a theory, we have no definite knowledge of the true design behind the atom and matter itself.  Did anyone stop to think that maybe, just maybe matter was design to 'evolve'.  Bonding is a natural phenomena that occurs in all matter.  If matter was all ready preprogramed to evolve, then both intelligent design and evolution occurs at the same time, and both parties are correct.  Just something to think about.

My Short Story

The moment that changed my life was the one knee inquiry I presented to my girlfriend of five years.  Moments before the big question, I tried to be somewhat of a gentleman and ask her father for permission.  His reply started with an "Oh no..." and ended with an "... I guess."

Bow-tying the ringbox with a bright red ribbon around my yellow lab's neck, I sent my furry friend into my girlfriend's grandparent's house, where her family gathers every Christmas morning like this one.  To my surprise, the mut actually made it through the house and to my girlfriend with the ring in one piece.  He then proceeded to meet my expectations when he violently shook the ring across the room the instant he arrived at her feet.  I'm still not sure why she said yes.

Actuators ex Libris: Hydraulic Power

Actuation and mechanical engineers go together like lamb and tuna fish.  Yet there are plenty of engineering schools that do not even touch the subject as it applies to the practical world, and above all else, how it applies to industry.  But man I am sure glad I learned to make that black box model.  The standard google search for designing actuation systems will leave you high and dry unless you use the right keywords which you conveniently don't know.  Lucky for whoever is reading this, my stumble-upon searches usually end up at some tech resource.

Enough crap, lets get to the good stuff.  Actuators are used to provide displacement in a mechanical system. The traditional actuator provides linear, or single axis displacement usually in the form of cylinder slides.  Actuation is provided primarily by electronic solenoids, pneumatics, and hydraulics. Gear systems (depending on how you look at it), can also be used but present an additional design element.  As general rule of thumb, system power and size increase in magnitude from:

electronic solenoids -> pneumatics -> hydraulics

Electronic solenoids and pneumatics generally provide forces up to the order of 100lbf, while most hydraulic actuators provide forces in excess of 10,000lbf.  

Actuators require a complete power system to function.  System design is the challenge engineers face, whether manufacturing the components or building the systems.  This article will address hydraulic power, but pneumatic systems are very similar operating on the same fluid principles and often using very similar components.  A basic actuation system is comprised of two main components: motive power and actuation.  The power in the system follows:

Motive Power -----> Transport Medium -----> Actuation

Electronic solenoids are simple, typically powered by a controlled AC/DC power source, the transport medium electrical wire connecting the components.  Pneumatic and hydraulic systems are slightly more complex, requiring a few more components.  The motive power is provided by a pump, and the transport medium consists of piping and valve controls.  It is worth noting a pump is comprised of two components: a motor and pump head (A topic to be discussed in a future article). A general hydraulic system is illustrated by:

Parker Hydraulics is a high end hydraulics manufacturer, and is also a great place to start for system components and information.

Self Evaluation Try Two

Well I did not really know where to start with myself so I took a look at my first Self Evaluation post and I have to say, I have definitely improved in all aspects of my blog.  I have doubled my blog content with relevant posts that reflect engineering tools.  I have increased my comments on other's blogs, but unfortunately have not received many comments on my blog that I can reply to.  My posts strive educate the reader about engineering tools and their uses.  I have incorporated many types of media into my blogs including hyperlinks, self-taken / create photos, and tutorial videos.

The Voltmeter

A voltage detector is essential tool to every handyman, craftsman, tradesman, and engineer.  The handyman and craftsman would use the small analog voltmeter in the bottom right to measure small time voltages every so often. The tradesman would use the voltage detector at the top in red to check high voltage levels from 120V to 600V.  The engineer would use the voltmeter, or more specifically digital multimeter (DMM) located at the bottom left in yellow, to measure circuit values.  Anyone and everyone should have the pencil voltage detector in yellow at the top right to detect the presence of electrical potential without any contact.  This little guy can and has saved many lives.

Today I will focus on the DMM, since it is widely used in engineering.  A good multimeter should be able to test AC/DC voltage, AC/DC current, resistance, continuity, diodes, and capacitance.  Some meters may also feature transistor testing, a nice feature.  A good multimeter should cost around $100-$150 and should have a replaceable fuse (try and get a few spares because if you mess up measuring current you will for sure blow a fuse).  The video below teaches the basics of electronics components and taking measurements with a DMM.

The Real Deal With Global Warming

Everyone is taking this global warming junk way to seriously.

Most everyone is aware of the two sides to global warming: Its gonna happen and we're all gonna die, or its a big hoax and we have all been deceived. Pro global warmingites view humans and their machines as the main source of global warming via the green house effect. Anti global warmingites think the earth warming up is part of its natural cycle.

In my expert opinion, both sides are correct.  There is no doubt that the earth has a natural warming and cooling cycle, resulting in other earthly cycles such as amount of carbon dioxide in the air.  There is no  doubt the mankind and its mega machines have increased the amount of carbon dioxide in the air.  Anyone who says otherwise is simple mistaken.  The global warming theory focuses on this massive amount of carbon dioxide produced by man and states (via the greeenhouse effect) the earth is going to warm up and things are gonna melt and cities will flood and godzilla will possibly rise from the ocean. Yes this could happen, but lets think about it, nothing like this has ever happened in the past at even greater concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.  There are so many details about the earth that play such an important role in climate change that it is impossible to accurately predict global warming.  It would be like putting a dog in the grocery store and trying to predict where he would go and what he would eat.  The point is yes we are most likely causing the earth to warm up a little faster but the climate cycles will take care of it and it will be like nothing ever happened.

Besides, the Masters (Lewis and Floorwax of 103.5 The Fox) revealed a study that cow (and other animal) farts are the second leading cause of carbon dioxide emissions.  I really think we should focus our resources on that instead of humans.

The Vernier Caliper

A pair of calipers is the engineer's right hand man, at least for mechanical engineers anyways. The earliest caliper date back to 6th century BC used by (surprise surprise) the Greeks.  I am not here to give a history lesson because I hate history, I am here to tell you how to use one of the most basic and common types of caliper, the Vernier Caliper.  The basic layout of the Vernier Caliper is shown below.  This information is pulled straight from the Caliper Wiki but it is important enough to restate here.

1. Outside Jaws: Used to measure an external dimension
2. Inside Jaws: Used to measure internal dimension
3. Depth Probe: Used to measure a depth dimension
4. Main Scale Top: Millimeter (mm) scale
5. Main Scale Bottom: Inch (in) scale
6. Vernier for mm: gives interpolated measurements to 1/10 mm or better
7. Vernier for in: gives interpolated measurements to 1/128 in or better
8. Retainer: Used to lock slide into place

Below is a video from this Vernier Tutorial that shows the correct way to use a pair of Vernier Calipers.  I recommend you visit the site for an in-depth analysis.

A Basic Engineering Tool: Numbers

Physically, a number is establishes a relationship to the physical world.  By itself, a number is pointless. Think about it, a number is nothing more than a symbol, or a representation of something else.  A number is only relative to what it is defined to be.  In our world, a system of numbers is used to define a specific physical system.  For instance, the size of an object can be described by anything we want to relate it to.  I could describe the size of my desk as an arm deep by a leg tall by a leg wide.  Mathematics allows us define an effective system of universal numbers (representors of the physical world) and methods to relate each number to each other.

-Addition can be view as a method to build a system of more than one number

-Multiplication can be viewed as method of building a system defined by at least two instantaneously constant numbers, or constructing a set of equivalent numbers a constant number of times

-Integration can be thought of as an multiplication on steroids; a way to build a system of numbers that allows us to combine changing numbers at a changing number of times.

The point: addition, multiplication, and integration allow us to build sets of numbers.

-Subtraction can be viewed as a way to deconstruct a system of numbers (although this does not explain negative numbers, negative numbers are essentially only relative to the system they are placed into aka defining position, velocity, money.  Negative numbers cannot describe a physical quantity since mass cannot be created or destroyed.  essentially, negative numbers can only be used to define direction)

-Division can be viewed as a way to disassemble a system of numbers into at least two instantaneously constant numbers, or deconstructing a system of numbers into a set of equivalent numbers previously constructed by a constant number of times.

-Differentiation is division on steroids; a way to disassemble a system into two of its constructing number components

The second point: subtraction, multiplication, and integration allows us to take apart sets of numbers.

A quote by Albert Einstein: "As far as the laws of mathematics refer to reality, they are not certain; and as far as they are certain, they do not refer to reality." (from Wikipedia)

The Fundamentals of Legos

Since this blog is titled "Legos Make the World Go Round" and my focus is simple engineering tools, I suppose I could give a little blurb on the actual Legos themselves.  The good news a lengthy Lego Wiki exists so I won't have to go to far incase I need to know how many people Lego employs.

The basic lego ia constructed of simple ABS plastic and can come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.

And yes, there is their madness.  In case you were wondering, their is such a thing as a 'fundamental lego unit'.  The fundamental lego unit (FLU) is defined as the width of one brick.  In standard measurement units, 1 FLU = 5/16in = 8mm.  The picture below (stolen from Building LEGO Structures) best illustrates lego dimensioning.

Some of you may think this is a little over kill, and you are right.  But this information is actually important to people using Legos as a design tool.  Dimensioning is key when building Lego structures, such as robots.  Lego robots usually contain a motor (if they plan on going anywhere) that requires proper restraining to prevent the thing from falling apart when you turn it on.  The FLU becomes essential when planning out gear ratios (don't worry, gears will be discussed at a later time).

Reading Rejection... I Mean Reading Reflection, That's Right Reflection

First off, I would like to make it clear there is a SIGNIFICANT difference between scientists and engineers.  Scientists discover, engineers build.  Scientists seek knowledge of the world and its properties; engineers apply the knowledge discovered from science and put it to practical use.  So technically speaking, engineers are the receivers of science so there is no need for us learn to communicate our findings since there are none.

As far as the reading goes, I agree with the effectiveness of an informal dialogue, as in the professional panels hosted by the Dana Centre.  However, in today's collegiate world, there is not near enough time for students to engage in panel style lectures.  There is not enough time in a semester for a panel to both follow a curriculum and address the requirements of the course.  The deficit model, or death by powerpoint is an effective system when lecturites (people who are lectured to) are allowed to ask questions and engage in the presented topics, a system present at many colleges.

Legos as Engineering Tools

Here are a few Lego designs used as engineering models in a few of my projects / classes.  The first lego model below is a robot used in Robotics class.  Using a ridiculous serious of wires and converters, code (written in Interactive C) is downloaded to a microprocessor in the circuit board mounted onto a Lego model tracks.  The tracks are driven by gear-motors controlled by the circuit board.  As of right now, the robot can only go forward then turn right (I'm that good).

This is a model of a piping diagram used in a vapor saturation system I design for a research laboratory.  Beat that SolidWorks.

This last Lego design is gear system used to incrementally bend a planar surface with respect to its naturally bending properties, a design we may use in our senior design project.

Framing: aka Let's Jack with People's Heads

Framing is specifically relative to a person's character and life experience.  It's like saying, the glass is half empty or the glass is half full.  The pessimist supposedly views the glass as half empty while the optimist views the glass as half full.  The pessimist is obviously having a few troubles in life or has previous experiences which cause that person to think the glass is half empty.  The optimistic person is the opposite, viewing the situation as a good think, appreciating the value of what remains.  The point is framing is relative to a person's individual views and how they interpret it.  Of course none of this really matters because as an engineer the glass is obvious built too big for its contents.

The Teacher Made Me Do It

Self Evaluation
Let's make myself look good here, I have posted every homework on time and posted on everybody's blog at least twice.  What's that you say? Almost all my blogs are dated Wednesday, February 9th and you dont have any comments on your blog. You caught me, you caught the 'tator.  The real deal is the teacher said the blogs don't have to be completed until the first evaluation period so pretty much everyone in the class is waiting until the last minute to finish their blogs.  Little does the class know the teacher has already deleted the previous homework assignments so now nobody knows what to write about.


Since I am supposed to judge myself, I would say my posts are good quality and have addressed each homework assignment.  They could use a few more multimedia links but let's face it, I dont even use a facebook account let alone browse YouTube for videos.  I thought YouTube was spelled 'utube' until google told me I was stupid and said "Did you mean YouTube?".  I have posted a few comments on classmate's blogs, but I could probably post a few more to be above average involvement.


What is the purpose of this blog?
As on my blog: The grand plan is to discuss engineering methods, tools, and ideas used in the real world today.  We will soon come to realize it is the simple tools, such as legos, that provide the greatest influence and practicality.  The whole point of this blog is to impart a solution to the reader when addressing real world engineering problems.


Who is the imagined audience(s) of this blog?
I don't feel I have a set audience for blog. The audience for this blog will be more or less people who find my writings style awkwardly interesting and people who get a kick out of the jacked up things I may say.  I like to take a smart-ass approach to certain things; some people find it offensive, some people find it hilarious. On another note, I will post articles taking more of a "How-To" approach since I have personally taken a lot from that community without return.

Have my posts matched up with my purpose/audience?  What/who might I be overlooking in defining my purpose/audience this way?
Hard to say since I have really only posted one item and I didn't really finish it. The one post was a build up to an idea I didn't get to but eventually will.

What can I do to encourage more reader participation with my blog?
I feel the blog title I have and the topics I use have a solid attraction to them.  Heck I barely wrote two paragraphs and I received four comments totaling more than I wrote to begin with.  I suppose I could suggest provocative ideas that would stimulate reader involvement.

How can I expand my audience in this class?  Outside of this class?
This question seems very similar to the last one. But I suppose I could enable Google search on my site (currently I have this disabled).  Since this class requires us to comment on other classmate's blogs I think members will eventually stumble upon my blog and some may find it interesting.  I think my "How-To" parts will interest outside users, since internet is crawling with 'users'.

How would I characterize / characterize the tone of my blog?
The tone of my blog is probably sarcastic yet informative.  I like to educate people and provide entertainment at the same time.

What do I hope to get out of writing this blog?

A good grade. Oh, wait... I mean the self satisfaction of effectively communicating scientific ideas to the public with the knowledge their complete understanding of the ideas. But seriously, I just hope to have a good time and hopefully polish my writing skills geared towards the organization and publication of ideas and hopefully I can help some dude in the process.


What would I like others to get out of it?

Since I would like to simplify ideas and create how-tos, I suppose I would hope others would get new ideas and methods out of my blog.


What are the strengths of my blog/my blogging?

The strengths of my blog will probably be the skill-knowledge I can provide as well as the entertainment of my particular writing style.


What are the weaknesses?

Weaknesses will most likely be the length of material in posts and keeping the blog itself up to date; too busy to breathe here.

Have I used a deficit model in my writing, or something else?  How would I know?

I'm sure I have used the deficit model before.  In some way, shape, or form everyone will us it or some form of it.  The deficit model is and always will be required, again in some way, shape, or form.  Don't prejudge me for stating that I promise I will make it a blog title and elaborate.


How have I characterized (implicitly or explicitly) science, engineering, and/or technology in my blog? 

Since my blog is still young, I can only say will characterized science, engineering, and technology as a tool set to solving problems in the real world.


How have I characterized myself?
I will most likely characterize myself as the teacher you can stand to be around. No pun intended.

The Lego Way

Most tinkering toddlers are introduced to legos at a young age.  We first start with the big blocks, then move on to more complex shapes as we age.  At some point in our childhood, we stop playing with legos and start writing papers (or blogs) instead.  The brave souls who continue to make a professional career out of playing with legos are known today as engineers.


Fact: Most engineering colleges (yes including Colorado School of Mines) use legos in their senior design / Capstone courses.  The late great Prof. Steele of CSM Robotics terms legos as 'prototyping tools'.  Lego even has an advanced lineup of models that can be programmed via the computer.

What to Expect:

The grand plan is to discuss engineering methods, tools, and dieas used in the real world today.  We will soon come to realize it is the simple tools, such as legos, that provide the greatest influence and practicality.  The whole point of this blog is to impart a solution to the reader when addressing real world engineering problems.